Answered By: Caltech Circulation
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2024     Views: 276

A late fee or replacement fee could be assessed to your account if a book or item checked out from the Library is not returned, or it is lost or damaged. 
 
All material checked out will have a due date. The checkout period and due date can vary based on the type of item checked out. Course Reserves can have a very short checkout period (3 hours), Kindles can have a slightly longer checkout period (3 days), and books in the general collection can have an even longer period (4 weeks or more depending on if you are a student, staff, or faculty). 
 

If the item is not returned by its due date, you will receive an overdue notice. Please be aware that books can be recalled by library staff for course reserves, which could result in a shortened loan period and new due date. You will receive an email notifying you of the recall. Failure to return the item can also result in a replacement fine. Those notices will continue until the item is returned. Your library account may be blocked, preventing you from checking out other materials, until the overdue item is returned. Failure to ultimately return the item in an appropriate timeframe will result in a replacement fine to be assessed to your account. The amount of the fine will be based on the cost to replace the item.

If an item is damaged while it is checked out to you, a replacement fine could also be assessed to your library account. The amount of the fine will be based on the cost to replace the item and the processing fee of $200 per item. When checking out any electronic device, the item will be inspected by staff to make sure it is in proper working order. It is recommended that you also inspect the device before leaving the Library. If you see damage or it does not appear to be operating properly, please report this before leaving the Library.  More information about lost, damaged, or overdue materials can be found on the library webpage.

Interlibrary Loan books requested through DocuServe and borrowed from other libraries are also subject to a replacement fine if damaged or not returned. The amount of the fine will be determined by the lending library.

If you feel that you are unable to return the book or item due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact us immediately so we can work with you.

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