NExpress – Returnable Conference Call – notes

NExpress Returnables Conference call Tuesday 9/9/2008 2 pm

Confirmed conference call schedule – second Tuesday of every other month at 2 pm
Next meeting is Nov 11 at 2 pm

Julie Retelle has updated the NExpress wiki with procedures – Elin will work with Julie in Oct to review and finalize for approval at Nov meeting
Eileen at Colby has been designated an IUG functional expert – congratulations!
Walter mentioned that there is some preliminary talk/hope out of UNH that IUG New England will become active; maybe a conference in 09 and a more formalized structure for the organization; looking for a NE school to “hold” funds etc.
Discussed adding another location for Davison for Summer 09. Will need to modify bands, Midd will need to contact Innovative to modify authentication screen; no editing of loan rules or locations required; changes planned for Spring 09
Some recent feedback at Williams that users do not like extra step of having to select from 2 libraries in drop-down menu
NExpress library directors are meeting this Friday at Bowdoin
Textbooks are a hot item at the beginning of terms at all schools – what are other schools doing when all textbooks are checked out? All others use ILL even if home library owns. Midd – review local policy of not ILLing if we own a copy?
Some discussion about policies regarding recalls/holds – current policy will remain. Only recall for Reserves; no holds; contact borrowing library by email to alert them when an item is recalled
Massachusetts Nexpress libraries are hoping to set up a system to flag recalls at the time of check-in to facilitate speedier returns of recalled materials – mail them back rather than sending with the courier
Colby is experiencing some problems with notices – so please email them if there are any recalls or other issues
Some discussion about the possibility of adding messages to items to facilitate billing procedures at Williams; not sure that messages will be noticed at check-in
What are other libraries doing about refunds if billed materials are eventually returned – after the bill has been transferred to the college bill? Many different and labor intensive staff workarounds; look to the user to take responsibility to contact library to request a credit.
Billing – contact owning library with an accounting of lost/damaged items. NExpress libraries do not bill each other – see year end procedures to clear virtual records.
Local decisions – Midd does not lend/borrow visual media (DVD, LD, VHS); Colby does not lend/borrow CD’s except to Maine schools
Bowdoin is experiencing some system problems (no overdue notices; items not going to billed status, lending issues with off-site items) with requests from Midd – Walter will check loan rules
Midd is experiencing some problems with user complaints that cancellation notices are coming through without a reason listed in the notice text – Bowdoin and Midd will test this; Williams and Midd tested this previously and the notice system was functional
Jo-Ann will send a reminder to her staff at Williams to remember to always select a reason when canceling a request
Other issues? A general request/reminder to print names clearly on bands
Many thanks to Walter for keeping the NExpress train moving.