RTL - Total Request Live?

After four months of offering Request to Library (RTL) through Overdrive, it’s fair to say the program is going strong. Stronger than we anticipated! It’s been so popular, we’re still a bit overwhelmed and back ordering carts.  But don’t fear, they will be purchased.

It’s become clear both staff and members are confused about exactly how RTL works. We wish we could offer unlimited purchasing to every member but money is real and we must buy within our budget. As such, yes, there are limits to how much and when a member can suggest an RTL.

Limits:

• 3 RTLs every 30 days.
• The limit is set by time, not by request. So even if an RTL you have comes in before 30 days, you don't get another slot until 30 days are up. 
• Overdrive RTLs do not impact physical requests. However, members must request emedia through Overdrive. Emedia request through the Suggest a Title from get deleted. No worries, members are notified of why it was deleted.

The limit used to be 4 RTLs but the budget simply couldn’t support this. After some analysis, it was decided that the best move with the lowest member impact was to lower the request limit. Of course, this is a disappointment to some of our power-users! We understand that and hope being more open and clear about how and why we have these limits will keep members requesting items while understanding the library’s position.  In the future, we plan to be more upfront about any changes that must made.  We are also investigating updating the current Suggest a Title page to include language that would redirect users to OverDrive.

Action Steps

1. If you have a request, go ahead and place one.
2. Give suggestions on how to present RTL (including the limits) to members
3. Ask any questions or let us know if something isn’t clear

Talking Points

• Members may request 3 RTLs every 30 days.
• The limit is set by time, not by request. So even if an RTL you have comes in before 30 days, you don't get another slot until 30 days are up. 
• Overdrive RTLs do not impact physical requests. 
• This is a great feature to help our members receive the content they want in a format they want.
• While they are waiting on RTLs to arrive or the 30 days to go by to request more, they can check out the Featured Titles on OverDrive for more great ebooks.

As always, we love member feedback. Please pass any comments (good or bad) onto Collection Development.