Length of Loans & Fines

NOTE: Some ULS libraries may have collections with more restrictive policies.

1. Special Library Card (See Policy 10-03-03: Special Library Cards and Access to University Libraries). This policy to be reviewed and/or revised annually.
2. Due date April 30
3. NO renewals on items recalled for another patron.
4. Alldred Collection books have the same loan policy for all library users:  one 2 week loan and one renewal (if no outstanding request)
5. Please consult Hillman Library Donald S. Wood Service Desk staff for out of print material: 412-648-7800

    *If you are a participant in a Pitt program such as The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), please contact the library for questions regarding loan policies. 412-648-7800.

Paying Fines

Fines may be paid at the Hillman Library Service Desk whenever full time staff are on duty. Make checks payable to University of Pittsburgh. Fine payments may also be sent directly to the following address:

If you have questions or concerns about payments to your library account, please Ask Us.

Purpose of Overdue Fines

The purpose of fines is to encourage the prompt return of borrowed materials so that they will be available for use by others. Fines for overdue items are charged to all categories of borrowers, including faculty, staff, students, community, and courtesy users. Grace Period: The library offers a seven-day grace period for normal circulating items. If a regular circulation item is due September 1, a library user may return it as late as September 7 without owing a fine. However, on September 8, the user would owe $.25 per day overdue fine retroactive to September 1. The fine would be $2. Grace periods do not apply to journals, recalled items, reserve, reference, or other material in specific subcollections.

Notices

Overdue notices sent by the University Libraries are courtesy reminder notices only. The University Libraries are not responsible for delayed delivery of notices due to inaccurate addresses or other delivery problems. The first overdue notice is sent the day after items are due. When an item is 15 days overdue, a final notice is sent and the user's borrowing privileges suspended until the situation is resolved. Once overdue material is returned, a bill that includes the total amount of the fine is generated and sent within one business day.

Lost Item Replacement Charges

The libraries charge a $100 replacement fee for books that are 15 days overdue and are considered "Lost", plus a non-refundable $25 processing fee for each book. "Lost" books cannot be renewed and must be returned to the library for your account to be credited. If the book is returned after billing and before the library has begun the reorder process to replace it, your account will be adjusted and the replacement and processing fees will be removed. If the library has "withdrawn" the item, some portion of the replacement fee plus the $25 processing fee will be retained. Library users who wish to provide a replacement copy for lost or damaged library materials may do so, however, the replacement copy is subject to approval of the ULS bibliographer. In addition, the $25 lost item process fee will be assessed. Students with outstanding unpaid charges of $35 or higher will be referred to the Student Financial Services Office for collection after one month.  

Updating Your Address

To update your address see the Office of the University Registrar Personal Information page