Agenda

Return

C. 54

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Alison McKee, County Librarian
Date:	February 8, 2022

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Library Damaged Book Policy Update

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 02/08/2022

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

Walt Beveridge 925-608-7730

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: February 8, 2022
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the County Librarian to modify the Library’s damaged book policy to allow patrons to keep a damaged item once they have reimbursed the Library the original cost of the item.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact. The reimbursement paid to the Library will provide funds to replace the damaged item.

BACKGROUND:

Historically, the Library policy related to damaged books has been to charge the patron an amount equal to the original cost of the item, but to not allow the patron to keep the damaged item. Instead, the Library would dispose of the damaged item using established County surplus processes. This policy has been frustrating and confusing to some patrons. Many have expressed the view that they should be allowed to keep a damaged item once they have reimbursed the cost of an item.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

Adoption of the Board Order would change the existing policy to allow patrons to keep a damaged item once they have reimbursed the Library’s original cost. The change in policy is in keeping with Contra Costa County Library Strategic Plan 2019, Goal 3, to deliver a consistent, high-quality and inviting experience at all points of contact. Adoption of the Board Order would create an exception to Administrative Bulletin No. 517.3, which deals with the disposal of surplus property.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

The Library will continue the policy of collecting reimbursement for the cost of a damaged item and always retaining the damaged item for disposal by the County.