Circulation Policies

Circulation Policies

You can also view our Frequently Asked Questions about borrowing Sims Library materials here.

• Library materials are the property of the State of Louisiana.
• Each user is financially responsible for all penalties incurred, including damage, misuse and late fees, up to the cost of repair or replacement.
  • Items returned with missing pieces are considered damaged.
  • Return or renew materials on or before the due date.  Log in to your Library Account to keep track.
    • Eligible items with a semester-long loan period cannot be renewed until after the semester end date.
• Items returned when the Library is closed will be processed the following business day.  See Library Hours.
• The Library’s primary method of communication is Southeastern email.
• The Library will send email reminder notices regarding due dates, overdue items and accrued fees.
• In the event of a declared emergency library closure, students may return devices to the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department.
• Students who experience an extenuating circumstance (ie. medical emergency, family emergency) impacting the timely return of their library-owned materials should contact [email protected] prior to their due date. Once the due date has passed, the student should fill out and submit a Library Appeal Form.
• Library privileges may be suspended at any time due to damage, late returns or other misuse.
  • Equipment checkout privileges may be suspended when an item is more than thirty (30) days overdue.
  • Book checkout privileges may be suspended when 3 or more books are more than sixty (60) days overdue.

Fines, Fees, and Appeals

Library Appeal Form

Late Fees

• Most library materials do not accrue a late fee.
• Special items not returned on or before the due date will be marked as unreturned library items and may accrue applicable late fees of $5.00 per business day, up to $60.00. Special items include:
  • Laptops
  • Calculators
  • Course Reserves
  • Hourly Equipment

Damaged and Lost Items Fee Calculation

• Specialists may be consulted regarding repair costs. Therefore, repair costs may vary, and users may not be billed immediately.
• Replacement costs may fluctuate due to market and supply trends.

Definition of Damaged Items

• Users are responsible for returning library materials and associated pieces in the same condition as when they were checked out.
• Types of damage that will result in charges include, but are not limited to:
  • Books/Scores
    • Water/Drink/Food stains
    • Pen/Pencil/Highlighter marks
    • Torn/Ripped covers or pages
    • Sticky notes/tape
    • Offensive odors
    • Missing pieces
  • AV
    • Water/Drink/Food stains
    • Pen/Pencil/Highlighter marks
    • Torn/Ripped case or inserts
    • Scratched or damaged media
    • Offensive odors
    • Missing pieces
  • Equipment
    • Water/Drink/Food spills
    • Stains/Stickers
    • Scratches/Cracks
    • Offensive odors
    • Missing pieces

Lost Items Replacement Fees

• Sims Library does not accept user-purchased replacement items in lieu of replacement charges.
• Users will be billed the replacement cost for items not returned within a specified time after the due date.
  • Books/AV – 30 Days* after due date
    • Not refundable after 3 months
  • Equipment – 7 Days* after due date
    • Chromebooks will also be remotely disabled at this time.
    • Not refundable after 30 days

                      *Past due time periods may be shortened at the end of the semester.

Stolen Items

If Library materials are stolen from a user, the user should report the theft immediately to the proper authorities and notify the Library as soon as possible. If the patron can provide a copy of the police report or official documentation from the police department with a file number, then overdue fines and service charges (if any) will be waived, and the user will only be charged for the replacement cost of the item. The user is responsible for the replacement cost of the item in all circumstances.

Appeal of Fees or Loss of Privileges

Library Appeal Form

• Users who are not satisfied with the resolution of their inquiries regarding library fees or loss of privileges may file a formal appeal, as long as they have not paid the charges under dispute.
• Only users who were charged library fees or lost privileges may use the appeals process. Appeals made on behalf of others will not be accepted.
• The following circumstances are not grounds for filing an appeal:
  • Lack of knowledge of Library policy
  • Lack of understanding of Library policy
  • Lack of understanding of Library operating hours
  • Inability to pay fees
  • Failure to receive a courtesy email notice
  • Instances where the user loaned Library materials to others who failed to return them.