A depository operates to accept and make available deposit items to authorized users responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The depository (10) includes a body (12) that bounds and interior area (14). The depository includes a door (18) that is controlled by a lock (24) so that only authorized users can access the interior area. The depository includes at least one input device (20) operative to receive data usable to identify users authorized to access the depository. At least one reading device (26) is operative to read indicia included on depository items so that depository items placed in or removed from the interior area can be tracked. The depository is in operative connection with a network (50) that enables the transport and tracking of deposit items.