Students at DMU will face less of financial burden after DSU successfully lobbied for the removal of library fines.
Students at De Montfort University (DMU) will face less of financial burden after De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) successfully lobbied for the removal of library fines.
As of Thursday 1 February, you will not be charged a penalty fine on an overdue normal loan book, DVD or CD that is not reserved by someone else.
Fines will continue to be charged for high demand items such as laptops and short loan items, as well as books and other resources reserved by others. Historical charges accrued before Wednesday 31 January will remain outstanding.
Ahtesham Mahmood, President of DSU, worked with university’s Library and Learning Services on the change.
He said: “I am over the moon about this enhancement because it is saving students money and preventing them from being charged when they have got so much going on in their lives, as well as being aligned with one of my manifesto goals to reduce hidden course costs.
“It’s happened to me before – I’ve taken books out before the Christmas holidays and forgotten to hand them back in on time.
“For me, it is not too bad because I live in Derby. But imagine if you’re an international student or you live in – I don’t know – Plymouth, and you have to remember to renew the book or drive to return it.
“One or two days’ worth of fines could have paid for printing of my lecture materials, but I am happy now that that money can now stay in students’ pockets.
“It is a step forward in reducing hidden course costs and in making an already great library that bit better for students.”
Ahtesham was part of the Officer Team in 2016 who successfully lobbied for the Kimberlin Library to be open 24/7, 365 days of the year. Read more here.
The news comes as the Kimberlin Library and other learning spaces across the DMU campus such as the Eric Wood Learning Zone and The Greenhouse prepare for their busiest period with students completing their final deadlines of the academic year.
Richard Partridge, Head of User Experience for Library and Learning Services, explained: “These changes reflect a shift away from penalties for forgetfulness on our ‘normal’ stock loans whilst retaining penalty incentives to return material that is in demand, either because it is reserved by other users, or it’s a high demand item such as short loans and laptops.
“We’re keen to get feedback from students on these changes and to promote the fact that we’re taking positive action to reduce the financial burden on students while still managing their learning resources – particularly those in demand – in an equitable and responsible way.”
Ahtesham concluded: “Working with Richard has been an absolute pleasure, and it shows the university working with the students’ union towards better academic representation and helping us create an unforgettable student experience.
“Keep your eyes peeled for another piece of positive study space news coming in the next couple of weeks…”
The move to remove library fines is set to save students from an extra financial burden while at university.
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