Report a lost book or library item
If you lose a book, DVD, laptop, or any other material you borrowed from Falls Library & Learning Commons, you must report it right away. Reporting quickly helps us update our records and stops daily fines from adding up. This guide covers who can use this service, how to report the loss, and the fees or deadlines you need to know.
Who this applies to
This procedure applies to all students, staff, and visitors who have active borrowing privileges at the library. If you borrowed an item through a club or a program, you are still responsible for reporting the loss. International students and exchange visitors follow the same rules as domestic borrowers.
How to report a lost item
You can report a lost item in three ways. Choose the method that works best for you.
- Visit the circulation desk. Walk up to the Circulation desk in the main lobby of Falls Library & Learning Commons on the Benchlands Campus. A staff member will look up the item in the system and give you a receipt for your payment.
- Call the library. Dial 519-555-0178 to speak with a circulation desk representative. Have your student card number ready so they can find your account quickly.
- Send an email. Write to [email protected] with your student number, the title of the lost item, and the date you last used it. A staff member will reply with the next steps.
Fees and deadlines
When you report a lost item, you will need to clear the balance on your account before you can borrow more materials. The library charges a replacement fee and a processing charge. You must pay the full replacement price of the item plus a $15 processing fee. If you can find a matching copy in perfect condition, you may bring it to the circulation desk instead of paying the fee. Staff will inspect the item and decide if it is acceptable.
You must report the loss within 48 hours of discovering it is missing. If you wait longer than two days, daily overdue fines will continue to build until you report it. You can also pay the overdue fines and replacement costs online through the student portal, or in person with a debit card, credit card, or cheque.
What happens next
Once you report the item, the library will mark it as lost in the catalogue so no one else can check it out. Your borrowing privileges will be suspended until the fee is paid. After you pay, your account will be cleared immediately, and you can borrow items again.
For a full list of all library charges, please visit the Library fines and fees page. If you need help with your student account or have questions about the replacement process, contact the circulation desk at 519-555-0178 or visit us at the Circulation desk, Falls Library & Learning Commons, Benchlands Campus.