Have fines made you more hesitant to use the library?
Do you think late fees are a necessary way to nudge patrons to return items on time? Are they a good approach for raising money? Or, do you think libraries should get rid of fines as a way to create a more equitable system while encouraging more people to use the library? Have you ever held onto a library book past its due date? If so, did you pay a fine? Have fines made you more hesitant to use the library? Do you think late fees are a necessary way to nudge patrons to return items on time? Are they a good approach for raising money? Or, do you think libraries should get rid of fines as a way to create a more equitable system while encouraging more people to use the library? Have you ever held onto a library book past its due date? Have you ever had to pay late fees? Do library fines — and overdue books — stress you out?
Do you think it’s a good idea for libraries to get rid of overdue fines? Why or why not? Do you think fines encourage patrons to return library books on time? Or, are there better ways — ones that don’t disproportionately impact high-need communities — to get people to bring overdue items back? Would you be more likely to check out books if you knew you wouldn’t have to pay a late fee? Would you be more likely to keep a library book past the due date?
Do you think it’s a good idea for libraries to get rid of overdue fines? Why or why not? Do you think fines encourage patrons to return library books on time? Or, are there better ways — ones that don’t disproportionately impact high-need communities — to get people to bring overdue items back? Would you be more likely to check out books if you knew you wouldn’t have to pay a late fee? Would you be more likely to keep a library book past the due date?
