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University of Oregon Libraries

Overdue fines and other charges

Overdue fines are assessed for materials which are returned or renewed past the time or date they were due. The amount of the fine is calculated when material is returned.

If library materials are damaged while you have them you will be billed for the cost of the repair. If the materials cannot be repaired you will be billed a replacement charge plus a $20.00 service charge for each item. All lost or damaged materials remain the property of the University of Oregon Libraries; if lost items are later found, they must be returned to the Libraries.

If you notice that an item is damaged when you're checking it out, alert circulation staff so you won't be held responsible.

When items are four weeks overdue you will be sent a bill for the replacement cost of the item, a $20.00 service charge and the maximum overdue fine. If items are returned within one year, and before replacements are ordered, the replacement charge (but not the service charge or overdue fine) will be refunded. This refund can also be given if a replacement copy is submitted and accepted by the library within the same timeline and restrictions. Additional restrictions apply in the case of a replacement copy:

  • Replacement copies will not be accepted for Summit, Interlibrary Loan, or Reserve items.
  • Acceptable replacement copies must be new (never used) and an exact copy of the lost item.
  • If you choose to provide a replacement copy, you cannot be reimbursed if the original item is later returned.
  • The replacement copy becomes the property of the University of Oregon Libraries and cannot be returned to you even if the original copy is found at a later date.

Payment of the replacement charge or furnishing a replacement copy does not transfer ownership from the library of the missing item.

Overdue fines, service and replacement charges are applied to your UO account. The Business Affairs Office sends monthly statements of accounts which include these library charges.

Overdue Fine Rates

General collection materials:

Overdue fines are $.50 per item day for the first 10 days and $1.00 per day for the next 15 days up to a $20 maximum.

Restricted and Reserve collections:

Overdue fines apply to all borrowers and range from $4.00 per hour (or part of an hour) to $6 per day per item to a $40 maximum. These items accrue fines until they are received at the checkout desk from which they were checked out.

Bound Journals and circulating Reference materials:

Overdue fines are $5 per day to a $30 maximum.

Recalled items:

Fines apply to all borrowers and are $4.00 per day per item to a $40 maximum.

Summit/ILL

Fines apply to all borrowers and are $.50 per item per day for the first 10 days and $1.00 per day for the next 15 days up to a $20 maximum.

Maintained by: Laura Willey, lwilley@uoregon.edu
Last Modified: 04/25/2007