After completing a module on evaluating collections I have come to the realisation that it is not a ‘one size fits all’ model. There are many methods and the task for a teacher librarian is to find, evaluate and then use the method that best suits the library, the community, the curriculum needs and the users. In order to effectively evaluate my own library, I have a lot of homework to do. There is currently no collection development plan and no weeding policy.
As far as I am aware the collection has never gone through any sort of extensive analysis beyond stocktaking on a rotating basis and weeding books that were old or un-borrowed. I wonder if it was all that extensive given the number of outdated resources still on the shelves when I took over in 2020 (for example, over 100 cassette tapes & VHS in Teachers Resource but no devices to play them).
Weeding the collection is just as important as the original acquisition of resources and needs to be done regular to avoid it becoming a massive job. It also means that you are handling the resources and get a good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of your collection. Weeding e-resources is something I will have to consider in the future, once I have added some to the collection!
Obviously, I need to start by creating a collection development plan and weeding policy but I also need to analyse the collection, I think I might even have a go at collection mapping. I will definitely be going back to https://natlib.govt.nz/schools/school-libraries as it has so many great suggestions on how to do all of the above.