I work in a university library part-time (I'm a grad student). My desk is right beside the student printer. Often, students print documents and forget to pick them up. Payment for printing is based on the honour system, with students paying for number of pages they print and leaving money in a dish on the counter (they can make their own change too). If students forget to pick up their printing, I am supposed to throw away their documents at the end of the day.
Sometimes, students print documents (mainly journal articles) that I could use in my own research. When the library is empty at the end of the day, I take those articles home with me rather than throw them away. However, I don't pay for them. I always thought that since I didn't hit the print button AND the paper was just going to be thrown away, I shouldn't have to pay for the printing. However, I'm starting to wonder if this is ethical. What do you think? Should I pay or not?
2006-11-25 13:21:14 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I think it's fine since you have to throw them away otherwise. But if anyone ever asks you about it, you can just say you're taking them home to recycle because you don't like to see valuable resources end up in landfills.
2006-11-25 14:31:19 · answer #1 · answered by tornado 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The honor system has faults that the library has chosen to accept for now. Change would bring other problems. The problem you are facing is that people forget to get what they print. This isn't your fault or resposibility. They aren't trying to scam the system just forgetful. Now is it right to waste these documents that could serve a purpose?? I don't believe in wasting. I don't think you should pay since if you were doing your own research you would probably print different pages. So enjoy.
2006-11-25 14:22:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about it...I think what your doing is fine. And like the other guy said... you would be throwing the papers away anyways.
If it makes you feel better though.....you can always put a few dollars in the dish.
Goodluck with your studies!
2006-11-25 13:35:42 · answer #3 · answered by kissmybum 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if the student didn't pay for them and they are considered throwaways I dont' think you need pay for them. But if you are feeling bad about it, throw in a quarter or two on the dish occasionally.
That will make you feel like your helping pay for the paper.
2006-11-25 13:30:08 · answer #4 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no ethical issue at play. The papers are going to be thrown away and they are not of a "private" or "confidential" nature. They're yours for the taking.
2006-11-25 13:47:23 · answer #5 · answered by Inquisitor-2006 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is fine. Those papers would be binned and you are able to put them to use. If you have a problem with this ethically discuss it with the library authorities.
I think they would agree it is better to put them to use and congratulation you for recycling.
2006-11-25 15:11:07 · answer #6 · answered by AJ... Australia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to use them I think it's fair to pay for them. I would if I were in that position. If they aren't being used they go in the trash, but you should ask why they can't go in the recycle bin instead.
2006-11-25 13:25:04 · answer #7 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ask the library for a policy. You should not decide this.
2006-11-25 13:29:41 · answer #8 · answered by NuncProTunc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider it a fringe benefit.
2006-11-25 13:23:26 · answer #9 · answered by mr_tasty_phlegm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that what you're doing is ok
2006-11-25 13:23:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋