Lost & Found Policy

Purpose

The University of Miami Libraries are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and secure environment for all users. The Lost & Found service assists patrons in recovering misplaced personal items and ensures that found property is handled responsibly, respectfully, and in accordance with university policies.

Scope

This policy applies to the following University of Miami Libraries:

• Otto G. Richter Library
• Marta and Austin Weeks Music Library
• Architecture Research Center
• Rosenstiel School Library
• Judi Prokop Newman Information Resource Center (Business Library)
• Louis Calder Memorial Library (See endnote)

General Guidelines

Library personnel will make every effort to reunite lost items with their owners; however, the libraries are not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings left unattended in library facilities.

Patrons are encouraged to keep personal items with them at all times.

Handling of Found Items

• Items found within library spaces should be turned in to the nearest Access Service desk.
• Staff will document and store items in accordance with storage and retention procedures.
• Items considered hazardous, unsanitary, or inappropriate may be discarded immediately at the staff’s discretion.

Item Categories & Retention

Retention schedules ensure that items are processed consistently and responsibly.

High Value Items

Examples include:

• Wallets
• Keys
• Mobile phones, laptops, tablets
• Headphones
• Government-issued IDs
• Bank cards
• Medications

Retention: Held securely for up to 7 days before being transferred to the University of Miami Public Safety.

Low Value Items

Examples include:

• Water bottles
• Umbrellas
• Clothing
• Textbooks or notebooks without identifying information

Retention: Held for up to 7 days and then discarded or donated, as appropriate.

Perishable or Unsanitary Items

Examples include:

• Food or beverages
• Personal care items
• Soiled or hazardous materials

Retention: Disposed of immediately.

Claiming Lost Items

To claim an item:

1. Patrons must provide a detailed description verifying ownership.
2. A valid University of Miami Cane Card or government-issued ID may be required.
3. Items must be claimed in person; the libraries do not mail or ship lost property.

Unclaimed Items

Items not claimed within the retention period will be:

• Transferred to Public Safety (for high-value items), or
• Discarded or donated following University guidelines (for low-value items)

Privacy

Library personnel treat all found items with discretion. Personal information found in lost items (IDs, documents, devices) will not be accessed unless necessary to identify and contact the owner.

Liability

Patrons are encouraged to keep their belongings with them at all times. The libraries are not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property left unattended on the premises. The library is not responsible for any damage or loss resulting from the removal of unattended items.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to ensure compliance with university guidelines and best practices.

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At Louis Calder Memorial Library, please reach out to UM Medical Campus Public Safety Dispatch (located in RMSB) by dialing 305-243-7233.

Department of Public Safety
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and UHealth
1051 NW 14th Street, Suite 160, Miami, FL 33136
Website: https://med.miami.edu/offices/public-safety