About requesting a review of library fines
When you request a review of your library fines, also known as petitioning or appealing the fines, we follow a process that we call the Petition/Appeal Process.
About this process
The Libraries' Materials Management system, including the Petition/Appeal process, is intended to ensure that materials are returned in a timely manner and available for other borrowers, and to provide borrowers a way to address contested charges for overdue, damaged, missing, and lost materials. This Materials Management system has been adopted with the approval of the University Library Committee under the General Statutes of North Carolina. It is our goal to provide a fair and impartial review for each individual's case while exercising the Libraries' responsibility for stewardship of collections owned by the University and the people of North Carolina.
The Petition/Appeal process provides:
- Information and assistance for the appellant;
- A means of addressing repeat offenses; and
- An evaluation process to monitor the effectiveness of library rules.
Books and related materials
When items are 60 days overdue, if they are not returned or charges not paid, borrowing privileges may be suspended until the matter is resolved. Petitions for review may be filed by patrons, and must be received within sixty (60) calendar days of the due date of the material. Following submission of a petition form, a decision will be sent by the Libraries within thirty (30) calendar days to the address provided by the borrower on the form. If any charges remain after the petition decision, borrowers will continue to be liable for the amount due whether or not that decision is appealed.
Technology (laptops, cameras, etc.)
Technology Lending items generally have much shorter loan periods than books - 4 hours, 1 week, and so forth - and therefore shorter petition deadlines, etc.
When Technology Lending items become overdue, if they are not returned or charges not paid, borrowing privileges may be suspended until the matter is resolved. Petitions for review may be filed by patrons, and must be received within fourteen (14) calendar days of the due date of the material. Following submission of a petition form, a decision will be sent by the Libraries within seven (7) working days to the address provided by the borrower on the form. If any charges remain after the petition decision, borrowers will continue to be liable for the amount due whether or not that decision is appealed.
Refund policy
The Libraries allows refunds up to 90 days after payment of a fine.
Invalid excuses for dismissal of petition
- Lack of knowledge of due date or charges, including processing fees;
- Failure to receive a notice or bill; and
- Material checked out for someone else or given to someone else
What if a petition is denied?
If it is denied, you will have fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the petition decision notice to appeal your case to the Appeals Committee, which consists of faculty, students, and staff appointed by the University Library Committee. You must Request a review of your library fines again, and make sure to select the option "I'd like to appeal a decision made about a previous review of my library fines."
Upon receipt of your appeal, you will be notified of a hearing date, time, and location. Your attendance is optional. Your case will be reviewed regardless of your attendance. The decision of the Appeals Committee is the final institutional decision. Cases not processed initially through the petition system may not be appealed.
Questions or comments about petitions or appeals may be directed to the Library Appeals group (email: library_appeals@ncsu.edu). See Rule RUL 02.61.07 – Library Materials Management for more detailed information about this process.
