[OPLINLIST] computer usage & fines

[Nancy Levin]

We concur with Sandy and separate computer use from any relationship to
fines. People need computers for lots of reasons that have nothing to do
with whether they returned their stuff. 


Nancy S. Levin
Director 
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
216-932-3600 ext. 240
nlevin at heightslibrary.org              www.heightslibrary.org



-----Original Message-----
From: oplinlist-bounces at oplin.org [mailto:oplinlist-bounces at oplin.org]
On Behalf Of Phil Shirley
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2010 3:36 PM
To: oplinlist at oplin.org
Subject: Re: [OPLINLIST] computer usage & fines

We block computer use at the same level as we block checkouts, which is 
$5 owed.

Phil

Adam Murphy wrote:
> We currently do not block patrons from using the computers based on 
> fines. There have been previous discussions about this. We weren't
quite 
> sure where to set the limit, low at $5 or high at $20+.
> 
> Setting it too low will frustrate more patrons but more fines will be 
> paid. Setting it high would force those with only big fines to pay.
But 
> they may only pay a fraction of the fine in order to use a PC. If your

> goal is to reduce the amount of fines owed then you may want to force 
> patrons to pay at least 50% in order get under $20. So if a patron has

> $30 they have to pay at least $15 not $10 to squeeze under the $20
limit.
> 
> Counter view: Since computers are part of the library their usage is
no 
> different then a patron reading a magazine or a book while in the 
> library. A patron with huge fines can still use library materials they

> just can't checkout.
> 
> That is how our discussions have gone in the past and our current view

> is the PCs are the same as a magazine or newspaper.
> 
> Adam
> 
> On 4/7/2010 1:41 PM, Sandy Thaxton wrote:
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> I know fine issues have been discussed on this listserv ad nauseum,
but
>> I think I have a different slant.
>>
>> Currently, in order for our patrons to check out books or other
items,
>> they need to have their fines below $20.00.
>>   There is no such policy for computer usage, although many patrons
have
>> fines of  $40.00, $50.00 and (much) more. The thought is that they
may
>> need to use the computer for a job search, although in my experience
>> those are maybe 1% of the patrons using computers. Therefore, patrons
>> with large fines may access the computers and they have no obligation
>> (and no reason) to pay their fines.
>>
>> I am interested to know how other libraries address this issue. Would
>> you share? Thanks.
>>
>> Sandy Thaxton
>> MLJ-Hardin County District Library
>> Kenton, OH 43326
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> 

-- 

Phil Shirley
Technology Services Coordinator
Cuyahoga Falls Library
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
330-928-2117, ext. 109
pshirley at CuyahogaFallsLibrary dot org

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