I’m sure it’s kind of a downer for staff members, who have to chase the materials down and set them aside, but it is great news for Milwaukee Public Library customers. According to the library’s web site:

Media Holds: Milwaukee Public Library Policy Change
Effective February 16th.

Effective Monday, February 16th 2009, Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) entertainment DVDs/videos and music CDs will once again be available for holds and interloan. Media items will be sent to any location within the Milwaukee County Federated System for pick-up.

The Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS) Board also approved a system-wide limit of 15 maximum pending holds per patron. This change will also take effect on February 16th. Patrons who currently have pending holds that exceed 15 will have those holds honored.

The library officially stopped allowing holds on electronic media last year, but the policy appeared to be inconsistently applied. (At least, friends told me they still were placing holds and some of my own electronic item renewals were denied because the items were on hold.) The library’s reversal shows that it is listening to what customers want and need.

Kudos to MPL Director Paula Kiely and her staff.