Holds Ratios

Question:  How many holds does it take on an item that has been requested for purchase before the item is actually purchased?  I know that Overdrive has 8 holds per 1 purchase.

Answer by Clara Hudson, Support Services Manager:  We have no formal process for "requested to be purchased" of items on hold. If an item is on hold, a purchase has been initiated and a record placed in the catalog.  The print holds ratio is 4:1; the DVD holds ratio is 9:1.  The ratio for the purchase of additional copies of Overdrive titles has not been formally established, but, the Collection Development Librarians keep close track and are responsive to popular titles.

Receipt Paper

Question:  Some heat-activated paper used for receipts contains high levels of cancer-causing BPAs.  Library employees handle receipt paper frequently (especially since our hold slips are now printed on that paper).  Is our paper BPA free?  If not, can we switch to BPA-free thermal paper?

Answer by Clara Hudson, Support Services Manager:  R&M Supply Company assures us that the new Koehler Thermal Receipt paper is BPA free.  We verified this on the EPA website.

Update from Clara Hudson:  Our vendor told us that our supplier is actually Appleton.  Our white receipt paper has always come from Appleton, which only comes BPA Free.  Our vendor stopped using Koehler as a supplier in August of 2010 and switched to Appleton.  So the green receipt paper was converted from Koehler paper to Appleton paper in August 2010.  All of the paper we use is BPA free.  Further purchases of the white paper will have red flecks on the back of the paper which will be a visible indicator that is it BPA Free.  

Appleton's site                             Article about BPA & Appleton

Floating Collections

Question:  When we get floating collections, what will stop staff putting holds on books from other branches and then checking them out/checking them in at their location?  For example, if staff does a storytime/program and or display and they put holds on multiple copies, won't that create a problem?


Answer by Clara Hudson, Support Services Manager:  I rely on the honesty and integrity of library staff to use sound judgment in this area. Yes, it has been discussed that staff may defeat the purpose of floating by pulling items they feel are needed at "their" branch. One of the measurements of success, in terms of floating collections, is that the collection in branches will be a reflection of the citizens who visit and borrow materials based on a specific location. The collection is refreshed and meets the needs and interests of branch specific users.

Part of the floating process is keeping balance in terms of numbers and formats, so one branch is not depleted while another is inundated with books and media. This requires diligent monitoring and reporting on the overall collection and branch holdings. Since we will be doing regular analysis of the collections, this type of activity may become apparent and tracked in Workflows and Directors Station. 

I did not think that this would be necessary, but, since the question has surfaced before the floating has begun, we will certainly keep vigilant watch.  

Subscribe!

We've been having problems with our email notifications over the past few weeks.  While the initial problems only involved vbgov.com accounts, the fix affected everyone.  So, even if you originally subscribed from a non-vbgov account, please re-subscribe to make sure you continue to receive notices of new posts.

We apologize for any inconvenience and are very hopeful that the situation is resolved!   RSS feeds were (and are) not affected.

Thank you for your patience!
                                                         Library Communications Team

Switching Users vs. Logging Off

Question:  TS emailed and told us not to use the Switch User option on our PCs.  Some staff think this applies to those PCs with CircIT software.  Could this be clarified?  Thanks.

Answer by Mia Farley, Technology Services:  The original message from Technology Services asked that staff not use the Switch User function in Windows 7 but to instead Log Off as we had been doing using Windows XP.  This message was not specific to any particular computer or piece of software except Windows 7. 

We have found that using the Switch User option instead of logging off can cause issues with some software, CircIT included; however, it's not strictly a CircIT issue.  We have asked ComIT to remove the Switch User option from Windows 7 but, as with many things, that may be easier said than done.  So until this option is removed, we're asking that Switch User not be used.  Log Off as usual!

Here's a screen shot of the Switch User/Log Off options - found after you do CTRL/ALT/DELETE.

Empty Spaces at Central Library

Question:  What's going on with the empty spaces upstairs at Central Library now that Collection Management has moved downstairs?  Rumors are flying!

Answer by David Palmer, Public Services Manager:  Although Materials Management has not yet completely moved out of the previous Collection Management space on the second floor of Central Library, the department has started to plan for its use.

In mid-December 2011, Marcy Sims, David Palmer and Pat Cook met to discussion options.  We agreed that it made the most sense for Information Services staff to eventually move to the second floor.  Then the current Information Services workroom could be used for public service since it is immediately adjacent to the first floor reference area.   Some ideas for that new public service space include a collaborate learning center, a media lab, or study rooms/spaces.  

It is important to emphasize that since we have no budgeted funds for this project, no decision about how best to utilize the current work room has been made and no time line has been established for moving the staff.

Central Library Manager Pat Cook and her managers have shared these concepts with the Information Services and Circulation staff.

Winter Reading Program Mascot

Question:  Any thought go into using the President's dog for the Winter Reading program mascot during a Presidential election year?  We seem to strive for political correctness except when it comes to politics.

Answer by the Library Communications Team:  The graphics for the Winter Reading Program came from the Library of Virginia.  They are based on the illustrations in the book First Dog by J. Patrick Lewis.  Bo is a cute, fluffy, friendly looking dog who is appealing to young children.