[Michlib-l] Patron Fines affect on Computer privileges.

[Mary Carleton]

Unofficially and from my alumni account.

It is too bad the funds owed amount doesn't give us the information - "this
is a scofflaw" and "this is a financially stressed patron."
On the former, it may be appropriate and useful to give consequences,
including denial of computer access.
In the later, denial of access could well be the last straw that keeps
someone who doesn't own their own computer, or have internet access, from
completing an online job application or request for aid. Also alienating.

In that case the role of public library as an equalizer and a support to
bootstrapping, is seriously impaired.

In practical terms, we don't do this at my library (yet), not only for
these idealistic concerns, but because we make guest access available --
rather freely. Fine-penalized access would simply result in more local
"guests."

Erm..,not to stir the pot -- but would you deny them wi-fi access as well?

[?]
Mary

*Mary Carleton* <mary.carleton at farmlib.org>* MLIS* Coordinator of
Technology

Farmington Community Library <http://www.farmlib.org/>

32737 West Twelve Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Ph: 248-848-4302   Fax: 248-553-6892


On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 9:48 AM, Kay Schwartz <kschwartz at fpl.info> wrote:

>  My personal opinion on this issue, which could start a Mich-lib email
> storm, but here it is anyway (I get the Mich-lib digest, so maybe there’s
> already a conversation going that I haven’t yet seen):
>
>
>
> The purpose of fines and fees is to protect library assets that people
> check out and do not return timely or do not return at all. I don’t believe
> accessing the computer has any relation to this issue. So I don’t see a
> need to prohibit computer use because someone owes fines related to
> physical materials. We, of course, don’t allow them to check out additional
> physical materials when they have fines at an egregious level, but that
> makes perfect sense. Though removal of computer privileges could be a
> motivation to pay fines, but I don’t believe it’s justified.
>
>
>
> In the spirit of “creative conflict” dialogue,
>
> Kay
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Kay Schwartz
>
> Director
>
> Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48502
>
> Phone: 810-249-2038
>
> Fax: 810-249-2633
>
> Email: kschwartz at fpl.info
>
>
>
> *From:* Emma Olmstead-Rumsey [mailto:erumstead at gmail.com]
> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 29, 2014 3:58 PM
> *To:* Jaema Berman
> *Cc:* michlib-l at mail.mcls.org
> *Subject:* Re: [Michlib-l] Patron Fines affect on Computer privileges.
>
>
>
> Hi Jaema,
>
>
>
> Good luck with your review. Capital Area District Libraries in Central
> Michigan has such a policy. It's online at:
> http://www.cadl.org/files/7714/1288/7868/SER_105A_Computer_Use_Policy.pdf.
>
>
>
> Best,
>
> Emma Olmstead-Rumsey
>
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 29, 2014 at 3:23 PM, Jaema Berman <jberman at tln.lib.mi.us>
> wrote:
>
> Dear Colleagues,
> We are in the process of rewriting our computer use policy and wondered if
> any of you have policies that connect patrons' fines with the ability to
> use the public computers.
>
> Sincerely,
> Jaema Berman
>
>
> --
> Jaema Berman
> Director
> Addison Twp. Public Library
> 1400 Rochester Rd.
> Leonard, MI 48367
> Phone: 248-628-7180
> Fax: 248-628-6109
> http://www.addisontwp.michlibrary.org
>
> “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
> Margaret Fuller
> 1810-1850
> Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be
> chewed and digested. ~ Francis Bacon
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
>
>
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>
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