Is there still a Library Rate?

[waldoneatsie]

I have cards to ship but Library Rate does not show up in Shipping....anyone know why?  Thank You

[lex-talon]

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@waldoneatsie wrote:

I have cards to ship but Library Rate does not show up in Shipping....anyone know why?  Thank You

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You will need to go to the Post Office to receive Library Rate

shipping.

[1950mach5]

  The USPS has a service Media Mail which use to originally be called a Library Rate, because it was used to transfer material from one library to another. Many years back ago they decided to call it Media Mail and it's only for Books, VHS Video, DVD's, CD's, Films, Records(for record players,) it costs a lot less but the USPS states that they can at times open a package to inspect and make sure the contents are within the Media Mail guidelines if not they'll seize it and you'll never get back what was sent. Cards though are not considered by USPS as Media Mail and have to be sent First Class which is cheaper and faster. Media Mail takes usually about 7-10 days to receive First Class 3-4 days to receive. Media Mail works usually better on heavy items or a shipment which would otherwise be costly if sent by USPS Priority Mail.  Hopefully that is of some use.  Happy Holidays~

[1950mach5]

 I am sure that the ebay labels has USPS Media Mail as an option , which though is only for Books, VHS Video, DVD's, CD's, Films, Records( for Record Player) and Audio Cassette Tapes. 

Happy Holidays~

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

Yes, there is still a Library Rate -- but it is for use by libraries, not the general public.  It is not the same as Media Mail, formerly known as Book Rate and Special 4th Class Book Rate.

"Cards" are not eligible for Media Mail.  However, up to 15.999 oz., you can offer First Class Package Service.  The FCPS commercial rate starts at $2.61 for up to 4 oz., which is actually cheaper than the minimum 1 lb. rate for Media Mail.

~~C~~

[johnrj1226]

https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/notice123.pdf

[partial*eclipse]

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@1950mach5 wrote:

  The USPS has a service Media Mail which use to originally be called a Library Rate, because it was used to transfer material from one library to another. Many years back ago they decided to call it Media Mail ...

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@1950mach5

Library Mail and Media Mail are separate services, with slightly different criteria about which items are eligible.  For instance, LibraryMail can be used for periodicals.  Library Rate still exists as you can see in Notice 123, also linked above:

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c059

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/173.htm#ep1115292

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@1950mach5 wrote:

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 ... they can at times open a package to inspect and make sure the contents are within the Media Mail guidelines if not they'll seize it and you'll never get back what was sent....

If a Media Mail package is inspected and found ineligible, it is not confiscated, it is reclassified as Priority Mail and delivered with Postge Due.

[partial*eclipse]

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@1950mach5 wrote:

 I am sure that the ebay labels has USPS Media Mail as an option , which though is only for Books, VHS Video, DVD's, CD's, Films, Records( for Record Player) and Audio Cassette Tapes. 

Happy Holidays~

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Several other types of media  are also eligible, ranging from sheet music to book manuscripts to testing materials.

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/173.htm#ep1113509

Here's a handy reference chart that USPS put together for staff.  The OP didn't specify what type of "cards" they had, and they're probably not eligible for MM, but if they're flash cards then they are because USPS says they are testing materials.

https://liteblue.usps.gov/news/link/2013/04apr/Media-Mail-Guidelines.htm

[partial*eclipse]

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@duchess-at-speakeasy wrote:

Yes, there is still a Library Rate -- but it is for use by libraries, not the general public.  ...

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Library Mail can  be used by the general public when sending TO an eligible institution or organization:

"The following specific items may be mailed at the Library Mail price when sent to or from schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, museums, and herbariums and to or from nonprofit religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic (charitable), agricultural, labor, veterans, or fraternal organizations:"

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/173.htm#ep1115292

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

Thank you for the detailed clarification about Library Mail.  I am aware of the to-from limitation and other requirements.  The bottom line is that eBay does not offer Library Mail because it is "not applicable" to eBay transactions in general -- and would cause even more confusion and misuse than Media Mail.

Personally, I often have sold materials to museums, libraries, schools and assorted qualifying organizations.  But I have never considered Library Mail as necessary or cost-efficient.  Besides, at commercial rates, there's a pre-sort component.

~~C~~

[sam9876]

Smart sellers use First Class.