Contact the Bills and Fines Coordinator: musiclib_bills @ indiana.edu; phone: (812) 855-6254
For questions about borrowing privileges, visit the Cook Music Library Borrowing Privileges page.
Basic Bills and Fines Information
Overdue items
Items not returned to the music library accumulate fines at the following rates:
- Items that circulate for over 24 hours: $0.25 per day. Maximum overdue fine: $12.50
- Items that are in library use only or short-term checkouts (less than 24 hours): $1.20 per hour. Maximum overdue fine: $15.00
Unreturned Items
When an item reaches the maximum overdue fine, the patron will be billed for replacement of the unreturned item.
The replacement fee for most unreturned items is $137.50. This includes the following:
- $5.00 for billing fee
- $20.00 for database adjustment fee
- $100 (or the cost of the item, whichever is greater) for replacement
- $12.50 for maximum overdue fee
Total replacement cost: $137.50 (or greater).
Recalls
If you want to check out an item that is currently checked out to another library patron, you may place a recall on that item through the IU Libraries Recall page. After the recall is placed, the patron who has the item checked out is given 10 days to return the recalled item.
All Cook Music Library items are eligible to be recalled by another patron at any time. Being away from campus does not excuse a borrower from their responsibility to return a recalled book by the recall due date.
When an item is recalled from a borrower, s/he receives a notice indicating that the item has been recalled and providing a new due date. If the item is not returned by that date, the borrower is immediately issued a "Recall Overdue Fee" of $25.00. If the item is still not returned, the borrower will be billed for the replacement of the item.
Notices
Overdue notices are sent as a courtesy. Failing to receive an overdue notice does not absolve a borrower from responsibility should they receive a bill or fine.
Library users are responsible for maintaining accurate address information with the University and its agents (i.e.; the Libraries).
For normal loans an overdue notice is sent seven days past the due date and again 30 days past the due date. Overdue intervals vary for recalls, and other special loans.
Renewals
Regularly circulating (over 24-hour loan period) Cook Music Library items may be renewed by the borrower through IUCAT. Click the My Account link to log in and renew items.
Bills and Fines FAQs
Notices for Returned Items
Q: I got an overdue and/or billing notice for an item that I already returned, what should I do?
A: First, check again to make sure you don’t still have the item in your possession. Then, contact the Bills and Fines Coordinator, who will initiate a 6-month intensive search throughout the Music Library. If the item is found during the search, you will be notified. If the item is not found, you will be responsible for the item’s replacement after the search in complete.
Q: I got a notice about an incomplete item. What should I do?
A: By the date provided in the email from the Bills and Fines Coordinator, you can either: a) return the other parts; b) pick up the returned incomplete item from the Bills and Fines Coordinator and return the item complete later; c) contact the Bills and Fines Coordinator to discuss providing a replacement. Failure to act by the specified date will result in being billed for replacement.
Q: I received a bill for something, but I never received the overdue notice. Do I still have to pay?
A: Yes, notices are only sent as a courtesy to the borrower; it is the borrower's responsibility to know when his/her items are due.
Amounts
Q: Why do I owe $137.50 for a music library item?
A: You have been billed for replacement of an item. This happens due to the following reasons:
- The item reached the maximum overdue fee of $12.50.
- You returned a damaged item.
- You returned an incomplete item and did not act upon the email sent by the Bills and Fines Coordinator by the date specified.
Q: Why do I owe $150 for a music library item?
A: You have been billed for replacement of an item for which a recall was placed. You were sent an email with the item’s new due date and failed to return the item by that date.
Q: Why do I owe $25 for a recalled item when this it was only a little late?
A: You missed the recall due date. Recall overdue fines are not incremental like regular overdue fines. Once you miss the due date, you owe $25. If you still don’t bring the item back after that, you’ll soon be billed $150 for replacement costs plus the recall overdue fee.
Q: I have been billed an amount other than what is listed here. Why?
A: You may have been billed for replacing a rare or expensive item that you had checked out. Check with the Bills and Fines Coordinator (email, phone: (812) 855-6254) to be sure.
Recalls
Q: An item I checked out has been recalled. What does this mean?
A: Any item from the Music Library may be recalled by another patron through the online recall form. Once an item has been recalled from you, it must be returned within 10 days. On the 11th day, you will be billed a non-refundable fee of $25.00. If you still do not return the recalled item after that, you will be billed $150.00 for the replacement of the item.
Q: An item checked out to me was recalled by another patron, but I still need the item. What can I do?
A: Contact the circulation desk (email; phone: (812) 855-8541). Ask to have a second recall placed on the item for you. When the patron who recalled the item from you checks out the item, they will be limited to 10 days before it is due for your recall.
Q: I live outside of Bloomington and my Music Library item has been recalled. Do I still have to return it by the recall date?
A: Yes, all music library items are eligible for recall from any other patron regardless of their location. You can return it to any IU library, or mail it to the Music Library at:
William and Gayle Cook Music Library
1201 East 3rd St.
Bloomington, IN 47405
Refunds
Q: I found the item for which I was billed for replacement. Can I receive a refund if I turn it in?
A: Yes, as long as it has been less than one year since the item was billed. The amount you will be refunded will depend upon the type of item and the reason you were billed:
a.) If you were billed $137.50 for an item replacement, you will receive a refund of $120.00 ($137.50 - $12.50 overdue fee and $5.00 billing fee).
b.) If you were billed for replacement because you returned an incomplete item, you will be refunded $112.50 ($137.50 - $25.00 processing fee*).
c.) If you were billed $150.00 for replacing a recalled item, you will be refunded $120.00 ($150.00 - $25.00 recall overdue fee and $5.00 billing fee).
*A brightly colored sticker appears near the barcode of all scores with parts alerting you of this fee.
Patron Replacement
Q: I have lost an item that belongs to the Music Library. May I replace it myself rather than paying the standard replacement fee?
A: Yes, but you must make arrangement with the Bills and Fines Coordinator prior to purchasing a replacement.
Q: I just lost a single part from a set but I have the other parts. Can I just buy a replacement for the lost part?
A: No, you must provide a replacement for the entire item.
Paying Fees
Q: How do I pay my Music Library fees?
A: Billing will be handled by the Office of the Bursar. You can pay the same way as you would with any other charge through the bursar. Even if you are a not affiliated with IU other than your library account, the Office of the Bursar will handle payments for you fines.
You also have the option of paying your fees in person at the Wells Library if less than two weeks has passed since the bill was issued.
Location: