It was a glimpse toward the worst case scenario of library lending.
After failing to return 62 lost books, the account of a University of Guelph student peaked to total $6,626 in fines and replacement fees, an amount which rivals tuition costs for two semesters.
The student, who eventually found and returned the missing books received a lessened fine of $930, the minimum possible penalty for the infraction. The extreme fine served as a wakeup call to fellow students, but also let the library staff reveal the softer side of their borrowing program.
While the thought of accumulating library fines is about as enjoyable as the thought of midterms, assignment deadlines, or the line-up for Brass Taps trivia, it is something library staff use to help, not hurt the fate of the library and services provided to students and staff.
Library fines are used to facilitate successful sharing among the 20,000 students of the campus community. With textbook prices soaring and editions perpetually upgrading, several students have come to rely on the borrowing system.
Donna Sartori, Manager of Circulation & Interlibrary Services, was quick to appreciate the angst, stress and extenuating circumstances that distract materials from making their way to return desk on time. “Our experience is to give students the benefit of doubt and we forgive several fines throughout the year,” she explained. Most students face fines in response to unintentional slips, with “returning library books” weighing in as low priority among other items on their weekly to-do lists.
And while the library late fees totalled $90,550.89 last year, Sartori indicates that students are co-operative in the request to pay fines. Early this spring, 103 graduating students were contacted to pay their outstanding fines of more than $30, and only nine outstanding accounts remained by June 17.
The library is also conscientious of convocation. Students are able to participate in convocation with outstanding student fees, yet their degree is withheld until all fees have been absolved. If the amount in question involves a petty library fee and the student does not have repeated instances of library offences, the staff will consider reversing the fee.
All fines and fees collected are used for student benefits. Replacement fines are collected when an item has been lost and are used for the library acquisition budget so materials can be updated and replaced. Fines from late items are deposited into an endowment fund that is used to support student scholarships.
About
The Ontarion publishes independent, student-produced news, opinion, and commentary for University of Guelph students so that they can make informed decisions in their lives. To do this, The Ontarion provides learning opportunities and training in journalism, media production, leadership, board governance, and other aspects of nonprofit news.
The Ontarion is the University of Guelph’s independent student newspaper. It began in 1951 as part of the Ontario Agricultural College and then began to represent the entire University of Guelph once it amalgamated in 1964. The Ontarion incorporated in May 1970 as The Ontarion, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation registered with the province of Ontario.