Library Policies & Privileges

These policies are specific to the Donnelley and Lee Library of Lake Forest College. 

All library fines may be paid for using the college's e-commerce site.  Fines can also be paid in person or via mail (cash, check, or credit card).

Any questions or concerns can be directed to Access Services at 847-735-5061 or library@lakeforest.edu.

Lost Items

$85 Lost Item Fee

• Lost items exceeding $85 incur the actual replacement cost
• Fines for lost books will be waived if they are returned undamaged
• Overdue fines for DVDs and Videos are NOT waived.
• Reserve items, rooms, and supplies go to “Lost” status after 24 hrs

* In some instances, with prior approval, patrons may have the option to purchase new, identical, legally produced copy(s) of lost item(s). Upon receipt, such replacement copies will be subject to approval by a librarian before being accepted and added to the collection. Please note: an ex-library copy, though unmarked, may not be considered an acceptable replacement. Contact the Circulation Department before attempting to replace a lost item.

Damaged Items

The library makes every effort to note damage before an item circulates. However, a patron who returns an item with damage will be assessed fines to cover the cost of replacing the item.  Patrons are encouraged to examine library material prior to checkout to insure that they are not held responsible for any marks or damage that may have occurred previously.  The last patron who had an item is responsible for any damage discovered upon that item’s return.
Damage includes, but is not limited to:

• torn or missing pages and plates
• torn or missing covers
• excessive water damage
• active mold or mildew
• excessive marks made by permanent pens and highlighters
• marks made by pencil (item will not be checked in until patron has erased such marks)

Such items can no longer be circulated and used, and will be considered “lost.” The patron will be charged accordingly (please see above). 

For more information, please contact the Circulation Department.   For information on fines and fees from other I-Share libraries, please consult CARLI’s page.

Other Fines

Other fines may be assessed at the discretion of the library staff for inappropriate use of library material and resources, including but not limited to:

• Reserve material removed from building without prior consent of the instructor and the Head of Circulation or other non-student staff member;
• Study room keys taken from building;
• Reserve material returned late;
• Willful damage to library material, furniture, walls, windows, and other resources.

I-Share Blocks and Fees

Students, faculty and staff who have any of the following will be automatically blocked from placing any additional I-Share requests or from checking material out of I-Share libraries:

• Fines and Fees

  • Books or other items borrowed from Donnelley and Lee Library and I-Share libraries are considered “lost” when they are 29 days overdue (30 days after the due date). Replacement fines will then be applied to the borrower’s account, which may result in blocked borrowing privileges.
  • Reserve items, study room keys, and supplies go into “lost” status after 24 hours
  • When “lost” items from Donnelley and Lee Library are returned, we will remove replacement charges, provided that the material is in reasonable condition
  • Please note that overdue fees for media (CDs, DVDs, and VHS) will not be waived

• Blocks 

  • 25 overdue I-Share items
  • 1 recalled and overdue I-Share item
  • 3 lost I-Share items
  • 10 “claims returned” I-Share items
  • $200 total I-Share fines

Students, faculty and staff who have one “overdue, assumed lost” item from Donnelley and Lee Library will be automatically blocked and will not be able to check out library material or study rooms.  Students will still be able to check out reserve material.

In many cases, you may be able to “unblock” your account by renewing or returning overdue items.

Please contact the library for more information.