[CALIBK12] Library Policy on Fines

[Ron Black]

For the record, Doug, at my site that's pretty much how we do it. For
the most part in our district, the K-5 schools only charge for damaged
or lost materials where the middle schools also toss in the late fee to
spur returning books. They might even have an annual amnesty day where
if the books are returned in good shape, no fines at all.

I spoke to our public library down the street and they allow checkouts
with fines up to a certain point. They also have a limit on how many
items you can have out at any one time, just as we do here. My policy
has been grades 4-5 can have out up to 3 books, 2-3 can have up to 2,
and K-1 are limited to one each. If a teacher has a special project
going, I'll even up the limits a tad. Problem is, I'm the only library
person here so shelving sometimes is limited to whatever volunteers I
can manage to find (rare) or the occasional sub who is between classes
and needs something to do. 

Still, we will work with students on repayment. I always tell them they
can 1-return the book in good condition, thus no fine; 2- pay the fine
(refunded if the book turns up), 3- come in during their recess time and
I'll wave part of the fine each time they show up, eventually working
off the debt, or 4-bring me a new copy of the same title by the same
author, even a cheaper paperback version, and I'll wave the entire fine
and processing fees. Of course, there's only so much a first grader can
do to help, but at least they learn they are responsible for taking care
of library books and there are consequences for losing something you've
borrowed. Here, it works. 

Have fun!
Ron Black
Central LMC
Escondido CA

>>> Douglas Dilts <ddilts at ltusd.org> 1/30/2008 8:37 am >>>
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 


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