> My theory, an academic “forgot” they had “borrowed” them. Or genuinely meant to borrow them for some reason, but couldn't be assed with the process involved.

> My theory, an academic “forgot” they had “borrowed” them. Or genuinely meant to borrow them for some reason, but couldn't be assed with the process involved. Maybe it had been mentioned to someone who worked in the library at the time who was a friend, nudge and a wink and I'll get them back next quarter. 6 months passes, the friend moved jobs and no longer have an easy route of return. Ignore the problem until it's far too late to solve in any useful way. etc etc