Fines and overdues

Fines are assessed for overdue recalled materials, course reserves, and special loans.
A fine is not assessed to your account until the item has been returned to the Library.
You can check what fines you have by logging in to your library account. The listing of fines will indicate the title, type of fine or charge and the amount.

Fine rates

Item type	Fine per item	Maximum fine per item
Recalls	$4 per day	$56
Course reserves One and three-day loan One and three-hour loan	$20 per day $0.05 per minute	$100 $100
Interlibrary loans (ILL)	$1 per day	$30
Media (e.g. film and audio recordings)	$10 per day	$100

Fines for recalled materials are assessed when you don’t return an item that has been requested by other user within seven days. Following the seven-day period, fines of $4.00 per day will be assessed to a maximum of $56. Patrons will be given 14 days to return recalled material before the item is declared lost and administration and replacement charges are added.

Penalties

Replacement and processing charges

Patrons will be given 30 days to return materials that are overdue before the item is declared lost. Items declared lost will incur the following charges in addition to assessed fines for overdue recalls and course reserves:

Non-refundable administration charge: $25
Replacement charge: $125 (subject to adjustment at discretion of owning institution). Refund for the replacement fee will be issued if a patron returns the item before a replacement copy has been re-ordered. However, the fines assessed for recalls will be imposed.

Blocks

Patron accounts will be blocked if one or more of the following criteria is met:

one or more overdue recalled items
$20 or more total in fines and charges

Theft and vandalism

Theft and vandalism of library materials are subject to prosecution. All such cases are referred to University of Waterloo Police Services.

Report lost or damaged items

Items that are lost or damaged must be reported promptly to the patron's home library where staff will determine the replacement options or cost.
Lost or damaged interlibrary loans (ILL) must be reported to Ask us immediately.

How to pay

You may pay your fines either by Interac (debit), VISA, MasterCard, American Express, personal cheque, or your WatCard.
Fines can be paid by one of the following ways:
- In person: at the Circulation desk
- Phone: please call The Centre 519-888-4567 ext., 42268 Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Mail: All cheques should be made out to "University of Waterloo" and should clearly indicate your 14-digit barcode found in your WatCard. Mail your cheque to:
  Patron Accounts
  Circulation Services
  Dana Porter Library
  University of Waterloo
  200 University Avenue West
  Waterloo ON N2L 3G1

Fines appeal

Appeals must be made at the patron’s home university. To initiate an appeal to University of Waterloo Libraries, please submit your request via Ask us.

Service category:

Borrow material