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The University of Tennessee

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Lost Books: Borrower-Initiated Replacements

Lost Books

A library book is considered lost when it is not renewed or returned within three weeks after it is due. The person who has lost the item will received a replacement bill plus a $20 processing fee. The replacement cost is based on the average cost of other books of the same format and subject matter.

  • If the person returns the item before paying for it, the library removes the whole replacement amount for this item. (But overdue fines for recalled, reserve, or electronic items remain.)
  • If the person returns the item after paying for it, the library refunds the charge for the item but keeps the processing fee.
  • If the library finds the item and determines that the library did not check it in properly, the library removes or refunds the whole amount owed for this item.

Donations of Replacements for Lost Books

Sometimes the borrower offers to donate a replacement copy of the lost book, rather than pay the lost book fee. Donated replacements will be accepted if these conditions are met:

  • The replacement must be the same or a later edition of the lost book.
  • The replacement must be in good physical condition. All pages must be securely bound, the cover must be attached, and the book must be clean and free of mold, water damage, or extraneous marks.
  • Either paperback or hardcover will be acceptable

Decisions on the acceptability of donated replacements will be made by the Collection Management Coordinator, in consultation with the appropriate Subject Librarian.

If the Collection Development & Management Coordinator agrees to accept the donated volume as a replacement, the borrower will be charged only the $20 processing fee. If the book is not an adequate replacement for the lost book, the borrower will be charged the regular lost book fee.

Borrower Appeals of the Lost Book Replacement Fee

If the borrower believes that a replacement for the lost book can be found for less than the amount of the lost book fee, he or she should contact the Collection Management Coordinator. The Coordinator will verify the book's in-print status and price in Books in Print.

If the book is in print and available for a price lower than the amount of the lost book fee, the borrower will be charged the price listed in Books in Print, plus a $20 processing fee and any accumulated overdue fines. If the price of a replacement is greater than or equal to the amount of the lost book fee, the borrower will be charged the normal lost book fee.

Sources of Price Information and In-Print Status for Books

The authoritative source for prices and in-print status for US books is Books in Print. An electronic version of this tool is available from the Database page in the Libraries web site.

The Library does not generally accept price information from Amazon.com, Bibliofind, or other commercial vendors, since listed items may not be consistently available.