Identity theft & the public library

[sheclown]

So, did the officer take the report? If so, did you get a copy to take to the library? What's the outcome, if any?

I'm heading to Chaffee Road.  Scene of the crime.  I'll need to call JSO from there.

[CS Foltz]

sheclown........will cost you $2 Dollars but you can get a replacement, which automatically cancels your old one! Just did that which is why I know about the cost! Can't help you on the fines end, I had one fine for a book there was no way in hell I would have checked out.............Preserving Your wealth.............thats why I have a matteress!

[Springfielder]

So, did the officer take the report? If so, did you get a copy to take to the library? What's the outcome, if any?

I'm heading to Chaffee Road.  Scene of the crime.  I'll need to call JSO from there.

That's ridiculous, an officer is able to take a report from any location, as long as it's still within the city limits. Sounds like you're being jerked around 

[heights unknown]

They are on drugs...they should have notified you. Sue them. It is not all your fault. How was you to know someone else would use your lost card? They should require ID along with the card when someone uses it.

"HU"

[sheclown]

I have filed a police report.  We'll see what happens.

Thanks All!

[sheclown]

I just heard from Ron Block, head of circulation.  He gave me the "when-you-get-a-library-card-you-are-held-responsible-lecture" once again, (although I warned him before he started that it was really going to piss me off if I had to hear it once again, he couldn't help himself--I swear I heard a tsk tsk in the background).

Good news (sarcasm here) he will find me the cheapest replacements he can.

I gave him my "library-patrons-have-a-reasonable-expectation-of-security-protection" speech, at which point I heard the "sometimes-friends-give-their-cards-to-others" rebuttal.

He said that the library does not recognize a police report as evidence of theft, b/c there is no investigation.

The library branches do not have cameras nor do they ask for IDs.  It is against their policy to ask for IDs, actually. "The libraries, themselves, make investigations impossible," I said.

[BridgeTroll]

   Imagine... losing a wallet or purse is traumatic enough... canceling credit cards, getting a new drivers license, monitoring credit, etc... never thought to cancel a library card too!

[ChriswUfGator]

I just heard from Ron Block, head of circulation.  He gave me the "when-you-get-a-library-card-you-are-held-responsible-lecture" once again, (although I warned him before he started that it was really going to piss me off if I had to hear it once again, he couldn't help himself--I swear I heard a tsk tsk in the background).

Good news (sarcasm here) he will find me the cheapest replacements he can.

I gave him my "library-patrons-have-a-reasonable-expectation-of-security-protection" speech, at which point I heard the "sometimes-friends-give-their-cards-to-others" rebuttal.

He said that the library does not recognize a police report as evidence of theft, b/c there is no investigation.

The library branches do not have cameras nor do they ask for IDs.  It is against their policy to ask for IDs, actually. "The libraries, themselves, make investigations impossible," I said.

That's preposterous. Under these circumstances, I would refuse to pay.

It's hardly your fault that someone stole your card and rented 39 books.

[sheclown]

@ Chris.  I love it when you say "preposterous".  I agree.  & no way will I pay.

I will, however, see if I can address the library board about their policy.  It is naive and reckless.  They are the holders of the community's trust.

[MrPajitnov]

I'm not saying I completely agree with the library's policy here, but when it comes down to it isn't the card holder responsible for their card? I've understood this since I had to pay replace a library book when I was 8 (I raked a lot of yards for that $15).

[sheclown]

They fingerprint you to get into DisneyWorld.
You have to bring your grandparents remains with you to get your driver's license renewed.
You can't get a job at the labor pool without picture ID and social security card...

...and yet, you can walk into the library and check out thousands of dollars of their inventory without having to prove identity.

Reckless.

[NotNow]

This is just stupid.  The library must accept some liability for checking out all of those books without a question or asking for ID.  Has anyone looked at the application for a card?

[ChriswUfGator]

This is just stupid.  The library must accept some liability for checking out all of those books without a question or asking for ID.  Has anyone looked at the application for a card?

+1

You and I are in complete agreement. Stolen is stolen, she isn't responsible for someone else's criminal acts.

[Singejoufflue]

This is just stupid.  The library must accept some liability for checking out all of those books without a question or asking for ID.  Has anyone looked at the application for a card?

https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://jpl.coj.net/lib/library-card-app.pdf

Additionally, the back of the library card, where patrons sign (ostensibly reinforcing the user beware aspect), says: "Members are responsible for any activity on their card until the library is notified."

sheclown, I'm sorry that your card was lost ages ago and you had to find out via a sizable bill. 

Instituting a policy of ID verification for the tiny percentage of people who may be the victim of a less than savory individual finding a library card and misusing it seems a bit much.  The card was not stolen but was truly lost.  The Library will suspend the card once it is reported lost/stolen, which is reasonable and sufficient.  It is not the Library's responsibility to ensure its patrons uphold their end of the agreement, nor should taxpayers have to pay for the installation of security cameras and other investigation equipment or increased staff to check IDs and inquire about borrowing habits, assess the appropriateness/validity of a large transaction, or inquire as to the lapse in use.

[sheclown]

My identity was stolen.  What is the difference between this and someone stealing (or hem...finding..) a credit card and running up a couple of thousand of dollars in merchandise?

The result is the same.