DCLS Circulation Manual - Dauphin County Library System

District Items 25cents/day the cost of theEquipment $5/day item. If 90% of NO CHECKOUT ISthe cost is PERMITTED ON ANmore than $20 ACCOUNT THAT HAS Aand the patron “CREDIT BUREAU” BLOCKis paying the UNTIL THE ACCOUNT ISmaximum fine, PAID OFF COMPLETELY.reduce the fine (Time-payments are permitted;to $20.but no checkout until there is a$0 balance.)Damaged or Missing Materials.The Damaged Mode can be used when a borrower is responsible for the loss ordamage of a piece that belongs to an item (ex: book with CDROM).When is something “Damaged?”Look for the following signs:1. Paperback covers that are excessively tearing or fraying2. Loose or exposed binding3. Water damageCheck to see how old the item is. If it’s several years old and has manycheckouts, it’s likely that it’s simply worn out through normal wear and tear.Is it the last copy of an item? Bring the item to your supervisor or managerwith a note stating that it’s the last copy. The supervisor/manager will makethe decision about withdrawing it or ordering another copy.If it’s an old item and not the last copy, simply withdraw it.When do you charge someone?1. Is it a new item with only a few checkouts? Then it’s likely the last borrowerdamaged it and you should charge them.2. Did the borrower admit it? It is not uncommon that the borrower will admitto having damaged the item and will be willing to pay for it.3. Take into account recent events and conditions. For example, if you receivesomething with water damage, try to remember if it’s been raining hard lately.The outdoor bookdrops are not 100% waterproof, and the item may havegotten wet there through no fault of the borrower’s.4.12