Overdue and lost items

Tisch Library, Lilly Music Library, and the SMFA Library charge fines for some overdue items, and fees for items that are lost or damaged and need to be replaced.

Viewing your fines & fees

Log in to your account to view your account information, including fines. You can pay the fees or fines through a form in My Account.

When fines are charged

Late fines are charged for overdue course reserve materials and some equipment. Fines for overdue reserves are charged 3 days after the due date.

Lost item replacement fees are charged 28 days after an item's due date. For books, if it is not returned within 3 months of the due date, these fees will be sent to the bursar. Equipment replacement costs, such as for laptops and cameras, may be sent in as little as one month. These fees are only applicable if the items are not returned to the library. Please contact the lending library with any questions about this process.

You are responsible for any fines on items checked out to your library account. It is not recommended that you borrow materials for someone else.

Pay your library fines

Go to the "Fines & Fees" tab in My Account to pay Tisch Library, Lilly Music Library, and/or SMFA Library fees via credit card. Follow the link to the payment form within the My Account section. Any charges paid will be cleared from your library account by the end of the next business day. Please note that we cannot accept Tufts Procurement Cards (PCards).

Frequently asked questions

I think I returned an item that still appears on my account.

If you believe you have been fined in error, please contact the library where you borrowed the item so that we can search for it:

If the item is found, the fine will be removed from your account.

What do I do if I lost or damaged an item?

Let us know if you think you lost or damaged a library item - you may be able to replace it instead of paying the lost item fee. Please contact the library from which you borrowed the item to discuss your options before purchasing replacements.

Why do I have a “Lost Item Bill” on my account?

Items overdue for more than 28 days are considered lost, and are charged the standard lost item fee of $103. The timeline and cost for equipment and some special items may differ. If the item is returned within 3 months of its due date, the fine can be removed from your account. Please contact the library from which you borrowed the item to discuss your options for payment or replacing the item, or if you think you are being charged in error.

How do I purchase a replacement copy?

Please contact the library where you borrowed the item to discuss purchasing a replacement. The replacement copy should have the same ISBN as the one that was lost. The item should be in good condition, free of highlighting, writing, or any tearing.

Why can’t I check out something?

If you have too many items overdue, or more than $100 in fines on your account, you won’t be able to borrow items. Staff at any Tufts library will be happy to work with you to discuss your account and get it cleared.

What if I find an item after I get fined?

If the item is returned within 3 months of its due date, any replacement fees will be removed from your account.

Why did I get a bill from the Bursar?

If more than 3 months have passed after an item was due, and you haven’t returned it, paid the fine, or provided a replacement copy, you will receive a bill from the bursar. You will receive a warning email from the library before your fine is sent. If you are in contact with the library and working toward a solution, your fine will not be sent to the bursar.

After the bill is sent to the bursar, you have an additional 3 months to return or replace the item. Your bursar account will then be credited accordingly. Please work with a library representative at the Tisch Library, Lilly Music Library or the SMFA Information and Circulation Desk. 

If more than 6 months total have passed since the item was due, your account cannot be credited.

The bursar cannot issue refunds for materials borrowed from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan.

Still need some help? For further assistance related to overdue fines and billing, please contact the library or libraries where you checked out the item(s):