The Playaway devices have been wildly successful in the short time they’ve been available to patrons of Sno-Isle Libraries. Currently Playaway collections are available in ten Sno-Isle branches (Freeland, Granite Falls, Marysville, Mobile Services, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Oak Harbor, Snohomish, Stanwood, Sultan). As we’ve evaluated this new format two issues have become sources for concern that have slowed the expansion of the collection.
Cases
Since early in 2007 staff have reported that patrons experience problems with the plastic container housing the Playaway device. Patrons expressed difficulty opening the case or having the case break or tear during use. Since March, Collection Development staff have worked with vendors to address the casing issue. Playaway has responded to our concerns by changing the vendor supplying the cases and also by improving the design, which should make them more durable and easier to open. Damaged cases are replaced at the Service Center as they are weeded.
Battery Labels
Patrons are expected to supply their own AAA battery to listen to the Playaway device. Some first time Playaway patrons have been confused by batteries left in the device by the previous patron. Typically a user will begin listening to a Playaway device and as the battery loses charge the device will begin to perform erratically. Patrons often report the device as defective to staff when they return it. This is an excellent opportunity for staff to ask the patron if they tried replacing the battery and explain that a new battery often resolves the problem. Staff should return the item and if there are no holds pending offer to check out the device to the patron again.
Soon branches with Playaway collections will receive labels recommending patrons replace the AAA battery before listening. In order to keep Playaways in the collection and minimize inconvenience to patrons, branch staff will apply labels, as instructed below, to cases that are in good condition.
Battery Label Placement
- Open the case fully and lay it flat so you can see both the front and back of the case.
- Lift the plastic liner and place the label in the white space below the bottom left corner of the cover art.
As Playaways are returned staff should take the following actions to improve the listening experience for patrons.
· Evaluate the case for tears or other damage.
· Do a brief visual inspection of the Playaway device for damage.
· A missing battery cover is the most common damage. Patrons should not be charged lost battery covers. Send the Playaway in to Mending and staff will replace missing battery covers.
· A damaged case or device should receive a green flag indicating the type of damage and be sent in as weeding.
If you have questions, please contact Jim McCluskey or Nancy Messenger.
This article also appeared in Tech News October 22, 2007
