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issybird · 01-03-2017, 11:20 AM

I want to make it clear that this isn't directed at the OP; I'm just using her thread as a springboard for my comments.

I see a lot of library card fraud discussed on the board. I don't think it's one of the huge moral issues of the day and we all, I imagine, engage in some sorts of fiddles. I'd just like to see some acknowledgement of what's really going on in these cases.

There's a good reason for library cards to expire. People pay for library services through their taxes (I know I'm stating the obvious here) and former residents have no right to borrow books on their old neighbors' dime. We all know that. It's also true that you've got the card and it's not a big deal in the grand scheme.

What bothers me is the justification. I actually wouldn't mind a, "I've got this card and I'm going to use it as long as I can." That's honest. But when people start to talk about how they read so many books and can't afford to buy them, that's when I get peevish. There are options. Most people could afford a buck a week for a non-resident's card at one of the excellent libraries that offers them. And if it's hard to come up with $50, as it can be, it should still be possible to save toward getting one at that rate of a dollar a week.

This is not a victimless situation; I won't call it a crime. People who are entitled to a card have to wait longer for books because of "non-paying customers" in the queue. Ultimately, the library's acquisitions include purchases necessitated by freeloaders. It's all part of that slippery digital slope where because the goods are not tangible, people think different rules apply.

So, yes, I do think libraries need to require renewal to flush out the deadbeats. A university library where I have borrowing privileges makes me renew in person annually. Anyone who lives, works, or owns property in Massachusetts can sign up online for a Boston Public Library card, but it expires in two years and you need to renew in person. Otherwise, the account is closed and you have to sign up again, which lets them verify.

I'm not the morality police; as I said, we almost all engage in fiddles of some sort. Ultimately, I'm just surprised at things people are open about.

01-03-2017, 11:20 AM	#14
issybird o saeclum infacetum Posts: 21,359 Karma: 235166015 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New England Device: Mini, H2O, Glo HD, Aura One, PW4, PW5	I want to make it clear that this isn't directed at the OP; I'm just using her thread as a springboard for my comments. I see a lot of library card fraud discussed on the board. I don't think it's one of the huge moral issues of the day and we all, I imagine, engage in some sorts of fiddles. I'd just like to see some acknowledgement of what's really going on in these cases. There's a good reason for library cards to expire. People pay for library services through their taxes (I know I'm stating the obvious here) and former residents have no right to borrow books on their old neighbors' dime. We all know that. It's also true that you've got the card and it's not a big deal in the grand scheme. What bothers me is the justification. I actually wouldn't mind a, "I've got this card and I'm going to use it as long as I can." That's honest. But when people start to talk about how they read so many books and can't afford to buy them, that's when I get peevish. There are options. Most people could afford a buck a week for a non-resident's card at one of the excellent libraries that offers them. And if it's hard to come up with $50, as it can be, it should still be possible to save toward getting one at that rate of a dollar a week. This is not a victimless situation; I won't call it a crime. People who are entitled to a card have to wait longer for books because of "non-paying customers" in the queue. Ultimately, the library's acquisitions include purchases necessitated by freeloaders. It's all part of that slippery digital slope where because the goods are not tangible, people think different rules apply. So, yes, I do think libraries need to require renewal to flush out the deadbeats. A university library where I have borrowing privileges makes me renew in person annually. Anyone who lives, works, or owns property in Massachusetts can sign up online for a Boston Public Library card, but it expires in two years and you need to renew in person. Otherwise, the account is closed and you have to sign up again, which lets them verify. I'm not the morality police; as I said, we almost all engage in fiddles of some sort. Ultimately, I'm just surprised at things people are open about.