Online reservation charges halved
From June 1 (2010) the cost of reserving loan items online will be halved, from £1 to 50p each. Online reservations will be free for all children under 16.
Customers will still be able to order loan items, from across the library network, via staff at their local library. Standard charges for in-person reservations are being introduced on June 1 - £1 per item for adults and 50p for under-16s. The new charges will apply to all reservations, whether or not the requested item is on the shelf at another library, or out on loan.
Virtual Library Manager Andrew Button said the changes would address inconsistencies and reflected the relative staff time taken up by online and in-person reservations.
“Processing online reservations is much quicker, allowing staff to have more time to help customers in other ways,” he said. “People who don’t have internet access at home can use library computers to make their reservations - and still make a 50p saving per item.”
Charge-exempt customers who currently get free reservations will continue to do so.
“Online library services are increasing in popularity all the time,” said Andrew. “Many customers find them more convenient – and like the 24-hour availability. Others, however, prefer to visit their local library in person and make their reservations face-to-face. They will still be able to do so.”
The only other charge to change will be the cost of colour printing, which rises from 30p to 50p per copy. The black-and-white printing charge stays the same at 15p per copy.