University of Alberta Libraries
University of AlbertaFines and Other Charges
Fines are charged for late return or loss of materials or for abuse of privileges. Clients with unpaid fines of $50.00 or more are prevented from borrowing. Registration, transcript of marks, and diplomas will be withheld when there is a balance owing on an account.
Fee Schedule
*NEOS fee schedules may vary for overdue and lost items belonging to NEOS libraries.
General Fines
$2.00/day/item
$2.00/day for periodicals, any format (applicable to all client categories)
$5.00/day/item for recalled items (applicable to all client categories).
Reserve Fines (applicable to all client categories)
Hourly fines
- applies to most reserve materials
- applies to items signed out for hourly/24-hour/overnight loans
$1.00/hour (or portion thereof), regardless of library opening hours, to a maximum fine of $31.00
Daily fines (only applicable to the J.A. Weir Memorial Law Library):
- applies only to reserve materials that are set to be signed out for a full day or more*
$6.00/day per item to a maximum of $31.00.
Other Charges (applicable to all client categories)
LOST BOOK charge
$150.00
If a lost item is found and returned after a lost book charge has been paid, a refund will be issued up to one year after payment of the lost book charge. Patron must return the lost material directly to a service desk and then initiate the refund process. $31.00 late fines will still apply.
Discretionary fine (for breach of regulations, abuse of privilege, etc):
$50.00
NSF cheque charge:
$25.00
Rebinding or repair charges for items returned damaged:
Charges will vary.
How to Pay Library Fines
*NEW* By Credit / Debit Card - Self Service in Rutherford Library
At Rutherford Library, you may pay by credit or debit card using the self-service machine near the Service Desk. If you require assistance, please ask one of our staff at the Rutherford Service Desk.
At Library Service Desks
Fines may be paid by cash, cheque (made out to the University of Alberta Library) or ONEcard at most University of Alberta Library service desks. For information on hours of operation, see library hours.
At this time, payments via credit card or debit card cannot be accepted at Library Service Desks. *NEW* Rutherford Library now provides the option to pay by credit or debit using the self-service machine near the Service Desk!
By Credit Card - Online (Current University of Alberta students and employees only)
Current students and employees of the University of Alberta may pay fines online by credit card by using the CCID method of logging into My Account.
If you are not a current University of Alberta student or employee, you cannot pay fines online. Payment in such cases can be made using cash, cheque or ONECard at a Library service desk or by contacting the Financial Systems and Analysis Office. See information below.
By Credit Card by Phone or In-Person / Debit Card In-Person - Financial Systems and Analysis Office (All Borrowers)
Library fines can be paid by credit or debit card by visiting the Financial Systems and Analysis Office, 5th Floor, Cameron Library during limited hours.
If you wish to make a credit card payment by phone, please leave a voice message at 492-3683 and we will call you back. (Do NOT leave your credit card number on the voice message.)
By Mail - Cheque
Make cheque payable to University of Alberta Library.Include your ONEcard/Library card barcode number or student ID number on the back of the cheque. If your cheque does not already include your current address and telephone number, include this information on the cheque as well.
Mail cheque to:
Financial Systems and Analysis OfficeUniversity of Alberta Libraries
5th Floor, Cameron Library
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB T6G 2J8
Lifting of Encumbrances
If you are being blocked ("encumbered") from registering or your transcripts and/or degree certificate are being withheld due to unpaid fines, encumbrances will be lifted upon payment of outstanding fines.
Encumbrances are lifted hourly between 8:00 am and midnight and then again at 2:00 am, Mon-Sun with the exception of the Christmas period when the university is closed. Fines payments received up to fifteen minutes before the hour will clear an individual's encumbrance at the top of the hour. Fines payments received after 1:45 am will not be lifted until 8:00 am.
If you have paid your fine in full, and your encumbrance is not lifted within the expected time period, please contact the Financial Systems and Analysis Office, 5th Floor, Cameron Library at 492-3683 during limited hours.
Please note that Service Desk staff cannot lift encumbrances.
Fines Appeals
If you do not believe a library fine is valid, please fill out the online fines appeal form.
