LIVERPOOL’S universities coined in more than £300,000 in library fines in just one year.

John Moores reclaimed the highest amount of £147,000 in 07/08.

The University of Liverpool also collected a whopping £106,000 from students failing to hand back books on time in the same year.

A shortage of certain books to go around and a reluctance to relinquish sought-after titles were partly blamed for the huge arrears.

But student representatives admitted the buck ultimately rested with them.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show during the 2007/8 academic year £106,059.93 was clawed back by the University of Liverpool. The university reinvests all money generated into books and study resources.

Its most expensive fines relate to short-loan items which has a £2 tariff for the first day and £1 each subsequent day.

Phil Sykes, university librarian, said the charges ensured "borrowed items get back on the shelves" and added: "Research has shown that students are 25% more likely to find the books they need in libraries that charge fines."

Students, he added, had backed the levies during a university survey.

Liverpool John Moores said the £147,000 it made from library fines in 07/08 will be reinvested into "core activities of learning, teaching and research".