By: Kelsy Heffley
Recommended collection threshold: $25.00
If your library is like most libraries, you will find that the majority of patrons have a balance between $25 – $50. As you can imagine, we find that there are a lot more accounts with a smaller balance and fewer accounts with larger balances. Given the sheer number of patrons with smaller balances, the dollar amount of unreturned materials will add up to be a much larger amount over time.
Just because a patron checks out fewer or lower-value items, failing to return them still impacts the library and other patrons. In fact, those items may be in higher demand, there is little correlation between the value of materials and how in-demand they may be.
We have found that patrons with smaller balances tend to respond favorably to a gentle nudge from Unique. Preserving patron goodwill is just as achievable, if not more so, with small balance accounts as with larger ones. The bottom line is, all patrons share the responsibility to return materials, and your library can feel confident in holding them accountable.
Recommended grace period: 2 weeks
When managing library collections and material recovery, timing is everything. While policies and procedures may be in place, the real effectiveness of those systems often hinges on how promptly communication is delivered. The sooner patrons are reminded about overdue materials, the more likely it is those materials will be returned in good condition.
Overly generous grace periods increase the chances of items being forgotten, lost, or damaged. While libraries strive to maintain positive relationships with their patrons and communities, it is important to recognize that overly lenient timelines can work against long-term health of your collection. Library materials are essential to services—if they’re not returned promptly, other patrons are affected, and replacement costs begin to add up. Ultimately, timely communication supports both accountability and access—two key pillars of excellent library service.