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Billing, Fines and Payments

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I pay for printing or photocopying at Mann Library?

    Patrons have a variety of options for paying for printing and photocopying at Mann Library. See our Payment page for more info.

  • What are the fine rates for overdue Cornell materials?

    Fines vary depending on the type of material and loan period. See our fine table for a list of fines by type, and grace periods for each.

  • Am I notified when I owe fines?

    Yes. Notices are sent to patrons via email who have overdue items or overdue fines on their account. If no email information is found in the patrons account profile, notices are sent by postal mail.

  • May a fine be transferred to my bursar account?

    Fines that are not paid will automatically transfer to a student’s bursar account after 10 days.

  • What happens to fines if I am faculty/staff and do not have a bursar account?

    You will first receive regular notifications of the fine amount you owe. Fines that are not paid by cash or check will eventually be sent to the Cornell Collection Agency. The Collection Agency will then pursue payment of the fine.

  • Do fines accrue indefinitely or is there a limit?

    Fines will accrue until the maximum fine amount is reached. The maximum overdue fine rate generally varies from $35-$100, depending on the item’s status and loan period. In some cases the amount may be higher. Equipment  has a late fine for each piece, each with its own maximum fine amount.

  • I’ve lost a book - what happens?

    When a patron loses a book, they are charged a $75 replacement fee. Overdue items reported lost are also assessed a late fine from the time due to the time reported lost, up to the maximim allowed for that item type. The library management system views extensively overdue items as lost and issues a replacement fee automatically after 30 days.

  • How do I pay for overdue fines?

    Overdue fines for Mann and Entomology materials can be paid for at the Mann Circulation Desk (map it). You may pay with cash or check (payable to Cornell University). We cannot accept credit cards for fine payments.

  • What are the possible fines for late return of ILL materials?

    Patrons receive three overdue notices over a period of 10 days from the due date. After 10 days, your ILLiad account is blocked which means you can no longer submit requests. Within 5 business days your circulation account will show a fine of $100.00.

    $75.00 is for replacement cost and $25.00 is a late fine. If the item is returned in the future and remains in good condition, the $75.00 fine is waived. The $25.00 late fine is non-negotiable and needs to be paid at the Mann Circulation Desk.

  • What can I do if I feel I have been fined unjustly?

    You may come to the Mann Library Circulation Desk (map it) and fill out a fine appeal form. The billing coordinator will review the form and contact you with a decision. For further assistance with fine related issues, please contact the billing coordinator at 255-7965 or e-mail mann_circ@cornell.edu.