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The Library is now fines-free!

You asked, we listened! Beginning in January 2022, the library will no longer charge late fees on library materials. In addition, if the materials you have checked out have not been requested by another user, they will be automatically renewed for you, up to the maximum number of renewals. We will trial this fines-free policy throughout 2022, and after a year we’ll assess if we can continue it going forward.

While we are fines-free, you will still be responsible for returning items and paying for materials that are damaged or lost. We also ask for prompt return of interlibrary loan and MOBIUS materials, since other libraries might choose not to lend to us if we establish a pattern of late returns. But you will not be charged a fine if materials are returned in good condition!

This announcement is limited to the library at the home campus in St. Louis. International campus libraries may still charge fines for late materials, depending on the policies at each campus.  

We’ve made this change in part thanks to a proposal from SGA Comptroller Blain McVey, who suggested that eliminating fines could help ensure equitable access to library materials. Going fines-free is becoming increasingly common in libraries, and the largest public library systems in the area, including the St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library, have gone fines-free in recent years. The American Library Association encourages elimination of fines, and in 2019 issued a statement which notes that fines create “a barrier to the provision of library and information services” and “urges libraries to scrutinize their practices of imposing fines on library patrons and actively move towards eliminating them.”

We are pleased to provide you with easier access to library resources with this new fines-free trial!

Library Online Presentations

New to Webster University or library research? Join your librarians for a tour of library resources and services, with a chance to ask your own questions. Learn how to access articles, books, subject research guides and one-on-one help from a librarian, 24/7! We show you how to find the information you need when you need it. 

Register here for:

Thursday, January 27 

5:00 to 5:30 PM US Central Time 

Can’t wait for the webinar? Check out recorded webinars on our Training Videos page. Here, you’ll find help with getting started, research and writing, citation and managing your research, and help for your major/program. 

Resource Spotlight: Illiad 

When doing research in library databases, you may see information about an article, but not the full-text of the article. We can almost always get electronic access to these articles on your behalf. Requesting a full-text article is quick, easy and free!

Find out more here!