Some students unaware of RPS Library fines

Residential Programs and Services Libraries: Music, Movies and More has implemented fines for late returns since its inception, but many students, including freshman Tilman Nadolski, thought otherwise.

“I didn’t know they had fines,” Nadolski said. “I thought it was a Netflix deal where you get it and return it at your leisure. I’ve had movies out since the first semester.”

The RPS Libraries and Residence Hall Association decided upon the fines in the 2003-04 year as a structure that is used across the RPS Libraries system, said Shawn Wilson, manager of RPS Libraries. But, some students weren’t aware of the fines.

“Fines are assessed by the RPS Libraries, as is the standard procedure for any library system,” he said.

According to the RPS Web site, for every day a video, CD, DVD, CD-ROM or video game is returned late, a $2 fine is charged until fines reach their maximum limit of $26.

The first overdue notice is sent to the patron on the seventh day past the due date, and a second notice is sent on the 14th day.

An item is considered lost after the 30th day of non-return. Previous charges will be removed and replaced with a processing fee of $15 and a lost item fee of $50.

If lost items are returned in good condition, the lost item fee is removed and the maximum fee of $26 is reinstated along with a $5 billing fee.

Additional fees of $5 are charged for damaged or missing circulation cases or items returned to the wrong library.

All fines are charged to students’ library circulation accounts and then transferred to their bursar accounts.

“Fines are assessed to ensure items are returned to the center for use by all patrons,” Wilson said. “They also support the ongoing operations of the RPS Libraries.”

Information about fines is posted at the centers and on the RPS Web site, he said.

Although information on the fine policies is made available, students are still unaware of the charges for late return of items.

Like Nadolski, sophomore Ben Kober did not know about the fines.

“I never got fined, I guess,” he said. “There weren’t any signs that I know of in the Forest one.”

Students have various opinions as to why they like and dislike the fines.

Freshman Joel Glon visits the libraries frequently. Though he sees why RPS charges fines, he does not like them.

“I suppose they’re effective in getting movies in on time,” he said. “But I definitely think they’re too expensive.”

Friends of freshman Nina Kovalenko often complained to her about the fines.
“They think returning the movies on time is a hassle,” she said.

Freshman Laura Walter rents items from the Music, Movies and More libraries once a week and has never returned an item late.

“I think the fines are fair because I hate when movies aren’t there,” she said. “It’s nice to know they’ll be back soon.”