Here at the Kalamazoo Public Library we have our ViaMail service. We use the mail to send things out, but I can answer the first three questions.

1. Our application form asks the patron to let us know why they cannot come to the library. It is usually because of age or disability. We don’t require proof. I can respect the reasons why someone might require proof, but it seems intrusive.
2. We just put that online application up for patrons to fill out. Before they would call our ViaMail library assistant. The online application works better. Patrons fill it out and creates a record that gets emailed to our ViaMail LA. He then processes it and will save that application to refer to if needed. We do have that one dedicated staff person who processes patron’s applications, material requests, etc. If they need a little assistance when they get the occasional in depth reference question, they’ll work with a librarian to answer it.
3. Materials are checked out to the patron before they are mailed out.

And

7. We send our materials out in special zipper mailers, though I forget where we ordered ours at the moment. If you’re doing delivery this might be an issue, other than maybe a bag would make it easier to keep materials in one place. We also mail out everything      that we would circulation to patrons who come into our buildings: books, CDs, and DVDs.

Thank you,