Finkelstein Memorial Library 24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 Phone: (845) 352-5700

The Finkelstein Memorial Library announced today that it would continue its policy of allowing cardholders from all Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) member libraries to place electronic holds, either from home or at the library itself, in its new Millennium catalog system for pick-up at Finkelstein Library only. By continuing the business as usual policy at the Spring Valley library for patrons of other RCLS libraries, the Finkelstein Board asserts that the change in its automated system is not reflective of a change in its relationship with RCLS and that interfacing between the two automated systems can be seamless.

"We feel that Finkelstein Memorial Library is a critical resource to all of Rockland and the Hudson Valley, and that it is essential, especially in these tough economic times, to continue to share as widely as possible the many resources we have," said Library Director Robert S. Devino. "Opening our catalog to holds by all Rockland cardholders seems to be the best way to facilitate this sharing."

The decision stands in marked contrast to the decision made by the other RCLS libraries, including all other Rockland libraries, not to permit Finkelstein cardholders to place holds at other libraries. A Finkelstein Library cardholder must place a hold online through the Finkelstein Library website, or go to the library in order to place holds on materials from other libraries. This is an inconvenience that Finkelstein has chosen not to impose on patrons from other libraries. "We are hopeful," said Finkelstein Board President Richard Rothbard, "that our sister libraries will work with us to remove this barrier to full service and interlibrary cooperation." For information about the library's policy on reserves or the new Millennium catalog system, call Bob Devino at 352-5700, ext. 230.

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