[OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Auto Renew Feature

[Aubrey Area Library]

We also implemented auto renew in late February this year (we are also the
other library Geoff mentioned). It was a little rocky at first, being the
test library for implementation, but once we worked out the kinks it has
been smooth sailing.

Overall patrons have been very happy with it though we did have one patron
that did not like the fact that the items renewed before their actual due
date. Yes, we are also the library Geoff mentioned whose items auto renew
before their due date. Thankfully it was resolved after speaking with the
patron and explaining renewals, how auto renewal works etc. I have started
looking at changes to this as I would prefer for the items to renew on
their due date. The setup is what it is due to how courtesy notices are set
up.

Geoff mentioned the issues with generating notices.

For patrons with no email/sms; we tend to just explain to patrons about how
auto renewal works if they ask about it. After a few times it sinks in and
they come to expect it. We do not require email address so, personally, I
look at it as if a patron does not want notifications from the library that
is their choice. Can't force it on them.

We had already taken measures years ago to reduce fines (80% reduction!!!!)
so the impact that auto renewal has had is minuscule but as it was mention
if fines are a source of revenue auto renewal may not be a good fit.

I would echo Geoffs recommendations for implementation. It was something
that I overlooked and has been a thorn in my side since. Not only to give
patrons time to return items but also so you o not have a mess of notices
like we do. Simplicity.

Thanks,
Jordan Woodard
Aubrey Area Library

On Mon, Nov 18, 2019 at 3:56 PM Geoff Sams <GSams at roanoketexas.com> wrote:

> We implemented auto renew back in March this year and things have gone
> fairly smoothly with the implementation for my library.
>
>
>
> Generally, the patrons have been happy about it.  We did have one
> complaint that boiled down to a patron simply not wanting to be notified at
> all, which was an interesting one for me, but that was certainly possible
> to fix for us.
>
>
>
> The only rocky start part was getting our notices to generate properly.
> The stock notice wording was a little too generic, so we made changes that
> took a bit of work to get implemented properly.
>
>
>
> We don’t really have the email/sms issue, so I’m not sure what the best
> course of action would be for that to be completely honest.  I have some
> ideas, but I’m not sure if any of them would be viable over the long run.
>
>
>
> This has drastically reduced fines here, for the moment.  It’s not a
> forever renewal process, so I do still see fines, but it has generally
> decreased fines across the board.  We don’t rely on fine income for
> operation here, so this isn’t a giant issue for us, but if you do rely on
> fine income I’d probably recommend against implementing such a process.
> With that said, my staff spend a lot less time dealing with fine related
> issues, and I believe it’s enough to have saved money in general.
>
>
>
> For implementation, I’d recommend one of two options for the sake of
> making things reasonable.  Either set the renewal to happen a few days
> before the due date so that patrons have time to return materials that are
> not renewed, or set the renewal on the due date but add a multi-day grace
> period for the same reason.  We renew on the due date and give patrons 3
> grace days to return the item to avoid fines.  Another library in my
> consortium renews the item 3 days before the due date instead.  Both work,
> but I think the important factor is allowing patrons the time to return
> items.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Geoff Sams
>
> Library Manager
>
> Roanoke Public Library
>
> 817-491-2691
>
>
>
> *From:* Open-ils-general <
> open-ils-general-bounces at list.georgialibraries.org> *On Behalf Of *Elizabeth
> Davis
> *Sent:* Monday, November 18, 2019 12:09 PM
> *To:* open-ils-general at list.georgialibraries.org
> *Subject:* [OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Auto Renew Feature
>
>
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
>
>
> For those of you who are using the Auto Renew feature, how is it going?
> What are the general impressions from patrons? Was it a rocky start?   We
> have some concerns about how staff deal with patrons who do not have email
> or sms notification capabilities. How did you deal with this aspect?  Any
> unexpected financial impacts in terms of fine revenue? What are your
> suggestions for those interested in implementing it?
>
>
>
> Thank you,
>
>
>
>
>
> Elizabeth Davis
>
> Head of Digital Services
>
> Scranton Public Library
>
> 500 Vine Street
>
> Scranton, PA 18509
>
> Office 570-348-3000 ext. 3050
>
> Cell 570-795-4332
>
> edavis at albright.org
>
> pronouns: she/her/hers
>
>
>
>
>


-- 

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Thank You, The Library Staff

226 Countryside Dr., Aubrey, TX 76227
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