Local libraries nix fines for simplicity  With the Internet,
audio books and all sorts of other new media, libraries have
been struggling to figure out how to keep visitors coming in
their doors. Fines are considered old school by most
institutions because they tend to keep people away, said Barbara
Lovato-Gassman, associate director of the main library at
Central New Mexico Community College, formerly TVI.  "What
libraries are trying to do now is make it easier to come to the
library and check out books," Lovato-Gassman said. "There are so
many alternatives."  The library hasn't charged fines in the
seven years she's been there. The school also puts a freeze on
late books, or on student transcripts if books aren't returned
by the time a student graduates, Lovato-Gassman said.   Comment
viewing options   Fines versus Account Freeze  They say fines
scare people away, which I question in the academic environment.
The people that have fines, have fines year after year. They
have not stopped using the library.  H