Students' perception of fine increases for overdue library books in an academic library

The imposition of fines in academic libraries for overdue books is a global phenomenon and penalties for overdue books have been levied by libraries for centuries. The study reported here surveyed students' perception of increases in fines imposed by the management of Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library in the academic year 2002/2003. 1,500 respondents were given a structured questionnaire to complete and return between September and November, 2004. The respondents perceived the increase as a welcome measure, long overdue, which would make library books more readily available and accessible. There was no gender bias in their reaction. It is therefore concluded that fines should be imposed to meet the information needs of the users. It is recommended that a periodic review of the measure should be carried out and that early completion of library automation, especially circulation operations, is essential.