Hello Ariana,
My library stopped collecting fines back in March of 2020. We had been thinking of doing it for some time and the start of the pandemic was the catalyst. We charge fines for lost items only and they can pay online for those, so there is no currency being exchanged in the library. Instead of charging late fines, we place holds on students accounts so they are unable to register or receive their diploma. We have a 14 week term and we start placing holds a couple of days before the 12th week starts when they are beginning to register for classes. The last Saturday of each term is graduation. We check in all materials that were delivered during the weekend on Monday and anyone with outstanding materials have holds placed on their accounts.
Placing holds on their accounts has been a good incentive for them to return their items. I am happy to answer any other questions you might have.
Alfonso Huerta (he/him/his)
Director, Access & Outreach
ArtCenter College of Design Library
626-396-2230
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Alfonso Huerta
Director, Access and Outreach
ArtCenter College of Design
He/Him/His
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Original Message:
Sent: Jul 24, 2023 08:52 AM
From: Ariana Curiel
Subject: Overdue fines
I am proposing to the dean of the library that the library eliminates overdue fines on general collection item (books, dvds). The money that the library collects goes into a general fund. Access Services is responsible for contacting graduating students and collecting money at the end of each semester. Staff also collects money at the Information Desk through cash and a card reader for student id cards. The card reader can be unreliable and the task of collecting and tracking cash involves time and people power. Currently there is a staff shortage in the library.
Does anyone work at a library that has eliminated overdue fines? If so, what policy has the library put in place for overdue materials? How effective has the policy been?
Thank you.
Ariana Curiel
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Ariana Curiel
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