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 fees
Fines vary by loan period and lending library. Fines stop accruing when the item is returned, or when the item is declared lost and a bill for replacement is sent. Log into My Account to pay fines and fees.
Paid overdue fines cannot be refunded. Paid replacement fees may be eligible for a refund if the item is found and returned to the library within one year from the date the fee was paid. Read more about lost items or contesting a fine.
Overdue notices are a courtesy, sent to the email address provided by the University Registrar (Stanford affiliates) or when library borrowing cards are created (purchased library cards.) 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: fee for replacement sent; borrowing privileges may be suspended
Items loaned for periods of 1-14 days, except Media & Microtext material
- One day after due date: fines begin accruing ($1.50/day to a maximum of $10.50), except items from the Music Library, where daily fines are not assessed
- Two days after due date: courtesy overdue reminder sent
- Eight days after due date: fee for replacement sent; borrowing privileges may be suspended
Media & Microtext material
- One day after due date: fines begin accruing ($1.50/day to a maximum of $10.50)
- Two days after due date: courtesy overdue reminder is sent
- Three days after due date: fee for replacement is sent; borrowing privileges may be suspended
Items loaned for 28 days or longer
- No overdue fines charged (unless the item is recalled)
- Two days after due date: courtesy overdue reminder sent
- Fifteen days after due date: fee for replacement sent; borrowing privileges may be 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: fee for replacement sent; borrowing privileges may be suspended
- Accrued recall fines will not be waived due to travel
