In looking at our experiences with our fine-free senior and youth cards, industry research, and the results of the many libraries that have already eliminated overdue fines, we found that:
- Elimination of fines results in higher library use and increased customer satisfaction.
- Fines do not effectively incentivize on-time returns.
- Overdue fines negatively impact library use, particularly by lower-income people.
- Revenue from fines is less than the cost of staff time to collect fines.
As a result of these findings, the Library JPA Governing Board approved the elimination of fines for the late return of library materials and directed staff to update the Library Material Access and Selection Policy.