The NIU library anticipates collecting $37,552 in late fees for this fiscal year and collected $7,880 in fees this summer.

Library books are lent out for four weeks to undergraduates and 16 weeks to graduate students and faculty, said Stephen Wright, associate dean for Public Services.

After the first day a book is late, a late notice is sent out and another notice is sent after the 14th day. After 35 days, the student gets a bill for $10. If the book is not returned after three months, they get charged $40 or the cost of the book, whichever is higher.

The money collected from late fees goes into the lost book fund to buy replacement books.

“A lot of state universities have the money go into the state’s general revenue fund. The library may or may not see it again. We’re pretty fortunate that we get to use the money to buy new books,” Wright said.

Josh Vance, sophomore marketing major, had $130 in late fees last year. The late notices for the nine books he checked out were sent to his home address, and he did not receive them until he came home to visit one weekend.

Vance said he sent papers to the appeals board to show he got the books turned in to the library before the second notice was sent to his house. He plead his case by questioning why the library mailed the notices to his home address instead of his NIU address, especially since they sent all other school-related mail to that address. He said he received a response about a week later saying his appeal was denied.

“I thought it was ridiculous they sent me the notice at home,” Vance said. If they really wanted me to return the books they should have just sent to my school address in the first place.”

Wright suggests contacting the library to make sure they have your most current address to ensure this doesn’t happen.

To be considered for an appeal, the student would need proof, such as a receipt, to show they returned the books on time, Wright said, although exceptions can be made for special cases. Appeal forms can be picked up at the circulation desk in Founders Memorial Library.

Students can also renew books online at www.niulib.niu.edu, through “my account.” Students can log in using their social security number.

The library is considering sending late notices via e-mail, Wright said.

As of 2002, the library held 1,654,926 volumes and 1,268,242 titles. It also holds 12,270 films and videos.