FAQ--Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the library put the barcode on the back of paperback books and audiovisual materials (books on cd, CDs, DVDs, etc)?
This is a problem as it covers up the content information on the back.
When the library first moved to a barcode circulation system in the early 1990s a decision had to be made where to put the barcode. There were pros and cons regarding barcode placement on the books and the decision was to put the barcode on the back so as not to cover information on the front (title/author). For efficient circulation all items have barcodes placed in the same location. We apologize for the inconvenience to our patrons and appreciate their understanding and hope in future to migrate to a newer circulation technology that no longer requires a library barcode on materials.
Why did the library replace the date due stickers with a printed receipt? I keep losing the receipt and can’t tell when my books are due.
The library is changing from date due stickers to receipts for several reasons.
- The receipts provide the patron with a list of what they have checked out and if the patron is paying overdue fines or for lost items, serve as proof of payment received.
- The date due stickers needed to be removed after each circulation requiring cleaning of the sticky residue off each item. (In 2009 over 1,000,000 items were circulated.)
- Sometimes the sticker fell off, leaving the patron with no information on when the item was due.
- Multiple date due stickers on the item caused confusion.
We apologize for the inconvenience for our patrons who preferred date due stickers to receipts. The library has purchased a limited number of magnet clips that can be displayed on a refrigerator to hold the receipts. Please ask for one the next time you check out materials."
Why does the library remove library books and other materials from the library collection?
Annually the library removes library materials that are damaged, are no longer checked out, or contain out-of-date information. This process is necessary to make space on the shelves for adding new materials that library users want. Removed materials are recycled through Better World Books online book sale, through local friends of the library book sales, donated to other non-profit agencies or disposed of through Team Green of Southwest Louisiana.
To see what is currently for sale, please visit our Online Sidewalk Book Sale.
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