[Michlib-l] FW: Damaged items question

[Ostrom, Kriss]

Looks like I failed to send this to the Michlib list ... trying again ...

I hope we will soon start taking photos in all instances and stop holding damaged books.

  -- Kriss
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Kriss Ostrom, Head, Circulation Services
Michigan State University Libraries
366 W. Circle Dr
East Lansing, MI 48824

517.884.1943      FAX  517.355.5005
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From: Ostrom, Kriss
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 12:13 PM
To: 'Kelly Bennett, Ferndale Public Library'
Subject: RE: [Michlib-l] Damaged items question

For a recent situation like this, I wanted to get the in-demand book rebound as quickly as possible, so I took three digital photos of it (different views) and emailed them to the patron along with an explanation of why she has a binding fee charge on her account.  I also kept copies of the photos if it becomes an issue in the future.

From: michlib-l-bounces at mail.mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mail.mcls.org> [mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of Kelly Bennett, Ferndale Public Library
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 12:03 PM
To: 'michlib-l at lists.mcls.org'
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Damaged items question

Great question, Tracie. We don't have a policy per se, but we tend to let them sit for about three months. Our procedure is, after an item has been identified as damaged, we notify the patron that they will be billed for the cost of the item plus a processing fee. The item then stays on our damaged shelf until the patron has paid or for about three months, at which time we evaluate whether we should get rid of the item or not.

I'd be curious to hear others' responses.

Kelly Bennett
Head of Circulation, Ferndale Public Library

From: michlib-l-bounces at mail.mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mail.mcls.org> [mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of Tracie Alger
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 9:59 AM
To: michlib-l at lists.mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l at lists.mcls.org>
Subject: [Michlib-l] Damaged items question

Does anyone have a policy that addresses how long a damaged item is held by the library? For example, a patron returns a water-damaged item to the book drop and would like to see proof that the item is damaged. We currently hold these items in a couple of file cabinet drawers. This becomes an issue for space and health reasons. Would be interested in formal and informal guidelines as I am going about making formal policies for our board to review.

Thank you for your help!

Sincerely,

Tracie Alger
Assistant Director
Big Rapids Community Library
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