Fine & Replacement Policy
28-Day Books
Books with 28-day loan periods are automatically billed at $65 when those books are more than 30 days overdue. This billing includes: (1) a $10 fine; (2) a $15 processing fee; and (3) a $40 replacement charge (subject to adjustment).
Reserve Book & Items
Daily fines are assessed for overdue reserve books and items as follows:
- 2 and 4 hour reserves - 25¢ per hour or any part of an hour
- All other reserves - 50¢ per day or any part of a day
When a reserve is 5 days overdue, a bill is sent that includes the replacement charge, fine, and processing fee.
Billing Adjustments for Books & Items
Replacement or lost book charges are initially billed at $65. However, adjustments may be made. The actual replacement cost of a book or item may be more or less than the automatic charge. Further, if a billed item is returned before it has been declared lost by the Library, the replacement charge and the processing fee are canceled. The fine is canceled if a book is reported lost before it becomes overdue.
Recalled Books
Fines for overdue recalled books accrue at $1 per day. Replacement charges for overdue recalls are billed 15 days after the recall due date.
Other Items
The fine for an overdue CD or DVD is $10 per day, and the replacement cost is $100 (minimum), plus a $15 processing fee. Overdue videos are fined at 50¢ per day. The video replacement cost is $60 (minimum), plus a $10 fine and a $15 processing fee. Replacement bills for CDs, DVDs and videos are sent at 2 weeks overdue. Other non-print items are fined at $1 per day, and replacement bills (including a $15 processing fee) are sent at 4 weeks overdue. Bills for non-print items are subject to adjustment.
Additional Policy Information
Borrowing Privileges and Holds - Library bills are due when received. An unpaid bill may result in a block being placed against borrowing privileges (applies to all borrowers). A hold also may be placed against course registration, graduation or the transcript request of a student borrower.
Due Dates - Borrowers are responsible for tracking the due date of each item they check out of the Library. Borrowers can verify due dates and renew items through the Blais catalog (http://blais.claremont.edu) by selecting “Renew your books” in the green bar at the top of the page. This option will allow full account access.
Overdue Notices - Overdue notices and renewal reminders are sent weekdays when the Library is open. Patrons are responsible for notifying Library staff of changes in postal or email addresses. A fine or bill will not be excused if notices are undeliverable because of an invalid address.
Reserves - Fine charges for reserves begin 10 minutes after books or items are due.
Recalls – For books with a 28-day loan period, most recall notices allow 10 days for a borrower to receive the notice and return a book before incurring a fine. The recall period may be shorter if a book is needed for reserve. If a book is overdue when it is recalled, daily fines begin to accrue 3 days after recall. Other recall periods and fine assessments are in place for reserves and non-print items.
Missing or Lost Books and Items - Borrowers are encouraged to report Library material that has been checked out and may be missing or lost, including books or items they think have been returned (Claims Returned). Prompt reporting may eliminate a fine and will establish a search period before a replacement bill is due.
Processing Fee - When a Library book or item is declared lost, several steps and the time of more than one staff person are required to complete a process that includes cost verification, billing, catalog correction, and replacement. Therefore, if a book or item is returned after the replacement process begins, the processing fee is not refunded.
Questions - Please contact a member of the Circulation staff at Claremont School of Theology Library if you have questions about fines, replacement costs or borrowing policies. Staff can be contacted at cstlibcirc@cst.edu or call the Circulation Librarian at (909) 447-2510.