Fines
The University Libraries is no longer assessing fines for overdue material for regular circulating items. Overdue fines will be assessed for reserve and recalled items.
Once an item is 30 days past the original due date, it will be declared lost and the patron will be billed $110 per item ($90 replacement fee plus $20 processing fee). When the item is returned, the fee will be removed.
If you have questions about your fees or fines, please contact us at circulation@stonybrook.edu.
| Loan type | Fine | Maximum fine |
| Hourly loans | 10¢ a minute | $90 per item |
| 1, 2, 7 day reserve loans | $2 a day | $90 per item |
| Recalled material | $1 per day | $90 per item |
Paying library fines & fees
Online through My Account
- Use your NetID and password to log in to My Library Account, then click the blue “PAY FINE” button on the main landing page.
- You can also reference our step-by-step instructions for more information about online fine payments.
- If you are a current student, faculty, or staff member and do not know your NetID, information about NetIDs is available from DoIT.
Pay in Person at the Bursar
- Pay with cash, credit card, or check at the Bursar’s Office during operating hours
Pay by mail
- Check or money order made payable to Stony Brook University. Mail the check/money order and a print out of the charge(s) to:
Student Financial Services
Stony Brook University
P.O. Box 619
Stony Brook, NY 11790-0619
Lost or damaged material
When the maximum fine has accrued on an item, it is considered lost. The patron will be billed a lost item fee of $90 ($100 for media material), plus a $20 non-refundable processing fee, and will be blocked from borrowing material (in Circulation and Interlibrary Loan) until the fee is paid.
If the item is returned, the lost item fee will be removed. The patron will still be responsible for processing fees.
Loss of borrowing privileges
University borrowers with fines of $5 or more will be blocked from borrowing. Courtesy borrowers with fines of $1 or more will be prevented from borrowing.
Claims Returned/Never Borrowed
If you believe that an item from The Stony Brook University Libraries in on your account in error because you returned it or never borrowed it, please file a claim using this form.
Once we receive your claim, the library staff will change the status of the item on your account to “claims returned” and conduct a search for the missing item. A claims returned/never borrowed search includes a minimum 3 searches over a period of 3-4 weeks.
You will be notified via email if the item is located, or what other steps are needed to resolve the matter. Claims returned materials remain on your account during this search process. You may continue to receive overdue notices. Please also note that blocks may be placed on your account automatically while the search is in process which may impact your ability to borrow or renew material. While your claim is being processed, the library staff will be glad to override the blocks. Contact us at circulation@stonybrook.edu or 631.632.7115.
Requesting Waiver of Library Fines
Library patrons are responsible for knowing and adhering to the circulation policies. Failure to understand these policies will not excuse you from having to pay overdue fines or billed Library material. If you feel you have an extenuating circumstance and should be considered for a waiver of Library fines, you may fill out an appeals request.
Appeals should be submitted within 30 days of the date the bill is issued. All appeals must be on the Request for Waiver of Library Charges form and submitted to the Library Circulation Desk with supporting documentation.
The Request for Waiver of library charges form is available at the Circulation Desk and online. Library staff will consider your appeal and respond within 10 business days. Requests for appeals are most often approved in cases of documented Library error or extreme hardship such as long-term hospitalization, eviction, fire or theft. In cases of theft, you may still be responsible for the cost of the stolen material but we may provide you with an invoice for your insurance company for reimbursement.
Note: Fines will not be waived if the request is based on any of the following reasons:
- Lack of knowledge of Library policies. University Library policies are available on the Library’s site and in the Library;
- Forgot due date or did not know there was a due date;
- Did not receive a courtesy overdue notice;
- Outdated information in your library account. Keep your email, address and phone number up to date in your
account; - Loaned book to someone else;
- Being out of town, on vacation, intersession or holiday;
- Returned book to wrong library;
- Inclement weather
