Peter,
I am absolutely behind this resolution, at least in principle, even if there are particulars to be revised and refined.
One question that comes to mind is whether this should also include mention of fees in addition to fines (which I assume to refer to fines on late return of items). In my experience working with many, many libraries of different types, there are often additional fees levied on services and programs for one reason or another, and these, in my opinion, are often just as antithetical to the mission and core values of our profession as fines are.
Three examples I've encountered that come immediately to mind:
- Fees for program attendance - Although most of the time these fees are in place to cover the cost of the program, especially when the program has a high cost (bus trips, for example), I have also seen libraries impose a fee on programs in (what I would consider) an ill-advised attempt to discourage patrons from registering for programs they won't end up attending (or, I guess, encourage folks to show up for the programs they signed up for). And yet, I feel this adds another barrier to access for programs offered by the library.
- Fees for "Premium" library services - In particular, I have recently encountered public libraries that charge a fee for filling a hold, even if the item is owned by the library (and does not require the added expense of ILL services and shipping to obtain for the patron). My own public library in the town I recently moved to charges $1 per request, which in my view is tantamount to charging a premium for preferred access to resources (a dollar each time someone wants to be put in a hold queue!), and not only is a huge barrier to access, but an intellectual freedom and social justice issue as well.
- Fees for not picking up items - This is a practice I have seen in several public libraries over the years, and have heard others who do not do this inquire about adopting. Patrons who do not pick up an item from the hold shelf within the time allotted are charged a service fee. I am not 100% sure what cost this is intended to offset.
I'm sure there are other examples of fees (separate from overdue fines) that we could uncover with a little investigation - these are just some things that spring immediately to mind.
Is addressing fees like this outside of the scope of the resolution, or is it related closely enough to be incorporated into the language?
Emily
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Emily Clasper
Director of Service Strategies
University of Rochester River Campus Libraries
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Original Message:
Sent: Jan 17, 2019 05:30 PM
From: Peter Hepburn
Subject: Resolution on Monetary Library Fines as a Form of Social Injustice
Good afternoon everyone!
I have shared a draft of a Resolution on Monetary Library Fines as a Form of Social Injustice with the Resolutions Committee, and some of you have already had a glimpse at an earlier draft as well. I will be bringing this forward at Council at Midwinter. I look forward to the discussion. The current resolution draft is attached.
Thank you,
Peter
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Peter Hepburn
Head Librarian
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
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