Released 29/06/2012
ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, today announced important changes to the Libraries ACT loans policy, including the cancellation of outstanding fines for overdue items as part of the National Year of Reading 2012.
"Our experience has shown that fines are a major reason why people stop using the library. We want to see more people back in our libraries, where they have access to a wide range of learning resources and opportunities for both adults and children," the Chief Minister said.
"From 1 July 2012, all outstanding fines for Libraries ACT members will be removed. People with unreturned books are encouraged to bring them back to their library.
"A new penalty system will be put in place, replacing the old fines system for those who don't do the right thing and bring their items back in the future.
"In reviewing our loans policy, we have looked at ways to simplify the loans process. People who make the genuine mistake of accidentally not returning items on time will be given a greater opportunity to do so without a financial penalty.
"In designing the new system it is important to strike a balance between providing access to the library and its services, and ensuring that items are returned to the library collection for use by the community," the Chief Minister said.
Under the new system, an administrative fee for items lost for four weeks or more will now apply, while library borrowing privileges will be restricted as will the use of library internet facilities.
The new policy rewards library members who do the right thing, while those who fail to return items are appropriately penalised. The new policy will be reviewed in 12 months, to measure the effectiveness of the changes.
Anyone experiencing financial hardship will be able to negotiate repayment arrangements, at the discretion of the Senior Librarian and Library members can check the details of their account, including the due date for items on loan, and renew items, in person at any library, by phoning 6207 5000, or online www.library.act.gov.au.
"Books and reading are at the heart of what libraries have to offer, but there's also so much more to discover - DVDs, internet access, classes, homework help, book groups, social groups, cafes and more.
"If you haven't recently visited your local library, I encourage you to take advantage of this great incentive to connect or reconnect with your local public library and discover all that is on offer," the Chief Minister concluded.
Key changes to the Libraries ACT Loans Policy as at 1 July 2012
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Until and including 30 June 2012 |
From 1 July 2012 |
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1. When an item becomes overdue, library members are expected to return or renew it. In addition, an overdue fine of 20 cents per item per day is charged, with a maximum fine applicable per overdue item per loan period. |
1. When an item becomes overdue, library members will lose library privileges, including borrowing and use of library computers, until items are returned or renewed. |
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2. When an item is 14 days overdue, a reminder notice is sent (via email or post) to library members reminding them the item is overdue, and should be returned immediately. They are informed of loss of library privileges. |
2. When an item is 14 days overdue, a reminder notice is sent (via email or post) to library members reminding them the item is overdue, and should be returned immediately. They will also be informed of loss of library privileges. |
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3. When an item is 42 days overdue, a second and final notice is sent (via email or post) to library members, reiterating information from the initial notice and information about outstanding fines. |
3. When an item is 28 days overdue it will be deemed as lost. An invoice will be sent for the replacement cost of the item/s and a $25 administration fee per invoice (to be paid via Canberra Connect). If items are returned after this invoice has been generated, the replacement cost of the item/s will be removed from the member's record, however the $25 administration fee will still be payable. |
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4. When an item is 84 days overdue, a final invoice will be sent for the replacement cost of the item/s and a $200 administration fee per invoice is payable (to be paid via Canberra Connect). *If costs remain unpaid, the matter will be transferred to the debt collection process for Territory and Municipal Services |
Note:
- Statement ends -
Section: Katy Gallagher, MLA | Media Releases
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Adina Cirson |
02 6205 0384 |
0435 964 454 |
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Scott Howard |
02 6205 8144 |
0478 474 071 |
