Local library members can once again receive loans from other Victorian libraries thanks to the reinstatement of the inter-library loan service.
With inter-library loans a much-valued service by library members, the High Country Library Network is thrilled to be able to offer it once again.
The peak body, Public Libraries Victoria (PLV), has been considering how to balance the rising costs of logistics, courier and other operational services with retaining access for members to the wide network of items we collectively hold.
Due to these rising costs, some changes have been put in place.
In order to reduce environmental and logistical costs, deliveries will now occur weekly.
Consolidating materials and moving them more efficiently allows us to continue offering the widest range of resources for our members. This may lead to a slightly longer wait, but ensures we are able to keep the service.
A limit of 20 holds per user will apply at any one time. We understand this service is invaluable for many members and to ensure we can keep offering this option, we must ensure it is used appropriately.
Moving books involves carbon miles and costs for the borrowing library, so it’s up to all of us to ensure we responsibly use this service.
New release titles may not be available via inter-library loans. If one of our local libraries doesn't have a new release title in our local collection, please consider using our purchase request service instead.
It's an unfortunate reality that increasing costs have impacted many aspects of our service, whether sharing items among our library network or providing inter-library loans; both are resource-heavy.
Victorian public libraries have worked together to identify ways to reduce the costs of delivering inter-library loans.
PLV has streamlined services, identified the most cost-effective methods of moving items across the state, and considered the most equitable ways to ensure all libraries receive value for money.
Weighing the needs of library members and PLV's responsibility to provide the best value service to our communities, a restructured program is preferable to the permanent suspension of this valuable service.
If you would like to make an inter-library loan, speak with a library staff member in your local branch.
How you can help
-
Please collect your inter-library loans when ordered, or cancel if they are no longer required. Uncollected items account for more than 10% of our costs. Uncollected items will incur a fee.
-
Please return items to the library you borrowed them from where possible as this will also help reduce transportation costs.
-
If you have multiple library memberships, check what conditions apply as they may vary from library to library.