Thank you for the notice. I definitely won’t be using the interlibrary loan service anymore. I pay enough taxes to the library to cover what few resources I use there.

The Interlibrary Loan service is one of the most amazing services available to the public: the ability to literally have any resource at your fingertips is an amazing gift. A single dollar is merely a token gesture…SO little for us to give in order to receive SO much!!! A great ‘Thank You’ to all the libraries and their employees! I would be happy to give a dollar merely as a gesture of thanks!

I’m not sure if I mind the $1 charge, although I agree with the first post - I know exactly how much of my property tax goes to the library, and it’s enough.

However, I believe TSCPL should post accurate information here. This page currently says that the $1 is approximately how much it costs the library.

Get real. Research done several years ago showed that each ILL cost $18-20, which is why many libraries try to purchase rather than borrow.

Also, this page makes it sound as if the library is surprised at the increase in borrowing, whereas I think it’s up almost everywhere and am not surprised at all.

On a positive note, it’s about time TSCPL got ILLIAD. Borrowing items before this was a pain. So, TSCPL, thanks for keeping up with almost every other large library system in the U.S. Except…are they charging people extra??

Topeka Citizen – Our post does not claim that the $1 fee covers the entire cost of an ILL transaction.  The $1 fee covers the average shipping cost per item when we ship via our courier services.  Most of our ILL materials do ship via courier.  As for charges levied by other libraries, I can say that it is not at all uncommon for a library to charge a fee.  We always ask in advance whether ILL customers are willing to pay fees charged by other libraries before requesting an item for them.  Customers can choose whether or not they wish to pay any fees from a lending institution.  The recession is having an effect on ILL operations nationwide.  We’ve recently gotten notification that several large public library systems are curtailing ILL services or eliminating them altogether.  We’re working hard to provide the best ILL service we possibly can to TSCPL customers.  Paul Brennan – Collections Manager - TSCPL

Thank you for the clarification. Let’s be honest, though. TSCPL requiring patrons to fill out a piece of paper requesting to borrow an item was seriously, seriously behind the times. Catching up to what other libraries have been doing for years and years would be especially difficult during a recession. It’s too bad so much time & effort went into Second Life and not into keeping standard library operations current.

I am very happy with the new online system. I first learned about it in another state in 2003.

I just wanted to say that I dont mind paying the $1 fee. I am grateful for the service and I really appreciate the staff that handles all my requests. I know that on more than one occasion they have gone above and beyond the call of duty in attempts to grant my loan requests.

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

I want to comment on the new fee system. First, I am grateful that the library is not asking to raise the mill levy to generate more income.  I use the library every week and would be lost without the privilege of borrowing as many books as I can read in a 3 week period. What does bother me though, is the fact that in these tough economic times, the library board agreed to increase the director’s salary by 5%- which I am sure is not offered to any of the other staff members regardless of the years of service. I resent the 5% increase to a person who is making well above the one hundred thousand dollar mark already. And for that fact alone, I resent the new fee system. Thank you for letting me comment.

Thank you for your comment. I’m so happy to learn that you use the library regularly.

Addressing the staff compensation information, please note that all staff are evaluated annually with merit increases tied to their performance.  In 2009 the range of merit increase offered to staff is from 4% to 6%.  These increases were budgeted in 2008, prior to the change in the economy. During this year’s budgeting process, the Board of Trustees recognized the economic situation and therefore, in 2010 no staff member, including the executive director, will receive merit increases. 

Robert Banks, Deputy Director

I just wanted to comment on the late fee issue. I think it’s the worse ever we have to pay for everything in this world and now we have to pay late fee on free books i stop going to the library and i dont let my kids go either i just buy them the books causethats what ill be paying any how with all these dam late fees.

Dimitra - thanks for the comment.