Ideas worth spreading

A librarian's case against overdue book fines

1,767,763 views |

Dawn Wacek |

TEDxUWLaCrosse

• February 2018

Libraries have the power to create a better world; they connect communities, promote literacy and spark lifelong learners. But there's one thing that keeps people away: the fear of overdue book fines. In this thought-provoking talk, librarian Dawn Wacek makes the case that fines don't actually do what we think they do. What if your library just ... stopped asking for them altogether?

Libraries have the power to create a better world; they connect communities, promote literacy and spark lifelong learners. But there's one thing that keeps people away: the fear of overdue book fines. In this thought-provoking talk, librarian Dawn Wacek makes the case that fines don't actually do what we think they do. What if your library just ... stopped asking for them altogether?

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxUWLaCrosse, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

Dawn Wacek

See speaker profile

Dawn Wacek advocates for equitable library service for all community members.

Jim Trelease | Penguin Books, 2013 | Book

The Read-Aloud Handbook

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Ryan Dowd | American Library Association, 2018 | Book

The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict and Serving Everyone

Dowd's classes — and now his book — are essential reading for librarians in determining how to best serve the public. Specifically, his chapter on choosing to enforce policies with empathy, rather than punishment — which, he argues, can create resentment and non-compliance.

Dana Suskind | Book

Thirty Million Words: Building a Child's Brain

Professor Suskind explains the approach behind the landmark study by researchers Hart and Risley — finding that some children heard thirty million fewer words by their fourth birthdays than others — and the methods parents and caregivers can use every day to maximize their child's potential.

Jennifer A. Dixon, Steven A. Gillis | Library Journal, 2017 | Article

"Doing Fine(s)?"

This article from Library Journal gives a great overview of the issues associated with fines in libraries — from revenue streams to conflicts to service ideals.

Ruth Graham | Slate, 2017 | Article

"Long Overdue: Why public libraries are finally eliminating the late-return fine"

A peek at more than 100 years of poor interactions between librarians and patrons revolving around fines, without any evidence that this practice serves either the library or the patron.

Annette DeFaveri | LIBR.ORG | Article

"Breaking Barriers: Libraries and Socially Excluded Communities"

This article looks at ways libraries can break down barriers to socially excluded groups, create a more inclusive atmosphere and the costs associated with exclusionary practices.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxUWLaCrosse, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.