Delinquent Readers: a study of the problem in university libraries

Abstract

The article is concerned with the delinquent reader problem in British university libraries, taking the term "delinquent reader" to mean: a user of the library who overborrows to a high degree; or retains books after they have been recalled; or illegally borrows, steals or mutilates books. It appears that reader delinquency is already serious in some university libraries, and that it is tending to increase. It affects all physical forms of library material, and all subject fields (but especially the social sciences). Three parties are involved when reader delinquency occurs: the library, the delinquent reader, and the mass of other readers. In the library context, many factors—including security, availability of material, photocopying facilities, and sanctions—are interconnected. The librarian must know which of the variables to manipulate, which to maintain unchanged; and if he makes the wrong decisions, he will positively encourage reader delinquency. There are indications that the mass of non-delinquent readers are guilty of encouraging delinquent behaviour, by failing to condemn retention after recall, overborrowing, illegal borrowing, and even, in some universities, stealing. The typical initiator of delinquent behaviour is a habitually selfish person. His attitude is that the library is to be exploited in his personal interests, whatever the cost to others. He does not consider himself dishonest, or think that what he does is wrong.