News, Events, & Updates

To ensure that items displayed in the online catalog are available to patrons, the Smathers Libraries will attempt to quickly replace each item lost by patrons with an exact copy, an updated edition of the title, or a similar title. Effective July 1, 2008, the libraries will no longer refund replacement costs for items that are returned after replacements copies are ordered. Overdue fines related to lost items are not increasing and are not refundable if the book is subsequently returned.

• If a lost item is returned before a replacement copy is ordered, the assessed replacement cost will be refunded to the patron. The associated overdue fines will not be refunded.

• If a lost item is returned after a replacement copy has been ordered, the assessed replacement cost will not be refunded, but the patron will have the option of retaining the returned item. The associated overdue fines will not be refunded.

How is the replacement cost determined?
Replacement prices are based on readily available information from selected book dealers. To determine a replacement cost, staff will first check Books in Print for the retail price. If there is no information for that item, staff will then check other trusted vendors and find the lowest priced comparable item. The processing costs for ordering, shipping and handling, and making the book shelf-ready are added to the purchase price.

Can I provide the library with my own replacement copy?
To ensure condition and accuracy of the item and catalog, the library only orders replacement copies through trusted vendors. The library will not accept patron supplied replacement copies.

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