Goodbye Daily Library Fines!

Image of a book with pages making the shape of a heart

On January 1, 2020, the Kalamazoo College Library ended fines on overdue materials for students!

Overdue fines have been justified as a motivation for borrowers to return materials on time. Yet research shows that people unable to pay fines stop using the library.

What does this mean for Kalamazoo College students, staff, and faculty?

  • No more daily fines for overdue materials owned by Kalamazoo College Library!
  • You will continue to receive reminders to return overdue materials
  • You are still responsible for returning materials on time
  • You are still responsible for paying for any lost or damaged materials

What library materials still accrue fines?

  • Course Reserves, Power Banks, and other materials with limited time checkouts will still accrue fines at $1.00 per hour. Recalled materials accrue fines at 25 cents per day.
  • Interlibrary Loan materials will continue to accrue overdue fines and fees
  • Media Services, the Center for New Media Design, and other departments may still charge overdue fines for their materials, as determined by individual departments

What happens when Library items are overdue?

  • If materials are lost, damaged, or 45 days overdue, you will be billed a $45 replacement cost per item, plus a $15 processing fee
  • Charges for lost or damaged materials are sent to the Business Office monthly. The Business Office bills student accounts for the replacement charges
  • If library items are returned after a student account is billed, students need to speak with the circulation supervisor in order for a credit to be issued

For more information about our circulation policies, check out the section of our web page on Overdue and Lost Items.