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Dear Library Champion,
Andrew Carnegie based his library-related philanthropy on library services that were financed through tax dollars. It is a philosophy built in to legislation that is intended to bring equity to opportunities of literacy, community connection, and well-being for all citizens regardless of socio-economic status.
While the tradition of tax-based library service is a foundational principle in North American library services, other traditions of library service have questionable value, such as overdue fines. There is a growing international movement to eliminate overdue fines. A map showing fine free library services in North America is available from the Urban Libraries Council. Ireland is another example of an entire country that has fine free public library service, and the American Library Association passed a resolution that monetary fines are a form of social inequity. Canadian library systems in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia have eliminated overdue fines.
Traditionally, libraries have justified fines as a means of guaranteeing the return of materials. However, fines often act as a barrier to returning materials and using the library in lower socio-economic sectors. Parents may be afraid to borrow books for their children because of fines. Often the issue of returned materials is more about the ability to get to the library. Moreover, the practice of penalizing patrons seems to contradict the library philosophy of equity to resources. Additionally, resolving fine issues creates awkward, negative interactions, and takes staff time and resources that could be better spent serving patrons. Finally, literature suggests there is no significant difference in return rates between libraries that charge fines and those not charging fines. In the long term, negative experiences at the library may cost the library more in lost patrons and supporters then the elimination of fines.
As a revenue stream, research from the library sector suggest that fines accounted for approximately 1% of income. Fines are not a stable form of funding due to fluctuations and with the increase in digital borrowing, information suggests that fines are on the decline in the library sector. The fact that 40% of Manitoba public libraries did not budget for fine revenues in 2020 may be an indicator with respect to the unreliability of fines as revenue. COVID-19 may also raise concerns for staff about handling cash, and individuals without stable income may not have the financial means to pay fines.
The argument of decreased revenue and a fear of a “disappearing collection” need not stall the elimination of fines. Some libraries have a 30-day return policy before considering an item lost and issuing a replacement notice, with some also charging a processing fee to issue the notice or offset the cost of staff time to order and process the replacement item. However, many libraries will waive the charges if an item is returned. Similarly, damaged materials can also result in replacement charges.
Rather than fines, consider encouraging monetary donations to the library in return for a charitable tax receipt. This requires being registered as a charitable organization with Canada Revenue Agency. A tax-receipted donation is positive, and the patron is rewarded for helping the library. To offset fines, many fine free libraries participate in fund-raising activities, apply for grants to help offset costs of larger projects or wages, and work with municipal partners to increase funding.
Making the case for your library to eliminate fines means presenting facts. Library boards and municipalities need to know: the percentage of income that will be impacted, the number of patrons with blocked accounts because of fines (separate from lost/damaged charges), trends in fines as revenue over the past 10 years at your library, the growing number of fine-free library systems nationally and internationally, and the “baseline census, demographic, and economic data” of the populations in your service area that are potentially impacted.
Consider plunging into the fine free library world and putting your library on the Urban Library Council’s map and the Fine Free Libraries in Canada list. The potential of creating good will in the community by serving those that most need your resources will create a win-win situation for everyone.
Resources:
Eliminating Fines FAQs
The Future is Fine Free
Ted Talk: A librarian’s case against overdue fines
Removing Barriers to Access: Eliminating Library Fines and Fees on Children's Materials
Burnaby Public Library is fine free!
Innisfil library explains reasons for dropping fines on overdue books
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