Fine Or Fair? Understanding Patron Perspectives On Overdue Charges At Valley View University'S Library
Abena Nkrumah Mensah
Valley View University, P.O Box AF 595 Oyibi- Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Kwame Asante Darko
Valley View University, P.O Box AF 595 Oyibi- Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Abstract
The circulation section of a library plays a pivotal role as the heart of the library's operations, facilitating the lending of materials to readers. As the primary point of contact for library visitors, it also serves as the institution's public relations department. The courteous and helpful assistance provided by the staff in the circulation section is instrumental in guiding visitors to the materials they seek, making it the face of the library to both the university community and the general public. The lending of library materials for private use is a fundamental service offered by the library, and the circulation section stands as a central hub for this purpose. Frequent visits to the circulation section by library patrons are the norm, as individuals come to borrow materials for their private use. This section of the library is bustling with various essential operations, including new member registration, book lending (charging and discharging), managing reminders for overdue materials, book reservations, membership card renewals, file creation, record keeping, statistical analysis, and interlibrary loan requests. These multifaceted functions collectively contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of the library and its service to the community. This paper delves into the critical role of the circulation section in the library, shedding light on its significance in shaping the library's image and its ability to cater to the diverse needs of its patrons. It emphasizes the operational intricacies and the various services offered by this section, underscoring its indispensable role in ensuring seamless access to library resources for the benefit of both the academic community and the wider public