Fines and suspensions
Fine Rates
You will incur fines at the following rates if you do not return by the due date.
| Loan type | Grace period | First fine rate | Second fine rate | Maximum fine possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3 hour | No | $2.50 per hour for the first two hours | Then $1.00 per hour | $100.00 |
| Overnight | No | $5.00 per day | n/a | $100.00 |
| 2 day | No | $1.50 per day | n/a | $15.00 |
| 7 day | 3 days | $1.50 per day | n/a | $15.00 |
| 28/90 day | 7 days | $0.50 per day | n/a | $15.00 |
Grace period
If you have a 7 day loan, or a 28 day loan item that has reached the autorenewal limit and is now overdue, we give you a grace period where you won't be fined if you return the item. After the grace period has elapsed, if your item is still overdue you will be charged the full fine amount from the time the item became overdue. The fine is calculated when you return the item.
Viewing the amount of fines you owe in the catalogue
The amount shown in 'unpaid fines and bills' doesn't include partial fines for books you still have on loan.
To work out the amount you owe so far, add together the amounts listed next to each item further down the screen. Then add that to the total in 'unpaid fines and bills'.
Viewing the amount of fines you owe in my.unimelb
Fines are only shown in the student portal once overdue items have been returned. It does not show the amount of fines accruing on overdue items.
Fine transaction requirements
- You must keep your fines under $25 to avoid library suspensions and student administration restrictions.
- Transactions must be $25 or more.
- Each fine is itemised and must be paid in full.
Tip: As long as the transaction amount is $25 or more, you can select just those fines that will reduce your balance to under $25. Eg. If you have a total of 3 $15 fines, you can select to pay just 2 of these. This will reduce your balance to under $25 while still meeting the minimum transaction requirements.
Where and how to pay
Pay in the library
You can pay your fines by EFTPOS or credit card at the service desks in the Baillieu, Law, Giblin Eunson, ERC and Southbank libraries. Please note that we do not accept American Express, Diners Club cards or cash.
It is not possible to pay fines at Burnley, Creswick, Dookie or at the Architecture, Building and Planning library. Users at these libraries can either pay online or visit one of our other branches.
Pay online
Log into your account and pay your fines using your credit card (we do not accept American Express or Diners Club).
Log in to your library borrowing record
Special circumstances
If you were sick or there were other special circumstances related to the accrual of your fines you can contact us and we may be able to waive your fines. We require you to submit a medical certificate or other documentation to support your claim. If you do not have any other documentation we also accept statutory declarations.
Suspensions
Your borrowing rights will be suspended if you have:
- An overdue hourly loan, overnight loan, 2 day loan, or Inter-library Loan
- A 7 day loan that is overdue by more than 3 days
- A 28 or 90 day loan that is overdue by more than 7 days
- A fine of $25.00 or more
- Fees owed to the University
CAVAL borrowers will be suspended at their home library until overdue items are returned and fines paid.
To avoid suspensions you need to keep the total amount of your fines below $25 for the duration of your study, academic or professional career at the University.
Student system sanctions
If you have a long overdue item or unpaid fines of over $25 you will incur a sanction in the student system which may prevent you getting access to your results, transcripts, graduating or re-enrolling. The sanction is cleared when you return the overdue items or pay the fines.