Posts from — November 2011

For a class, I was required to use a CDROM disc program on a Windows computer. When I asked how I could do that at Ellis Library, they said I could rent out a laptop, so I did. I asked about getting a charger, and he said it would last the two hours that I had the laptop rented. It did not. The computer battery shut down, and I lost the entire project I was working on because when it shut down it automatically logged me out. I had to start completely over on the project, losing more than an hours worth of work. I am a graduate student, and every hour of study time is precious. I am extremely frustrated that the library did not provide more assistance for my problem.

We do not have chargers to check out for use with the regular laptops. We make sure each computer is fully charged before we will check it out, and the batteries are supposed to last at least two hours. We are sorry that this happened.  They are heavily used and rechargeable batteries don’t last forever in spite of the great advertising. Thanks for letting us know there is a problem. But it would be helpful to know exactly which laptop you were using, so we can replace the battery. Please stop by the Circulation desk if you have a chance, so we can remedy this problem.

I have a suggestion about library fines. I love libraries, and I understand the necessity for fines–to discourage stealing books and so students return them in a timely manner–but the fees here are OUTRAGEOUS. I understand that I’m supposed to be a responsible adult and manage due dates on my own without e-mail reminders, but I think it’s kind of underhanded to wait 5 days before sending an overdue notice to students. My parents do not pay for charges to my student account and as a graduate student I live below the poverty level. I am sure there are many other students in the same condition. I would like to suggest that you remove fees from the student’s account after they have returned the books, or at least minimize them to a reasonable amount (such as $2 per week, instead of $2 or $10 per day). I suppose you probably make a decent amount of your money from library fees but my experience so far this semester has made me not even want to check out books from the library.

Thank you for your comment. In most cases, we do not charge fines on materials. If a book is overdue more than 5 days, you will receive a notice from us stating that you will be billed $175 for the replacement of the book if you do not return it. Once you do return the book, that replacement cost is removed from your bill. We do charge fines for recalled books, and sometime for books borrowed from other libraries depending on their policies. For all the details about our fine policies, please visit http://mulibraries.missouri.edu/about/borrow/fees.htm.

If you have additional questions about fines call (573) 882-4072 or your branch library.