This has been articulated many times by student representatives at course committees. We therefore feel that now is the time to respond to the frustration felt by our users. We know of no other higher education institution in Scotland which does not fine. Other higher education libraries have reported a real improvement in the quality of service they can offer users. Fines reward users who return their books on time, and penalises those who do not.
More books are in circulation, and users can reserve items with real confidence.
In short, we should have a better and more responsive Library service for everyone. To be fair, the system must target all users - staff, students, and external borrowers. There will be no exceptions. Fines will be imposed on items borrowed from the beginning of Autumn Term 2000. As soon as an item on loan to you becomes overdue, you will be charged at a rate of 10 pence per item per day.