Going Fine Free at Scottsdale Public Library
Scottsdale Public Library, Ariz.
Innovation Synopsis
On July 1, 2020, SPL joined the more than 200 municipalities across the country that have become fine free. Eliminating fines supports social equity, ensuring that the library is for everyone in the community to enjoy and benefit from. By becoming fine free, SPL is achieving its mission of "putting people at the heart of dynamic library services."
Challenge/Opportunity
Studies on the effects of library fines have shown to be an inequitable consequence that greatly affects lower income communities. COVID-19 hit in the midst of advocating for a fine free library. Budgets were suddenly under severe scrutiny. While government was growing more and more fiscally conservative, to the library it only intensified the need to establish equity.
Key Elements of Innovation
- Review of library case studies.
- Review of fines and fees in charges, payments and recovery for five years.
- Overlay heat map of blocked library cards due to fines.
- Month-long statistics to track staff engagement due to fines.
- Surveys and polls of active card members on their view of fines as penalties.
- Amnesty period that tracked amount of fines waived and items returned.
- Work study with Library Board to provide information.
- City council meeting where Library Board advocated/used data for elimination request.
Achieved Outcomes
The Scottsdale Public Library went fine free in July 2020. Based on the information provided, the city council voted unanimously to eliminate overdue fines with no adverse effect on the library’s operating budget. In addition, all overdue fines currently on patrons’ accounts were automatically waived.
