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People who've studied whether public libraries should have fines at all appear to mostly conclude that no, they shouldn't, because it causes poor people to avoi
by wumpus 5y ago
People who've studied whether public libraries should have fines at all appear to mostly conclude that no, they shouldn't, because it causes poor people to avoid checking out books. That's why libraries have gradually switched from fines to fines forgiven to not having fines at all.
Blockbuster used to make all of their profits from late fees. Public libraries have a purpose of encouraging reading.
- otherme123 5y agoThey have to come with another method then. I'm interested in a book that got published this year, and my local library has it, but it's "missing or not returned". How come? I had to register my address, my phone, my email and my national ID to get the library card. They know exactly who has the book, they could reach him by phone and have a talk "please, return the book ASAP without late fee or we are sending someone to your house to collect it and fine you". I'm all in for encourage reading. Not so much for encouraging stealing of public property.
- kleer001 5y agoYup, that sucks. It's the Tragedy of the commons. And IFAIK there's no way to solve it without charging for everything.