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Los Angeles PL Hires
Agency to Pursue Overdues

The Los Angeles Public Library’s board of commissioners voted July 5 to hire a collection agency to track down overdue materials.

In the pilot program, Unique Management Services, which collects materials and fines for more than 400 libraries nationwide, will go after borrowers with more than $50 owed for 45 to 90 days, the Los Angeles Times reported July 6. A $10 fee will be added to each borrower’s account, out of which the company will receive $8.95. If the fines remain outstanding after 120 days, they will go on the borrower’s credit record.

“We see this as a more efficient way to recoup books and materials that would otherwise be lost,” said Commission President David Lehrer. City Librarian Susan Kent told the Times that library system lost almost 150,000 items in the 1999—2000 fiscal year. Last year, 37 patrons owed between $1,000 and $2,040.

Kent said the commissioners will evaluate the pilot program after 90 days and decide whether to continue it.

Posted July 9, 2001.

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