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THE CITY OF _ irrir AL-217,,Lia 9 LEASANTON. CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT May 16, 2017 Library TITLE: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING NEW LIBRARY POLICIES AND AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE AS IT RELATES TO LIBRARY FINES AND FEES SUMMARY The current Library Borrowers' Guidelines and fines and fees structure provides different loan periods and fine/fee rates based on item type. After examining these guidelines, the Library determined that adjusting the existing structure would benefit the public, improve customer service, and put the Pleasanton Library in closer alignment with other Bay Area libraries. RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution approving new Library Policies and amending the Master Fee Schedule as it relates to Library fines and fees. FINANCIAL STATEMENT Last fiscal year the Library collected $123,025.56 in fines and fees and waived $10,530. It is expected that the fiscal impact of the new fines and fees structure will be minimal. BACKGROUND The issue of overdue fines is receiving attention locally and nationally, with many libraries examining the prudence of this long-held practice. At the heart of the debate is whether fines act as a barrier to library access or function as the impetus for patrons to return items. Pleasanton did not charge fines on children's materials until 2011. Prior to 2011, children's materials had the greatest percentage of overdue materials and materials with the longest overdue dates. Once fines were imposed, the number of delinquent children's materials significantly decreased. Fines on children's materials has had a positive effect in encouraging patrons to return materials on time and make them more accessible to more community members.