Milwaukee Public Library Reduces Hold Options
Due to budget shortfalls, the Milwaukee Public Library has reluctantly changed their policy regarding holds:
Effective January 2, 2008, most media items can no longer be reserved and held for pick-up.
This includes feature films and TV programs as well as music CDs. Educational and children's CDs, however, can still be placed on hold. Other items such as books, audio books, and CD-ROMs will continue to be holdable as well.
In addition, the maximum number of all items that may be requested at any one time is now 20 per library card holder, down from 40.
See the FAQ on Policy Change Affecting Media Holds Requests for more information.
Source: Now at MPL
Comments
This policy is unacceptable. I will be contacting my local representatives to voice my disappointment with the fact that MPL is limiting access to the library resources that taxpayers own. The policy is especially unfair for individuals with disabilities and seniors who may only be able to visit a local library to retrieve materials.
Posted by: MW | December 13, 2007 9:25 PM
Yes, it is very unfortunate that MPL had to make this difficult decision. I'm sure it wasn't an easy one. I applaud your initiative to speak with your local representatives.
I have to say that I'm glad I live in the Madison-area because I would be really upset about this also. I'm a heavy library user, mostly because I can put things on hold.
Not only is it a big advantage to be able to get things from other Madison libraries transferred to my local library, but the fact that I can do it all online is huge for me. As a parent with young kids, I don't get much "me" time to browse around the library. Most of it is spent in the childrens' section with them. But with the hold system, I can do my browsing on line from home and them have things waiting for me at the circulation desk.
Posted by: Bonnie | December 14, 2007 4:32 PM