Re: [LM_NET] media center fines and access to books

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

Although this may seem harsh to fine students who cannot afford to pay
for materials that are not returned in a timely fashion, the fact
remains:

...with the privilege of library usage, comes responsibility.

Not all disadvantaged students are irresponsible....sometimes even
students from more fortunate families fail to return materials and
don't pay for lost materials or take responsibility for overdue fines.
 These types of problems can result from:

*  disregard for the property of others
*  unorganized home or school spaces-- books are lost easily
*  actions and behaviors of others (at home, school, etc.)---friends
or family take books
*  lack of proper instruction in the use and care of books
*  lack of understanding of the value of books / library materials
*  no practice or adult modeling in how to use materials borrowed from libraries
*  belief that taxes paid by family allows for the "loss" or "theft"
of books from libraries
*  apathy toward the situation or the materials used

While it is unfortunate that some students must pay fines for lost or
overdue materials, it is even more unfortunate that many others will
not be able to access those materials because of these types of
behaviors.

The alternative to restricting access to materials is to limit the
access to materials.  When students cannot prove themselves to be
responsible enough to leave the library with materials and be trusted
to return them on time and in good condition, then they must only be
allowed to only use materials in the library.  That is why we teach
children at the elementary level how to care for books...and why we
remind them when they are in middle school the reasons why they are
receiving a bill for the lost book....and why many university
libraries place holds on college transcripts until library materials
are returned.

The library is available to anyone who is responsible for the
materials that he borrows; however, once materials are taken and never
returned, it is that behavior which restricts the individual from
accessing what others consider to be free.


~Shonda

-- 
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
Library Media / Technology Specialist
Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com

Resources for Texas School Librarians:
http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/
http://txschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com/

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

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