605-394-4171
Ÿ www.rapidcitylibrary.org
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To: |
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From: Greta Chapman |
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Re: Extension of renewals / Change of replacement cost |
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Date: February 28, 2005 |
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Name of Policy: Loan Periods, Fines and Fees Policies |
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Recommendation: That designated materials be allowed up to three renewals, and that the replacement cost for bagged collections be reduced to $150. |
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Reason for Change: Some items simply take longer for patrons to get through, and allowing them to renew the items provides better service. Allowing three renewals gives patrons most items for 12 weeks, or three months total. |
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The bagged collections have been
reconfigured to contain 6-8 items, rather than the nearly 20 items in some
cases. The bag itself has been changed
to a less expensive type. A replacement
cost reduction from $250 to $150 is a more reasonable cost for the patron to
pay if the bag should be lost. |
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Backgound: Patrons have expressed a desire to keep materials for a longer period of time. Patrons also enjoy the convenience of being able to renew when it would be difficult to get to the library on the day the item is due. Because we offer online and phone renewals, as well as renewal at the library, increased renewals would give patrons greater flexibility. |
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We considered having no limit on renewals; however, this limits the use of the collection for browsing—if items are never on the shelf, those patrons who access the collection by browsing will not find these items. Materials can be placed on hold, blocking further renewals, but patrons who prefer browsing will rarely place holds because they do not use the catalog to determine what may be available to them. |
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A single renewal is enough for periodicals—these are short-term materials that should not take more than two weeks use. |
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