Survey Says Dallas Users Want Service,
Not Fines
Among the recommendations in a recent citywide survey of library users in Dallas is elimination of fines for overdue books. While they question the feasibility of eliminating the source of $450,000 in annual revenue, library officials say they are seriously considering other recommendations that came out of the survey, including more staff, more books, longer hours, more outreach and programming, making the computer catalog and other technology easier to use, and sprucing up the facilities.
The library has already begun moving in the directions supported by the survey. The city council increased the library's book budget this summer by $2.9 million, and voters approved spending $350,000 from 1998 bond funds for study space and technology needs and to develop a master plan for the future.
"The survey validated many of the things we had already started to address and need to continue addressing," Library Director Ramiro Salazar said in the November 11 Dallas Morning News.
Posted December 7, 1998.
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