Swan Hill Regional Library is delighted to be recommencing their inter-library loans service.
Libraries Manager, Camille Cullinan said inter-library loans are valued by our members and her team have been working hard to find a solution, since this service was suspended.
“The peak body, Public Libraries Victoria, has been considering how to balance the rising costs of logistics, courier and other operational services with retaining access for members to the wide network of items we collectively hold”.
Ms Cullinan said that some changes will be introduced with the recommencement of inter-library loans service.”Changes will address the unfortunate reality of the increasing costs, which impact many aspects of our service.
“There are many ways you can help us to ensure this valuable service is provided effectively and efficiently,” Ms Cullinan added.
“Collecting your inter-library loans when ordered, cancelling if they are no longer required and returning items will assist us in the smooth delivery of this service” Ms Cullinan Said.
Inter-library loans will recommence on 1 May, 2023 – to find out more contact the Swan Hill Library on 5036 2480.
Background
The inter-library service allows members to loan items from a network of other library services across various locations.
What changes will apply?
In order to reduce environmental and logistical costs, deliveries will now occur weekly. Consolidating materials and moving them more efficiently allows us to continue offering the widest range of resources for our members. This may lead to a slightly longer wait, but ensures we are able to keep the service affordable.
A limit of 20 holds per user will apply at any one time. We understand this service is invaluable for many members and to ensure we can keep offering this option we must ensure it is used appropriately. Moving books involves carbon miles and costs for the borrowing library. It’s up to all of us to ensure we responsibly use this service.
Borrowing from within the Libraries Victoria network remains free. However, if you want to request an item from outside of the network, a fee will apply.
Some items including new release titles, magazines and music CDs may not be available via inter-library loans. If Swan Hill Regional Library Service does not have an item in our local collections, please consider using our purchase suggestion service instead or speak with library staff.
What are the factors that have led to the changes?
It is an unfortunate reality that increasing costs have impacted many aspects of our service, whether sharing items among our library network or providing inter-library loans; both are resource-heavy.
Victorian public libraries have worked together to identify ways to reduce the costs of delivering inter-library loans. We have streamlined services, identified the most cost-effective methods of moving items across the state, and considered the most equitable ways to ensure all libraries receive value for money.
Weighing the needs of you, our members, and our responsibility to provide the best value service to our community, it is our belief that a restructured program is preferable to the permanent suspension of this valuable service.
How you can help us maintain an effective service?
Please collect your inter-library loans when ordered, or cancel if they are no longer required. Uncollected items account for more than 10% of our costs.
Please return items to the library you borrowed them from where possible as this will also help reduce transportation costs.
If you have multiple library memberships, check what conditions apply as they may vary from library to library.
