Overdue Fines, Fees and Lost Items

The library's policy statement and appeal form can be printed from here.

Patron Responsibility:

The patron, the library card holder, is responsible for the care and return of materials checked out from the library.  If a minor has materials checked out, the parent or guardian is responsible.

Patrons are responsible to maintain the library materials they check out of the library, they must remain in a reasonable condition during the time they are checked out.  Reasonable condition is defined as: normal wear and usage.  Patrons who intentionally write upon, injure, deface, tear, cut, mutilate, destroy or otherwise damage library materials will be billed for the replacement costs of the item.

Students, faculty and staff are responsible for paying their own fines and fees to the University of Oregon Libraries. They can be paid at the U of O Business Office in Oregon Hall.

Charges:

For NCU materials, there will be no daily fine for the first 30 days after the due date of the book.  Instead there will be a $75.00 charge, per book, after the 30 day grace period.  If after the 30 day period the book is returned, the charge will be reduced to $25.00.  If the book is not returned but the patron would like the charge reduced, they must replace the book (subject to librarian approval) and the charge will be reduced to $25.00.

• If the patron wishes to renew the book, it must be renewed within the 30 day period.
• Patron is to pay the library.  At the end of the semester all outstanding charges will be turned over to the business office.
• Payment for overdue fees must be made prior to checking out new materials
• All fees must be paid prior to graduation

There will be no daily fine for the first 30 days after the due date of the book.

The library is under no obligation to notify patrons of overdue library materials; however, as a courtesy, the library will send written notices of overdue items to patrons as the time and resources of the library permits.

Appealing Charges:

If you believe the library has made an error resulting in you being charged or if you have a situation that has hindered the return or renewal of library materials, you may file an appeal in the library.  The charges may be upheld, reduced or waived.

The following reasons are generally not regarded as valid for appeals:

• Forgetting, not knowing or disagreeing with the due date, amount of charges, or the library policy
• Loaning the item(s) to a third party
• Being too busy or out of town
• Not receiving or reading the courtesy overdue reminder
• Transportation problems

Appeal forms are available here or at the circulation desk.   Please return the form to a circulation staff member or as an email attachment to khead@nwcu.edu.