At Main Library in Kansas City, KS, DVD Circulation Nears 60%
By Norman Oder Sep 15, 2010It's an open secret that the availability of DVDs drives circulation at a good number of library systems, and the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library (KCKPL), at least at its downtown Main Branch has racked up some eye-popping statistics. In 2009, DVDs accounted for 59.5% of the adult circulation and 55.1% of the entire branch's circulation, while this year, through July, the figures are 58.5% and 54.5%.
The library in 2007 opened a new DVD section and enhanced the collection. To Assistant Director Helen Rigdon, the results represent a double-edged sword. "While this increase in numbers is good for circulation, we worry about just being thought of as a ‘video store,'" she told LJ.
And while the availability of DVDs does attract visitors, the Main Branch layout allows patrons to go straight to the second floor without passing print—stairs and elevator go directly to the second floor from the foyer.
The library has placed literature and calendars regarding library programs in the A/V area, but, Rigdon said, "For the most part these patrons seem to be focused only on getting the latest DVD."
Driving factors
KCKPL buys feature films as soon as they emerge on DVD; many libraries wait some months before doing so. And some libraries, including the Kansas City Public Library, MO, charge a $1 fee.
(DVD circulation at all area libraries is booming, according to the Kansas City Star.)
Rigdon noted that there is no video store within almost five miles of the library and only one Redbox DVD dispenser in this service area.
Rigdon said staff speculate that the demographics of Main Branch users—more economically challenged than those who use the other branches—may also drive DVD use. (Netflix use requires Internet access, for example)
Until recently, the library lent feature DVDs for four days; now the loan period is seven days, as it has been for nonfiction and TV series. DVDs are nonrenewable and patrons can't place holds for them.
About the branch
The Main Branch, which covers 45,000 square feet, houses 181,000+ items, including two local history collections.
However, of the 155,347 total adult holdings, DVDs represent only 7.6% (11,812). The new DVD section, which occupies half of the second floor, was opened in November 2007, and occupies about 3500 square feet. Before the new space opened, the collection was 6,862 adult DVDs.
The library, as part of the renovations, installed six individual viewing stations for DVDs. They were in constant use this past summer, especially during the heat waves.
DVD circulation has been growing. In 2005, DVDs accounted for 46.1% of the total adult circulation and 42.2% of the entire branch circulation.
The library has typically bought several copies of feature films, Rigdon said, but budget pressures have attenuated that policy. Last year, the library reduced some positions; this year, the materials budget took a hit. And there may be future constraints on DVD purchases.
Comparisons
At the library's other three branches, A/V is popular, but not on the same level; it represents from 32.2% to 43% of total circulation. At two of the three branches, DVDs are located fairly far from the entrance, requiring visitors to pass by book stacks.
At the Main Branch, children's circulation is on par with the other branches, Rigdon said. Actually, while children's circulation systemwide last year declined a tick (due to retiring the bookmobile), the Main Branch had a 2.6% increase in children's circ.
