Are Returned Library Materials Still Valuable?
An overview of the quality of materials returned via Unique’s Gentle Nudge® Process
A question we hear quite often is: What kinds of materials are actually returned through Gentle Nudge®? Are they still valuable?
Right now, libraries are being asked to do more with less. Vendor consolidation, longer fulfillment times, and tighter budgets are making it harder to replace popular materials quickly. That’s why questions about the value of materials returned through Unique’s Gentle Nudge® process matter more than ever.
With the recent closure of Baker & Taylor – and the resulting strain on the remaining suppliers – this question has taken on new urgency. Fewer vendors and longer fulfillment timelines make every existing item in circulation more important.
While Unique never collects title-level information in order to protect patron privacy, we do know several key facts that point to the significant value of materials returned through the Gentle Nudge® process.
By definition, these are materials that people want
Old materials sitting on shelves waiting to be weeded don’t magically get turned over to Unique for recovery. For a material to qualify for Gentle Nudge®, it must have been recently checked out and actively circulating. Those are the only items eligible for the process.
This doesn’t mean every returned item is a bestseller, but it does mean the material was recently in use and relevant to your community.
Many of these materials are on hold for other patrons
Although Unique does not collect or store title information, we partnered with several libraries on a blinded study. What we found was telling: for every four long-overdue accounts, three items were waiting on hold.
In practical terms, that means if a library ignores 25 accounts that would qualify for Gentle Nudge®, it may also be ignoring 19 items that other patrons are actively waiting to borrow.
Many of these materials are on hold for other patrons
Although Unique does not collect or store title information, we partnered with several libraries on a blinded study. What we found was telling: for every four long-overdue accounts, three items were waiting on hold.
In practical terms, that means if a library ignores 25 accounts that would qualify for Gentle Nudge®, it may also be ignoring 19 items that other patrons are actively waiting to borrow.
These materials can be recirculated faster than repurchasing
Another important consideration is how quickly returned materials can get back into circulation. As soon as an item is returned, it can immediately fill a hold or be placed back on the shelf and into the catalog.
There’s no purchasing workflow, no staff time spent sourcing replacements, and no delays tied to supply-chain disruptions or vendor backlogs – challenges that are becoming more common in today’s acquisitions environment.
These items can be recirculated faster than repurchasing
Another important consideration is how quickly returned materials can get back into circulation. As soon as an item is returned, it can immediately fill a hold or be placed back on the shelf and into the catalog.
There’s no purchasing workflow, no staff time spent sourcing replacements, and no delays tied to supply-chain disruptions or vendor backlogs – challenges that are becoming more common in today’s acquisitions environment.
Long Overdue Patron Calculator
Enter your library's annual material circulation and fines policy and hit 'Calculate' to estimate how many patrons your library has long overdue and how many other patrons with holds are being affected.
Access matters – even beyond materials
Even if none of the points above applied to a particular library, there would still be meaningful value in the service. When materials are resolved, previously blocked patrons regain access to library services – an essential component of a healthy, inclusive library community.
Library staff always retain full authority to follow local policies regarding material condition, billing, or the collection or waiver of any associated fees.
The return on materials investment is significant
For every one dollar ($1) a library spends with Unique, libraries typically see four times (4×) that amount in the value of materials returned, as reported by their ILS. In many cases, that return is even higher – sometimes 6×, 7×, or more, depending on library policies and settings.
While Gentle Nudge® may appear as an expense in a line-item budget, few investments deliver a comparable return in recovered value and improved circulation.
The return on materials investment is significant
For every one dollar ($1) a library spends with Unique, libraries typically see four times (4×) that amount in the value of materials returned, as reported by their ILS. In many cases, that return is even higher – sometimes 6×, 7×, or more, depending on library policies and settings.
While Gentle Nudge® may appear as an expense in a line-item budget, few investments deliver a comparable return in recovered value and improved circulation.
Supporting responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources
An often-overlooked benefit of Gentle Nudge® is the message it sends to stakeholders. The service demonstrates that the library is being a responsible steward of taxpayer-funded resources.
In times when budgets are under increased scrutiny, showing funding bodies that your library has thoughtful, respectful processes in place to protect shared materials can carry meaningful weight.
Ready to learn more?
Let's set-up a time to connect.
Our Unique team is happy to discuss details and how Unique can help your library manage the long overdue patron process and get more materials back for all to enjoy. Options are available for both traditional and fines free policies.
What it means for libraries when more materials are returned
1. A Boosted Patron Experience
Addressing long overdue patrons allows more patrons already in good standing to access the materials they’ve been eagerly waiting for, ensuring continued patron satisfaction.
2. Revving Up Materials Circulation
When materials are returned promptly, circulation becomes more efficient. Faster circulation means happier, more engaged patrons.
3. Purchasing Optimization
By returning actively circulating materials to shelves faster, Gentle Nudge® helps libraries reduce replacement purchases and make better use of existing collections during periods of vendor disruption and delayed fulfillment.
Wondering how Gentle Nudge® can fit into your library?
A closer look at what Gentle Nudge® does, what it doesn’t, and how it respects existing library policies.
What is Gentle Nudge®?
How is Gentle Nudge® different from traditional collections?
Does Unique collect title information on overdue materials?
How are patrons contacted through the Gentle Nudge® process?
Does the process require extra staff work?
How are juvenile accounts handled?
Where do payments go?
Can libraries control or pause activity?
What reporting is provided?
How is Gentle Nudge® priced?
Interested in next steps?
Let's set-up a time to connect.
We’re happy to talk through questions and share examples from libraries with similar policies and needs. Options are available for both traditional and fines free policies.