Do you have questions about how eXchange works, what some features are all about, or how to perform a particular activity? We plan to continue Tip of the Week, but want to make sure we are addressing the topics you want to know about. Also, if you need training for your staff or a consultation on a particular problem, let us know that too. We can set aside some time for a virtual session to guide you through the process with a focus on your library. Finally, if you...

When uploading large spreadsheets (typically 250 or more items), errors are not indicated in the same way they are for smaller spreadsheets. For these uploads, you are not taken to a screen that shows and allows you to fix errors. Instead, all error-free items are sent automatically into the system and a separate spreadsheet is generated for items with errors. If this happens, you will get a screen like this telling you that items failed to import: To access the ne...

There are a few bulk actions that were included in FDLP eXchange to decrease users’ workloads. Based on user requests, GPO is investigating enhancements that will provide additional bulk functionality. There are currently two types of bulk actions available to use in FDLP eXchange. Inputting Needs and Offers: Needs and Offers can be uploaded into the system in bulk using a spreadsheet. See Tips 23, 29, and 30 for more information. Regional Review: Regional lib...

Did you know that you can specify which of your needs are for disaster recovery or digitization? From the manual input page, just select “Yes” for either option (or for both.) When you do this, your Needs will be designated with a symbol for either Disaster Recovery (a red cross) or Digitization (a blue computer.) These designations can also be used as filters in both the Advanced Search and the Needs and Offers Repository. The disaster recovery filter allo...

FDLP eXchange web pages have been updated to make them easier to use. Instead of one page, there are now five pages broken out by function. FDLP eXchange (landing page accessible from any page on FDLP.gov under the Collection Tools menu at the top) This page is an easy place to access all the eXchange pages. It also provides direct links to both the live and training eXchange sites. FDLP eXchange Instructions This page provides a description of eXchange sites...

item, when you have received a new message, when a match is accepted or completed, and more.You can also choose how you want to be notified: by email or in the system. If you choose email, then you will receive notifications in your email. If you choose system, you will see the notification icon at the top of your screen activate.To set your notifications, go to “My User Account” under “Library Account.”From here, you will be able to select which notifications you want t...

Once a month, the FDLP eXchange training and live sites undergo system maintenance. This is done to ensure that both websites are fully-functional and technically up-to-date for user access. The maintenance takes place between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m (Eastern). If you attempt to use either of the sites during this period, you may not be able to access the usual features of eXchange.As a way to prepare users for monthly maintenance, brief messages are posted to both the t...

Many states have more than one library serving as a regional. These regionals manage discards in many different ways, all of which can be done using FDLP eXchange. As with single-regional states, it is up to the regionals to determine the discard process for selectives.There are two important things for multi-regional states to do when using eXchange:Have a plan. There are numerous ways that regionals in these states divide discard responsibilities, whether by topic, cal...

My Exchange, Needs and Offers Repository, and Advanced SearchThere are three places in FDLP eXchange where you can go to look at needs and offers: My eXchange; Needs and Offers Repository; and Advanced Search. Each of these has a different function and provides access to different items.My eXchange allows you to see your own needs, offers, and requests. You will only see your own items here.Needs and Offers Repository allows you to see other libraries’ needs and off...

Mailing and Marking Items as “Received”Once items have been matched or requested and are ready to transfer, mark as mailed so the requesting library knows it is on the way. This will also alert other libraries that the item is no longer available.When the item is received, mark as received to complete the transaction.Once this is done, the item status will change to Fulfilled/Transferred and will not be seen by other libraries. ...