Approved library circulation policy
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A new library circulation policy approved by the Town Council on March 8, 2010, extends the lending period for printed and other material from two weeks to three weeks. Materials may be renewed for two weeks, but only once.

The revised policy mirrors the policy of the statewide "Minerva" network of interlibrary loans, and also reflects the borrowing trends of patrons.

Because the current borrowing period is two weeks, most borrowers renew at least once, Jay Scherma, head librarian at the Thomas Memorial Library, told members of the council. The revised policy reduces the total borrowing time by one week, but also enables most patrons to avoid that first renewal, Scherma said.

The policy changes will go into practice when software parameters are updated by Minerva staff.

The borrowing and renewal policy for videos and DVDs remains at a one-week duration and one, one-week renewal.

The library is seeing record circulation numbers as a result of the economy, Town Manager Michael McGovern told members of the council. The Thomas Memorial Library will see well over 150,000 "circs" this year, Scherma said. Of those, nearly 20 percent - 30,000 - will be interlibrary loans.

"So, it's important that these policies be kept up to date," McGovern said.

Scherma added however that circulation numbers will likely drop as a result of the number of first renewals are reduced.