Overdue, Lost & Damaged Materials

All users are responsible for materials borrowed and for returning and renewing items on time.

We charge fees for late items to ensure continued access to library materials for all users. You can usually eliminate fees by returning the item. 

If you've received an overdue, lost, or damaged item notice, please contact us to resolve the issue.

Overdue items

Books and media are automatically renewed when possible. Email courtesy notices are sent out before most items are due, except for course reserves and productivity tools. Log into My Account to confirm due dates and renew materials. See Borrowing for loan periods and limits. 

Overdue notices are emailed to users as a courtesy. Failure to receive an overdue email notice does not exempt a borrower from applicable fees. 

If you have books and media that are overdue for 21 days or longer, you will be unable to borrow additional materials from the DePaul University Library, but you will still be eligible for renewals. 

Fines & fees

We do not charge overdue fines for late items, but we charge a replacement fee for materials that are considered lost (overdue by a certain number of days.) If you have any lost items, you cannot borrow or renew materials. If a lost item is returned, this fee will be removed and your borrowing privileges will be reinstated. Log into My Account to review your fines and fees. 

Damaged materials

Patrons are responsible for any materials damaged while checked out to their account. Items are reviewed for damage when returned. Damage includes, but is not limited to, highlighting/writing on pages, sticky notes, cut/torn pages or binding, water damage, and pet damage. Payment of the replacement fee for damaged items does not confer ownership of the item to the borrower. We do not accept replacement copies for damaged items.

I-Share & interlibrary loan materials

Patrons are responsible for any fines or fees charged for overdue, lost, or damaged items borrowed through I-Share and interlibrary loan. Fines and fees are set by the library from which the items were borrowed. Contact the I-Share or lending library directly for questions and payment options. 

You cannot borrow additional materials from the DePaul University Library if you have fines or fees from other I-Share or interlibrary loan lending libraries.

Accumulation of charges

If you accumulate fees for lost or damaged items borrowed from the DePaul University Library, your diploma could be withheld and you may be blocked from registering for classes:

• $150 - Diploma is withheld until charges are paid
• $1000 - Blocked from registering for classes until charges are paid

Appealing fines & fees

Patrons may appeal fines and fees within 30 days of lost or damaged notification. Email libnotice@depaul.edu and include any supporting documentation. 

How to pay

We accept payment via PayPal or check.

• PayPal - email libnotice@depaul.edu for a Paypal invoice; provide your name and DePaul ID number
• Check - mail to: Attention: Billing, John T. Richardson Library, DePaul University, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, IL 60614. 

The DePaul University Library cannot accept payments for the DePaul Rinn Law Library,  other I-Share libraries, or interlibrary loan lending libraries. Contact the Rinn Library, I-Share  library or lending library directly for questions and payment options. 

Contact us

Contact the John T. Richardson Library Access Services department for questions regarding your overdue, lost, and damaged materials. We can work with you to resolve most fine and fee issues. 

• Email: libnotice@depaul.edu
• Phone: (773) 325-7862