---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 14:12:08 -0400
From: Connie Crafton <CCRAFTON@MPL.LIB.OH.US>
Subject: Serials Claiming in Public Libraries

I am a reference librarian in a public library which services a town of
around 50,000 residents.  Currently, my library is investigating options
for claiming.  To aid in our discussions, I am writing to inquire about
claiming at other public libraries - how frequently serials (specifically
magazines) are claimed and what the success rate has been.

Specifically, we are interested in knowing the following:

1.  Does your library claim :
a)  all missing magazine issues,  OR
b)  only selected titles (if so, please indicate number of magazine titles
claimed versus total magazine holdings), OR
c)  does not claim at all;

2.  What is the success rate for those items you do claim; and

3.  Do you claim through a vendor (such as Ebsco) or handle claims on your own.

If you work in a public library, please respond to the above questions.
Please also indicate the size of your library's user population.  This
will help us determine what we could do to make the serials claiming
process less intensive for our technical services staff.  I appreciate
your assistance!

I will post a summary of responses to the group if there is interest.

Constance Crafton
Reference Librarian

Middletown Public Library
125 South Broad Street
Middletown, OH   45044
Phone:  (513) 424-1251
Fax:  (513) 424-6585
(513) 424-1251