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Connecticar, a service provided by the Connecticut State Library

• Guidelines and Procedures
• Contact Information
  
• Delivery Schedule - By Library by Town and by Route Number
• Routing Slip - MS Word Version
• Routing Slip - PDF Version 
• Labels for DVD Envelopes

Connecticar Delivery Time Survey, April 2008

Volume Survey for week of October 26-30, 2009 (enter data by November 6th)

Introduction
Connecticar (Ccar) provides statewide delivery service to 225 libraries. Handling approximately two million items each year, it is the backbone of resource sharing among Connecticut's public and academic libraries.  The Connecticar delivery service was begun in the 1970's to support resource sharing among libraries.  At that time, the state's public libraries began a reciprocal borrowing arrangement that allows any citizen in the state to use their hometown library card in any other public library.  If they borrow an item from any public or academic library it may be dropped off at any library and Connecticar will return it to the owning library. In addition, Connecticar supports statewide interlibrary loan.  Demand for the service has grown steadily since its inception.  

The service is provided through a combination of State Library operated service to 100 libraries while a private contractor, Avant Business Services, provides delivery to 125 libraries.   One of the service goals for the State Library's Division of Library Development is to provide next-business-day delivery for items placed on Connecticar.  The majority of libraries now receive 5-day-a-week delivery.  At the end of each day, both State Library staff and Avant sort all items picked up for delivery on the next scheduled stop.  Material going between the two services is exchanged each morning and afternoon.

New packaging and labeling requirements were implemented in January 2007.  Each library has been assigned a route number.  Sorting and delivery will be based on this number.  All Ccar routing slips must include this number.  Also, bulk sorting of items being sent to one library is permitted with the use of heavy plastic sorting bags.  For details see the Guidelines above. 

Listserv
The State Library maintains a listserv to improve communication to libraries about the delivery service.  All public and academic libraries should have at least one staff person subscribe to the listserv.  To subscribe go to: http://mylist.net/listinfo/ccarlist.

Scroll down to "Subscribing to Ccarlist."

Enter your e-mail address in the "Your email address:" box. (The "Your name:" and password-related boxes are optional.)

Click the Subscribe button. Shortly after clicking Subscribe, you will receive an e-mail message with directions on confirming your subscription.

Connecticar Service
Connecticut State Library
Van Block Avenue, Hartford, CT 
Tel: 1-860-566-1100 x306 
Services Manager: Walter Magnavice