Loan Agreement
- By applying for a UBC/Library card, borrowers agree to familiarize themselves with and abide by the following regulations
Library Cards
- Patrons must present one of the following valid IDs – UBCcard (physical or digital), UBC Library community card or Alumni card (physical A-card or alumni app with barcode) in order to borrow or renew library materials.
- Library cards are not transferable and may be confiscated if misused
- Borrowers are responsible for all material charged out to their cards
- Lost or stolen cards issued by the UBC Carding Office should be reported online
- Lost or stolen cards issued by UBC Library should be reported to:
- Vancouver: overdues.koerner@ubc.ca
- Okanagan: libquestions.ok@ubc.ca
- A replacement fee may be charged for lost cards
- Fines and charges must be paid in full before Library privileges will be renewed
Loan Regulations
- Borrowers are responsible for the return of all items on time and in good condition
- The due date for all items borrowed is the date by which items must be returned or renewed
- Renewed items may be recalled before the due date by another borrower
- You will be notified of recalled materials by email
- Loans of 1 day or longer are due before closing time on the due date
- Two-hour loans are due on the date/time noted
Loan periods
Books | 2 weeks |
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8 weeks |
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term loans |
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Course Reserves | 2 hrs, 1 day, or 3 days |
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Journals | Library use only except: |
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Interlibrary Loans | 3 weeks or as noted | |
Laptop Computers | Laptop loan periods will vary by UBC library branch. Enquire at the branch circulation desk for specific loan periods and return times |
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Videos/DVDs/Film | 7 days at most branches |
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Reference Books, Newspapers, Rare Books & Special Collections and University Archives Materials | LIBRARY USE ONLY |
Recalls
- Borrowers can recall items charged out to other borrowers
- Recalling prevents the borrower who has the item you want from renewing it
- Borrowers who fail to return recalled items by the due date will incur fines and library privileges will be suspended until recalled items are returned
- Course Reserve items can’t be recalled
Renewals
- Items on loan can be renewed online if they have not been recalled by another borrower
- Course Reserve items can’t be renewed
Returning Library Materials
- Return Course Reserve materials, Interlibrary Loan items, equipment and Videomatica items to the branch where they were borrowed on or before the due date
- All other items can be returned to any UBC Library branch
Privacy of Borrowing Records
- In accordance with BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation, the Library does not release personal information about borrowers including information about items on loan
- It is a borrower’s responsibility to ensure that personal information is not left displayed on Library public workstations in a way which makes it accessible to others and to change their PIN to prevent unauthorized use
Fines Policy
- UBC Library has eliminated most overdue fines with the exception of high-demand items such as those that have been recalled as well as Course Reserves and equipment such as laptops
- Fines accrue as soon as items are overdue
- Borrowing privileges will be suspended for:
- Outstanding fines or charges of $50 and over
- Failure to return an overdue item recalled by another borrower
- Failure to pay fines or charges of any amount from a previous academic year
- Unpaid fines over $50 also results in suspension of online ordering and database services
- UBC Policy #67 enables the withholding of academic transcripts and registration, and referral of unpaid debts to a credit agency
Late Fees
Books, Journals, Videos with Recalls/Holds | $1/day up to a maximum of $30 per item* |
2 hour Course Reserves | $1/hour to a maximum of $30 per item* |
1 & 3 day Course Reserves, Interlibrary Loans | $5/day to a maximum of $30 per item* |
Laptops | $20 or $50/hour to a maximum of $200 per item** |
Specialized items/equipment | Fines will vary. Confirm with issuing library. |
*plus lost charges for items more than 28 days overdue
**late fees vary by library branch depending on loan period. If a laptop is not returned by the time due, the borrower will be assessed a late fee of $20 per hour or portion thereof (for a 4-hour loan) or $50 per day or portion thereof (for a one-day or multi-day loans), up to a maximum late fee of $200, plus lost charges for laptops more than 10 hours overdue
Fines and Charges Payment
Online: | All users can pay by going to the UBC Library Online Payment System
Students can also pay via the UBC Student Service Centre |
The Library Online Payment System accepts Visa, Mastercard and Interac Debit cards.
The Student Service Centre accepts Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer |
How to Appeal Fines & Other Charges
- To appeal a charge, complete and submit an appeal through the Library Accounts Assistance Form
- Lack of knowledge of loan regulations, failing to note due dates, failing to renew on time, and failing to receive courtesy/overdue reminder notices are not acceptable reasons for cancellation of charges.
- For more information please contact:
- Vancouver: overdues.koerner@ubc.ca
- Okanagan: libquestions.ok@ubc.ca
Notification of Overdues, Recalls, Fines & Other Charges
- The Library sends notices about overdue items, recalls, fines and lost charges by email
- Email notification provides:
- overdue/fine notice at 1 day and 7 days overdue
- lost charge notice at 28 days overdue
- end-of-term notice listing all fines and charges owed
- notice as soon as any fine or charge is incurred
- notice that an item on loan to you has been recalled
- courtesy reminder of items due in 3 days (short term loans i.e. anything 3 days or less are excluded)
- It is your responsibility to ensure that the Library has your current email address.
Suspension of Privileges
- Borrowing privileges may be suspended for the following reasons:
- Failing to pay fines
- Failing to maintain a current mailing address
- Causing disruption in the Library through loud conversation, eating in unauthorized areas, or other inappropriate behaviour
Privacy of Borrowing Records
- In accordance with BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation, the Library does not release personal information about borrowers including information about items on loan
- It is a borrower’s responsibility to ensure that personal information is not left displayed on Library public workstations in a way which makes it accessible to others and to change their PIN to prevent unauthorized use