Duplicates Exchange Union (DEU)

Connecting unused, surplus library resources with people who need them

Duplicates Exchange Union (DEU) logo

Go to the DEU


What is the DEU?

An autonomous group of libraries that communicate via electronic discussion list to exchange usable library material. Membership is free and open to all libraries. It connects those who need materials with those who have more than they need. All kinds of libraries and librarians participate, primarily of small college and public libraries. Everyone is welcome.

How does it work?

  • DEU members send exchange lists and want lists via email to the DEU group. All DEU participants receive this email.
  • When a DEU member finds an item of interest, they send a request email inquiry to the posting library.
  • The originating library then fills and ships the requests in order of receipt.
  • The requesting library then sends the postage amount back to the originating library.

How do I join the DEU?    

  • Go to the DEU group in ALA Connect.
  • Log in with your ALA username and password. If you do not have an ALA username and password, you can create one for free. You do not need to be a member of ALA or Core to join and post to the DEU.
  • Click on the "Join Community" button in the upper left-hand corner above the group's name.

How do I leave the DEU?

  • Go to the DEU group in ALA Connect.
  • Log in with your ALA username and password.
  • Click on the "Settings" button in the upper left-hand corner beneath the group's name.
  • In the pop-up menu that appears, click on the phrase "Leave community" in the right-hand column.

Is the DEU available in paper format?    

No, the Core DEU is only available through the ALA Connect group.


Instructions    

1) Prepare your list.    

Exchange lists and want lists are prepared the same way. All types of library materials (in usable condition) may be listed. For clarity, group materials by type, as follows:

Periodicals

Harper's Magazine
v. 220-241, 1960-1970.(bd)
(bd. indicates bound volumes)

Books

Hylton, Sara. CAPRICE. St. Martin's Press, 1980.
(paper)
(paper indicates paperbound book)

Documents

Y4.Lii/4:Y8/3 Youth Act of 1980

2) Prepare your message.

  1. Create an email addressed to ALA-CoreDEU@ConnectedCommunity.org (you must have joined the community in ALA Connect to send messages to the group)
  2. In the subject line:
    • indicate whether you're looking or offering
    • if offering, indicate when the offer will expire (six weeks from the posting date is suggested)
  3. Include your address and other contact information
  4. Paste your list into the message.
  5. When you click Send, the message will go to all DEU members.
  6. Once interested parties have connected, the sending library ships the materials and, upon delivery, the receiving library sends postage costs back.

3) Shipping    

All packages should be wrapped securely. Within the U.S., packages should be sent via parcel post, library rate. Libraries are requested not to ship by freight unless permission is secured in advance from the receiving library. Between the U.S. and Canada, packages should be sent book rate only (library rate is not permitted). When shipping to foreign libraries, caution should be exercised, since in some countries the governments do not permit the refunding of postage. The DEU recommends that when shipping exchange materials to foreign libraries that the originating library write first to make shipping and payment arrangements.

4) Refunding Postage    

When the requesting library receives the exchange items requested, it refunds the postage amount of $3 and above to the originating library. To do so, the requesting library clips the shipping label and the postage meter stamp, and returns the proper amount. Note: some DEU member libraries cannot accept refunds in the form of postage stamps; for these, currency should be sent instead.

All incidents of non-refunding of postage costs should be reported to Core staff.


DEU Etiquette

  • Do not call libraries regarding requests or exchange materials
  • Shipping libraries should closely note the instructions provided by requesting libraries
  • Exchange list materials are expected to be free of charge excluding shipping fees. Libraries requesting materials refund the postage amount of $3 and above to the originating library.

If you have any questions or difficulties in logging in or subscribing to the list, please contact Core staff.