[Publib] Question about computer use and fines

Fri May 29 12:04:39 EDT 2009

We used to block patrons owing $5 or more, but realized that anyone using a guest pass could use the computers even if they owed money to their own libraries.  It seemed unfair to allow that and not give our own patrons use of the computers.  Also, we do not check Ridgefield patrons' cards before enrolling their children in programs or before they attend movies, book club meetings or any other program we have.  So we no longer restrict computer use for fines owed.  Patrons do need, however, to have their cards up-to-date.  

Victoria Carlquist
Head of Reference Services
Ridgefield Library Association
472 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT  06877
(203) 438-2282 x 1015
vmcarlquist at ridgefieldlibrary.org

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Kopetsky, Brian
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 10:49 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Question about computer use and fines

We also block at the $5.00 threshold. The positive thing is that it is easier for people to pay off $5.00 than it is for them to drop a $10.00 bill at the library. Of course they do not need to pay the whole amount they just need to get it under $5.00. We have a number of patrons that have $4.99 balances.  

We seem to have the fine debate on a regular basis in our system. While I understand the altruistic motives of the people that think blocking services is unfair, I think that it should be noted that all patron accounts start with a zero balance. The fines that are on their accounts are there because they did not follow the lending rules that were outlined for them. 

On the flip side, we make sure we are careful to tell people when items are going to be due. We give them a paper receipt with due dates. Our patrons can renew online or call us on the phone to renew. In other words we try to offer as many opportunities as possible to avoid late charges. Finally, if someone has a reasonable explanation as to why they could not get the items back on time we will work with them on the fines. We will also make a note in the ILS on their account to ensure it does not become a regular occurrence.  

Brian Kopetsky
Assistant Circulation Supervisor
Appleton Public Library

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Tom Cooper
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 8:44 AM
To: Karen Schneider; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Question about computer use and fines

We block cards for people who owe $5 or more. That means they cannot use our computers until fines are paid down under that amount. Yes, $5 is not that much, but as with so many things, it's not about one person's $5, but about every $5 fine we are owed. Add them all up, and we're talking about thousands of dollars. Enforcement is only effective if it's fair and consistent. 

It's much the same with other policies we enforce. One person speaking quietly on a cell phone in the corner of the reading room is not really a disturbance, but it's not about that one person -- it's about the fact that almost everyone in the room has a cell phone, and if we allow one conversation, we must allow them all, and before you know it, what a mess!

Tom Cooper, Director
Webster Groves Public Library
301 E. Lockwood Avenue
Webster Groves, MO 63119-3102

 (314) 961-3784 
tcooper at wgpl.org 
Do not judge beliefs by their plausibility, but by the harm they may do. 
                                             Nassim Nicholas Taleb 

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Karen Schneider
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 6:42 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] Question about computer use and fines

On Thu, May 28, 2009 at 8:53 PM, Lise Chlebanowski
<lchlebanowski at avondale.org> wrote:
> Publibbers,
>
> I need to noodle your collective brain once again. We have a policy that if
> patrons owe more than $10 in outstanding fines they are blocked from using
> the computer.

Maybe instead of blocking them you could take the other approach:
encourage them to use computers and have the computer nag them with
reminders. "Good morning! You owe $13.75!" <blink> <blink> The Google
logo could be replaced with their fines. Facebook could invite them to
a group, "Hi, I am one of a million people with more than $10 in
library fines."

(It is Friday... and we do have a tradition of being silly on Friday...)

Seriously, the rulemaker in me thinks that they should be nagged at
some level, but the political side of me thinks $10 feels low, and the
punishment seems disconnected from the crime. If it's a fine for
overdues -- versus, say, lost or damaged materials -- well, they are
miscreants, but, then, there but for the grace, etc. Is it easy to pay
fines? Can you pay them online? (Not if you can't get on a computer...
heh heh...)

Do you prevent renewals or holds when fines hit that threshold? There
are libraries that do that--and that at least ties the punishment to
the crime. I guess part of the question (which you're suggesting in
your query) is what is your goal? Is it to get the money? Improve
patron behavior? Reward the good and punish the bad? Maybe the
question is really what to do with patrons with high fines. Approach
it from that direction, and blinking on-screen reminders aren't such a
bad idea!

Karen / PUBLIB

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