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Polk County Library Cooperative BMail. Materials by Mail Service Established 2006. Why Home Delivery for All Polk Co. Library Co-Op Customers?. The geographic size of Polk County is 50% larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.
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Polk County Library Cooperative BMail Materials by Mail Service Established 2006
Why Home Delivery for All Polk Co. Library Co-Op Customers? • The geographic size of Polk County is 50% larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. • There are NO Public Libraries in unincorporated Polk County. • 50% of our county’s population resides in the unincorporated area.
Why Not Home Delivery? • It’s a ‘win-win’ for customers and for libraries. • PCLC’s member library’s collections are circulating more. • BMail began as a service for shut-ins, but grew to include: • Young parents with busy schedules • Students accustomed to the ease of online ordering • Busy professionals unable to fit a library stop into their schedule • Retirees enjoying the freedom of an unscheduled life • People without personal transportation • Library customers who prefer to search for materials online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Fastest Growing Outreach Service in PCLC • Since its inception in 2006 the monthly circulations through PCLC’s BMail have increased 2835%. • FY’05’06 – 2,400 circulations (6 months) • FY’10’11 – 68,000 circulations The convenience model is expected from today’s customer. Click it and get it
What’s It Take To Make It Happen? • Establish the service as a “Branch without Walls”. • Staff “Buy In” is a must for success. • Keep accurate statistics from day one. • Establish policies that compliment your standard circulation policies, but address unique issues. • Plan for 80% of your operating expenses to be for postage • Smart Marketing
Naysayers VS. Enthusiasts • Patrons and staff will question the cost of this service. Be prepared with facts. • LWPL’s Feb. 2012 cost per item circulated = $2.86 • BMail’s Feb. 2012 cost per item circulated = $3.71 PCLC’s BMail Supporters FAR outweigh the Naysayers
Become familiar with US Post Office Regulations. It will save money for the program.
Easy to Use Canvas Bags for Shut-In Delivery. Address Card Window allows for reversible return address card.
Contact B-Mail with Questions Tina Peak – peakt@cityoflakewales.com (863) 678-4004, extension 223 290 Cypress Garden Lane Lake Wales, Florida – 33853 Come spend the day with us and watch the BMail service in action