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Library Fines Policy

Library fines policy

About fines

Why we charge fines?

We charge fines on any items which are not returned by the due date and have not been automatically renewed. Fines are charged to encourage the prompt return of items so that all library users can access the material that they need.

When do we fine?

If an item you have out on loan is not automatically renewed we will ask you to return it and give you a date to return it by. This occurs when another user reserves an item that you have out and will we notify you when this happens: you will receive an email stating that the item has not been renewed and has been recalled. If you do not return the item by the date given you will be charged a fine.

How long will I have to return the item?

Once an item is reserved we will email you and provide an adjusted due date. You will then have a short period of time to return the item to us:

  • One week loans: you have 2 days to return the item after we email you.
  • Four week loans: you have 7 days to return the item after we email you.

We will send information about recalls and renewals by email so ensure you read every email from the Library.

Top tip: If you are going on holiday or if you are not at University for a week then log into your library account and renew your library books yourself. If any are reserved before you go then arrange to post them back in time.

How much is a fine?

Failure to return a reserved item by the adjusted due date will incur a 50p per day fine, up to a maximum of £10 per item.

Laptops returned after the due time will incur a 25p per hour late return fine.

How to pay

If you do incur a fine you can pay at the library enquiry desk or online via your library account.

Your borrowing rights will not be affected if your fines are under £10. If you have fines of £10 and over you will not be able to borrow any more items until the fines are paid or reduced to under £10: we do take part payments. If this happens to you speak to staff at the enquiry desk and they may be able to help you.

What should I do if I can't return my item?

If your item does go overdue and there are mitigating circumstances, such as illness, bereavement, or caring responsibilities please let us know by phone or email as soon as possible. Being on holiday or not being in university are not acceptable reasons for not returning reserved items on time.

We encourage reserved items to be returned by signed for post. Please post them to:
University Library
University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool
Lincoln
LN6 7TS

Inter-library loans fines

Inter library loans are books borrowed from another institution. These are due back on very specific days, listed on the slip inside the item, and cannot be renewed.

Overdue inter-library loans are charged at a rate of 50p per day until returned. The British Library charges a minimum of £184 if an item is lost or very overdue: you will be invoiced for this and lose all borrowing rights until this is paid.

Policies

Library policies

Contact details

Our contact details

University Library telephone number: : +44 (0) 1522 88 6222 (University Library)

The Ross Library for Biomedical & Health Sciences: : +44 (0) 1522 83 5252 (The Ross Library for Biomedical & Health Sciences)

NCFM Library telephone number: : +44 (0) 1406 49 3046 (NCFM Library)

University Library email address: : library@lincoln.ac.uk

University Library Twitter account: : @LibraryUoL

University Library Facebook account: : UOLLibrary

University Library Instagram account: : uollibrary