Library fines
Why do I have a library fine?
Fines start to accrue when a recalled item becomes overdue and continue to increase until the item is returned, whereupon the fine can be paid. Fines can also be applied when an item is marked as lost due to being more than 28 days overdue.
Lost fees vary according to the type of material that is long overdue (see lost item fees below).
You are responsible for the items borrowed with your ID card and you will be charged for any that are overdue, damaged, lost or stolen. Books can be very expensive and you could face a large bill for their replacement.
If you would like to discuss your library account please contact your campus library.
How to pay fines
Paying fines on returned items
You can pay fines on returned items by logging into your library account and paying online.
Accruing fines for items still on loan
You can't pay accruing fines. You can only pay fines once your overdue items are returned.
Block on borrowing and renewing
If you have more than £20 in unpaid or accruing fines or an overdue item, you will be blocked from borrowing or renewing items. Return your overdue items and pay the fines, or contact the library for assistance.
Invoice for exceptionally overdue items
If an item is exceptionally overdue, it will be marked as lost on your account and you will be sent an invoice for the item.
What if I lose or damage a book?
If you have lost or damaged an item, please contact the library. We will send you an invoice for the item.
If a loan is more than 28 days overdue our system will mark it as lost and you will be charged a replacement fee for the item.
If you return a lost item without paying the fee, our system will waive the fee. If you want to confirm this has happened, you can either check your library account or speak to a member of library staff in person or online.
We are unable to accept replacement copies of items that have been lost or damaged.
Lost item charges
| Type of loan |
Fee |
| Inter-library loan items |
Up to £120 |
| Laptop |
£1400 |
| Laptop charger |
£80 |
| Standard item |
£20 |
| Anatomical model |
Variable depending on the cost of the item |
Overdue charges
| Type of loan | Fine (per day) | Maximum fine per item |
|---|---|---|
| Inter-library loan | 50p | £10 |
| Laptop loan | 50p per hour or part hour | £20 |
| Anatomical models | 50p | £10 |
What if I have a good reason for not returning my books?
Please see our library fines exceptions policy below for further details.
Library fines exceptions
Please contact us to discuss waiving fines. Fines will normally be waived in line with the circumstances described below.
Circumstances normally accepted
| Circumstance | Notes/evidence required |
|---|---|
| Medical exemption | Users are requested to provide a medical certificate, or provide confirmation from a Student Support Adviser of their medical absence |
| Bereavement | No formal evidence required |
| Exceptional personal circumstances or family issues | We suggest users speak to a Student Support Adviser, or Money Adviser, who can contact us |
| Students with disabilities who have individual arrangements in place | Waivers will only be applied in cases where specific arrangements have been confirmed through Disability Services in advance |
| Serious and unforeseeable transport or weather related difficulties | No evidence required if the campus has been closed |
| University system error | No evidence required |
Circumstances not normally accepted
| Circumstance | Notes |
|---|---|
| User didn't realise/forgot to check emails/did not check library account | Users are encouraged at all times to check emails and library account regularly |
| User is away from campus at a conference, on placement, or on business related to their work/studies | Users are expected to make arrangements prior to going away on any planned absences from the University |
| User lives at a distance | Users living at a distance can use the postal loans service |
| International students at home during vacations | Users are expected to prepare beforehand and we advise that UWE Bristol Library items should not be taken out of the UK |
| User has been on holiday | Users are expected to make arrangements prior to going away on holiday |
| Students with disabilities who do not have individual arrangements in place | Waivers will only be applied in cases where specific arrangements have been confirmed through Disability Services in advance |
| Temporary loss of access to e-mail/internet | Users are expected to make alternative arrangements to access email |
| Items stolen or damaged while at home | Users are advised to claim compensation for the charges incurred via their insurance policy |
| Email reminders not received | Emails and other communications are a courtesy reminder. Users are expected to check their library account regularly |
| Charges accrued when a UWE Bristol ID card has been loaned to a friend | Users should not loan their UWE Bristol ID card to others and are liable for all fines incurred if they choose to do so |