Library Email Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to help.
You got a notice from the library...now what? Take action as soon as possible by returning or renewing items or reaching out to us for assistance.
KU libraries items that check out for at least two weeks are eligible for a limited number of online renewals. Log into your account online to renew items that are due soon if you’re not finished with them.
If you find items that say Not Renewable, they might be short-term checkouts (less than 2 weeks) or you’ve used all your online renewals and need to bring the items to the library for renewal in person. Reach out to 785-864-4715 or libfines@ku.edu with questions.
If you received notice that an item has been Recalled, a new due date will be shown on the email notification and on your online account. When items are recalled, your borrowing period is shortened. You can reply to the email notification or reach out for help with questions.
InterLibrary Loans (ILL) items borrowed from another university or library system can’t be renewed online. Instead, email illborr@ku.edu or call 785-864-3960.
In many cases, KU Libraries does not charge traditional overdue fees. However, the following items, in general, may incur fines:
- items that check out for 2 weeks or less, including technology (like calculators and laptops) and reserve items
- items that have been recalled and are overdue
- InterLibrary Loan (ILL) items borrowed from another university or library system (ILLs have a white paper jacket with a due date listed on the front)
In general, you will also incur fees if your books or items are marked lost. Items are automatically marked lost when they are overdue for a certain number of days, depending on the item type. See the questions below for more about lost items and how to reduce or eliminate lost item fees.
Most importantly, if you've received an overdue notice, take action as soon as possible to renew, return, or reach out for assistance. Library staff can answer questions and provide help for your specific situation. Come by the library, chat with Ask a Librarian, call 785-864-4715, or email libfines@ku.edu.
When an item becomes significantly overdue it is automatically marked lost. When an item is marked lost, patrons incur lost Item Replacement fees and Lost Item Processing fees.
If you have the item and it's in good condition, you can still return it, even if it’s been marked lost. In general, if KU Libraries items are returned in good condition, then the Lost Item Replacement fees are eligible for removal. If the lost item is returned before it reaches 90 days overdue, then the Lost Item Processing fees are eligible for reduction.
Please note: Interlibrary Loan Items (marked ILL on your account and outfitted with a paper jacket with due date) are borrowed from partner libraries outside KU and follow their home library policies. Reach out to KU Libraries to connect to individualized help for questions about lost or overdue notices for ILL items.
If you have received Lost Item Replacement fees and Lost Item Processing fees, take action as soon as possible or reach out to the libraries for assistance if you're not sure what to do. You can call 785-864-4715 or email libfines@ku.edu to speak directly to knowledgeable folks who can help.
Even if something you checked out has been marked lost, returning it to the library in good condition as soon as possible can significantly reduce the amount you owe. In general, if KU Libraries items are returned in good condition, then the Lost Item Replacement fees are eligible for removal. If the lost item is returned before it reaches 90 days overdue, then the Lost Item Processing fees are eligible for reduction. Interlibrary Loan items (marked ILL on your account and outfitted with a paper jacket with due date) are borrowed from partner libraries outside KU and follow their home library policies. Reach out to KU Libraries to connect to individualized help for questions about ILL items marked lost.
If you’ve received Lost Item Replacement or Processing fees, take action as soon as possible or reach out to the libraries for questions and assistance by calling 785-864-4715 or emailing libfines@ku.edu to connect directly with knowledgeable folks who can help.
In all cases, it is a good idea to check your account online for the best, most current information about your KU Libraries checkouts.
In some cases, notices may be generated before the items are discharged from patron accounts. For example, if you returned an item overnight, the automated morning emails may have gone out before library staff arrived to discharge the overnight returns.
The email might be a Notice of Fine or Fee, or one of the weekly Statement of Fines and Fees emails that are sent on Mondays, rather than an overdue notice.
If you returned something to the Edwards Welcome Center in Overland Park, it might take up to a week for those items to reach the Lawrence campus libraries.
If you have any other questions or concerns about KU Libraries emails or your library account, please call 785-864-4715 or email libfines@ku.edu to speak directly to knowledgeable folks who can help.
We’re here to help. Emailing libfines@ku.edu or calling 785-864-4715 is the most direct way to connect with assistance. You can also chat with Ask a Librarian services to be referred to someone who can assist you.
Privacy Statement
Information communicated in library notices, whether sent via email or with paper notices, is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed and contains confidential information. If the person who receives the notice is not the intended recipient, that person is not authorized to read, retain, copy, disseminate, distribute, or use the notice or any part thereof. The unintended recipient of a library notice should contact the Circulation Business Specialist immediately with an email message to libfines@ku.edu; then destroy the notice by deleting it from the computer or by shredding the paper notice.