Fiction_L Archives Rental Book Collections Dates: 3/20/02,8:36 AM  through  3/22/02,10:00 AM  (16 postings) Search for: Select one or more indexes to search: 2011-current     2009-2010     2004-2008    1995-2003    (Matches from each index will be displayed separately in the results page.) Return to March 2002 thread menu   |   Fiction_L Archives Menu

FROM: "Val Stark" <[removed]@quincylibrary.org>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 8:36 AM

Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:

We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
would like to share!

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
your replies to me off list if you like.

Val Stark
Quincy Public Library
[removed]@quincylibrary.org

FROM: "Margaret Mallett" <[removed]@itpld.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 9:38 AM

We have had a rental collection for several years. We charge $1.00 the
first week, and .10/day thereafter.
It has been quite successful. The circ staff tells me that patrons will
often ask to see the rental books that were just returned. The rental
books are chosen for their popular appeal; for some it is kind of like
finding a store that carries only clothes that you like.

Of course there were some complaints. We had to reassure those patrons
that the rental collection were duplicates of books in the permanent
collection. This seemed to satisfy most.
I remove the rental books if they have not circulated for 2 weekends,
or if the books in the rental collection are available on the shelf.

Hope this helps.

Margaret Mallett, Reference Librarian
IndianTrails Public Library
355 So. Schoenbeck Road
Wheeling IL 60090
[removed]@itpld.lib.il.us

FROM: "Kelly Currie" <[removed]@carlnet.org>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 10:09 AM

We use Baker & Taylor's book leasing program to supplement our regular
collection with extra copies of best-sellers. We call them Red Hots. We are
opposed to charging patrons for use, but we do apply different circ policies
to the Red Hots. They are for only a one-week checkout (as opposed to the
regular two-week circ period), the fine is 25 cents per day (instead of the
5 cents per day for regular collection), and they cannot be placed on hold
or renewed. We have special labels (printed in red with the special circ
rules and a picture of a chili pepper) that make the Red Hots easily
identifiable, and a special bookmark we stick in the book with the due date
written on it. (So patrons can't claim they thought it was due with all
their other books.) The idea is to allow the patron the opportunity to stop
by and pick up the latest best-seller for a quick read without having to
wait on a hold list. Some patrons avoid the Red Hots because they don't like
"the pressure" of having to finish a book in a week--they prefer to wait on
the hold list. But most patrons will check the Red Hot shelves routinely
each time they come in. It has worked extremely well for us. We are a small
library and have no space for keeping multiple copies of books after their
initial hot period.

Kelly Currie
Delphi Public Library
Delphi, IN

----- Original Message -----
From: "Val Stark" <[removed]@quincylibrary.org>
To: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 9:28 AM
Subject: Rental Book Collections


> Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:
>
> We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
> extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
> out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
> reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
> what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
> this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
> would like to share!
>
> Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
> your replies to me off list if you like.
>
> Val Stark
> Quincy Public Library
> [removed]@quincylibrary.org
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: "Laurel Goodgion" <[removed]@portland.lib.ct.us>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 10:31 AM

Kelly,

I love your Red Hots. We call ours Zoom Reads.

Laurel Goodgion, Director
Portland Library
20 Freestone Ave.
Portland, CT 06480
email: [removed]@portland.lib.ct.us
phone: (860) 342-6771
fax: (860) 342-6778


----- Original Message -----
From: "Kelly Currie" <[removed]@carlnet.org>
To: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 11:47 AM
Subject: Re: Rental Book Collections


> We use Baker & Taylor's book leasing program to supplement our regular
> collection with extra copies of best-sellers. We call them Red Hots. We
are
> opposed to charging patrons for use, but we do apply different circ
policies
> to the Red Hots. They are for only a one-week checkout (as opposed to the
> regular two-week circ period), the fine is 25 cents per day (instead of
the
> 5 cents per day for regular collection), and they cannot be placed on hold
> or renewed. We have special labels (printed in red with the special circ
> rules and a picture of a chili pepper) that make the Red Hots easily
> identifiable, and a special bookmark we stick in the book with the due
date
> written on it. (So patrons can't claim they thought it was due with all
> their other books.) The idea is to allow the patron the opportunity to
stop
> by and pick up the latest best-seller for a quick read without having to
> wait on a hold list. Some patrons avoid the Red Hots because they don't
like
> "the pressure" of having to finish a book in a week--they prefer to wait
on
> the hold list. But most patrons will check the Red Hot shelves routinely
> each time they come in. It has worked extremely well for us. We are a
small
> library and have no space for keeping multiple copies of books after their
> initial hot period.
>
> Kelly Currie
> Delphi Public Library
> Delphi, IN
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Val Stark" <[removed]@quincylibrary.org>
> To: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 9:28 AM
> Subject: Rental Book Collections
>
>
> > Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:
> >
> > We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
> > extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
> > out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
> > reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
> > what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
> > this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
> > would like to share!
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
> > your replies to me off list if you like.
> >
> > Val Stark
> > Quincy Public Library
> > [removed]@quincylibrary.org
> >
> >
> > ......................................................................
> > Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> > Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
> >
>
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: Leslie DeLooze <[removed]@nioga.org>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 10:41 AM

I worked in a library that had a rental collection, and it consisted of
all the newest fiction. These stayed in the rental collection for up to
three months, then went to the New Book collection and stayed there
another three months. The rentals were supposed to go out for up to two
weeks only, and they were "rented" for $.10 a day (which was also the
fine for regular overdue books). I always thought it was rather an
archaic practice and sort of against the idea of "free" public library
service--but it worked in that location and was not questioned.
Leslie DeLooze
Richmond Memorial Library, Batavia, NY

FROM: Annette Weiss <[removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 10:41 AM

We stopped renting books some time ago and do Your Lucky Day books with a
green clover on the spine. They circulate for two weeks, no renewals, 20
cents a day fine (as are all other items) no holds. The collection is
popular.

Annette

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So let me get this straight: You want information about why reference
librarians always answer a question with another question, right?

Annette Weiss Phone: (248) 553-0300
Adult Services Librarian Fax: (248) 553-3228
E-Mail: [removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us
Farmington Community Library
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

FROM: Jim Norman <[removed]@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 11:34 AM

We disbanded our rental collection about 3 years ago, when we turned on
the 'Patron Placed Holds' function in our CARL-Circulation program. This
feature allowed patron to place their own Holds from either a library
terminal or from their own home computer. Those patron without a home
computer could also place Holds by calling our Material Availability
Center and giving the staff member the information to place the Hold.

Basically, placing holds became so easy, that demand for rentals books
fell to the point that they no longer paid the costs involved.

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Norman, Library Assistant
Special Needs Center
Phoenix Public Library
Burton Barr Central Library
1221 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1867
(602) 261-8690 Voice
(602) 254-8205 TDD/TTY
(602) 534-4520 FAX
E-Mail: [removed]@phxlib.org

On Wed, 20 Mar 2002, Leslie DeLooze wrote:

> I worked in a library that had a rental collection, and it consisted of
> all the newest fiction. These stayed in the rental collection for up to
> three months, then went to the New Book collection and stayed there
> another three months. The rentals were supposed to go out for up to two
> weeks only, and they were "rented" for $.10 a day (which was also the
> fine for regular overdue books). I always thought it was rather an
> archaic practice and sort of against the idea of "free" public library
> service--but it worked in that location and was not questioned.
> Leslie DeLooze
> Richmond Memorial Library, Batavia, NY
>
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: "ROBIN BEERBOWER" <[removed]@mail.open.org>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 11:34 AM

We have had a rental collection for at least 12 years and goes by the exciting name of "Rentals". We charge $.25 a day (unless you return it the next day then it is free since there is a one day grace period) and cannot be put on hold. It has been very popular and we receive good comments from the patrons. It used to consist primarily of fiction (and some nonfiction) bestsellers but about a year ago we started adding more authors that we thought would be popular along with Oprah books. Our reserves used to cost $.50 but became free about 6 months ago. We worried that the Rentals demand would go down but if anything it has become even more popular. Patrons comment that they like having them available even if they do have to pay. If you like I would be happy to email you the policy for this collection.

Robin Beerbower
Outreach Services
Salem Public Library
PO Box 14810
Salem, OR 97309
503-588-6089


>>> [removed]@quincylibrary.org 03/20 6:28 AM >>>
Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:

We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
would like to share!

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
your replies to me off list if you like.

Val Stark
Quincy Public Library
[removed]@quincylibrary.org

FROM: "Kristina Daily" <[removed]@champaign.org>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 12:48 PM

My library has had a successful rental collection for several years. Our collection consists of multiple copies of bestsellers, soon to be bestsellers or those just off the bestseller list. Books stay in this collection about six months or until we are out of room (as new items arrive). After they are removed from the rental collection, items are moved into the regular collection or withdrawn to be sold in a special rental book sale. Our rental collection is self-supporting so any money made from the book sale or the use of rental materials goes to buy more. This answers some of the complaints that customers have about their tax money being used to support this collection. Only the users of this collection are supporting it. Each item is $1 per week to check out. We also have a rental video and a rental DVD collection that works the same way. These are highly popular collections here.

Kristina

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kristina Daily
Adult Services Coordinator
Champaign Public Library
505 S. Randolph
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 356-7243
email: [removed]@champaign.org


>>> "Val Stark" <[removed]@quincylibrary.org> 03/20/02 08:28AM >>>
Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:

We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
would like to share!

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
your replies to me off list if you like.

Val Stark
Quincy Public Library
[removed]@quincylibrary.org

FROM: "Kristina Daily" <[removed]@champaign.org>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 12:59 PM

My library has had a successful rental collection for several years. Our collection consists of multiple copies of bestsellers, soon to be bestsellers or those just off the bestseller list. Books stay in this collection about six months or until we are out of room (as new items arrive). After they are removed from the rental collection, items are moved into the regular collection or withdrawn to be sold in a special rental book sale. Our rental collection is self-supporting so any money made from the book sale or the use of rental materials goes to buy more. This answers some of the complaints that customers have about their tax money being used to support this collection. Only the users of this collection are supporting it. Each item is $1 per week to check out. We also have a rental video and a rental DVD collection that works the same way. These are highly popular collections here.

Kristina

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kristina Daily
Adult Services Coordinator
Champaign Public Library
505 S. Randolph
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 356-7243
email: [removed]@champaign.org


>>> "Val Stark" <[removed]@quincylibrary.org> 03/20/02 08:28AM >>>
Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:

We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
would like to share!

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
your replies to me off list if you like.

Val Stark
Quincy Public Library
[removed]@quincylibrary.org

FROM: Meg Sarff <[removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 1:46 PM

We, too, are interested in a rental collection of some kind and would be
interested in seeing a copy of the policy. Meg

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Meg Sarff [removed]@rbls.lib.il.us
Acting Director Davenport Public Library
Voice: 563.326.7837 321 Main Street
Fax: 563.326.7809 Davenport, Iowa 52801-1490
www.davenportlibrary.com
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

On Wed, 20 Mar 2002, ROBIN BEERBOWER wrote:

> We have had a rental collection for at least 12 years and goes by the exciting name of "Rentals". We charge $.25 a day (unless you return it the next day then it is free since there is a one day grace period) and cannot be put on hold. It has been very popular and we receive good comments from the patrons. It used to consist primarily of fiction (and some nonfiction) bestsellers but about a year ago we started adding more authors that we thought would be popular along with Oprah books. Our reserves used to cost $.50 but became free about 6 months ago. We worried that the Rentals demand would go down but if anything it has become even more popular. Patrons comment that they like having them available even if they do have to pay. If you like I would be happy to email you the policy for this collection.
>
>
>
> Robin Beerbower
> Outreach Services
> Salem Public Library
> PO Box 14810
> Salem, OR 97309
> 503-588-6089
>
>
> >>> [removed]@quincylibrary.org 03/20 6:28 AM >>>
> Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:
>
> We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
> extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
> out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
> reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
> what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
> this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
> would like to share!
>
> Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
> your replies to me off list if you like.
>
> Val Stark
> Quincy Public Library
> [removed]@quincylibrary.org
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: "ROBIN BEERBOWER" <[removed]@mail.open.org>
REC'D: 3/20/02, 6:02 PM

I sent this off but think I sent it to an individual instead of the list. Anyway, here is a website we just set up with the policy. Keep in mind that it is both policy and procedures, but hope it helps. Also, we order two of most rentals now instead of three but more if it is a popular author or title such as John Grisham, Left Behind series, etc.

http://www.salemlibrary.org/best/rentals.html

Robin Beerbower
Salem (OR) Public Library


>>> [removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us 03/20 11:46 AM >>>
We, too, are interested in a rental collection of some kind and would be
interested in seeing a copy of the policy. Meg

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Meg Sarff [removed]@rbls.lib.il.us =20
Acting Director Davenport Public Library
Voice: 563.326.7837 321 Main Street
Fax: 563.326.7809 Davenport, Iowa 52801-1490
www.davenportlibrary.com
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

On Wed, 20 Mar 2002, ROBIN BEERBOWER wrote:

> We have had a rental collection for at least 12 years and goes by the exciting name of "Rentals". We charge $.25 a day (unless you return it the next day then it is free since there is a one day grace period) and cannot be put on hold. It has been very popular and we receive good comments from the patrons. It used to consist primarily of fiction (and some nonfiction) bestsellers but about a year ago we started adding more authors that we thought would be popular along with Oprah books. Our reserves used to cost $.50 but became free about 6 months ago. We worried that the Rentals demand would go down but if anything it has become even more popular. Patrons comment that they like having them available even if they do have to pay. If you like I would be happy to email you the policy for this collection.
>
>
>
> Robin Beerbower
> Outreach Services
> Salem Public Library
> PO Box 14810
> Salem, OR 97309
> 503-588-6089
>
>
> >>> [removed]@quincylibrary.org 03/20 6:28 AM >>>
> Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:
>
> We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
> extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
> out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
> reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
> what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
> this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
> would like to share!
>
> Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
> your replies to me off list if you like.
>
> Val Stark
> Quincy Public Library
> [removed]@quincylibrary.org
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: Andrew Smith <[removed]@mail.wrl.org>
REC'D: 3/21/02, 8:29 AM

Thanks to all who replied with their procedures, especially Robin, who set
it up on the Web.

I'm curious - did any of the systems where a rental collection was set up
have discussion/debate over creating a two-tier patron service? What were
the factors that won over dissenters?

Are there any folks out there who looked at a rental collection and
decided NOT to do it? What factors governed your decision?

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Andrew Smith [removed]@mail.wrl.org
Readers Services Librarian
Williamsburg Regional Library (757) 259-4050
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On Wed, 20 Mar 2002, Val Stark wrote:

> Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:
>
> We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
> extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
> out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
> reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
> what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
> this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
> would like to share!
>
> Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
> your replies to me off list if you like.
>
> Val Stark
> Quincy Public Library
> [removed]@quincylibrary.org
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: Heuer <[removed]@itol.com>
REC'D: 3/21/02, 10:25 AM

We have had a rental collection for over 10 years. The books go out for
$1.50 a week but if it is over 500 pages , it is 2 weeks for $1.50. We also
have books on tapes and CD. Same price structure. Over 6 tapes or CD's is
the 2 week break. If the item is overdue the charge is a quarter a day but
initially they can rent for as many weeks as they want or they can renew for
addition weeks ( all with the charge of course).

We stock all of the bestsellers (at least in book form). That includes
fiction and nonfiction and Oprah. Our selector also adds titles that have
particular interest locally. For instnce, "A Child called It" is always in
demand so we have one on rental. We have multiple copies of the especially
hot ones. For instance right now we have 190 holds on the regular copies of
The Summons, so instead of buying our usual 8 -10 copies of a "hot"
bestseller we bought 20 copies for rental. They are always out, or let's say
they are on the shelf for a few minutes before the next rental customer
snags them.

We are required to have a free copy in the library if we have the title on
rental. That is true for the audio material as well. But since my media
budget is not large I don't have to have both the CD and tape in the regular
collection.

After the material has run its course ( if it hasn't gone out in a month) we
add it to the regular collection or it goes to our annual booksale. We have
8 branches, so many of the old rentals find a home in the system.

The rentals are heavily used by men, especially those who work in the nearby
offices. I have a judge who comes in each week for a new title. We even call
him when a new Grisham hits the shelf and runs right over. That reminds me,
we will hold a rental for about an hour if someone calls and says they will
be right in. Otherwise there are no reserves (naturally but I do get asked).
One teacher in town called me the other day looking for the newest "A Cat
who...". She was on her cellphone, just leaving T.J. Maxx and would be there
in 10 minutes!!!

--
Jeanne Heuer
Brown County Library
Green Bay, WI
[removed]@itol.com

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes, Art is knowing which ones
to keep." -anonymous

FROM: "ROBIN BEERBOWER" <[removed]@mail.open.org>
REC'D: 3/21/02, 10:36 AM

You are welcome. :-)

Our rental collection was set up when I wasn't part of the fiction team so I'm not sure if there was any debate on the two-tier system. At that time we had many complaints about patrons not getting the new books until months down the road as our budget was so tight that we couldn't afford many copies of the bestsellers (and there is the age-old debate on whether you spend more on titles in demand and ignore the rest of the lesser-known --and perhaps more literature worthy--titles being published). So at that time Ingram was offering a program where we could keep the books on a temporary basis and receive a small amount of the money back when we returned them. At that point the rental collection was paying for itself. Then about 2-3 years ago it wasn't as popular as it once was and I attributed it to the fact that the bestsellers were by the same authors year after year and patrons were falling out of love with many of them and willing to wait for a copy. We talked about dismantling the program a year and half ago when our new director was hired but she liked the program so we decided to expand it even though we would have to purchase the books outright since the Ingram program had folded. We also decided to expand the titles available, especially in genre fiction as mysteries are *very* popular and we can't keep them on the shelf. So I purchase rental copies of Nevada Barr, Jane Heller, and many other authors who popular in our library. And business is booming. We receive more compliments than complaints from patrons even though our fiction budget has increased and we can buy more copies for the regular collection. If someone complains, we explain that we also have copies in the regular collection and holds are free, and that seems to satisfy them. We have more complaints about the parking meters than we do about the rental collection. :-)

We aren't sure if the program is paying for itself but the revenue does help purchase the extra books.

Hope this helps. I would be more than happy to answer any further questions.

Robin Beerbower
Salem (OR) Public Library

>>> [removed]@mail.wrl.org 03/21 6:25 AM >>>
Thanks to all who replied with their procedures, especially Robin, who set
it up on the Web.

I'm curious - did any of the systems where a rental collection was set up
have discussion/debate over creating a two-tier patron service? What were
the factors that won over dissenters?

Are there any folks out there who looked at a rental collection and
decided NOT to do it? What factors governed your decision?

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Andrew Smith [removed]@mail.wrl.org
Readers Services Librarian
Williamsburg Regional Library (757) 259-4050
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On Wed, 20 Mar 2002, Val Stark wrote:

> Dear Fellow Fiction_L Subscribers:
>
> We are considering adding a "rental collection" of books. We would have
> extra copies of bestsellers on the shelf that our patrons could check
> out for a small fee instead of waiting for weeks (or months) on a
> reserve list. This being a new area for our library, we wanted to know
> what other libraries are doing/have done, the success or failures of
> this sort of service, how much was charged, basically everything anyone
> would like to share!
>
> Thanks in advance for any help anyone can send my way. You can send
> your replies to me off list if you like.
>
> Val Stark
> Quincy Public Library
> [removed]@quincylibrary.org
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: "Roberts, Julie" <[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 3/22/02, 10:00 AM

Hello. I will put in my info also. At a previous Library I worked at, we
had Rental books for $1.00 that could be checked out for one week, with a
fine of 10 cents a day overdue. It was a very popular section, with
fiction and non-fiction. Here, we have a "Top of the Charts" section. The
books are all popular fiction and we have multiple copies with no reserves
or renewals, 7 day loan with a fine of 25 cents per day overdue. We keep
the books up to a year, and may add them to the collection or send them
back, depending on need, usage, etc. Julie A. Roberts
[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us

-----Original Message-----
From: Kristina Daily [[removed]@champaign.org]
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 7:01 PM
To: Fiction_L
Cc: Fiction_L <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org
Subject: Re: Rental Book Collections

My library has had a successful rental collection for several years. Our
collection consists of multiple copies of bestsellers, soon to be
bestsellers or those just off the bestseller list. Books stay in this
collection about six months or until we are out of room (as new items
arrive). After they are removed from the rental collection, items are
moved into the regular collection or withdrawn to be sold in a special
rental book sale. Our rental collection is self-supporting so any money
made from the book sale or the use of rental materials goes to buy more.
This answers some of the complaints that customers have about their tax
money being used to support this collection. Only the users of this
collection are supporting it. Each item is $1 per week to check out. We
also have a rental video and a rental DVD collection that works the same
way. These are highly popular collections here.

Kristina

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