Policy Overview
- 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.
- Fines and fees for these items will show up in your Bursar account after 7 days.
- Fines for overdue, lost, or damaged items and processing fees 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.
- Loan periods for technology and equipment can vary. To find specific loan periods for technology, visit our Technology Lending web page.
Get Help
If you have any questions about library fines or fees on your account, please contact the 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 | No overdue fine | No overdue fine | $10 | $80 |
| Learning Lab Item | No overdue fine | No overdue fine | $25 | $80 |
| Interlibrary Loan Item | No overdue fine | No overdue fine | No processing fee | Cost determined by loaning library |
| Recalled Item | $0.25 per day | $25 | $10 | $80 |
| Textbook on Reserve Item | $1 per hour | $30 | $25 | $250 (Non-refundable) |
| Laptop | $30 per hour | $300 | $25 | $1500 |
| iPad | $30 per hour | $300 | $25 | $500 |
| Hourly Checkout Item | $1 per hour | $25 | $25 | Cost of item when purchased |
| Daily Checkout Item | $1 per day | $30 | $25 | Cost of item when purchased |
| 3-day Checkout Item | $0.25 per day | $30 | $25 | Cost of item when purchased |
| 7-day Checkout Item | $1 per day | $30 | $25 | Cost of item when purchased |
Replacement Copies
Library users can also buy a replacement copy instead of paying the lost item fine.
- 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 of Library Fines on Enrollment and Graduation
- When students begin the enrollment process, the system automatically puts a registration hold on their account if they owe money and haven’t made the required minimum payment. This applies to tuition and fees, fines, housing, or any other fee.
- Students with balances over $0 will still be able to graduate and participate in the ceremony, but they will not officially graduate until their Bursar account is cleared. The Bursar's office will not release any transcripts until the bill is paid. Once it is paid, the holds on their transcript will be removed, and their graduation date will be set for when they finished their academic year.
Visit the Bursar website to learn more about the consequences of non-payment and to check your Bursar accoun 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 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.