Overdue & Lost Items Policy
If an item is not returned to the library by its due date, it becomes overdue and starts to accrue overdue fines. General items that are 30 days overdue and reserve items that are 24 hours overdue are considered non-returned and will be declared lost. All OU Libraries’ users are subject to overdue and lost item fines and fees, including Courtesy Borrowers. This policy provides information about overdue and lost items, fines and fees, and how they can impact your enrollment and graduation.
How We Handle Fines and Fees
- Fines and fees for overdue and lost items will show up in your Bursar account after 7 days.
- Fines and processing fees for overdue, lost, or damaged items vary depending on the item.
- If a lost item is returned (excluding textbooks), only the lost item fine is refunded. Please allow up to two weeks for the credit to show in your Bursar account.
- The lost item fine for a textbook on reserve item is non-refundable.
- Overdue and lost notifications are sent to your OU email address as a courtesy. Not receiving a notice doesn't cancel your responsibility to pay fines or fees.
Get Help
If you have questions about library fines or fees on your account, please contact OU Libraries’ Billing department:
Phone: 405-325-5204
Email: Libbilling@ou.edu
Submit a Library Fine Appeal Form
Fines and Fees for Overdue and Lost Items
| Material Type | Overdue Fine Rate | Maximum Overdue Fine | Lost Item Processing Fee | Lost Item Fine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Item | None | None | $10 | $80 |
| Learning Lab Item | None | None | $25 | $80 |
| Interlibrary Loan Item | None | None | None | Determined by loaning library |
| Recalled Item | $0.25/day | $25 | $10 | $80 |
| Textbook on Reserve Item | $1/hour | $30 | $25 | $250 (Non-refundable) |
| Laptop | $30/hour | $300 | $25 | $1500 |
| iPad | $30/hour | $300 | $25 | $500 |
| Hourly Checkout Item | $1/hour | $25 | $25 | Cost of item when purchased |
| Daily Checkout Item | $1/day | $30 | $25 | Cost of item when purchased |
| 3-Day Checkout Item | $0.25/day | $30 | $25 | Cost of item when purchased |
| 7-Day Checkout Item | $1/day | $30 | $25 | Cost of item when purchased |
Buy Replacement Copies
You can buy a replacement copy instead of paying the fine for the lost item. Please note the following when considering buying a replacement copy:
- The replacement copy must be brand new and have the same ISBN (International Standard Book Number).
- We do not accept replacement copies for textbooks or technology items.
- General items without ISBNs will need to be approved before purchase.
- After we receive the replacement copy, a credit for the lost item fine will be applied to your Bursar account within 2 weeks.
- The $10 processing fee is non-refundable.
If you have any questions about replacement copies, please contact the Libraries' Billing department:
Phone: 405-325-5204
Email: Libbilling@ou.edu
For assistance with lost interlibrary loan items, please contact the Interlibrary Loan department.
Impact On Your Enrollment and Graduation
If you have accrued overdue and lost items fines and fees, it can impact your enrollment and graduation in the following ways:
- When you begin enrollment, the system automatically puts a registration hold on your account if you owe money and haven’t made the minimum payment. This applies to tuition, fines, housing, or any other fees.
- If you have a balance over $0, you can still graduate and participate in the ceremony, but you will not officially graduate until your Bursar account is cleared. The Bursar's office will not release any transcripts to you until your bill is paid. Once it is paid, the holds on your transcript will be removed, and your graduation date will be set to when you finish your academic year.
Visit the OU Bursar Services website to learn more about the consequences of non-payment, check your Bursar account, and make a payment.
Appeal a Library Fine or Fee
The following reasons are generally not considered valid for canceling fines or fees:
- Material loaned to a third party
- Lost or missing items
- Damaged items
- Fines and fees older than 5 years
To appeal a fine or fee, please contact the OU Libraries' Billing department:
Phone: 405-325-5204
Email: Libbilling@ou.edu
Submit a Library Fine Appeal Form
If a book you have returned is still listed as checked out on your account more than one day after you returned it, please submit a Special Billing Search Request Form.
Please contact the Interlibrary Loan department to discuss fines and fees for items received through interlibrary loan.