02/23/1994
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C I T Y 0 F C LEA R W ATE R
Interdepartmental correspondence
To;
City commission
Arlita Hallam, Library Director
From: '
Copies:
Library Board, Betty Deptula, Kathy Rice,
Library Division Managers
Date:
February 23, 1994
Subject:
Library Board and Staff Recommendation reo
25-material limit
The Clearwater Public Library Staff and Board
studied the following options and is making the
recommendation at the end of this memo.
Numbers of Materials (options):
(1) Leave limit of library materials at 25, which, during
the analysis in September, 1993, affected 151 people who
had more than 25 items checked out at one time.
(2) Raise the limit to a higher number (30, 35, 50),
which would affect fewer people (six had more than 50
items checked out in the september analysis).
(3) Rescind the 25-material limit.
Methods to prevent profit-making orqanizations from
takinq out large numbers of library materials (options):
(1) Require anyone wanting to check out more than the
limit to tell staff why they need a greater number of
materials. If the reason is to provide a library
collection for a profit-making business, staff deny the
increase. If it is for another purpose (research,
homeschooling, reading to own children, use in a public
or non-profit organization), permit the increase. The
limit for "approved" customers would be over-ridden on
the computer database.
(2) Post signs reading that "The Clearwater Public
Library's collection is for use of individuals in
pursuing their recreational and informational needs.
Businesses are encouraged to use library services, but
not check out collections of materials in order to
provide library service to their clientele."
(3) Require applicants to sign a statement that they will
not use library materials to supplant business libraries.
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Discussion: The Library Board again went on record as
opposing any limit of the number of materials checked out
on a library card. Staff are opposed to any limit, but
feel that if the Commission is not willing to rescind the
limit, it should be imposed equally upon everyone.
The Library Board and staff discussed options for
attempting to prevent the few "offenders" who do check
out collections for their profit-making daycare centers,
preschools, nursing homes, etc. The posting of a sign or
requiring a signed statement on a library card
application were perceived as a negative public relations
technique in view of the small number of people we would
be trying to affect. Requiring people who wanted more
than the limited number to state their purpose for
needing the additional items was also viewed by both
groups as encouraging people to lie or "playing games"
with the" public. None of the options are recommended.
Recommendation: Rescind the limit of twenty-five library
materials and impose no other conditions upon the use of
the library materials checked out by library customers.
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