Libraries go green, reduce paper use

Effective September 1, 2010, Mid-Columbia Libraries will stop sending printed hold (ready-to-pickup) and overdue library notices to about 2,000 customers who receive them.  Customer accounts receiving mailed paper notices will be switched to automated phone notices.  Customers who currently receive phone or email notices will not experience any change to their accounts.  By contacting their local library branch, customers can change this account setting at any time, electing to receive library notices by phone or email, in either English or Spanish.  Statements regarding fines, fees, and billing still will be sent via postal mail.

The switch to paperless hold and overdue notices will streamline operations and reduce operating expenditures, saving Mid-Columbia Libraries more than $5,200 in annual printing, postage, and staff time costs.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve operations and service to our customers.  Email and phone notices have the added benefit of providing account information to customers as soon as it is available,” said Kyle Cox, Interim Executive Director.  “Making this change to paperless library notices improves notification to customers, saves taxpayer money and our staff time, and also contributes to our efforts to go green.”

Mid-Columbia Libraries also provides ELF, a free service that notifies customers of due, overdue, or ready-to-pickup items via email, text, or RSS feed.  ELF also helps families keep track of multiple library accounts by sending notifications from multiple accounts to one recipient.  Customers can sign up for the service by visiting www.midcolumbialibraries.org, clicking on Books & Materials in the orange menu bar, and then clicking on ELF. 

MORE:  Mid-Columbia Libraries enriches our communities by empowering individuals with materials and services for life-long learning and growth, starting at birth.  With eleven libraries and a Bookmobile, Mid-Columbia Libraries has provided our region with excellence in library services for over 60 years.