[Publib] families with multiple cards and extended overdues

[Bruce Bumbalough]

In our old system, we tied families together so that the actions of one 
affected the others.  If a family member had fines over the $2 limit, no 
other family member could check materials out until the fines were paid.   

When we adopted Horizon we lost that ability.  

In the case you describe, I would tell the adults that no other member 
of the household can have a card until the fine issue is resolved.

I would also talk to the local police about theft by deception and 
invoke that information when needed.

My own thoughts.

Bruce Bumbalough



Stephanie Schulte wrote:
> I am checking to see how other libraries handle the following:
> 	
> 	A parent comes in to get their child a library card. In our system,
> the parent is financially responsible for children's lost materials.
> However, the parent has excessive overdue materials to the point of being
> sent to the collection agency. Do you then allow the child to get a card
> since the "responsible" party has not shown responsibility with their own
> card?
>
> Why this has become an issue is we have do not check to see if the person
> using the card is the card owner. This is impossible with our self-check
> machines. Parents are getting their children a card (with the child present)
> and then using the child's card to check out even more items which are not
> age appropriate for the child. We then end up with the whole family becoming
> delinquent with non-returned materials.
>
> We are looking for methods to stop this misuse as it prevents the children
> from having the ability to use their card as they become responsible for
> themselves.
>
> Thank you for any help you can provide.
>
> Stephanie Schulte
> Circulation Services Manager
> Cedar Rapids Public Library
> 500 1st ST SE
> Cedar Rapids, IA  52401
> 319-739-0410
> 319-398-0476 (fax)
> schultes at crlibrary.org
>
> I am wondering what other libraries do about parents who
>   
>> owe large fines or have long-overdue items and then use the children's 
>> cards to get around having to clear their accounts. In most cases for 
>> Cedar Rapids Public Library, it is a case of long-overdue items. The 
>> parents then check out materials that are not necessarily appropriate 
>> for a child of that age and end up blocking their card by not returning
>> the items. Do you have a policy you are using to reduce
>> this misuse? Similarly, do you prevent other family members
>>     
> >from getting cards if the parents are delinquent?
>   
>> Thank you for any assistance.
>>     
>
>
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>   


-- 
Bruce L. Bumbalough
Reference Librarian
Grapevine Public Library
1201 Municipal Way
Grapevine, Texas 76051

Voice: (817) 410-3404
Fax:   (817) 410-3084
email: bbumbalough at grapevine.lib.tx.us

The opinions are mine.