A Fine Time Without Fines: Suspending Borrowing Privileges for Overdue Items

Abstract

Our health sciences library on a graduate campus serves a diverse group of patrons, including many graduate students, faculty, and medical professionals. The library maintains a large reserve collection that includes anatomical models, electronic equipment, and more traditional printed materials. Beginning in September 2013, the library instituted a blocking policy in lieu of collecting fines for overdue reserve items. According to the policy, patrons can have their borrowing privileges suspended, to be reinstated depending on previous offenses and length of time the items were kept. This policy has proven effective, and has been generally well-received by the community.