Lost Book Charges

If you have lost an item:

  • You should contact Lending Services either in person, via email libr10@york.ac.uk, or tel. 01904 323873.
  • We will note on your library account that the item is lost and, if appropriate, search the shelves.
  • If the item is overdue we will note the fines accrued up to the date you report the item lost.
  • If the item is not located you will be charged a ‘Lost Book Charge’ of £35.00, plus any fines accrued up to the date you report the item lost.
    • Please note that the Library reserves the right to charge the actual book price if the item’s value considerably more than the standard 'Lost Book Charge' of £35.
    • You are advised not to purchase your own copy as the library does not accept replacement copies.
  • If you locate the item, prior to the ‘Lost Book Charge’ being charged, you will pay the fines from the date the item was due up to the actual date the item is discharged from your account, i.e. returned to the library (maximum £15 per item, £25 per Key Texts)
  • If you locate the item, after the 'Lost Book Charge' has been charged, you will pay the fines from the date the item was due up to the actual date the item is discharged from your account, however the £35 Lost Book Charge will be cancelled.

If you think you have returned an item, but the item record is still showing on your library account:

  • You should contact Lending Services either in person, via email libr10@york.ac.uk, or tel. 01904 323873, as soon as you notice the possible discrepancy on your account.
  • We will note on your library account that the item is 'Claimed returned' and we will search the shelves. We also ask that you continue to look for the item at home in case it has been overlooked.
  • If the item was overdue we will note the fines accrued up to the date you report the item as returned.
  • If the item is located in the library and the security tag has been reactivated we will waive the fines incurred.
  • If the item is located in the library and the security tag has not been reactivated:
    • If the item was reported, and located, promptly we may waive the fines
    • If there was a delay in reporting, or locating, the items we may charge the fines incurred up to the day the item was located.
  • If the item is not located you will be charged a 'Lost Book Charge' of £35.00, plus any fines accrued up to the date you reported the item returned (maximum £15 per item, £25 per Key Texts).
    • Please note that the Library reserves the right to charge the actual book price if the item’s value considerably more than the standard 'Lost Book Charge' of £35.
    • You are advised not to purchase your own copy as the library does not accept replacement copies.
  • If you locate the item, prior to the 'Lost Book Charge' being charged, you will pay the fines from the date the item was due up to the actual date the item is discharged from your account, i.e. returned to the library.
  • If you locate the item, after the 'Lost Book Charge' has been charged, you will pay the fines from the date the item was due up to the actual date the item is discharged from your account, however the £35 'Lost Book Charge' is cancelled.

If you do not return an item:

  • If you do not return an item, after a number of reminders, we will presume the item is lost.
  • If the item is not returned you will be charged a 'Lost Book Charge' of £35.00, plus any fines accrued (maximum £15 per item, £25 per Key Texts)
    • Please note that the Library reserves the right to charge the actual book price if the item’s value considerably more than the standard 'Lost Book Charge' of £35.
    • You are advised not to purchase your own copy as the Library does not accept replacement copies.
  • If the item is subsequently returned, after the 'Lost Book Charge' has been charged, you will pay the fines accrued up to the date the book is returned, however the £35 Lost Book Charge will be cancelled.

If you damage an item:

  • You should contact Lending Services either in person, via email libr10@york.ac.uk, or tel. 01904 323873. If an item is returned in a damaged condition we will contact you asking you to pay the 'Damaged Book Charge' of £35.00.
    • Please note that the Library reserves the right to charge the actual book price if the item’s value considerably more than the standard 'Lost Book Charge' of £35.
    • You are advised not to purchase your own copy as the Library does not accept replacement copies.
  • We will note on your library account that the item is damaged.
  • If the item is overdue we will note the fines accrued up to the date the item is returned, this will be payable in addition to the Damage Book Charge.