Fines & Fees

Student library charges are transferred to University Billing monthly. As a result, library debts are included in students’ University bills and may result in a “hold” on a student’s record, and your library account will be blocked when you are billed for a lost item. Before being transferred to University Billing, fines will be viewable through the View Your Own Record function in My Catalog. After all or any charges have been transferred, student payments can be made at Student Financial Services.

Recent charges that have not yet been sent to University Billing and all non-student charges can be paid online with a debit or credit card. Patrons may pay fines online. If paying overdue fines, please choose the Library Fines option; if paying for lost items, please choose the Book Replacement option.

You can request details on library charges at the Olin Library Help Desk or email us at circ@wumail.wustl.edu.

Additional Notes

• Overdue fines are not charged on most books and media collections.
• Hourly and daily overdue fines are charged on recalled items, reserves and facilities (such as study carrels), and loanable technology. There is no grace period for these high-demand items.
• For fines on technology items, please contact the Olin Library, the Al and Ruth Kopolow (Business) Library, or the Kenneth and Nancy Kranzberg Art & Architecture Library, depending on where you checked out the item.
• Items are considered lost when they are 28 or more days overdue, except for high-demand items, which may be billed earlier.
• Your library account will be blocked when you are billed for a lost item.
• Lost items are charged a flat fee of $175, except for loanable technology and Interlibrary Loan materials, which may be subject to higher replacement costs.
• Replacement copies are not accepted in lieu of payment.
• Refunds are not issued 30 days after payment.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Books & Replacement Charges

WashU Libraries hold borrowers financially responsible for all library material(s) checked out on their accounts. Borrowers are responsible for notifying the Circulation Unit immediately if library material is lost or stolen. To speak with a member of the Circulation Unit, borrowers may visit the Help Desk at Olin Library, call (314) 935-5420, or e-mail circ@wumail.wustl.edu. The Circulation staff will assist borrowers in resolving their accounts or direct questions and concerns to the Circulation Librarian.

Charges for lost, damaged, or stolen WashU Libraries’ materials are intended to help the Libraries replace the material and make it available for future use. The Fines & Fees Schedule table shows the default replacement cost, but actual costs may vary depending on the circumstances.

Replacement costs for Interlibrary Loan (ILL) items vary and are determined by the lending library. Some libraries charge the actual replacement cost, and others assess a standard fee. A flat fee of $175 will be assessed on long-overdue, lost, or damaged ILL items and may be adjusted upon receipt of the lending library’s invoice.

Replacement copies are not accepted in lieu of payment.

Payment by the borrower does not, in any way, imply the transfer of ownership of library property. Unreturned items remain the property of the library. If the borrower finds and returns the material in good condition within 30 days of paying for the material, the replacement cost may be refunded or credited, depending on the circumstances.

Fines & Fees Schedule

The Fines & Fees Schedule table applies to items or material types with the WashU Libraries; see the WashU Law Library and the Becker Medical Library for their respective fees.

Item or Material Type	Daily/Hourly Overdue Fine	Replacement Fees (Lost, Damaged)
Books	no charge	$175
Recalled Books	$3/day	$175 plus any accumulated daily/hourly fines
Hourly Reserve	$1/hour	$175 plus any accumulated daily/hourly fines
Day Reserve	$3/day	$175 plus any accumulated daily/hourly fines
Loanable Technology	$1/hour or $3/day	Varies by item/library
Journals	no charge	$175
Media	no charge	$175