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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 a new copy of the same or a later edition of the lost book. Used copies will not be accepted.
• 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 an Integrated User Services supervisor at the Circulation desk on second floor, in consultation with the appropriate Subject Librarian.

If the Integrated User Services supervisor 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.

Sources of Price information and In-Print Status for Books

The Integrated User Services supervisor may verify the book's in-print status and price at Amazon.com, Bibliofind, or the publisher's website.