Loan Sequence
Policy Statement:
Library staff should encourage patrons to use CSU+ before ILLiad or InnReach.
Rationale:
- CSU+ is to be used by all campuses and is the priority form of resource sharing.
- The RSFC is clarifying what we understand the policy to mean by adding “encourage”, outlining that you don’t HAVE to convert ILLiad requests to CSU+ requests but you do need to encourage patrons to request items through CSU+ before using ILLiad.
- Manually changing ILLiad requests into CSU+ requests takes a substantial amount of staff time. Instead of limiting the number of ILLiad requests through manually changing the service used, the RSFC recommends encouraging patrons to use CSU+ first through marketing and configuring links to CSU+ to appear before ILLiad request links.
- CSU+ has many positive features over other systems, but there are also some potential drawbacks to consider before mandating changing all ILLiad requests to CSU+ requests.
- Benefits.
- Longer loan period.
- Faster delivery time (courier service).
- Less processing by staff.
- Consistency (due dates, replacement fees, processing, etc.).
- Potential drawbacks.
- Could be perceived as limiting services to patrons.
- Many patrons are unaware of the multiple requests systems, switching the request could add to their confusion.
- Offices may not be staffed to switch requests.
- Changing request types takes time - staff intervention.
- CSU+ & ILLiad are processed in separate offices (Circulation and Interlibrary Loan) at some institutions.
- Benefits.
Example Scenario:
A request comes in through ILLiad or WorldShare and you see that two other CSU libraries have the item. You could cancel this request and manually make a CSU+ request for the patron or you can leave the request in ILLiad and request it from the same two CSU libraries. Depending on your decision a few different things could happen:
- Create a CSU+ Request for Patron:
- The item is delivered through CSU+
- The item item is cancelled in CSU+ for not being on the shelf, on reserve, etc. The patron then receives a message letting them know it isn't currently available in CSU+ and to use ILLiad. The patron places a second request which is then cancelled by a staff member because the system says the item is owned by a CSU and should be requested through CSU+. This can create an infinite loop unless the patron contacts staff letting them know it is repeatedly cancelled. This can be frustrating and overly confusing.
- The item item is cancelled in CSU+ for not being on the shelf, on reserve, etc. The patron then receives a message letting them know it isn't currently available in CSU+ and to use ILLiad. The patron places a second request but puts a note in the system saying it was previously requested through CSU+. The item is requested through ILLiad. This would get the item to the patron but may take several days longer than if it had stayed in ILLiad.
- Request through ILLiad:
- The item is delivered by a CSU through Tricor but has a shorter checkout time than it would have if it had gone through CSU+. There is no additional cost through this method.
- Neither CSU fills the request and the request continues down the lending string (ILLiad/WorldShare Rota) until it is filled by another library.
Action log:
Action | Point Person | Expected Completion Date | Last action taken | Next action required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Submit policy to the coordinating committee on 1/19/18 for approval by COLD |
| Policy changes and rational written by RSFC | To be discussed by the coordinating committee | |
Policy discussed by coordinating committee | Submitted to coordinating committee | To be discussed by COLD | ||
Create a guide to different ways to handle this at each campus. | RSFC |