University Libraries

Summary

This policy describes when fines and fees are assessed and patrons are blocked.

Definitions

1. Library Patron: An individual who is eligible to use the UNT Libraries.
2. Regular Circulating Materials: Library materials that can be circulated regularly such as books, music scores, government documents, and Curriculum Material Collection (CMC) items.
3. Overdue: An item that is checked out to a library patron and it is passed the due date.
4. Billed: An item is billed when it has been overdue for an extended period of time. Returning the item will remove the billed status and there will be no late fees.
5. Fines and fees: Fines are library charges due to late return of overdue items. Fees are library charges accrued due to damaged or lost items, or recall of library materials.
6. Library block: Patron is blocked from checking out or renewing library materials.
7. University block: Patron is blocked from receiving an official transcript.

Notices

• A courtesy notice is sent by email three days before the due date of regular circulating materials.
• At least three overdue notices are sent through email before an item is billed.
• Library patrons are responsible for all library materials checked out to their account and for any fines incurred whether or not they receive a notice.

Fines And Fees

Overdue library materials may accrue fines, and fees are assessed for damaged or lost items. More information about these charges are available in the following policies:

• Overdue items: See borrowing policies for specific overdue fine rates.
• Damaged item charges
• Lost item charges

Billing

Library materials are State property. Any library material may be billed if it has been lost or overdue for a period of time.

• The billing periods vary based on the type of material and library patron.
• For specific billing periods see relevant borrowing policies.
• When an item is billed, a replacement bill will be emailed to the library patron.
• Billed materials are not renewable. When a billed item is returned to the Libraries, lost item charges and patron blocks are removed.

Blocks

Library patrons may be blocked for having billed or lost items, or other financial obligations to the UNT Libraries.

• Individuals who fail to return or renew materials by the due date or owe fines of $50 or more may be blocked with the library until the block is cleared with the Library Services Desk in Willis Library.
• Patrons are blocked with the University when they are billed for an item or owe Interlibrary loan or TexShare fees.
• Students who have graduated or otherwise left the University and have any outstanding balance on their library account are blocked with the University.

Disputing Fines And Fees

Library patrons have the option of appealing overdue fines by filling out a Fine Dispute Form online.

• All requests are reviewed within 5 business days.
• The decision for whether or not overdue fines are adjusted or waived will be emailed to the library patron.
• To appeal other library fees, including lost item or damaged item fees, patrons may contact the library in person, over the phone, or via email.
• All requests will receive a response within 5 business days. The decision for whether or not fees are adjusted or waived will be emailed to the library patron.

Paying Fines

Patrons have several payment options. Visit paying fines page to see all payment options.

Dates

• Approved: 06/01/12
• Revised: 04/17/20, 08/26/21, 05/29/24, 07/08/24

License Information