Book Borrowing Policies

Library patrons who borrow books and materials agree to the following:

• Agree to renew and return books within specified time periods.

• Accept responsibility for payment of replacement costs for lost or damaged books.

• Understand that borrowing privileges may be suspended if library materials are not renewed or returned in a timely manner.

• Return books that have been “Recalled” within 10 days of notification.

• Handle and use Library materials carefully and respectfully, and report any book damage or lost books to the Library staff immediately.

• Regularly check their Stevens email account.  The Library uses Stevens email addresses to send out notifications regarding due dates, overdue materials, recalls, and billing, therefore Library patrons must regularly check their Stevens email account for relevant notifications.

Lost and Damaged Books

The replacement cost for lost or damaged books that have been published within the previous five calendar years will be the full cost of the lost or damaged book, as determined by the Collection Development department, plus a $20 processing charge. The replacement cost for lost or damaged books with a publication date prior to the previous five calendar years will be $100 plus a $20 processing charge. The library will not accept replacement copies of lost or damaged books purchased by the user responsible for the lost item.

Institutional Action: Students 

If a student does not pay book replacement costs within the notification period, the matter will be referred to the Office of Student Accounts. A hold will be placed on the student’s account and the student will be responsible for paying the fee through the library payment portal in order to clear the hold.  Students who do not clear replacement or lost book fees by Commencement may have graduation or transcript holds placed on their accounts.

Institutional Action: Faculty & Staff

If a faculty or staff member does not pay replacement costs within the notification period, the matter will be referred to the Office of the Provost.

Clearing Fines & Payments: 

Before institutional action is taken, payments to the Library for missing books must be made through the library payment portal.  Patrons are encouraged to return or renew books in a timely manner. If the person responsible for the missing item finds the item after the library has ordered a replacement copy, the replacement costs will not be refunded to the user.