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Bookmark designed by Wendy Blake |
PULLMAN, Wash. Say goodbye to due dates stamped in the backs of library books. Washington State University Pullman libraries are going digital.
Beginning Nov. 1, WSU Pullman Libraries will stop stamping due dates into the backs of books in favor of emailing receipts to library patrons.
Alex Merrill, access services and systems/operations manager for WSU Libraries, said the library decided to switch to email receipts to help save resources like paper, stamps and glue. The machinery the library has used for years to place the cards in the books is also outdated, he said.
“The machinery we use is old, we can’t find replacement parts anymore,” Merrill said. “The glue the machine uses is no longer being manufactured and we can’t find a suitable replacement.”
Despite the change, Merrill is sure the transition won’t be difficult.
“In general, the only difference will be no due date in the back of the books,” Merrill said. “The system itself isn’t changing, we’ll just be offering email as oppose to stamping.”
To help keep track of due dates, library patrons will be directed to the “My Accounts” tool found on the WSU Libraries webpage. This tool allows patrons to track holds, what materials they have and when they are due back, Merrill said.
If patrons want the due date written down, WSU Libraries will also offer bookmarks designed by library technician Wendy Blake that have a spot where the due date can be written. Printed receipts are also available upon request.
Materials from the Summit network and course reserves will continue to be stamped. Summit items come from other universities so the rules vary and course reserves are loaned out for only a few hours, not enough time to justify an email, Merrill said.
For more information on WSU Libraries and to find the “My Accounts” page, visit http://www.wsulibs.wsu.edu/.