Salutations!  Here is some more info about the New Problem Item Procedures. 

Red Box Stickers are only to be stuck on really questionable "will-the-patron-get-billed" type of items. You can use removable tape to adhere the RBS to the item if you'd like, but make sure it is the easily removable kind.  Ask Crystal Marschall@winnefox.org if you need to purchase some.

Wear & Tear Flags-- If you think someone else's item should have a W&T sticker/stamp, put a flag in the item when it comes back from the patron and check the item out to DA-XX (the damaged user for the owning library).  These are for items with some minor issue that would justify a W&T stamp/sticker but are clearly not bill-worthy and probably not WD-worthy(altho' they may be--up to owning lib).  Think of them as other libraries sending you a "head's up--this might need a stamp" on your items.   

Neither RBS stickers nor W&T stamps are meant as a judgment on a library's collection.

The RBS stickers are meant to protect the patron from being billed for something they received in non-pristine condition, and the W&T Flags are meant as an alert to libraries to re-examine their material because someone else thought it might qualify as W&T. These are going to be used far more in these upcoming months as libraries are still stamping their own items with W&T stamps. Once most items have moved through the system, we anticipate there will be less of a need for W&T flags. 

The issue that we are trying to fix is:  what constitutes "damage" is subjective.  For some folks, a cracked DVD case is damage. For others it is normal wear & tear.  For some, water damage that warps the last 20 pages of a book is billable damage.  For others, it is still circulatable and not something to be billed. 

Here are some scenarios of wear that should be noted, but maybe item still circulates(or not--owning lib's call):

• Minor water damage
• Slightly cracked/loose spine
• Cracked, or wrinkly outer plastic covers
• Obvious fingerprints/smudges on covers, pages
• Multiple bent page corners
• Excessive shabbiness (yellowing of pages, worn spine, color rubbing off)
• Highlighting/pen marks
• The item isn't a flat rectangle.

Here are some scenarios of flaws which should NOT require noting:

• Flaws/dirt/smudges so small/light that the owning library can't even find them
• Flaws like bubbly or loose plastic covers (unless likely to get worse)
• Dirt/marks on the edges of the book (the "Text block")

Again, the goal is to protect the patron from being charged for damage that they didn't do.  The best way to do that is to note existing flaws before that patron checks the item out.

WCTS LIBRARIES ONLY -- Crystal will put W&T stickers on any/all questionable items sent to WCTS for adding/repair if the owning library hasn't already done so.   Just a reminder to be selective about what you send to WCTS for additions.  

We knew going in that there would be bumps and hiccups along the way, and that tweaks would be needed.  We are counting on all of you to give it "the ol' college try" and let us know what is working/not working and suggestions for improvement.   

As always: Please share with your staff!   
Make today a good day!