[LM_NET] Overdue fines in the high school library

[Mary Knopp <knoppm@OPTONLINE.NET>]

I am concerned that by imposing fines our students are not returning their books at 
all because they do not have the money to pay these fines.  Often these students 
will send another student in to return their overdue books to avoid paying fines.
 
I also recently discovered that several new library books are missing.  It is 
puzzling to me why anyone would take a book out of the library without checking it 
out.  It occurred to me that perhaps these students had overdue books and knew they 
could not take out any more books until these books were returned.  
 
I am very interested in finding out how other high school libraries handle overdue 
books / fines.  My main concern is getting these books safely back to the library.  
I'm considering a "fine amnesty week" or a "read away your fines" program.  Has 
anyone had any such fine forgiving program?  Has this been viewed as unfair by 
other students who have paid their fines?  Will this result in students holding 
onto overdue books until the next "amnesty program" is announced?  
 
Also, if you are a school that doesn't impose fines, what incentive do students 
have to bring books back in a timely manner?  Do you still issue a due date for a 
book?  

I would appreciate any advice you have on this topic.  Thanks in advance!
 
Mary Knopp, MLS
Library Media Specialist
The Academy of Mount St. Ursula
330 Bedford Park Boulevard
Bronx, NY  10458
Phone:  718-364-5353 x225
E-mail:  knoppm@optonline.net
www.amsu.org/library

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