Damaged Book Inter-Institutional Resolution

OhioLINK borrowing and lending is predicated on good will, integrity, and adherence to the spirit of OhioLINK agreements.  Within this paradigm, as a matter of principle, institutions will hold their patrons responsible for OhioLINK materials. Additionally, dealings with patrons regarding OhioLINK materials will be solely between the patron and his/her institution.

Every effort should be made to note the condition of an item when it arrives at the borrowing library. If damage is observed it should be noted on the label that the item arrived damaged. This will help to narrow the time during which the damaged occurred.

If an item arrives at a borrowing library in a damaged condition, the PCIRC contact at the owning library should be notified to see if the damage may have occurred while the item was in transit via the delivery service system. If it can be determined the damage occurred while the item was in transit, another item should be requested for the patron and the damaged item should be returned to the owning institution.

The proper procedures for reporting such damage should be followed by the owning library and sent to the delivery service provider.

When items are returned by patrons damaged:

The billing institution may assess damage charges based on local practice.  These fees will also be collected and retained by the institution which billed the patron.  When a patron has been charged for damages, the book should be checked in and returned to the PCIRC contact at the owning institution with an explanation noting the observed damage so that it may be repaired or withdrawn.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the damage of an item, at no point, in any transaction, will institutions exchange money The billing/patron institution may chose to accept a replacement copy in lieu of cash without contacting the owning library. If a replacement copy is received by the billing/patron institution they will then contact the owning library.  If the owning library agrees to accept the replacement, the billing institution will send the replacement copy to the owning library.  Otherwise, the billing library may choose to keep the replacement for their own collection.“

Original Policy Written 09/2010