We want everybody to have a positive experience using our libraries. The fine rates are balanced not to disadvantage anyone but at the same time act as an incentive for borrowers to return items on time so that they are accessible to all.
The good news is that there are no fines unless your loan has been requested by someone else or is a high demand 24 hour loan item.
The best way to avoid a fine is to always return your items by the date shown. If you keep an item beyond the due date and it’s been reserved by somebody else, you won’t be able to borrow further items until the reserved item is returned.
| Loans | Fines per day (or part thereof) |
| 4 week | 20p |
| 7 day | 50p |
| 24 hour (and document delivery) | £1.00 |
| iBorrow loan | £5.00 |
The maximum fine per item is £14.00 for each loan and the maximum fine for iBorrow loans is £70.00 unless an item is still overdue after 14 days.
If an item is still overdue after 14 days we assume it is lost and there will be a charge for replacing the item (including a £5.00 administration fee). For an iBorrow laptop the charge is £600. The bill is sent by email and any unpaid bills after 14 days are managed by the University’s Finance department who will issue an invoice and pursue the outstanding charges.
Any fines are calculated automatically by the Library Management System when an item is returned. If you look on your library account, you’ll see any fines that you’re accruing which must be paid on return of the item.
You can pay any fines by debit/credit card:
- call Canterbury library point on 01227 922352 or
- use the online payment system. We’ll apply the payment to your library account by 12:00 noon the next working day and we'll remove any fines incurred between the time of the payment and processing. For fines of £30 or more, you won’t be able to borrow further items until the payment’s been processed.
Your library account will be suspended if:
- you have an overdue loan that’s been reserved by another user
- you have unpaid fines of £30 or more.
This means you can't borrow new items; however, you’ll still be able to access online resources. Once you return any overdue items and your unpaid fines are below £30, you’ll be able to continue borrowing.
- Check your library account regularly to see whether any of your loans haven’t been automatically renewed.
- Check your email for library notices - but please don't rely on them, as we can't guarantee you'll get one for each item that’s due.
- Be ready to return an item at the end of its loan period. Don’t assume that it’ll be automatically renewed because it can be reserved by another user.
- Don't lend library books to friends as you’ll be responsible for any fines or lost items on your account.
If you’ve been unable to return loans because of an absence from university due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, you can appeal against the fines on your library account.
We’ll normally require evidence to go with your appeal such as a fit note or contact from your tutor confirming your absence from university.
If you wish to submit an appeal, please use our appeals form.
If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact us.
If you think you've lost an item you've borrowed, contact us as soon as possible. We will:
- note on your library account that the item is lost and, if appropriate, search the shelves.
- if the item is overdue, note the fines accrued up to the date you report the item lost.
If the item isn’t found a charge of the cost of replacement plus a £5 administration fee will be added to your library account. Please note that you cannot purchase replacement items yourself.
If you find and return the item later on, you’ll be charged the fine or cost of replacement, whichever is the lesser amount.
If the item is lost in the post, it’s your responsibility to arrange the recovery of the costs from the courier.
Loss or damage to an iBorrow laptop or accessories will result in charges for repair (this may be up to £200) or replacement costs as follows:
- £600 for the laptop
- £20 for the power supply
- £10 for the carry case
- £10 for the mouse.
Precise quotes are provided by our authorised repair agents.
You can pay for lost items:
- at the library point at Canterbury
- by calling the Library Point is open on 01227 922352
- via the online payment system. We will apply the payment to your Library account by 12:00 noon the next working day.
If you think there’s an item is on your account that shouldn't be there, please contact us and let us know. We’ll mark the item on your account and carry out checks. We’ll also ask you to check at home, work or anywhere you might use the books.
If the book isn’t found after four weeks, it’ll be treated as a lost item.
If you can’t return an item on time or you’re worried about fines, get in touch as soon as possible. We'll do our best to resolve your problem.
We can renew books for you by email or over the phone or check if another copy is available when someone has recalled a book from you, and you have difficulty returning it in time.
Augustine House Library - Canterbury
Drill Hall Library - Medway
Salomons Institute Library - Tunbridge Wells