ABOUT THE LIBRARY
Greater Access Results in Increased Circulation of Materials at IMCPL
September 26, 2005
New procedures to get library materials in the hands of patrons quicker and easier have resulted in increased usage at all branches of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library.
Through August of 2005, circulation of books, videos, CDs and DVDs was up 13% over 2004, with certain branches showing even more dramatic increases in patron usage. Overall, nearly 5.2 million items have been checked out in 2005.
Twelve IMCPL locations have shown circulation increases of 20% or more, with inner city neighborhood branches reporting the most activity. East Washington Branch, 2822 E. Washington Street, has experienced a 53% increase in the checkout of library materials. Flanner House Branch, 2424 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, reports a 50% increase. West Indianapolis Branch, 1216 S. Kappes Street, has noticed a 46% increase. And the Brightwood Branch, 2435 N. Sherman Drive, has experienced a 36% increase.
Larger suburban library branches also have shown significant increases, including the Wayne Branch, 198 S. Girls School Road, at 45%; Lawrence Branch, 7898 N. Hague Road, at 13%; Franklin Road Branch, 5550 S. Franklin Road, at 13%; and the Pike Branch, 6525 Zionsville Road, at 10%.
"We have instituted a number of practices this year intended to provide our patrons with the materials they want and allow for better access to those materials. These procedures seem to be working," commented Linda Mielke, CEO.
The Library has streamlined its process of evaluating and processing materials so that they are more readily available to users. More copies of newer items are on library shelves, and those in greater demand by patrons are being prominently displayed.
Since March of 2005, the checkout of books is up 25% and that of audio books 10%. DVD circulation has more than tripled, reflecting the Library's commitment to provide more items to meet demand for this popular format. The large increase in DVD usage is attributed to revised procedures for DVD circulation instituted in March of 2005, including a three-day loan period and restrictions on requests and renewals for newer adult feature DVDs.
Not only are more materials being checked out from all branches, but more individuals are visiting IMCPL locations. Through August of 2005, the Library's door count is nearly 2% ahead of last year's record of 5.1 million visitors.
Patrons can review the Library's catalog of over two million items, as well as place holds on, and renew materials, by visiting the Library's website at www.imcpl.org. They may also renew items by telephone by dialing the Library's Telecirc service at 269-5222.
