Situation #1:
Student loses/misplaces two (nearly new) library-bound books. After
responding to the student with additional time to find them, (and
consulting the student's teacher about the home situation)I send a "Lost
Book" notice home with the amount of the books ($18 each) to be reimbursed
to the school. Several weeks later, a second note is sent and the note is
returned with a note from the parent attached stating that "the books cost
too much" and the parent wants catalogs to find the books at a cheaper
price. Or, the parent is willing to select "similar" books she's seen at
the local bookstore which "are cheaper." (The parent does NOT imply that
the amount is a financial burden, but rather indicates that she often
orders books - she just DOES NOT WANT TO PAY the stated cost). When I check
the catalog, the books can be purchased in either the library-bound edition
or in a less expensive, less durable binding.
A letter on district letter head stating the reasons for the "more
expensive" books that libraries have to purchase. Include information from
ALA on the average cost of a book these days. (I though you were going to
say $60-100 which is the average cost of books at the secondary level)
Similar books aren't the same book. The book you had met selection criteria
that you have to meet. Without putting the replacement book through a
similar process you are unable to accept it automatically.
Situation #2:
Student loses/misplaces two books. Note send home with replacement amount
of about $10 per book. Student brings in two old, dirty library-bound books
purchased at a public library sale (stamped "Deleted from X library" in
multiple places inside the books)instead of payment. Books obviously not
suitable for an "even exchange", but this student most likely does come
from a financially restricted home. Books are sent back with a note (after
consultation with teacher)that the books are not suitable replacements. A
few days later, one of the "lost" books is returned - marked in several
places with crayons and ink. No payment for the missing book.
One down. Are you able to have student earn credit for fines by working for
you? Especially after questioning the child if they are the one that did
the coloring in the book, I would set up with the parent a repayment through
time schedule if the parent is receptive. You probably have to have their
permission to do so, since many parents will claim slave labor in this day
and age.
Situation #3:
Despite the number of new books on the shelves, I notice that some students
consistently check out really old or dilapidated paperbacks. (This is my
first year at this site and I would have weeded those out had I been here
last year). I'm beginning to wonder (as I see this pattern) if they choose
these because losing them would not be a burden financially, or do they
really want to read these particular titles? My concern is also that if it
is a financial issue, are they restricting themselves from books they really
should check out (like nonfiction for interest or required research/reports
- most of our paperbacks are fiction)?
My experience is that the old dilapidated ones are checked out frequently
because they are great books and the wear out so fast they always look
horrible. All of my Lois Duncans look horrible, but I can't keep them on
the shelf long enough to tidy them up a bit. We try to grab things as they
come in, but usually the book comes back with a friend in tow wanting that
book.
Point of contemplation:
With the current downturn in the economy affecting many families and with
the escalating cost of new books, how do we determine what is a fair
replacement policy? And will the concern over paying steep replacement costs
for newer books cause some students to "self-censure" their selections due
to a potentially exorbitant replacement price? Do we keep items that we
should discard for the sole purpose of having a selection for these
students?
Students never believe they are going to loose one and have to pay for it.
When I see my expensive non-fiction items being checked out, then I tell the
student how much that particular item is and do they still want to take it.
One young man really seemed to look for the expensive ones to check out
(Mythology Encyclopedia $95.00). The first time I asked him to just take
one, I gave him a note for his Parental Units about the replacement of lost
items policy on this campus and what they would like me to do when he's
requesting to checkout the expensive books? They responded that it was
fine, but to go ahead and limit the number he took. He did really well in
taking care of them and returning everything on time.
If we do allow an "even exchange" of a book from home for a lost book, how
do we prevent the brand new books from rapidly disappearing and being
replaced with unsuitable or less desirable materials?
I only will accept exact replacements. With the exception of I will take a
paperback for the non-paperback in the Fiction section. The parents don't
know the reasons for the selection of a particular item. Just because the
subject is the same doesn't mean that the book carries the same information,
Which could have been requested by a classroom teacher, not just a library
selection.
Jean
Jean Gustafson
Library Media Specialist
Selah JR. High
Selah, WA 98942
jeangustafson@selah.k12.wa.us
http://www.selah.k12.wa.us/JHS/Gustafson/Library.cfm
1-509-697-0500
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