LIBRARY FINES: FACTS AND FIGURES
INTRODUCTION
In common with other Scottish Universities, Heriot-Watt University has experienced a
significant increase in the number of requests for information relating to library fines.
In order to minimise the impact of the requests on staff who provide the Library services
to the students, we have compiled these facts and figures based on the information
requested by journalists, members of the public, etc.
HOW MUCH HAVE STUDENTS FINED OVER THE PAST YEARS
The figures below represent the fines paid by our students at our Scottish campuses
only (there were just under 9,000 enrolled students in 2016/17). We also have Library
facilities at our Dubai and Malaysia campuses. For further information about these
overseas facilities, please email us at
xxx@xx.xx.xx or visit our websites:
•
Dubai
•
Malaysia
The fines paid by our students based at our Scottish campuses in recent years are as
follows:
Academic year
Amounts in £s
2010-2011
29,000
2011-2112
21,000
2012-2013
14,000
2013-2014
10,000
2014-2015
7,000
2015-2016
6,000
2016-2017
8,000
WHY DOES THE UNIVERSITY IMPOSE FINES?
Our fines are imposed to try and encourage users to return books promptly so that other
students can use them. Our new Library Management Platform (Ex Libris Alma) is set
up to ensure that we only fine for overdue books which have specifically been requested
by other students.
WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE INCOME?
The income generated from these fines is re-invested back into the library e.g.
purchasing of new and/or replacing damaged books so others can also have access to
them. To put the figures above into perspective, we spend approximately £1.5 million
annually on books and journals.
WHAT ARE THE TOP 10 OUTSTANDING FINES AND FOR WHAT ITEMS/BOOKS
We have no business need to record/generate ‘top 10s’ and so this information is also
exempt from release under Section 17 of the Scottish Act: Information not held.
WHAT ARE THE OUTSTANDING FINES FOR BORROWED ITEMS FROM OUR
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY?
Our accounting system does not break down ‘outstanding debts’ by type e.g.
outstanding library fines so this information is exempt under Section 17 of the Scottish
Act: information not held.
WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU PROVIDE TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO
MINIMISE THEIR FINES?
Information regarding the services provided by our Libraries across all our Campuses
can be found on our
Borrowing from HWU libraries webpage. Fines are only incurred on
overdue books which have been specifically requested by another library user.
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