Library News
Officials of public
library in Portland investigated the effect that fines have on access to the
library. They found that children in families in lower socio-economic levels
are more likely to be excluded from library services than children in higher
socio-economic levels due to accumulated fines. They also noted that children from lower socio-economic
levels tend to have fewer resources at home and therefore are dependent on
libraries to provide access to resources such as computer time and research
support that other children are likely to have in their homes. After careful consideration, the
library decided to eliminate late fines for patrons of ages 0 to 17, even
though the change in policy will result in less revenue for the library. See the announcement below.
Opening
new doors to the library: no more youth fines
A
message from Director of Libraries Vailey Oehlke
With Summer Reading just
around the corner, Multnomah County Library is removing late fines for all
youth library materials and on youth accounts (ages 0-17), effective June
15. Children's and young adult items will no longer be charged late
fines. You can read more about the specifics of the new
structure here.
The
public library is a partner to youth, parents, families and caregivers from
birth through high school. Exposing children early to a world rich with words,
songs and play helps them become readers and succeed in school and in life. We
proudly serve youth of all ages with high-quality books, fun and captivating
programs, research resources, homework help, and caring staff who offer
personal assistance.
For
many, late fines are a real barrier that stops children and families from using
and benefiting from the resources the public library offers. With the support
of the Multnomah County Library District Board, our library is changing this
practice. All existing late fines on youth accounts and materials will be
removed as of June 15, 2016.
Patrons
of all ages will still be responsible for returning library material for others
to use within seven weeks of the due date, or be charged the replacement value
of that item.
Director of Libraries
Three cheers for the libray!
Bold move! I have no idea what the late fees are these days but I bet they're a LOT more than they were when I was a kid. My first thought was that by removing the fines, they were also removing accountability, but then I read on and discovered that there would be a consequence for not returning the book. Sounds like the perfect compromise to me. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWarren,
ReplyDeleteAs a former librarian, I also cheer this policy. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Eliminating barriers to the poor is a major issue for U.S. society, although I have to admit that eliminating accountability for living up to ones agreement strikes me as problematic. I'd prefer something where kids could work off a fine with good behavior. Something like eliminating a late fine when the next two books are returned on time. Probably impractical (and of course could be gamed), so the simple approach is probably better and addresses the core poverty problem.
ReplyDeleteThe Cincinnati Hamilton County system has automatic renewals; unless a book is on hold, the initial 3 week checkout period rolls over to another three weeks.
ReplyDeleteAs in Portland, the borrower is required to return the book or ultimately appear with it at the library to return and re-borrow it.
Fines are expensive for DVD's, but more affordable for books.
Warren, will you follow-up with the Portland library in a few months and ask if circulation numbers were higher with no overdue fines?
Interesting--and so nice that the library is addressing this!
ReplyDeleteAs a former children's librarian, I think this is wonderful. After all, children are at the mercy of their grownups when it comes to getting to the library to return their books.
ReplyDeleteAs a former children's librarian, I know it will not take long for adults to game the system and they'll have to revise the bit about items checked out on a child's card.
But brushing that aside, kudos to them! Let nothing stand between kids and books!
Warren, I think this is a wonderful idea. I hope it expands to all libraries, although I can see the problems that others said.
ReplyDeleteWhat the announcement says about the library being a partner is so true. Our local library has established a satellite office in a homeless shelter to help assist people who are struggling to apply for work and learn new skills. I hope the Portland library can report this initiative is a success!
ReplyDelete