Library Guides: Library and IT Self Help: Library Fines Exceptions Policy

Library Fines Exceptions Policy

Please contact us to discuss waiving fines. Fines will normally be waived in line with the circumstances below.

Circumstances normally accepted
Personal Circumstance	Notes/evidence required
Medical exemption	Users should provide a medical certificate covering the relevant dates, (registered disabled students may provide evidence from Disability Services if applicable).
Bereavement	No formal evidence required
Exceptional personal circumstances or family issues	Users are requested to provide confirmation from their department
Serious and unforeseeable transport or weather related difficulties	Waivers in these circumstances will not apply to those living in Plymouth
University system error	No evidence required

Circumstances not normally accepted
Personal Circumstance	Notes
User didn’t realise/ forgot to check emails/ didn’t check library account	Users are encouraged at all times to check emails and library account regularly
User is away from campus, at a conference, on placement, or on business related to their work/studies	Users are expected to make arrangements prior to going away on planned absences from the University
User lives at a distance	Users living at a distance can use the Postal Loans system
International students at home during vacations	Users are expected to prepare beforehand and we advise that library items should not be taken out of the UK.
User has been on holiday	Users are expected to make prior arrangements prior to going away on holiday
Students with disabilities	Waivers will only be applied if a medical certificate supplied, or individual circumstances have been confirmed through Disability Services.
Temporary loss of access to email/internet (including work place restrictions on access to email)	Users are expected to make alternative arrangements to access email
Items stolen or damaged while at home	Users are advised to claim compensation for the charges incurred via their insurance policy
Email reminders are not received	All automated notices are itemised on your library account. Unless we cannot find a trace of a notice on your account then a waiver will not apply. All emails are sent to your University email address
User has lent the item to someone else/someone else has used their card to borrow the item	Users are responsible for all items loaned on their account and should not loan their University or Library card to anyone else as they will be liable for all loans and charges