Henry County Library Using a Collection Agency for 'Overdues'

The Henry County Library Board of Trustees enacted a policy at its September, 2001 board meeting to use a collection agency to help encourage patrons with overdue materials to return them to the library. The Library Board voted to pass the cost of this service on to each patron whose account is handled by the collection agency.

This new policy was developed with fairness to all library patrons in mind. Materials not returned are not available for others to borrow. Also, if materials are not returned, in most cases, money from the library budget is used to replace them. This same money could much better be used to purchase new items for patron use instead of replacing non-returned items.

The Library Board hopes this practice will encourage all library borrowers to return items by the date due. Most library items may be renewed by bringing the item with the patron's library card to the Circulation Desk or by calling the library. Also, a book depository for returning material is located on the north side of the building for convenient use by patrons.

The library will still notify patrons that their materials are overdue and have ample time to respond prior to being turned over to collection. Unique Management Solutions has been selected as the collection agency for the library. Unique Management works with libraries throughout the United States and specializes in the recovery of overdue materials and has an excellent record of treating patrons professionally.

The library is serious about recovering overdue materials. Patrons who do not return materials are stealing from the library. Fortunately, only a very small percentage of patrons using the library do not return materials as agreed. The new policy will not effect the vast majority of patrons who return materials on time.

"The library is committed to providing excellent service and having materials available that our patrons desire," said Library Director, Liz Cashell