Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To update the Portfolio Holder on the impact of the abolition of reservation fees and overdue fines in the Library and Archive Service and make recommendations for the remaining period of the pilot based on evaluation findings.

RECOMMENDED

(1)To continue to offer free reservations of books to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.

(2)To continue not to charge overdue fines to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.

(3)To carry out a second evaluation of the pilot in autumn 2020 to make recommendations beyond the pilot period.

The report was introduced by Clare Forsyth, Service Development Manager. 

The Cabinet Member and opposition spokespeople were very supportive of no library fines and continuing to offer free reservations.  It was noted that more books are now being returned to the library service because of this and this was making a real difference to people.

DECISIONS:

The Cabinet Member for Culture & City Development agreed:

(1)  To continue to offer free reservations of books to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.

(2)  To continue not to charge overdue fines to library members for the duration of the three year pilot period to March 2021.

(3)  To carry out a second evaluation of the pilot in autumn 2020 to make recommendations beyond the pilot period.