We also have a policy of lending for 4 weeks and allowing two renewals
before asking that the books be returned - if only for a week or so. I
agree that most people find books by browsing, and not by using the
catalogue. I do sometimes wonder about it, and do allow a little
flexibility on occasions, but people will consider that they are their books
if they do not need to return them. And if they are so vital, they should
maybe buy them themselves. They are not usually using them the whole time,
unless they are on a course. And if this is the case, it is probable that
others would want the books too, and possibly go away dissatisfied, but not
necessarily asking.
Margaret Valentine
Trust Librarian
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust
Teaching Centre Library
Freeman Hospital
High Heaton
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7DN
Tel: (0191) 223 1325 (or internal ext. 31325)
Fax: (0191) 284 3783
-----Original Message-----
From: KGH Library [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 14 June 2001 17:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Max Loan Periods
Dear all,
I've inherited a policy of only renewing loans twice- i.e. a maximum loan
period of 3 months. The original rationale was that many people select
books by browsing, and so will not be able to borrow books that someone
else is hanging onto. It was also felt that 3 months should be sufficient.
It was also felt that if someone kept a book for longer, they might never
return it.
However, we're now running a computerised system, our catalogue shows what
is on loan, and we have a good reservation system, so maybe things have
changed. I find it hard to explain why someone has to return a book, when
though no one else has requested to use it.
Does anyone else do a maximum loan period? If so, for how long, and does it
work?
Is there a problem with NOT having a maximum period - do people tend to
keep renewing indefinitely, or not return books after having them for 6
months?
I'm considering either increasing the maximum period - say to 6 months - or
abolishing it altogether. Any wisdom from among you would be appreciated.
Jim
Jim Moore, Librarian,
Goldberg Library, King George Hospital,
Barley Lane, GOODMAYES, Essex. IG3 8YB
Tel: (020) 8970 8239
Fax: (020) 8970 8237
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
|