At Manchester Libraries, we are considering extending the loan of DVDs and videos to under 18 borrowers. Up till now our DVD/video collection has been borrowable only to those over 18.
I would be most grateful if list members could provide me with any information on their experience of loaning DVDs/videos directly to under 18's, or any thoughts they may have on this issue.

Some points we are considering are:

• What charge is made - full cost/concessionary charge/free loan?
• Has this resulted in a pronounced effect on the level of income generated?
• If items are loaned for free and without a fine/retrospective hire charge, is your stock returned? What inducement is there for it to be returned? If no charge is made, have you lost a lot of stock?
• If your authority loans these items to under 18's already, what steps have you taken to ensure your staff do not unwittingly break the law by loaning a certificated DVD e.g. a certificate 12 to a child under that age?
• How do you prevent borrowing by proxy - a younger child borrowing an older child's ticket to borrow e.g. a certificate 15 title?
  
  I shall publish a summary of all responses received.
  Many thanks.
  
  Maeve O'Connor
  Sport & Leisure Co-ordinator
  3rd Floor
  Central Library
  St Peter's Square
  Manchester M2 5PD
  Tel 0161 234 1317
  email: [log in to unmask]

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