People are always asking why we don't charge fines. We don't because it does not accomplish what most people think it should. It does not get materials back quicker. It can, potentially, raise revenue but even that is a declining market. Recently, I learned that libraries in Fairfax and Alexandria have seen a drop in revenues from fines. They postulate that since they have started e mail alerts customers are returning their books on time.
posted by Doug @ 11:11 AM
5 Comments:
The Frederick County (MD) Public Library emails date-due reminders as well. I hope this is a service that LCPL will also consider providing to our customers in the near future!
Actually we save over $40,000 dollars a year by not sending notices. One of the reasons we can afford to not charge fines. We use LIPS to notify people and people can always check their accounts online.
As an added bit of information: Horizon doesn't currently have the ability to send reminder emails (I'm assuming bamagirl meant the notices that tell folks that their books will be due soon, not overdue notices). When it becomes available I don't see why we couldn't give patrons the option to get those reminaders.
That's right, Cindy... I was talking about reminder notices only. I look forward to having the option available in Horizon to do this. Thanks to both you and Doug for responding to my post!
Sorry, I misunderstood the original question. I live in Frederick, but since I am such a good patron my books are never late.
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