Students and overdue books in a medical library

Abstract

At the University of Ilorin Medical Library, sixty-one randomly selected medical students with overdue books were surveyed using a questionnaire with a view to (1) finding out why they had not returned the library books in their possession, (2) determining their perceptions of eight given overdue measures, and (3) seeking suggestions on how else to reduce overdue books. Most of the overdue books were as a result of (1) the students not finishing with the books and (2) the students being forgetful. Providing for renewals was the most favored overdue measure, while the need for increased multiple copies and extended loan periods for students were also stressed. Thus, a notice urging readers to return or renew borrowed library books was mounted on the issue desk as a reminder to all readers borrowing books. The library is being automated, which will facilitate timely generation and sending of overdue notices. More copies of some titles were purchased, while a copy each of others was transferred to the reserve collection. The need for an extended loan period will require further investigation, while the judicious use of other overdue measures to complement providing for renewals is recommended.