Is this illegal, or just wrong?

Question

If you borrow a book from the library and claim you lost it, then pay for it but keep the book without them knowing you've still got it. Is that illegal, or just wrong?

Answer 1

It's both - legally and morally wrong. It is a breach of the letter and spirit of the terms for using a library. You were given the use of the library in order to borrow books, not to buy them or steal them. If you want to buy a book, you should go to a shop and get them there. On the other hand, if you genuinely thought you lost the book and could not find it when it was due and was told to pay for it, then you should take it back when it turns up. But if you chose to keep it, it is a fuzzy area, and you could be justified.

Answer 2

Why would you bother doing that? Take the book back and buy your own copy.

Answer 3

Ha Ha Its just wrong x

Answer 4

Who is going to find out?

The Librarians who read your posting.

Answer 5

It is fraudulent. You obtained the book by deception. Your comment that “Even if it is fraud, who is gonna find out? especially if you have the book under your bed or in a locked cabinet” does not relate to your original question ‘is it illegal or just wrong?’

You have been answered, yes it is illegal. The fact that nobody finds out is neither here nor there. If I murder somebody and never found out, it is still murder.

Now, had you genuinely lost the book and paid for it, only to find it again would be a different matter, providing you told the library.

In law the criteria is intent. If you intended to keep the book by whatever means, there is a case in law. If you did not intend to keep the book, and took appropriate action on finding the book, you have done nothing wrong.

And that, ladies and gentlemen is the case for the prosecution. Or defence, depending on your intent.

Answer 6

no it is not illegal

Answer 7

Its wrong why dont you just buy it from the shops then?

Answer 8

People often lose library books.  Usually libraries charge the replacement cost of buying a new book and sometimes add a reshelving fee, so it doesn't make sense to pay for a new book plus a fee and end up with a used book.

It's not illegal because you haven't profited - you've bought and paid for the book and don't have to lock it in a cabinet.  You are under no obligation to return the book if it is found.  But yes, it is wrong.  You're lying and if the book is out of print and the library is unable to replace it, you're depriving others of the access to the book.  

As far as who will find out, only you will know the story behind the book but I'm guessing that even if the booked is locked in a storage facility 10 miles away, it will be a constant reminder of a time that you did something "not quite right".

Answer 9

It is morally wrong, and it is theft, as the book wasn't yours in the first place.

Answer 10

It is fraud, so you pay the cover price and it is out of circulation for everybody else.

Then if it is still available the library buys another copy pays the postage etc etc

It is deception therefore fraud.

Answer 11

If you paid for it all you did was lie.

Answer 12

If you misplaced the book, had it unknowingly and paid for it, you have done nothing illegal or unethical.

If you knowingly kept the book and lied about having it, even if you pay for it you have behaved unethically. Some might say illegally, and technically, they'd be right.

I wouldn't characterize it as fraud, but whether someone finds out or not is irrelevent. You will always know the truth of the matter, and that what you had done was unethical.

Answer 13

Deception, but not really fraud. There is a subtle difference. Fraud is criminal deception and since you paid for a replacement there is no criminal act.

Answer 14

Well it's certainly deceptive which is wrong but I suppose as long as you pay for it your legally square with the library. Your a liar but willing to pay for the book so you decide.

Answer 15

Who goes to the library anymore anyway. I can find everything I need right from this little keyboard I'm typing on right now.

Answer 16

Fraud; and illegal if the book has a greater value than the replacement cost you paid for certain.

Answer 17

Once you have paid for the book, it is yours.  You aren't the first person to   lose a book, then find it after paying the fine.

You can offer to return the book to the library and they might refund part of your fine, then you won't have to worry about it.  

Don't worry, the police aren't going to come knocking at your door because of this.

Answer 18

Probably just wrong.