Newsgroups: bit.listserv.circplus
Date:         Mon, 13 Apr 1992 19:11:06 HST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         Sandra Ohashi <OHASHI@UHUNIX.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Grace Periods for Overdue Fines
X-To:         "CIRCPLUS@idbsu.idbsu.edu - LIBRARY CIRCULATION ISSUES"
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITN>
X-cc:         "Susan Murata" <smurata@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu>

 * The University of Colorado, Boulder is considering changing its fine policy.
 *
 * Currently we grant patrons a 3 day grace period before assessing a fine for a
 * overdue book.  That is, if the book is due on the 15th the fine does not
 * calculate until the 19th.  When it does calculate, the patron is charged for
 * all days overdue.  Consequently if a patron returns a book 3 days overdue the
 * is no fine.  If they return a book that is 4 days overdue, they get fined for
 * days.  The library does not advertise or even officially acknowledge such a
 * grace period exits.  Instead, the official due date is what is stamped on the
 * slip.  We are considering eliminating the grace period.
 *
 * Does anyone else use such a grace period or some variation thereof?  I would
 * very interested in hearing about similar policies that are in place.  Also, I
 * be interested to learn how other libraries (particularly those with student
 * populations of about 25,000) assess fines.
 *
 * I'll be glad to summarize the results for the list if I get sufficient replie
 *
 * Scott Seman
 * Head, Access Services
 * University of Colorado, Boulder
 *
 * SEAMAN_SH@CUBLDR.COLORADO.EDU
 *
 *
 *
The University of Hawaii at Manoa has a student population of about 18,000 -
20,000 and the UHM Libraries (Hamilton and Sinclair) provide the largest
research collection in the state with 2 million + volumes.  With the majority
of the students commuting to campus and a fair amount of usage by non-campus
users, we offer a grace period to help those who are not on campus every day.
Our current grace period policy is similar to yours at Boulder, except that
we have a 7-day grace period on all regular loans (28 days) and extended
loans (faculty and graduate students).  We do not charge a fine if items are
returned within the 7 days.  If items are returned on the 8th day, however,
the fine is calculted from the first day after the item is due.  There is no
grace period on any of our short-term loans (less than 28 days), so fines are
applied from the day after the item is due.  Fines are 25 cents per day per
item for loans of 14 days or longer, 50 cents per day per item for loans less
than 14 days (special perimission loans from reference and special
collections).

Our previous policy didn't charge from the first day after the item was due,
so on the 8th day, the fine was only 25 cents.  Unfortunately, many patrons
came to see the grace period as an extension of their loan period, so the
policy was changed to charge the fine from the first day.  We stamp the
actual due date in the item, but all of our posted signs that give the fine
policy mention the grace period and the fact that fines will be assessed from
the first day after the item is due if the item is returned after the 7 days.
We have not had any major problems with patrons, mostly just people used to
taking advantage of the old policy complaining about having to pay $2.00 per
item instead of 25 cents per item on the 8th day.  However, most people have
adjusted quite easily and we rarely hear complaints.  In fact, more people
are grateful to not owe a fine when they bring an item in a few days late.
Hope this helps.

Sandra Ohashi
Hamilton Library, Circulation Department
University of Hawaii at Manoa
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