Thursday, September 6, 2012

Proposed Changes Lead to Some Patron Panic, Misinformation @ the Columbus Metropolitan Library


Flat-rate library fine irks residents. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/5/2012)

But wait a minute, Jerome, there's a 14-day grace period.

And that's not all.

The proposal also reduces the maximum fine that can accumulate per item -- from $15 to $5.  ($1 for juvenile cardholders.)

Daily fines are eliminated.  Under the current policy, for example, a person would owe $17.25 for a video or DVD that is 14 days overdue.

Library materials may be renewed up to 10 times, twice the current limit.  That means it's possible to keep some items for as long as 10 months!


Not to mention the fact that the CML would like to offer an integrated library system that automatically renews overdue items.

With the use of a library card comes personal responsibility.

In order to receive a borrower's card from the Columbus Metropolitan library, the applicant must agree to the following statements:


You'll find similar language on all library card application forms, such as the one at the Middleton Public Library


Some folks aren't fully embracing these responsibilities.

Currently, 206,000 cardholders, or 40 percent of all cardholders, can’t use the library because their fines exceed $10.

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