Blocks and Fees

These policies apply to UConn Library-owned items. Interlibrary loan items borrowed via the ILLiad service are subject to different policies; see Interlibrary Loan FAQs | UConn Library for more information.

Blocks

When a block is placed on a patron’s UConn Library account, they cannot check out any further library materials until the situation that caused the block is resolved. Blocks are typically placed when materials are overdue; see below for specifics.

Overdue Recalled Materials

Like most college and university libraries, the UConn Library permits UConn students and employees to recall checked-out materials from other patrons in order to allow equitable access to library resources. Recalled items may have a shortened loan period. If a recalled item is not returned by the new due date, the patron’s UConn Library account will be blocked until the recalled item is returned.

Long Overdue Items

See also Loan Periods and Limits. At the time of checkout, library patrons receive an email notice giving the due date of the item. Items with a loan period of seven (7) days or more also receive a reminder email several days before the due date.

There is a grace period of 30 days for most items; the grace period is 1 day for short-checkout items such as tech items and reserve materials. If a patron has 2 or more items overdue past the grace period, their UConn Library account will be blocked and they will be unable to check out more items until the overdue ones have been returned.

Lost Item Fees

Once an item is 60 days overdue (7 days for short-checkout items), it is considered Lost. Patrons will receive an email notifying them that the item is Lost and will be invoiced a Lost Fee for each such item within the following one to two weeks after that email. The standard Lost Fee for most items is $110. For Leisure Reading materials the Lost Fee is $30. Technology items are assessed a Lost Fee that approximates their replacement cost and ranges from $15 (dry erase markers) to $1500 (laptops).

Invoices for Lost items are sent via email and are due within 30 days of receipt. Payments are remitted to the University of Connecticut Bursar’s Office (not the library) and may be made by check or online. If a Lost item is found and returned in good condition (as determined by the library) within one year of the date of invoice, any monies paid will be refunded.

Lost Fees cannot be refunded for Interlibrary Loan materials borrowed via the ILLiad service.

Fee Appeal Process

If a patron wishes to appeal any Lost fees they have been charged, they may send an email to askcirc@uconn.edu. The email should include the patron’s full name, UConn NetID number (or barcode number for Community Borrowers), address, phone number, and email (UConn email for students and employees). Also provide the date of the invoice and state the reasons, including any extenuating circumstances if applicable, that prevented the materials from being returned on time (or at all).

If the reasons involve a crime or similar event, please include any relevant documentation such as a scan of a police report or insurance claim. The information provided will help us reach a decision that is equitable and fair to all users of the library collections. The Head of Access and Visitor Services will review the appeal and notify the patron via email as to the decision.