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5.5. Marking Items Discard/Weed

Last Updated 01/09/2026

How to Mark an Item Discard/Weed

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Marking items as Discard/Weed allows libraries to remove weeded items from the OPAC before deleting, and makes reports on deleting items easier to run and read. Items can be marked as Discard/Weed in three different ways.

Before deleting items, it is recommended to put them in a status of Discard/Weed. Items with a status of Discard/Weed are not holdable and are not visible in the OPAC. After deletion, items retain this status in the database. They cannot be accessed from the staff client, but they may appear on reports, and the status helps ensure they are accounted for accurately.

There are four methods for changing an item's status to Discard/Weed:

• From the Checkin screen
• From the Item Status screen
• From the Holdings Editor

Note: Do NOT manually change the item status from Checked out, In transit, Long Overdue, Lost, Lost and Paid, or On holds shelf to another status using the Item Editor screen, as this simply relabels the items and does not close the underlying transaction correctly in the patron account (for Checked Out, Lost, Long Overdue, or Lost and Paid); or target a new item to fill the patron hold (for In transit or On holds shelf items).

From the Checkin Interface 

This option is useful when weeding items as they are returned, or when weeding items in a non-editable state, such as Lost.

1. Check the item in as usual.
2. Select the item by checking the box on the line.
3. Choose "Mark Item Discard/Weed" from the Actions menu.
   
4. Click Submit in the pop-up box to confirm the status change.

From the Item Status Screen

This option is useful when weeding at once, such as from a weeding report.

1. Scan the barcodes for the items you want to weed OR upload a .CSV file of barcodes for items to weed.
2. Select individual lines, or use the check box above the grid to select all items.
   
3. Choose "Item As Discard/Weed" from the Mark section of the Actions menu.
   
4. Click Submit in the pop-up box to confirm the status change.

From the Holdings Editor

This option only works on items with a current status that can be changed. If an item is in a status of Checked out, In transit, Long Overdue, Lost, Lost and Paid, or On holds shelf it cannot be marked Discard/Weed in the holdings editor. If you intend to immediately weed an item in one of these states, you must first check it in, cancel the associated transit, and/or re-target the hold. 

1. Navigate to the Item Attributes or combined Holdings tab in the Holdings Editor.
2. Locate the "Item Status" attribute at the top of the Identification column.
3. Set the Item Status to "Discard/Weed."
   
4. Click Apply All & Save at the botton of the Editor.