Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X Vol 3, No 12, 2012 User’s attitude to im Catholic Un Catholic Universi Tel: +233 Abstract The study investigated user’s attitud sample size of 300 library users repr April, 2012 was chosen through sim and interviews were adopted as the d used in the data analysis. The study before. Many of the respondents c incidence of overdue fines paymen asked to pay a fine for overdue item period for defaulters, reminder mess Keywords: Overdue fines, Librar University. Introduction All libraries, irrespective of the type services provided by a library may r are aimed at making readers or user them (Whittaker, 1993). Whittaker h come alive by ensuring that its stock Material use is therefore rai Ranganathan in one of his five laws on Wikipedia as ‘‘without the use o patrons make of a library’s collecti libraries to regulate users conduct w Imposition of overdue fines o period by a given library is one of t out that the payment of overdue fine (2003) has explained that overdue borrowed library item beyond the all However, divergent opinions h instance sees fines on overdue book generating income for a library. miscellaneous source of funding fo inflexible and rule-oriented by the overdue materials and such image library to allow users to keep book means the world over to compel u [people] also believe that imposition respect others’ rights, public propert The circulation section of Catholic The circulation section/desk is regar with the staff at that section (Kumar the library. It is at this place that f renewal of books as well as charging The CUCG Library circulation to its pioneering batch of fifty st circulation desk include: X (Online) 136 mposition of overdue fines by th niversity College of Ghana, Fiap Charles Arthur ity College of Ghana PO Box 363, Fiapre- Sunyani, G 3-246813961 Email: [email protected]de to the imposition of library fines at the Catholic U resenting 13.8% of the 2180 users on the library’s reg mple random sampling technique for the study . Ques data collection methods. Frequency tables, percentage showed that majority of them (59.0%) have been slap cited forgetting to return the item by the due date as nt. Majority of them also stated that they complied i ms. Some of the recommendations made included insti sages to borrowers and establishment of ceiling for ove ry fines, Library charges, Academic library, over e and size of their collections, provide a number of serv range from provision of reading materials to user educ rs aware of the information sources available in the su has also rightly concluded that it is users who make a k is used. ison d’être of their acquisitions by libraries as e s of library science, that is ‘books are for use’. This l of materials, there is little value in them’’. However, i ion that sometimes lead to violation of the rules tha with regard to materials available for use. on those users who do not return borrowed material the means used to regulate the conduct of users. Edew e is as old as libraries and to Anderson (1984a), it is a l e fine as the amount [of money] a library user is lowed loan period. have been expressed on the imposition of overdue fine ks as a charge for misuse of [library] services and also Adomi (2003) also quotes Ifidon (1999) as statin or library. Anderson (1984b) too has stated that libra public and a contributory factor to that image are t discourages library use. Adomi (1993) thinks th ks indefinitely and imposition of fines on defaulting u users to return borrowed to the library. According A n of fines are a good educational tool as it teaches pe ty, and rules and regulations. c University College Library. rded as the center of a library’s activities and majority r, 1987). Edewor (2010) describes the circulation desk functions such as registration or withdrawal of mem g of overdue fines take place (Kumar, 1987). desk/section was set up in March 2003 when the Univ tudents, lecturers and administrative staff. The ser www.iiste.org he library of pre. Ghana University College. A gister of borrowers as of stionnaires, observation es and figures were also pped with overdue fines s the main factor in the immediately they were itutionalization of grace erdue fines. rdue charges, Catholic vices to their users. The cation programmes that ubject fields relevant to library and its services encapsulated by S. R. law is rightly explained it is the use that library at have put in place by ls within the permitted wor (2010) has pointed library tradition. Adomi charged for keeping a es. Whittaker (1993) for o as one of the means of ng that overdues are a arians are perceived as the rules that deal with hat it is unethical for a users is the commonest Anderson (1984a) some eople to be responsible, of library users interact k as the marketplace of mbership, issues, return, versity opened its doors rvices provided at the
Transcript
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
User’s attitude to imposition of overdue fines by the library of
Catholic University College of Ghana, Fiapre.
Catholic University College of Ghana PO Box 363, Fiapre
Tel: +233
Abstract
The study investigated user’s attitude to the imposition of library fines at the Catholic University College. A
sample size of 300 library users representing 13.8% of the 2180 users on the library’s register of bor
April, 2012 was chosen through simple random sampling technique for the study . Questionnaires, observation
and interviews were adopted as the data collection methods. Frequency tables, percentages and figures were also
used in the data analysis. The study showed that majority of them (59.0%) have been slapped with overdue fines
before. Many of the respondents cited forgetting to return the item by the due date as the main factor in the
incidence of overdue fines payment. Majority of them also
asked to pay a fine for overdue items. Some of the recommendations made included institutionalization of grace
period for defaulters, reminder messages to borrowers and establishment of ceiling for overdue f
All libraries, irrespective of the type and size of their collections, provide a number of services to their users. The
rvices provided by a library may range from provision of reading materials to user education programmes that
are aimed at making readers or users aware of the information sources available in the subject fields relevant to
has also rightly concluded that it is users who make a library and its services
of their acquisitions by libraries as encapsulated by S. R.
ve laws of library science, that is ‘books are for use’. This law is rightly explained
on Wikipedia as ‘‘without the use of materials, there is little value in them’’. However, it is the use that library
s lead to violation of the rules that have put in place by
Imposition of overdue fines on those users who do not return borrowed materials within the permitted
ven library is one of the means used to regulate the conduct of users. Edewor (2010) has pointed
out that the payment of overdue fine is as old as libraries and to Anderson (1984a), it is a library tradition. Adomi
the amount [of money] a library user is charged for keeping a
However, divergent opinions have been expressed on the imposition of overdue fines. Whittaker (1993) for
oks as a charge for misuse of [library] services and also as one of the means of
generating income for a library. Adomi (2003) also quotes Ifidon (1999) as stating that overdues are a
tated that librarians are perceived as
oriented by the public and a contributory factor to that image are the rules that deal with
overdue materials and such image discourages library use. Adomi (1993) thinks that it is unethical for a
library to allow users to keep books indefinitely and imposition of fines on defaulting users is the commonest
means the world over to compel users to return borrowed to the library. According Anderson (1984a) some
f fines are a good educational tool as it teaches people to be responsible,
center of a library’s activities and majority of library users interact
with the staff at that section (Kumar, 1987). Edewor (2010) describes the circulation desk as the marketplace of
r withdrawal of membership, issues, return,
The CUCG Library circulation desk/section was set up in March 2003 when the University opened its doors
ifty students, lecturers and administrative staff. The services provided at the
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
• Answering of enquiries from users;
• Registration of members (including freshmen/women, lecturers, and administrative staff who would
like to use the Library;
• Charging of borrowed materials against the records of those borrowing them
• Discharging of borrowed materials when they are returned to the Library;
• Renewal of materials for those who like to hold on to borrowed materials after the expiry of the fi
term for another term;
• Reservation of materials that a user would like to borrow; and
• Imposition and payment of overdue fines by defaulting users.
The Problem of the Study
The Library’s collection stands at approximately 13000 volumes, out of which al
section as of the end of 2011/12 academic year for a student population of 4200 beside lecturers, administrators
and visiting scholars who make use of the Library from time to time.
In order to ensure that the Library carrie
regulations were formulated for the adoption of the Library Committee and subsequently, by the Senate of the
University. The approved rules and regulations among others permit a student to borrow
a given two-week period renewal-able only once where a user still has a need for the borrowed item(s). In the
case of faculty and administrative staff it is five books per semester.
Records available in the Library indicate that by
year, users of the Library’s services most especially students were already flouting the Library rules and
regulations. Carriage of items such as candies, toffees, handbags, overcoats and water
the Library as well as failing to return borrowed item(s) to the Library by the due date were among the
leading violations of the Library’s rules and regulations.
Users who default in returning borrowed item(s) to the Library b
pesewas (50Gp) a day. Where borrowed item(s) are still not returned by end of a seven
doubled to one Ghana cedi (GH⊄
where some users, mainly students who fail to pay the fine(s),¨´ have had their borrowing rights withdrawn until
they are ransomed.
Presently, some library users who owe in overdue fines have had their borrowing rights withdrawn due to
their inability to pay the fine(s). It is against this background that questionnaires on separate studies carried out
by Adomi (2003) and Edewor (2010) in Nigeria on overdue fines were adopted and adapted to test the attitude of
CUCG Library users to overdue fines after
Objectives of the study
Specific objectives of the study included:
a) To find how frequently students borrow from the Library;
b) To find how many of those who borrow from the Library have paid overdue fine(s) before;
c) To find how those who have paid overdue felt when they were asked to for the overdue (s);
d) To find the reasons that occasioned the overdue fines; and
e) To proffer recommendations on the way forward.
Significance of the study
Rules and regulations are often formulated by organizations to guide the behavior of its employees and
beneficiaries of its services and products. All over the world libraries are known to have rules that seek to
regulate the conduct of those who use their services. Harrison and Beenha
and regulations are information meant to tell people about what they may do and not enforceable at law but
willful offenders may be blacklisted and banned from the use of the library.
Library user expectations and n
technologies. It is now possible for library users to have access to information through other media almost
instantaneously at click of button free of charge any time of the day. Clinching
before the advent some of current media available through the Internet that allows users to have access to
information free of charge poses a threat to libraries due to the fact that libraries as noted earlier have a tradi
of overdue fines.
It is author´s hope that library policy makers, libraries and their users would find the study an invaluable
source of information in their quest for a common ground where they could meet each other’s needs.
Journal of Education and Practice 288X (Online)
137
Answering of enquiries from users;
Registration of members (including freshmen/women, lecturers, and administrative staff who would
Charging of borrowed materials against the records of those borrowing them
Discharging of borrowed materials when they are returned to the Library;
Renewal of materials for those who like to hold on to borrowed materials after the expiry of the fi
Reservation of materials that a user would like to borrow; and
Imposition and payment of overdue fines by defaulting users.
The Library’s collection stands at approximately 13000 volumes, out of which almost 8000 were at the lending
section as of the end of 2011/12 academic year for a student population of 4200 beside lecturers, administrators
and visiting scholars who make use of the Library from time to time.
In order to ensure that the Library carries out its mandate smoothly, guidelines in terms of rules and
regulations were formulated for the adoption of the Library Committee and subsequently, by the Senate of the
University. The approved rules and regulations among others permit a student to borrow
able only once where a user still has a need for the borrowed item(s). In the
case of faculty and administrative staff it is five books per semester.
Records available in the Library indicate that by the end of the first academic year, that is 2002/03 academic
year, users of the Library’s services most especially students were already flouting the Library rules and
regulations. Carriage of items such as candies, toffees, handbags, overcoats and water to unauthorized places in
the Library as well as failing to return borrowed item(s) to the Library by the due date were among the
leading violations of the Library’s rules and regulations.
Users who default in returning borrowed item(s) to the Library by the due date are asked to pay fifty Ghana
pesewas (50Gp) a day. Where borrowed item(s) are still not returned by end of a seven
1.00) per day. The enforcement of this rule has however led to a situat
where some users, mainly students who fail to pay the fine(s),¨´ have had their borrowing rights withdrawn until
Presently, some library users who owe in overdue fines have had their borrowing rights withdrawn due to
to pay the fine(s). It is against this background that questionnaires on separate studies carried out
by Adomi (2003) and Edewor (2010) in Nigeria on overdue fines were adopted and adapted to test the attitude of
CUCG Library users to overdue fines after nine academic years of enforcing the rule.
Specific objectives of the study included:
To find how frequently students borrow from the Library;
To find how many of those who borrow from the Library have paid overdue fine(s) before;
To find how those who have paid overdue felt when they were asked to for the overdue (s);
To find the reasons that occasioned the overdue fines; and
To proffer recommendations on the way forward.
formulated by organizations to guide the behavior of its employees and
beneficiaries of its services and products. All over the world libraries are known to have rules that seek to
regulate the conduct of those who use their services. Harrison and Beenham (1985) have stated that library rules
and regulations are information meant to tell people about what they may do and not enforceable at law but
willful offenders may be blacklisted and banned from the use of the library.
Library user expectations and needs have changed due to advances in information and communications
technologies. It is now possible for library users to have access to information through other media almost
instantaneously at click of button free of charge any time of the day. Clinching on to rules that were formulated
before the advent some of current media available through the Internet that allows users to have access to
information free of charge poses a threat to libraries due to the fact that libraries as noted earlier have a tradi
It is author´s hope that library policy makers, libraries and their users would find the study an invaluable
source of information in their quest for a common ground where they could meet each other’s needs.
www.iiste.org
Registration of members (including freshmen/women, lecturers, and administrative staff who would
Renewal of materials for those who like to hold on to borrowed materials after the expiry of the first
most 8000 were at the lending
section as of the end of 2011/12 academic year for a student population of 4200 beside lecturers, administrators
s out its mandate smoothly, guidelines in terms of rules and
regulations were formulated for the adoption of the Library Committee and subsequently, by the Senate of the
up to two books within
able only once where a user still has a need for the borrowed item(s). In the
the end of the first academic year, that is 2002/03 academic
year, users of the Library’s services most especially students were already flouting the Library rules and
to unauthorized places in
the Library as well as failing to return borrowed item(s) to the Library by the due date were among the
y the due date are asked to pay fifty Ghana
pesewas (50Gp) a day. Where borrowed item(s) are still not returned by end of a seven-day period, the fine is
1.00) per day. The enforcement of this rule has however led to a situation
where some users, mainly students who fail to pay the fine(s),¨´ have had their borrowing rights withdrawn until
Presently, some library users who owe in overdue fines have had their borrowing rights withdrawn due to
to pay the fine(s). It is against this background that questionnaires on separate studies carried out
by Adomi (2003) and Edewor (2010) in Nigeria on overdue fines were adopted and adapted to test the attitude of
To find how many of those who borrow from the Library have paid overdue fine(s) before;
To find how those who have paid overdue felt when they were asked to for the overdue (s);
formulated by organizations to guide the behavior of its employees and
beneficiaries of its services and products. All over the world libraries are known to have rules that seek to
m (1985) have stated that library rules
and regulations are information meant to tell people about what they may do and not enforceable at law but
eeds have changed due to advances in information and communications
technologies. It is now possible for library users to have access to information through other media almost
on to rules that were formulated
before the advent some of current media available through the Internet that allows users to have access to
information free of charge poses a threat to libraries due to the fact that libraries as noted earlier have a tradition
It is author´s hope that library policy makers, libraries and their users would find the study an invaluable
source of information in their quest for a common ground where they could meet each other’s needs.
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
Methodology
The study was about user’s attitude to overdue fines therefore the population for the study comprises students,
lecturers and administrative staff who were on the Library’s borrowers’ register as of April 30, 2012 when the
study stated as well as the library offic
A simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 300 representing 13.8% of 2180 users on
the library’s register of borrowers before April, 2012. The respondents were made to answer opened
closed ended questions on borrowings from the Library and imposition of overdue fines. The library officer in
charge of the circulation desk was also interviewed on the subject under investigation.
The data collected from the respondents were analyzed using S
software into percentages and frequency tables where possible.
Findings
a) Responses from the Library’s Officer in charge of the circulation desk.
The Library’s circulation desk is manned by a para
charging and discharging of books including others enumerated above. According to Kumar (1987) the treatment
that library users get at the circulation section contributes towards the public image of the library.
Asked about the procedure to become a patron of the Library, the officer pointed out that every library user
is issued a library card upon registration with the Library. In the case of students the registration normally takes
place in the first year alongside the general registration in acceptance of the offer of admission. Lecturers and
administrative staff also register to use the Library when they are offered appointments by the University. To
borrow from the Library, the library user should ideally pres
lending processes with the item(s).
On imposition and payment of overdue fines, the officer said that it has been a practice in the library to
impose fines on those who fail to return borrowed item(s) t
approved library rules and regulations of the University.
In the opinion of the Officer some of the library users do not pay attention to their copies of the library rules
and regulations; neither do they border to recheck the due date(s) when they borrow from the library hence their
incurrence of fines.
The following were pointed out as exemptions to the imposition of overdue fines:
• Where a due date falls on a non
• Where the borrowers is on an official university assignment outside the University campus by the due
date. The borrower upon return to the University would have to return the item(s) with supporting
documents to that effect.
• Where the borrower is indis
As regards problems experienced in implementing the rule, the Officer pointed out that there are two main issues
requiring management’s consideration:
• Firstly, there is no ceiling
where some users had been fined more than doubled the price of the item they borrowed from the
Library; and
• Secondly, users ‘tagging’ whoever takes the fine as insensitive and in
b) Responses from the library users
The CUCG library rules and regulations recognize three main groups of users: faculty, students, non
staff as well as non-members of the University community. The study was limited to
administrative staff because the non
rights by the University library.
Gender distribution of the population
The study population comprised 1125 males and 1055 fe
sexes. This shows that there were more males than females on the library’s borrowing register during the study
as shown in Figure 1.
Journal of Education and Practice 288X (Online)
138
y was about user’s attitude to overdue fines therefore the population for the study comprises students,
lecturers and administrative staff who were on the Library’s borrowers’ register as of April 30, 2012 when the
study stated as well as the library officer in charge of the circulation desk.
A simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 300 representing 13.8% of 2180 users on
the library’s register of borrowers before April, 2012. The respondents were made to answer opened
ed ended questions on borrowings from the Library and imposition of overdue fines. The library officer in
charge of the circulation desk was also interviewed on the subject under investigation.
The data collected from the respondents were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
software into percentages and frequency tables where possible.
Responses from the Library’s Officer in charge of the circulation desk.
The Library’s circulation desk is manned by a para-professional whose duties include answering enquiries,
charging and discharging of books including others enumerated above. According to Kumar (1987) the treatment
that library users get at the circulation section contributes towards the public image of the library.
Asked about the procedure to become a patron of the Library, the officer pointed out that every library user
is issued a library card upon registration with the Library. In the case of students the registration normally takes
ide the general registration in acceptance of the offer of admission. Lecturers and
administrative staff also register to use the Library when they are offered appointments by the University. To
borrow from the Library, the library user should ideally present a library identification card and go through the
On imposition and payment of overdue fines, the officer said that it has been a practice in the library to
impose fines on those who fail to return borrowed item(s) to the Library by the due date in line with the
approved library rules and regulations of the University.
In the opinion of the Officer some of the library users do not pay attention to their copies of the library rules
der to recheck the due date(s) when they borrow from the library hence their
The following were pointed out as exemptions to the imposition of overdue fines:
Where a due date falls on a non-working such as a public or a national holiday.
Where the borrowers is on an official university assignment outside the University campus by the due
date. The borrower upon return to the University would have to return the item(s) with supporting
Where the borrower is indisposed by the due date and has a certified medical report to support it.
As regards problems experienced in implementing the rule, the Officer pointed out that there are two main issues
requiring management’s consideration:
Firstly, there is no ceiling on how much a defaulting user could be fined and this has led to situations
where some users had been fined more than doubled the price of the item they borrowed from the
Secondly, users ‘tagging’ whoever takes the fine as insensitive and invariably the Library image.
b) Responses from the library users
The CUCG library rules and regulations recognize three main groups of users: faculty, students, non
members of the University community. The study was limited to
administrative staff because the non-members of the University community have not been ascribed borrowing
Gender distribution of the population
The study population comprised 1125 males and 1055 females representing 51.6% and 48.4% respectively of the
sexes. This shows that there were more males than females on the library’s borrowing register during the study
www.iiste.org
y was about user’s attitude to overdue fines therefore the population for the study comprises students,
lecturers and administrative staff who were on the Library’s borrowers’ register as of April 30, 2012 when the
A simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 300 representing 13.8% of 2180 users on
the library’s register of borrowers before April, 2012. The respondents were made to answer opened-ended and
ed ended questions on borrowings from the Library and imposition of overdue fines. The library officer in
tatistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
l whose duties include answering enquiries,
charging and discharging of books including others enumerated above. According to Kumar (1987) the treatment
that library users get at the circulation section contributes towards the public image of the library.
Asked about the procedure to become a patron of the Library, the officer pointed out that every library user
is issued a library card upon registration with the Library. In the case of students the registration normally takes
ide the general registration in acceptance of the offer of admission. Lecturers and
administrative staff also register to use the Library when they are offered appointments by the University. To
ent a library identification card and go through the
On imposition and payment of overdue fines, the officer said that it has been a practice in the library to
o the Library by the due date in line with the
In the opinion of the Officer some of the library users do not pay attention to their copies of the library rules
der to recheck the due date(s) when they borrow from the library hence their
Where the borrowers is on an official university assignment outside the University campus by the due
date. The borrower upon return to the University would have to return the item(s) with supporting
posed by the due date and has a certified medical report to support it.
As regards problems experienced in implementing the rule, the Officer pointed out that there are two main issues
on how much a defaulting user could be fined and this has led to situations
where some users had been fined more than doubled the price of the item they borrowed from the
variably the Library image.
The CUCG library rules and regulations recognize three main groups of users: faculty, students, non-teaching
members of the University community. The study was limited to faculty, students and
members of the University community have not been ascribed borrowing
males representing 51.6% and 48.4% respectively of the
sexes. This shows that there were more males than females on the library’s borrowing register during the study
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
Figure 1. Gender distribution of the borrowers
Gender distribution of respondents
Three hundred library users constituting 13.8% of the study population were chosen for the study. Table 1 shows
that more males were selected in the random sampling for the study because a lot more males borrow from the
library as shown in Figure 1.
Table 1: Gender distribution of respondents
Gender Respondents
Male
Female
Total
Frequency of borrowing from the Library
Respondents were asked to indicate how frequently they borrow from the Library and 23.3% or 70 of them said
‘very often’, 64.0% or 192 said ‘often’ and 12.7% or 38 opted for ‘occasional
the respondents are regular borrowers from the Library as shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Frequency of borrowing from the Library
Options
Very often
Often
Occasionally
Total
Payment of overdue fine(s)
Overdue fines are normally imposed on library users
due date. The respondents were also asked to indicate whether they have been slapped with overdue fine(s)
before and majority (59.0% or 177) of them answered in the affirmative as shown in Table 3.
In terms of gender, majority (104 out of 154) of male respondents said ‘Yes’ to payment overdue fine(s) before
were males as shown in Figure 2.
Asked about how they have ‘‘manage’’ to avoid paying overdue fines, the leading reasons given by those who
said ‘No’ to paying overdue fines before included:
• adherence to the library rules on borrowing
• setting reminder notes on mobile phones, laptops, etc
• returning and re-borrowing items at a later date
• photocopying for keeps pages that might be needed at later da
Male
1125
51.6%
Journal of Education and Practice 288X (Online)
139
Figure 1. Gender distribution of the borrowers.
tribution of respondents
Three hundred library users constituting 13.8% of the study population were chosen for the study. Table 1 shows
that more males were selected in the random sampling for the study because a lot more males borrow from the
Table 1: Gender distribution of respondents
Respondents Percentage (%)
154
146
300 100.0
Frequency of borrowing from the Library
Respondents were asked to indicate how frequently they borrow from the Library and 23.3% or 70 of them said
‘very often’, 64.0% or 192 said ‘often’ and 12.7% or 38 opted for ‘occasionally’. This therefore shows many of
the respondents are regular borrowers from the Library as shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Frequency of borrowing from the Library
Respondents Percentage (%)
70
192
38
300
Overdue fines are normally imposed on library users who default in returning borrowed library item(s) by the
due date. The respondents were also asked to indicate whether they have been slapped with overdue fine(s)
before and majority (59.0% or 177) of them answered in the affirmative as shown in Table 3.
n terms of gender, majority (104 out of 154) of male respondents said ‘Yes’ to payment overdue fine(s) before
Asked about how they have ‘‘manage’’ to avoid paying overdue fines, the leading reasons given by those who
‘No’ to paying overdue fines before included:
adherence to the library rules on borrowing
setting reminder notes on mobile phones, laptops, etc
borrowing items at a later date
photocopying for keeps pages that might be needed at later date
Female
1055
48.4%
www.iiste.org
Three hundred library users constituting 13.8% of the study population were chosen for the study. Table 1 shows
that more males were selected in the random sampling for the study because a lot more males borrow from the
Percentage (%)
51.3
48.7
100.0
Respondents were asked to indicate how frequently they borrow from the Library and 23.3% or 70 of them said
ly’. This therefore shows many of
Percentage (%)
23.3
64.0
12.7
100.0
who default in returning borrowed library item(s) by the
due date. The respondents were also asked to indicate whether they have been slapped with overdue fine(s)
before and majority (59.0% or 177) of them answered in the affirmative as shown in Table 3.
n terms of gender, majority (104 out of 154) of male respondents said ‘Yes’ to payment overdue fine(s) before
Asked about how they have ‘‘manage’’ to avoid paying overdue fines, the leading reasons given by those who
Female
Male
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
Table 3. Payment of overdue fine(s)
Options Respondents
Yes
No
Total
Figure 2. Cross-tabulation of gender and payment of overdue fines
The main cause of the overdue fine(s)
Library users are generally given a fourteen
Materials so borrowed could be renewed only once for another fourte
overdue fines before were asked to indicate the main cause of the default. Majority of the respondents (49.2% or
87) pointed to forgetting to check the due date as the main cause of the default as presented in Tab
28.2% or 50 of the respondents also indicated that they prefer to keep important books and pay a fine later.
Twenty-seven (15.3%) also attributed payment of overdue fines on their part to the fact that they were not on
campus the due date was as the main cause. These findings corroborates the findings of a survey on library fines
carried out at University of Canterbury Library by Anderson (2008) in which the following were given as the
most common reasons for incurring fines:
• Forgetting to return or renew items
• Not having finished with the item
• Not being at the University on the date due
The 1.7 % or the 3 respondents also (a) pleaded ignorance of overdue fine, (b) closure of the Library at the time
of returning the borrowed item, and (c) lend
As regards gender analysis of the causes of incurring the overdue fine, forgetting to check the due date was the
main cause among the male respondents with 63 of the respondents. ‘Others’
respondents each as the least of the causes among the male respondents as shown in Figure 3. In the case of the
females, 31 respondents being the majority assigned preferring to keep important books and paying a fine later
as the main cause. ‘Others’ was the least with 1 respondent as presented in Figure 3.
Table 4. The main cause for incurring overdue fine(s)
Options
Prefer to keep important books and pay and
pay a fine later
Forgot to check due date
Was indisposed
Was not on campus on the due date
Library staff do not always collect a fine
Others
Total
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
104
Journal of Education and Practice 288X (Online)
140
Table 3. Payment of overdue fine(s)
Respondents Percentage(%)
177 59.0
123 41.0
300 100.0
ender and payment of overdue fines
The main cause of the overdue fine(s)
Library users are generally given a fourteen-day period to use the item(s) whenever they borrow from the Library.
Materials so borrowed could be renewed only once for another fourteen-day period. Library users who have paid
overdue fines before were asked to indicate the main cause of the default. Majority of the respondents (49.2% or
87) pointed to forgetting to check the due date as the main cause of the default as presented in Tab
28.2% or 50 of the respondents also indicated that they prefer to keep important books and pay a fine later.
seven (15.3%) also attributed payment of overdue fines on their part to the fact that they were not on
as the main cause. These findings corroborates the findings of a survey on library fines
carried out at University of Canterbury Library by Anderson (2008) in which the following were given as the
most common reasons for incurring fines:
turn or renew items
Not having finished with the item
Not being at the University on the date due
The 1.7 % or the 3 respondents also (a) pleaded ignorance of overdue fine, (b) closure of the Library at the time
of returning the borrowed item, and (c) lending the item to colleague as the main causes of the overdue fine.
As regards gender analysis of the causes of incurring the overdue fine, forgetting to check the due date was the
main cause among the male respondents with 63 of the respondents. ‘Others’ and ‘Indisposed’ with 2
respondents each as the least of the causes among the male respondents as shown in Figure 3. In the case of the
females, 31 respondents being the majority assigned preferring to keep important books and paying a fine later
in cause. ‘Others’ was the least with 1 respondent as presented in Figure 3.
Table 4. The main cause for incurring overdue fine(s)
Respondents Percentage (%)
Prefer to keep important books and pay and 50
87
2
27
Library staff do not always collect a fine 8
3
177
Yes No
104
5073 73
Male
Female
www.iiste.org
Percentage(%)
day period to use the item(s) whenever they borrow from the Library.
day period. Library users who have paid
overdue fines before were asked to indicate the main cause of the default. Majority of the respondents (49.2% or
87) pointed to forgetting to check the due date as the main cause of the default as presented in Table 4. Another
28.2% or 50 of the respondents also indicated that they prefer to keep important books and pay a fine later.
seven (15.3%) also attributed payment of overdue fines on their part to the fact that they were not on
as the main cause. These findings corroborates the findings of a survey on library fines
carried out at University of Canterbury Library by Anderson (2008) in which the following were given as the
The 1.7 % or the 3 respondents also (a) pleaded ignorance of overdue fine, (b) closure of the Library at the time
ing the item to colleague as the main causes of the overdue fine.
As regards gender analysis of the causes of incurring the overdue fine, forgetting to check the due date was the
and ‘Indisposed’ with 2
respondents each as the least of the causes among the male respondents as shown in Figure 3. In the case of the
females, 31 respondents being the majority assigned preferring to keep important books and paying a fine later
Percentage (%)
28.2
49.2
1.1
15.3
4.5
1.7
100
Male
Female
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
Figure 3. Cross-tabulation of gender and main causes of incurring overdue fines
Immediate reaction of defaulters to overdue fine
Library users have often expressed varied reactions to the imposition of fin
Respondents were asked to recall their immediate reaction when they were first fined for overdue of borrowed
items from the Library. Majority of the respondents (40.1 % or 71) said they complied. Another 37.3% or 66 of
the respondents said they asked for a pardon while 20.9% or 33 respondents also said they were indifferent.
Gender-wise, majority of those who complied immediately were males, while among the female respondents
majority of them said they asked for a pardon. As
males as shown in Figure 3.
Table 5. Immediate reaction of defaulters to overdue fine
Options
Complied
Asked for a pardon
Indifferent
Others
Total
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Preferred to keep important books and pay a
fine later
Forgot to check due date
19
63
31
24
Journal of Education and Practice 288X (Online)
141
tabulation of gender and main causes of incurring overdue fines
Immediate reaction of defaulters to overdue fine
Library users have often expressed varied reactions to the imposition of fines for overdue borrowed items.
Respondents were asked to recall their immediate reaction when they were first fined for overdue of borrowed
items from the Library. Majority of the respondents (40.1 % or 71) said they complied. Another 37.3% or 66 of
spondents said they asked for a pardon while 20.9% or 33 respondents also said they were indifferent.
wise, majority of those who complied immediately were males, while among the female respondents
majority of them said they asked for a pardon. As regards those who were indifferent majority of them were
Table 5. Immediate reaction of defaulters to overdue fine
Respondents Percentage (%)
71 40.1
66 37.3
37 20.9
3
177
Preferred to keep important books and pay a Forgot to check due dateWas indisposedWas not on campus on due dateLibrary staff do not always collect a fineOthers
2
15
6
2
24
12
2
www.iiste.org
es for overdue borrowed items.
Respondents were asked to recall their immediate reaction when they were first fined for overdue of borrowed
items from the Library. Majority of the respondents (40.1 % or 71) said they complied. Another 37.3% or 66 of
spondents said they asked for a pardon while 20.9% or 33 respondents also said they were indifferent.
wise, majority of those who complied immediately were males, while among the female respondents
regards those who were indifferent majority of them were
Percentage (%)
40.1
37.3
20.9
1.7
100
Library staff do not always collect a fineOthers
1
Male
Female
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
Figure 3. Cross-tabulation of gender and immediate reaction of defaulters
Adequacy of the fine per day.
The views of the respondents were sought on the adequacy of the overdue fine of fifty Ghana pesewa
Majority (42.7 or 128) of the respondents thought that the amount payable per day was okay. Another 34.3 % or
103 of the respondents said it was too high but 18.0% or 54 of the respondents opted for ‘low’. Those who
were undecided about the adequacy of the fine constituted 5.0% of the respondents as shown in Table 6.
In terms of gender, Figure 4 shows that majority of both sexes opted for ‘okay’ with regard to the amount
payable per day.
Table 6. Adequacy of the fine per day
Options
Too high
Okay
Low
Undecded
Total
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
complied
45
26
Journal of Education and Practice 288X (Online)
142
tabulation of gender and immediate reaction of defaulters
The views of the respondents were sought on the adequacy of the overdue fine of fifty Ghana pesewa
Majority (42.7 or 128) of the respondents thought that the amount payable per day was okay. Another 34.3 % or
103 of the respondents said it was too high but 18.0% or 54 of the respondents opted for ‘low’. Those who
adequacy of the fine constituted 5.0% of the respondents as shown in Table 6.
In terms of gender, Figure 4 shows that majority of both sexes opted for ‘okay’ with regard to the amount
Table 6. Adequacy of the fine per day
Respondents Percentage (%)
103
128
54
15
300 100.0
asked for a
pardon
indifferent others
3723
2
29
141
www.iiste.org
The views of the respondents were sought on the adequacy of the overdue fine of fifty Ghana pesewas (0.50 Gp).
Majority (42.7 or 128) of the respondents thought that the amount payable per day was okay. Another 34.3 % or
103 of the respondents said it was too high but 18.0% or 54 of the respondents opted for ‘low’. Those who
adequacy of the fine constituted 5.0% of the respondents as shown in Table 6.
In terms of gender, Figure 4 shows that majority of both sexes opted for ‘okay’ with regard to the amount
34.3
42.7
18.0
5.0
100.0
Male
Female
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
4. Figure 4. Cross-tabulation of gender and adequacy of fine per day
Continuation of the imposition of overdue fine
Many people including authors and library users have stated various positions as to whether libraries should
impose fines on defaulters. The views of the respondents were therefore sought on the issue and majority (64.7%
or 194) of them opted for the continuous imposition of
be scrapped and 13% or 39 were undecided on the issue as shown in Table 7. The findings corroborate the
findings of Adomi (2003) on library fines in two Nigerian universities in which two 60.5% of th
disagree to scrapping library fines for overdue books, 27.5% agreeing to the suggestion and 12.0% being
undecided on the issue.
Gender-wise, Figure 5 has shown that majority of both sexes were in support of the continuation of the
imposition.
Table 7 Continuation of the imposition of overdue fine
Options
Yes
No
Undecided
Total
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Too high
56
47
Journal of Education and Practice 288X (Online)
143
tabulation of gender and adequacy of fine per day
Continuation of the imposition of overdue fine
ng authors and library users have stated various positions as to whether libraries should
impose fines on defaulters. The views of the respondents were therefore sought on the issue and majority (64.7%
or 194) of them opted for the continuous imposition of library fines. Another 22.3% or 67 want overdue fine to
be scrapped and 13% or 39 were undecided on the issue as shown in Table 7. The findings corroborate the
findings of Adomi (2003) on library fines in two Nigerian universities in which two 60.5% of th
disagree to scrapping library fines for overdue books, 27.5% agreeing to the suggestion and 12.0% being
wise, Figure 5 has shown that majority of both sexes were in support of the continuation of the
Table 7 Continuation of the imposition of overdue fine
Respondents Percentage (%)
194 64.7
67 22.3
39 13.0
300 100.0
Ok Low Undecided
63
35
9
65
19
6
www.iiste.org
ng authors and library users have stated various positions as to whether libraries should
impose fines on defaulters. The views of the respondents were therefore sought on the issue and majority (64.7%
library fines. Another 22.3% or 67 want overdue fine to
be scrapped and 13% or 39 were undecided on the issue as shown in Table 7. The findings corroborate the
findings of Adomi (2003) on library fines in two Nigerian universities in which two 60.5% of the respondents
disagree to scrapping library fines for overdue books, 27.5% agreeing to the suggestion and 12.0% being
wise, Figure 5 has shown that majority of both sexes were in support of the continuation of the
Percentage (%)
64.7
22.3
13.0
100.0
Male
Female
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
Figure 5. Cross-tabulation of gender and continuation of the imposition of fines
Importance of overdues
Opinions of respondents were also sought on the importance of overdue fines on the Library and its users. As
regards its importance to users the responses included :
• deterrence to would-be defaulters
• drain on users finances
• reluctance to borrowing from the library
• punitive and reformative measure on defaulters
In the case of the library the respondents stated the following among others :
• source of income for the Library
• source of animosity between library staff at the circulation de
• lower the patronage of the library resources
• increases the library’s capacity to retrieve overdue items
Conclusion and recommendations
In conclusion it could be stated from the study that while many of the users borrow from the library t
incidence of overdue fines is high among them. The habit if not checked could among others limit access to
borrowable materials and denies potential users access to them. Income generation from overdue fines is only a
by-product of attempts by the Libra
would-be offenders because the Library could not look on unconcerned whilst its rules were being trampled
upon. Since the monies accruing to the Library cannot fund its activities, the
core activities of supporting teaching, learning and research in an age where barriers to information have been
largely removed by other information media platforms such the Internet.
One cannot call for a rule-free library as that may lead to chaos but heavy fines may also result in defaulters
losing interest continuous use of the Library and those who may wish to borrow from the Library may also
re-consider their actions before making a move which may affect the Libr
learning and research.
The following are recommended for the Library’s consideration:
• Ceiling for overdue fines. The establishment of a ceiling for overdue fines by the Library would ensure
that defaulters are not char
image and encourage more users to borrow from the Library. I suggest the highest should be the
average price per book within a the fiscal year.
• Institutionalization of a grace peri
those who are interested in continuous use of borrowed items could have them renewed without paying
a fine.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
No
3631
Journal of Education and Practice 288X (Online)
144
tabulation of gender and continuation of the imposition of fines
Opinions of respondents were also sought on the importance of overdue fines on the Library and its users. As
regards its importance to users the responses included :
be defaulters
nce to borrowing from the library
punitive and reformative measure on defaulters
In the case of the library the respondents stated the following among others :
source of income for the Library
source of animosity between library staff at the circulation desk and defaulters
lower the patronage of the library resources
increases the library’s capacity to retrieve overdue items
Conclusion and recommendations
In conclusion it could be stated from the study that while many of the users borrow from the library t
incidence of overdue fines is high among them. The habit if not checked could among others limit access to
borrowable materials and denies potential users access to them. Income generation from overdue fines is only a
product of attempts by the Library to put in place punitive and deterrence measures for defaulters and
be offenders because the Library could not look on unconcerned whilst its rules were being trampled
upon. Since the monies accruing to the Library cannot fund its activities, the library should not lose sight of its
core activities of supporting teaching, learning and research in an age where barriers to information have been
largely removed by other information media platforms such the Internet.
brary as that may lead to chaos but heavy fines may also result in defaulters
losing interest continuous use of the Library and those who may wish to borrow from the Library may also
consider their actions before making a move which may affect the Library’s mission of supporting teaching,
The following are recommended for the Library’s consideration:
Ceiling for overdue fines. The establishment of a ceiling for overdue fines by the Library would ensure
that defaulters are not charged beyond a guaranteed limit. This should also help improve the Library’s
image and encourage more users to borrow from the Library. I suggest the highest should be the
average price per book within a the fiscal year.
Institutionalization of a grace period. The Library could consider instituting a grace period within which
those who are interested in continuous use of borrowed items could have them renewed without paying
Yes undecided
98
20
96
19
www.iiste.org
Opinions of respondents were also sought on the importance of overdue fines on the Library and its users. As
In conclusion it could be stated from the study that while many of the users borrow from the library the
incidence of overdue fines is high among them. The habit if not checked could among others limit access to
borrowable materials and denies potential users access to them. Income generation from overdue fines is only a
ry to put in place punitive and deterrence measures for defaulters and
be offenders because the Library could not look on unconcerned whilst its rules were being trampled
library should not lose sight of its
core activities of supporting teaching, learning and research in an age where barriers to information have been
brary as that may lead to chaos but heavy fines may also result in defaulters
losing interest continuous use of the Library and those who may wish to borrow from the Library may also
ary’s mission of supporting teaching,
Ceiling for overdue fines. The establishment of a ceiling for overdue fines by the Library would ensure
ged beyond a guaranteed limit. This should also help improve the Library’s
image and encourage more users to borrow from the Library. I suggest the highest should be the
od. The Library could consider instituting a grace period within which
those who are interested in continuous use of borrowed items could have them renewed without paying
Male
Female
Journal of Education and Practice ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No 12, 2012
• Reminder messages. E-mail/Text messages should be sent to the borro
the due date. This should remind borrowers to return items to the Library by the due date. Forgetting
to return borrowed items on time was given as one of the reasons why overdues are incurred.
• User education. The Library
for freshmen/women and information retrieval course on their rights and responsibilities as regards
library use.
• Provision of library returns bins. The Library’s operating hours is
borrowed items to the Library whenever they are in a position to do so. The Library should therefore
provide bins in library users could drop their materials beyond the operating hours.
• Payment in kind. This is to ensure th
in the number of books that could be borrowed within a given period or assigning such users to do some
activities at the Library that requires little training or supervision.
• Increase copies of core textbooks. A number of respondents (28.2%) stated that they intentionally keep
important materials and pay overdue fines later. A user may do so to ensure that he or she gets access
to certain materials within a desired period. This could be re
textbooks available for borrowing.
• Cheaper photocopies. This could also assist in reducing the incidence of overdue fines. This is because
where selected pages in core materials could be easily photocopied at c
of holding on to them and paying high overdue fines, many of the users as rational beings would opt
for photocopies.
References and bibliography.
Adomi, E.E. (2003). ‘‘Attitudes of university library users towards overdue fi
Managing Library Finances. Vol., 16. No.1. pp.19
Anderson, Barbara (1984). ‘‘The Fines
to the problems. Burgin, Robert and Patsy, Hansel (eds.
Anderson, Barbara (1984) ‘‘Overdues and the Library’s Image.’’ Library overdues: analysis, strategies and
solutions to the problems. Burgin, Robert and Patsy, Hansel (eds.). New York : The Haworth Press, I
Anderson, Caroline V. (2008) ‘Are fines fine? A mixed methods study of the effectiveness of and attitudes to
overdue fines among various borrower groups (age, gender, ethnicity, student status, faculty and degree) of the
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