Waiting for books? So are we. Find out more about delays

If you feel the line isn’t moving quickly for the latest James Patterson mystery or Freida McFadden thriller, you’re not alone. And we aren’t happy about it, either.

On Sept. 30, Elkhart Public Library took action to end its relationship with Baker and Taylor, the largest wholesale distributor of books to public libraries across the country. The Charlotte, N.C.-based company is closing after 200 years of operations, plagued by mounting debt and ongoing fulfillment issues.

Unfortunately, this development left lots of orders in limbo. Elkhart Public Library alone had been waiting on more than a thousand ordered books to arrive.

EPL pivoted quickly in an attempt to minimize disruption. Selectors canceled Baker and Taylor orders at the end of September and turned to reliable providers like Amazon, Ingram and other booksellers.

Brenda Hostetler works through a stack of books in our Technical Services Department, where materials are processed and catalogued.

What does all this mean for Elkhart Public Library users? We’ve put together this FAQ to address some concerns if you’re waiting for books. If you have a specific question, please send us a note or ask in person and we can get you an answer.

How does this disrupt library services?

Easy answer – lots. Our librarians basically have to restart the entire ordering process. They’re good at it, but remember, they have to redo the work on thousands of titles we thought would be on the way. When the system bogs down like this, it creates hiccups from payment processing to shelving.

When can I expect popular titles to make it onto library shelves?

Here’s where it gets tricky. Just like when you order a title for your home bookshelf, we have to wait for delivery, too. Then it goes through the cataloging process – the stuff that makes the book last for multiple uses and gets everything squared away in the computer system. After that, then it’s ready to enter circulation.

When will my purchase suggestion be available?

If you have requested a particular title and we’ve been able to acquire it, those books are being given just as high a priority as the titles on hold.

Is Elkhart Public Library losing money as a result of unfilled orders?

We are monitoring the status of orders claiming to have been fulfilled, but we have no issues reported to date.

How can I help?

Well, at this point, we just ask for patience. This was an unforeseen problem, and our staff has acted quickly to try and keep things moving. Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of booksellers who process and ship orders, so the timeline depends on what comes in the mail or delivery truck each day. Our cataloguers are working on the high-priority titles first to move them out as quickly as possible into your hands.