Circulation Committee Meeting Minutes

November 11, 2011-WLS

A representative for Westchester Library Association (WLA) came in to let us know what they have to offer in regard to workshops and for support staff specifically. She also informed us of the annual conference being held Friday May 7, 2012 which has workshops, guest speakers, and vendors.

Melanie, by way of Angela:

3 new locations-

J-EASY-BIO

J-EASY-NF

MUSICALS

There are 2 new contacts for items that have problems belonging to other libraries:

Greenburgh-Chris Toreta 721-8211

Hastings Alexandria-Gaity 478-3307

Angela took an informal poll with the question being ‘is there any interest in future circulation rallys?’ Results were mixed with the best location being WLS.

To delete old patron barcodes, you need to activate ID Manager using the SUPERVISOR login in Workflows. To do this, your machine needs to be unsecured. If you cannot do this, some libraries do not have that function, or don’t know how, call the help desk and they can unsecure the machine for you; Angela also offered her help in doing this.

It is necessary to clear the records because the system gets overloaded and thereby slows down.

Libraries who charge for each lost card should use the Modify Wizard to set previous patron barcode to INACTIVE, other libraries can choose to DISCARD. You will then have to go to the EXTENDED INFO tab to delete the barcode again.

HELP DESK: Contact them directly (914-674-3616, helpdesk@wlsmail.org) for any IT issues regarding Sirsi, OPACS, patron or staff computers, etc. Do not email individual people.

Self Check Out Known Issue: If not done perfectly by patron, the item will be but in transit/hold for the next available person. This is a known glitch that is being worked on.

There was positive feedback from libraries for being able to access On Shelf Hold List within the Circulation module.

*Hint: If you print the list in LANDSCAPE view, you will use less paper.

Cataloging: For deleting items with no fines, just delete. If it is a last copy, go to online form to send to WLS or can email the list to wls-cat@wlsmail.org

Discard All: You only need to use if there are fines or you need the item record.

AGAIN: Once you are done with a report, DELETE IT DAILY!!

PLDA: They are still not set to vote on consolidation of fines system-wide.

Libraries that are accepting book donations:

Larchmont, Irvington, Tarrytown, Peekskill (The Field Library Book Store), New Rochelle, and Croton.

Montrose: Brought up that it was taking too long for processing items. It was suggested to email titles/ISBNs to system for unique items; this speeds up the process.

Lewisboro: Brought up the thermal paper issue- they will not touch it because it exposes them to Bisphenol A (BPA).

GRE: In regard to self pick up asked who covers titles. Some libraries who have this service place item backward, some use receipt printer w/full name, partial name, and spine down.

In regard to Ereader pickups: Nor holds for 2-3 days, $5.00 day overdue fines.

Next meeting WLS second floor January 12- Cathy-TAR taking minutes.

BRO-Mary Ann brought up the media items that are sent out in very poor condition. Change CD, DVD cases etc. when the case is falling apart or severely cracked or broken. When packing items in bins, put media to one side with no books on top.

POR: Closed for renovation from December 5-January 20.

POR also reminded everyone to use plastic bags or envelopes for sending magazines in transit.

It is suggested that all libraries send representatives or read and follow the rules.

It was asked if we get statistics for check ins- CHA says they get them. However, this does not always work.

From Sue Hamilton at SOU —

In reviewing the Nov. minutes, we noticed something that we would like to
correct/clarify regarding the issue of BPA in thermal paper. We have a patron
who will not touch (nor will she allow her children to touch) the printed receipt
at Check Out. She claims to have done some research and has found there is
a link between BPA and cancer. At the meeting I asked if anyone else was aware
of any health concerns connected with thermal paper and BPA.

I did not say that our staff wouldn’t touch the thermal paper. For now, we continue to use the
thermal paper, but will be looking into purchasing BPA free thermal receipt printer rolls for the
future.
Future committee meeting dates and minute assignments: March 8 – Sue SOU, June 14- HAS, Sept 13 – Lisa PEK, Nov 8 CHA.