[LM_NET] QUESTION: Library Policy/Book Vandalism

[Susan Speranza <castleriggpekes@ADELPHIA.NET>]

Hi,
I have a problem that I really need help with.

Two students vandalized some of our books. We got this on camera so we know who the 
students are. There are about 10 books involved. These were all purchased before I 
took over this library 4 years ago, so I have no idea how much they originally 
cost. Whenever students lose books, I normally charge them what it would cost to 
replace the book - either with a current edition of the book, or a comparable one. 
In this instance, all of these books can be purchased as new editions. The problem 
is that they are expensive science reference books and we anticipate problems with 
one of the parents about the amount. Also, 5 volumes of one set were ruined and it 
seems that I can't purchase individual volumes, but only the whole set, which is 
expensive.

My question is, what is normally done in a situation like this? Am I within my 
right to charge the students the current price of a new edition of the same title? 

Any information you can give me would be most appreciated, as this is a very big 
issue right now, involving everyone including the superintendent and the board!

Susan Speranza,
Library Media Specialist
Bellows Falls Union High School
Bellows Falls, VT  05101
(802) 463-3944 x 210
Castleriggpekes@adelphia.net

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