Missing and Damaged Library Materials
Library patrons are responsible for the loss of any materials they have borrowed and are unable to return. Patrons will be held liable for replacing the lost item(s) with a new or like-new copy at their expense. If a replacement copy that meets the Library’s criteria cannot be located, patrons will be held liable for funding the cost to replace the damaged item(s) at a minimum of $50 per item.
Library patrons are responsible for the safekeeping of Nimitz Library materials. Damaging Library books, periodicals, audiovisuals, and other materials is prohibited. Book damage may include: stains from food or water; torn or missing pages; underlining, highlighting or otherwise marking pages. Examples of damage to audiovisual materials include scratched or broken disks, broken tapes and tape cases. Patrons will be held liable for replacing the damaged item(s) with a new or like-new copy at their expense. If a replacement copy that meets the Library’s criteria cannot be located, patrons will be held liable for funding the cost to replace the damaged item(s) at a minimum of $50 per item.
Resolution for Missing and Damaged Materials
The Library expects the patron to replace the missing or damaged material with a new or like-new copy (same edition and publisher as the lost item). If there is a newer edition or a different publisher, the Library may accept that as a replacement. Replacement books must be new or in very good condition. The Library will not accept replacements that have highlighting, damaged bindings, or missing pages.
Missing or damaged audiovisual materials may need to be replaced in a new format or removed from the collection depending on the circumstance or age of the material. A decision about what replacement is appropriate, if any, will be made by library staff. Please consult with the Head of Circulation, Mr. Nick Brown (nbrown@usna.edu), in the event of missing or damaged audiovisual material.
Sources for finding replacements (this does not represent an endorsement by Nimitz Library):
Replacement copies of lost or damaged materials may be mailed directly to Nimitz Library at the following address or given to staff at the Checkout Desk in Nimitz Library.
Nimitz Library
United States Naval Academy
ATTN Access Services
589 McNair Road
Annapolis, MD 24102
If the book or an audiovisual item cannot be replaced by the patron, they will be charged a minimum fee of $50.00. Checks must be made out to U.S. Treasury. Please note that refunds cannot be issued if the item is later recovered or replaced.
Questions about this policy can be directed to Nicholas Brown, 410-293-6943 or Amanda Rudd, 410-293-6947.