Fines

Fines Policy

• Fines are used to encourage users to return books on time and are a fairer way of making sure stock is circulated.
• Fines are charged on all days that the Library is open, including weekends and irrespective of whether overdue notification has been sent or received.
• It is your responsibility to check your borrower record regularly. Renewals can be made in person , by phone or online (see Borrowing, Renewing & Returning Library Items)

Current Fine Rates

Blocking

• When your account is blocked you are unable to issue or renew library items, collect reservations or submit Inter library loans. Your account is blocked if: 

1. You have a fine of £30 or more.
2. You have an unpaid a fine on your account which is more than 10 weeks old. 
3. You have an overdue reserved item issued to your account. This block will be removed upon the return of the overdue reserved item.

To unblock your account you will need to either pay off the full amount where the fines total more than £30, or pay off all fines that are more than 10 weeks old.

• Overdue items are liable for overdue charges whilst an account is blocked.
• A non-refundable administrative charge is added when a Library Account is raised for borrowed items that are 4 weeks overdue and for lost or damaged items requiring replacement.
• All outstanding fines are debts to the University and must be cleared before graduation or your membership expiry date.

Methods of Payment

• Charges may be paid: in person at the Self Service Kiosks on the 1st Floor and 2nd floor of the LC building and Ground Floor of the Library using cash. Charges can also be paid online at: http://talis-prism.lib.surrey.ac.uk/libraryaccount/login using a debit/credit card.
• By post (cheques to be made payable to ‘University of Surrey')
• Over the phone to the Support Hub (01483 683794) during serviced hours using a credit/debit card.

How to avoid Fines

•  Check “my account” on the Library Catalogue regularly and renew items online.
• Renew items 2-3 days before they are due to give yourself time to return any that cannot be renewed
• Make sure that you are able to return Short Loan items within the loan period as renewal will be prevented if they are reserved by another borrower.
• Remember that 3 hour loans cannot be renewed.
• If renewing via the automated telephone renewal service or via the online catalogue write the new due date on the date label inside the book and in a diary or calendar
• Contact Library staff at the Support Hub immediately for any queries about books or fines, or for advice in exceptional circumstances

For more information on our fines policies, please see our Finance FAQ:

See Borrowing and Returning Items page