We have the same problem. Our library does not issue a card unless the signing parent has a "clean" record. However, we do want to encourage library use and realize that life happens. If the person is willing to set up a payment schedule, we allow them and their child to borrow 2 items at a time as long as they honor their agreement. They decide the frequency and amount. We have a form for the patron to sign. Currently, we have several situations like this. One is paying $5 per week, another $1. It will take months, but at least they are trying. We have had more positive results than negative. I did not inform the patrons of this but after the half-way mark has been reached, I will consider forgiving the remaining overdue fine as long as all material replacement costs have been paid. This would be a one-time deal. Sometimes, a person will just leave and not even try to not take care of their fine. Often, the other parent will sign for the child. And usually, continue to be irresponsible. Our policy also stipulates that a person may only use their own card and must be present at time of use. This was implemented as a result of losing many materials and patrons racking up huge fines one card at a time until all family members are blocked. There are some exceptions such as homebound users. Beverly Dear, Director Sanilac District Library 7130 Main Street PO Box 525 Port Sanilac, MI 48469 Phone: 810.622.8623 FAX: 810.622.9041 Website:sanilacdistrictlibrary.lib.mi.us On Wednesday, February 19, 2014 8:22 PM, Nancy Studebaker <director@nileslibrary.net> wrote: My board thinks it might be a good idea to not give library cards to children if their parents have fines. (Or at least not let the parent with fines be the one who signs for the card.)
We know that adult patrons who have fines on their cards quickly figure out the way around this is to get a card for their child and check out materials for themselves (the parent) on this fresh, new no-fines card.
To clarify, we aren't talking about not letting a child check-out because the parent has fines, this would only resolve the one-time problem of a child getting a card when the signing "responsible" parent/guardian has fines.
On the one hand, it feels wrong to deny a card to a child because his parent/guardian is irresponsible. On the other hand, allowing someone we *know* to be irresponsible sign as the "responsible" person seems foolish.
Obviously, figuring out to what extent this is a problem is difficult. We think it happens once a month or so, but we couldn't really put a quantity to it - and certainly not a dollar amount.
Does anyone else do this? Any suggestions? Any considerations I'm missing.
-- Nancy Studebaker, Director Niles District Library 620 E Main Niles, MI 49120 Phone 269 683 8545 x122 Fax 269 683 0075 Cell 269 277 0127
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