---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 16:50:20 -0500
From: "Hufeld, Sheila" <Sheila@EXCHANGE1.MLB.ILSTU.EDU>
Subject: Question: overdue notices (Nan Canington)

I have managed periodicals control at my library for the past 10-12
years. We subscribe to around 5300 journals.

Like Jeanette Skwor we generate claims on a skip claim basis according
to publishing frequency. We then check the floors and mail them out to
our various vendors on a weekly basis. I learned to always allow at the
least 6 weeks between claims since most vendors will notify you that you
are reclaiming too soon if you reclaim after a month. I also limit
reclaiming to only one letter,  followed by a phone call or e-mail
inquiry.

I also generate claims by creating a review file of all missing issues
and checking through this file for titles that we have ceased receiving.
This is done once every 4 months.

Direct orders to publishers require the same minimum 6 weeks; otherwise
your letters and replies begin crossing in the mail and result in your
receiving more issues than those to which your payments entitle you.
This is not conducive to good relations with the publisher.  If this
strategy doesn't work I then have our back file unit try one of the
duplicate exchanges.  I hope this helps.

Sheila M. Hufeld