Myth #2: ILL items are just like CCPL items

Fact: ILL items are loaned to our library as a courtesy. If we violate this courtesy, other libraries will not be willing to lend items to us.

When a library lends an item to us, we are expected to abide by the terms the library sets. This may include restrictions to in-library use, no photocopying, no renewals, and return by a traceable method such as UPS.

One of the most important terms a library sets is the due date. Failure to return an ILL item by its due date jeopardizes the lending library's ability to serve its own patrons, for whom the item was purchased in the first place. Failure to return an interlibrary loan item at all requires the lender to search for and purchase a replacement copy. In the case of an out-of-print book, this can cost hundreds of dollars.

This is why yellow bands are put on our ILL items for easy identification. This is why we ask that the items not be returned in the bookdrop. This is why we charge late fines of .25/day to "encourage" items to be returned on time. If we cannot keep faith with our lenders, we will not be able to borrow items.

ILL Myth #1: Patrons must call or visit a branch to place an ILL request

Fact: Patrons may place an interlibrary loan request online by filling out our online form. They may also e-mail requests to ill@ccpl.org. Main Reference's AskAQuestion service also accepts ILL requests - but filling out the online ILL form sends the requests directly to the ILL e-mail account.

Holiday slowdown

'Tis the season when things slow down somewhat in ILL. Many academic libraries will close this week after exams, and many public libraries will be short-staffed as people begin holiday travel. This may mean delays in obtaining interlibrary loan items from other libraries.

As requests slow down, we in ILL begin shuffling and discarding paperwork for photocopy requests prior to January 1, 2005 and for loan requests prior to January 1, 2007. The file cabinet will then have enough space to hold all of the requests we will receive in 2008.

CCPL ILL will shut down for the holidays on Friday, December 21 at 5:00 and reopen on Thursday, December 27. We will also be closed Tuesday, January 1, 2008.

Digitized children's books

The Library of Congress has digitzed 50 older (1915 and earlier) children's books in their Rare Book and Special Collections Reading Room. Check it out at

http://www.loc.gov/rr/rarebook/digitalcoll/digitalcoll-children.html

Found via Librarian in Black

Back from SCLA

I spent the last few days in Columbia at the SCLA annual conference. It is great to connect with fellow librarians who are making great strides in the library profession and are willing to share how they did it with others.

The Resource Sharing Interest Group is looking at a number of ways to regenerate and connect interlibrary loan and resource sharing staff across South Carolina. Our first initiative will be a survey sent to all resource sharing staff across the state. What we hope to accomplish is to create a community for sharing tips and tricks, and to provide help to each other when needed.

So watch your snail mail and e-mail - your survey will be available soon!