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CASE STUDY IN LIBRARY-POLICE RELATIONS

NCJ Number
42712
Journal
LIBRARY SECURITY NEWSLETTER Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (MARCH 1975) Pages: 2-3,6
Author(s)
H ROTH
Date Published
1977
Length
2 pages
Annotation
ON FEBRUARY 6, 1961, THE POLICE OF EAST ORANGE (NJ) ARRESTED 14 CITIZENS FOR FAILURE TO RESPOND TO COURT SUMMONSES FOR NON-RETURN OF OVERDUE LIBRARY BOOKS. THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES THIS SITUATION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
Abstract
THE EAST ORANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY HAS A PROCEDURE WHEREBY FORMAL SUMMONSES ARE ISSUED TO BORROWERS 30 DAYS AFTER THE BOOK-RETURN FINAL NOTICE HAD BEEN IGNORED. IF THE DELINQUENT BORROWER FAILS TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS, HE IS LISTED ON A WARRANT REQUEST FOR THIS INACTION, AND THEREFORE MAY BE CITED FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT. THE PROCEDURE IS TECHNICALLY IDENTICAL TO THE ONE USED TO ASSURE PAYMENT OF DISREGARDED TRAFFIC TICKETS. AFTER THE ARREST INCIDENT, THE RETURN OF OVERDUE BOOKS WAS DRAMATICALLY INCREASED....DMC