To whom it may concern:
This letter is written in response to the article "AVC's Library doesn't know the value of a dollar." in the november 10 issue of the AVC Examiner. Although I was happy to see an article written about the library, particularly library reserves, I was very disheartened after reading the content. The article was somewhat misleading and contained several inaccuracies.
The article stated that "you can actually be charged a dollar when you have a reserved book checked out in the Antelope Valley College Library," this lead a reader to believe a student would be charged a dollar to check out a textbook. To check out a textbook you need to be a student, currently enrolled, and have an AVC ID. It is only later in the article that a clarification is made that the dollar would be charged only if the textbook is overdue.
The article also states "there are no posted signs describing the new policy anywhere in the library or anywhere els on the campus," there are posters stating the fine policy in both the library foyer and directly across from the circulation desk. Posters outlining the new policy were posted throughout the campus by Student Development prior to the policy taking effect. In addition labels are placed on the cover of every reserve textbook reminding students that there is a "$1.00 fine for each hour after the 1-hour checkout period."
The article continues "even the college website makes no mention of the policy on it's library page." This is also inaccurate. When you visit the library website, under Library Services "Circulation" there is a link that will take you directly to the fine schedule.
Finally, perhaps the most perplexing error is the caption under the article's picture stating, "Students may want to start saving their dollar bills since the BOOKSTORE instated the new policy." The bookstore has nothing to do with library policy. However the bookstore donates textbooks to the campus libraries of both the Lancaster and Palmdale campuses.
As I previously stated I was happy to see an article written about our library. But please, check your facts before publishing.
Thank you,
Marilyn Grant
Library Technician
