When items are not returned in a timely manner, other patrons needing to use the items cannot. It is important that materials are returned on time because the item may be needed by another student to complete a class assignment or by an instructor to teach a class. Fines are used to reinforce the loan period limits so that materials are available after a reasonable time for other patrons to use. Numerous methods for additional renewal periods are made available to the patron prior to the item's due date; therefore, extended unauthorized use by the patron generates penalties.
In the case of lost items, fees are used to cover the cost of replacement, and the processing fee covers the cost of the additional workload placed on staff to process the items for the collection.
Fines and/or fees cannot be waived or reduced without authorization. Only the Circulation Supervisor(s), and the Director of Library and Information Resources are authorized to waive or reduce fines.
If an item has not been returned, fines continue to accumulate until they reach the fine cap, even if the fines have been appealed. In addition, any holds which have been triggered by the fines will remain until the fines are paid or waived through the appeals process.
Fines (which are subject to change) for items not returned by the end of the loan period (or grace period if applicable) shall accrue as follows:
Lost items will be billed a processing fee plus the replacement cost of the item. All patrons are responsible for replacement fees for lost or non-returned items. Charges will be based on current replacement price for the item plus a $10.00 processing fee. Refunds for materials returned to the library after replacement charges have been paid are given only if the item has not been replaced or withdrawn from the collection.
Unpaid fines or an excessive number of overdues will result in a loss of borrowing privileges.
Unresolved charges may result in a block on future class registrations and transcript requests.
All appeals must be made through a fine/fee appeal form, also available at the Library Service Desk in the North Hall Library. Forms should be submitted (Fully filled out – no exceptions) to staff on duty at the Library Service Desk.
If possible, attach a copy of the bill or fines statement to the appeal form. Circulation staff may be able to provide a duplicate copy. Please attach copies of any supporting documentation which may help clarify any extenuating circumstances.
Appeals of overdue fines must be made within two weeks (14 days) of incurring the fine.
Appeals of fees and/or fines on lost items must be made within seven (7) days of returning the item if the item is found and returned within one calendar year of being declared lost.
Fines and/or fees incurred for items which are lost and not subsequently found and returned, or for items returned more than one calendar year after being declared lost, will not be waived.
In general, fines or fees will not be waived for the following reasons:
Appeals are reviewed first by the Circulation Supervisor on duty. If no Circulation Supervisor is on duty, the appeal form will be submitted for review when s/he returns or to the Library Service Desk. If the Circulation Supervisor denies the appeal, the patron may submit a final appeal to the Director of Library and Information Resources. The decision of the Director of Library and Information Resources is final and may not be further appealed. Patrons should note that in the majority of cases, appeals that are initially denied are unlikely to be overturned further up the appeals hierarchy.
You will be notified via email within seven to ten (7-10) business days of receipt of the appeals form.
Reviewed 6/5/2019