We are excited to launch a new website alongside the City of Stillwater on Tuesday, July 25. Our new URL is library.stillwaterok.gov. Anyone entering the old website (library.stillwater.org) will be redirected automatically to the new site. Then, next week, we will begin a new automatic renewal service. We appreciate your patience while we finish the final details and work out any potential issues that may arise.
Introducing the automatic renewal feature
Starting July 31, Stillwater Public Library will begin using an automatic renewal process for materials checked out to patrons. Automatic renewal is already being used by many libraries around the country and is another step in helping SPL reach its goal of using modern library technologies to provide excellent customer service. Patrons will no longer have to remember to go online or call the library for renewals because most items will automatically renew!
How do automatic renewals work?
Two days before an item is due, SPL’s system will attempt to renew it. If successful, the loan period will be extended for 15 days from the existing due date. If unsuccessful, patrons will continue to receive notices about upcoming due dates and overdue items.
Which items will not renew?
Any circumstance that currently prevents a renewal also applies to automatic renewals. These include:
- Items with waiting lists/holds
- Items that have already been renewed the maximum limit of two times
- Interlibrary loans
- Technology (hotspots, tablets)
- Items checked out to special accounts that do not allow renewals
- Item checked out to accounts that are blocked because of overdue items and/or fines of $5 or more from late, damaged or lost items
The new automatic renewal process will not change the due dates of eBooks and audiobooks checked out from the OK Virtual Library/Libby. Those items will still return automatically at the end of two weeks or can be renewed through the Manage Loan function on your Libby shelf.
How will I know if my items renewed?
Patrons who have provided their email addresses to SPL will receive an email two days before the due date that will inform them if their item was successfully renewed or not. If you don’t get emails from the library currently, let staff know, and we will add your email address to your account information so you will get the renewal notices. If you don’t use email regularly, you can check your item due dates online or by contacting SPL.
Does an automatic renewal give me less time to borrow an item?
No. Automatic renewals will calculate the new due date from the original due date so patrons will not lose time. For example, if items are due Aug. 10, SPL’s system will attempt to renew them on Aug. 8. If successful, the new due date will be Aug. 25.
Does this mean I am going to have to wait longer for popular books?
Automatic renewals will not slow down the availability of popular titles. Typically, these titles have people waiting for them, and any title with a hold will not renew.
Can I still renew items on my own?
If an item has a 15-day checkout period, it can be manually renewed online or at a self-check station starting five days before the due date.
Can I opt out of automatic renewals?
While there is no opt-out feature, patrons can return items any time before their due date.
These are exciting updates for Stillwater Public Library, and we know they will make things easier for patrons. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like more information about how automatic renewals will work, stop in or give us a call at (405) 372-3633.