LibAnswers: Library Policies

This page contains information about Library fines and fees, damage or lost items, equipment charges, interlibrary loan charges, and refunds.

Fines and Fees

Definitions:

• A Library Fine is a small daily charge which accumulates daily for not returning an item by the assigned due date.
• A Library Processing Fee is a charge associated with remediating a damaged book, cataloging and preparing new or replacement copies, or processing late items beyond the end of the semester.
• A Library Replacement Fee is a charge to replace an item damaged beyond repair or considered lost. This fee may be removed upon the return of an item in its original condition and in good working order. Note: all items not returned by the end of each semester are considered lost until returned.

Books & ILL:

• The Library charges $.20 per day, per book, with a maximum overdue fine of $10 per item (fines for Interlibrary Loan materials and equipment differ, see below).
• Late fees and fees for damage or replacement of interlibrary loan materials will be assessed in accordance with the lending library's loan policy.
• Damaged books will incur up to a $20 fine for items not completely damaged beyond repair (ex. water damage, tear marks) or $68 for replacement if the damage is beyond repair.
• Please note that Interlibrary Loan books carry a $1 per day, per item late fee, and there is no maximum.

Equipment: 

• Library equipment and reserve items have varying late fees that are stated on the equipment checkout form at the time of checkout.
• The cost to replace is the original cost of the equipment. Checkout limits, fines, and additional information can be found on the library technology page.

General Information:

• Replacement charges will be removed upon the return of the item in working and good condition.
• All items are due for return at the end of the long semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) in which they are checked out. Any items not returned by the last day of finals each semester will be considered lost and users will be charged a processing fee of $3 and the cost for replacement (Typically, $68 per books and media; equipment and laptops will be charged the original cost of the equipment). Additionally, users will be charged any accumulated late fees.
• Library fees can be paid to the cashier located on the first floor of the Administration Building, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday. Fees may also be paid online through myLSUS. Students should note that all library equipment balances must be paid before students are allowed to register for future semesters.

Damaged or Lost Items

• Damaged books and media will be assessed by library staff upon return and may incur a fee of up to $20 to remediate items not completely damaged beyond repair (ex. water damage, tear marks).

  • Items will be assessed based upon the extent of the damage. Items damaged beyond repair will be subject to replacement costs. Any applicable late fees will accrue until the item is returned.

• Lost items will be assessed a processing fee of $3, plus a replacement cost.

  • Books and media will be assessed a replacement cost of $68 per item.
  • Circulating equipment, laptops, and tablets will be assessed at the original cost of the equipment.
  • Late fees for lost items will be calculated based upon the number of days the item is past due when the patron notifies the library that a book has been lost.
  • In consultation with the Library, users may provide a replacement copy of a damaged or lost item in the same format as the original. The copy can be used, but must be in very good or like new condition and must be free from highlighting, writing, or markings from other libraries. Newer editions may be acceptable.  Contact the Circulation Desk to ensure that the replacement item meets requirements.

Equipment Charges

The cost to replace equipment is the original cost of the equipment.

Interlibrary Loan Charges

Please note that replacement fees for Interlibrary loan books are determined by the lending library.

Refunds

If a lost book is found and returned within one year from the date of payment for the book, a refund of the replacement fee will be made to the person who paid for the book. The processing fee and fine are non-refundable.