March 2025
Procedure
Items that cannot be circulated may be discarded or set aside for review or to wait for a missing piece to be returned.
- Problem shelf items are usually handled by the check in location.
- The check in location makes all repair or discard decisions to maintain the collection in circulating condition.
- If another person needs to review a problem item, check it out to the appropriate problem shelf account.
Problem shelf procedures may vary from branch to branch. If you're not sure what to do with an item, please ask a staff member at that location.
Problem shelf items and IMMS:
- With IMMS, most items will be shared by all library locations.
- The current library location is responsible for dealing with items in bad condition, including missing pieces and discarding worn or damaged items.
- Some items that do not share, such as local history or Black Pacific Northwest Collection, may need more attention. If damaged, those items should be returned to the owning location for decision – unless they are wet, moldy, or too gross to touch.
The library does not charge snag fees or send notices. If an item is returned with missing pieces, check it out on a problem shelf or snag card and keep it for 30 days. If the piece comes back, recirculate the item. If the piece does not come back, discard the item.
The following pages may contain helpful information, depending on the problem:
- Administrative accounts - how to create and maintain problem shelf or snag accounts
- Damaged material
- Discarding items
- Mending/Binding/Re-casing