Dear All,
At Bradford University we are looking to revise how we handle library debts
and fines and associated communications with a view to improving our debt
collection policies.
Currently students can clock up a library fine of up to £5 without it
affecting their use of the library. Once £5 or more has been accrued then
students can no longer borrow until the fine is cleared. This generally
works fine for small amounts. It’s when the fines become more substantial
that problems in settling accounts arise. At Bradford we charge up to a
maximum of £30 per book so fines can amount to several hundred pounds over a
period of time. Once this happens then many students simply avoid using the
library for the rest of their studies. It’s only when they come to graduate
that we start to chase these fines as non-settlement of library fines can
affect their graduation. This final year procedure is a mammoth operation
for us and we would really welcome ideas on how other institutions handle
this.
At Bradford we are considering not allowing students to enrol onto the next
year of their studies until all financial obligations with the library from
the previous year have been settled. Another option is stopping their
computer access although I don’t think this could actually be a viable
option as this has more serious implications as email is the university’s
main method of communication.
So just wondering if you already use either of the above or you have some
other policies in place? I would also be very interested in how you
formally communicate library debts to your students. Do you use email only
or formal written letters?
All responses gratefully received and I will summarise all responses for the
list.
Many thanks in advance.
Reshma Khan
Customer Service Operations Manager
University of Bradford
JB Priestley Library
Bradford
BD7 1DP
01274 233367
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