[Publib] Overdue and Fining Policies

[Mike Kelco]

Recently I was the unfortunate recipient of an unsubstantiated overdue notice.  Surprised, I responded to the notice and informed the library that I returned the book, along with a few others that I checked out as well, a while ago.  The library received the other books but not the one on the overdue notice; they also responded that I should keep a lookout for the book as it may "turn-up around the house".  I ensured the employee that the item had been returned so I do not expect it to turn up any time soon.  A month and a half later, an envelope arrived in my mailbox from a collections agency requesting compensation for the item in question.  I again called the library and the librarian in charge of "collections" insisted that I was misinformed and the book was not returned to the library.  I refused to pay the sum (on the phone at least!) over principle but had every intention not to let this petty issue ($27.95) escalate to the point of an indelible print on my credit report.  About a week later I received a message on my voicemail that the library indeed found this item--it was not checked in and was mis-shelved.  It does not seem probable that this is a frequent occurrence, but I was wondering if similar situations have been encountered at your libraries as well;  also, to what lengths do you go (or would you go) before turning over an issue such as this to a 3rd party for resolution since nowadays, every point on one's credit score is a valuable possession and similar oversights do not incite patron trust or loyalty.
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