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Using Rewards To Minimize Overdue Book Rates, W. Bede Mitchell, Fred W. Smith
Using Rewards To Minimize Overdue Book Rates, W. Bede Mitchell, Fred W. Smith
Library Faculty Publications
For as long as many 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.
On The Use Of Positive Reinforcement To Minimize The Problem Of Overdue Library Materials, W. Bede Mitchell
On The Use Of Positive Reinforcement To Minimize The Problem Of Overdue Library Materials, W. Bede Mitchell
Library Faculty Publications
Few issues in librarianship have been as long-lived and frustrating to address as the problem of overdue library materials. Even the most cursory review of the professional literature finds dozens of articles about the problem of overdues.(1) Most of the literature appears to have been written under the assumption that only negative reinforcement techniques (e.g., fines, blocking further borrowing, legal action, etc.) can be effective in minimizing the problem of overdue library materials. However, many librarians have expressed dissatisfaction with the use of fines and other sanctions. Unfortunately, the alternative methods for minimizing overdues have produced mixed results. For example, …