[Publib] Overdue and Fining Policies

[Linda Cannon]

We check the shelves (several times and everywhere we can think of), ask
the patron to check at home, under the car seats, etc. If it doesn't
turn up, we advise the patron that we have a one-time Claims Return
option. Mistakes can be made, so we permit each patron one item to be
claimed returned. The item stays linked to their record, but they aren't
charged for it.
 
We send a notice prior to collections (which we send at a $20 threshold)
advising that the patron has 10 days to turn in or pay for the materials
and that if they have any questions/concerns, they should call us. At
that point, they have a final opportunity to let us know that they
believe they returned the item and we can set it to Claims Returned. If,
however, we don't hear from them, it goes to collections.
 
Linda Cannon
Collection Development Librarian
Joplin Public Library
 
 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Mike Kelco
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 9:08 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Overdue and Fining Policies


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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