The Provincial Library Service today announced a number of changes to its circulation policy.
"Changes to the circulation policy are necessary to help the Provincial Library Service improve service to clients by reducing waiting times and increasing the availability of popular titles in the collection to library users," said Allan Groen, Provincial Librarian. "By making these changes, the library will continue to provide high quality library services that Islander's can be proud of."
The biggest change will be the imposition of fines for overdue materials. Mr. Groen noted that Prince Edward Island had been one of very few library systems in the region where library fines are not charged and that the library also had an extremely high incidence of books not being returned on time. New and popular books kept longer than the loan period prevented use by other partons, and the library was having to purchase additional copies to meet demand. He said he hoped the charge of $.15 per volume per day would encourage prompt return of materials.
Changes in policy are required to address concerns of waiting periods and service delays. By having materials back in a more timely fashion, Island residents will have better access to library materials.
Other changes to the policy include a reduction in the amount of unpaid charges allowed before borrowing privileges are suspended and a limitation on the number of renewals for materials. Library users will continue to be charged replacement cost for lost or damaged materials.
Although the policy changes will come into effect on April 1, 2004, borrowers will be given adequate time to bring back materials and pay the amounts owing on their accounts. The new fees and the revised policy will be fully applied on May 1, 2004.
The full policy is available at any Island public library or on the library Web site at www.library.pe.ca.