Collection Agency
The North Canton Public Library uses the
services of a collection agency, Unique Management, to assist in the
retrieval of long over due materials and in the collection of unpaid fines
and fees. Unique Management specializes in library collections and is
nationally known for their “gentle nudge” approach.
Library materials are a collective purchase
that is shared by everyone. Failure to return items on time, or failing to
return them at all, is a debt against the whole community. Due to budget
cuts and decreasing funding, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the
library to replace unreturned items without sacrificing the purchase of new
materials. Many of the unreturned items are new or popular titles and the
library wants them back so others may borrow them.
How does it work?
The library sends up to three notices
requesting the return of over due materials. These notices are generated by
the computer system at 3, 7 and 14 days overdue. After 45 days, failure to
return the item(s) results in the sending of a “bill”. The bill covers the
replacement cost of the materials plus any fines accrued. Billed
accounts over $25 will have a 14-day period during which settlement can
still be made before being sent to collections. After 14-days,
the library will automatically refer these unresolved accounts to Unique
Management and a $10.00 service fee will be added to the balance.
Delinquent library users who ignore the
reminders sent by the library and the collection agency will ultimately be
turned in to national credit reporting agencies.
You can avoid
being sent to Unique Management by:
1) Returning borrowed materials on time
2) Renewing materials by calling 330-499-1740 or renewing through
My Account on the library website
www.ncantonlibrary.org
3) Promptly paying fines owed
4) Reporting lost/misplaced materials to the Patron Services desk staff as
soon as possible
5) Signing up for email notification and receiving “reminder” notices when
materials are coming due.
6) Monitoring your library account through the Account Line at 330-499-1740,
or on the library website by clicking on My Account and selecting the Fines
& Fees tab.
If you need assistance in clearing up a
problem with your account, or have question, please call the library @
330-499-4712.
