Moral obligation to return library books on time

[Tinkinen]

Do you think it is a moral obligation to return library books on time? The alternative is, of course, that overdue fees are merely penal, such that if some people consider it preferrable to pay the fees in a particular situation than return the books on time, they can morally choose that.

 

[coachdennis]

By taking books out of the library with a due date, you are setting up a relationship with the library that you agree, give your word, put your reputation on the line, that you agree to return the book on time.

If your are so quick to put aside your integrity and reputation for such a small thing, then what will happen in the big things of life?

Also, there may be individuals “waiting” for that book and they are being denied the book because of your actions. Is that what you want?

So, how many overdue books do you have out?

 

[Softly]

Do you think it is a moral obligation to return library books on time? The alternative is, of course, that overdue fees are merely penal, such that if some people consider it preferrable to pay the fees in a particular situation than return the books on time, they can morally choose that.

Why don’t you just renew them? Most libraries let you do that online. As long as no one has a hold on any of them, you can just keep renewing them.

 

[JRKH]

Do you think it is a moral obligation to return library books on time? The alternative is, of course, that overdue fees are merely penal, such that if some people consider it preferrable to pay the fees in a particular situation than return the books on time, they can morally choose that.

Of course there is a moral obligation - it’s called the golden rule…treating others as you wish to be treated. Fines are only necessary because people do not treat others as they wish to be treated.

Peace
James

 

[sedonaman]

Do you think it is a moral obligation to return library books on time? The alternative is, of course, that overdue fees are merely penal, such that if some people consider it preferrable to pay the fees in a particular situation than return the books on time, they can morally choose that.

Do you confess to murder when you swat a fly?

 

[AbideWithMe]

Do you think it is a moral obligation to return library books on time? The alternative is, of course, that overdue fees are merely penal, such that if some people consider it preferrable to pay the fees in a particular situation than return the books on time, they can morally choose that.

I think it’s good to return the books on time for the sake of anyone else waiting for that book, and also for your reputation’s sake. However, if you frequent a particular library, I would consider discussing this question with them----I know a public library in my area gets a decent part of their yearly income from overdue fees. Unless it’s a book or DVD with a waiting list, I wonder if they’re just as happy with people who return items when overdue and pay the fine.

 

[Bookcat]

Do you confess to murder when you swat a fly?

Yes…

“help me …help me…”

(but the OP was not saying if it were a moral obligation that it would be grave like do not murder…)

 

[mcw013]

Well as someone else said, the problem lies when there are other people waiting for you to return the book, so that they can get a chance to read it. No harm done if you just wait and pay the fine, as the library will notify them that the book isnt available yet. (the library where I live anyway, I’m not sure if all libraries notify people).

Anyway I prefer to get my books from the store, it saves me the hassle, and the worries.

 

[JRKH]

I think it’s good to return the books on time for the sake of anyone else waiting for that book, and also for your reputation’s sake. However, if you frequent a particular library, I would consider discussing this question with them----I know a public library in my area gets a decent part of their yearly income from overdue fees. Unless it’s a book or DVD with a waiting list, I wonder if they’re just as happy with people who return items when overdue and pay the fine.

How about you return the book on time and make a donation to the library instead…That would be tax deductible…and the book would be available to others…

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

Well as someone else said, the problem lies when there are other people waiting for you to return the book, so that they can get a chance to read it. No harm done if you just wait and pay the fine, as the library will notify them that the book isn’t available yet. (the library where I live anyway, I’m not sure if all libraries notify people)

I disagree with the idea of “no harm done”. It is certainly not great harm…but then again, if you were the one waiting for the book, do you want to wait longer than is necessary? What if you need it for a school assignment with a limited time frame?

The issue in the OP title is not about fines and such but whether there is a moral obligation to return the book on time. Clearly the moral obligation exists since, by borrowing the book in accord with library policy, you make the promise to return it on time.

Remember the story of the talents (Mt 25:14-30)…Those who are faithful in small things will be given more. Those who are not faithful in small things will lose what little they have.

Peace
James

 

[mcw013]

You do have a point, but my take is that there are always other libraries, or places that the book could be found.

I disagree with the idea of “no harm done”. It is certainly not great harm…but then again, if you were the one waiting for the book, do you want to wait longer than is necessary? What if you need it for a school assignment with a limited time frame?

The issue in the OP title is not about fines and such but whether there is a moral obligation to return the book on time. Clearly the moral obligation exists since, by borrowing the book in accord with library policy, you make the promise to return it on time.

Remember the story of the talents (Mt 25:14-30)…Those who are faithful in small things will be given more. Those who are not faithful in small things will lose what little they have.

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

You do have a point, but my take is that there are always other libraries, or places that the book could be found.

Perhaps…but that does not relieve the borrower of the moral obligation to return the book when they promised to…Their moral obligation stands.

Peace
James

 

[Bookcat]

Do you think it is a moral obligation to return library books on time? The alternative is, of course, that overdue fees are merely penal, such that if some people consider it preferrable to pay the fees in a particular situation than return the books on time, they can morally choose that.

Of course there is a moral obligation - it’s called the golden rule…treating others as you wish to be treated. Fines are only necessary because people do not treat others as they wish to be treated.

Peace
James

Yes the “golden rule” is of importance here. However in terms of a moral obligation I think various things could be said in regards to borrowing and being late in returning a good book.

I think many “would want to be treated” in the way that a book one is waiting for is not too late in being returned… Many would understand a few days being past due (doing the same themselves).

But one could add that a person could out a “hold” on the book and the person who has it out --could do well to give a call to the Library and either renew it or find out if there is a hold so they can return it right away.

Libraries are interested of course in not only loaning books but having the income of late fees. So it seems an argument could tend towards a “penal” understanding by the library with their often times very liberal renewal terms. (Now I shy away from donating to libraries --except I have arranged for some good Catholic books to be available)

One could also look at the “agreement” of the library. I imagine various arrangements and also various opinions are possible in this matter.