RIDES participants have two options for shipping - Pack or No Pack. Any library that would like to participate as a No Pack library must notify MCLS via the RIDES Assistance form.

RIDES will not accept responsibility for damage, liability, nor will they reimburse, for items shipped through delivery without packaging.

Libraries that participate as No Pack accept full financial responsibility for their own books and may not invoice borrowing libraries or RIDES for lost or damaged books sent without packaging.

• Use only bubble wrap envelopes or small cardboard boxes for packaging.
• Use the appropriate size.
  DO NOT use recycled boxes that contained food.
• Remove old labels from packaging.
• Mark through information and bar codes with a black marker on stubborn labels.
• Use moderation when sealing packages with tape.
• Do not use staples.
• Remove staples from old or recycled packaging.
• All RIDES shipping labels must be created using the current RIDES label maker.
• Do not print too many shipping labels in advance, information changes often.
• No Pack prints on the RIDES shipping label when appropriate
• Multiple items sent to the same library on the same day may ship together in a padded envelope or small box that fits inside a shipping tote, filling less than half a small RIDES tote.
• Do not stockpile or save items to ship another day to fill an envelope or box.
• Small tote: 22"x15"x10"
• If a box fills more than half of a RIDES small tote, use a dedicated tote.
• Seal the RIDES tote lid with shipping tape or a plastic zip tie and attach a 'Dedicated' label to the top of the tote.

• Mark all loaned items with ownership information.
  • Include MeL Agency Code (z code) on the MeLCat identifying label or book band attached to the item.
  • Library systems with branches on the RIDES label maker should clearly indicate where to return the item.
• Pack lenders ship ALL items packed.
• No Pack lenders ship only BOOKS unpacked.

• Do not use ANY kind of tape or sticky labels directly on borrowed items regardless if the lending library is No Pack.
• Pack ALL items returned to a Pack library.
• Do not pack BOOKS returned to a No Pack library.
  • Pack all other items returned to a No Pack library.
• Items shipped in a special container or wrap must, upon request, be returned to the Lending library in the same material.

Books

• Pack Lender
  • Pack book in a bubble wrap envelope or small cardboard box.
  • Seal the envelope or box with shipping tape.
  • Secure the RIDES shipping label to the top of the envelope or box.
• No Pack Lender
  • Secure the RIDES shipping label to the book. Options include:
    1. Tape the RIDES shipping label to the MeLCat identifying label or to the book band.
    2. Choose the 2 per page option on the RIDES label maker. Fold the paper shipping label around the cover of the book with the full address showing, then secure it with multiple rubber bands.
    3. Attach the label to a piece of scrap paper folded around the cover of the book with the full address showing, then secure it with multiple rubber bands.
  • A maximum of 2 books may be rubber banded together.
  • Use multiple heavyweight rubber bands to secure the book.
    • Use rubber bands that are large enough, do not allow book to curl or bend.

A/V and non-book materials

• Securely pack ALL A/V and non-book materials.
• Pack in an appropriately sized cardboard box, or double wrap in bubble wrap envelopes.
  • Cardboard boxes are recommended.
• Pack Microfiche in a small envelope and then a larger bubble wrap envelope.
• Seal the box or envelope with shipping tape.
• Secure the RIDES shipping label to the top of the box or envelope.

• RIDES will provide shipping totes.
  • Large: 27"x17"x12.5" = holds 2.3 Cu Ft
  • Small: 22"x15"x10" = holds 1.4 Cu Ft
  • Mini: 13.8"x8.9"x8.8" = holds 0.6 Cu Ft (for use in selected hubs only)
• Weight Limits: totes should not exceed 40 lbs. No Pack libraries should be mindful of this.
• Use the green plastic RIDES totes ONLY for DIRECT pickup and delivery from RIDES couriers. Do NOT use the totes for deliveries to sub-libraries or branch libraries.
• Ship all items except for oversize material inside a green RIDES tote.
• The tote lid should close flat to allow for stacking.
• Boxes must not fill more than half of a small RIDES tote.
• Libraries needing totes, or with extra totes, should notify RIDES via the RIDES Assistance form.
• Each library will be responsible for printing RIDES shipping labels from the current RIDES label maker as needed.
• Each library will be responsible for providing bubble wrap envelopes or small cardboard boxes for packaging.
  • Cover or mark out old labeling on recycled bubble wrap envelopes and small cardboard boxes.

If your library experiences any of the situations cited below, please complete the RIDES Assistance form. Options on the form include:

• The library that receives damaged materials should submit one form per item.
• RIDES will not accept responsibility for damage, liability, nor will they reimburse, for any items that are shipped through delivery without packaging.

• The Borrowing library should submit one form per item based upon their MeLCat 'In Transit Too Long' or 'Returned Too Long' report data.
• All items should be reported regardless of Pack/No Pack status.

• Submit one form per item.
• All missing items should be reported regardless of Pack/No Pack status.

• Delivery service does not occur on your normally scheduled day.
• Driver did not deliver or pick up all prepared items.
• Report as soon as possible.

Need additional totes or have too many.

• Library will be closed other than normal schedule or scheduled RIDES holidays.

• Questions or concerns about the label maker, subscriptions, or other issues that do not fit the above criteria.

• Recurring problems will be investigated and negotiated by the RIDES Coordinator.

  To view your RT tickets go to https://rt.mcls.org/ new-window-icon.png

• Log in with the email address used to submit the ticket.
• If the account password is unknown, click on Forgot Your Password? and follow the prompts to reset the password.

• RIDES reimbursement limit is $100.
• Replacement price for AV cases is $5.00.
• Reimbursement is for replacement price if the item can no longer circulate.
• Libraries that participate as No Pack accept full financial responsibility for their own books. No Pack libraries may not invoice borrowing libraries, RIDES, or the courier, for damaged materials.
• The sending library assumes all responsibility for items sent through RIDES packaged improperly.
• MeLCat libraries should follow MeLCat procedures for processing deleted items from their collection.

• Contact the library that sent the material within 24 hours of receipt to investigate where the damage may have occurred and whether the item was packaged properly.
  • If either the lending or the borrowing library receives service from a central delivery site, question that facility as well.
• If it is believed that the damage occurred while in transit with RIDES, report the damage as soon as possible via the RIDES Assistance form / Damaged Material.
• Send the damaged item, along with any original damaged packaging, to MCLS (ZY001) via RIDES. Include the Damage Report ticket number, replacement cost, and any other pertinent emails or paperwork.
  • If the item is wet submit photos with the RIDES Assistance form.
  • Send all information within 60 days of the damaged report or forfeit the right to RIDES reimbursement.

Contact information for participating libraries: RIDES Participants.

Sign up for the RIDES email list.

Submit questions, comments or problems to RIDES via the RIDES Assistance form.

• Due to COVID-19, and for the protection of both library staff and courier staff, it is recommended there should be no direct contact with RIDES delivery drivers.
  • Drivers will not be using signed manifest sheets.
  • Delivery and pick up spots must be near the outside door used by the driver.
  • Drivers will not go through the building to deliver to a specific desk or department.
  • All totes will be dropped off and picked up from one spot.
• Libraries that receive service from a local delivery system should verify those procedures.

• Materials
  • Based on recent information provided by the CDC (May 2021), MCLS is no longer recommending that libraries quarantine materials for 24-72 hours. MCLS continues to support library staff making quarantine decisions for their specific local situations.
    • The REALM project continues to make information available regarding their scientific studies of virus detectability on various materials.
      • The REALM project FAQ clearly states that they are not giving recommendations or guidance.
    • The CDC states: “based on available epidemiological data and studies of environmental transmission factors, surface transmission is not the main route by which SARS-CoV-2 spreads, and the risk is considered to be low. The principal mode by which people are infected with SARS-CoV-2 is through exposure to respiratory droplets carrying infectious virus. In most situations, cleaning surfaces using soap or detergent, and not disinfecting, is enough to reduce risk. Disinfection is recommended in indoor community settings where there has been a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 24 hours. The risk of fomite [surface] transmission can be reduced by wearing masks consistently and correctly, practicing hand hygiene, cleaning, and taking other measures to maintain healthy facilities.”
• Totes
  • Unload incoming RIDES green totes as soon as possible.
  • If you choose to clean your totes, MCLS recommends to spray/wipe with:
    • Household bleach solution (4 tsp bleach per quart of water or 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water), allow one minute of contact, dry.
      • EPA information on disinfectants for COVID-19
  • Return the totes as soon as possible.