Fines Free Libraries
Public libraries have traditionally collected fines for library items that are returned after the due date and have charged replacement fees for items that have been lost or damaged.
Library fines were previously considered a deterrent to late returns, damage, or loss of items. However, fines can also be a significant barrier which prevents users from accessing the resources of a public library and doesn’t necessarily act as the intended deterrent.
Slide Deck - Finally Fines Free Webinar
Explore different ways of using data to help your library advocate for going fines free
Review this slide deck of the webinar hosted by Alison Clarke, Coordinator, Performance Measures & Data, Brampton Library Kelly Bernstein, CEO, Brant County Library for an introduction to how you can use data to go fines free and a summary of all the resources below.
Slide Deck - Budget Implications of Fines Free
Customize the slide deck for your library
Use the template created by the OPLA Research and Evaluations Committee to create your own customized infographic:
Slide Deck - Fines Free Mythbusting
Customize the slide deck for your library
Use the template created by the OPLA Research and Evaluations Committee to create your own customized infographic:
Infographic - Calculating the Hidden Costs of Collecting Fines
Customize the infographic for your library
Use the template created by the OPLA Research and Evaluations Committee to create your own customized infographic:
How to: Using Data to make your case
Some of the concerns about going fines free include worries about customers taking longer to return items, or maybe not returning them at all.
How can you use your data to understand customer return patterns and see what happens before and after you go fines free?
