Page 8
University Daily Kansan Thursday, Dec. 10, 1959
Personalized Postcards Ask Wayward Students to Remit
By Carrie Edwards
Yesterday I received from Watson Library a neat three-cent postcard marked "PLEASE PAY..." in bold type.
This was a rather clever personalized way, I thought, of informing me I have out an overdue book which is incurring a daily fine of two cents.
Further investigation showed me that neat little postcard was my invitation to add to some $655.31 collected on campus in book fines since July 1, when the library's fiscal year begins. This figure represents money collected at departmental library desks outside the main library building as well as those collected inside Watson Library.
At this time last year $654.19 had been collected.
"Money collected in fines for overdue or lost books goes into the University's general fund to help pay salaries, maintain buildings and grounds and to pay for more books," Keith Nitcher, business office comptroller, said.
Two cents is charged for each day a book, which had been checked out for three weeks, is overdue.
A Watson Library employee, who preferred to remain unidentified, mentioned that usually no assessment is made for three-week books overdue less than 12 days. He said the fine charged on the twelfth day the book is overdue amounts to 12 cents.
This assessment increases by two cents until it reaches $3. Persons in the $3 bracket must pay their fines before they can enroll in the following semester or before they may get their transcript.
The Lawrence Public Library began this month to charge five cents instead of two cents a day for each overdue book, but apparently the KU library has no such idea of increasing its fines.
John Nugent, head of the circulation department at Watson Library, said he had heard no talk of any increased rates in the future and that no significant change in the fine system has been made during the last five years.
"Library fines on overdue books are necessary nuisances for those working behind the desks taking the money as well as for those dishing out the coins," Mr. Nugent said yesterday.
"People today have enough money so if they don't want to return a volume on its due date, they won't. But until the time comes when library patrons consider the other fellow waiting for the book we will keep sending out notices and levying fines."
Nugent pointed out the University pays a part-time typist $17 a week to prepare the postcards. He said approximately 10,000 postcards had been sent out during the last academic year.
Nugent was uncertain how much was spent last year on the notices, but said the library was considering adopting a new plan of mailing out notices that would cost $625 each year for 10,000 letters.
Nugent said the fines had to be heavier on reserve books because the demand for them was so much greater than for the three-week volumes. The charge for the first hour a reserve book is overdue is 25 cents, while the assessment for each added hour after that is a dime.
Contest to Be Held for Best Children's Books
Mrs. Ruth Gagliardo, director of library service for the Kansas State Teachers Association, is sponsoring the Gagliardo Children's Book Award.
Fifty dollars will be awarded for the best collection of children's books owned by a University of Kansas student.
Those entering the contest need only to take their collection to Watson Library for temporary deposit. There must be not less than 10 nor more than 20 titles in the collection. Entries will be judged for the quality of imagination and interest in children's books shown.
A brief note of 250 words or less describing the person's interest in children's books should be included. The decision of the judges will be final.
I'm just glad my postcard yesterday concerned my fine for a three-week book rather than a reserve book. As Nugent indicates, I, as most students, will take my book back when I finally get around to it.
Entries should be taken to Robert L. Quinsey, assistant director of libraries in 318 Watson. The deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, January 6.
Mrs. Gagliardo is well known
PAGE'S
SINCLAIR
SERVICE
6th & Vt.
GREASE JOB BRAKE ADJ.
Mufflers and Tailpipes Installed Free.
300 gallons of gasoline free
10 gallons drawn daily
International Club DANCE
MOSSER-WOLF INC.
1107 Mass.
Across from the Court House
Everybody Welcome
8-12
Friday, Dec. 11
Tickets 75c
Union Ballroom
among teachers and librarians for her work with children's books. For many years she has written a regular monthly children's book review section. The section is called the Children's Book-Shelf and appears in the Kansas State Teachers Association magazine. Mrs. Gagliardo is the widow of the late Domenico Gagliardo a former professor of economics at KU.
For a jolly Christmas
Hallmark
CONTEMPORARY
CARDS
837 Mass.
WESTMINSTER RECORDS
Entire Stock $2.98
BELL MUSIC CO.
925 Mass. VI 3-2644
Patronize Daily Kansan Advertisers—They Are Loyal Supporters.
IN THE
DAILY KANSAN
Coming FRIDAY Dec. 11