Wisconsin Libraries Delivery Service Network
What is it?
The Wisconsin Libraries Delivery Service Network connects:
- Academic libraries – including all campuses and research centers of the University of Wisconsin System , the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Historical Society/Archives Division, and most private colleges in the state.
- Public libraries – all 17 public library systems, and through them, every public library and branch in the state.
- School libraries – through public library systems, most public school districts and many private schools.
- Special libraries – Federal and state correctional institutions, medical center libraries, corporate libraries, mental health institute libraries, special resources such the Cooperative Children’s Book Center , and a number of State agencies.
- Wisconsin Libraries Distribution Service – the free distribution of informational materials from libraries, educational institutions, government and non-profit agencies to members of the Wisconsin Libraries Delivery Service Network.
The delivery of materials between libraries is the final piece of the Interlibrary loan process and a direct service to Wisconsin residents. Based on data gathered during sample periods each year, the average number of items dropped off and picked up at delivery network locations across Wisconsin increased 113% from 1997 to 2007.
Is it the most affordable option for delivery of materials?
Affordability can be determined based on whether the cost to ship an item via the statewide delivery network is less than traditional package delivery options such as USPS, UPS or FedEx.
A 1997 Wisconsin study determined that the cost per item, including postage/delivery charge, packaging materials and labor cost was $2.41 for USPS library rate and $4.28 for UPS commercial ground service. Ten years later, the average cost to ship one item through the statewide delivery network from one library to another was $0.84. Within regional delivery systems, the cost to ship one item from one library to another was as low as $0.20.
What are the challenges to continued service?
The South Central Library System operates the Wisconsin Libraries Delivery Service Network, or the “backbone” of the statewide delivery system. Each public library system in the state pays a share of the cost of the Wisconsin Libraries Delivery Service Network and operates as a regional network “hub.” In addition to the statewide traffic, each public library system also provides delivery of local materials among their member libraries. Shared automated library system catalogs within each system are now are generating about 98% of interlibrary loans and are growing at a faster rate than the statewide delivery traffic.
Here are examples highlighting the impact of shared catalog use on local delivery volume within three Wisconsin public library systems.
- Indianhead Library System local delivery volume (items sent and received) increased 207% from 2002 (451,850) to 2007 (1,388,150)
- South Central local delivery volume (items sent and received) increased 166% from 1996 (3,862,421) to 2007 (10,271,560)
- Waukesha County local delivery volume (items sent only) increased 172% from 2004 (253,914) to 2007 (691,688).
The sustainability of the statewide delivery network is dependent upon the stability of local system delivery services, but the significant growth in local delivery volume is causing a fiscal strain on public library systems in Wisconsin . And for public library systems in Wisconsin , the balancing act is complicated.
In addition to having to fund their cost share of the statewide delivery network, public library systems are seeing local system delivery service costs consume a greater share of their operating budgets. Without additional funding to systems, some may choose to drop out of the network and allocate all their delivery funding resources toward the provision of local delivery in support of their shared catalog, where they fill the majority of their patron requests. This could lead to regions of the state having inequitable intersystem delivery compared to the rest of the state, and jeopardize the future of the statewide delivery network.
What needs to be done?
New and continued efforts can be made to secure the stability of delivery services both on the regional and statewide levels. The major key to near and long-term viability is the funding of public library systems because these regional delivery services cooperatively make up the network upon which statewide delivery is founded. The following areas are where efforts need to be made:
- Find one stable funding source for the Wisconsin Public Library Systems’ cost share of the Wisconsin Libraries Delivery Network to ensure its existence as long as it continues to be the most cost effective method of accomplishing this task.
- Continue the best practice work of the Statewide Delivery Services Advisory Committee to ensure that efficiencies are maximized in relation to transit volume and that best material handling practices and solutions are shared (whether manual or automated).
- Increase or find new funding for public library systems both for those contracting with commercial couriers and for public library systems running in-house delivery services. Seed money may be necessary for systems with potentially instable vendor options in order to help them start their own service, whether individually or cooperatively.
- Seek state fuel tax relief for systems managing an in-house delivery service.
- Partner with other agencies throughout the state to increase regional and statewide delivery services revenue.