Dear Colleagues: Our synagogue has just made the decision to no longer track circulation at our library. Patrons will not have to check out materials and it will be the honor system. One issue I am grappling with is that the online catalog will no longer be accurate but would still be used to classify and find books Also, I'm assuming doing inventory and replacing books will be a greater priority. We are compiling an absolute essentials list to ensure that specific titles are available for clergy, congregants and religious school staff. These may or may not be kept in the open library. My budget would be used for these purchases.
So, while I am in a bit of shock about this, I don't feel it's an outrageous decision given the use (or lack thereof) of our library and/or staff time spent trying to collect overdue books. The number of lost books is already high. Circulation statistics have been skewed for a long while and not terribly accurate as an indication of library use anyway because of inconsistent users and initial OPAC setup. I am still seen as the "resource expert", asked to create books lists, even possibly do programming but the library collection here may be only a small part of my resource bank. Valuing the librarian more than the library as a space is the priority as we move forward. I would love to hear responses to this and also, what other issues I should consider or anticipate. This is really new territory for me but I am trying to adapt to the needs and realitites of our synagogue and the 21st century world. Chag Sameach, *Toby Harris, Librarian* *Temple Beth Am, Seattle* *[email protected] <[email protected]>* *Catalog* <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://templebetham.library.site/__;!!KGKeukY!hSiwBnnA3hgQB_KkBjtS6etPuxHb3Xp6InQ-Y0dXlBRiBTmx2M5PcwUXES4ZBrDL5x4$ > *Wish List* <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/QGEGPYNN1H5Q/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist__;!!KGKeukY!hSiwBnnA3hgQB_KkBjtS6etPuxHb3Xp6InQ-Y0dXlBRiBTmx2M5PcwUXES4ZpTNASfM$ >
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