These pages explain circulation services and policies at the Stanford University Libraries, including borrowing periods, renewals, and return policies. While policies vary by library and user privilege level (faculty, staff, undergraduate, alumni, etc.), books typically have longer lending periods than other materials, such as DVDs and media. Still have questions after reading these pages? Contact greencirc@stanford.edu.
Fines and charges
Overdue items cannot be renewed. They cease accumulating fines when the item is returned, or when the item is declared lost and a bill for replacement is sent.
Fines vary by loan period and lending library. Overdue notices are a courtesy, sent to the email address provided when borrowing records are created. Failure to receive a notice does not cancel obligations to pay fines or fees.
Reserves and hourly loans (including Media Reserves)
- Late fines accrue immediately ($1.00/hour to a maximum of $30.00)
- One day after due date: courtesy overdue reminder sent
- Three days after due date: bill for replacement sent; borrowing privileges suspended
Items loaned for periods of 1-14 days
- One day after due date: courtesy overdue reminder sent; fines begin accruing at the rate of $1.50/day to a maximum of $10.50 (note: daily fines do not accrue on these items at the Music Library)
- Eight days after due date: bill for replacement sent; borrowing privileges suspended
Items loaned for 28 days or longer
- no overdue fines charged (unless the item is recalled)
- One day after due date: courtesy overdue reminder sent
- 15 days after due date: bill for replacement sent; borrowing privileges suspended
Recalled materials
- One day after recall due date: fines begin accruing ($3.00/day to a maximum of $21.00)
- Eight days after recall due date: bill for replacement sent; borrowing privileges suspended
Media & Microtext material
- 1 day after due date: courtesy overdue reminder is sent and fines begin accruing ($1.50/day to a maximum of $10.50)
- 3 days after due date: bill for replacement is sent; borrowing privileges are suspended
