How do I avoid fines?
To avoid fines we would recommend the following:
- Return borrowed items by the due date.
- Ensure that the items on loan to you are returned to the Library before travelling away from Sydney.
- Keep your due date receipt email as a reminder and keep your contact details up to date.
- Review myLibrary regularly to
- check when your loans are due
- renew loans before they become overdue
- check if any loans have been recalled.
- Check your email for Library notifications. Notifications are sent to your official UNSW email address (staff & students) or the email address specified on your application form (non-UNSW members).
- Note: Library notifications are sent as a courtesy only and are not a substitute for checking myLibrary regularly.
Avoid lost fees and suspension of borrowing privileges
If items are not returned by their due date, borrowing privileges may be suspended and fines may apply. You may not be able to borrow until the next working day if overdue items returned outside of staffed hours.
- Borrowing is suspended until any overdue items are returned.
- Fines below $20 will still allow borrowing.
- University blocks from Student services will also suspend borrowing.
Items considered lost attract additional costs and fees. The fine or penalty charged varies in accordance with loan type. Fees may be waived if item is returned.
If you are a staff member or student leaving UNSW, remember to return all UNSW Library books and interlibrary loans. Books that are not returned will incur a fee.
To ensure you are eligible to graduate, remember to return all items and pay any outstanding Library fines. Library fines over $100 will block your graduation.
How are fines calculated?
If you have any questions regarding fines and fees, submit an Ask a question form.
Once the item is returned, any late and administration fees applied are still payable. The replacement (lost) fee may be waived if you replace the item with a duplicate unmarked copy in good condition (where permitted). No refund will be given if the original is found more than 2 weeks after a lost fee is paid or replacement has been provided.
| Loan type | Late fees | Lost and additional fees |
| Standard loan | No | Lost: 30 days overdue Fee: $120 Administration fee: $35 |
| Recalled item | $2.00 per day after due date (accrued up to $30) |
Lost: 14 days overdue Fee: $120 Administration fee: $35 |
| 4 hour loan High Use Collection |
$3.00 per hour/part thereof after due time (accrued up to $30) |
Lost: 3 days overdue Fee: $120 Administration fee: $35 |
| 4 hour loan Accessories * |
No Due: Help Zone hours (15mins prior Help Zone closure) |
Lost: 3 days overdue Fee: $35 Replacement allowed: No |
| Same day loan Library storage items |
No Due: Help Zone hours (15mins prior Help Zone closure) |
Lost: 3 days overdue Fee: $120 Replacement allowed: No |
| Same day loan | No Due: Library hours (15mins prior closure) |
Lost: 3 days overdue Fee: $120 Replacement allowed: Item dependent - contact Library |
| 7 day loan Course resource |
No | Lost: 14 days overdue Fee: $120 Administration fee: $35 |
| 7 day loan | No | Lost: 3 days overdue Fee: $120 Administration fee: $35 Replacement allowed: No |
| Interlibrary loan (ILL) | $1.00 per day after due date (accrued up to $30) |
Lost: 30 days overdue Fee: $120 Administration fee: $35 Replacement allowed: Item dependent - contact Library Replacement costs: Apply for either lost or defacing, mutilating or damaging ILL items. The lending library determines the costs payable. |
| Laptop | $3.00 per hour/part thereof after due time (accrued up to $216) |
Lost: 3 days overdue Fee: $1800 Administration fee: $35 Replacement allowed: No |
| Damaged laptop | see Laptop above | Cost of repair (up to $1800) Administration fee: $35 All repairs carried out by Library's choice of repairer. For further information see Terms and Conditions. |
| 4 hour loan Anatomical models Valuable item |
No Due: Help Zone hours (15mins prior Help Zone closure) |
Lost: 3 days overdue Fee: $120 Administration fee: $35 Replacement allowed: No |
*Accessory items include adaptors for Mac laptops, headphones, TV remotes, HDMI and VGA cables, power cables.
Where and how do I pay fines?
Pay online (for students only)
- Pay online using your UNSW Online account
- Payment method: Credit card
Pay in person
- Recharge kiosks at Main, Law and Paddington Libraries
- Print/Copy Services desk, Level 2, Main Library or phone +61 2 9385 3757
- Payment method: Credit card or EFTPOS (minimum $5.00)