Library Policies
CORWITH PUBLIC LIBRARY POLICIES
The Corwith Public Library is proving a condensed version of our policies to all patrons before issuing a library card. Your signature on the library card application for serves as an agreement of your understanding of and willingness to comply with ALL of the policies listed below. Failure to comply with policies may result in revocation of library privileges.
Due to privacy/confidentiality laws, parents must understand that if their child has his/her own library card, the library cannot give out information to anyone (including parents) that reveals the names or types of materials checked out. Parents will still be financially responsible for any materials that are not returned or damaged by their children. If a parent wishes to have access to the names/types of materials checked out by their children, the only alternative is to choose to apply for a family card.
If you have further questions or wish to view a complete version of the Corwith Public Library policies, please make your request to the Director of the Library.
I. Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
It is a patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be subject to the law.
Cell Phone Use:
In order to preserve the privacy of individuals and to monitor the noise level within the library cell phone users are asked to turn their phones off or set on silent mode when using the library. Any conversation that is disturbing to others is prohibited and should a warning be ignored, the patron can be asked to leave the library for the rest of the day.
Young children:
The Corwith Public Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library.
Therefore, it is library policy that all children under age six must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library. Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.
Disruptive children:
Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that he/she must settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.
II. Circulation Policy
A. Registration
All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid patron card to borrow library materials or utilized other library services, such as computers. The first card will be issued free of charge, but there will be a fee of $5.00 for replacement of a lost or stolen card. Patrons must fill out an application form to register for a new library card. The following statement will be printed on the registration form for the patron's information and acceptance:
I agree to be responsible for all items borrowed with the library card issued in the above name, including items borrowed with it by others with or without my consent unless I have previously reported the loss of my card. I promise to comply with all library rules and policies both present and future, and to give prompt notice of change of address or loss of library card.
Signature _________________________________
Identification is required. A driver's license or student ID is preferred; however, any other official ID or recent non-personal piece of mail may be acceptable. Applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a new card can be issued. Parents have the option to allow their children to use their library card or allow the child to have an independent card. Regardless, parents or legal guardians will be responsible for materials checked out by the children or any damages to library property incurred by the children.
Materials cannot be checked out until a library card is issued. Patrons must notify the library immediately if there are name, address, phone, etc. changes.
B. Lost or forgotten cards
If a patron loses his/her library card, he should notify the library as soon as possible and request a replacement for a fee of $5.00.
All patrons, adults and children, MUST bring their library cards with them if they intend to check out items.
C. Loan periods
Two weeks for books. Books may be renewed once.
Generally, reference books do not circulate. Upon request, some reference materials may be checked out overnight.
Interlibrary loans are due the date indicated by the lending library.
Periodicals may be checked out for two weeks.
Two weeks for cassettes, audio books, and compact discs.
Two days for videocassettes and only two videos can be checked our per card. There is no reserve option for videos and they are NOT renewable. Children under 13 will not be allowed to check out PG-13 movies and children under 18 will not be allowed to check out R-rated movies.
The director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand, such as for student projects, or materials added to the collection which are in a new format, e.g., computer software.
There is no limit on the number of items a patron can borrow at one time, with the exception of videos.
D. Reserves and Interlibrary Loans
Reserves for books may be placed by patrons either in person with their library card or over the phone (patron must be able to confirm their library card bar code if calling by phone or emailing). Patrons will be notified by postcard or telephone when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a reserve or for interlibrary loan services. There will be no reserves for movies.
E. Fines and charges
There are no fines for overdue materials. A notice via phone or postal mail will be made after the book is 2 weeks past due. If the book is not returned within a 1-month period, a bill will be sent for the book with the cost of replacement of the material and a service charge for processing, cataloging and postage. A notice via phone or postal mail will be made after the video is 3 days past due. If the video is not returned within a 2 week period, a bill will be sent for the video with the cost of replacement of the video and a service charge for processing, cataloging and postage. Patrons who have an overdue status on any materials shall be denied library privileges until those overdue materials are returned or paid for if lost and/or damaged.
F. Damaged materials
If materials are damaged so as to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost. A notice of these charges will be sent to the borrower.
III. Reference Service Policy
The Corwith Public Library:
will provide information in the form of short answers to specific questions and guidance in locating material for patrons who appear in person, call on the telephone, or request information through correspondence;
will assist patrons in the use of the Library and teach basic research methodology, when appropriate (this includes providing help in developing a research strategy and advice on whether a trip to the Library would be worthwhile for individuals who telephone);
will provide bibliographic verification of items both in the Library and not owned by the Library and will assist patrons in obtaining materials through interlibrary loan, when appropriate;
may refer library users to other agencies and libraries in pursuit of needed information;
may use not only the Library's resources in printed form, but consult appropriate digital resources as well as the regional resource library and other agencies by telephone in pursuit of "ready reference" information.
IV. Equipment Use Policy
Computers are available to patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. The patron must have a valid library card to use the computer and must present it at the desk before logging onto a computer. Instructions for operating hardware are displayed near the computer. There is no charge for use of the computer; however, in order to make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a time limit for usage has been imposed (please see internet/computer use policy for further details). Library staff is available for general assistance in using the computer. However, staff are not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs. Tutorial manuals will be provided when available. A computer printer is available. Printer paper will cost $ .10 per sheet and must be paid for at the conclusion of the session.
A photocopy machine is available to patrons who wish to copy materials at the rate of $.10 per page. Copy machine users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the copy machine user.
A fax machine is also available for use by patrons. The cost of the first page is $1.00 and each successive page will be $.25.
V. Equipment Use Policy
Computers are available to patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. The patron must have a valid library card to use the computer and must present it at the desk before logging onto a computer. Instructions for operating hardware are displayed near the computer. There is no charge for use of the computer; however, in order to make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a time limit for usage has been imposed (please see internet/computer use policy for further details). Library staff is available for general assistance in using the computer. However, staff is not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs. Tutorial manuals will be provided when available. A computer printer is available. Printer paper will cost $ .10 per sheet and must be paid for at the conclusion of the session.
A photocopy machine is available to patrons who wish to copy materials at the rate of $.10 per page. Copy machine users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the copy machine user.
A fax machine is also available for use by patrons. The cost of the first page is $1.00 and each successive page will be $.25.
VI. Internet and Computer Use Policy
A. Internet safety
The computers at the Corwith Public Library utilize an Internet Explorer feature that offers a Technology Preventative Measure which has been enabled. The following safety issues have been addressed:
Access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web
Unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online.
B. General Computer Use:
Patrons must present their library card at the circulation desk in order to use the computers. The card will be held at the desk until the user is finished with the session. For out of area or out of state visitors, we will have a guest sign in option in order to utilize the computers, however, the user must present proof of identification and fill out the required form.
To use the computers pre-school children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (they together use 1 computer). Pre-school is defined as children not yet in Kindergarten. These children are not allowed to use the computers with out parental supervision.
Computer/Internet use is offered in 30 minute sessions on a first come, first serve basis. Extensions may be granted if there are no other patrons waiting to use the computers.
Any pages printed by the parent or pre-school child are the parent’s responsibility. Printing off the computer is $.10 per copy for everyone.
Patrons may use the computers to utilize any software programs available, and to utilize the internet to check email and acquire useful information for their educational, cultural, and recreational needs.
Users agree not to incur any costs for the library through their usage of the internet
Users will agree to respect and uphold copyright laws and will not use the internet to illegally download certain materials.
Users will not damage computer equipment, programs, or willfully distribute viruses over the internet.
Users will agree not to use the internet to visit inappropriate sites (pornographic, drugs, weaponry, etc...).
Patrons will agree to not use floppy disks, memory sticks, memory cards or USB cords.
Any patrons that do not follow the computer use regulations; will be subject to suspension of privileges. The first offense will result in revoking computer use for one week, the second offense will result in revoking computer use for one month, and the third offense will result in revoking computer use until the offender meets with the Library Board (with parents if child is a minor). The Library Board will discuss the offense with the patron at the next scheduled board meeting and computer privileges will remain suspended till such meeting has occurred and the Board has made a decision regarding the matter.
11/2007
Revised and approved 9-22-2008
Cell Phone Use adopted 06/09/10
