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NFLS Courtesy Returns: Patron Instructions

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Courtesy Return Policy (statewide):

A "Courtesy Return" is the term used when an item owned by Library A is checked out to a Library A patron but returned to Library B to be forwarded to Library A.  Library A and B do not use the same catalog/circulation system (i.e. Brown County Library and Oneida Community Library).   When the item arrives back at Library A with the information to return to Library B on or before the date the item was due back at Library A, then Library A is to do the following: backdate accordingly when checking in the item and/or forgive any overdue fines incurred during the time it took for the item to get back to Library A from Library B (unless the time has past to the degree the patron has been billed for not returning the item - then Library A needs to apply their local circulation policies to that situation).

EXAMPLE:

  • Brown County Libraries (BCL) use the same catalog - Library A.
  • InfoSoup libraries share a catalog - Library B.
  • A patron of Brown County Library (Library A) borrowed an item from a Brown County library (Library A) but may return it to an InfoSoup library (Library B).
  • The InfoSoup library returns the item to the Brown County Library with information on date and place of return in order for the item to check back into the Brown County Library without a fine. This will be the case IF the item was returned to the InfoSoup library on or before the date the item was due back at the Brown County Library. This is a courtesy return.

Items borrowed from public or academic libraries in Wisconsin can be returned at any public or academic libraries in Wisconsin via courtesy return. This is at the patron's own risk of incurring overdue fines and/or possible extra charges.

Following are the risks patrons take when using the courtesy return method:

  1. Courtesy returns are not tracked nor guaranteed. Patrons are responsible for timely returns of materials. If the item was returned to Library B, but never reaches Library B, the patron will be billed by Library A. The patron can contact Library B and ask them to re-check for the returned item, but ultimately it is the patron's responsibility to ensure prompt return of items to Library A. (Lost items are rare but possible and patrons must know the risk.)
  2. The patron is responsible for the physical condition of the item when returned to Library A and will be held responsible for physical damage done even through its transportation back to Library A.
  3. The patron is responsible for the communication from Library B to Library A including that the item was returned and the return date to Library B. If Library A has no verification from Library B that the item was returned, the patron will incur the overdue fee based on the date the item checked out at Library A (the item's home library).
  4. If the library the item was borrowed from (Library A) and the library the item is returned to (Library B) are on the statewide library van delivery network, Library B can return the item via van delivery network to Library A.  Use this site to see which public and academic libraries are on Wisconsin's statewide library van delivery network.
  5. If Library B needs to mail and incur postage in order to return an item to Library A, Library B can charge a shipping and handling fee to Library A, who may pass that charge on to the patron.

Patron's best courtesy return: Van Delivery is the most efficient return method. Mail requires more staff time.

The libraries on the following lists are connected via van delivery:

It is best to return items individually. However, If multiple items are returned to the SAME LIBRARY:

  1. Carefully and securely bundle items together using binding that does not adhere to or damage the items in any way.
  2. A clearly written and visible note must accompany each item or bundle. Please print this note and use as a template for courtesy return notes:  * * NOTE TO USE WHEN RETURNING LIBRARY ITEMS VIA COURTESY RETURN: COURTESY RETURN SLIP.
  3. Securely attach the note to the front cover of the item or group of items. USE ONLY REMOVEABLE TAPE. Do not use any other type of tape.
  4. Successful courtesy returns reach Library A with the information needed for Library A to recognize the date a patron returned the material at Library B.