Overdues & Lost Books

Overdue Notices

A courtesy reminder-to-renew notice is sent two days before an item becomes due. Once a due date has passed, overdue notices are sent to the patron at regular intervals. If patrons claim not to have received an overdue or recall notice, they should make sure the library has their correct address and e-mail. Patrons are responsible for their fines regardless of whether or not they have received an overdue notice.

Overdue Fines

Overdue fines for regular circulating items are $.50 cents per day per book. Fines start accumulating on the first day overdue, but are waived for a three-day grace period. The fine for late return of recalled items is $2.00 per day. Reserve fines are $1.00 per hour with a $25.00 maximum. There is no grace period for recalled or reserve items.

Patrons may pay their fines either by cash or check at the Circulation Desk (checks should be made out to Harvard University). The library does not accept credit cards or Crimson Cash. Patrons can pay their fines either upon returning the books at the desk, or at a later date prior to billing.

Billing

Patrons may choose to have their overdue fines billed. All unpaid library fines are automatically forwarded to either the Term Bill Office or Accounts Receivable for non-students after a certain period of time. Once a patron's fines have been billed, the library cannot accept payment and the patron must pay through the proper billing office.

Lost Books

Once a book has been overdue for eight weeks, it is charged to "Lost." The patron is charged a replacement cost of $65.00 per book IN ADDITION TO the overdue fines. When a patron returns a book that has been billed as "Lost" for less than two years, the lost book charge will be removed from the patron's record and a credit sent to the billing office for the replacement charge. The patron is still responsible for any overdue fines. No refunds or credits will be issued for charges that are more than two years old.