Fines and Penalties
If you fail to return items by the due date:
- You will not be able to borrow from any section of the Library until the loan has been discharged from your record
- You may be liable for a fine of up to $50 per item. Fines are imposed immediately on all borrowers for the late return of any items. There are different fine rates for different categories of material:
- All items from the main collection $1.00 per day to a maximum of $50.00
- 7 Day Loan items $5.00 per day to a maximum of $50.00
- Reserve items $2.00 per hour to a maximum of $50.00
These penalties will continue to accrue until the item or items are returned and discharged. A fine or fee of $50.00 or more will block borrowing, prevent holds being placed or material being renewed.
Overdue and Fine Notices
Once an item is charged / checked out to a user, the user should assume full responsibility for the item, including return the item on time. Due reminders, overdue and fine notices are sent as a courtesy act only, and failure to receive a notice does not constitute the basis for canceling a fine.
Unless there is no email account available, all notices from the Library are now sent through email. Students and staff members of the University, NCELTR and SIBT should check their University and institutional email regularly to ensure they keep their borrowing records up to date. If you prefer to forward email to your personal account, please make sure you choose the forward and delete option to keep your University / institutional email account active.
Never ignore an overdue, recall or fine notice. Failure to return overdue items or pay outstanding debts may result in the with-holding of Academic Transcripts and may prevent re-enrolment. Also starting 2006, all outstanding charges will impose sanction over the release of exam results. It is advisable that all students, particularly international and exchange students to clear their Library accounts before they leave the country for holidays or for good.
If an item is not returned, it will be deemed lost, and you will receive an invoice for the cost of replacement (minimum $100) and a processing fee.
Fine Payments
If you have a fine or owe lost book replacement charges, fines must be paid:
In Person at
The Cashiers Office, Lincoln Student Services Building
Hours of opening: Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm.
Cash, Cheque (payable to Macquarie University), Credit Cards and EFTPOS are accepted.
By Mail
Cheque: Payable to Macquarie University. Please write your name and student number on the back of the cheque and include the fine notice if possible
Credit Card: Authourisations must include the card number, expiry date, card holder's name, the amount due and signed by the card holder. It is advisable to include contact details and description of the payment as Library Fines. Click here for the Credit Card Authorisation Form
The Cashier
Macquarie University
NSW 2109
By Fax
You can also fax your Credit Card Authorisation Form to (02) 9850 9351. For faxing from overseas, please add the country code 61 for Australia.
At the After Hours Cashier: (during term time, excluding exam period and long weekends)
Credit Card, EPTPOS, cheques/money orders only
Centre for Open Education
Building X5B, Level 1
Hours of Opening during term time only:
Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Friday: 8.30am to 5.00pm
Saturday: 8.00am to 11.00am
No payments can be made over the phone.
Lost or Damaged Items
- Please report promptly any loss or damage to Library materials. Borrowers should expect to pay a minimum $100 replacement cost for any items lost while on loan to them.
- Borrowers may also be charged for any damage to Library material while on loan to them. Charges for damaged items vary depending on the extent of the damage (ranging from the cost of rebinding an item to the full replacement cost). An administration fee is charged in addition to any replacement or repair costs.
How to avoid Fines
You can avoid fines and suspension of borrowing privileges by always returning books on time, or by renewing your books BEFORE the date due. If for some good reason, e.g. illness, (medical certificates are required in cases of illness) you are unable to do so, notify the Borrowing Enquiries Counter in person or by telephone (9850 7507).
If you have a Loan/Fine Query
If you have any questions about an overdue or fine notice, contact the Borrowing Enquiries Desk by telephone: 9850 7507 or in person on level 2 of the Library and speak to the library staff about the problem as soon as possible.