Fines

Barn owl at SSU

How fines occur: 

  • When you check out library materials, you are responsible for returning them on or before the due date.
  • If books, reserve items, videos or other library materials are returned or renewed after their due date, you will be charged a fine.
  • Fines are automatically billed to your account when the materials are checked in.
  • Overdue notices are a courtesy only.
  • There is no grace period!
  • When an item is 40 days overdue, it is assumed lost and your account will be billed for replacement fees. These fees vary depending on the type of material.
  • Check “My Library Record” or ask staff at the Circulation Desk to see if you owe any fines, what materials you have checked out and when they are due back.

Fines:

  • Books :
    • $ .25 per day (28-day loans)
    • Maximum $10 per item
  • LINK+ Books:
    • $1.00/day (21-day loans)
    • $115 lost book fee after 10 days overdue
  • Reserve items:
    • $1.00/hour/per item (2-hour & 4-hour loans)
    • $5.00/day/per item (1-day, 3-day & 7-day loans)
    • $20 maximum fine per item
  • Multimedia items:
    • $1.00/day/per item  (Videos, DVDs, laserdiscs, slides, filmstrips, compact discs, phonos, audiocassettes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, software, tape recorders, microphones & portable microfiche reader)
    • $1.00/hour/per item  (Laptops, wireless network cards, headphones & phono keys)
    • $20 maximum fine per item, except laptops
    • $50 maximum fine for laptops

When & where to pay your fines

  • Come to the Circulation Desk to obtain a printout of your current bill.
  • You must pay the full amount. It is your responsibility to be aware of having incurred fines and therefore to be prepared to pay in full before next using library services.
  • If you owe more than $10.00 a "hold" is placed on all library services and may be placed on all campus services, including registration and transcript requests, until the bill is paid.
  • Payment can be made at the Circulation Desk in cash, check or money order, payable to Sonoma State University.

Questions and disputes about fines

  • Books— contact Jack Ritchie (664-2375)
  • Multimedia items — John Müller (664-2590)

Bill collection:

  • If you have a "hold" (unpaid bill and curtailed services) of six months or longer, you are subject to the following action:
    • The bill is submitted to the California Franchise Tax Board for collection from your state income tax refunds and/or lottery winnings.