We’ve made changes to our overdue books policy
It’s hard enough to wait for a library book you really need, without having to worry that the person who has it won’t return it on time. Particularly while you prepare for exams, it can be incredibly frustrating to be next in line for a book that becomes overdue.
This year, we are doing our best to stop this from happening so that all our students have access to the resources they need, when they need them.
Sometimes life happens, and returning your overdue book is the last thing on your mind. For many people, forgetting to return a library book on time is an honest mistake. But unfortunately, there are some people who intentionally keep a highly in-demand book past its due date, and that is something the library is committed to preventing with our new Targeted Sanctions Policy.
In response to your feedback, we are making changes to the sanctions we apply to clients who have overdue items or who don’t return books they borrow. From 21 January 2019, we are getting rid of our ‘overdue points’ system and no longer automatically invoicing for overdue books, while also providing clear consequences for those who intentionally keep books past their due dates despite other clients requesting access to them.
What does ‘sanction’ mean?
Clients who keep items past their due dates are subject to being sanctioned, which can include:
- Suspension of borrowing
- Suspension of borrowing and access to library online resources, including databases
- An encumbrance on your student record, which freezes your access to DeakinSync and other online student resources and services
You can find more detailed information about the Conditions of Use on our website.
What happens to me if an item I borrowed is overdue?
You are subject to sanctions if you borrow an item, don’t return it by the due date, and someone else has placed a request for it and told us they still want to borrow it. This prevents unnecessary sanctions for items that are not in high demand, but targets users who intentionally keep overdue books long past their due dates.
What should I do if I request a book and the borrower doesn’t return it on time?
When you let us know that a book you want is overdue, we’ll chase it up for you by contacting the person who has it, and asking them to return it promptly. Until they do, they will be suspending from being able to borrow other books – and possibly from accessing online resources.
How do I make sure I don’t have overdue books?
Last year, we implemented automatic renewals on most Deakin Library loans, which means that eligible loans are now automatically renewed four days before the due date as long as another user has not requested the item. This makes it much easier for library users to manage the items they check out and ensure they don’t go overdue.
However, if another client puts a request on a book you’re borrowing, you will be sent an email with your new due date for that item. This information will also show up in your DeakinSync Library tab under ‘Your Loans’. You will need to return the item by that due date in order to avoid possible sanctions.