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Thomas University Library & Learning Commons Policies

Damaged Materials

All patrons are responsible for damages to Thomas University Library and Interlibrary Loan materials which occur while in their possession.  Such damages include:

  • Liquid, water, mold damage
  • Marking or drawing on the pages
  • Torn out pages
  • Teeth/bite marks
  • Broken/ripped covers
  • Dirt, smoke, foul odor damage

Damaged material will be assessed upon return to the library.  It will then be determined if the item needs to be replaced or, in a few cases, rebound. 

If the item needs to be replaced, the patron will be accessed a replacement cost, a $5.00 processing fee, and/or an overdue fee if applicable.  If an item is rebound, the minimum rebinding charge is $15.00 plus a $5.00 processing fee.

Damaged materials are the property of Thomas University Library and are not returned to the patron. 

Lost Materials

All patrons are responsible for the replacement costs of Thomas University Library and Interlibrary Loan materials that are not returned, plus a non-refundable processing fee. Overdue fines are also assessed if applicable. If lost materials are later found and returned after payment of all fines and fees, the replacement cost of the item will be returned, but NOT the processing fee or any overdue fines which were collected.

An item is considered LOST when:

  • It has been overdue for approximately 30 days. Once an item is deemed “Lost”, a replacement cost and a processing fee, along with the overdue fine, are assessed and a “Bill” is generated and sent to the patron.
  • Or, when a patron notifies circulation staff that they have lost the item.  If the item is reported lost before the return due date, the patron is not liable for overdue fines.

A default price for “Lost” items may be reflected on the “Bill” until a replacement cost can be determined. 

A hold will be placed upon the patron’s account until the account is cleared.

Different fine/fee policies apply to items borrowed through Interlibrary Loan.  Patrons are liable to the owning library for costs incurred according to that library’s policies.