Pay for Print FAQ

 

 

Why are we charging for printing?

In 2007 we printed an estimated 3.8 million pages of paper. Our reduced budget has caused us to reevaluate all of our resources and we have concluded that we are unable to continue to provide free printing. Our goal is to minimize the cost to our patrons while still providing the same level of service.  Introducing modest charges for printing will allow us to continue this valuable service as we work to balance our budget.

 

Can patrons load money onto their library/print card with a debit/credit card?

The answer is no--cash only.  Becky talked to Sean--it doesn't look like this will be changing any time soon--the software to make it happen is expensive. 

 

An ACPL cardholder has accidentally purchased a print card because they began with the first set of instructions—what do we do?

Take the print card and credit the patrons library card $1.

 

ACPL cardholders who request print cards--what do we do?

Patrons may choose to use a print card instead of their library card--but they have to pay for one if that is their choice.  As Allen County residents, they are entitled to the 'free' option of using their library cards but additional expenses are involved with the print cards--we don't have the luxury of being able to give out print cards, just as we no longer have the luxury of providing free printouts. 

 

 

Loading Station details

• A patron inserts a $5, $10, etc into the loading station, intending to purchase a card and load the rest of the money onto the card.  After the station gives them their card, they need to swipe the card to load the remaining funds onto the card.

 

Printing from GRef: Common Situations

• Lottery Guy

          We will print out his copies at GRef, accept money here and once money accumulates, we take the blue slip to Circ to pay.

 

• Pamela/patrons who call in, tell us what they want printed out and state that they will be in later to pick up the copies: 

          *As neither mobility nor ability are factors, we will print out the information for them when they arrive and send it to the Computer Center so that they may pay for their copies.  If a patron asks why we can't have things printed and waiting for them, we can tell them that many printouts are not picked up and we simply can't afford wasted resources.

 

 

• Homebound patron calls to request articles printed out and mailed to him/her.

       As time and staffing allows, we can continue to provide this service. Librarians are encouraged to use their discretion or consult with their coworkers if there is a concern about a particular request.

 

• There's a long wait for the public computers and the patron has a specific information need

       As time and staffing allows, we can continue to provide this service. We can send the print job to the print release station from a staff  workstation  and charge the patron in this manner.

 

 

How long do print jobs remain in queue?

2.25 hours

 

Who do I contact with questions?

• Technical difficulties are referred to IT

• Staff concerns/scenarios are referred to Operations

• Accounting/transfer questions are referred to Finance

• Promotion/PR questions are referred to Community Relations

 

How do we order more print cards

Insite, Order ACPL supplies, boxes of 500