At the University of Oklahoma Libraries, our resources are valued and highly appreciated. These collections are here for the benefit of all library users, and it is expected that every visitor respects them. As such, care must be exercised in the use and handling of the materials. This 'Damaged or Missing Library Materials Policy' has been created to maintain the quality and longevity of our materials, ensuring they can be enjoyed by future library users. This policy only applies to items held in the library's main circulating collection and not items in the reserves collections, Special Research Collections, or any technology or equipment. For information on fines for damaged materials in the reserves collections or technology or equipment, please see the Overdue Item Policies page. You may read the libraries' technology lending policy here.

All library materials borrowed from OU Libraries must be returned in the same condition in which they were checked out. We encourage library users to inspect the borrowed materials before leaving the libraries to acknowledge their current condition. Many library materials have multiple pieces, such as musical scores. It is the library user’s responsibility to return all the pieces. Items are thoroughly checked by library personnel upon each return; the individual returning the item will be billed for missing or damaged pieces. Library users are not charged for normal wear and tear on library materials. 

In the unfortunate event that items are returned damaged, the library visitor will be held accountable. Repair or replacement costs and a $10 non-refundable processing fee will be charged to the library user’s Bursar account. Repair costs are at the discretion of library personnel and are determined based on the circumstances of each case.

 Damaged conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Fluid/liquid damage
• Mold or mildew
• Animal or human bite marks
• Vulgar words or symbols written in in or on the item
• Torn/ripped covers or pages

If library personnel conclude that the damage to library material is irreparable and must be withdrawn froom the library's collection, library users are charged for the replacement costs. In most cases, replacement costs are $80, plus a non-refundable $10  processing fee.

Library users can also purchase a replacement copy of the damaged item. The replacement copy must be brand new and have the same ISBN. Upon receipt of the replacement copy, refunds will show up on the library user's Bursar account within 1-2 business days. The $10 processing fee is non-refundable. 

To discuss a replacement copy, please email the Billing department.

If multi-part items are returned with missing pieces, library users are charged for the replacement costs. For example, parts of music scores are often very hard to replace, and a new score must then be purchased. Replacement costs for multi-part pieces are at the discretion of library personnel and are determined based on the circumstances of each case.