No fines are charged for material that is checked out at your library; unless you have made special exceptions e.g. Hotspots.
Library cards will be blocked based on your library's choice of blocking methods.
All overdue material is automatically billed at 42 days overdue.
Considerations for going Fine Free
Considering Fine Free for your library? Here are some things to think about.
My House-My Rules
Circulation rules and verification of overdue items checked out at your library are processed the same for all patrons. This allows your library to maintain consistent policies for all visitors. "My House-My Rules" facilitates a consistent user experience for patrons and staff alike, easy to explain to library visitors and supported by staff.
Which items are fine free?
Any item that is checked out at a fine-free library will not accumulate fines if it is overdue, regardless of where the item is returned. Some exceptions can be made for equipment.
When will items be billed?
All items will continue to be automatically billed when the item is 42 days overdue.
Can we block patrons for overdue materials before the item is billed?
Yes, your library can select one or more of the following blocking methods.
Block at 14 days, if any item overdue
Block at 21 days, if any item overdue
Block on number of items overdue, determined by overdue threshold on patron profile
SWAN recommends blocking at 11 items overdue
Block on the total amount owed in bills, determined by bill threshold on patron profile
Will patrons be notified before they are blocked?
There are no changes to notices at fine free libraries, patrons will receive overdue notices before they are blocked.
Do libraries use Unique even though they are fine free?
Yes, many SWAN libraries use Unique and the "gentle nudge" process of phone calls and letters, this process usually begins when the item is 60 days overdue. Your library can customize criteria for the selection of patrons sent to Unique for material recovery.
If we are fine free, can we still accept payments for other libraries’ fines?
Yes, you can collect payments for any bills at your library. All lost bills will be reimbursed through the Quarterly Billing process, as usual, overdue fees and processing fees are not included in Quarterly Billing.
Do patrons who check out at fine free libraries show estimated fines in their account?
Patrons will not have any estimated fines show in their account in Workflows or the catalog when they check items out at a fine free library. If your patrons travel to a library that charges fines, they will see estimated fines for those materials.
Is SWAN able to remove existing overdue fines?
Yes, SWAN will remove any existing overdue fines that are on your library patrons' accounts. We can also remove any bills that your library has already paid through Quarterly billing. Submit a ticket to help@swanlibraries.net, and we can work with you to identify these bills and remove them.
Make your case
SWAN can provide reports that will assist libraries to make the decision to go fine free, including, but not limited to the following:
How many patrons are currently blocked due to overdue fines?
What percentage of outstanding fines are at least 2 years old?
What percentage of your overall budget are collected fines?
How many overdue fees have been waived over a period of time?
Amount of overdue fees collected annually (2016- 2019)
Implementing Fine Free
Submit a ticket, preferably at least one month prior to your desired go-live date. SWAN will:
Provide the following in consultation with your team:
Current Circulation and Hold Map settings
Proposed Circulation and Hold Map settings
User Profile settings
Timeline for project
Make changes to your library's sections of the Circulation and Hold Maps
Make changes to your library's User Profile(s)
Pay OVERDUE and OVERDUEX bills with the LIBFINFREE payment type
Add your library to the list of SWAN Fine Free Libraries