RE: Using Unique Management with III

[Kriss Ostrom <kriss@xxxxxxxxxx>]

We recently began using Unique Management as our collection agency just
about 6 months ago, but we have not purchased the Innovative Collection
software.

We identify items to be sent for collection via Create List, which we import
to MS Access, manipulate the data, and create a file which we e-mail to
Unique.  We usually get an e-mail back from Unique within 15 minutes letting
us know that they have updated our files..

We don't update our files with Unique online or even daily -- we didn't see
the need for that type of currency since these are not active patrons.  (We
e-mail them updated files about every other week, which meets our needs very
well.)

I don't recollect what I didn't like about Innovative's Collection Agency
software (which I understand was developed specifically to work with Unique
Management).  I attended the beginning of an IUG session that introduced it
2-1/2 years ago ... but didn't stay because for some reason it would not
work with our campus policies -- perhaps it couldn't send only bills?   (We
don't forward overdue fines for items returned late for collection -- in
fact, we don't even place enrollment holds for fines -- only for replacement
bills when material has not been returned.)   

Of course, it wouldn't have worked with our old collection agency.  I should
probably take a look at that software again now that we are using Unique,
but I suspect I would not consider it worth the cost.  If you want more
specifics on how we send files to Unique, please e-mail me directly (off the
list).

    -- Kriss
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Kriss Ostrom, Department Head, Circulation & Information Services
Main Library, Michigan State University, 100 Library
East Lansing, MI 48824-1048
517/355-8429       FAX 517/355-5005       E-mail:  kriss@xxxxxxxxxx
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Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape.  ;-)
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We are one of the few academic libraries using Unique, but I'm not sure why.
Academic libraries are interested in positive PR with our patrons, just like
public libraries.  In fact, negative PR was why we were most unhappy with
our previous collection agency.  

We paid a one-time up-front fee of $500 to modify the text of their letters
to meet our needs, something they were very happy to do.

Their service is excellent
> ----------
> From: 	Roger Dutcher[SMTP:dutcher.roger@xxxxxxxxxx]
> Reply To: 	innopac@xxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: 	Tuesday, October 02, 2001 4:29 PM
> To: 	INNOPAC
> Subject: 	Using Unique Management with III
> 
>     We are seriously considering using Unique Management as a collection
> agency, and I am hoping to get some information from anyone, especially
> public libraries about using it with Innovative.  
>     It is my understanding that the software used by Unique is compatible
> with Innovative, and need to know what is involved in getting that set up,
> what the costs would be, etc.      What libraries are using both
> Innovative and Unique, and what are their experiences doing so.  
>     Thank you very much for all your help
>  
> PS We are still on release 2000D
>  
> Roger Dutcher
> System Librarian 
>  
> and
>  
> Mary Varney
> Key Terminal Operator/Overdues Tech.
> Beloit Public Library
> 409 Pleasant St
> Beloit WI 53511
> 608-364-2910
> varney.mary@xxxxxxxxxx
>