Important Update: Barcode Duplication Project Ending December 31, 2025

Illinois Heartland Library System

Published : Nov. 19, 2025

SHARE Members,

As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to thank SHARE members for your dedication, flexibility, and teamwork throughout the Barcode Duplication Project. Your commitment to improving our shared systems and supporting one another has been invaluable, and we truly couldn’t have reached this milestone without your collaboration. As the Inter-governmental agreements (IGA) are set to expire, the Barcode Duplication Project will officially conclude on December 31, 2025.

What This Means for SHARE Members

  • Transit Labels Ending: Beginning January 1, 2026, transit labels will no longer be required for SHARE members borrowing from SHARE members. Items traveling through the ILDS system and items sent to the CMC and SHARE Cataloging, as well as items being borrowed or lent through OCLC will still need a transit label. Member libraries will individually disable transit labels at their workstations when they are ready, as there is no system-wide setting for this. Instructions will be provided to members in January following the special AMHS Members Matter. This will ensure that transit receipts are not turned off too early.
  • Barcode Duplication at System Hubs: As of December 31, 2025, we will end duplication services at our buildings.
  • Barcode Duplicator Kits: As of December 31, 2025, the IGA will expire, which will officially end our loaning of barcode duplicator kits. Please ensure all duplicator kits are returned by December 31, 2025.
    • If you know you will require more time to complete duplication at your library and would like to borrow a kit beyond this deadline, a new IGA will be required. Please email Colleen Dettenmeier to create a new IGA for borrowing a duplicator kit for your library after December 31.
  • After the project concludes, we will take a pause to evaluate workflows without receipts and assess progress on outside barcode placement. Next steps will be determined around June 2026.

Special AMHS Members Matter Meeting

To support a smooth transition as we end barcode duplication and stop requiring transit receipts, we will hold a special AMHS Members Matter session on
📅 Wednesday, January 7, 2026
🕙 10 a.m.
During this session, IHLS staff will review:

  • Details about the Barcode Duplication Project conclusion
  • How to turn off transit labels at your library
  • Clarification on the various Damaged Item procedures and reports
  • Additional workflow updates and next steps

If you are unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded and shared afterward. Register on L2. 

Reminders

  • Outside Barcodes: Members should continue placing outside barcodes on all new items at your library.
  • Branch-Level Sorting Receipts: Beginning January 1, 2026, all members with branches (public libraries with branches or multiple schools within a district) will have branch-level sorting receipts applied by system hubs as materials are sorted.
    • The main delivery location will not have receipts applied.
    • All items leaving your main delivery location (heading to branches) will include receipts to help you identify where items are going.
    • If this applies to your library, you will soon receive a paper in delivery to confirm these details.

Thank you for your continued partnership and attention to these upcoming changes. Your cooperation helps ensure a smooth transition as we conclude the Barcode Duplication Project.