changes in ebook checkout policy at the Philadelphia Free Library, effective Dec 17

[Fbone]

I'm allowed 5 but only ever had 2 out at a time. We also only allowed 5 holds. Considering the shockingly long wait times I'm beginning to believe no one buys ebooks anymore. This may contribute to the "flattening" of ebook sales.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Fbone

I'm allowed 5 but only ever had 2 out at a time. We also only allowed 5 holds. Considering the shockingly long wait times I'm beginning to believe no one buys ebooks anymore. This may contribute to the "flattening" of ebook sales.

Yep; why buy when you can borrow?

[PurpleStar]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Yep; why buy when you can borrow?

Especially when you're only buying a "liscense".

[Froide]

Originally Posted by Ripplinger

That's livable for me, 10 was a luxury since my local library only allows 6 checkouts and 3 holds (the 3 holds I think is just horrid since we can have wait lists with 400 people before you).

On another note about the Free Library of Philadelphia, does anyone know if they still allow free access for out-of-state seniors? I can no longer find any reference to it on their site.

That library's blog post of July 15, 2013 says, "No": see last sentence of last paragraph, below.

Free Library Updates Library Card and Fine Policies

By Michelle S. Subscribe to the author's RSS feed Mon, July 15, 2013

Beginning on Tuesday, July 16, the Free Library will be implementing a variety of changes to its cardholder and fine policies. Children under 12 years old will no longer be charged late fees for overdue materials—though they will still be responsible for returning all items before checking out more. Children will also be able to check out a total of 20 items and renew their materials up to 10 times, an increase over the previous limit of three renewals. In addition to these improvements for young library-goers, the Free Library is standardizing its late fees on all adult and teen materials to 25 cents per item, per day. Adult and teen readers will also be able to enjoy the increased renewal rate of 10 times per item.

In addition, several other library card changes will also go into effect on Tuesday. All Pennsylvania residents will now be able to obtain a library card free of charge, and the fee for an out-of-state card will increase from $35 to $50. Also, veterans, members of the military, and senior citizens who do not otherwise qualify for a free card will no longer be eligible for one.

[Catlady]

In addition, several other library card changes will also go into effect on Tuesday. All Pennsylvania residents will now be able to obtain a library card free of charge, and the fee for an out-of-state card will increase from $35 to $50. Also, veterans, members of the military, and senior citizens who do not otherwise qualify for a free card will no longer be eligible for one.

That stinks. I'm not in any of those affected groups, but it's pretty drastic to ask those people to go from paying nothing to paying $50--seems like if they really need to charge them, they should at least give them a discount.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Catlady

That stinks. I'm not in any of those affected groups, but it's pretty drastic to ask those people to go from paying nothing to paying $50--seems like if they really need to charge them, they should at least give them a discount.

Why does it stink? The library is likely supported primarily by local taxes, why should out of state people get free access?

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Why does it stink? The library is likely supported primarily by local taxes, why should out of state people get free access?

I entirely agree. I really don't see why anyone who isn't paying for the library through their taxes should get free access to it.

[Atunah]

I think those are reasonable changes. I have a out of state card still with them and fully expect to pay for getting a card in a place I don't live and pay no taxes.

My local library just doesn't have much in the genres I like to read so I appreciate that some libraries even offer out of state cards in the first place.

[WashWest]

Originally Posted by Atunah

I think those are reasonable changes. I have a out of state card still with them and fully expect to pay for getting a card in a place I don't live and pay no taxes.

As a Philadelphia resident (and taxpayer), I'm glad to see all these thoughtful posts. The FLP is a great resource for this city, but has been hard hit by budget cuts the last five or so years. Don't even get me started on our public schools...

[Atunah]

Originally Posted by WashWest

As a Philadelphia resident (and taxpayer), I'm glad to see all these thoughtful posts. The FLP is a great resource for this city, but has been hard hit by budget cuts the last five or so years. Don't even get me started on our public schools...

I always wonder about folks that actually live in the area with these libraries and pay the taxes, how do they feel about so many out of state folks adding to the wait lists on the books. I guess it depends on how much of a user those out of state people are.
I do know that its expensive for libraries to buy ebooks so the $50 dollar fee/yr doesn't really go that far.

[pidgeon92]

Originally Posted by Atunah

I always wonder about folks that actually live in the area with these libraries and pay the taxes, how do they feel about so many out of state folks adding to the wait lists on the books.

My guess is that the vast majority of them probably don't know. While it does increase waitlists, it also increases the income of those libraries, allowing them to purchase more ebooks, and more copies of popular ebooks.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Why does it stink? The library is likely supported primarily by local taxes, why should out of state people get free access?

The thing is that they WERE getting free access and now it's being taken away. Whoever decides such things thought they were worthy of special treatment before; why not continue to give them special treatment by giving them a discount now? Especially the active military.

[Kumabjorn]

Originally Posted by WashWest

As a Philadelphia resident (and taxpayer), I'm glad to see all these thoughtful posts. The FLP is a great resource for this city, but has been hard hit by budget cuts the last five or so years. Don't even get me started on our public schools...

Shouldn't Philadelphia residents also go to the front of the line when there is a waiting list? I don't live in Philly but if I did, I'd be pretty mad if I was 50th on a waiting list and 48 of those didn't pay the taxes that supports the library.

[pidgeon92]

Originally Posted by Kumabjorn

Shouldn't Philadelphia residents also go to the front of the line when there is a waiting list? I don't live in Philly but if I did, I'd be pretty mad if I was 50th on a waiting list and 48 of those didn't pay the taxes that supports the library.

I don't disagree that Philly residents should take precedence, but while non-residents may not pay the taxes, they do pay for the card yearly. It would be interesting to know how much of the library's operating income comes from non-residents.

[John F]

Originally Posted by Kumabjorn

Shouldn't Philadelphia residents also go to the front of the line when there is a waiting list? I don't live in Philly but if I did, I'd be pretty mad if I was 50th on a waiting list and 48 of those didn't pay the taxes that supports the library.

I don't pay taxes, but I do pay an annual fee (I'm from out of state). I figured the fee covers the cost. Out of state members probably don't use many other services like DVDs, pbooks, computers, CDs, ...

I'm against residents getting put to the front of the line.