Access Services

Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, in accordance with USF Board of Trustees rules, assesses fines for overdue library materials, replacement costs (including re-acquisitions fees) for lost or damaged library materials, and charges for overdue or lost interlibrary loan materials. Patrons should be aware that according to USF procedures, “all costs to recover outstanding debts will be passed on to the debtor.”

Overdue notices are sent as a courtesy, but it is the patron’s responsibility to ensure appropriate return of materials whether or not a notice has been received. Students are encouraged to monitor their library records through the online renewal feature.

Overdues and Fines: The fine for overdue library books and most media items is 25 cents per day per item, beginning the day following the due date which is stamped on the date due slip in the item. Fines for 75 cents or less are not immediately collected, but accumulated fines of $1.00 or more are processed. The fine will increase by 25 cents per item for each day to a maximum of $10.00 per item. Overdue items should be returned to the Circulation Desk. Fines will be processed and available for payment the next day and may be paid online through OASIS at http://usfonline.admin.usf.edu or at the Cashier's Office in Bayboro Hall 132. When overdue items are returned via the bookdrop, notification is mailed to the patron who can pay by mail or at the Cashier's Office in Bay 132.

Lost Materials: Lost items should be reported to the Circulation Desk. After one month the library will begin the billing process. The patron will be billed for the market price of the item, the amount of the overdue fine, if any, plus a $10.00 processing fee. Should the book be found, a credit will be issued for the price of the book and the processing fee. The overdue fine is not refundable. If a book is not reported lost, the fine will accumulate at 25 cents per day until the maximum fine of $10.00 is reached. The book will then be declared lost and the patron billed for the price of the book, the $10.00 overdue fine and the processing fee. Anyone owing $20.00 or more will be blocked from further borrowing until the fine has been paid. Non-USF patrons will be blocked as soon as an overdue fine occurs.