BS5834 - Collection of Library Assessments

1. Institutional Regulations
   
   Students with lost or overdue library materials are restricted from registering for classes, getting transcripts, or receiving refunds from the College. All reasonable efforts will be made to ensure that the College is reimbursed for materials not returned to the library.
    
2. Procedure
   1. Overdue fines are assessed when materials are returned after the due date. As an example, there is a 7-day grace period for regular circulating books.
   2. DMACC faculty/staff are not assessed overdue fines.
   3. Fines are calculated for each day the library is open. The location where the item belongs determines the fine, so an overdue item from an Ankeny or Urban location will often have Saturdays included in the calculation of the fine because these libraries are open on Saturday.
   4. Fines vary depending on the item type but cumulate to a maximum of $5.00 per item.
   5. Overdue notices are automatically generated by the library automated system. Notices are printed and mailed daily. The schedule for notices is as follows:
      • First Notice - 1-3 days after the due date
      • Second Notice - 14 days after the due date
      • Third Notice - 28 days after the due date
      • Fourth Notice - 42 days after the due date
      • Replacement Bill - 60 days after the due date
        
        The fourth notice is sent by certified mail, notifying the patron that the item is still overdue and that they will be billed for the material if it is not returned. While not assessed fines for the lost or overdue materials, DMACC faculty/staff will be billed for the replacement of materials not returned to the library.
         
   6. The library will place Student Account holds on students who have unpaid indebtedness which will prevent them from registering for classes, getting transcripts, or receiving refunds from the College.
   7. Patrons with holds will have to come to the library to have the matter resolved. Library personnel will collect fees and issue a receipt to the student.
   8. Library staff will ensure that patron library records are adjusted, holds removed where appropriate and all fees collected are deposited with the Business Office cashier.