Abilene Public Library Podcast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICeahJlNVQQ

Abilene Public Library Podcast on ILL accessed from YouTube 6/20/07

This Podcast illustrates the process for patrons to place ILL book requests. As an ILL practitioner, I am frequently asked by patrons how to request materials. A podcast like this one would be helpful because it would show the patrons exactly how to place a request and point out different features that are important for them to note. It is difficult to point these items out over the phone or email; the podcast points them out as though you were actually there at the patron’s side while they are placing the request. This video was especially of interest to me as it is from another Texas public library which we often do business with in our department.

Source: Abilene Public Library (Producer). (2008, January 22). Interlibrary Loan: a How to Guide [Episode 2]. APL Library’s Videos. Podcast retrieved from http://www.youtube.com

Blog Competency

http://illrocks.blogspot.com/ retrieved from Yahoo search via Internet Explorer 6/9/09.

This blog illustrates the use of such a tool in conveying policies and procedures to the public in an interesting way. The following is one such post:

“Thursday, January 17, 2008

Myth #7: "I didn't know that _______" is an all-purpose excuse

Fact: Patrons come up with all sorts of excuses for returning items late, in the bookdrop, or just generally not following the instructions that come with an interlibrary loan. The one that irks me the most is the amalglam of "I didn't know that _____" or "I didn't read that ______" or "I assumed that _____."

Excuse #1: "I didn't know that I couldn't return ILL items in the bookdrop."

Allow me to quote from the Interlibrary Loan Patron Responsibility Agreement, which all patrons are required to sign when picking up an interlibrary loan item:

"I understand that this loan represents a special service and that my obligation is to return these items on time and to the REFERENCE DESK of the library where I picked it up. I will not return it via the bookdrops." [italics mine]

Failure to read what you are signing does not absolve you of responsibility for the item.

Excuse #2: "I didn't know the due date was different from CCPL items - I thought I had a month."

The due date for interlibrary loan items is stamped upon the yellow band in red ink to make it very prominent. The Main reference desk staff (at least when I'm around) make a point of showing the patron the due date, and showing the patron the phone number for asking for renewals.

Again, failure to note this date does not absolve you from late fines.

Excuse #3: "I didn't know the yellow band had to stay on the item."

And the big black bold letters that say "DO NOT REMOVE THIS STRIP" are not there for decorative purposes. The yellow band contains information to help interlibrary loan staff match the item with the lender's paperwork to return to that library. It also contains information for patrons, including the due date and contact information for interlibrary loan. It also serves as a flag to our circulation departments if the item is accidentally mixed with CCPL items.

If the band is removed, and the item is returned in the bookdrop or in a pile of CCPL items, our circulation departments will route the item to our Administration office for courtesy returns. The ILL department is in an entirely different part of the building, and does not see these items.

Failure to follow instructions is does not absolve you from responsibility for interlibrary loan items.

CCPL staff - help us out by reminding patrons that the yellow band needs to stay on the items, and by pointing out the helpful information on the band. Maybe if we say it often enough, we can educate our public.

Posted by LindaS at 6:00 PM 0 comments

Source

S., Linda. (2008, October 21). Myth #8: People Read this Blog J. Message posted to http://illrocks.blogspot.com/. Retrieved from Yahoo search via Internet Explorer 6/9/09.

Blog intro.

The purpose of this blog is as a platform for us to post our findings and assignments related to our class. I am interested in exploring interlibrary loan in public libraries and what tools or tips exist for educating users about what the program is and how to use it. Interlibrary loan technology has improved over the past five years with the introduction of the ILLiad software leading to an increase in patron use, but the program is still largely understood by both patrons and librarians outside the ILL department. If ILL is to continue to grow into a more integral part of library service, librarians and library staff will need to know more about how things work so that they can educate the public.