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You may not, but some do. And the point is how to manage that population. Pretending they don't exist is generally not a good strategy. That's not to say that w
by rsj_hn 5y ago
You may not, but some do. And the point is how to manage that population. Pretending they don't exist is generally not a good strategy. That's not to say that we shouldn't experiment with different options, and these types of programs are worth trying if only to gather some data.
- joe5150 5y agoThis really doesn't change anything in that regard. A person whose intention it is to rip off their library and never return could do that just as easily before. Libraries budget for shrink and replacement costs, which are still going to be charged to patrons who don't return materials in 30 days.
- jackson1442 5y agoIf they really wanted to steal, why not just take the books and leave, even _with_ the fine system? Just like Walmart, a librarian isn't going to chase you after the alarm goes off. The alarms are there to remind honest people to check out their books in case they forgot.
- burnished 5y agoI don't think you get how much of society relies on trust and good will. I'm not saying this as some rosy-cheeked innocent, either. >Pretending they don't exist is generally not a good strategy. I agree, but I think the problem is typically very much over-stated. It sort of reminds me of the sort of fearful stuff I heard from my grandparents about pot smokers you know? >That's not to say that we shouldn't experiment with different options, and these types of programs are worth trying if only to gather some data. Yes! Agreed. Punishing people and levying fees isn't great, and experiments like these will either tell us that they were necessary, suggest something else will work, or show us that we can just stop. Its a small thing, but I think a world without library fees would be better, and I'm glad some folks are taking a stab at it.