[OPLINLIST] Zero Balance Reaffirmed

[Rachelle Miller]

I'd be interested to hear from other libraries that have come up with
creative ways of saving money and/or generating revenue. Maybe as a
collective we can help each other through these difficult economic
times.

 

Rachelle Miller

Director

Troy-Miami County Public Library

937.339.0502 ext. 16

"You have the power to dream and smile."

                                         Autumn, age 9

________________________________

From: oplinlist-bounces at oplin.org [mailto:oplinlist-bounces at oplin.org]
On Behalf Of Susan Pieper
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:44 AM
To: oplinlist at oplin.org
Subject: [OPLINLIST] Zero Balance Reaffirmed

 

Maybe I'm just feeling cynical... but when did expecting folks to be
responsible patrons mean we were "punishing" them? My patience runs thin
when the library is expected to be the institution that says "okay, I
know times are tough, you don't need to pay." We have done this for
years, and perhaps that is why we are considered such "softies". But
heck ya'll, the library is free. All the patron has to do is get their
stuff back on time, or call and renew. Hardship cases will still exist
(death, sickness, loss of job) where we will work with the patron as
long as they are making an effort. We have been letting our patrons know
of our new zero policy, and so far, no surprises. Patrons with a balance
are still free to use library materials in the library. 

 

We do go to our local businesses and organizations and have for years.
Those pockets are emptying quickly. We are thankful that the Eagles,
VFW, Kiwanis have supported our projects, purchased new computers,
supplemented SRP, etc. But, since much of their philanthropic giving is
acquired from interest from their investments... you know how the stock
market is going. Our local Kiwanis club will probably have nothing to
give to this year.

 

During these tough times, tough decisions have to be made. I do not want
to lay off any employee (that adds to the economic problem). I do not
want to close branches. I have to cut where I can cut (bare to the bone)
and try to increase revenue. We have been charging .25 for over dues for
a couple of years now. No gripes from people. They either get their
materials back or they pay the fine. We have projected $14K in revenue
for FY09 in fines. We are also raising our copy and fax fees. 

 

During these bleak times, we are trying to continue providing the the
best possible service for our patrons. But, they have to do their part.
If they do not want to spend .07 a day supporting a levy, they will have
to be responsible and at the very least, pay their fines.

 

Stepping off soapbox.

Susan

-- 
Susan Pieper, Director
Paulding County Carnegie Library
205 S. Main Street
Paulding, OH 45879
419-399-2032 voice and 419-399-2114 fax
Editor, Rural Library Services Newsletter
www.pauldingcountylibrary.org
www.myspace.com/pauldingcountylibrary
susanhillpieper at gmail.com
ALA Councilor-At-Large (2007-2010)
ALA-APA Councilor (2007-2010)
PLA Board of Directors
ARSL Board Member ex-officio
(Association for Rural & Small Libraries)

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mail.oplin.org/mailman/private/oplinlist/attachments/20081112/ea9ddbcb/attachment-0001.html