Fines

Fines and charges apply to everyone. The fine rates need to be fairly balanced in order not to disadvantage any students but at the same time provide some deterrent and act as an incentive for borrowers to return items on time so that stock may be circulated fairly and effectively to all Library members.

Additionally, renewal of borrowed items helps to confirm that these items are still required by users. These pages provide information on:

  1. Current fine charges
  2. Tips to avoid fines
  3. Contact
  4. Fines policy
  5. Overdue notices
  6. How to pay fines
  7. Lost Books
Fine charges

The fine charges are reviewed regularly and the charges levied remained the same for 10 years despite the increase in the average cost of a new book. In October 2009 the charges were increased slightly to encourage users to return items and thereby improve the circulation of the stock. The increases were comparable with other key Universities and focused on the higher use items such as items from the Short Loan Collection, 3 day loans and recalls. Students can avoid fines altogether by following these simple tips to avoid fines.

Loan type   Amount per item
Standard   20p per day*
Short Loan Collection   £1 per hour (or part hour)*
3 Day Loan   30p per day*
Recalled   £1 per day*
Schools   Exempt (unless recalled or Short Loan)*


*The maximum fine per item is £35 for each loan/renewal transaction.
If your fines are in excess of £10 you will not be able to renew, reserve or borrow items

Additional Charges:
Reference Passes - £1 admin fee for 3rd and subsequent passes in a term and vacation.

Lost Books

Breach of Rules  

  • related to behaviour - 1st occasion warning, second occasion £10
  • removing items without issuing or attempted removal of reference items
  • defacing a book or damage to Library property

You can avoid incurring fines by:

  • Checking your Library record via the My Library Account option of the Library Catalogue

  • Renewing your items online 24/7 or by telephone on 024 7652 2026 selecting option 2 (also available 24/7)

  • Keeping your receipt as a reminder of when the book is due back

  • Checking your Warwick email account regularly. (External borrowers should check the email account they used to register as an External borrower). You will be reminded by email before items become overdue or if an item has been recalled for use by another user. Never ignore a Library Notice. If you believe the details on the notice to be incorrect, contact us immediately. NB 3 day loans remain as 3 day loans in vacations and can be requested by another user. A hold request will block any renewal of the 3 day loan by the current borrower. Books on loan may be recalled.
  • Complying with Library Rules e.g. using appropriate zones for mobile phone use, noise food and drink; leaving promptly at closing time; using Learning Grid Reference Collection within the Learning Grid only and carrying you University ID to scan as you enter/exit the Library.

    Please note:
    - If a member of the University, you will need to check your Warwick email account or set up appropriate forwarding rules and return any recalled book promptly

    - If an external member of the Library and you have given us a valid email address, you will need to check this email account. It is your responsibility to notify us of any change of personal details, including email address. You will need to check this account regularly and return any recalled books promptly.

    -Non receipt of a 'courtesy' email is not acceptable as a viable reason for not returning an item. It is your responsibility to check the due date and return items by the date specified.

    -The University requires all undergraduate and postgraduate finalists to clear all University debts before graduation.

  • Do not lend your card or Library materials issued to you to anyone else. All Library materials issued on your card are your responsibility. Please remember to close your account on screen when you have completed any self-issuing of resources and take the printed issue receipt. You are advised to check your return receipt when you return resources and to keep your receipt until you next check your My Library Account. Any problem with returning or issuing book should be supported by a return/issue receipt and raised with a member of the Customer Support Team on the day of the problem; if this is not possible you must make contact with 24 hours.


Contact:

If you have lost a bookor have a query about fines, please contact a Customer Support Team Leader (email: libraryaccounts@warwick.ac.uk) or telephone 024 7652 2026 Option 3, during core hours Monday-Thursday 9.00-17.30, Friday 9.00-16.30

 

Fines Policy

Fines are an incentive for borrowers to return items on time, so that stock may be circulated fairly and effectively to all Library members.

The Library aims to apply the Fines Policy in a fair and consistent manner. Fines may be waived or reduced only where exceptional circumstances apply, for example:

  • illness
  • an accident
  • hospitalisation
  • family problems
  • University administration or other problems e.g. delays in registration or ITS email set-up

Written verification, such as a doctor's note or letter/email from your tutor, will be required to support the request to waive a fine.

The Library will waive any fines incurred due to Library error. Claims returns should be supported by a return receipt or raised with Library staff on the day of return. A 'claims returned' would occur if you think you have a returned an items and it is still showing on your online My Library Account. You should always keep your receipt until you have checked you Library Account.

Details of the scale of fines and when applied are provided below. Higher fines are charged for in-demand materials (e.g. Short Loan or recalled items). If an item is lost an Administration Fee will be levied.

Overdue Notices

Email overdue notices are sent as a courtesy to borrowers. For registered staff and students of the University this is via their University email. Failure to receive notices sent by the Library does not remove members' obligation to return material by the due date, nor does it constitute grounds for reducing fines. Users who have items checked out in their name, are responsible for their proper use and timely return. This means that the borrower assumes financial responsibility until the items are discharged from their accounts.

How to Pay Fines

Online: Online Fine Payment

In person:Payment at the Floor 1 Library Helpdesk using credit/debit card, or cash (Sterling) during staffed hours

Please note the Library no longer accepts cheques as a form of payment