- Reduce time in the delivery
- Reduce the number of check-ins for items that travel
- Increase availability
- Reduce processing time for new materials
- Try this innovative approach on a small scale
Reading list, audio books (both J & A), large print, and non-fiction A DVDs will not go “in transit” when they are returned to a branch other than where they originated. These items will show as "on shelf" at the branch where they are checked in (if they don't go on to fill holds).
As a start, I need to know this regarding Reading List books:
We propose to keep the processing to
- A barcode
- A date due label with no branch designation
- A stamp on the top (or for thin books, on a sticker) that says RL—[first initial of main entry] e.g. for Shakespeare the stamp would say RL—S.
- MCPL stamp on the top
Can you live with this level of processing?
You will no longer need to or want to do any local processing on the floating items. Items already in the collection will float with their current stickers and stamps on them.
You will receive a reading list order sheet and instructions in the next several days.
We’re still working on any processing issues related to large print and the media items.
7 comments:
Keith sent the following comment:
"I think that we need a Reading List label on the Reading List titles. I think this is much more important than a stamp. Many Reading List titles are held in other parts of the collection. The Agatha Christie books are also in paperback mystery; the Arthur Clarke and Ray Bradbury titles are also in paperback science fiction. There are lots of fiction titles that overlap, too. In fact, most every Reading List title overlaps with other parts of the collection. I think it will be very difficult to keep the Reading List titles where they belong (read findable) without labels. Please reconsider this and thanks. Cordially,
Keith"
Hi, Keith.
Can you be more descriptive?
We don’t put the labels on centrally now (adding labels is more expensive and time-consuming) so I need to know just what you are adding locally.
The goal is to achieve (eventually) a uniform look to the collections, especially for items that float.
Keith responded:
"Kathie, go to www.Demco.com
Enter a search for Reading List Labels
On the next page click on DEMCO® Subject Classification Labels Rolls of 100
On the next page click on Click here to view Labels O-R
The Reading List label will appear in the next window.
Thanks for asking
Cordially,
Keith"
Keith also said:
"I think that standardization is fundamental to making this work for us. Customers should be able to find similar materials in every library.
The reason that Blue Tape books and Yellow Tape books have worked so effectively in all of our Children’s Room is because this color classification system is standardized from branch to branch. We should have been doing this with all of our paperbacks and media from the start. The fact that so many branches color-code and label materials attests to the needs.
Pages and Library Aides need color codes and labels to shelve properly. This is important for them and their supervisors because of the high turnover rate of pages and the great variety of materials in our collections.
Substitutes need this to find materials in a number of different branches.
Customers need this to visually identify and find various types of materials.
It’s regrettable that we have all gone our own separate ways in the branches for so many years (read forever) but now we have an opportunity to standardize our procedures and help staff and customers find our materials more easily.
We can either label or color-code at Processing in Collection Development or at our individual branches following specific instructions. But, I think we should do it either way (or both).
Pardon the rant and thanks!
Cordially,Keith Fleeman"
As the J book-on CD selector, I am excited about this change. Less transit time, less wear-and-tear on fragile cases--these are good things (as Martha might say).
Jeannette
Thanks, Joseph and Nancy for sharing that other systems are having success with floating collections. This discussion will help us come up with a sound plan for instituting this new process.
It sounds like most of us agree that uniform labeling will make this transition easier for staff and the public. Leslie has suggested finding out how each branch is currently handling their RL collection to determine what uniformity already exists. This is easily done by posting a comment to this blog.
Twinbrook's idea of getting volunteer assistance with relabeling is great. Lots of students would welcome the chance to earn SSL hours over the Spring break.
Can we try posting our individual branch practice(s) on the blog, particularly the branches we have not heard from? In a few days, after everyone has caught up, we can make a decision about which option to choose.
At Wheaton the reading list books have the RL stamp on top. They are distinguished from other paperbacks by the LACK of any other label(mystery, western, SF, or initial).
Arlene Means
Wheaton
Wheaton uses yellow tape and first letter of author's name on the spine of children's audiobooks (CD & tape).
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