Western Libraries to hold Fall 2023 review of withdrawn materials

As part of its regular review of library materials, Western Libraries will hold a university-wide review of items that have been identified for withdrawal from the library collection over the past quarter. This quarter’s withdrawals focus primarily on call numbers R, S, T, U, V, and Z (medicine, agriculture, technology, military and naval science, and bibliography and library science). They include a mix of duplicate copies; outdated manuals, textbooks, and standards; and low-use items.

The withdrawals list also includes some materials that fall outside the call numbers listed above. To improve access to materials and optimize the use of secure shelving areas, Special Collections has phased out the collection of faculty and staff publications known as the Western Collection.

The vast majority of these materials have simply been moved to the main stacks alongside other faculty and staff publications, where they will be retained and made available for library users. The current withdrawal list contains former Western Collection copies that are being withdrawn because a sufficient number of copies is already held in the circulating collection and/or in other locations in Archives & Special Collections. Additionally, 68 books are being withdrawn entirely for various reasons; these titles include non-English translations of textbooks, textbooks for which later editions are available, and publications with limited research or teaching value.

These withdrawals are part of a targeted effort to update print collections and are being complemented by new acquisitions in the affected subject areas. All faculty, staff, and students are welcome to review and provide feedback regarding the withdrawn resources through Friday, Dec.15. In accordance with state law, withdrawn resources may be transferred to university departments, but cannot be given to individuals. If you would like to review the titles identified for withdrawal, contact Mary Wegmann via e-mail Mary.Wegmann@wwu.edu.