[CALIBK12] Library Policy on Fines

[Douglas Dilts]

I wonder if there has been any research or if anyone has any "hard data" regarding the charging of fines and their use as an incentive to return overdue books.

I "feel" that fines work as an incentive. I "think" that they help teach responsibility. But frankly, I don't know. I'd like to base my policies on data.

We charge fines but still have a huge problem with unreturned books. (Some of this may be our Tahoe lifestyle: "Dude, I left that book on the chairlift yesterday. Oh, it was a school day? Man, I was riding and forgot to come to class. Sorry, man." Substitute "I left it at the beach" when spring arrives.)

And my gut tells me that fines lead to a lot of negative interactions with students, which goes against my instincts as a teacher.

Anyhoo, this discussion really has me re-evaluating our fine policy. I'd like to chuck the whole thing and just charge for lost books.  That would eliminate a lot of grief all around and we'd probably still have the same rate of overdue books.

Doug Dilts
Library Media Teacher
South Tahoe High School
530-541-4111 x240
http://www.ltusd.org/sths/library