Laserfiche WebLink
DISCUSSION <br /> Based on the national attention directed towards library fines and fees as it relates to <br /> access, the Library leadership team conducted a full review of the fines and fees structure <br /> and its impact on the community. During this discussion, all patron fines and fees <br /> information in our database and historical Pleasanton Public Library information was <br /> reviewed. The examination of our database revealed that the number of patrons whose <br /> borrowing privileges have been suspended due to fines/fees is very low. Additionally, the <br /> fines/fees and borrowers' guidelines of other Bay Area libraries were also reviewed. <br /> It was determined during this review that the inconsistency in loan periods and fines/fees <br /> by item type is the biggest challenge and barrier for patrons borrowing library materials. <br /> Our customer service staff cited the one week loan period and $1.00 daily fine as the two <br /> primary sources of conflict in assisting customers with account inquiries. Customers <br /> maintain they were unaware of the different loan period and daily fine, resulting in overdue <br /> items, higher delinquency charges, and greater staff time invested in resolution. By <br /> instituting new borrowers' guidelines with consistent loan periods and fines/fees, the <br /> Library is striking the ideal balance that encourages the return of shared Library resources <br /> and promotes both access and positive customer experience. The new fines/fees <br /> structure and loan periods are also more consistent with other Bay Area libraries. <br /> The chart below details the existing loan periods and fines/fees as well as the proposed <br /> changes: <br /> Existing Loan Proposed Loan Proposed <br /> Material Type Period Period Existing Fines Fines <br /> Books,Magazines 3 weeks 3 weeks $0.20 $0.25 <br /> DVDs 1 week 3 weeks $1.00 $0.25 <br /> DVDs(3 or more discs) 3 weeks 3 weeks $1.00 $0.25 <br /> Audiobooks 3 weeks 3 weeks $1.00 $0.25 <br /> Music CDs 3 weeks 3 weeks $0.20 $0.25 <br /> Children's Holiday Books 1 week 3 weeks $0.20 $0.25 <br /> LINK+Materials <br /> (unchanged) 3 weeks 3 weeks $1.00 $1.00 <br /> Booklegger Materials <br /> (unchanged) 150 days 150 days n/a n/a <br /> Currently, maximum fines for DVDs, Audiobooks and Books with CDs are $10.00 per <br /> item, with all other library materials having a maximum fine of$5.00. For consistency and <br /> simplicity the proposed fines/fees schedule would impose a $5.00 maximum fine on all <br /> library materials. The proposed fines/fees schedule would also include the elimination of <br /> $1 replacement library card fee. <br /> Unchanged on this list are LINK+ and Booklegger items. LINK+ materials are those <br /> materials borrowed through other libraries via a shared loan agreement. The loan periods <br /> Page 2 of 3 <br />