Recently, the Library has seen the cost of paper and number of printed pages in our recycling bins rise to new levels. With the advent of electronic access to full text and graphics via Ovid and the Web, paper and printing costs were expected to further escalate. After investigating alternatives to our current printing practices, we decided to initiate charging for printing in certain areas of the Library. This decision resulted in the installation of the Lynx 5000 Network Printer Manager. A task force then brainstormed for ways to positively market this transition, focusing specifically on the benefits of the new service. Formulating a slogan that could be adopted to different formats, marketing the implementation as an event, and identifying channels of publicity, were the primary challenges that needed to be addressed. Superb planning allowed us to meet these challenges, and since this service has been implemented, the complaints have been few. This learning experience has further equipped us with the tools necessary to promote future projects, especially those which may be of an unpopular nature.

Problem

• User demand for printing electronic information increasing
• Cost and use of paper, toner cartridges, printer repairs and maintenance rising due to this demand
• No additional funds available to cover these expenses
• Paper in recycling bins rising to new levels, indicating waste
• Use and cost expected to escalate due to forthcoming electronic access to full text resources.

Project Objectives

• Investigate alternatives to current printing practices
• Initiate process to recoup rising paper & printing costs
• Find a solution that will work with networked computers and printers
• Determine where in the Library to charge for printing (all public areas, some public areas, no where) and what to charge for (MEDLINE, Netscape, etc.)
• Keep solution as simple as possible for Library users and staff
  • One card to use for both photocopying and printing
  • More reliable printing
• Minimize negative patron reactions to new printing fees

Path to a Solution

1. Held Library staff meeting to generate issues and suggestions to solving the problem (May 1996)
2. Created task force to consider issues and suggestions and find a means to meet the Library's objectives (August 1996)
3. Researched information on different systems (August 1996 - May 1997)
   • Sent messages to listservs to see how other libraries were handling the same problem (August 1996)
   • Determined where in the Library users could print for free and print for a fee (November 1996)
   • Brought in vendor to demonstrate Lynx-5000 system (May 1997)
4. Selected Lynx-5000 (May 1997)
5. Installed Lynx-5000 (June - July 1997)
   • Marketed the product (June - July 1997)
   • Provided a trial period to prepare users for the change (June - July 1997)
   • Implemented printing fees (July 1997)

Marketing

Marketing the implementation of the new system as an event was one of the many challenges...