Is this the future for public libraries? It will be interesting to see how this works for both the library and users.

An article in the Oakland, Tribune says that the Hayward, CA Public Library is about to take a page from the Netflix playbook and introduce an optional program that allows users to borrow up to three items at a time with no due dates and no fines (aka late fees). This “fines free” plan will cost $2.99/month. Other plans (listed below) will also be available.

From the Article:

While other libraries around the nation have adopted the other part of the Netflix model — sending materials through the mail — [acting library director Sean] Reinhart said Hayward won’t be doing that for now.

[Snip]

That difference may mean that the Hayward model will be the first of its kind in the nation. Reinhart could not find a similar system for comparative purposes, and Sari Feldman, president of the national Public Library Association, said she hadn’t heard of it before.

[Snip]

Reinhart said if a book is checked out on the “Fines-Free” plan for an extended period, and enough other customers request it, the library will purchase a new copy.

The Oakland Tribune article mentions that the Hayward City Council approved the plan last week. You can read the memo from Sean Reinhart to the Mayor and City Council with details about the plan here (7 pages; PDF).

You can also view the Hayward City Council meeting where the plan is discussed and approved. It includes a presentation by Sean Reinhart and a member of the library commission. To access: visit this page; select 2009 webcasts and then drop down to Novemeber 3rd. Move to “legislative business #6.” Note: We were unable to view the video with Firefox. We had to use IE.

During his presentation, Sean Reinhart mentions that two other “fines free” plans will be available in addition to the 3 items for $2.99/month

Users can also choose from :

+ 5 items at a time for $4.99/month

+ 10 items at a time for $8.99/month

Sources: Oakland Tribune and Hayward, CA. City Council
Hat Tip: Library Stuff

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 and is filed under Libraries and Librarianship. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.