UPDATES: DVDs can only be checked out for one week. It was previously reported that only one DVD a week could be check out. Also, the number of holds allowed for York Country residents is moving from 12 to 16, as opposed to 17.
WILLIAMBURG — The Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) will change its circulation procedures at both branches starting July 1.
The new procedure will shorten the amount of time most library materials can be checked out to three weeks. The exceptions are DVDs, which residents can only checked out for one week, and Gab Bags, Learning to Go items, WiFi hotspots as well as items requested through an interlibrary loan.
“We were hearing that it is difficult for users to keep track of multiple return deadlines when they were checking out different types of materials, so we wanted to simplify things,” said Alicia Phinney, WRL’s circulation division director. “We also slightly shortened the length of time we are having items check out for because we found it was more than most of our users need, and this way we can get bestsellers and other in-demand items into the hands of more users in a more timely manner.”
The number of items library customers are able to put on hold will also change. To date, the limit has been 15 for regular cardholders and 12 for York County residents. Starting July 1 the limit will be increased to 20 and 16 respectively.
“All of these changes are being implemented to make the library more responsive to what our users want,” said Phinney. “We got feedback that people want more items faster, and that they want more clarity and flexibility when it comes to navigating return deadlines. We think our new procedures will address all of those requests.”
