05 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND In 2017, the Pleasanton Public Library adopted a strategic plan with a mission to have the Pleasanton community, "Start Your Journey Here: Discover, Connect, Share," and a vision to, "Inspire Curiosity, Creativity and Community." Two of the five goals established in the plan are to: Strengthen the Library's programs and services to reflect the expectations and desires of the Pleasanton community Engage the community by promoting the value of the Library, including the Library's full range of services and collections. Strategies for these goals include, "To design and implement a comprehensive outreach and communication plan to increase participation," and "To engage and inform the community about library services and programs." Additionally, the American Library Association lists access as a core value of librarianship. All information resources that are provided directly or indirectly by the library, regardless of technology, format, or methods of delivery, should be readily, equally, and equitably accessible to all library users. ALA Policy Manual B.2.1.14 Economic Barriers to Information Access — Core Values of Librarianship from American Library Association In an effort to align current PPL practices with the identified strategic goals and objectives, staff recommends moving to a materials recovery model and away from an overdue fines model that penalizes members for not returning items on time and can discourage further use of the library by creating negative customer interactions. This policy change is a trend from libraries throughout California including Contra Costa County, San Mateo County, Berkeley Public, and San Diego Public plus countless other libraries throughout the country. The materials recovery model automatically renews materials up to two times. If not returned, members will be sent an invoice for the cost of unreturned materials. If the member returns the materials, their invoice will be forgiven. Failure to pay for the lost materials will result in a blocked account and referral to the collection agency. Several libraries who have made this change report more members returning items on time and increases in new cardholders and check-outs: • Salt Lake City Public Library reported an 11% increase in borrowers and circulation and a 4% increase in new card registration after eliminating overdue fines and moving to materials recovery. Page 2 of 5