{"id":13991,"date":"2016-09-23T20:32:52","date_gmt":"2016-09-24T00:32:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alsc.ala.org\/blog\/?p=13991"},"modified":"2016-09-23T20:36:06","modified_gmt":"2016-09-24T00:36:06","slug":"fines-yay-nay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alsc.ala.org\/blog\/2016\/09\/fines-yay-nay\/","title":{"rendered":"Fines: Yay or Nay?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do fines keep people away from the library?\u00a0 \u00a0My personal and unscientific personal analysis is that yes, they do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do people avoid the library when they have accumulated fines?\u00a0 Some are embarrassed.\u00a0 Some don\u2019t have the financial ability to pay.\u00a0 Others may not understand the avenues for resolving a library fine and then just avoid the library when their fines reach an unpayable (or blocked) amount.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seriously, what library wants to send a patron to collections? (Excluding Seinfeld\u2019s library cop, of course.)<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve all seen it:\u00a0 the exasperated parent who discovers a card is blocked because of a misplaced book or DVD, and who then scolds their child and tells them they can\u2019t check out any more materials.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is unfortunate for everyone involved. First, for the patron, who has lost access to library materials. Second, for the Library, which may be either without materials, or losing potential patrons.<\/span><\/p>\n

One aspect of my position is to foster and conduct cooperative programming within the community. I\u2019m constantly on the lookout for new partners, and new ways to bring services to the community. \u00a0\u00a0So, how do we bring patrons to the library?\u00a0 And, more importantly, how do we make them repeat visitors?<\/span><\/p>\n

The genesis for this post was a vacation picture that a friend tagged, knowing I\u2019m always interested in new library ideas. It showcased a novel way to engage people in the community and to help eliminate their library fines at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"trash-for-fines-jpeg\"<\/span><\/p>\n

The picture was of a small, simple sign announcing a Fine Forgiveness program offered by Michigan\u2019s New Buffalo Township Library: Trash for Fines.\u00a0 During June and July patrons could snap a picture of themselves and family or friends collecting trash around the community, and the library would waive $5 in fines.<\/span><\/p>\n

What a great idea!\u00a0 Get out and get some fresh air, clean up a park or a roadside and make a difference in your community. Shaving $5 off your library fine is just a sweet bonus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Libraries across the nation have come up with alternatives to fine collection.\u00a0 Here are a few that engage patrons in community involvement of one sort or another.<\/span><\/p>\n