[Publib] Use Policies

[Rebecca Bronson]

We have reciprocal agreements with several jurisdictions surrounding our
own, and we grant cards for fee to folks from those jurisdictions; they just
need to bring their card from the reciprocal jurisdiction. As far as folks
from out of town, anyone may pruchase a card for $15 per year or $7.50 for
six months. We do require that they come in person, however. We had a rash
of out-of-state genealogy researchers wanting access to our subscription
family history databases, so we decided that patrons needed to come get a
card in person. We also offer internet only cards for $5 and those are good
for six months.

Our archives has an extensive Civil War collection and our archivist and her
staff have helped researchers filming movies, writing books, etc. Of course,
these were people who were doing their research onsite. For out-of-town
researchers, the Archives has a list of local researchers available for a
fee.

Rebecca Bronson
Reference Librarian
Handley Regional Library
P.O. Box 1300
Stephens City, VA  22655

540-869-9000 (voice)
540-869-9001 (fax)

www.hrl.lib.state.va.us


-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Eve Golden
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2006 1:01 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Use Policies


Hi, everyone --

I'm working on a study of independent research -- how people can do serious
research who do not hold the kind of academic, government, or corporate
appointments that give them financial support and access to elaborate
research libraries and facilities. These folks do much of their work with
the help of public libraries and librarians.

Of particular interest to me is the predicament of people who live in areas
where libraries are scarce or badly funded. And here is my question:

Does your library have a policy about when it will and won't grant a card
to users who are not officially in their area of service?

In my experience, most public libraries try to be responsive to the needs
of outside users, and will often give full access to an out-of-towner who
needs it badly, especially if the applicant's own library can't fill his
needs.

But I'm wondering whether any of you are aware of official policies about
this, or whether you have any thoughts of your own on the subject. I'd be
interested to hear something about the location and size of your library,
too, if you think it's relevant.

Many thanks.

-- Eve

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