Disposal of documents: a proposal for libraries

In this article we develop a methodological approach for the task of discarding documents as well as indicators for evaluating the results of the procedure. Since library collections undergo continuous growth, whether by purchase, exchange or donation of material in diverse supports, the technical, operational and facilities of the organization must have great deal of flexibility. To provide shelf space for new items, existing material is often shifted to other spaces on the fly, a situation that highlights the need for the development of a collection policy that is responsive to the requirements of users, the library services provided and the objectives set for the development of a collection that is flexible, useful and up to date.