INFOPASS (an acronym for Information Passport) is an inter-library program that allows a patron to access materials not immediately available to his/her own library or library system. Infopass, which originated in 1973, is successful because many Library Council member libraries have agreed to share their resources, giving library patrons an alternative to quickly access the information they need.
An Infopass form can be issued when a patron of a Library Council member library seeks a particular item that is not available in his/her library. With the completed Infopass, the patron can go directly to the Library Council member library that owns the material, and use or borrow the resource. Information needed by the librarian to refer the patron and to complete the Infopass is contained in the Library Council's Library Directory.
Library Council member libraries can be found in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha counties.
Infopass Procedures
ISSUING LIBRARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. Exhaust your own resources first. Infopass may not be used for items that are available (circulating as well as non-circulating) in the issuing library or library system. In extenuating circumstances, contact the source (lending) library to see if an exception can be made.
2. Consult the Library Council's Library Directory of Metropolitan Milwaukee to determine the policies and procedures of the lending library. Remember, not all Library Council members participate in Infopass and a library may limit access to on-site use only. Public-access resources should be fully utilized before those of private libraries.
3. Verify the availability of the resource by calling the lending library, using the Infopass contact number listed in the Library Directory. The lending library need not verify an item's presence on the shelf to state item is available. Discuss any special requirements of the lending library at this time.
4. Fill out the Infopass legibly and completely: all information is required. The issuing librarian's signature must appear on the form. One Infopass can be issued to a patron at a time for up to three (3) items. The form must be used within two weeks from issue date. Borrowers should be reminded to return materials directly to the lending library by the due date.
5. Record the Infopass. Keep the bottom (pink) copy for your records. Give top two (white and yellow) copies to the patron to present to the lending library.
6. Overdue/Damaged/Lost Material. The issuing library assumes all responsibility for costs of materials damaged or not returned. Issuing library agrees to follow up on all overdue/billing problems after notification by lending library.
7. It is recommended that public libraries issue Infopasses only to residents of current Library Council member library communities.
SOURCE (LENDING) LIBRARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. Review the Infopass form carefully. Infopass should not be honored if 1) the issuing library is not a current member of Library Council; 2) the form is not signed; 3) more than two weeks have elapsed since issuance; 4) adequate bibliographic information is not provided by issuing library; or 5) adequate patron identification is not provided. (NOTE: Some special libraries use a courier or messenger service to pick up items. A note on library letterhead or business card may be accepted as verification of identification.)
2. Assist the patron in locating needed material. Substitutions may be made at the discretion of the lending librarian if requested material is not available. Issuing library should be contacted for approval of substitutions or additions. An Infopass is issued on a one-time basis and must be surrendered at time of use. Renewals may be made at the discretion of the lending library. Remind the patron when and where to return items.
3. Record the Infopass. Circle the item number on Infopass for completed transactions, including any substitutions.
4. Return the Infopass, retaining the top (white) copy of the Infopass for your own records. Collect the second (yellow) copies and send them to the Library Council on a monthly basis.
5. Notify the issuing library of any overdue materials. Remind the library of lending library's overdue procedure.
PROGRAM TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Each participating library should develop and regularly review its written Infopass policies to cover internal interpretation and ensure all public service staff members are trained in Infopass procedures.
Infopass is a library-to-library arrangement and its success depends on good communication. Consult the Library Directory and telephone the lending library where indicated. Make sure your own library's Directory entry is clear and current. Notify the Library Council of all changes.
Infopass is intended for access to specific items at the lending library, not general subject access. This is to insure that the issuing library is helping the patron identify needed materials and that the issuing library's resources have been exhausted. Substitutions may be made at the discretion of the lending library after an attempt is made to contact issuing library (since the issuing library is ultimately responsible for any materials circulated to its patrons).
01/10/02