Library Catalogue

LENDING LIBRARY, SEPTEMBER 1997

(This issue supersedes that dated April 1993)

LENDING LIBRARY:INTRODUCTION
 

Because of the restrictions imposed by the terms of our Insurance Policy, the B.W.I.S.C. Lending Library is primarily restricted to the use of United Kingdom (UK) members of the study Circle by means of Postal Loans. Members normally resident overseas (including Europe) may, of course, also use the library during any temporary residence in the UK, i.e. whilst on holiday, but any item borrowed must be returned before the member leaves the UK.

 

The Literature owned by the Circle is listed in the Catalogue in as great detail as possible. It should be noted that each item is listed once only but in some cases a cross reference has been included, drawing attention to other sections of the Catalogue which may be pertinent.

 

Each entry in the Catalogue follows a standard pattern. The Catalogue Reference of the item (e.g.2.3.4.2) is self-explanatory as will be seen, on the extreme right of each entry is a "Location Index" (A3, B4, etc) The TITLE of the item is then given in CAPITAL Letters. In some cases the title is followed by the letter "V" or "H" in brackets indicating that the item is of a high value or scarcity(V) that despatch will only be by REGISTERED LETTER POST; or of such bulk and heaviness(H) that postal costs may be high.

 

The second, and any subsequent, line of each entry is in lower case letters and details the Author(s), Publisher, date of publication, where known. Details are also given of the relevant Edition, Reprint, Facsimile copy or revision and the number of copies held is quoted in figures in brackets at the end of the entry. Some gaps in the referencing system occur to allow for future expansion.

 

Although the Library has been steadily expanded over the past few years there are still many items which could be usefully added particularly in the General Philatelic Section. There must also be many pamphlets, research papers and articles in existence with matters of pertinence and/or interest to many of us. Offers of such items either by sale or by gift are always most welcome.

 

A number of the Auction Catalogues are held without any "Prices Realised" and these may be identified by the (*) which marks them. If any member holds any of these would they loan them for photocopying. The Catalogues would then at least be complete.

LENDING LIBRARY
 

RULES

 

  1. Books etc. may be borrowed by members residing in the United Kingdom and no items will be despatched to an overseas address.
  2. Requests for loans must be in writing quoting the Catalogue number and title of each item required.
  3. No charges are made for the loan of items but all postal costs both ways must be borne by the borrower. Surplus receipts will be devoted to the Library Fund.
  4. All items are Insured against loss from the time of despatch until return to the Hon. Librarian. The terms of the Insurance Policy require that a Certificate of Posting be obtained from the Post Office if a claim for any loss is made. If any item is lost and the Certificate of Posting cannot be produced.

    The borrower will be held responsible for replacing the lost item.
  5. Books and other items are despatched in secure packing. Where "ENVOPAKS" are used these should be retained for the return of items and failure to do so will entail replacement charges being raised. Items must be returned by the same means as sent i.e. an item despatched by Registered Letter Post must be returned by Registered Letter Post.
  6. There are no restrictions on the number of items which may be borrowed at any one time but members are requested to limit their requests to no more than six per loan.
  7. The loan period is six weeks from the date of despatch to the date of return. Where more than one item has been borrowed all items should be returned at the same time.
  8. Extension of the original loan period may be given at the discretion of the Hon. Librarian. Requests for extensions should be made in sufficient time to allow a reply to be made before the end of the original loan period. Extensions will not usually be given for an item requested by another member. Any extension will be for a maximum of four weeks and only one extension per loan will be given.
  9. The Hon. Librarian may vary the original loan period at his discretion to ensure that the return of items does not take place at times when mails may be subject to delays or disruptions (e.g. over the Christmas period)
  10. Members are to take great care of books whilst in their possession. The paper, and bindings, of some older books are more easily damaged than modern works due to brittleness of paper, glue etc. Please do not "Dog-ear" pages, or bend spines more than 180 degrees. Particularly do not subject to photocopying. Please ensure that young children, pets etc. do not have free access to items as they can, unwittingly, cause damage.

 

Derek. M. Nathan (Hon. Librarian)
LENDING LIBRARY: LOAN PROCEDURES
 

1.

Requests for loans are to be in writing and addressed to:

Hon. Librarian, B.W.I.S.C..

7, Cromford Way

New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3BB

2.

No acknowledgement will be made unless the request is accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope for this purpose.

3.

The Hon. Librarian allots a Loan Reference Number to the request, the items requested are selected, packed and despatched as soon as is practicable, the borrower advised under separate cover (a requirement of the Insurance Policy) the items being sent, the date of posting and the expiry date of the loan. This will be accompanied by a Receipt Form which is to be signed by the borrower as soon as the items are received and returned to the Hon. Librarian; an unstamped but addressed envelope being provided for this purpose.

4.

The borrower will be informed of the total costs involved the amount being shown on the Receipt Form. These costs are to be sent with the Receipt and may be in the form of UNUSED postage stamps, cheque, Postal Order or cash but the latter ONLY by REGISTERED letter post. Cheques and Postal Orders sent should be made payable to "D. M. Nathan".

5.

Items will normally be sent by the cheapest post method commensurate with the value or scarcity of the material concerned. Where the value of the items exceeds £50 Registered Letter Post will be used. No package will exceed £200 in value(These limits are in accord with the Insurance Policy) Whilst the Recorded Delivery Letter service will still be used it must be noted that this method is NOT secure as internal movement of such letters whilst in the Post Office system are not recorded and losses of material sent by this means are not uncommon. Furthermore the amount of compensation which can be claimed is very limited. High postal costs are, therefore, to be expected.

6.

The borrower returns the items by the due date ensuring that a Certificate of Posting is obtained from the Post Office. This Certificate is to be retained by the borrower for a sufficient period to allow the items to be delivered plus time which may be needed by the Hon. Librarian to contact the borrower if the items are not received or delivered within a reasonable time of loan expiry date or if damage and/or loss has occurred during transit. Certificates should therefore be kept for a period of about four weeks before being destroyed.

7.

Any correspondence concerning the loan should be by First Class Letter Post to reduce postal delays.

8.

Please remember that an item requested might already be on loan and it is also not unknown for mail to go astray. Generally, if you have not heard from the Hon. Librarian within two weeks of a request something unusual has happened.

Enquiries can be made by telephone by dialling 0181 942 3881