X-Vms-To: IN::"circplus@mento.oit.unc.edu"
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.circplus
Date:         Tue, 14 Apr 1992 15:59:00 MST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         SEAMAN_SH@GOLD.COLORADO.EDU
Subject:      Summary of responses about
X-To:         circplus@mento.oit.unc.edu

On the April 3rd, I sent a message over CIRCPLUS asking libraries how they
approach Grace Periods for fines.  I received 37 responses--far more than I
expected.  I would like to thank everyone who replied.

Probably because of the way I worded the question, I mostly received responses
from institutions which have a Grace Period in place.  Most of these responses
described the system they use without interpreting how well they felt their
Grace Period functions.  However, I think it is interesting that these
libraries tended to be attached to small institutions.  Judging from the
 responses I
received, Grace Periods may be more common among institutioith fewer than
10,000 patrons.

Of those who indicated, 65% do not advertise a Grace Period exists.   Several
institutions responded that they do not use due dates.  Books are charged out
until they are recalled or until some lengthy period passes in which the book
is not renewed.  At that point the book is considered lost and a billing notice
is generated.  As a consequence, Grace Periods are not relevant.

As I read through the responses, I tried to summarize the advantages and
disadvantages that were articulated:


Advantages of a Grace Period


Grace Periods Prevent Bills For Small Fines

Many libraries that have Grace Periods charge 10 cents (or thereabouts) daily
overdue fines.  A Grace Period prevents patrons from being billed for 30 or 40
cents.  This is particularly relevant since it can easily cost several times
that to mail out a bill.  However, some institutions had gotten around that by
not generating a bill until a particular threshold had been passed (say, $3.00).


Grace Periods Are Good Public Relations

As one librarian put it "Patrons are happy when they do not receive a bill when
they expected one."



Disadvantages of a Grace Period


Grace Periods Are Bad Public Relations

Particularly in instances where Grace Periods are not advertised, patrons can
return overdue books several times without being fined.  This only reinforces
that it is OK to return books late.  When they do get fined, they are confused,
angry and expect the fine to be cancelled.


Patrons Interpret Grace Period Differently Than Library Staff

Whether Sundays or Holidays are part of the Grace Period or when it starts and
stops are often vague.  Since patrons typically interpret dates to their
advantage this leads to a lot of staff time (i.e., labor costs) explaining what
the Grace Period is and why it does not apply in a particular instance.


Grace Periods Are Unfair To Some Patrons

Although Grace Periods are often not advertised some patrons become aware that
they exist.  As a consequence they can keep materials longer than others that
do not have this information.


Due Date Becomes Meaningless

If the Grace Period is advertised, whatever is stamped in the book becomes
irrelevant.  This undermines the entire purpose of having a fixed due date.




Scott Seaman
Head, Access Services
University of Colorado, Boulder

SEAMAN_SH@CUBLDR.COLORADO.EDU
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