Throw-it Thursday - Computer Coding and Software

Ashley Borman, Technical Services Librarian at the Clintonville (WI) Public Library, is back with another weeding tips column. 

Image by Nikin from Pixabay

Let’s talk about computers and coding. We all have books in our collections about the hot new coding programs, and tips and tricks for the newest computer software programs. But how many books do you still have on your shelves about outdated software?

Software books can get outdated soooo quickly! If you aren't paying attention, before you know it, they are on iPhone 16 (didn’t iPhone 10 just come out last month?!). How do you choose what to keep? 

For the manuals on newest iterations of phones, tablets, and computer software, you probably don’t need to keep anything older than whatever items are still being serviced by their companies. And you probably don’t need more than one or two for each type that your patrons have or use.

Then there are the books about fun stuff like coding. Some of these can get a bit trickier. The basic books like, “What is coding?” that give a basic introduction are probably okay. Other books about specific programs (i.e. Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.) should be checked for relevance and whether or not there were any major updates to a specific coding program. 

Most importantly, are your patrons using these items? If they are just sitting around collecting dust, you really don’t need multiples on a specific type of coding program. Toss those babies in the discard pile!