This discussion of ways to solve the problem of overdue library materials reviews three pertinent articles from the library literature, several studies of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library system, and a 1985 study at a southwestern public library. Attempted solutions are cited, including fines, overdue notices, retrieval methods such as the employment of collection agencies, and planning programs taking into consideration the relationship of the physical accessibility of the library to the residential address of the borrower. A brief summary of approaches to reducing the problem of overdue library materials evaluates the following alternatives: (1) per-day and maximum fines; (2) written/printed notices; (3) legal action; (4) restriction of borrowing and other library use privileges; (5) billing for the money value owed to the library; (6) use of collection agencies; (7) establishment of a maximum anticipated loss rate; (8) analysis of frequency of library use by borrowers; (9) mass media publicity; (10) examination of loan policy for categories of materials chronically not returned; (11) reassessment of the purpose of loan periods; (12) implications of unreturned materials for library planning; and (13) information that should be provided to borrowers. Statistical data are presented in four tables, and references are provided. (KM)