Sarah asks: does removing fines decrease the rate of permanently missing books?
Samantha answers: this is a great question but I do not have the data to answer it Bill asks: I wonder if the Minneapolis Libraries are not already operating in a no-fine environment? MPL does assess fines, as you have probably learned from other posts, but no, the library staff do not insist upon them every time you check out, however, if they get too high, your privileges are suspended pending payment Mike spews: "a gratuitous attempt to garner sympathy from people who believe anything they are told. Do you really think I would pay a library fine if it meant that my baby would be without milk? Yes, I would pay the fine. I am a lower middle class white male. I AM the reason so many poor people have overdue books, and I would eat the baby to save milk money." Samantha responds: I am surprised this nasty sentiment got by the moderator - I believe the rule is "be civil!" I am amazed that merely stating my opinion on an issue could generate this kind of viciousness, both toward me and toward everyone else on this list if you all will believe anything you are told. This is one peoples republic I don't care to live in. However, I would also like to say that anyone can incur a fine - and it is not always a matter of being responsible. I wish I could count the number of times that library books I read to my kids at night have slipped between the bed and the wall, disappearing into the chaos until we remember to search for them. I usually prefer to think the best of people and not infer that there are denizens of low-lifes stealing library books just so that someone else will not be empowered or enthralled by the same. In my view, the bottom line is free access to library materials for the masses of people. If fines and fees are a barrier, as the American Library Association has affirmed, than we should cease to impose them. forward ever, Samantha Smart [EMAIL PROTECTED] Smart libraries are OPEN libraries! REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
