Setting: 7th-12th grade media center
Time: Sometime during a school day
Victim: A book
Crime: Aforementioned book is stolen from its owner
Whodunit: I wish I knew
Holmes, my good man, how shall we solve this crime? I’m doing inventory and am seeing a direct correlation. My circulation statistics have gone up steadily over the past few years since implementing new programs. However, the number of lost books has also increased. With more traffic flow in and out of the library (aka “the crime scene”), more books are walking out without being checked out. Last year I lost approximately $400 worth of books between lost books and unpaid lost/damaged book fees. While not yet finished with inventory this year, I’m afraid that amount will be even higher. I dearly hope I’m wrong. We have 5 days of school left for redemption.
How do I recoup my losses? At what point should I start looking into a security system? Do I implore my administration to take a tougher stance with students and unpaid lost/damaged book fees?
Now, where did I put my fingerprinting dust kit…..
Currently reading: The Sportsman: Unexpected Lessons from an Around-the-World Sports Odyssey by Dhani Jones
Through the Library Window 