Quick Links
- Illinois Delivers (ILDS)
ILDS overview for DLS members (PDF) - About DLS delivery
- DLS Delivers bookmarks for reprinting (PDF)
- DLS Delivers comparison sheet (PDF)
- DLS delivery contacts
- Member responsibilities for delivery
- Delivery best practices video
- Pick-up and drop-off points
- Packaging and labeling
- DLS routing label (in PDF format, "From" field editable)
- ILDS
- ILDS label (in PDF format, "From" field editable)
- ILDS directory
- Weight and size limitations
- Items sent outside DLS (ILDS)
- Library record updating
- DLS and member closings
- Delivery routes
About DLS Delivery
DLS provides five-day-a-week van delivery of materials to and from its member public libraries, MAGIC members, and to other members based on need. Van on Demand (VOD) service is provided to DLS members with less frequent delivery needs.
The delivery interfaces with other systems and the Illinois State Library through the Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS). Delivery points are determined on criteria including, but not limited to, volume of use, collection strengths, membership in the LLSAP (MAGIC), and convenience of member libraries.
DLS Delivery Statistics |
|
| Daily delivery routes | 3 |
| Five-day per week delivery stops | 38 |
| Van on Demand libraries | 58 |
| Indirect delivery libraries (pick-up points at other libraries) | 51 |
| Miles traveled per week | 1,050 |
| Miles traveled annually | 55,000 |
| Items transported annually | 1,980,159 |
In compliance with the standards for the services of Illinois multitype library systems, DLS Van Delivery Service will deliver the following items:
- Library materials - defined as items that are classified, catalogued, and available for loan
- Items sent out from DLS
The following items are included among items that will not be delivered by DLS Delivery Service:
- Items that can and should be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service
- Non-library-related material
- Material deemed inappropriate by the van drivers
DLS Delivery Contacts
- Delivery email address (preferred)
delivery@dupagels.lib.il.us - Van on demand
vod@dupagels.lib.il.us - Jaime Ramirez, Delivery Manager
jaime.ramirez@railslibraries.info
Member Responsibilities for Delivery
There are several guidelines to ensure timely and quality delivery service with a minimum number of misplaced items. See the Delivery Best Practices video for an overview, as well as the specific guidelines below.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Points
- Pick-up and drop-off points at member libraries should be convenient and provide easy access for drivers.
- Libraries serving as pick-up points for other libraries should:
- Call those facilities who pick up at their library to let them know material is waiting for them.
- Material not picked up within two weeks should be returned to the DuPage Library System with a note of explanation.
- All library material should be picked up promptly.
Packaging and Labeling
- All items must be clearly labeled with a blue DLS routing label (in PDF format, "From" field editable) or a yellow ILDS label (PDF format, "From" field editable).
- All labels must clearly identify the destination.
- See the ILDS directory or L2 (Library Learning) for assistance.
- If the final library destination and pick-up point are not the same, add the name of the library for which material is intended.
- Add an attention line if material goes to a specific library staff member or department. To protect patron privacy, do not put a patron's name on the routing label.
- Same size material (for the same library) should be bundled and secured crosswise with two rubber bands; bundles should not be over 4 inches high.
- When quantities to specific libraries are large enough, sorting should be done directly into bags.
- Clearly mark bags to indicate that all materials contained within one bag are going to the same destination.
- Attach labels to handles or insert them in the plastic view windows on the end of the bags.
- Remove previously attached labels from the bag to avoid confusion in routing.
- Pack full bags as tightly as possible to prevent spillage in transit. Larger and heavier items should be placed on the bottom to ensure safe stacking on the dolly. Handles should be able to be grasped together with one hand.
- Avoid using staples to attach tags to the bags or bag handles.
- Where possible, material going to the other libraries along the remaining part of the route should be placed on top.
Weight and Size Limitations
- Limit of 35 pounds per box. Drivers may leave boxes determined to be heavier than this weight limit. Drivers are permitted to refuse material they deem inappropriate.
- Boxes should be closed, securely taped, and clearly marked for their destinations.
- For unusually large pickups (bindery shipments, etc.), call in advance to make special arrangements.
Items Sent Outside of DLS (ILDS)
- Address with an ILDS label (in PDF format, "From" field editable).
- To prevent delay in getting items to their correct destination, check the ILDS directory or L2 (Library Learning) for correct route/regional library system information.
- Provide all information requested on an ILDS label.
- See the Illinois Delivers website for more information on ILDS.
Library Record Updating
- All DLS member libraries have at least one record in Library Learning (L2). There is usually one record per building (plus a district-level record for public schools).
- It's your library's responsibility to update its L2 record(s) whenever its information changes, such as delivery information, contact information, hours of operation, managerial staff, etc.
- For assistance with L2 updates, email info@dupagels.lib.il.us.
Closings
System Closings
There is no delivery on system holidays.
Emergency Closings
When extreme weather conditions or impassable roads necessitate closing the system, every effort will be made to inform member libraries. Check the following for announcements of closings:
- Emergency Closing Center
- WGN, WMAQ, WBBM, and WFXW radio stations
Member Library Closings
Please notify the system of your library's closing for holidays, in-service, etc. by emailing us at delivery@dupagels.lib.il.us.
Delivery Routes
- Delivery routes arranged by library (PDF)
- East delivery route (PDF)
- West delivery route (PDF)
- Van on demand (VOD) delivery route (PDF)
