paying for prints

["Amy Frazer" <afrazer@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Although this is not really an III problem, I would be interested in what other libraries do.  We have some public access computers which are connected to a printer outside public use area.  To obtain the prints the person must ask at the circulation desk.  Sometimes when we try to charge them for the prints ($.15 a sheet of paper), they don't want to pay. They may print something they don't mean to print, sometimes they print the wrong info, sometimes they don't mean to print but the computer "mysteriously" prints anyway, sometimes they only want part of the print job and I'm sure there are reasons we haven't heard yet.  When we try to explain the rule that says they print, they pay they get hostile and sometimes refuse to pay.  We usually end up with the copies.
What we would like to do is create a charge AND we feel that they should not use the computer again until they pay for the prints they made the last time.  The director feels the last step is harsh since we allow them to use the computers with fines or overdues on their record, although they must have a library card in their name.
What do other libraries do in this situation??

Amy Frazer, Information Services
Eden, North Carolina

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