Lost and Damaged Items
If an item is claimed lost by a patron or by the library the patron will be responsible for replacing the item either by:
· Paying the library the cost of the item plus a processing fee of $5.00 or
· Giving the library a replacement copy plus a processing fee of $5.00.
A replacement copy is defined as a brand new, exact copy of the item with the same ISBN number and format.
If a lost item is later found:
· If the patron paid for the lost book the total amount paid will be returned minus the overdue charges and processing free or
· If the patron provided a replacement copy they will not get a refund, but they may keep the library’s copy.
Damaged Items- Users who return items to the Library damaged will be assessed a fee for the damages.
Damage includes, but is not limited to:
· Items which have had barcodes and other Library markings removed, water damage
· Torn pages
· Writing, etc.
· Graffiti
· Chewed edges
· Excessively dirty or foul smelling
If the item can be repaired, the cost will be commensurate to the repair costs.
If the item cannot be repaired, then the cost will be for a replacement. The patron may keep the book when it has been totally removed from the database. If damage is due to a disaster, such as a fire or a tornado, there will be no cost to the patron for damages however proof must be provided that this disaster occurred. Examples of proof are: Insurance paperwork or a newspaper clipping with details.
It is both the library staff and the patron’s responsibilities to note any condition problem at the time of check out and not after the item has been returned. The last person to have the item will be charged for the damage.