FINE IDEA... LATE LIBRARY FEES FACE AXE

THE end of library fines could be in sight… ending 150 years of penalties for overdue borrowed books.

Fines and book charges are to come under review in a new National Libraries Strategy, to be carried out over the next five years.

And there are predictions that the system of book fines – which are trifling in most cases and impossible to collect, leading to the permanent loss of books in some cases – will be scrapped completely.

Asked if library fines would be abolished, a Government spokesman said the issue was due to come under the review.

It has been argued the abolition of fines would make libraries more ‘user-friendly’ and less stern or intimidating in atmosphere.

Staff dislike having to ask for the fines, which in Dublin amounts to 30 cents per week or part of a week for each item not returned or renewed by the due date. Similar rates apply across the country.

Libraries claim administering fines – collecting the coins and notes and giving change – is timeconsuming, embarrassing for all concerned and not what libraries are about, which is predominantly education.

It has also been said that the fines system means the very sections of the population that would most benefit from borrowing books do not visit libraries.

Many countries have abandoned fines, with some arguing that an email reminder system is enough to prompt borrowers to bring books back.

Other systems have found that long-term overdue books produce readers who are embarrassed to return them because of the time elapsed – and then never darken a library’s doors again.

Under existing rules, a library can also charge any postage incurred in getting items back, while further borrowing is not permitted where fines accrued by a member equal or exceed €20.

The new National Library Strategy will seek to make the system more ‘friendly’ with likely longer opening hours to facilitate shift workers and those who might only want to use computers in the evening.

There will be a greater emphasis on digital learning and a personalised service and reading list, so customers can become aware of newly arrived works on their favourite subjects.

Just ten years ago, in the wake of the financial crisis, the Government seriously considered truncating the library service across the country as a cost-saving measure.

Staff feel awkward for imposing fines