Heather,


We charge the cost to replace for a lost map, so the fine will vary widely based on the map they borrowed. We do lend GPS units, for a lost one we charge the price of the unit.

I do take into account how costly both of these things can be, so with the GPS units I charge the cost of that version and not replacement (as tech changes quickly). We do allow our users to replace a lost item with a like copy, so if they lost a map/book/etc. and find a copy on eBay or through some other vendor that is less then the fine we charge we will accept the like copy, if it is in good condition.


This is our policy across the Libraries and collections, it does put leg work on us to determine value of lost items. However when a student sees a $500 fine on their account for a map it gets returned fast.


Sierra

she/her/hers

Sierra Laddusaw | Assistant Professor
Map Librarian, Maps & GIS
Texas A&M University Libraries
[log in to unmask]
MS #5000 TAMU | College Station, TX 77843
Tel.(979)845-6588
http://library.tamu.edu


________________________________
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Heather Ross <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 5, 2018 8:15 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fines for lost maps

Hi All,

How much do you charge patrons for lost maps?  Do you also lend equipment like GPS units?

Thanks in advance,

Heather Ross
Map Specialist
Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information
Penn State University Libraries
1 Pattee Library
University Park, PA  16802
814-863-1349
40°47'52.0" N 77°51'57.4"W