[Getconnected] B-CS libraries turn to collection agency to recover materials, fines

[getconnected at bryantx.gov]

B-CS libraries turn to collection agency to recover materials, fines
 
Local libraries, on April 1, will begin using a collection agency to
bring in late fees and to encourage patrons with overdue materials to
return them - at the patron's cost.
 
The 90-day trial use of Unique Management Services
<http://www.unique-mgmt.com/>  will run through June 30, at which time
its results will be evaluated. The collection effort will apply to the
Bryan Public Library and the Larry J. Ringer Public Library in College
Station.
 
Community Librarian Clara Mounce says the new service is being tested
out of fairness to all library patrons.
 
"When materials aren't returned, they're not made available for others
to use or borrow," Mounce said. "A lot of times, we pay from the library
system's budget to replace these non-returned materials. This same money
could be better spent on new items, instead of replacing the old ones."
 
How collection works
The Bryan-College Station Public Library System
<http://www.bcslibrary.org/>  will still notify patrons that materials
are overdue, and plenty of time will be given to respond. An automated
system already calls two days past the overdue date, then again on the
ninth day. On Day-16, written notice is sent, followed by a final
written notice on Day-23.
 
That's when Unique Management Services steps in. A $10 fee will be
applied to all accounts turned over to the collection agency.
 
"We're serious about recovering our materials," Mounce said. "Those who
don't are stealing; fortunately, that's only a very small percentage of
our patrons."
 
Libraries by the numbers

*	In FY2006, Bryan and College Station libraries issued 11,000 new
library cards. 
*	There are an estimated 48,000 borrowers. 
*	The libraries generated 24,500 overdue notices in FY2006. 
*	In FY2006, the BCS Library System levied $239,000 in fines and
fees, waived $41,750 and collected $45,750. Uncollected fees totaled
$151,700. 
*	In FY2007, more than $46,000 in fines and fees have been levied,
$9,300 waived and $11,300 collected. Uncollected fees, to date, total
$25,700. There are currently 6,800 overdue items. 

 
Questions? Contact Community Librarian Clara Mounce at 979.209.5611 or
cmounce at bryantx.gov . 
 
-30-

 

Jay G. Socol
Public Information Officer
City of Bryan, Texas
P.O. Box 1000
Bryan, Texas 77805-1000
(979) 209-5120 (o) - (979) 229-1060 (c)
(979) 228-2437 (pgr) - (979) 209-5107 (f)

www.bryantx.gov <http://www.bryantx.gov/>  


 
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