Case Study

Rifkin Bags Key in Books-By-Mail Program

The state library system in Maine offers a Books-By-Mail program which provides library materials via the U.S. Postal Service. Books are available to residents of Maine communities where there is no full-service library, and to people who are homebound for medical reasons.

The online library catalog (called Minerva) is a shared catalog with more than fifty member libraries throughout the state. Eligible residents can search via their computers for books, videos and other library materials and submit their requests online. To prove eligibility members simply provide their name and the barcode number printed on their library card.

In addition, the Maine State Library Large Print Service mails large print books directly to individuals who are visually impaired. The service also rotates collections of Large Print books to libraries which serve the visually impaired. The federal Talking Books program provides free books on special media and machines to people who are certified as blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped or reading disabled.

To mail these books and other library materials, Maine State Library uses 3 different sizes of USPS-approved Rifkin Trans-Sac® mailing bags. The 10" x 12", 11" x 14" and 14" x 18" fabric zipper bags accommodate a wide range of materials requested through the Books-By-Mail program. Made of a water resistant, abrasion resistant polyester duck, the bags protect books in transit and can be reused for hundreds of round trips. Color coded by size, the Trans-Sac® mailing bags are easy to sort for storage or continuous use.

When a request is filled by the library, the staff chooses the appropriate size bag and inserts the materials. The zipper is closed and an address card is inserted in the built-in tag holder pocket that has a clear "window" front. When the reader returns the materials, he or she simply reverses the tag and the library address shows. Stamps or postage meter tapes are easily affixed to the tag and can be canceled by the Postal Service through a cut-out in the clear window.

Reusable bags are economical because they replace hundreds of one-trip paper or padded envelopes. The bags also protect library materials better, extending their useful life and lowering replacement costs. In cases, where multiple books are mailed, consolidated mailing can save on postage. Finally, the zipper bags make it easier for readers to return their books, an especially important feature for the visually impaired, or those homebound for medical reasons.

The bags are silk-screen imprinted with the Maine State Library's return address and the message "This Bag Is the Property of Minerva and Is for Use Among Minerva Libraries Only." This clear, easily recognizable message prompts efficient handling through the Postal Service. It also ensures that bags with missing or illegible address tags will be returned to the library. The note also helps sustain the two-way mailing cycle by warning library members against private use of the bags.

The A. Rifkin Co. is a family-owned manufacturer and international distributor of security and multi-use reusable fabric lock bag systems and related products. www.arifkin.com