Eilayth t1_jdulnfz wrote on March 27, 2023 at 9:18 AM

In most libraries I know, you pay a fine, I don't know how big.

iNick20 OP t1_jdum8fp wrote on March 27, 2023 at 9:27 AM

I understand that and I'll pay the retail cost if I have too. But the cheapest one on eBay pre-owned is $1,500. Which would kill my pockets if I got forced to pay that amount or close to it.

Eilayth t1_jdunmu3 wrote on March 27, 2023 at 9:47 AM

I don't know how your library prices this. In my experience, they usually charge the loss, based on the value of the book, not straight up charge you for the book of ebay. They might write the book off and not have it anymore, they might be able to get it from other sources (sometimes printing houses keep extra copies, sometimes the company,...)

Your best bet is really just talking to your library.

iNick20 OP t1_jdunp89 wrote on March 27, 2023 at 9:48 AM

>I don't know how your library prices this. In my experience, they usually charge the loss, based on the value of the book, not straight up charge you for the book of ebay. They might write the book off and not have it anymore, they might be able to get it from other sources (sometimes printing houses keep extra copies, sometimes the company,...)

What do you mean by charge the loss, based on the value?

Eilayth t1_jduo227 wrote on March 27, 2023 at 9:52 AM

Let's say they paid X for the book. They had extra work with it, to prepare it for library use, so that's an upcharge. It was on offer in the library for people to use for X years, so that's a downcharge. Depending on the state it was in, that might also influence its value. And then they have their own calculations (which I don't know) that calculate the fine. Then based on the popularity of the book, the number of copies they have, its importance to the library etc, they may or may not get a replacement.

So you're paying for the book you lost (and how much it was worth to them), not for its replacement. (So for this book you might pay a 200€ fine, not 1500€ for the ebay replacement)

But again, this is VERY library dependant.

scarletseasmoke t1_jdvla5e wrote on March 27, 2023 at 2:58 PM

If the fine is over what you can afford without going hungry or not paying bills, talk to your librarian about options. It's bad that you've lost a book that's hard to replace, it would be worse if you got sick over it or something because it's a thing and you're a person, so libraries often have alternatives, instalments or ways to lower the fine.

iNick20 OP t1_je49rwh wrote on March 29, 2023 at 9:05 AM

I found the book. I don't remember putting it in that spot. But I feel better. Thanks for all the comments here.