While the Libraries has nothing written down about policy regarding borrower card renewals, customarily we have required for users to present themselves at the Main Library or campus libraries to renew their cards. I ask that borrowers come in to do this. If they are phoning or emailing us regarding this renewal, I will extend their card expiration by a month and renew whatever they have checked out so they have time to plan a trip in. If the user is in a location far from Iowa City or has a hardship that prevents them from traveling to the Libraries to renew their card, I make exceptions. We have a few users in other states who make annual donations to the Libraries and I renew their cards by email or phone. It is a good idea to remind those distant users that the LIbraries will pay for shipping charges for returning items.  One reason we like to see community borrowers face to face is not just to verify their continued Iowa residency, but it is also an opportunity to return books they may not need but might renew month after month.

As the Libraries has more distance users who may not ever come to our location because they can order books to be sent to their home address, this policy should be re-examined.