A library media specialist finds that the collection is older than recommended. What should be the first step to address this?

The first step to address an outdated library collection is weeding the collection. Weeding involves evaluating the current materials to identify items that are no longer relevant, outdated, or in poor condition. This process is essential as it not only helps to refresh the collection by removing lesser-used or obsolete materials but also makes space for new titles that better meet the needs of patrons.

Weeding allows the library media specialist to assess the usefulness of existing resources, ensuring that the collection remains current, engaging, and aligned with the educational needs of the community. By starting with weeding, the specialist can make informed decisions about what to keep, discard, or replace, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the library's offerings.

Adding new titles or purchasing only materials with the current year's copyright date could be steps taken after weeding; however, they do not directly address the immediate need to evaluate and reduce the current collection. Similarly, simply replacing items older than ten years might overlook valuable materials that could still be relevant and useful, thereby not effectively managing the collection.