Libraries Tasmania wrote off more than $300,000 in debts under the changes to remove late fees from library patrons, as part of the move from LINC back to libraries.
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The figure was released under a Question on Notice to the Opposition, who asked the question of Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff during budget estimates.
As part of a new model of operating libraries, Libraries Tasmania removed late fees and also has made access to book clubs free, in an attempt to increase access and patronage.
The total of the written-off debt was $331, 817 and included overdue fines, processing fees and debt referral fees.
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A Libraries Tasmania spokesperson said based on previous years, the majority of this figure would not have actually resulted in revenue, with a large amount often remaining unpaid, and other fees removed once a "lost" book was returned
"While Libraries Tasmania cannot definitively state the costs of administering the overdue items, previous analysis of library fees and fines has shown that the administrative and replacement cost is greater than any revenue earned," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said library fees were also a barrier to access, with some clients finding the payment of fines to be a financial impost.
Meanwhile, Libraries Tasmania's collections increased in size over the past year, despite more than 80,000 items being removed due to poor condition, or being lost or damage.
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A total of 89,329 items were removed from Libraries Tasmania's collections during that period however 97,088 were added during the same time period.
An Education Department spokesman said more items are removed due to poor condition as part of good library management practice than because they are missing, lost, damaged or written off.
The total items removed from public libraries during 2017/18 was 81,001. The current size of the collections in public libraries is 632,586.
The total items removed from the state reference, History Room and Allport collections were 8,328 in 2017/18. The current size of the reference collection is 247,930.
Libraries Tasmania ditched late fees across its library networks in November last year.
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Caitlin Jarvis
I have worked in the Tasmanian digital/print media for 11 years, spanning two newsrooms. I have developed a keen interest in agricultural, development and education news, as well as issues-based long-form journalism. Contact me at caitlin.jarvis@examiner.com.au
I have worked in the Tasmanian digital/print media for 11 years, spanning two newsrooms. I have developed a keen interest in agricultural, development and education news, as well as issues-based long-form journalism. Contact me at caitlin.jarvis@examiner.com.au
