Fines, Blocks, and Holds

Contact Circulation Support with any questions about fines, account holds, or payment.

Fine & Hold Types

Overdue Fines

The library charges overdue fines for reserve materials.

  • Reserve items are assessed a $2.00/hour fine with a maximum $50.00 for items with a two hour loan period. They are assessed a $5/day fine with a maximum $50.00 for items with a three day loan period
  • Use the Appeal of Library Fines form to appeal overdue fines.

Campus libraries have different policies regarding fines. Please be familiar with the loan policies of the library you use.

Replacement Fees

You will receive a lost item replacement fee if you have an item that is more than 28 days overdue. The Libraries also charge replacement fees for items that are damaged so much that they cannot be used. The minimum charge is $100.00.

You cannot appeal lost item replacement fees. However, the Libraries waive most lost item replacement fees when the item is returned. Replacement fees for UW System items and Interlibrary Loan items are not eligible to be waived once we have paid the owning library for the item.

Account Holds

Library staff may place a block or registration hold on your account If you have overdue or lost library materials. 

A block will prevent you from being able to:

  • Request materials
  • Renew loans
  • Take out new loans
  • Access databases and electronic library materials (in some cases)

A registration hold will prevent you from being able to register for classes.

Recalled Materials

Items needed by library staff for course reserves or other services may be recalled.  

If you have a recalled item, you will receive an email with an updated due date. Return the item by the updated due date. Any overdue recalled item checked out to you will block you from borrowing other materials or accessing databases and electronic library materials.

Payment

If you pay an item replacement fee (currently $100), you can receive a refund if you find and return the book within 6 months of payment.

Other Ways to Resolve a Fine or Hold

Overdue fine appeals

You can appeal some overdue fines by filling out the appeal form

Lost item replacement

You may be able to buy a replacement copy and give it to the Libraries instead of paying the fee. See the Lost or Damaged Items page or contact Circulation Support for more information about the replacement process.