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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKPL - Funding for Reciprocal BorrowingKITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY Report To: Chair Vrbanovic and Members of Finance and Corporate Services Date of Meeting: October 31, 2005 Submitted By: Kitchener Public Library Board Prepared By: Sonia Lewis, CEO Ward(s) Involved: All Date of Report: October 24, 2005 Subject: Funding for Reciprocal Borrowing RECOMMENDATION: That $40,000 be added to Kitchener Public Library's base operating budget effective January 1, 2006 to support reciprocal borrowing agreements with Waterloo Public Library, Cambridge Public Library and the Waterloo Regional Library. BACKGROUND: Reciprocal borrowing is a service whereby a person holding a valid library card issued by a partner library, may borrow material directly from another participating library, subject to local borrowing rules. Reciprocal borrowing is meant to supplement, not replace adequate local library service. Through reciprocal borrowing agreements public libraries can provide equitable library access to a wider community of borrowers. Library customers benefit from having greater access to varied and specialized collections. Kitchener Public Library does not currently participate in any form of reciprocal borrowing. Individuals who do not live or own property in Kitchener pay an annual non-resident fee ranging from $32-$35 which provides them the same library privileges as residents of Kitchener. This fee is meant to replicate the amount contributed to library services by Kitchener residents through their municipal taxes. Annual revenue from the sale of non-resident cards is approximately $40,000. Most of these cards are purchased by Region of Waterloo residents. Kitchener Public Library Reciprocal Borrowing Recommendation October 31, 2005 Prior to 1986 non-residents who lived in the Region of Waterloo paid a $2.00 lifetime fee for a KPL membership. Non-residents living outside the Region paid an annual fee of $20.00. From 1986-1989 all non-resident customers paid $25.00 annually. In 1990 non-resident fees were removed at the request of the KPL Board; however, a $20.00 annual fee was reintroduced in 1996. REPORT: Reciprocal borrowing is a means of cooperating with the three other library systems in the Region of Waterloo. Cambridge Public Library, Waterloo Public Library and the Waterloo Regional Library have established reciprocal borrowing agreements with each other. These library systems also offer free borrowing privileges to Kitchener residents. If funding for reciprocal borrowing is approved, Kitchener Public Library will implement a model which would allow library customers with a valid library card from Cambridge Public Library, Waterloo Public Library or the Waterloo Regional Library to join the Kitchener Public Library at no cost and enjoy the privilege of borrowing up to eight items and placing two holds. All materials would need to be returned and fines paid to the lending library. Non-residents would still have the option of acquiring full borrowing privileges if they elect to pay the non-resident fee. Full borrowing privileges entitle users to check out 50 items and place up to 50 holds. The experience of other libraries suggests that a minimal number of non-residents will make use of this service, resulting in a significant reduction in revenues from the sale of non-resident cards. KPL's reciprocal borrowing model allows us to cooperate with other libraries in the Region, but at the same time sends a positive message to Kitchener residents that reciprocal borrowing is meant to supplement, not substitute for local library service in the other communities. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Implementing reciprocal borrowing in 2006 will result in the loss of approximately $40,000 in revenues from non-resident fees. Based on input from other libraries, we can expect only a minimal number of customers will renew their non-resident membership in order to maintain full borrowing privileges. No significant revenues will be generated from these renewals. As a result, Kitchener Public Library is requesting that its base operating budget be increased by $40,000 effective January 1, 2006. The goodwill this policy change would generate cannot be measured in financial terms. We anticipate residents, non-residents and potential donors to a Central Library fundraising campaign will view this positively. Kitchener Public Library Reciprocal Borrowing Recommendation October 31, 2005 COMMUNICATIONS: Communication with the three other library systems and the public will be critical to the success of this policy change. Formal letters of agreement will be exchanged with the other libraries. Press releases and updates on our web page will advise the public and media of the new policy. Media such as flyers, bookmarks and our web site will be used to communicate details regarding reciprocal borrowing privileges. CONCLUSION: Cooperation and partnerships are critical to Kitchener Public Library's future success. Reciprocal borrowing agreements will provide a solid foundation for future cooperative ventures with the three public library systems in the Region of Waterloo. As a result, the Kitchener Public Library Board recommends that its base operating budget be increased by $40,000 effective January 1, 2006 to support reciprocal borrowing agreements with the Waterloo Public Library, Cambridge Public Library and the Waterloo Regional Library. Respectfully submitted by Sonia Lewis, CEO, Kitchener Public Library.