[SJAAboard] Toward a Library Model for the Loaner Program

[Gary Mitchell]

Rob Hawley (SJAA) wrote:

> Yes people have offered storage and backed out.  They have also called on short
> notice and demanded we take our scope back. Managing that has required luck and
> skill on my part.

OK, that's an important point, you should have explained that
earlier.  If this happens often enough, maybe a storage locker
will be required after all.

> Paid storage is not a viable approach for the library model. I only offered that
> to contrast the alternatives.

Why is it not viable?  It seems like the easiest way to go.
You just meet the borrower there and get/return a scope.
Isn't that easier than hooking up with a third party (the
one storing the scope) at the same time or getting the scope
first then meeting up with the borrower later, making two
transactions out of it?

>  I have also not heard a commitment for enough
> storage space to the library model.  

Are you sure?  I offered to store a few scopes when you first
took over the program, and reminded you since, but you've made
very light use of the offer.  At least you've got some reserve
capacity there.

> We should consult the membership before we radically change the scope of the
> loaner program.  The loaner program is the only service the club provides
> exclusively to members. 

I hope that's something we all agree on.

Gary