Updated Procedure for Delivery Transit Tubs & Bags at Member Libraries

Effective March 1, 2026

Published : Feb. 27, 2026

Why a Change Is Needed

With the discontinuation of transit receipts for SHARE members, it has become more difficult for both delivery drivers and member libraries to determine whether items in a transit tub have been processed. To reduce confusion and ensure smooth daily operations, we are implementing a clear visual process for processed items.

What's the New Procedure?

Once all items delivered by IHLS have been processed at your library, please turn the label so that it faces backwards (library name inward toward the container). 

This will help member library staff know if:

  • The tub or bag placed in the delivery exchange location previously was picked up.
  • The tub or bag is new and can be processed by your staff.

This will help your IHLS delivery driver know if:

  • The tub or bag's contents have been processed by the library from the previous delivery
  • The tub or bag is ready to be picked up by delivery staff and can be returned to the IHLS hub

Does My Library Have to Follow this Procedure? 

This updated procedure is for all IHLS member libraries, regardless of whether you've turned off transit labels at your location. So, yes, your library must follow it. 

We need 100% compliance from all member libraries to ensure drivers can clearly and consistently determine whether a delivery container is ready for pickup. Consistency across all locations is essential to prevent confusion and delays. Beginning March 23, 2026, if your library does not follow this process, delivery drivers will not pick up the containers and will leave a notice reminding you of the newly adopted procedure.

Special Note About ILDS Materials

For Libraries That Only Use Purple ILDS Bags

A purple ILDS bag with the label turned. Image marked with an x, indicating that libraries shouldn't turn the ILDS bags' labels.

Please do not turn these labels around. The labels on purple ILDS bags must remain visible. Drivers can determine the processing status of these materials without turning the label. 

For Libraries That Use Red Tubs Containing ILDS Materials

A red tub with the label turned. Image is marked with a green check, indicating that libraries should do this.

Please follow this newly adopted process to turn the label around on red tubs once the contents have been processed.

Quick Visual Guide

A gray bag and gray tub with unturned labels. The library names are still visible.

These are labels facing outward or in the normal position. As the labels are unturned, the library names are visible.

The unturned label means the items still need to be processed at the member library.

This tells IHLS delivery staff to leave the tub at the library as it's not ready for pickup.

 

A gray bag and gray tub with turned labels. The library names are no longer visible.

These are labels facing outward or in the normal position. As the labels are unturned, the library names are visible.

The unturned label means the items still need to be processed at the member library.

This tells IHLS delivery staff to leave the tub at the library as it's not ready for pickup.

 

Important Reminders

  • Please turn the label only after all items in the container have been fully processed.
  • If a container is only partially processed, leave the label facing outward.
  • Consistency with this procedure will help prevent confusion and delays.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this new process, please contact us on the Delivery Help Desk. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep delivery operations running smoothly.