General Guidelines

1. Participation by libraries in the reciprocal borrowing program is voluntary.
2. The reciprocal borrowing agreement is automatically renewed each October l, unless a participating library notifies the other participants 60 days prior.
3. Materials available for reciprocal borrowing will be at the discretion of the individual lending library. It is hoped that most circulating items will be included.
4. Borrowers will be subject to the rules of the lending library.
5. Registered borrowers from any participating library are registered borrowers of all libraries in that system.
   1. In Pinellas County, several library systems make up the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative. Reciprocal borrowers need to register separately in each library management/automation system (LMS), i.e. Clearwater, St. Petersburg, etc.
6. Borrowers will need to register separately at each library management system. When the borrower uses another library for the first time, the same barcode can be entered into the host database. If your system cannot accept the standard barcode, then affix one of your barcodes to the back of the card. The reciprocal borrowing sticker should be placed on the library card.
7. Overdue fines may be collected at the library where materials are returned, based on their fine rate. All fines are kept by the library collecting them.
8. Fees for lost and damaged materials will be collected and kept by the owning library. Damaged material will be returned to the owning library, which will assess any fines or fees.
9. Individual libraries are responsible for insuring that their staffs are aware of, and adhere to, statutory requirements concerning confidentiality of public library users' registration and circulation records as required by Florida Statute 257.261.

1. Coordinate the administration and evaluation of the program and the collection of statistics.
2. Convene an ongoing advisory committee for the program.
3. Solicit and consider suggestions for improvement of the program. The reciprocal borrowing advisory committee will review policies and procedures on an annual basis to maintain the best possible service.
4. Maintain a file of letters of agreement to participate in the program.
5. Promote the program throughout the service area.
6. Provide encouragement, support and training to libraries new to reciprocal borrowing.

1. Identify the library as a participant in the program.
2. Distribute stickers provided by TBLC to requesting borrowers.
3. Honor cards from participating libraries.
4. Inform borrowers about local rules of service.
5. Keep and provide monthly statistics about card registration and use and forward to TBLC for compilation.
6. Verify the current address of the card holder
7. Return materials to owning library. Attach routing slip, noting date & location returned and whether a fine was paid.
8. Publicize and promote program at local level.
9. Participating libraries will adopt policies and procedures that insure confidentiality and privacy of patrons are maintained.

1. Present your library card to a reciprocal borrowing library to register for library privileges in that library system.
2. Be in good standing at your local library.
3. Be informed and abide by the rules and polices of the participating libraries you use.
4. Assume responsibility for all materials borrowed on your cards, including payment for lost/damaged materials, overdue fines or other fees.
5. Return materials to any participating library in a timely manner according to the rules of the lending library.

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