Imagine a publicly funded library, where barriers such as fines and fees disappear. Not just during a particular time, but each and every day. How many families may frequent the library without this barrier to service? Imagine, how many children may experience checking out their first library book. How many families may increase their frequency of reading when they do not need to worry about returning materials on time? Is this a reality in your library?
#alsc16 Institute presenters, Beth Crist and Carol Edwards of Colorado State Library, raised this topic during today’s “Putting SPELL into Action: Partnerships and Best Practices Nurture Young Children” session. I hate to admit, as a librarian, I never really questioned my library system’s fine structure. However, as I am reviewing my notes, this topic is at the front of my mind. I’m thinking about how the threat of fines prevents users from enjoying the libraries’ books and materials. I am also reviewing the many suggestions from the session’s lively chat. Some participants suggested the donation of can food for fines. Other libraries allow children to pay their fines through reading. Another suggested first library cards for children aged 5 and under who do not accrue fines. These suggestions help to address the barrier of usage and allow increased utilization of the library by all but what are the hidden consequences?
Luckily, the SPELL project has an amazing website http://spellproject.weebly.com/ with research on the elimination of fines, which will help answer these questions.
What is your library system’s policy on fines and fees? Do you think the elimination of fines would promote usage in your community? Would you be willing to suggest the elimination of fines to your library’s leadership?
Patrick Heemstra
In Holland there are several public libraries without fines. I work in one organisation without fines. What happened is that people borrow more books. Children have better feelings for the libraries, and so their parents. Because reading shouldn’t be punished with fines. So now children don’t have to worry about fines.
And when a book is too late, several e-mails will be sent to return the book. If it won’t come back, the patron receives a bill to buy the book, if they love it that much. Usually the book will return when the bill arrives. Returning the book will be seen as paying the bill. So no bill.
Besides that, librarians do not have to argue with patrons about fines. They can help the patrons with other more important information they really need in the libraries.