NLS Operations Alert



No. 09-32


DATE  : June 26, 2009

TO    : Network Libraries
FROM  : NLS/BPH 

Subject :      Mailing cards for blue cartridge containers

We have received reports of mailing cards falling out of the new blue cartridge-mailing
containers during the prelaunch test. We have taken steps to improve the container by
stiffening the frame and adding "rails" in the mailing card area. These additions effectively
make the opening equal to that of the green cassette container and will harden the frame. 
We will continue to investigate further refinements to ensure that the new digital container
will be of the highest quality possible.

Internal testing has shown that a flat 3-inch by 5-inch, 110-pound card stock does not
shake out of the container slot. It appears that a number of factors (i.e, thinner stock,
shorter cards, and/or curled stock) can combine to cause mailing cards to fall out.

We encourage network libraries, when placing new orders for mailing card stock, to follow
the requirements for NLS audio producers. The specification for address cards for both the
cassette and cartridge container reads:

__Address cards shall be 3 inches (+0, -0.0625) by 5 inches (+0, -0.0625) in 
dimension. The weight shall be 110-pound stock. __ 

For more information contact:

Bob Norton
Head, Quality Assurance Section
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