[ISLMA-Share] HS Fines / Replacement Fees

[Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association]

We do not charge fees for late books. Once the book is overdue, I send out notices and seek out individual students and have a discussion with them about the whereabouts of the book. Most of the time that is all that's needed.



However, after 60 days the book goes into "lost" status and accrues a $30 replacement fee. This fee shows up on their student account and on a bill that goes to their parents. That is very effective at getting back the last few books.



That fee can follow a student all four years. If they are seniors and have fees, they wouldn't receive their cap and gown until they are paid. I send letters to parents whose students have unresolved fees prior to registration every summer, and I've had students show up with all their overdue library books.



I accept similar copies of the book in exchange for fees if the book is really lost. So a family can buy a used copy on Amazon for $.01 plus $3.99 shipping, and as long as it is in good condition, I'll accept it.



If you decide not to or don't collect fees, I find that it is essential to have a procedure in place that your administration will support and enforce.



Hope this helps!
Gretchen Zaitzeff
University High School
Normal, IL

________________________________
From: islma-bounces at list.railslibraries.info [islma-bounces at list.railslibraries.info] on behalf of Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association [islma at list.railslibraries.info]
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2016 7:53 AM
To: islma at list.railslibraries.info
Subject: [ISLMA-Share] HS Fines / Replacement Fees

Hello, all!

If your school (particularly if you’re a high school) doesn’t charge fines and/or replacement fees for late/lost/damaged books, what strategies have you employed to get the books back?

Thanks!
Kate Rogers
Downers Grove South High School

________________________________

This electronic message (and any associated file attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. It may contain privileged or confidential information. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, or other distribution of this message is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please promptly delete this message and notify the sender by e-mail.

_______________________________________________
ISLMA-Share mailing list
islma at list.railslibraries.info
For list archives and subscription options, visit:
http://list.railslibraries.info/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/islma
To unsubscribe, send a message to:
islma-leave at list.railslibraries.info
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://list.railslibraries.info/pipermail/aisle/attachments/20160915/92af5678/attachment-0002.html>