TEDxUWLaCrosse
Dawn Wacek: A librarian's case against overdue book fines
唐恩·瓦西克: 一位圖書管理員對逾期罰款的看法
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圖書館有能力創造更好的世界；它們能連結社區，推動讀寫能力，讓大家成為終生學習者。但有一樣東西會讓大家遠離圖書館：那就是對於逾期還書罰金的恐懼。在這場發人深省的演說中，圖書館員唐恩·瓦西克說明罰金其實並沒有發揮我們認為有的功能。如果你的圖書館取消所有罰金，會如何呢？
Dawn Wacek - Librarian
Dawn Wacek advocates for equitable library service for all community members. Full bio
Dawn Wacek advocates for equitable library service for all community members. Full bio
Double-click the English transcript below to play the video.
00:13
Hello, friends.
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哈囉，朋友們，
00:15
I'm happy to see all of you here today.
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很高興在這裡見到大家。
00:18
This is actually exactly what I say
to the people who visit us
to the people who visit us
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這是我對來到拉·克羅斯
公立圖書館的訪客
公立圖書館的訪客
00:21
at the La Crosse Public Library.
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所說的一樣的話。
00:23
And I say it because I mean it.
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而且我說的是我的真心話。
00:26
The children who come
into our library are my friends
into our library are my friends
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來到我們圖書館的孩子們
是我的朋友，
是我的朋友，
00:29
in that I care about their needs
and their futures.
and their futures.
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因為我在乎他們的需求
和他們的未來。
和他們的未來。
00:32
I want them to be happy and successful.
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我希望他們能快樂且成功。
00:35
I hope that they'll find great books
or a movie that delights them.
or a movie that delights them.
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我希望他們會找到很棒的書籍
或是電影，讓他們開心。
或是電影，讓他們開心。
00:39
Or the solution to a tricky problem.
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或為一個難處理的問題找到解答。
00:43
Libraries in general
have this wonderful reputation
have this wonderful reputation
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一般來說，
圖書館有一個很好的名聲，
圖書館有一個很好的名聲，
00:46
of really caring about our communities.
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就是它們真正關心我們的社區。
00:48
We put out mission statements
and statements of purpose
and statements of purpose
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我們會擺出一些
圖書館的任務和目的的說明，
圖書館的任務和目的的說明，
那就是我們將我們的社區
和更廣的世界連結起來。
和更廣的世界連結起來。
00:51
that say that we connect
our community to the broader world.
our community to the broader world.
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00:55
We engage minds,
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我們讓大家使用頭腦，
我們創造終生學習者。
00:58
we create lifelong learners.
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這些理想對於我們圖書館而言，
非常重要，
非常重要，
01:01
And these ideals are really
important to us as libraries,
important to us as libraries,
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01:04
because we know the power they have
to create a better world.
to create a better world.
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因為我們知道圖書館有能力
創造更好的世界。
創造更好的世界。
01:08
A more connected world,
a more engaged and empathetic world.
a more engaged and empathetic world.
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一個彼此更連結、更有參與感、
更有同理心的世界。
更有同理心的世界。
書籍有力量，資訊有力量。
01:14
Books have power, information has power.
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01:16
And for the powerless in our communities,
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對於我們社區中沒有力量的人，
01:19
being able to connect to that
is even more important.
is even more important.
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能夠建立這樣的連結
對他們是更重要的。
對他們是更重要的。
01:23
In 1995, Betty Hart and Todd Risley
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在 1995 年，
貝蒂·哈特和陶德·萊斯利
貝蒂·哈特和陶德·萊斯利
01:26
published a study that found
that working class families
that working class families
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發表了一個研究，
他們發現勞動階級的家庭
他們發現勞動階級的家庭
以及靠救濟生活的家庭
01:28
and those being served by welfare
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01:30
experience what we now refer to
as the "30 million word gap."
as the "30 million word gap."
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會經歷我們現在稱之為
「三千萬個字詞的差距」。
「三千萬個字詞的差距」。
01:35
Essentially, what they learned
is that children in these families
is that children in these families
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基本上，他們的發現是，
這些家庭中的孩子
這些家庭中的孩子
每天聽到的字詞數
比其他小孩少很多，
比其他小孩少很多，
01:39
are hearing so many fewer words each day
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以致於在他們三歲的時候，
01:42
that by the time they are three years old,
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01:44
there's this enormous disparity
in their learned language.
in their learned language.
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他們所學到的語言
已經有一個很大的差距。
已經有一個很大的差距。
01:48
And that gap in words follows them
as they enter school,
as they enter school,
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這個字詞的差距
跟著他們一起到入學，
跟著他們一起到入學，
01:51
and it results in later reading,
poorer reading skills,
poorer reading skills,
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造成他們較晚學會閱讀，
閱讀能力也比較差，
閱讀能力也比較差，
01:55
a lack of success overall.
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整體的表現都不好。
孩子每天都需要聽到字詞，
01:58
Children need to hear words every day
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02:00
and they need to hear
not just our day-to-day conversation,
not just our day-to-day conversation,
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而且他們需要聽到的
不只是我們日常的對話，
不只是我們日常的對話，
02:03
they have to hear rare words:
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他們也得聽到罕見的字詞：
02:05
those outside the common lexicon
we share, of around 10,000.
we share, of around 10,000.
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那些我們常用的詞彙以外的字詞，
大約有一萬個。
大約有一萬個。
02:09
I'm going to read you a short snippet
from a children's book
from a children's book
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我接下來要朗讀給各位聽的，
是一本童書中的片段，
是一本童書中的片段，
02:13
by one of our favorite authors
in the children's room, Eric Carle.
in the children's room, Eric Carle.
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作者是艾瑞·卡爾，兒童閱覽室中
最受喜愛的作者之一。
最受喜愛的作者之一。
在座有些人可能知道
他的作品《好餓的毛毛蟲》。
他的作品《好餓的毛毛蟲》。
02:16
Some of you might know his work
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
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02:19
But this is from "'Slowly, Slowly,
Slowly,' said the Sloth."
Slowly,' said the Sloth."
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但以下這段是取自
《樹懶說：慢慢地、慢慢地、慢慢地》。
《樹懶說：慢慢地、慢慢地、慢慢地》。
02:25
"Finally, the sloth replied,
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「終於，樹懶回應了：
02:27
'It is true that I am slow,
quiet and boring.
quiet and boring.
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『的確，我很慢、
很安靜，且無趣。
很安靜，且無趣。
02:31
I am lackadaisical,
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我很懶散，
我慢吞吞，很會磨蹭拖延。
02:32
I dawdle and I dillydally.
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我也處變不驚、
慢悠悠、堅忍不拔、
慢悠悠、堅忍不拔、
02:35
I am also unflappable, languid, stoic,
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02:38
impassive, sluggish, lethargic,
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冷淡木然、沒有活力、無精打采、
02:41
placid, calm, mellow,
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平和、冷靜、老練、
02:44
laid-back and, well, slothful!
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十分悠閒，而且跟樹懶一樣懶散！
02:47
I am relaxed and tranquil,
and I like to live in peace.
and I like to live in peace.
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我很放鬆且安寧，
我喜歡和平的生活。
我喜歡和平的生活。
02:52
But I am not lazy.'
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但我並不懶惰。』
02:54
Then the sloth yawned and said,
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接著，樹懶打了個呵欠，說：
『我就是這樣的。
02:56
'That's just how I am.
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02:58
I like to do things
slowly, slowly, slowly.'"
slowly, slowly, slowly.'"
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我喜歡慢慢地、慢慢地、
慢慢地做每一件事。』」
慢慢地做每一件事。』」
03:04
So you can see from this very brief
example from one book in our library
example from one book in our library
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從我們的圖書館中一本書的
簡短範例中，你們可以發現，
簡短範例中，你們可以發現，
03:09
how Eric Carle used 20 different words
to get the same idea across to children.
to get the same idea across to children.
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艾瑞·卡爾用了二十個不同的字詞
來把同樣的概念傳遞給孩子。
來把同樣的概念傳遞給孩子。
我們知道很多
造訪我們圖書館的家庭，
造訪我們圖書館的家庭，
03:15
Now we know that a lot of the families
visiting us at the library,
visiting us at the library,
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03:19
a lot of our friends,
are struggling financially.
are struggling financially.
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很多我們的朋友，
在經濟上都有困難。
在經濟上都有困難。
03:23
We know that some of them
are living in poverty,
are living in poverty,
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我們知道當中
有些人的生活很貧困，
有些人的生活很貧困，
他們沒有足夠的食物，
或沒有安全的住處。
或沒有安全的住處。
03:25
and don't have enough to eat
or anywhere safe to live.
or anywhere safe to live.
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03:29
We know that our friend James,
who comes in after school
who comes in after school
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我們的朋友詹姆士
會在放學後過來，
會在放學後過來，
03:31
and is staying at a local shelter,
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他住在當地的庇護所，
他的閱讀程度
沒達到同年級的水平。
沒達到同年級的水平。
03:33
isn't reading at grade level
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他很可能永遠不會達到
同年級的水平。
同年級的水平。
03:34
and has probably
never read at grade level.
never read at grade level.
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03:37
We know we have that 30 million word gap
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我們知道我們的孩子
到了三年級時，
到了三年級時，
03:39
and a corresponding achievement gap
by the time kids enter the third grade,
by the time kids enter the third grade,
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會有那個三千萬個字詞的差距，
以及相對應的程度差距。
以及相對應的程度差距。
03:43
both of which directly correlate
to income level.
to income level.
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這兩種差距都和收入水平
有直接的相關性。
有直接的相關性。
03:47
So what's the responsibility of libraries
in addressing these gaps?
in addressing these gaps?
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所以，在對應這些差距方面，
圖書館有什麼責任？
圖書館有什麼責任？
03:51
How can we help our friends
be more successful, more educated
be more successful, more educated
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我們要如何協助我們的朋友，
讓他們更成功、受到更多教育，
讓他們更成功、受到更多教育，
03:55
and some day, better global citizens?
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而且有一天能成為
更好的全球公民呢？
更好的全球公民呢？
03:58
It starts with ensuring
free and equitable access
free and equitable access
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首先，在提供給他們的東西方面，
圖書館要確保在取用上
是免費且平等的。
是免費且平等的。
04:02
to everything libraries offer them.
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04:04
Books level the playing field
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書籍能讓小孩閱讀能力的賽場
成為公平，
成為公平，
04:06
by exposing children of every
socioeconomic background to words.
socioeconomic background to words.
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它們能讓各種社會和經濟
背景的孩子都接觸到字詞。
背景的孩子都接觸到字詞。
04:11
At the library, we provide programs
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在圖書館裡，我們提供的方案
04:13
that are based on the five tenants
of early literacy:
of early literacy:
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是依據早期識字的五項原則：
玩樂、唱歌、談話、閱讀、書寫。
04:15
playing, singing, talking,
reading and writing.
reading and writing.
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我們提供的成人方案，
04:18
We offer programs for adults
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04:20
on computer classes
and job-skills training.
and job-skills training.
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有電腦課程和工作技能訓練。
04:24
Business start-ups.
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新創公司。
我們做這些都是為了社區成員，
04:26
We do all of this great work
for our community members
for our community members
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04:29
and at the same time, we counteract it
by charging fines and fees of our patrons.
by charging fines and fees of our patrons.
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但同時，我們向老顧客
收取罰金和費用。
收取罰金和費用。
現今，在拉·克羅斯圖書館，
04:35
Today in La Crosse,
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04:37
10,000 of our users are unable
to check out library materials
to check out library materials
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我們有一萬名使用者，
因為罰金和費用的因素
因為罰金和費用的因素
04:41
because of fines and fees.
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無法借出圖書館裡的物品。
04:43
If we narrow in on our neighborhoods
experiencing the most poverty,
experiencing the most poverty,
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如果我們縮小範圍，
來看最貧困的鄰里，
來看最貧困的鄰里，
04:47
those where 82 percent of the student body
is considered economically disadvantaged,
is considered economically disadvantaged,
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在這些鄰里中，有 82% 的學生
被視為在經濟上是弱勢，
被視為在經濟上是弱勢，
04:52
the number rises to 23 percent
of the neighborhood.
of the neighborhood.
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這些鄰里中有高達
23% 的人無法借閱。
23% 的人無法借閱。
04:56
And these are local numbers, it's true,
but they hold true nationwide.
but they hold true nationwide.
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這些是地方性的數據，
但全國的狀況亦是如此。
但全國的狀況亦是如此。
05:00
In libraries across the country
that charge fines,
that charge fines,
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在全國各地有罰金
制度的圖書館中，
制度的圖書館中，
05:03
the poorest neighborhoods have the most
number of people blocked from use.
number of people blocked from use.
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最貧困的鄰里，被限制無法
借閱者的比例都是最高的。
借閱者的比例都是最高的。
05:09
In fact, the Colorado State Library
was so worried about this,
was so worried about this,
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事實上，科羅拉多州立
圖書館很擔心這件事，
圖書館很擔心這件事，
05:12
they published a white paper
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於是發行了一本白皮書，
05:14
and they stated unequivocally
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明確聲稱
05:15
that it's the fear of fines
that keeps poor families out of libraries.
that keeps poor families out of libraries.
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對罰金的恐懼
讓貧窮家庭不願到圖書館。
讓貧窮家庭不願到圖書館。
05:21
A colleague of mine took a ride
in a Lyft in Atlanta last year,
in a Lyft in Atlanta last year,
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去年，我的一位同事在亞特蘭大
搭乘 Lyft（叫車公司），
搭乘 Lyft（叫車公司），
05:24
and he started chatting with his driver
about libraries, as we do.
about libraries, as we do.
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他開始和司機聊圖書館，
就像我們這樣。
就像我們這樣。
05:28
And she told him she grew up
visiting her local library, she loved it.
visiting her local library, she loved it.
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她告訴他，她成長過程都會去
當地的圖書館，且她很愛去。
當地的圖書館，且她很愛去。
05:33
But now that she's a parent
with three children of her own,
with three children of her own,
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但現在她是三個孩子的媽媽了，
05:36
there's no way she would allow them
to get a library card,
to get a library card,
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她絕對不會給他們借書卡，
05:39
because of the strict deadlines
libraries impose.
libraries impose.
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原因就是圖書館實施的
嚴格還書期限。
嚴格還書期限。
05:42
She said, "It would be like
another credit card that I can't pay."
another credit card that I can't pay."
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她說：「那會像是另一張
我付不起的信用卡。」
我付不起的信用卡。」
05:46
Meanwhile, when other libraries
have experimented with eliminating fines,
have experimented with eliminating fines,
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同時，有其他的圖書館
在測試將罰金免除，
在測試將罰金免除，
05:50
like one in San Rafael
that took away children's fines,
that took away children's fines,
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比如聖·拉菲爾的圖書館
就撤消了對孩子的罰金，
就撤消了對孩子的罰金，
在前幾個月，兒童借書卡的申請率
05:55
they had a 126-percent increase
in child card applications
in child card applications
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就增加了 126%。
05:59
within the first few months.
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06:01
When people aren't afraid
of the fines they might accrue,
of the fines they might accrue,
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當大家不再害怕會被罰款，
06:04
they line up to access
what we have to offer.
what we have to offer.
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他們就會來排隊使用
我們提供的資源。
我們提供的資源。
06:08
So what are we telling people, then?
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那麼，我們要告訴大家什麼？
06:10
We have these two disparate ideas.
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我們有兩個完全不同的點子。
06:13
On the one hand,
we're champions of democracy
we're champions of democracy
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一方面，我們是民主的擁護者，
06:16
and we claim that we're there so that
every citizen can educate themselves.
every citizen can educate themselves.
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我們宣稱我們的目的是
讓每一位公民都能夠自我教育。
06:22
We're advocates for the power
early literacy has
early literacy has
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我們提倡早期識字的力量，
06:24
to reduce that achievement gap
and eliminate the word gap.
and eliminate the word gap.
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來協助減少程度的差距，
消除字詞的差距。
消除字詞的差距。
06:29
We tell people, "We're here to help you."
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我們告訴大家：
「我們是來協助你們的。」
「我們是來協助你們的。」
06:32
On the other hand,
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另一方面，
06:33
if you're struggling financially,
and you make a mistake,
and you make a mistake,
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如果你在財務上有困難，
然後你犯了個錯，
然後你犯了個錯，
06:36
the kind of mistake
that anyone in this room could make --
that anyone in this room could make --
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這間房間中每個人
都有可能會犯的那種錯——
都有可能會犯的那種錯——
06:39
your tote bag that belongs to the library
sits by your back door
sits by your back door
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你把一袋圖書館借來的書
在你家的後門旁邊，
在你家的後門旁邊，
06:43
for a couple of weeks
longer than it should,
longer than it should,
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不小心多放了幾週超過期限，
06:46
you lose a CD,
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或是你弄丟了一張 CD，
06:48
you spill your coffee on a book,
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把咖啡灑在書上，
06:51
suddenly, we're not here for you
so much anymore,
so much anymore,
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突然間，我們就
不再那麼支持你了，
不再那麼支持你了，
06:53
because if that happens,
we're going to make you pay for it.
we're going to make you pay for it.
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因為如果發生這些事，
我們就會要你付錢。
我們就會要你付錢。
06:57
And if you can't pay for it,
you're out of luck.
you're out of luck.
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如果你付不出來，
你的好運就沒了。
你的好運就沒了。
07:01
I have been a librarian
for a lot of years.
for a lot of years.
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我當了很多年的圖書館館員。
07:03
And in the past few years,
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在過去幾年，
07:06
I myself have paid
over 500 dollars in late fines.
over 500 dollars in late fines.
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我自己就支付過至少
五百美元的逾期罰金。
五百美元的逾期罰金。
07:11
Now, you might wonder why,
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你們可能會納悶為什麼，畢竟，
07:12
I mean, I'm there every day,
and I certainly know how the system works.
and I certainly know how the system works.
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我天天在圖書館，
肯定知道制度怎麼運作。
肯定知道制度怎麼運作。
07:16
But like all of our friends
at the library,
at the library,
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但就像我們在圖書館的
所有朋友一樣，
所有朋友一樣，
07:20
I am busy, I lose track of things,
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我很忙碌，有時會忘東忘西，
07:23
my house is sometimes messy,
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我的房子有時很亂，
07:25
and I have lost a DVD or two
under the sofa.
under the sofa.
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我也曾經有一、兩張
DVD 掉到沙發下面。
DVD 掉到沙發下面。
07:31
And I have been fortunate enough
to be able to pay
to be able to pay
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我很幸運，過去幾年還付得出
07:35
that 500 dollars
over the last several years.
over the last several years.
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五百美元的罰金。
07:38
If not happily, I at least
had the means to do it.
had the means to do it.
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雖然不開心，
但至少我還付得起。
但至少我還付得起。
07:42
So is that fair and equitable service
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所以，這種服務是公平公正的嗎？
07:44
if some of us can pay our fines
and continue to operate as we always have,
and continue to operate as we always have,
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如果我們有些人可以付得起罰金，
就可以像以前一樣繼續使用圖書館。
07:50
and others of us make one mistake
and no longer are welcome back?
and no longer are welcome back?
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有些人是在犯了一個錯之後
就不再被歡迎了？
就不再被歡迎了？
07:56
It's simply not.
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這並不公平。
08:00
Now, why would we continue
to operate under a model that hurts
to operate under a model that hurts
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為什麼我們還用這種
傷害我們最脆弱的
老顧客的模式繼續運作？
老顧客的模式繼續運作？
08:04
our most vulnerable patrons the most?
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08:07
There are reasons.
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那是有理由的。
08:09
There are reasons like responsibility.
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這些理由包括責任感。
08:11
There are some libraries that really feel
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有些圖書館真的覺得
08:13
that it's our job
to teach people responsibility.
to teach people responsibility.
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我們的工作是要教導
大家要有責任感。
大家要有責任感。
08:16
And they haven't figured out
that there might be ways to do that
that there might be ways to do that
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他們還沒有想到
其他可以不用錢
其他可以不用錢
而同樣可以達到
這個目的的方法。
這個目的的方法。
08:19
that don't equate to dollars.
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08:21
There's also this idea that we share
the resources collectively in a community,
the resources collectively in a community,
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也有一種想法是：我們在
一個社區中共享集體的資源，
一個社區中共享集體的資源，
08:25
and so we have to take turns.
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所以我們得要輪流。
08:27
If I keep my "My Little Pony"
movie for too long,
movie for too long,
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如果我佔有電影《彩虹小馬》太久，
08:30
and somebody else
wants to watch it, it's not fair.
wants to watch it, it's not fair.
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還有其他人想看，那就不公平。
08:34
And then, there's the money.
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接著，還有錢的問題。
08:36
Community members
often love their libraries,
often love their libraries,
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社區成員通常很愛他們的圖書館，
08:38
and they don't want us to not be able
to sustain the services we offer.
to sustain the services we offer.
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他們不希望我們無法維持
目前提供的服務。
目前提供的服務。
08:44
Luckily, we can address
all of these things in a variety of ways
all of these things in a variety of ways
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幸運的是，我們有很多
不同的方式可以處理這些事，
不同的方式可以處理這些事，
08:48
without scaring away
our most vulnerable populations.
our most vulnerable populations.
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而不用把我們最脆弱的客群給嚇跑。
08:52
Some libraries have gone
to a Netflix model.
to a Netflix model.
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有些圖書館採用了網飛的模式。
08:55
You might be familiar with this:
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你們可能對此很熟悉：
你把東西借出去，
08:57
you check things out,
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08:58
when you're done with them,
you return them.
you return them.
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你用完之後就把它們歸還。
09:01
If you don't return them,
you can't check more things out,
you can't check more things out,
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如果你不歸還，就不能再借，
09:04
but once you do,
it's all forgiven, it's fine.
it's all forgiven, it's fine.
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但一旦歸還了，
什麼都能寬恕，沒問題。
什麼都能寬恕，沒問題。
09:08
You can check out again.
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你就能再借。
09:10
Others continue to charge fines,
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其他圖書館持續收取罰金，
09:12
but they want to offer alternatives
to their library patrons,
to their library patrons,
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但他們對老顧客提供替代方案，
09:15
and so they do things like food for fines,
where you bring in canned goods,
where you bring in canned goods,
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他們可以用食物代替罰金，
你可以帶罐裝商品來，
你可以帶罐裝商品來，
09:19
or read away your fines,
where you can read off your fines.
where you can read off your fines.
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或是在某些需要朗讀的場合
用朗讀來支付罰金。
用朗讀來支付罰金。
09:22
There's even another library in Wisconsin
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在威斯康辛，還有一間圖書館
09:24
that offers scratch-off tickets
at their counter,
at their counter,
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會在櫃台處提供刮刮券，
你可以去刮，然後抵掉
當時罰金的 10% 或 20%。
當時罰金的 10% 或 20%。
09:26
so you can scratch off and get
10 or 20 percent off your fines that day.
10 or 20 percent off your fines that day.
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09:30
And there are amnesty days.
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還有大赦日。
09:32
One day a year, you bring back
your late materials
your late materials
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每年有一天，你可以把
逾期的借出物都帶回來，
逾期的借出物都帶回來，
09:35
and all is forgiven.
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全部罰款都一筆勾銷。
09:38
There was a library in San Francisco
that did an amnesty day last year,
that did an amnesty day last year,
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在舊金山有一間圖書館，
去年就實施了大赦日，
去年就實施了大赦日，
09:42
and they welcomed back
5,000 users who had been blocked.
5,000 users who had been blocked.
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他們歡迎了五千名
被停權的使用者回來。
被停權的使用者回來。
09:46
That same day, they received
more than 700,000 items that were overdue.
more than 700,000 items that were overdue.
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在那天，他們收回了
超過七十萬件逾期未還的物品。
超過七十萬件逾期未還的物品。
09:52
Among them was one book
that was 100 years overdue.
that was 100 years overdue.
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其中有一本書已經逾期了一百年。
09:56
So I know that sounds ridiculous,
but I know from experience
but I know from experience
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我們都知道這聽起來很扯，
但根據我的經驗，我知道
但根據我的經驗，我知道
09:59
that people will stay away
from the library
from the library
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大家會選擇遠離圖書館
10:02
rather than face
the authority of the librarian
the authority of the librarian
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而不是去面對圖書館館員的權威，
10:04
when they have late items.
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如果他們逾期未還的物品。
10:06
As Michael might have mentioned,
I've been a librarian for 15 years
I've been a librarian for 15 years
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如麥可剛剛提到，我已經
當了十五年的圖書館館員，
當了十五年的圖書館館員，
10:09
and my mom hasn't been
in a library in decades,
in a library in decades,
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而我媽媽有數十年
沒去圖書館，
沒去圖書館，
10:12
because when she was young,
she lost a book.
she lost a book.
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因為在她年輕時，
她弄丟了一本書。
她弄丟了一本書。
10:18
So, these are great baby steps.
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這些向前邁進的小步都很棒。
10:20
But they don't go far enough,
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但它們無法進一步解決問題，
10:23
because they make people
jump through hoops.
jump through hoops.
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因為它們實在太繁瑣。
大家得要在對的日子、
對的時間過來。
對的時間過來。
10:28
They have to come on the right days,
at the right times.
at the right times.
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10:30
They might have to have
extra food to share.
extra food to share.
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他們得要有
額外的食物能分享。
額外的食物能分享。
10:33
They want to read away their fines,
they need to be literate.
they need to be literate.
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若要靠朗讀來抵罰金，
他們就得要有讀寫能力。
他們就得要有讀寫能力。
10:37
If we want people
to use the library again,
to use the library again,
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如果我們希望大家
再度使用圖書館，
再度使用圖書館，
10:41
we should just get rid
of fines altogether.
of fines altogether.
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我們應該就直接取消罰金制。
10:46
Now, you might think
I've forgotten a money piece,
I've forgotten a money piece,
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你們可能會想，我忘了金錢面，
10:48
where we need to finance libraries, right?
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圖書館也需要資金，對吧？
10:51
But there's a couple of things to consider
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但當我們思考在圖書館的預算中
10:53
when we think about how fines function
in library budgets.
in library budgets.
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罰金是如何運作時，
有幾個點需要考量。
有幾個點需要考量。
10:59
The first is that fines have never been
a stable source of revenue.
a stable source of revenue.
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第一，罰金從來就不是
穩定的利潤來源。
穩定的利潤來源。
11:04
They've always fluctuated,
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罰金一直都會波動，
11:06
and in fact, they've continued to go down
over the last few decades.
over the last few decades.
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事實上，過去幾十年間，
罰金持續在下降。
罰金持續在下降。
11:11
When the recession hit, especially,
people's ability to pay was hit, as well.
people's ability to pay was hit, as well.
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特別是在蕭條的時期，
大家償付的能力也受影響。
大家償付的能力也受影響。
11:15
So for a lot of those 10,000 friends
that we've got at the library
that we've got at the library
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目前，我們圖書館的那一萬名
被停權的朋友當中，
被停權的朋友當中，
11:19
that aren't able to use it,
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有很多人可能永遠無法
償付罰金給我們。
償付罰金給我們。
11:20
they might never be able to pay us.
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1963
11:22
When we talk about
eliminating their fines,
eliminating their fines,
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當我們在談免除他們的罰金時，
11:24
we're not losing money
so much as the idea of money.
so much as the idea of money.
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我們損失的金錢還沒有
損失的金錢概念來得多。
損失的金錢概念來得多。
11:29
And thirdly, you might be
surprised to know
surprised to know
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第三，你們可能會很驚訝，
11:33
fines on average, nationally,
are about one and a half percent
are about one and a half percent
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3493
全國平均來說，
罰金大約佔圖書館
營運預算的 1.5%。
營運預算的 1.5%。
11:37
of a library's operating budget.
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11:39
Now that can still be a lot of money.
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那可能還是不少錢。
如果是大型圖書館
或是大型圖書館體系，
或是大型圖書館體系，
11:41
If you're looking at a large library
or a large library system,
or a large library system,
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金額可能會很高。
11:44
the dollar amount can be high.
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1621
11:45
But it's an achievable cut
for most libraries to absorb.
for most libraries to absorb.
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但若要刪減掉它，
大部分圖書館都能夠吸收。
大部分圖書館都能夠吸收。
11:50
And finally, and maybe most importantly,
fines cost us money to collect.
fines cost us money to collect.
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5044
最後，也可能是最重要的一點，
我們還得花錢去收罰金。
11:56
When you start to factor in
all of the ways that we collect fines,
all of the ways that we collect fines,
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3552
如果你開始把我們所有
收罰金的方法都納入考量，
收罰金的方法都納入考量，
11:59
supplies like mailers that we send out
to remind people of their fines,
to remind people of their fines,
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我們得要發送郵件
來提醒受罰者要繳罰金，
來提醒受罰者要繳罰金，
12:05
services, like collections
management services,
management services,
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其他要花錢的還有服務，
比如收款管理服務，
比如收款管理服務，
12:09
even telephone and email notifications
can cost libraries money.
can cost libraries money.
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3246
甚至電話和電子郵件通知
都可能要圖書館花錢。
都可能要圖書館花錢。
12:13
And staff time is a huge
cost for libraries.
cost for libraries.
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員工的時間是
圖書館很龐大的成本。
圖書館很龐大的成本。
12:17
So that our frontline staff
is standing there,
is standing there,
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所以我們的前線人員站在那裡，
12:20
talking to people about their fines,
sometimes arguing with people about fines.
sometimes arguing with people about fines.
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3914
跟大家談他們的罰金，
有時是跟大家爭論他們的罰金。
有時是跟大家爭論他們的罰金。
12:25
When we eliminate all of those pieces,
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如果我們把這些都除去，
12:27
if we got rid of fines, we might actually
save money in our libraries.
save money in our libraries.
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3595
如果我們取消罰金，
我們可能還能幫圖書館省錢。
我們可能還能幫圖書館省錢。
12:31
Or at the very least,
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1509
或，至少，
12:33
we would be able
to reallocate our staff time
to reallocate our staff time
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2222
我們可以把員工的時間重新分配，
12:35
to pursuits that better fit
those missions we talked about.
those missions we talked about.
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2774
讓他們做的事能更符合
我們所談的使命。
我們所談的使命。
12:40
The other thing I want everybody
to come away understanding
to come away understanding
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我希望大家離開這裡時，
也能了解到一件事，
也能了解到一件事，
12:43
is that fines don't actually work
to do what we think they do.
to do what we think they do.
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3173
罰金實際上並沒有發揮
我們認為有的那些功能。
我們認為有的那些功能。
關於罰金的辯論——
12:46
The debate about fines --
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12:47
whether we should fine,
how much we should fine, it isn't new.
how much we should fine, it isn't new.
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我們是否該實施罰金，
應該罰多少錢，都不是新議題。
應該罰多少錢，都不是新議題。
12:50
We've been talking about it
for almost 100 years.
for almost 100 years.
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我們已經談了近一百年。
12:54
As long as that book was overdue.
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只要書會逾期。
12:58
Study after study has shown
that the reason libraries fine
that the reason libraries fine
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一篇又一篇的研究指出，
圖書館訂罰金的理由
圖書館訂罰金的理由
13:02
is because of strongly held beliefs
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是因為它們堅定地相信
13:04
about the effectiveness
of getting materials back on time
of getting materials back on time
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這樣能有效地讓出借的
物品被準時歸還，
物品被準時歸還，
13:07
backed by no evidence.
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但沒有證據支持。
13:10
Basically, we fine
because we've always fined.
because we've always fined.
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基本上，我們實施罰金
是因為過去都這樣做。
是因為過去都這樣做。
13:14
So, the best option for your libraries
is to put their mission first.
is to put their mission first.
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所以，你的圖書館最好的選擇，
是把使命放在第一。
是把使命放在第一。
13:20
And they will do that
if their community members ask it of them.
if their community members ask it of them.
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如果它們的社區成員要求
它們這麼做，它們會做的。
它們這麼做，它們會做的。
13:24
When you leave here,
I hope you'll visit your public library
I hope you'll visit your public library
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我希望各位離開後能去造訪你們的
公立圖書館，和圖書館員談談，
公立圖書館，和圖書館員談談，
13:27
and talk to your librarians,
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和那些在圖書館董事會服務的
鄰居以及社區成員談談。
鄰居以及社區成員談談。
13:29
talk to your neighbors
and community members
and community members
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13:31
who serve on library boards.
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13:32
Tell them that you know
how important literacy is
how important literacy is
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告訴他們，你知道讀寫能力對於
13:36
to everyone in your community.
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你社區中的每個人是多麼重要。
13:39
That if our libraries
are truly for everyone,
are truly for everyone,
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告訴他們，如果圖書館
真正為每個人服務，
真正為每個人服務，
13:43
that they have to get rid of fines
and embrace their entire community.
and embrace their entire community.
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他們得要取消罰金制度，
並擁抱他們的整個社區。
並擁抱他們的整個社區。
13:47
Thank you.
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謝謝。
13:48
(Applause)
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（掌聲）
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dawn Wacek - LibrarianDawn Wacek advocates for equitable library service for all community members.
Why you should listen
More than fifteen years in librarianship, Dawn Wacek has eliminated barriers to access in urban and rural libraries. She has helped create fine reduction programs and developed free and open access policies everywhere she has worked.
Wacek is the Youth Services Manager of the La Crosse Public Library in Wisconsin, where she is working on increasing community relationships and collaborations to better connect all users to their library.
Dawn Wacek | Speaker | TED.com