PrairieCat has adopted new resource sharing policies that go into effect as of February 1, 2012.  The document linked below summarizes those changes and hopefully answers all of the questions you have had about this new policy.   

Use of these "new" and "browse" policies is optional - libraries can choose to continue lending some or all of their materials to other libraries immediately, rather than limiting them to local holds for three months.  However, we do know from implementing the DVD-New policy last February that for new popular materials, if you choose to lend immediately you will be hit hard with hold requests.  The intent of these new policies is to allow materials to stay at your library or be used by your patrons first for three months, then shared equally between all PrairieCat libraries.

If you are going to begin using any of the "new" or "browse" item types at your library (your library is not currently using them), then you need to complete the form that is included in the documents below to indicate your circulation rules for this type of material.  Please return your completed form to Ed Zanelli by January 23, so that we can get your new circulation rules in place.  You cannot begin using the item type until we have the circulation rule in place or it won't circulate/be holdable as you intend. If you are already using all the "new" or "browse" item types that you wish to use, then you do not need to complete the form unless you have changes to your circulation rules. As of February 1, 2012, there will be default rules in the hold map that limit "new" materials to local holds only.

Please ask if you have additional questions.

New Policy Implementation Form (MSWord)

New Policy Implementation Form (PDF)