Using Rewards to Minimize Overdue Book Rates

ABSTRACT

For as long as libraries have charged fines for books returned after their due dates, this familiar practice has excited comment and controversy. Fines are thought by many to deter patrons from keeping materials too long. However, others believe there is little persuasive evidence that fines are more effective at minimizing overdues than are reminder notices. Further, some critics contend charging fines is unethical, especially in public or school libraries, and the meager results are not worth the harmful public relations fines incur. The authors experimented with an alternative approach using positive reinforcement.     

Get out of fines free: Recruiting student usability testers via fine waivers

St. John Fisher College's Lavery Library's Access Services and Systems departments began a pilot project in which students with overdue fines tested usability of library Web sites in exchange for fine waivers. Circulation staff promoted the program and redeemed fine waiver vouchers at the Checkout Desk, while Systems staff administered testing and provided vouchers to participants. Staff evaluated the pilot to be a success, as qualitative data were collected to enable iterative changes to library Web sites, and users had a positive customer service experience. The piloted method may be applied in the future to assess other programs and services.     

私法视角下的考试法

教育考试法,就其根本性质而言,毋庸质疑的是属于行政法范畴,但考试法调整的法律关系的内容不仅仅局限于行政管理,有相当一部分是规范平等主体之间的关系,考试法应当对此种关系作出明确规定。     

On the Preservation of Knowledge,or “Paging Doctor Johnston,Doctor Johnston to Surgery!”

ABSTRACT

Aggressively promoting a Web site is the best way to ensure that colleagues and information consumers are aware of the resource's existence. A strategy that worked well for one such resource, The Researching Librarian, is discussed. Methods such as submitting the site to search engines, announcing the site to members of relevant listservs, and informing the media will increase awareness of a resource and usage for sites providing useful and needed content.     

Bursar Accounts,Payroll Deduction,and Debt Collection: A Three-Channel Approach to Lost Item Reimbursement

ABSTRACT

In 2003, Penn State Libraries implemented payroll deduction and collection agency programs to gain better control of accounts receivable. The author reports on the implementation processes and first year outcomes of the programs. She recommends careful consideration of several questions before implementing such measures.