Fines and Charges
Overdue Fines | Restrictions & Flags | Damaged Books |
Lost Books | Books are Expensive
Overdue Fines
The Libraries charge an overdue fine of $.25 per day for each item overdue. This money goes into the University's general fund. If the return or renewal of books is grossly ignored or if fines accumulate, the Libraries will restrict library privileges. In some cases we may also restrict access to course registration, transcripts, the graduation process and the purchase of athletic tickets.
It is now easy for users to avoid fines by using the self-renewal feature of GIL. For more information, see My Account.
In cases where books are being recalled for other researchers, a special fee of $1.00/day will be assessed if the item is not returned by the date specified. All patrons are subject to recall fines.
Fee Payment Options
Payment for fines and fees can be made in person at the Main and Science Libraries' circulation desks with cash, check, or credit card. Can't get to the library? Payments can also be made via telephone with a credit card or by mail with a check or money order paid to the order of UGA Libraries. Contact Information for the Main and Science Libraries:
| Main Library | Science Library |
| Access Services Department | Access Services Department |
| University of Georgia Libraries | University of Georgia Libraries |
| Main Library | Science Library |
| Athens, Georgia 30602-1641 | Athens, Georgia 30602-7412 |
| Phone: 706-542-3256 | Phone: 706-542-4535 |
So if the Libraries don't get the money, why do they care about fines? Even with over 4,000,000 items at UGA, many of our materials are in demand by multiple users. We hope fines encourage users to promptly renew their books so they can learn about the items needed by others without relying on notification by the Libraries. We find this important since local addresses change so frequently in the university environment.
In addition, users browse our shelves, examining books to find items that best suit their needs. Books can be evaluated on the basis of chapter content, bibliographical references, illustrations, indexing, etc. With fines and the requirement of renewal at certain periods we hope to encourage the return of books no longer being used so they can be discovered and borrowed by other researchers.
Restrictions and Flags
If a borrower accumulates excessive unpaid fines, fails to renew books, fails to return books needed by others or fails to pay for lost or damaged books, the Libraries will restrict their library privileges. If the borrower is or has been a UGA student, their record will be flagged in the UGA Registrar's system. When Library privileges are restricted, the borrower cannot charge materials, hold a carrel or request interlibrary loans. When records are flagged in the Registrar's system, the borrower will not be able to register for classes, purchase athletic tickets, graduate from the University or receive official copies of their University transcripts. Both restrictions and flags will be removed when the obligations to the Libraries are cleared. Some processing time may be required to remove either type of block.
It is highly recommended that borrowers leaving the University check their borrowing records to ensure that no materials are checked out to them and that they have met all Library obligations.
Damaged Books
Borrowers accept responsibility for treating books with care. In the interest of the hundreds of researchers that may use them over the years they must not be marked or have pages removed. Water damage from rain or spills is a particular problem: an irreplaceable book may have to be destroyed due to mold growth from moisture exposure. If a book is returned damaged the borrower will be assessed charges for repairs such as replacement of a warped or molding binding. If a book cannot be repaired, the user will be charged replacement costs for the book plus a processing fee and any overdue fines. When a book is out of print, the borrower will be assessed costs for replacing the item with a similar title on the subject, except in cases where the item may be available through rare book dealers.
Tragically, even an excellent and recent book may be unavailable for replacement. There is no substitute for careful handling of materials.
Lost Books
When a book is lost, the loss should be reported promptly to the library. If the book is then found or returned to the library, we can notify the borrower promptly. In the meantime the borrower should search for the book and contact anyone who might have borrowed it from them. If the book is not found, the borrower will be charged for cost of a replacement copy, plus a $35.00 processing fee and any overdue fines. The processing fee is non-refundable once paid. The price of the book is only refundable within two years of the date paid and the date found.
If the borrower believes they may have returned the book, they should contact the Access Services Department who will initiate a search for the book within the library. If the book is found and shows signs of having been through any steps of the discharging process, the book will be removed from the borrower's record and fines will not be charged. Until the book is in hand, however, it cannot be removed from the borrower's record.
Patrons who wish to provide replacement copies to the library must be willing to accept the risk of the book being rejected by the bibliographer. The replacement copy must be an exact copy of the lost book. Please observe these requirements when seeking a replacement copy:
- Item must be the same edition
- Item must have the same ISBN number
- Item must have the same publisher
- Item must be the same publication year
- Item must have the same or very similar number of pages including any maps, illustrations, etc.
- Item must be in new or very good condition (no markings, highlighting, tears, loose pages, broken end sheets, stains, mold, etc.)
If the replacement copy is rejected by the bibliographer then the patron must pay the price of the book, processing fee and any applicable overdue fines. If the replacement copy is accepted by the bibliographer then the patron only pays the processing fee and any applicable overdue fines.
Once the replacement copy is accepted by the bibliographer the transaction is complete and the patron will not receive any further remuneration from the library. The replacement copy becomes the property of the University of Georgia Libraries and cannot be returned to the patron even if the Libraries copy is found at a later date.
Books Are Expensive
As is well known to anyone who buys textbooks, books can be very expensive. Borrowers are urged to be careful with Library materials for the sake of their personal budgets and the research needs of future borrowers.
