Library Fines and Lost Books
- Overdue RECALLED books will be fined $2.00 per day.
- Overdue MOBIUS and UM-System (UMSL, UMKC, MST) books that go to billed status will be charged a $20 non-waivable processing fee. Students will have to pay at Cashier’s. Faculty, Staff and Courtesy borrowers pay at Ellis Circulation desk. Cash and checks payable to MU Libraries accepted.
- Overdue RECALLED Interlibrary Loans (ILL) will accrue a fine and your library account could be blocked from further requesting and circulation privileges.
Reserve books & Equipment
- Overdue RESERVE books are $2.00 an hour per item – maximum of $50.00.
- Overdue RESERVE EQUIPMENT (cameras, laptops, recorders, chargers, etc.) – $10.00 a day up to a maximum of $50.00. If you accrue more than $175 of fines, your library account will be blocked from circulation privileges
- The J-Library is flexible with our equipment check out. If you know that you need something longer than the stated loan period, please ask us if you can get an extension prior to checkout.
NOTE: Bringing back an overdue reserve book or piece of equipment does not take off any accrued fines.
- Replacement costs are $175 for overdue books from the MU system (for replacement, processing and acquisition costs). This replacement cost is removed if the book is returned within a reasonable amount of time, though it takes awhile to be credited to your bill at Jesse Hall. If you lose an MU book you might be able buy a replacement book that is in comparable condition to have the replacement cost removed. Contact 882-7502 and ask for the librarian.
- Books borrowed from other MERLIN/MOBIUS Libraries are subject to overdue fines for all borrowers. If a MOBIUS book goes to billed status there is a $20 nonrefundable fee that goes on your account.
- As a courtesy, the library sends one overdue notice approximately five days after the item is due. If not returned, the borrower will be billed a lost book fee, plus any accrued fines. Borrowers who would like to replace a lost book may contact a staff member at the Ellis Library Circulation Desk or their specialized library for more information.
- Failure to receive a notice does not exempt a borrower from the responsibility to return books on time, and is not grounds for the cancelation of fines.
NOTE: If you are going out of town for more than a few days, the library suggests that you either return your books or make arrangements for your mail to be monitored for Recall Notices in order to avoid high fines.
- For questions about fines call (573) 882-7502 for Journalism Library or (573) 882-3362 for Ellis Library or any Mobius fines.
Lost Books
- For questions about lost books call (573) 882-7502. Ask to speak to the librarian.
Abiding by these guidelines will prevent a block on your Merlin account which would prevent you from checking out any other books or equipment.
