Borrower Responsibilities

Last updated September 5, 2023

Return of library materials

Books can be returned to any of the UC Irvine Libraries or our drop boxes. Course reserves items, media, and equipment should be returned to the service desk from which you borrowed it. Materials must be returned in the same condition they were in when borrowed.  Damaging library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing electronic theft devices, using post-its and paper clips or in any other way damaging or defacing library materials could result in fines. See examples of damaged books. 

Current email address

Borrowers must notify the Library of any email address change to ensure proper mailing of notices. Failure to receive an overdue or recall notice does not exempt the borrower from fines and/or bills. Any borrower intending to leave the area for an extended period of time should return all library materials before they become overdue or are recalled.

Lost library cards

Borrowers are required to immediately notify the Library of any lost or stolen card. Borrowers will be held responsible for any material checked out on the card before its loss is reported. There is a $10 replacement fee for lost, stolen, or damaged cards for borrowers not eligible for a UC Irvine photo ID. This fee is payable at the Langson, Science, or Grunigen Medical Libraries Check Out Desk. Replacements of photo IDs for UC Irvine students, faculty, and staff can be purchased at the bookstore. Reactivation of the replacement card is required and may be done at any Check Out Desk.

Non-Transferability of library privileges and proxy borrowers

Material is checked out only to individuals who present their own library cards. UC Irvine faculty may arrange to have books borrowed by a proxy. The proxy must be a paid employee of UCI or a currently registered UCI student. To obtain a proxy application or information, contact any UC Irvine Libraries Check Out Desk. The person, for whom the item is borrowed by proxy remains responsible for all overdues, recalls, fines, and replacement bills that may be generated.

Response to notices

Borrowers are required to respond immediately to recall and overdue notices. Material must be returned by the new due date indicated on the recall notice. Failure to receive overdue and/or recall notices does not exempt the borrower from fines and/or bills.