10 cent overdue fines for books end on Friday 7 September

On September 7, 2007, the Galter Library along with the other libraries of Northwestern University will eliminate the 10 cent per day fine charged for overdue books.  Users will also be able to renew their overdue books.

Libraries traditionally used overdue fines as a motivational mechanism to ensure items were returned by their due date whether the users had finished using the item or not.  The efficacy of said fines has declined and, in fact, does not accomplish its goal -- getting the book back to the library when the user was finished with it.

The library has instituted some additional policy changes to ensure materials are returned when users are finished with them. If a book is not returned or renewed, the user will receive a bill for the book’s replacement cost, a $25.00 processing fee and a $15.00 long over due fee 30 days after book’s due date.  Users who have more than $50.00 in outstanding fines and fees will be blocked from checking any materials out from the library.  The library will continue to charge hourly overdue fines for Reserve materials.