Users of the Park Ridge Public Library will now have more time to borrow most books, CDs and DVDs.
The library board of trustees on Jan. 17 approved revisions to a policy that establishes borrowing time for materials and the number of renewals that are possible.
“A regular question in circulation is, ‘Can I renew this one more time?’ ” Library Executive Director Janet Van De Carr told the board. “We felt some of our limits were probably too low and we should increase them.”
Under the revisions, books — with the exception of new, 14-day books and “most wanted” books — can now be renewed up to three times instead of two. This allows patrons to borrow books for up 12 weeks.
Book club books, which were previously not renewable, can now be renewed once.
New DVDs, which are available for a seven-day checkout, can now be renewed once. All other DVDs, including Blu-ray discs, can be renewed up to two times, for a maximum of 21 days.
Another approved change will allow patrons to check out TV series DVDs for two weeks and renew them once. Previously, these DVDs were available for only one week.
For all these materials, renewals will be possible only if holds have not been placed on them by other patrons, Van De Carr said.
In a memo to the board, Van De Carr indicated that the changes are connected to the library’s strategic plan, which includes a goal to “increase use of the library and to evaluate and revise library policies that may be barriers to use and may negatively impact customer service.”
Board President Robert Trizna cast the only “no” vote for the borrowing revisions.
Prior to the approval, the board also discussed policies reportedly in place at the Des Plaines and Niles libraries that offer automatic renewals on most materials. Park Ridge does not currently offer this service.
Circulation Services ManagerAnastasia Daskalos told the board that if the library “wants to stay current,” automatic renewals may be something to consider.
“Are Niles and Des Plaines going to be the benchmarks to what we are supposed to be aspiring to?” Trizna asked.
“No,” Daskalos replied. “But your patrons visit them, and they are getting a more flexible experience. They may expect that from their home library, too.”
Twitter: @Jen_Tribune
