Overdue fines

Policy Statement:

Current: CSU libraries should not charge overdue fines for resource sharing.

• An overdue notice will be emailed 3 days after the due date informing the patron that a replacement fee of the cost of the item + $15 will be charged 14 days after the book was due.
• After 14 days the patron is billed and blocked from using library checkout.
• If the item is returned, the replacement fee will be removed.

Proposed Change: CSU libraries should not charge overdue fines for resource sharing.

• An overdue notice will be emailed 3 days after the due date informing the patron that a replacement fee of $90 will be charged 14 days after the book was due.
• After 14 days the patron is billed and blocked from using library checkout (all circulation of local and non-local materials).
• If the item is returned, the replacement fee will be removed.
• Local campus can override the block for local material checkout if they choose to do so.
• Campuses are encouraged to work with the patron and the lending library to reduce the fee to the cost of the book. 

Rationale:

• After the original policy was created the GTF discovered that Alma required a dollar amount configured for lost items. Working with the COLD Exec team the GTF decided to make the standard replacement cost $90. 
• In Early 2017 COLD and the GTF agreed that CSU+ items will not accrue fines. Automated emails are used to prompt patrons to return their items and accounts with extremely overdue items will be temporarily blocked until the item is returned, a replacement copy is provided, or the replacement fee is paid. Billing and refunds for materials found after paying the replacement fee should follow the same workflow and policies of billed in house materials.

Action log: