Policies

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