Courier Expansion Project

Date: 
2015/06/08

Notice to library directors and other ILL/circulation lists and communications channels:

The pilot project to expand courier services between University System of Georgia (USG) libraries and Georgia's 400+ public libraries has concluded successfully, and the statewide GO LIVE date for the service will be July 6.

WebEx training sessions for ILL and circulation staff will be held on June 23 at 11 a.m. and on July 15 at 2 p.m. Representatives from USG, Georgia Public Library Service, the Courier Expansion Team and pilot libraries will be available to explain policies and procedures and answer questions. Please visit https://georgialibraries.webex.com/mw0401lsp13/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=georgialibraries to register. Registrants can select the date and time of their choice, and will be asked for their name, email, and library of employment. Registration is required, but no password will be needed. 

This opportunity to collaborate and leverage existing resources and services is the latest example of Georgia libraries’ long history of working together. USG Libraries and Georgia's public libraries (PINES members and all other public library systems) will use the existing courier service (STAT Courier) for ILL delivery and for the return of recovered lost items between the academic facilities and public library system headquarters. The expanded service saves the state libraries money that would otherwise be spent using other, more expensive delivery options. Note, however, that this service does not expand unmediated borrowing via PINES or GIL Express for library patrons, nor does it change mediated borrowing procedures through ILL for them.

Pilot libraries for the service included four academic libraries (UGA, Georgia State, Armstrong State and Albany State), three single-county public library systems (Cobb, Dougherty and Forsyth), and two regional public library systems (Live Oak and West Georgia). The pilot program began in early April and concluded June 6. The pilot group tested the procedures, routes and workflows. Staff at pilot libraries saw a dramatic increase in speed of service, with average delivery times ranging between 3.4-4.2 days — less than half the average USPS average of 8.5 days.

A resource page for libraries with policies & procedures, FAQs and mailing labels is available at http://pines.georgialibraries.org/courier.