The idea to have fee forgiveness is a fine one, because realistically if someone wanted to steal material a fee isn’t going to encourage them to bring it back either. It’s really a hold over from an older generation, but it does help put pressure on some to bring what they borrow back. It should be up to the librarian to make the choice to forgive the fee, because it’s as you say a human perspective. Giving access to loan extensions would help avoid those fees though, which typically as you said hits low income because they have less time to return the material.
Yes, In my personal experience, 90% of the time is lower-income people, and if those who really abuse the system, they do get their accounts suspended.
Hi, Rodrigo! In my library, I pretty much only use the concept of fees as a vague threat to encourage students to bring back their books. I rarely ever issue any – never for overdues, and only with particularly egregious destroyed books that need to be replaced that students have brought to my attention and want to rectify. And, when I do approach families about replacement fees, I always add a caveat of “If you cannot pay the replacement fee for any reason, please let me know and we can discuss waiving it.” You’re right in saying that compassion is required in these circumstances, rather than rote issuing of fees that will drive away patrons and discourage circulation.
Agree MJ, All libraries systems should aim to have same personal approach. Fees in my opinion deter community from continue enjoying all the benefits of a library.
The idea to have fee forgiveness is a fine one, because realistically if someone wanted to steal material a fee isn’t going to encourage them to bring it back either. It’s really a hold over from an older generation, but it does help put pressure on some to bring what they borrow back. It should be up to the librarian to make the choice to forgive the fee, because it’s as you say a human perspective. Giving access to loan extensions would help avoid those fees though, which typically as you said hits low income because they have less time to return the material.
Yes, In my personal experience, 90% of the time is lower-income people, and if those who really abuse the system, they do get their accounts suspended.
Hi, Rodrigo! In my library, I pretty much only use the concept of fees as a vague threat to encourage students to bring back their books. I rarely ever issue any – never for overdues, and only with particularly egregious destroyed books that need to be replaced that students have brought to my attention and want to rectify. And, when I do approach families about replacement fees, I always add a caveat of “If you cannot pay the replacement fee for any reason, please let me know and we can discuss waiving it.” You’re right in saying that compassion is required in these circumstances, rather than rote issuing of fees that will drive away patrons and discourage circulation.
Agree MJ, All libraries systems should aim to have same personal approach. Fees in my opinion deter community from continue enjoying all the benefits of a library.