Non-Resident Library Cards

[Fbone]

Originally Posted by Fbone

Thanks for the updates-

I may have a replacement for Enoch Pratt that uses the same Overdrive account. Awaiting verification.
Also, I sent an email off to Miami to confirm the non-resident restrictions.
I fixed St Charles' broken link but one would need to apply at St Louis Public library for the St Charles and County cards.

Heard back from Miami Library and a non-resident card is only available for Dade County residents.

I have a replacement for Enoch but there are better options elsewhere.

[Whitegh10]

Just had an email today as an out-of-state cardholder for Houston Public Library to say that they will no longer be renewing out-of-state cards from 7th April.

[Fbone]

Originally Posted by Whitegh10

Just had an email today as an out-of-state cardholder for Houston Public Library to say that they will no longer be renewing out-of-state cards from 7th April.

Sad to hear this. One wonders if their reciprocal agreement with Harris County last month caused this decision. Or it's a statewide mandate being enforced as they were the last Texas library still offering out-of-state cards.

[Fbone]

I also had to change the price for Fairfax County to $50. They do offer other options.
1 year: $50
2 year: $75
3 year: $100

Very easy online sign-up but their collection is decreasing.

[Whitegh10]

Originally Posted by Fbone

Sad to hear this. One wonders if their reciprocal agreement with Harris County last month caused this decision. Or it's a statewide mandate being enforced as they were the last Texas library still offering out-of-state cards.

Their email says:

"This decision was made after careful consideration of changes in library funding and operational needs.

We understand that this may be an inconvenience for some of our valued patrons, and we appreciate your understanding during this transition."

[Fbone]

Just as a reminder, this is the last week to receive a Houston library card for $40.

https://askhpl.houstonlibrary.org/li...ard/faq/422566

[Fbone]

I removed Houston and Harris County libraries from the list. Houston removed the non-resident option from the card application. Their card is free to all Texas residents.

[Fbone]

I updated the collection sizes.

29 increased their inventory
10 decreased their inventory

[Catlady]

Stark Library will no long offer out-of-state library cards, per an e-mail I got this morning about my account.

[Terisa de morgan]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Stark Library will no long offer out-of-state library cards, per an e-mail I got this morning about my account.

I guess I'll receive the email soon.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Stark Library will no long offer out-of-state library cards, per an e-mail I got this morning about my account.

Wow. It wasn’t that long ago that they charged only $30/year. I think the handwriting’s on the wall; it was obvious to me years ago that libraries were losing money on paid-for cards. In Stark’s case, even at $100/year I bet those who were willing to pay that price made sure they got more than their money’s worth.

My library card situation is adequate at the moment, but my ability to continue to use my two workhorse cards is somewhat tenuous. They’re legit at the moment, but that could change. When I see news like this, I always wonder if I should jump on one of the better outstanding deals and ensure another year — but it’s impossible to time that well.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Terisa de morgan

I guess I'll receive the email soon.

My account expires at the end of the month; perhaps they're sending out the notices based on the proximity of the possible renewal date.

Originally Posted by issybird

Wow. It wasn’t that long ago that they charged only $30/year. I think the handwriting’s on the wall; it was obvious to me years ago that libraries were losing money on paid-for cards. In Stark’s case, even at $100/year I bet those who were willing to pay that price made sure they got more than their money’s worth.

My library card situation is adequate at the moment, but my ability to continue to use my two workhorse cards is somewhat tenuous. They’re legit at the moment, but that could change. When I see news like this, I always wonder if I should jump on one of the better outstanding deals and ensure another year — but it’s impossible to time that well.

I think I paid $50 for Stark last year, and had already decided not to renew at $100 when they announced the increase (both the price and the inconvenience of Libby for audiobooks were factors). I never used Stark as much as I expected; the wait time was unpredictable and Stark rarely had a title I couldn't get from my home libraries.

[Fbone]

I'm afraid I am also to blame by posting this information publicly here on MR. It seems others link to us generating more interest and applications for non-resident cards. The libraries are probably seeing sudden increases in usage and it's causing concerns and possibly complaints from local residents - longer wait times, etc.

That being said, Clermont County, OH who also uses The Ohio Digital Library [same as Stark] will issue a card for $75. I haven't added it to the list in case they make similar changes like Stark.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Fbone

I'm afraid I am also to blame by posting this information publicly here on MR. It seems others link to us generating more interest and applications for non-resident cards. The libraries are probably seeing sudden increases in usage and it's causing concerns and possibly complaints from local residents - longer wait times, etc.

That being said, Clermont County, OH who also uses The Ohio Digital Library [same as Stark] will issue a card for $75. I haven't added it to the list in case they make similar changes like Stark.

The e-mail from Stark cited "increasing demand for digital resources for our in-state patrons, the high cost of digital materials, and reduction to funding for these resources." While out-of-state demand might impact access for in-state customers, I would guess that costs and funding cuts are the real problems.

[SteveEisenberg]

Originally Posted by Fbone

I'm afraid I am also to blame by posting this information publicly here on MR. It seems others link to us generating more interest and applications for non-resident cards. The libraries are probably seeing sudden increases in usage and it's causing concerns and possibly complaints from local residents - longer wait times, etc.

I think your concern is good and reasonable. But if the library saw providing out of state cards as part of their core literacy promotion mission, I do not think they would charge more than a nominal amount. A lunking librarian can correct me, but I would think that they are providing paid access in order to raise revenue. Libraries have many necessary budgetary needs, but a portion of the revenue likely goes to reduce borrower wait times, whether for paper or eBooks.

There is potential for this to backfire in the event that the out of state borrower uses more resources than they paid for. It may be extremely hard to find a price point that works for the library. But I'd think that if the out of state cards are really generating net revenue, more out of state cards would probably generate more out of state net revenue. If seems unlikely to me that they would offer a paid product and only want to sell a few units.

So -- thank you for keeping this thread alive and current.