1. If my library is a "route to" library, do I need to use barcoded labels
to send my materials to other libraries?
Yes, if your library is a "route to" library, you will need to generate
barcoded labels. The barcode contains information on the home
library, so we can track your items easier.
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2. If my library is a "route to" library, do I need to print out an
electronic signature barcode?
No, you will not need to print out an electronic signature barcode.
These will only be needed for libraries with direct Delivery
pick-up.
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3. Does the driver's signature barcode, which is attached to the
statistical form, stay the same from month to month?
Yes. Your driver's signature barcode will never change. This means
you will only have to print it out once, unless it gets lost or damaged.
If this happens, simply print out a new one.
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4. Should all Florida libraries and branches replace their labels with
barcoded labels even if they are not in the beta test group?
Only libraries in the beta testing group are required to use barcoded
labels immediately. As each library moves over to the new barcode
system, it will be required to use the new labels as well. Although it is
not required, all libraries may start using the new labels immediately
if they choose to do so.
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5. Will the libraries that are not in the beta test group know that we
will not include the "courteous return labels" with our material?
Yes, we will inform all libraries that they will no longer receive
"courteous return labels" from beta test libraries. The sending library
must print its own label. This is the only way we can accurately track
bags in the system.
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6. Should we continue to stamp these labels with "iBorrow," if
applicable?
Yes, please continue to stamp all iBorrow materials.
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7. Why are we moving to barcodes?
Moving to barcodes will enhance Delivery to Florida libraries by
providing better tracking, more accurate statistics, and vendor
accountability for lost or late items.
*Better tracking: While we will not be able to tell you about a
specific item, we will be able to track bags, even if you don't have
the barcode. This means you will not have to make any additional
records.
For example, TBLC sends a bag to Lake County, and it does not
arrive. Currently, we have no way to track or locate the bag. With
the new barcode system, we will be able to pull records for every
bag sent from TBLC to Lake County and find out where the bags are
currently located. If one was mis-delivered or is stuck in-transit, we
can determine this and recover the item. Delivery moved over
350,000 bags last year, and this number is expected to grow in the
coming year. While missing and lost items are rare, the new system
will help prevent libraries from losing items and will help libraries keep
better track of items.
*More accurate statistics: Eventually, the new system will help us
phase out stat sheets for libraries and save you time recording the
number of bags each day (NOTE: stat sheets will remain in use for the
beta-testing stage). Further, it will help us track transit times so we
can work with the vendor to get items from one location to another
more quickly and efficiently.
*Vendor accountability for lost or late items: The new system will make
the vendor more responsible for items moving through the system.
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8. How can I get a barcoded label for a library branch or a library
not directly on Delivery?
"Route to" libraries are currently in the Delivery database. To generate
a label, you can search for them as you would any other library. If
sending to a person, department or branch within a Delivery library
that is not on the Delivery list, simply write the name on the "Route to"
line as you have in the past.
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9. Can TBLC create a file of ALL LIBS W/ BARCODES ON LABELS for us to
print as TBLC has done in the past?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to create a general list for
everyone. The barcode includes a unique code for each sending
library, so it's impossible for TBLC or another library to print labels for
you. However, we have implemented a "Print All" option on the label
page, which allows each library to print a general list for itself.
Please remember, you can not photocopy labels, but you may
preprint as many as you would like. For example, if you often send
items to USF, HCC and SPC, you can select these and choose to
print 20 labels for each of them and use these over time.
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10. I am trying to search for a library, but I'm not getting any results.
Why?
There are two possible reasons for this.
One, our system searches for keywords and phrases exactly as they
are written in our database. For example, our system lists a
participating library as "A. F. Knotts Public Library." If you type in
"AF Knotts" or "Knotts Library," it will yield no results. We recommend
searching for less specific terms, such as "Knotts."
Two, the library you are searching for may not participate in the
Delivery program, either because it has chosen not to, or because it
is not located in Florida.
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11. Are we able to receive a bag without a barcode from a library
outside the test area?
Yes. You will receive bags without barcodes
until every Delivery library is using the barcoded labels. Handle these
bags as you normally would. During our testing stage, only the drivers
in the test areas will have scanners.
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12. Do I have to write down all the barcodes and items within each
bag?
Definitely not! With the barcodes, we will be able to search bags
by partial barcodes. All we will need to track a bag is the names of
the sending and receiving libraries and the approximate date of
pick-up from the sending the library.
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13. Can I stop keeping track of my sent and received bags now that
we've started using the new barcode labels?
NOT YET. We are still in the very early testing stages of our new
barcode system, so it is imperative that, until further notice, you
continue recording the numbers for your sent and received bags on
your stat sheet and fax it to TBLC at (813) 628-4425 at the end of
each month.
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