January 2009 Archives

Transit slips modified slightly

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The transit slips have been modified slightly, based on the discussion at the last AAC meeting.  The word "To" preceding the name of the library has been removed.  Also, the dotted line has been moved up a bit on the slip. 

If you have problems or questions about the transit slips, please let me know.

-Gerri

AAC Decisions

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At Friday’s AAC meeting, we made the following decisions:
 
Transit Slips
We decided to implement these procedures and revisit them at the March AAC meeting.

  1. We are not going to implement automatic transit slip printing. While this would be helpful for many libraries, county libraries often send complete tubs of new items to their branches, and this would be a waste of time and paper for them. The libraries felt that hitting the space bar was a small price to pay to allow for more flexibility for some libraries.
  2. We will require all items in transit to have their own transit slip.
  3. Items can be bundled together under the following circumstances:
    - Each item must have its own transit slip
    - Items to be bundled must be the same size and type
    - Bundles must be no more than three inches high
    - Holds must be bundled separately from returns
  4. Transit slips should be inserted up to the dotted line for books, DVDs and CDs. Rubberbands should be used to hold the items together when necessary. Slips should not be placed inside the plastic DVD or CD cover.
  5. Magazines should be routed in routing envelopes. Slips are not necessary for magazines – instead the routing envelope should be filled out. Please make sure that previous entries on the envelope are crossed out. (Note: another option is to tape the transit slip to the routing envelope using removable tape.)
  6. In order to keep the transit slips face up in the bins, the slips should be placed in the item so they are legible from the front of the item.
Hold pickup notices
We agreed to add the text “Your library card will be required to pick up this material” on all of the hold pickup notices. An announcement will be made when this is complete.

Library responsibility for out-of-state patrons
We agreed that libraries would take responsibility for items checked out by their out-of-state patrons. (Out-of-state patrons are defined as those who do not live or own property in Wisconsin.) OWLSnet libraries agree to serve these patrons, but if items are lost or damaged, libraries can bill the patron’s home agency. (Libraries are not required to give cards to out-of-state patrons.)

Resource sharing
We agreed that OWLS will come up with a proposal and implementation plan for limiting holds to 15 holds per patron. OWLS will also provide data on the effects of limiting holds to 10 per patron. A decision will be scheduled for the March AAC meeting.

Blu-ray
We agreed not to add blu-ray discs to InfoSoup for now. The four blu-ray discs currently in the system will be removed. This decision will be revisited in six months.
I did a little research on inexpensive headsets that can be used for listening/talking in online meetings and workshops, and I have to eat my words a bit... 

The $10 cost I mentioned at the last AAC meeting was for microphones only (then you'd have to listen using your computer's speakers). For a headset with microphone, it would cost between $30-40. Here is a possibility if you're in the market for one - the cost is quoted at $32.24 as of today. You may be able to find it cheaper elsewhere, but the Amazon page includes reviews, etc.

OWLS member libraries were each gifted a microphone to use with their computer's speakers and that kind of set up works just fine. Headsets are recommended for additional comfort, ease of use, and better sound quality.

FWIW!
Beth

OWLSnet Manual now available

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While the new OWLSnet online manual is not complete, it is now available.  You can log in using the standard extranet login.  If there are areas that need clarification, or information that you'd like added as soon as possible, please let us know! 

Also, feel free to comment on the pages if you feel that information is incorrect, or needs clarification.  Please remember to use your intials and your libraries three-letter code, so we know who posted the comment.

Planning documents posted

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As discussed at Friday's AAC meeting, the 2008 OWLSnet Partnership Report has been finished and posted online.  Also, if you're interested, feel free to take a look at the Brown County Membership proposal (you'll need to log in to see this.)

November and December 2008 InfoSoup stats

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Interested in seeing what the most popular limits and scopes are?  Here is some data from November and December.  Pretty interesting - take a look!

Changes to the OWLSnet Directory

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If you're printing out the OWLSnet Directory, the following page has changed and should be updated:

*Page 1  APL  Appleton Public Library Staff has been updated.