Not in Exam Time

Dear Sir,—The penalty of paying a fine for overdue books is indeed a very good idea. We must always keep an eye on the books we borrow from the library. However, do we have time to do this when exams, are on? That is the time when we want many books.

And since the librarian never stops us—we are tempted to take more and more books out until the day when the books are all overdue and the victim is fined a terrific sum. But some times we may be so preoccupied that we neglect the reminders regarding overdue books. Or when we move to a new place and, because of the exams., we sometimes forget to inform the librarian.

The belated reminder reaches us perhaps after a long time, consequently, In some cases the fines may mount up to more than the actual cost of the book, so that it is doubtful whether we should return the book at all, and pay the tremendous fine, or keep the book and refuse to return it.

The system is supposed to stop students being book-lovers. But if it is enforced during examination times it is surely a money-making racket?

—Lee.

[Surely, it is simpler for the students to notify the librarian of their changes of address than for the librarian to try trace the activities of several thousand readers?—Ed.]