Admin Order 57-22-02-F -- Final Library Fee Sch. Amendment

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Findings – Page 1 Exhibit B to Administrative Order No. 57-22-02-F City Manager’s Findings Proposed Library Fee Schedule Amendments Pursuant to Section 2.020(2) of the Eugene Code, 1971, the City Manager has considered the following factors in determining the proposed Library fee schedule amendments: (a) Applicable policies, enactments and directives of the Council. Findings: The mission of Eugene Public Library is to support an informed community, lifelong learning, and the love of reading by promoting access to the universe of ideas and information to all city residents. It is our goal to provide equitable information access to our community; and going fine free would create more equitable information access. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to access and inclusion in all our services. The removal of fines is supported by the American Library Association. In January, the ALA passed a resolution which recognizes fines as a form of social inequality and calls on libraries nationwide to find a way to eliminate them. Specifically, the resolution urged libraries to eliminate monetary fines because they “present an economic barrier to access of library materials and services” and “there is mounting evidence that indicates eliminating fines increases library card adoption and library usage.” The resolution also urged “governing bodies of libraries to strengthen funding support for libraries so they are not dependent on monetary fines as a necessary source of revenue.” We believe this aligns with our organizational mission, our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and supports a Council statement on racial equality, which in part called for a “look at our city policies through an equity lens with the goal of reforming city policies that continue a legacy of racism.” (b) The amount charged by the City in the past. Findings: Late fees (Charged for each item, by the day, beginning the day after due): Adult Materials............................................... $ .50 per item per day with a maximum of $10 per item Children's and Young Adult Materials............. No charge Circulating equipment (e.g. laptop, camera).... $ 10.00 per item per day with a maximum of $50.00 per item Search for Items Claimed Returned................ First 5 free, then $2 each Unclaimed Holds or Interlibrary Loans ........... $1.00 per unclaimed item