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Lost property policy

1. Introduction

The following procedure is to manage and handle lost property.

1.1 Definition

Lost property means any unattended, misplaced or forgotten item which is the property of a person/s which is found within the boundaries of the University Library study spaces by another person/s and subsequently handed to Library staff pending the identification of the original owner or appropriate disposal.

1.2 Risk

The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items; all belongings are left at the owner's risk, and users are advised to keep valuables, such as phones and wallets, with them at all times.

2. Types of Lost Property

Items are handled based on value and data risk:

• High value items: phones, laptops, jewellery, wallets, cameras.
• Personal data items: passports, bank cards, driving licences.
• Keys:

• University accommodation keys will be handed to Student Reception, Senate House.
• Other keys; to be returned to the owner if they can be identified.

• Low value items: clothing, flasks, books, chargers, cables.
• Other items: papers, notebooks, USB sticks.
• Food and drink: perishable items.

3. The Library’s role:

The Library team will endeavour to return property of high value or official hard copy documents containing personal data. Where it is not possible to do so, items will first be considered for donation in line with the University's sustainability initiatives. Suitable items may be donated to registered local charities, including Myton Hospice, Oxfam, and Sue Ryder. Items that are not suitable for donation will be securely destroyed.

3.1.1 High value items

3.1.2. Official items containing personal data

Official items containing personal data will be logged in the Lost Property Register and where possible the owner will be identified. Personal information collected during the administration of lost property will be processed only for the purpose of identifying owners, returning property, and maintaining appropriate records.

3.1.3. Low value non-food items

Low value non-food items will be placed in the lost property container.

3.1.4 Other items

Other items will not be logged due to the volume of such items left in the Library e.g. diaries, files papers, USB sticks.

3.1.5. Food and drink

Food and drink will be disposed of immediately using the relevant rubbish bins.

3.2. Finding lost property

If you find an item, please hand it to staff at the Floor 1 Helpdesk.

3.3 Claiming lost property and owner identification

To claim an item, you will be asked to:

• Provide a clear description of the item
• Show University ID or other photo ID
• Sign a declaration when collecting (if high value)

For items with ID (e.g. passports), staff will verify identity carefully.

3.4 Disposal of unclaimed items

Key Timeframes

• High value items & cash: held for 2 weeks
• Personal data items: actioned within 48 hours if unclaimed
• Low value items: held for 1 week
• Other items (papers, USBs): held for 1 week

Disposal

Unclaimed items are processed in the following ways:

• Donated to local charities (e.g. Oxfam, Myton Hospice, Sue Ryder)
• Cash donated to the Student Hardship Fund
• Destroyed if unsuitable for donation

Official items holding personal data. If they remain unclaimed after 48 hours they will be disposed of following the guidance on the item. For credit/debit cards follow the Worldpay Found Card instructions. Passports will be forwarded securely to Community Safety.

Lost property reminders

Library customers will be reminded to check for lost property via the digital display screens.