Overdues, fines, and liabilities

Purpose

All borrowers are subject to the penalties and sanctions covering breaches of loan regulations. The purpose of fines is not to punish the borrower, but to protect the rights of all library patrons to equitable access to materials.

Policies

Policies concerning fines and overdues are posted in each library ( see “Loan periods/fines” ).

Responsibility

All materials charged against a card are the responsibility of the owner of the card. Liability for materials checked out on a lost/stolen card would cease at the time the card has been reported lost/stolen.

General circulation fines

There is a 5-day grace period on all overdue materials.
Daily fines are $.25 a day (Maximum Fine: $50.00 per item).
Lost/damaged material is subject to the replacement cost of the material.
Replacement costs are automatically calculated by the library system and placed in the patron record.
View fines

Replacement costs for lost materials:

Item	Cost	Default Cost
Book	Price of item as listed in library system	$50.00
CD / Videos	Price of item at the time it is lost	$50.00
Magazines	Price of item as listed in library system	$15.00

Are replacement costs negotiable?

If the patron questions the replacement cost, library staff will look for a current price in books in print and will use the lower cost of the two prices.
If the title is not in books in print or another online source, the original default cost will be charged or staff will consult with the library’s book buyer to determine an average price.
If a patron still questions the charge, desk staff will refer the patron to the technical services coordinator or the circulation services manager.

Reserve fines

There is no grace period on reserve materials.
Hourly Reserve Items: Fines are $.25 per hour per item
Weekly Reserve Items: Fines are $.25 per day per item
The library staff may notify the instructor if an item is seriously overdue. The privacy of the patron using the material will be protected in all cases.

What happens if a lost item is found?

If items are returned after they have been lost and paid for in Banner (PCC business office accounting system), the library will credit the patron’s business office account. Any overdue fine will be applied to the patron's library record.

Fines and other library charges

Borrowers with fines or other library charges may continue to check out library materials.
All library charges are posted to the borrower's business office ("Banner") account.
Fines are non-negotiable after the current term is over
Lost materials that are returned are credited up to one year from the date of loss.
Outstanding library charges are handled in the same manner as other college payments. For details see Paying Your Tuition and Fees on the college website.

PCC faculty and staff

No fines will be charged on overdue materials. (Exceptions: PORTALS fines). The library does assess replacement costs for unreturned or lost materials.