Why Medical Students Keep Books Overdue: A study at the University of Jaffna

In the University of Jaffna Medical Library, one hundred and twenty randomly selected medical students who had overdue books were surveyed using a questionnaire with the objective of identifying reasons for keeping borrowed library books overdue; to find out how they perceive the eight given measures against overdue books; and for seeking methods to reduce number of overdue books. A majority of the books which were overdue had been borrowed for reading for clinical classes. Being overdue was fairly high in the subject of orthopedics, followed by microbiology. Results revealed that the major reason for keeping books overdue is students being unable to finish reading. The books on high demand were overdue since the numbers of copies available in the library were not enough to satisfy students' needs. Students were in favor of sending reminder notices as a means of discouraging overdue books, followed by providing renewal opportunities. Students suggested increasing number of copies of demand books, extend the opening hours of the library and extend the loan period as feasible solutions. The need for an extended loan period and increasing the number of copies will require further investigation. Purchasing e-books is another alternative for some textbooks.Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka. Vol.13 (Issue 1). 2009 1-11