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.

Reading is fundamental

The ILL department tries its best to include all of the information needed on the outside of every interlibrary loan item. This includes:

• The due date for the item (in nice red ink so it stands out)
• The item ID (for tracking purposes)
• Out telephone number
• Any applicable restrictions (no bookdrop, no renewals, etc)

It is frustrating to hear that the information hasn't been read, or worse, has been removed, despite the large black lettering that says DO NOT REMOVE THIS STRIP. If the strip is removed, the front line staff do not always know that what they have received is an interlibrary loan item. The yellow band serves both staff and patrons by enabling quick identification and return of items to the correct location.

Staff: Please help us out by reminding patrons not to remove the yellow band.

Patrons: Please help us out by leaving the yellow band on the item.

What's this yellow thing on my item?

In order to quickly identify interlibrary loan items and separate them from CCPL items, we place a large yellow bookband on the item.

This band is not just decorative; it contains useful information regarding the item - not the least important of which is the due date, stamped in bright red.

The band also has the reminder that interlibrary loan items should be returned inside the library, to minimize the potential for damage in the bookdrop. Our contact information is included, in case a renewal is needed or questions arise.

PLEASE do not remove this band. Unidentified non-CCPL items are routed to our administrative department, which could result in increasing late fines or item loss fees if they are not located promptly.