Reciprocal Borrowing Changes

Sep 15, 2009 12:58:03 PM

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Kalamazoo, MI –

Effective September 15, Kalamazoo Public Library, Portage District Library, and Willard Public Library will limit the number of items reciprocal borrowers can reserve to a total of three.

Other libraries in the Kalamazoo area that have reciprocal agreements with Kalamazoo Public Library either have or may soon establish similar limits. Regular users of reciprocal borrowing services should be aware that some aspects of their service may be changing.

As library usage has increased dramatically during the recent economic crisis, area libraries may set other limits to improve access to new books, movies, or other high demand items for taxpayers in their service area. While reciprocal borrowing was established to provide better access to library materials throughout the broader community, each library must also set polices that best serve the needs of its taxpayers.

A few Kalamazoo Public Library services have always been reserved for library district residents—including Hot Picks, Book Club in a Bag, Book My Favorites, MeLCat, and home access to some databases. The library board respects KPL taxpayers’ support; they encourage library management to reserve KPL’s more time intensive and costly services for KPL taxpayers. Nonresident, reciprocal borrowers may choose to pay an annual fee to get a KPL card with full borrowing privileges.

For further information, please refer to the list of reciprocal libraries.

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Comments

Have the libraries considered a county-wide system for both taxation and patron services? You could pool resources and perhaps let each library specialize in certain collections that are costly. I'm thinking of something along the lines of what KRESA provides for our county's special needs students by pooling resources among school districts. Thank you for accepting comments on this policy. Angela Korista

By Angela Korista, 09/16/2009

First of all, thank you very much for the reciprocal agreements. When the new policy went into place, I fully understood why the library needed to make those changes. At that time, I asked about "upgrading" my card and was told $190. For me, a reciprocal card user, that cost is out of proportion to the added benefits that would be received. However, if the library would offer a smaller fee of $25 to $50 to upgrade, I believe that many reciprocal card users would be willing to pay that fee. Thank you.

By Sharon Bennett, 10/22/2009

Thanks Marti fritz for sharing this informative blog..

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Marti thank you so much for giving such an informative blog.

By Australian design Company, 05/26/2011

Nice info! thank you very much for the reciprocal agreements.I believe that many reciprocal card users would be willing to pay that fee...

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