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G2S Project Code: 2023-PA-93719
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2023
Grantee
Interlibrary Delivery Service of Pennsylvania

Project Director
Director Name: Pamela Dinan
Director Phone: (215) 348-2940
Director Email: pdinan@bucksiu.org
General Information
Title: Interlibrary Delivery Service
State Project Code: 217-230001
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: The Interlibrary Delivery Service of Pennsylvania (IDS) provides a cost effective delivery service for many types of libraries in the Mid-Atlantic region to support timely resource sharing through interlibrary loan. IDS holds a consolidated shipping account with the United Parcel Service (UPS); this consolidated account operates under the Pennsylvania's CoStars agreement for small package delivery. Currently, IDS membership includes 179 Full Member libraries and 120 sites which are Affiliates of Full Member ("Parent") libraries, totaling 299 libraries. From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, the IDS consortium shipped 323,265 packages at a cost of $2,752,945.48. The consortium saved $2,392,701.33, or 47%, in shipping costs during this period. It is also important to note that a package can weigh up to 30lbs and can hold multiple items. One package does not equal one piece of library material. IDS does not track the contents of packages.
State Goal: Statewide Infrastructure
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$550,000.00
$1,329,158.11
$0.00
$1,879,158.11
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Collection Development & Management
Other
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Interlibrary Delivery Service of Pennsylvania
Narrative: The Interlibrary Delivery Service of Pennsylvania (IDS) provides a cost effective efficient delivery service for many types of libraries in the Mid-Atlantic region to support timely resource sharing through interlibrary loan.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical


Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 323,265
Average number of items circulated / month: 26,938
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 123
Academic Libraries: 133
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 38
Other: 5
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
As a consortium, IDS has a proven track record of considerable savings on delivery charges. IDS continues to show that the physical movement/delivery of library materials remains an important aspect of library services. IDS data shows a consistent range of packages shipped on an annual basis as well as a cost savings to the membership each year. IDS now allows all member libraries to ship residentially, allowing libraries to reach remote patrons such as homebound patrons, distance learning students and off-site faculty. Libraries also have the option to provide return shipping labels to allow patrons to ship the materials back to the library under the IDS consortium rates.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The IDS Board of Directors along with management services have been monitoring shipping statistics with the advent of digital materials. The data consistently shows that the movement of physical materials remains important to libraries and their patrons. 2019 - 469,655 packages, 63% savings or $3,219,599 in shipping costs 2020 - 223,104 packages, 64% savings or $1,755,763.58 in shipping costs 2021 - 303,775 packages, 64% savings or 2,509,944.61 in shipping costs 2022 - 325,826 packages, 52% savings or $2,461,788.27 in shipping costs 2023 - 346,406 packages, 47% savings or $2,587,431.13 in shipping costs
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The various pilots that IDS has run over the past 7 years have consistently shown the Board and management services that IDS needs to remain responsive the ever-changing profile of patrons and member delivery service needs. The data also shows that IDS has saved a considerable amount of shipping charges for its membership, allowing members to maintain high-quality service to their patrons.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
In March 2022, IDS saw a significant increase in shipping costs with UPS. The IDS Board has been balancing the management of our reserve funds with an increase in member fees. IDS secured a pricing agreement with FedEx that we hope will lower our shipping costs. In February 2024, IDS began a pilot project to have pilot libraries ship with FedEx so that we could collect cost data and understand the customer service experience. The pilot has been successful so far but has required additional efforts towards the project.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: