(1)
System-wide applicability of fines and charges: All borrowers are subject to a uniform system of fines and charges for late return of library materials and for replacement costs when required.
(2)
Notice of due dates and overdue materials: (a) Overdue notices are sent subsequent to the date due for all materials checked out through the on-line circulation system.
(b) For two-hour, and one-, three-, and seven-day materials and special category materials, overdue notices may be phoned if possible, or borrowers may be notified by mail.
(c) Failure to receive a notice or invoice does not exempt the borrower from charges.
(d) Failure to inform the university of changes of address does not exempt the borrower from charges.
(3)
Fines and charges: (a) Fines and/or replacement charges are assessed when library material is not returned by the due date specified for the material.
(b) Approved fine rates, maximum fines for specific types of materials, and basic replacement fees are available in each of the libraries.
(c) Specific fine rates and basic charges for replacement, rebinding, etc., are established for each biennium.
(d) Fine rates and charges for replacement, rebinding, etc., will be reviewed prior to the beginning of each biennium for possible adjustment by appropriate WSU libraries personnel. Proposed adjustments to established fine rates will be submitted through the WSU faculty senate library committee to the WSU faculty senate for approval.
(e) The most recently approved fine schedule is incorporated into these rules by reference. Copies are available at all circulation desks.
(f) All fines accrue from the time material becomes overdue.
(g) Fines do not accrue when the library from which the material was borrowed is closed.
(h) If a loan period has been extended by special permission, the overdue fine is assessed according to the original loan category of the material. For materials circulated by special permission or normally categorized as noncirculating, the fine rate will be assessed on an hourly basis.
(i) The libraries have the right to reduce or forgive fines and charges for patrons with bona fide reasons for not returning materials when due.
(4)
Payment of fines and charges: (a) Fines and charges are paid through WSU accounts receivable. Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order. Departmental purchase orders or interdepartmental requisitions and invoices are not acceptable as payment because fines may not be paid by departmental, grant, or any other funds controlled by the university.
(b) Failure to pay fines and charges will result in the total amount assessed being referred for collection. The controller may, if other collection methods fail, withhold outstanding fines from damage deposits or other funds held for any students. Where collection efforts are unsuccessful, the controller may notify the registrar to refrain from issuing copies of student transcripts or to withhold permission to reenroll for an ensuing term until outstanding fines are paid.
(c) Failure to pay fines and charges may also result in revocation of borrowing privileges by the director of libraries.
(5)
Replacement charges: (a) If library material or equipment is lost, or not returned by the time the maximum fine has accumulated, a replacement charge will be assessed.
This replacement charge includes the estimated replacement cost of the material plus a nonrefundable service charge to cover the costs of searching, correspondence, cataloguing, etc. The replacement charge and service charge are added to the maximum fine, and the delinquent borrower is charged this total sum.
(b) If material upon which a replacement charge has been assessed is found and returned within six months of the assessment date, the replacement cost of the material will be refunded. The service charge and overdue fine are not refundable.
(c) Library patrons who mutilate library materials or return mutilated materials that have been checked out to them will be charged a library administrative fee plus replacement costs for each item involved.
(d) All library materials, regardless of fines and fees paid, remain state property.
(e) In accordance with general policy, and upon request and suitable justification by the library user, exceptions to these regulations may be made.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.30.095, 28B.30.125 and 28B.30.150. 95-13-004, § 504-40-060, filed 6/8/95, effective 7/9/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.30.125 and 28B.30.150. 81-17-010 (Order 81-2, Resolution No. 7/81-11), § 504-40-060, filed 8/7/81; Order 74-1, § 504-40-060, filed 6/12/74; Order 73-1, § 504-40-060, filed 3/9/73, effective 6/1/73.]