Fine calculations start on the due date and are payable after the grace period
- Rationale
- Fine Structure
- Charges for Lost/Damaged Material
- Schedule of Notices to Students
- Schedule of Notices to Residents
- Faculty/Staff
- Questions/Comments
Rationale
The library's policy of open stacks allows users direct access to materials. Users often find items that are related to the desired subject either in proximity to the book searched for or serendipitously. One objective of our circulation policy is to provide a balance between a loan period sufficient for using the material and having those books available on the shelves. Without fines students can choose to ignore overdue notices and keep materials through the end of the semester without penalty unless the book is recalled for reserve or requested by another user. Libraries that do not charge fines are in effect telling users that being irresponsible about returning materials on time doesn't incur a penalty -- that depriving others of the chance to use those materials is a minor problem. The new fine system will encourage the quick return of books to the shelves.
Delinquent users will be charged 25¢ per day with a 5-day grace period. This means that the smallest fine will be $1.50.
3 notices will be sent to students; individual users are responsible for keeping track of the due date of books that they charge out. Notices are a courtesy.
Fine Structure
Books, Government Documents, Current Interest, Audio Cassettes
(21 day loan)- 25¢ per day, per item $5 maximum charge per item. 5-day grace period.
TMC Collections
(14 day loan)- 25¢ per day, per item $5 maximum charge per item. 5-day grace period.
Circulating Videos
(7 day loan)- 25¢ per day, per item. $10 maximum charge per item. 2-day grace period.
Reserve
(2 hour/2-day loan)- $1 an hour per item for 1st 2 hours; 25¢ per hour thereafter. $10 maximum charge per item. Unauthorized overnight use, $5 plus hourly fine. No grace period
Cameras and Accessories
(7 day loan)- Cameras and accessories have a fine of $5.00 per day, per item to a maximum of $25.00 per item.
- Fines will be assessed on the first overdue day of the loan.
Audio cassette players, equipment for visually handicapped, portable readers or players
(7 day loan)- $1 per day. $10 maximum per item. 2-day grace period.
Recall charges for all users
- $1 per item per day. $25 maximum per item. 5-day grace period.
Charges for Lost/Damaged Materials
Books
- Replacement cost (price from Books in Print or $35 if not in print) plus non-refundable processing fee of $10 per item.
- If a book is found and returned in usable condition within one year of the date paid, the user will only be reimbursed for the cost of the book.
Special Out of Print Books
- Replacement cost determined by Access Services Librarian in consultation with Collection Development Librarian plus non-refundable processing fee of $10 per item
Government Documents
- $15 plus non-refundable processing fee of $10 per document
Videos
- Replacement cost (or $75 if not in print) plus non-refundable processing fee of $25 per item.
Kits
- Replacement cost (or $55 if not in print) plus non-refundable processing fee of $25 per item
Lost Equipment
- Replacement cost plus non-refundable processing fee of $25 per item.
Damaged Equipment
- Cost of replacing damaged part(s) plus non-refundable processing fee of $25 per item
Lost Carrel Room Key
- $10
Outstanding library obligations may prevent you from registering, graduating, or receiving transcripts.
Schedule of notices to students
3 notices will be sent:
- 1st -- day after book due
- 2nd -- 7 days after 1st notice
- 3rd -- 7 days after 2nd notice
Borrowing privileges are suspended until the fine is paid.
Student will be placed on the
Stop List
at the end of the semester if any fines $10.00 remain unpaid and/or any books have not been returned.Schedule of notices to residents
3 notices will be sent:
- 1st -- day after book due
- 2nd -- 7 days after 1st notice
- 3rd -- 7 days after 2nd notice
Borrowing privileges are suspended until the fine is paid
Letter with list of book(s) due and the fines/replacement bill will be sent 2 weeks after the 3rd notice.
Faculty/staff not charged overdue fines
Questions/Comments
Questions/Comments should be referred to the Access Services Librarian (Lorraine Melita / ext. 4009 / e-mail: melital@cortland.edu) or to the Director of Libraries. If neither is available, users will be requested to return or to make an appointment.