CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. (March 30, 2016)—A new service enabling automatic renewal of eligible library materials is anticipated as a time and cost-saving boon for library customers of the Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's County library systems.
The service, which went into effect Tuesday, March 29, will automatically renew library books, CDs, and DVDs that are eligible for renewal.
"We all have plenty of things to worry about," said Jennifer Falkowski, Information Services Manager with the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association. "Renewing your library materials doesn't have to be one of them now that we have the technological capability to provide this convenient service for you."
According to Falkowski, the automatic renewal service is designed to save library users time by eliminating the need to log in to an online account, make a phone call or drive to the library to renew materials.
"It could also save you money by reducing the potential for overdue fines," she added.
Of course, there are exceptions to the automatic renewal service, including all e-content (digital books, magazines and music). Items that have reached their maximum renewal number will not be automatically renewed, and items that have holds, or are reserved for other users, cannot be renewed.
"Holds trump renewals," explained Falkowski. "If another customer is waiting on a title and has it placed on hold, the item will not be automatically renewed."
Library users who receive notices via text or email will receive a notice of which items are automatically being renewed. They will still be responsible for the on-time return of items that are unable to be automatically renewed.
The service is being implemented in all three Southern Maryland county library systems and will affect all library customers whose accounts are in good standing.
"This is a low-cost technology that we can implement to benefit library customers," said Falkowski. "We have the opportunity to make life a little easier—it's a no-brainer for us."
For more information about the automatic renewal service talk to a librarian at your local library.