Library Fines and Charges
The Library's system of fines and charges encourages the return of borrowed Library materials by their due date to ensure equitable access to Library materials.
Fines and charges apply to students, staff and all membership categories.
For any questions, please email Client Services or phone 6201 2953.
Please note that it is always your responsibility to know when the materials you have borrowed are due for return to the Library.
Fines and charges apply to students, staff and all membership categories.
To ensure equitable access to Library materials for all clients, Library borrowing rights are suspended when Library materials on loan become overdue or when Library fines and/or charges reach $50.
Fines and charges schedule
| 3-hour loan items | $2.00 per hour or part hour overdue for each item on loan e.g. If an item is overdue by 3½ hours, the fine is $8.00 |
| 3-day loan items | $2.00 per calendar day or part day for each item on loan e.g. If an item is overdue 1½ days, the fine is $4.00 |
| 7-day loan items | $2.00 per calendar day or part day for each item on loan e.g. If an item is overdue 1½ days, the fine is $4.00 |
| Maximum overdue fines | Short Loan material - $60.00 per item per offence |
| Replacement charge (including items more than 35 days overdue) | Purchase price for the item from Library acquisitions order record plus processing fee OR, if no purchase price recorded, a default charge of $86.00 plus processing fee |
| Processing fee | $23.20 |
| Owing $50 or more in Library fines and/or charges | Borrowing privileges suspended until fines and/or charges reduced below $50* |
| When Library item(s) on loan become overdue | Borrowing privileges suspended until item(s) returned* |
* Borrowing privileges include borrowing, renewals and placing holds.
If you believe a fine or charge is incorrect, unfair or there are extenuating circumstances, you can fill in the form Representation Regarding Library Sanctions/Fines for the fine to be reduced or waived.
Valid reasons for appeal do not include:
- Neglecting to check your University of Canberra (UC) email address for Library notices
- Neglecting to check your Library Space
- Inability to renew materials online
- Failure of outside parties to return materials on your behalf
- Claim that materials were returned at a different time and date than that recorded by the Library system.
You may also need supporting documentation such as a medical certificate or Statutory Declaration form (PDF 75kb).
Borrowing privileges will be temporarily reinstated for a period of five days while an appeal is being considered.
If you feel that the consideration of your initial claim has been incorrect, you may appeal to the University Librarian consistent with the University Facilities (Library and Information Services) Rules 2007.
It is always your responsibility to know when the materials you have borrowed are due for return to the Library.
Library fines or charges help the Library manage access for all Library clients, especially for high demand books at exam time. The wait for overdue materials is inconvenient and frustrating for all Library users.
The following tips will help you avoid accumulating Library Fines and Charges:
- Whenever you borrow something an email is sent to your University of Canberra (UC) email account with the due date.
- Check your UC email account regularly. The Library sends reminder notices to renew materials prior to the due date.
- Keep track of your loans and requests by signing in to your My Library Space and checking / renewing your loans.
- Renew your loans on or before the due date in person, by phone or via your My Library Space.
- Take note of the due date on your date due slip.
- Don’t ask others to return items to the Library for you.
It is always your responsibility to know when the materials you have borrowed are due for return to the Library.
The Library sends notices to university student or staff email accounts to remind borrowers to renew materials that are on loan or when materials are overdue.
External members, who do not provide an email address, will be sent these notices via post.
This is a courtesy service only. It is always the borrower's responsibility to ensure all materials on loan are returned by the due date.
A summary of outstanding Library Fines or Charges will be sent at the end of each month.
It is always your responsibility to know when the materials you have borrowed are due for return to the Library.
You can pay library fines and replacement charges online (MasterCard and Visa credit/debit cards) or by EFTPOS at the library.
Cash payment facilities are not available.