That time of the year when classes begin and students crowd Textbook Rental Services to get books for the new semester has arrived again. This semester, the service has undergone several changes.

Late fines changed from a graduated scale where students paid $1 per day for each late book to a one-time $10 fee per book the first day after they are due.

Carol Miller, director of Textbook Rental Services, said for every book that is not turned in on time, Textbook Rental Services must purchase a new one to make sure the school has enough books in supply.

“It costs a lot of money to replace books that do not get returned to us,” said Staff Clerk Cheryl West.

The new fee was put in place as an incentive for students to turn in their books by deadline, West said.

“College kids are poor,” said Jennifer Auchincloss, a freshman psychology major. “I think a lot of students are going to have a problem with that.”

Students like Auchincloss are unhappy with the change, but agree it might encourage students to keep track of their books.

The change will actually save Eastern and its students money, Miller said.

“One dollar does not even pay the employees to write the receipt or for the receipt itself,” Miller said. “Students will save money in the long run because we won’t be purchasing new books.”

Also implemented this semester, students have two days after dropping a class to return their books before they are charged a $10 late fee per book as well as a nonrefundable $5 processing fee. The deadline to drop a class and avoid being charged for it is 4 p.m. Jan. 24.

Beginning last semester, students can access a list of textbooks they have checked out through PAWS Online.

Miller said she has heard positive feedback from students about the change.

“I think it’s good that they offer (a list) to the students,” said Laura Zemaitis, a sophomore family and consumer sciences major. “Some may look at it as a way to keep track of their books.”

Students’ access to a list of their textbooks is helpful because “you know you have everything correct before you come in,” Miller said.