Overdue library fines scrapped

The change takes effect immediately and all current fines have been wiped from user records.

There’s now no charge if you return a book later than the due date when someone else requests it. The aim is to make the libraries more fair and accessible for students, and be more inclusive, in line with the Library’s vision: Knowledge for All.

Head of Customer Services, Lorna Barstow, said: “We are committed to working with our students and staff to ensure that the Libraries are a welcoming environment for all, and removing fines is one way we can do that. We will continue to listen and act on feedback as we move through the academic year and hope that this change will prove more equitable for all our users.”

Books are automatically renewed until someone else requests them, then users have 7 days to return the item so it can be passed to the customer in need.

Fines were used to encourage people to return their books on time, so everyone got a fair chance to access library books when they asked for them. The aim was to make sure that as many students as possible were able to use books that are in high demand.

Under the new system, if a book isn’t returned when requested, borrowing rights will be suspended until the item is returned. The Libraries will send a number of reminders to return the book. If the item is still not returned, the existing invoicing process remains in place for the cost of replacing the book.

Read more about borrowing at the libraries and what to do if your book is recalled. If you have any comments or feedback on this policy, please get in touch.