13 totes came into the library one afternoon this week. These totes were filled with the latest interlibrary loan requests you may have placed yourself or with staff assistance. Some of the materials are returning home to Scarborough having been enjoyed by borrowers from other libraries in our Minerva consortium. We receive totes in varying numbers, five days a week, from a courier service that is jointly funded by the Maine State Library and our own operating budget. Our community is one of the greatest users of the Minerva system which allows us to expand our collection choices and reduce the wait time on popular materials.
The success of the interlibrary loan system is dependent on the library circulation desk staff who keep the stream of materials flowing, from the crates coming through the delivery entrance to you leaving through the front door with your chosen title. Each item is packed in a protective canvas pouch or bubble wrap. This past calendar year, the staff funneled 50,798 items through the process. Multiply that by two-- because every item has to be packed going and returning-- and you have 101,596. I hope you'll agree with me that this a very good number. Kudos to our team!
With gratitude!
Nancy E. Crowell
Library Director