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Why can't I request videos online?

In 2005, the Minuteman Library Network (MLN)'s state-funded delivery system, which transports library materials requested for pickup at libraries other than the owning library, showed signs of an impending crisis. The volume of deliveries had been growing at an extraordinary rate (about 40% per year), and it became clear that the funding for this service would soon be exhausted. Primarily to get control of the ever-increasing volume, MLN members voted to restrict the ability to request new feature films less than one year old.

This means that Brookline residents can no longer request other libraries' new feature films for pickup in Brookline. Brookline residents can still request Brookline-owned new feature films for pickup at any of our branches using our web catalog and My Account. Non-Brookline residents will be able to request Brookline's new DVD's, VCD's, and Videocassettes for pickup in Brookline at any public service desk, by calling 617-730-2370 during library hours, or by emailing .

For the Minuteman Library Network (MLN)'s more thorough explanation of this policy change, including a link to a table summarizing the policies of all 41 MLN libraries, click here.

Below are some questions and answers about the Public Library of Brookline's implementation of this policy:

Questions and Answers:

  1. Brookline owns a brand new video that I am interested in. Can I request it myself in the Web Catalog? If you are a Brookline resident, the answer is probably YES. The web catalog should accept your request.
  2. I do not live in Brookline but use the Brookline Public Library all the time. Can I request a new video that Brookline owns in the web catalog? Unfortunately, no. However, you can ask staff to place the request for you, as long as you want to pick it up at one of our branches. You can place the request in person at any public service desk, by calling 617-730-2370, or by emailing . Staff can only request new videos that Brookline owns for pickup in Brookline.
  3. What is meant by a "new video"? A "new video" is a DVD, videocassette, or VCD that the library has owned for less than one year. All new feature films, TV series, and children's movies fit into that category. Documentaries and non-fiction films generally do not.
  4. Can I ask the Public Library of Brookline to purchase new feature films that it does not own, since I can't request them from other libraries? You can make purchase requests on our web site. We try to buy most things people request, but budgetary constraints may prevent us from buying everything.
  5. Why pick on new feature films? New feature films comprise over 15% of network delivery, so this restriction has the potential to help reduce delivery volume. Many MLN libraries restrict requests on them anyway and prefer to keep them as "browsing" collections. New videos tend to be in high-demand, and the time spent in delivery frequently doubles or triples the time that the video is not available for use, as compared to a simple circulation in the owning library.
  6. Why can Brookline ship items to its branches when there is a need to reduce delivery? The Public Library of Brookline contracts for delivery among its branches separately from MLN. It is a much-simpler operation, and shipped materials typically arrive at the destination branch on the following weekday. Items shipped among MLN libraries need to go to a central sorting facility, and typically spend 5-7 days in delivery each way.