Food for fines
Round two for library-fine program
VERONICA CARR STAFF
Food for Fines, a program that allows students to pay off library fees through non-perishable food items, has hit round two at the University of Manitoba. Through March 10 to 25, the UMSU and University of Manitoba Libraries program will be available to all students who want to pay off some of their library dues in food instead of cash.
The program was first tested from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, 2006, and raised over $350 worth of non-perishables.
“We were happy with the results of the first Food for Fines, but we felt that perhaps students weren’t as aware of the program as they could have been,” said Nicole Michaud-Oystryk, acting associate director of U of M libraries and head of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library. “This time around we sent out about 4,000 personal letters to students who have fines owing and we posted more widespread posters around campus.”
Donations of non-perishable food items for up to $20 off students’ library late fees at all of the U of M libraries will be accepted at the currency of $2 per non-perishable. The first Food for Fines was for a maximum of $15 at $1 per non-perishable.
All food items collected will then be sent directly to the University of Manitoba Food Bank.
Michaud-Oystryk added that a goal has not been set in terms of numbers. “We just want to make this available to students that might find it easier to contribute some food items over then handing over cash,” she said.
Libraries at the U of M fine on average 25 cents per day on each overdue item and students’ fines may range from mere cents to more than $100.
“It’s good for the students because we don’t have a lot of money and it’s beneficial for the people who use the food bank — seems like a win-win to me” said Julia Jameson, a fourth-year psychology student.
Although not unique to the U of M, the Food for Fines program is being adapted to fit the libraries’ needs, and students can anticipate seeing at least one event per semester.
Although the previous concern that the libraries may lose some of the revenue they usually gain from students’ late fines, the minimal loss of revenue isn’t likely to hinder the libraries acquisition fund — a budget line used to purchase new material for the libraries that totalled $9.4 million (including art acquisitions) in 2005-06. The university’s libraries collect $80,000 to $100,000 in late fines annually.
Christian Butera, UMSU vice-president (advocacy) wants the program to eventually become permanent at the U of M, with the help of more publicity and understanding throughout the student body.
“I hope the program gets implemented all year round, because it’s a great opportunity for students. We are on to something here, we just need to get more students involved and interested now,” said Butera.
