WVU Libraries

It has been a familiar scenario for many. You return a stack of books to the library and discover they are all a week overdue. You try to quickly calculate the fine in your head and then realize you have no cash in your pockets.

That frustrating situation is a thing of the past. A new WVU Libraries’ policy, which begins July 1, provides a 30-day grace period for library users to renew or return overdue books without incurring fines.

“We expect the rule change to be good news to those who return or renew their books within the allowed time,” said Hilary Fredette Head of Access Services for the Downtown Campus Library.

During this period, the Libraries will send the book borrower three overdue notices through MIX or Groupwise email and the borrower can return or renew the book without penalty, Fredette said. If books are not renewed or returned within 30 days of the original due date, the borrower will receive a bill charging him with a book replacement fee and a $10 processing fee.

Books can be renewed online at any time on or before the original due date.  For more information: http://www.libraries.wvu.edu/borrowing/fines.htm

The Libraries will erase the book replacement fee if the borrower returns the book. However, the $10 processing fee is non-refundable.

“The main goal of the new policy is to get our books back,” Fredette said. “That way, they are available to others who need those resources.”