Blocks, Fines, and Fees
Library Fines & Fees Policies
This page defines the privileges and responsibilities of persons who borrow materials from the Libraries at Texas Woman’s University. These are continually reviewed and revised by appropriate TWU administrators to reflect current library operations.
Blocks
For TWU faculty, staff, and non-TWU (Courtesy Card) library users: When fines or fees reach $5.00, library privileges are blocked. Blocked library users will not be able to check out library materials or use Interlibrary Loan services.
TWU students with outstanding library fines and fees may not be able to register, receive a diploma, or obtain a transcript. However, library materials and services will remain accessible.
Once the amount owed is paid or cleared, the block will be removed and privileges reinstated.
Payment of Fines and Fees
TWU Students
All library fines and fees must be paid through the Pay Online system or at the Bursar’s Office; payments for students are not accepted at the library. Outstanding fines and fees are listed in monthly electronic billing statements issued by the Bursar’s Office.
To dispute fines or fees, please contact Access Services at 940-898-3701.
Non-TWU Students, Faculty & Staff
Fines and fees payments for non-student library users can be made over the phone (940-898-3701) or in person at the Denton Blagg-Huey Library Information Desk.
If paying in person, only cash (exact change) and checks are accepted. If paying over the phone, only Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit/debit cards are accepted. (A $30 fee will be charged for all returned checks.)
Notification of Fines and Fees
Library users are responsible for returning all borrowed items on time, whether or not an overdue notice is received. Overdue notices are emailed as a courtesy.
Before an item becomes overdue, weekly email notices are sent to remind library users of the due date. A notice is also sent out the day before and on the actual date the item is due. Once overdue, users receive weekly email reminders.
When an item is 30 days overdue, it is considered lost and replacement fees are applied.
- TWU students, faculty and staff: notices are sent to TWU email addresses by default.
- Non-TWU (Courtesy Card) users: notices are sent using the email address on file. Non-TWU users are responsible for providing current contact information in order to receive timely notices.
Failure to receive a notice does not excuse any library user from fines and fees.
Fines/Fees for Overdue Materials
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| Type | Fine |
|---|---|
| Media Items (DVDs, CDs, etc.) | $1.00/day |
| Reserves Equipment (headphones, phone chargers, dry erase markers, etc.) |
8 hour items: $0.05/minute 1-3 day items: $5.00/day |
|
Course & Permanent Reserves Materials |
Hourly items: $0.05/minute 1-3 day items: $5.00/day Weekly items: $5.00/day |
|
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Materials |
$1.00/day Note: Due dates for ILL materials are determined by the lending institution. ILL materials cannot be renewed. A $5.00 fee will be applied if the due date band is removed from ILL materials
|
Fines/Fees for Lost Materials
When an item becomes lost (30 days overdue or more) or is damaged beyond repair, replacement fines and fees are applied. All library users are responsible for paying fines and fees.
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| Type | Fine | Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Lost/Damaged Books | $50.00 | $10.00 |
| Lost/Damaged Media | $100.00 | $10.00 |
| Lost/Damaged Equipment or Technology | $100 or TBD by Library* | $10.00 |
*If the actual item cost is significantly greater than the established default fine/fee, Library staff may change the amount, as determined from available sources of cost information.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Library users are responsible for item replacement costs, as determined by the lending library, including any penalties paid by TWU Libraries.
Claimed Return Policy
The Access Services Department will search for Claimed Returned items for 30 days. If the item is located by the Library staff, it will be checked in and removed from the library user’s record. If the item is not found, the library user will be charged applicable fines/fees.