1. LOST MATERIALS
    
   1. Replacement price
      The Monterey Public Library charges the customer the actual purchase price plus a cataloging/processing fee, for unreturned items. The second notice to the customer reflects this charge. If the customer returns the item, only the fine is charged. However, if an item is not returned, payment of the replacement charge is required.
       
   2. Cataloging/Processing Charge
      To cover the cost of cataloging and processing title or subject replacements for lost materials, the library charges a fee of $10.00 to cover the average cost of labor and materials involved in cataloging and processing a single item.
       
   3. Replacement price – Minimally cataloged materials
      When a minimally cataloged item is not returned to the Library, a fixed replacement charge must be paid. The replacement charge will be assessed based on the type of material and the level of cataloging/processing involved:

      Type of material	Charge
      Adult magazines	$8.00
      Youth magazines	$5.00
      Teen magazines	$5.00
      Adult paperbacks	$9.00
      Youth paperbacks	$6.00
      Teen paperbacks	$6.00
      Youth pamphlets	$5.00

      A cataloging/processing fee is not charged for these items.

   4. Late Fines Assessed for Lost Items
      A customer paying for a lost item is charged the replacement cost and any applicable cataloging/processing fee, but not the late fine accrued since the latest checkout/renewal.
       
   5. Refunds
      When a lost item that has been paid for is returned within ninety days from the date of payment, the replacement price only will be refunded. The returned item must be in acceptable condition, and the receipt for payment must be provided. The cataloging/processing fee is non-refundable. No refunds are given for materials returned to the Library more than ninety days past the date of payment or for the return of non-cataloged items that have been paid for.
       
   6. Customer Replacement of the Item in Lieu of Replacement Charge
      A customer who wants to replace an item his or herself, rather than paying the replacement charge must have advance approval by the selector and the customer must still pay the cataloging/processing fee. A customer who has arranged with the Library to replace a minimally cataloged item rather than paying the replacement charge, may do so without any additional fee.
       
2. DAMAGED MATERIALS
    
   1. Replacement Charge
      If a borrower returns an item that has been damaged, the customer is charged as if the item were lost, as stated in section I.

      If, however, the selector for the item determines that the item could still be circulated, a charge equal to the maximum fine for the item is charged.

   2. Late Fines Assessed for Damaged Items
      A customer paying for a damaged item, which can no longer be circulated, is charged the replacement cost and any applicable service costs, but not the late fine accrued since the latest checkout/renewal.
       
3. DISCRETION OF LIBRARY DIRECTOR IN HANDLING LOST AND DAMAGED MATERIALS
   The Library Director maintains the authority to modify the application of the terms of this policy as appropriate, based on the specific circumstances of an incident, and recommendations by staff.

Approved: 11/27/91
Revised: 7/26/00
Revised: 10/23/02

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