[Publib] Patron requests for materials - online versions

[Audrey Betcher]

We've actually taken it a step further.  We prompt people through an online request for purchase process that searches Amazon.  They can then select it off a list.   (Staff will also fill it out if the patron doesn't want to do it.)
 
We have found some good win/wins with the change:
 
* We pull the ISBN out of the Amazon info.  We check the ISBN against our catalog and direct them right there if we already own it.
* We found that with both paper and online text forms, we didn't always know what the patron wanted - never mind that we couldn't always read the handwriting.
* The patron gets an email notification that it went through (assuming they have an email).  They also get an email when it is ordered or if we decide not to order.
* We get their library card right up front and ask if they want to be on the hold list.
* Because we request a library card, we don't take requests for purchase from authors, publishers, etc.
* We do put an overall limit on the number of requests for purchase we will accept from one patron in a rolling calendar year.  (I'm sure we've all had the 50 DVD requests for purchase that come in almost daily from a few patrons.)
* It has also simplified our behind the scenes process.  We don't lose slips of paper or email messages any more.
 
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:43:16 -0500
From: "Franz, Patty" <pfranz at pamunkeylibrary.org>
Subject: [Publib] Patron requests for materials - online versions.
To: <publib at webjunction.org>
Message-ID:
 <6AC381D5029C10419578A8484C334B9ABE438C at prl-ex1.pamunkeylibrary.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
 
Folks - 
 
 I have checked the archives and did not find quite what I was
looking for.  If this question has already been answered, I apologize.
 
 Our library is considering allowing our patrons to request new
materials using a form on our web page.  We have a long history of
taking requests from our patrons and we are wondering if using the web
would provide better service for the patrons.  (We know that our
handwriting issues would diminish.)  Presently, staff fill out the
requests and so the interaction would change greatly.
 
 If you already provide this service could you let us know the
pluses and minuses for your library?  If you have considered doing this
and chosen not to put your form on the web, could you tell us why not?
 
 Please send your replies off list to me.  Thanks, Patty
 
Patty Franz 
Supervising Librarian 
Pamunkey Regional Library 
P. O. Box 119 
Hanover, VA  23069 
 
pfranz at pamunkeylibrary.org 
 
 
 

Audrey Betcher, Director
Rochester Public Library
101 2nd St SE
Rochester, MN  55904 
(507) 285-8011
audrey at rochester.lib.mn.us
www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org

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