Document Type
Preprint
Publication Date
2005
Publication Title
Journal of Access Services
DOI
10.1300/J204v03n01_04
ISSN
1536-7975
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Mitchell, W. Bede, Fred W. Smith.
2005.
"Using Rewards to Minimize Overdue Book Rates."
Journal of Access Services, 3 (1): 47-52.
doi: 10.1300/J204v03n01_04
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/lib-facpubs/4
Comments
This is a preprint of an article whose final and definitive form has been published in the Journal of Access Services, Volume 3, Number 1, 2005, pp.47-52, copyright Taylor & Francis; available online at https://www.tandfonline.com/10.1300/J204v03n01_04.