Circulation Policies
Borrowing privileges are determined according to the University Libraries Circulation Policy, and vary depending on campus affiliation and borrower type (definitions and registration information by borrower type).
Fees and fines
There are no overdue fines for most materials. However, a lost fee will be assessed for all University Libraries materials that are overdue by more than a certain number of days (see Fees and fines schedule below for details). If a lost item is returned, this fee will be removed but a non-negotiable $10 processing fee per item will remain. Please see below for information on replacing items you cannot locate or are damaged.
Reserves materials accumulate overdue fines at $5 per hour, max $25, during any open hours. Reserves not returned after 30 days will be assessed a lost fee of $400 in addition to already accrued late fines and a $10 non-negotiable processing fee.
Email courtesy notices are sent out before items are due. Email is the official mode of communication for the CU Boulder campus. Courtesy notices are sent only to those patrons who have provided us with an email address. Failure to receive a notice does not waive patron liability for fines. It is the responsibility of the patron to keep their contact information current.
Fees and fines schedule
| Days overdue | Material type | Lost fee* |
|---|---|---|
| 7 or more days | Adapters, chargers, other tech peripherals, misc. supplies Most Multimedia Equipment Lending Library items (see details) | $35 $400 |
| 30 or more days | iClickers, Keys, Locks Audio cassettes, Books, CDs, DVDs, Government documents, iClicker instructor kits, Journals, LPs, Maps, Scores, Standards Circulating reference materials, Microfiche, Microfilm, Reserves, VHS | $35 $100 $400 |
*A non-negotiable processing fee of $10 per item is added to the above costs.
For any material type not listed, please email libraries@colorado.edu for more information.
Replacing lost items
Patrons are encouraged to contact libraries@colorado.edu before purchasing any replacement items in order to learn about acceptable materials. Any item brought in as a replacement will be reviewed by Libraries staff to determine if we can accept it. The Libraries reserves the right to refuse any item it deems unacceptable and patrons are still responsible for any fines or fees on their account. Any replacement item must match the lost or damaged item’s ISBN number exactly. All replacements will be assessed a $25 per item processing fee.
Damaged materials
Patrons are responsible for any materials damaged while checked out to their account. Items are reviewed for damage when returned. Damage includes, but is not limited to, writing on pages, sticky notes, torn pages or binding, water damage, pet damage.
If you notice damage to an item before checking out, please let service desk staff know. We will notate your account so you are not held accountable.
| Item condition | Fee |
|---|---|
| Moderate damage | $25 |
| Severe damage | Replacement required |
| Missing or damaged containers | $25 |
Schedule of fees and fines for other libraries' materials
Fees and fines assessed for interlibrary loan (ILL) and materials from other libraries are listed below. Prospector and ILLiad items that check out for less than 28 days are declared lost at 28 days overdue. All other items are declared lost at 30 days overdue.
| Amount billed if item(s) overdue 30+ days | Amount due if item(s) returned after 30+ days overdue | |
|---|---|---|
| ILL Borrowing Lost | $150 | $0 |
| ILL Borrowing Damage | Varies, set by lending library | Varies, set by lending library |
| ILL Lending Lost | $150 | $0 |
| MOBIUS Lost | $130 | $10 |
| Prospector Lost | $110 | $10 |
Revocation of privileges
Circulation privileges will be revoked for anyone who has any of the following:
- One or more lost or billed items
- Balance of $100 or more on your account
- One or more overdue items that have been requested by another borrower
Charges for items assumed lost and/or overdue fines will be referred to a collection agency as required by Colorado State Law, if unpaid 30 days after the bill due date.
Return of the item(s) and/or paying charges will reinstate library privileges.
Appealing fines
If you would like to appeal a fine, please email us at libpatacnt@colorado.edu and we can share further information about your options.
Paying fees and fines
Credit cards are accepted online and checks are accepted in person or by mail. A $20 fee will be assessed for returned checks. Cash is not accepted.
- In person: check or money orders may be dropped off at a payment box at the Norlin Library East Desk.
- Online: Email libpatacnt@colorado.edu for a payment link. Please do not email us your debit/credit card information
- By mail: Please include the upper portion of the invoice. Payment information is located on the back of the invoice. Make checks payable to “University of Colorado.” Include your student or library account ID number on your check.
Mail payments to:
University of Colorado at Boulder
Norlin Library
Patron Accounts Office
184 UCB, 1720 Pleasant Street
Boulder, Colorado 80309-0184
Other circulation policies
- Lending Policies for Other Libraries
- Multimedia Equipment Lending Library Policies
- Prospector and MOBIUS Policies
Last updated May 2024