Fees & Appeals

Replacement Fees

While we have no overdue fines, items are considered “lost” 45 days after becoming overdue. At that time, a replacement fee will be submitted to the University Business Office. Fee amounts vary, though most books from our general collection incur a $100 replacement fee.

Please note that loans are subject to recalls which may shorten the original loan period.

Repair Fees

When items are damaged, borrowers may be responsible for repair fees, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis. To discuss replacement and repair options, please email askthelibrary@jmu.edu.

Fee Payments

After an item is 45 days overdue, replacement fees owed to the Libraries will be submitted to the University Business office and can be paid online or in person by check, cash, or Flex. Please contact askthelibrary@jmu.edu for more information.

Fee Appeals

If you wish to appeal a pending fee, please complete the Public Services form, email askthelibrary@jmu.edu, or respond to any emailed notices. Appeals must be submitted by the library borrower within 45 days of receiving the initial overdue notice. Each appeal is assessed on an individual basis.

Fees that have already been submitted to the University Business Office will not be considered for appeal.

Notices and Account Blocks

Email notices are sent when each item becomes overdue, and again 30 days later to alert you to the pending charge. Your library account may be blocked (preventing you from checking out other items) if the total owed exceeds the amount listed in the table below.

Patrons then have an additional 2-week period to engage with library staff by emailing askthelibrary@jmu.edu or responding to any email notice. We will work to provide options that may reduce or eliminate the fee before the item becomes 45 days overdue, at which time the fee will be submitted to the University Business Office (UBO). The UBO may place further blocks on the patron’s university account, which could impact registration, access to transcripts, and (if not paid within 90 additional days) may result in the fee being forwarded to a third-party collection agency.