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FAQ: Lost Books

What if I lose a book?

Please report it to the Circulation/Reserve Desk immediately so that no further overdue fines are assessed.

What is a "LOST" book?

  • A book that is reported lost by the borrower.
  • A book that is more than 40 days overdue.

What charges do I incur?

Overdue fines:$10 maximum fee for each book that is more than 40 days overdue
Processing fee:$30 per book
Replacement fee:Bowker's Average Book Cost (currently $57)
TOTAL:$97 maximum per book

Will I be billed so I can pay later?

Yes, the Library will email you a bill. These charges will be posted on your record as well and you will be informed by the Circulation Desk staff when you renew or charge out materials.

What do I do if I find the book later?

If you find the book before paying the lost book charges, bring the item to the Circulation Desk. You will be charged only the $10 overdue fine. The library will waive the $57 lost replacement fee and the $30 processing fee.

If you find the book within 30 days after having paid the lost book charges, bring the book and payment receipt to the Circulation Desk. If the Library has not replaced the book, you will receive a refund for the book replacement and processing fees.

How does a lost book affect my borrowing privileges?

Once a book has been declared "LOST", you become ineligible to borrow or renew materials at the Circulation, Reserve, Periodicals, or Media Resources Desks. To reinstate your privileges, you must pay all fees associated with replacement of the lost book or return the "lost" book and pay the $10 overdue charge.

Lost Book Replacement Policy

Forty days after the due date, any item not returned is declared lost. A hold is then placed on your library and university accounts. For your convenience, the Library offers two possible ways to reinstate your privileges:

  1. You may pay the standard replacement cost of the book ($57), the processing fee ($30.00) and overdue fine ($10). The amount of the overdue fine is determined at the time the book is reported lost and will not exceed $10.00.

  2. For GW books only: Purchase an exact replacement book and bring it to the Circulation Desk. You will still be responsible for the $30.00 processing fee and the overdue fine, which will be determined at the time the book is reported lost and will not exceed $10. Please contact a supervisor at the Circulation Desk (202-994-6840) for more information about this replacement option

If you find the book within 30 days after having paid the lost charges, bring the book and payment receipt to the Circulation Desk. If the Library has not yet replaced the book, you will receive a refund for the book replacement and processing fees.

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