Library fines crash Credit ratings

CSeanC writes “Some libraries have turned to collection agencies to recover overdue material fines. This can result in damage to credit histories. Found on MSN News and filed under the “one more thing to worry about” department.

Moneycentral.msn.com has more“
Update: 07/19 10:55 EST by B:Yes, that’s Credit Ratings. Not sure what a crefit rating is, but it sounds dangerous.

July 19, 2005 by rochelle Uncategorized 9

Cyberpunk Librarian says:

July 19, 2005 at 8:08 pm

Ahhh! The pain!

From the article…

Library fines crash crefit ratings

Overdue Book
CSeanC writes “Some libaries have turned to collection agencies to recover overdue material fines. This can result in damage to patrons credit histories. Found on MSN News and filed under the “one more thing to worry about” department.

Argggghh! My eyes! I need an editor, stat! 🙂

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Anonymous says:

July 19, 2005 at 8:59 pm

Re:Ahhh! The pain!
And Rochelle’s supposed to be the smart one in this crew!

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opaqueentity says:

July 19, 2005 at 9:03 pm

How whiney is that article?
It’s like they don’t consider library fines and keeping library materials as important. Or valid in terms of an actual debt.

It’s like the people who moan about getting caught by speeding cameras, DON’T SPEED! Just the same, you don’t want credit agencies asking for money PAY YOUR FINES!!!

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rochelle says:

July 19, 2005 at 10:21 pm

Re:Ahhh! The pain!
Just want to make sure you guys are on your toes. I meant to do that. You passed! (clearning throat and looking away).

Okay…the real reason is I hab a code and my brain is as clogged as my nose.

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rochelle says:

July 19, 2005 at 10:27 pm

Honest Mistake
It’s happened before.

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rochelle says:

July 19, 2005 at 10:40 pm

No wait….this is the real reason
CREFIT is an acronym for Can wReck Economic Fitness If not reTurned

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Walt says:

July 19, 2005 at 11:07 pm

Re:How whiney is that article?
It’s even more precise than that: The writer believes your credit history should only be damaged if you borrow and don’t return according to the terms of the loan.

But, of course, checking out books isn’t really borrowing, apparently: Thus, failing to return them is “forgetfulness” and should be forgiven or ignored, where, say, being forgetful about your mortgage or credit card payment falls into a slightly different category.

“Whiney” isn’t the term I’d use. “Hypocritical” is.

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Curmudgeony says:

July 20, 2005 at 1:27 am

Re:Ahhh! The pain!
I love typos like this, the simple ones you think you’ll never miss. My favorite thing to do when I proofread is to pour over the document, and then, when finished say casually “Its fine, but you misspelled library a couple of times, and I’m sure you meant patron not parton…”

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Anonymous Patron says:

July 22, 2005 at 11:39 pm

Re:How whiney is that article?
I read this the other day and also thought it was whiney. Our library system only turns you over to the collection agency if you borrow materials worth over $35 and its 3 months past the due date. These books are loaned to them, its not a gift and it is their responsibility to return these items to the library. When patrons get an account we inform them of this policy in writing. At some point people have to be responsible for their own behaviour. She’ll get no pitty from this crowd.

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