we are about to embark on a 'get tough' policy to try and recoup the many hundreds of pounds we lose every year in unreturned books. As we've never been involved with our Finance Dept before, with regard to arranging to have invoices sent, I should appreciate any advice on this, and upon the wording of the final overdue letter to the borrower that threatens an invoice (which the Library will compose). The letters will be sent to those still employed at our Trust and also to those who have left.
Is it people's experience that Finance Depts are helpful?
Do they inform the Library once a bill is paid?
Can money be taken from an employee's salary?
Is the money recouped ever ploughed back into the Library, or does it go into the hospital's general piggybank?
What should the level of the administrative fee be?
Can I assume that one asks for the replacement cost of a book?
If a book is returned, is a new invoice issued for the admin fee only, or should the original invoice be pursued (or cancelled altogether)?
Is there any legal pitfall in the wording of the final letter that I should be aware of?
Has anyone worked out a way of countering claims that an item was returned, (without actually calling someone a liar)?
What should the period of grace be, to allow time to return a book after the letter is received?
Your experiences would be most welcome!
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