2 Changes for Reciprocal Borrowers

Posted September 29, 2009

Reciprocal Borrowing Service Change
Effective September 15, 2009

1. Portage District Library, Kalamazoo Public Library, and Willard Public Library will limit the number of items that can be reserved by reciprocal borrowers to a total of three, beginning September 15, 2009.
2. Interlibrary Loan is also being scheduled for termination as a service for reciprocal borrowers at Portage District Library, as it is available at and should be provided through your home library district.

Many other libraries in the Kalamazoo area that have reciprocal agreements with Portage District Library either already have or may soon establish similar limits and restrictions. If you are a regular user of reciprocal borrowing services at other libraries, please be aware that some aspects of your service may be changing as well.

As library usage has increased dramatically and the current economic crisis continues to impact library funding across our community, there may be other types of limits set to allow each library to improve access to new books, movies, or other high demand items for taxpayers in their service area.

While reciprocal borrowing was established to provide more direct access to library materials, each institution is responsible for setting polices that best serve the needs of their taxpaying constituents.
We appreciate your understanding as we continue to strive to balance the needs of Portage District Library taxpayers with our mission to provide access to information for all public library users.