2 August 2022
By email:
[FYI request #19830 email]
Dear Ella
I refer to your information request dated 5 July 2022 made under the Official Information Act 1982.
You have requested information regarding library fines at the University of Otago between 2019 –
2021.
We set out our responses to each of your questions below.
The total value of all library fines for late, overdue and damaged books for between the
years of 2019 – 2021 (inclusive), including a breakdown of the value of fines per year
Please see the below table which shows the total value of library fines for late, overdue and
damaged books from 2019 – 2021:
Year
Total value of library fines
2019
$66,164.63
2020
$52,794.19
2021
$49,941.42
Total
$168,900.24
The value of fines for overdue books in 2021
The total value of fines for overdue books in 2021 was $23,388.75.
The total value of fines paid for overdue books in 2021 was $5,160.50.
The number of library fine waivers granted by the library for the years of 2020 and 2021
The total value of all library fine waivers in 2020 was $41,495.86.
The total value of all library fine waivers in 2021 was $39,985.12.
Please note that these figures are the total of all fine waivers for overdue and recalled material, and
include lost books being returned – when there is an automatic waive of the lost replacement fees.
Whether there is any policy of fine forgiveness in place upon the return of lost or overdue
books
Since 2015, there have been no daily fines for overdue regular loan items. Fines are charged at a
daily rate for recalled items and high demand items. The University of Otago library fine rates are
available at the following link:
https://www.otago.ac.nz/library/fines/. Upon the return of lost material, there is an automatic waive of fines. We also note that during
COVID-19 lockdown periods in 2020 and 2021, there were no library fines charged.
I trust that this information will be helpful.
Yours sincerely
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator
Office of the Registrar
