No fines, free borrowing and other changes at the University Library

The university library aims to be open to everyone, so that knowledge is widely shared and we can help to strengthen the links between the university, the city and the region. To make the library more accessible to a wider audience, we are abolishing membership fees and fines from 1 July. The number of times you can renew books will also be adjusted.

For some people, fines and membership fees act as a barrier to using our collections. At the same time, we have seen at other libraries that borrowed books are returned even without fines. That is why we are abolishing membership fees and fines as of 1 July.   

No fine, but there will be consequences

Borrowing is still borrowing. Even after 1 July, borrowed books or other materials must be returned to the University Library. If you are late returning or renewing items, you will no longer be charged a fine*. However, there are other consequences. For example, your library card will be blocked if you are late. You will then be unable to borrow any new books until you have returned the overdue items. Furthermore, even after 1 July, you will still have to pay administration and replacement costs if you fail to return materials to the library.

*You will still have to pay any fines incurred before 1 July.

Free membership

Students and staff can join the University Library for free. From 1 July, this will also apply to former students and other interested parties. Membership allows you to access the University Library’s collections and borrow books. It does not entitle you to study spaces during exam periods. 

Change from 12 automatic renewals to 6

From 1 July, borrowed items will be automatically renewed three times, after which you can renew them yourself a further three times. Previously, borrowed items were automatically renewed 12 times, which meant that borrowers often kept books for much longer than necessary. With this change, we are asking borrowers to take a more proactive approach and expect that books will become available to other borrowers sooner. 

Have you borrowed any books that you already know you’ll need for longer, for example because you’re using them for your PhD research? Please contact us at bibliotheek@uu.nl. We’ll be happy to work with you to find a suitable solution.

Please view the full lending regulations here.