Media Mail is a cost-effective way to send educational materials, books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, recorded computer-readable media, and other sound recordings through the United States Postal Service (USPS) . Media Mail rates are based on weight and size, and the service has restrictions on the type of media that can be shipped. The following are some key points to keep in mind when using Media Mail:

• Media Mail packages may not contain advertising, except for incidental announcements of other books or sound recordings.
• Comic books do not meet the standards for Media Mail, but books may contain incidental announcements of other books and sound recordings may contain incidental announcements of other sound recordings.
• Media Mail packages must have a delivery address and the senders return address and are subject to inspection by the USPS.
• Upon inspection, matter not eligible for the Media Mail rate may be assessed at the proper price and sent to the recipient postage due, or the sender may be contacted for additional postage.
• Media Mail is open to postal inspection, and the USPS regularly conducts "spot checks" to ensure that packages contain only items that qualify for the rate.

Anyone can use Media Mail, as long as both the package and its contents comply with Media Mail rules. The drawback of Media Mail is that the USPS has the right to open and inspect packages to check for abuse of the system. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the contents of the package meet the eligibility requirements for Media Mail. If you are unsure whether your package qualifies for Media Mail, you can visit the USPS website or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) for more information.