[ILL-L] Canvas lending bags

[Laura Barnard]

Amy,

We have been using canvas bags for about 10 years.  We don't track the bags.  

Our experience has been that the receiving libraries are  exceptionally good at returning our bags.

We have felt that the small number that may never return don't cost as much to replace as would the staff time to track every bag we send out.

Laura Barnard
Interlibrary Loans
Seattle Public Library (UOK)
206-386-4601
ill at spl.org

>>> "Miller, Amy" <ABMILLER at browardlibrary.org> 10/6/2008 9:01 AM >>>
Greetings:
Here at FBR, we are considering purchasing canvas bags to streamline the mailing of our lending material.  I know that there has already been some listserv discussion of pros & cons, pricing, loss of unreturned bags, etc. by libraries who employ this method, but we are seeking any info on how the libraries that use canvas bags for mailing items keep track of who has what bag.  We feel that we would need to know to whom we sent our bags in the event that they are not returned...  And although it would be relatively easy to track a canvas bag if one item is mailed to one library, we are also seeking input on the best way to keep track when multiple items are sent in a bag to a library.   For example, if we mail 2 CDs, 3 DVDs, and one book in a bag to a borrowing library on any given day, those items would all be mailed back to us on different days, as the borrower's various patrons hand in their returns.  So, should we enclose five canvas bags inside the original bag, along with the CDs, DVDs, and book?  Or just assume that one item will come home in a canvas bag and the rest through conventional mailers, jiffy bags, etc.?  Anyone with any experience, insight, horror stories, or successes on this topic - please respond on or offline (abmiller at browardlibrary or lflanner at browardlibrary) if you can assist, thanks.