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Fines and fees at the JKM Library

Fines and fees

Library borrowers are responsible for all materials charged to their library account and for either returning them in good shape or for renewing them on or before the due date.

JKM Library does not charge fines for overdue regular circulating materials (i.e.: items from the "Stacks" and EPRC collections). However, if regular circulating materials are not returned or renewed within 15 days of the due date, the online circulation system will automatically contact the borrower via email (as a courtesy) that the overdue materials are considered lost. This email is the only notification to the borrower that the item is overdue. The online system will issue an invoice for the lost materials (replacement costs begin at $75.00) and block the borrower's account. When a borrower's account is blocked, she/he cannot check out, renew or request any library materials until the overdue materials are either returned or renewed. If the borrower wishes to renew the overdue materials, she/he should contact the circulation desk (773.256.0739 or jkmcirculation@jkmlibrary.org) and ask that the overdue materials be renewed. When the borrower either returns or renews the overdue materials, the replacement costs are waived and his/her library account is unblocked.

Replacement charges for lost or damaged materials

JKM Library also considers materials lost if:

  • the borrower cannot locate the item charged to their account; or,
  • in the assessment of JKM staff, the extent of damage to an item precludes repair. Materials which have mildewed, even after being slightly damp, cannot be repaired as mildew from one item can infect other items.

Replacement costs of lost or damaged items begin at $75.00 and increase according to the cost of replacing the material. While this may seem like a extraordinarily high amount, the $75.00 covers actual replacement costs. Labor ($35.00 on average), barcodes, anti-theft devices, labels and shipping must be added to the retail cost to ascertain the real cost of replacing the item. $75.00 is an estimated minimum of real costs. For example, if the retail cost of an item is $100.00, then the replacement cost is $135.00. JKM Library does not accept replacement copies of lost or damaged items.