Alling Memorial Library Overdue Materials Policy
When the patron claims to have returned an item:
The above usually works. When it fails and the patron continues to insist they returned it, we give them the benefit of the doubt and keep them in good standing BUT keep the item on their record for 6 months, just in case. (If it happens again, we don’t give the benefit of the doubt!) When a patron claims they never borrowed an item on their record:
When a patron has been billed for a large number of items/expensive very overdue, it is our policy to refer the case to our Trustees. Before we do that, however, we make a personal call: “I’m calling about the materials you have out. Our Board of Trustees requires us to refer all bills over $XX (we do $75) to them for collection. I hate to do that because it’s so embarrassing for you—I have to give out your name, address, phone numbers, etc. to the trustee. Do you have the items? Yes? When can you return them? Is there any way I can help get them back? Great! In that case I won’t have to give your name to the trustees this week. We don’t want the money—we just want the materials back. Thanks.” |
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