Though written with the intention of being as clear as possible, we realize that parts of the checklist may lead multiple interpretations or inspire question and confusion.  In order to evolve the STAR Checklist and inspire conversation about innovative ways to rethink resource sharing, we will be posting a blog series, “Thoughts on the RRSI STAR Checklist” to address various pieces of the checklist.  We want to hear from you as we think and brainstorm.

Our first post is from the Chair of the ALA RUSA STARS Rethinking Resource Sharing Policies Committee, LeEtta Schmidt, on questions 16 & 17.

The second post in our series of “Thoughts on the RRSI STAR Checklist” comes from ALA RUSA STARS Rethinking Resource Sharing Policies Committee member, Ronnie Broadfoot, on questions 96-100.

Q96:  ILL staff are careful when scanning to check for quality.
Q97:  Interlibrary loan department ships materials packaged to protect contents (either themselves or through a mailroom) and to the appropriate address.
Q98:  Library attempts to promptly contact and consult lending or borrowing library when any problems arise.
Q99:  Library supports ILL department by providing sufficient staff and appropriate equipment and supplies.
Q100:  Library pursues inventive methods to get items returned (i.e. fine moratoria, etc.)

STAR Checklist questions 96-100 involve an extension of the mutual trust between a library and its users to other libraries and their users. Trust is a key component in libraries; users trust the staff to do their best in providing access to materials and to provide the best possible service and the library trusts its users to treat library materials (and, one hopes, library staff) with the utmost respect.