Fines will be charged for items that are not returned when needed by another borrower, i.e. items that have been recalled or any item(s) on Course Reserve, or materials that are not renewed and long overdue (varies due to loan periods). Long overdue items are considered lost and will be billed at replacement fees. Most Reserve items, media and equipment will go lost and billed after much shorter periods depending on the loan period.
Fines and Fees - Overdue or Lost Items
Regular Circulating Items
- $140 billed per book
- $170 billed per journal, A/V
- no prior recall
Recalled Items
- $10 per day (maximum $100)
Closed Reserves, Hourly - 7-day loan
- $5 each hour/day (maximum $100)
OhioLINK Circulating Item
- $125 billed per item overdue 30 days
SearchOhio Circulating Item
- $50 billed per item overdue 30 days
Equipment
- Varies
Fines and Fees - Lockers
Locker Keys, Daily
- $0.50 per hour (maximum $90)
Locker Keys, Scholarly
- $10 per day (maximum $100)
Lost Locker Key
- $100 (Key and Lock replacement)
Removal of Unauthorized Materials
- $2 per item
Locker Cleaning Fee
- $25
Damage to Locker
- $25
To avoid fines, please return or renew materials on time. Items cannot be renewed if they have been recalled, are non-renewable or if you have received a bill for them. Materials that are not renewed and long overdue (varies due to loan periods) are considered lost and will be billed at replacement fees. You may request a receipt for every item you return.
Loss of Borrowing Privileges
Fines and other fees of $50 or more automatically result in a suspension of borrowing privileges (sanctions) and a block placed on your University records, including registration, grades, transcripts and receipt of financial aid.
- Please note: University Libraries is happy to work with customers in resolving fines and fees; please complete the Library Appeal Form.
- Faculty and staff and students will be billed for long-overdue items. Billings will be handled through the University Bursar.
Sanctions and blocks are not removed until accounts are paid, or a successful appeal of the fine is made using the Library Appeal Form.
Damaged Items
Based on the extent of damage, University Libraries will assess the item to determine whether it can be repaired, and if so, how much the repair will cost. The fee for repair will be billed to your My Library Account. If you dispute this charge, you may appeal it using the Library Appeal Form.
Replacement Options
In lieu of Lost and Billed charges, University Libraries provides the option to accept the purchase of a replacement book with payment of the processing fee ($40). Replacement copies must be approved through the online appeal process. OhioLINK replacements must be approved by the owning institution; please use the Library Appeal Form to request permission prior to purchasing a replacement book.
Payment of Fees
All fines must be paid to accounts receivable in Workday. Additional information about how to pay fines.
Fine Appeals
University Libraries make every effort to regulate fines according to well-defined standards. However, under some circumstances, you may have sound reasons for appealing a fine. Please review the Libraries' Borrowing Policies and Procedures prior to filing an appeal.
All appeals must be submitted using the Library Appeal Form. Users can expect a response within 5 business days during normal activity levels.
Appeals may be submitted up to 60 days, or (2) months, after the fine date to be considered. Please note, accounts submitted to the Bursar's office cannot be considered for appeal. Please include copies of receipts, library notices, and other useful documentation when submitting the Library Appeal Form.
All reasonable concerns related to Library charges will be considered; however, the following are NOT considered reasons on which an appeal can be based:
- Lack of understanding of University Libraries policies. Circulation policies are available on the web and are the responsibility of the user to read and understand.
- Unwillingness to take responsibility for materials checked out to you which you loaned to another person or allowed others to use.
- Non-receipt, late receipt or inattention to University Libraries email notification. Renewal reminders are sent as a courtesy by the Libraries; therefore, it is the user's responsibility to monitor My Library Account and ensure prompt renewal of items with or without these reminders. Users not reading e-mail due to conferences, vacations, holidays, semester breaks, etc. are still responsible for responding. It is the patron's responsibility to make arrangements for maintenance of their account during these times of absence.