3 answers
Chelsey
Student
Omaha, Nebraska
1
Question
Asked
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Should library’s charge fines for damaged or lost books ?
I’m doing an assignment called should library’s charge fines for damaged or lost books, it needs C. E. R. C. A , C- as in claim, E- as in evidence, R- as in reasoning, C- as in counter argument , A- as in audience. I mainly need help with like what websites would be good for finding evidence, this is for my ELA class. This is 8th grade work btw I’m excited to find out what high school I’m going , anyway getting to the point is I need help with like my audience and my counteragrument, don’t be shy to tell me the pros and cons because I need some cons for my assignment as well.
Thank you guys so much!
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3 answers
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
75
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
This is a wonderful topic, and your C.E.R.C.A. setup fits it nicely. If you're arguing that libraries shouldn't charge fines for damaged or lost books, your main point could be that fines limit learning, especially for families with less money. Many libraries have noticed that fines keep people away, which isn't what libraries are about. They should be places where everyone can learn for free. You can find good support for this idea on websites like the American Library Association, NPR, Pew Research Center, and libraries like the New York Public Library. These sources show that getting rid of fines has helped more people return books and visit libraries.
Your reasoning is where you explain why this evidence is important. If studies show that more people return books when there are no fines, it means fines aren't the best way to protect library books. Instead of teaching responsibility, fines often make people feel bad or stressed, so they stop using the library. By linking the evidence to your claim, you can show that not having fines helps education and gives everyone better access to the library.
For your counterargument, it's good to consider the other side. Some people think libraries need fines to replace lost or damaged books and to teach responsibility. This is a valid concern, especially for libraries with tight budgets. But you can argue that charging for truly lost or damaged books makes more sense than daily fines. Plus, many libraries save money by not having to track small fines. Your audience could include library boards, local governments, parents, and students because they care about education, fairness, and access to resources. By including both sides, your argument will be stronger and show that you've carefully considered all angles.
Your reasoning is where you explain why this evidence is important. If studies show that more people return books when there are no fines, it means fines aren't the best way to protect library books. Instead of teaching responsibility, fines often make people feel bad or stressed, so they stop using the library. By linking the evidence to your claim, you can show that not having fines helps education and gives everyone better access to the library.
For your counterargument, it's good to consider the other side. Some people think libraries need fines to replace lost or damaged books and to teach responsibility. This is a valid concern, especially for libraries with tight budgets. But you can argue that charging for truly lost or damaged books makes more sense than daily fines. Plus, many libraries save money by not having to track small fines. Your audience could include library boards, local governments, parents, and students because they care about education, fairness, and access to resources. By including both sides, your argument will be stronger and show that you've carefully considered all angles.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
505
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Chelsey,
I'm excited to help with your library fines assignment using the C.E.R.C.A. framework. Let's dive in!
To find evidence, check these sources:
- Your school or local library's database (ask your librarian for access to academic resources)
- Pew Research Center (pew.org) for public opinions on libraries
- American Library Association (ala.org) for insights on library policies
- Local library websites for fine policies
- Reputable news articles on library fine debates
- Google Scholar (scholar.google.com) for academic articles on library management
Consider your audience:
- Library administrators and staff who make the policies
- Students and families affected by fines
- Your teacher and classmates
- Community members who use libraries
Here are some pros and cons:
Pros of charging fines:
- Encourages timely returns and care of materials
- Generates revenue for replacing lost or damaged books
- Promotes accountability
- Helps protect library resources
Cons of charging fines:
- Can discourage lower-income families from using the library
- Might prevent kids from borrowing due to fear of fines
- Costs involved in tracking and collecting fines
- Some libraries find fines don't reduce damage or loss
- Creates barriers to equal access to education
For a counter-argument, you might say: "While fines encourage responsibility, they might unfairly affect families who can't afford them, as libraries aim to serve everyone."
Good luck with your assignment—you're doing great work!
I'm excited to help with your library fines assignment using the C.E.R.C.A. framework. Let's dive in!
To find evidence, check these sources:
- Your school or local library's database (ask your librarian for access to academic resources)
- Pew Research Center (pew.org) for public opinions on libraries
- American Library Association (ala.org) for insights on library policies
- Local library websites for fine policies
- Reputable news articles on library fine debates
- Google Scholar (scholar.google.com) for academic articles on library management
Consider your audience:
- Library administrators and staff who make the policies
- Students and families affected by fines
- Your teacher and classmates
- Community members who use libraries
Here are some pros and cons:
Pros of charging fines:
- Encourages timely returns and care of materials
- Generates revenue for replacing lost or damaged books
- Promotes accountability
- Helps protect library resources
Cons of charging fines:
- Can discourage lower-income families from using the library
- Might prevent kids from borrowing due to fear of fines
- Costs involved in tracking and collecting fines
- Some libraries find fines don't reduce damage or loss
- Creates barriers to equal access to education
For a counter-argument, you might say: "While fines encourage responsibility, they might unfairly affect families who can't afford them, as libraries aim to serve everyone."
Good luck with your assignment—you're doing great work!
April Sellge
Client Strategy - Project Management
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
April’s Answer
Hi Chelsey, here are some helpful sources:
- American Library Association (ALA): www.ala.org
- New York Public Library: www.nypl.org
- Chicago Public Library: www.chipublib.org
- Scholastic: www.scholastic.com
- Time for Kids: www.timeforkids.com
Libraries need funds to replace shared materials. When books are lost or damaged, buying new ones costs money, and fines help cover these expenses. This ensures books are available for everyone. Visit these library websites for more information
On the other hand, some argue that fines are unfair, especially for low-income families or students, as they might discourage library use. This is a valid point, but many libraries reduce fines for children or only charge for books that are permanently lost or severely damaged. It's not one size fits all! Policies can vary, so it's important to check with each library. Good luck on your project!
- American Library Association (ALA): www.ala.org
- New York Public Library: www.nypl.org
- Chicago Public Library: www.chipublib.org
- Scholastic: www.scholastic.com
- Time for Kids: www.timeforkids.com
Libraries need funds to replace shared materials. When books are lost or damaged, buying new ones costs money, and fines help cover these expenses. This ensures books are available for everyone. Visit these library websites for more information
On the other hand, some argue that fines are unfair, especially for low-income families or students, as they might discourage library use. This is a valid point, but many libraries reduce fines for children or only charge for books that are permanently lost or severely damaged. It's not one size fits all! Policies can vary, so it's important to check with each library. Good luck on your project!