Answered By: Tom Reinsfelder
Last Updated: May 17, 2023     Views: 751

For most items, Penn State University Libraries do not charge a daily fine for overdue materials. All books (and other items) borrowed from the general library collections (the stacks) that have not been recalled may be returned or renewed within 30 days of the due date without fee.

This grace period does not include recalled material.

Materials that have not been returned or renewed within 30 days will be presumed lost and a replacement fee will automatically be assessed. If such materials are returned after the bill date, lost and processing fees will be canceled, although the patron will still be responsible for any overdue or collection agency referral fees.

Overdue fees on other items:

  • Course Reserves: Two-hour and overnight Course Reserves are subject to a fine of $1/hour, to a maximum of $100. After a 1 hour grace period these fines begin to accrue hourly the moment the material was due back in the Libraries. After 10 days, the Libraries presume the material is lost and automatically bill the borrower the cost of the item, a $25 processing fee, plus the overdue fees. (Other course reserves may have different loan periods, grace periods and overdue fee schedules.)
     
  • Videos: Videos are subject to a fine of $1/day, to a maximum of $30. After a 5 day grace period, fines begin to accrue daily the moment the material was due back in the Libraries. After 30 days, the Libraries presume the material is lost and automatically bill the borrower the cost of the item, a $25 processing fee, plus the overdue fees. Note: Borrowers are responsible for fines that accrue on videos that are renewed after their due date.
     
  • Special Permission Loans: Special permission loans are subject to a fine of $3/day to a maximum of $15 (reached on the fifth calendar day late). After a 1 hour grace period for two-hour loan item, or 2 hour grace period for twenty-four hour loan item, fines begin to accrue daily the moment the material was due back in the Libraries. After 30 days, the Libraries presume the material is lost and bill the borrower the cost of the item, a $25 processing fee, plus the overdue fees.
     
  • Recalls: The library staff may recall an item for a course reserves class. After 30 days, the Libraries presume the material is lost and bill the borrower the cost of the item, a $25 processing fee, plus the overdue fees.

Unpaid fines and charges may result in one or more of the following actions:

  • Students: Unpaid library bill(s) that are over >90 days will be transferred to student's Bursar / Lionpath account each month.
  • Faculty, Staff (Full Time & Part Time): If replacement fees for lost materials are not paid within 6 months from bill date at the Libraries, payment will be payroll deducted. For all other fees, if payment is not received within 60 days, payment will be payroll deducted.
  • Alumni and visitors: Fees assessed against a non-affiliated PSU borrower's account that are not paid within 60 days will be transferred to a collection agency. Additional collections referral fee will be charged by University Libraries for this process. Note: When students and employees leave the University, account profiles are changed to Unenrolled or Resident PA or Alumni borrowers and are subject to the collection agency process.

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