PATRON POLICY MANUAL

CRAWFORD COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

PATRON POLICY MANUAL

ADOPTED:

The policy manual contains the general policies of the library with regard to the following:

·       The mission of the library

·       The basic principles of material selection, access to materials and confidentiality of library records

·       Policies for the use of library services

·       The rights and responsibilities of patrons

·       Fee schedules

Mission Statement

            The Mission of Crawford County Library District is to strengthen our communities in Crawford County.  We provide free and equal access to quality materials, information, and technology that supports the life-long learning of all our patrons in an atmosphere that is welcoming and respectful.

District Goals

  • To provide a diverse variety of books, programs, and other resources to the community
  • To promote education for all ages
  • To continually update and refine our collection of materials and programming to meet the needs of our community
  • To review our goals regularly to incorporate new ideas and emerging technologies

 Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948, by the ALA Council; amended February 2, 1961; amended June 28, 1967; amended January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 24, 1996.

 Freedom to Read

The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.

Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.

These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.

Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.

Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.

 We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.

The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.

We therefore affirm these propositions:

  1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.

Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.

  • Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated.

Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.

  • It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.

No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.

  • There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.

To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.

  • It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.

The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.

  • It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.

It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.

  • It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one.

The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support.

We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.

This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers.

Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28, 1972; January 16, 1991; July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004.

Freedom to View

The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore these principles are affirmed:

  1. To provide the broadest access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.
  2. To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials.
  3. To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
  4. To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video, or other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content.
  5. To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public’s freedom to view.

This statement was originally drafted by the Freedom to View Committee of the American Film and Video Association (formerly the Educational Film Library Association) and was adopted by the AFVA Board of Directors in February 1979. This statement was updated and approved by the AFVA Board of Directors in 1989.  Endorsed January 10, 1990, by the ALA Council

Libraries: An American Value

Libraries in America are cornerstones of the communities they serve. Free access to the books, ideas, resources, and information in America’s libraries is imperative for education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government.

Libraries are a legacy to each generation, offering the heritage of the past and the promise of the future. To ensure that libraries flourish and have the freedom to promote and protect the public good in the 21st century, we believe certain principles must be guaranteed.

To that end, we affirm this contract with the people we serve:

  1. We defend the constitutional rights of all individuals, including children and teenagers, to use the library’s resources and services;
  2. We value our nation’s diversity and strive to reflect that diversity by providing a full spectrum of resources and services to the communities we serve;
  3. We affirm the responsibility and the right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children’s use of the library and its resources and services;
  4. We connect people and ideas by helping each person select from and effectively use the library’s resources;
  5. We protect each individual’s privacy and confidentiality in the use of library resources and services;
  6. We protect the rights of individuals to express their opinions about library resources and services;
  7. We celebrate and preserve our democratic society by making available the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions and ideas, so that all individuals have the opportunity to become lifelong learners – informed, literate, educated, and culturally enriched.

Change is constant, but these principles transcend change and endure in a dynamic technological, social, and political environment.

By embracing these principles, libraries in the United States can contribute to a future that values and protects freedom of speech in a world that celebrates both our similarities and our differences, respects individuals and their beliefs, and holds all persons truly equal and free.  

Adopted February 3, 1999, by the Council of the American Library Association

Code of Ethics

We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.

The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.

  1. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
  2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
  3. We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
  4. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
  5. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
  6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
  7. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
  8. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

Adopted June 28, 1997, by the ALA Council; amended January 22, 2008.

LIBRARY CARD ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Residency Requirements

A Crawford County Library card will be issued at no charge to any person who resides at a permanent address in Crawford County and who agrees to abide by the circulation policies of the library.  Identification with proof of name and current address is required.  Replacement cost for lost library cards is $3.00 per card.

Post Office boxes are acceptable as mailing addresses only, but cannotbe used as proof of residency.  Written proof of an actual physical address must be present when applying for a library card.  A parent must be present to sign for and present identification for minors under the age of 16.

General Requirements Before a Library Card is Issued:

  1. Written proof of current address is required.
  2. Telephone number where the patron can be reached.
  3. Driver’s license, Social Security number, State issued ID, or Military ID number required.
  4. Signature of the applicant on the card acknowledges that all information is correct and that the applicant accepts full responsibility for the use of the card.
  5. The applicant (or family household) may check out two (2) items on the first visit after completing the application.  

Cards for Minors

  1. A parent or legal guardian, providing his or her own Social Security Number must sign the application, if the applicant is 16 years old and under.
  2. A parent or guardian may submit a written request that the minor’s borrowing privileges be restricted to items in the children’s area of the library.
  3. A parent or guardian may submit a written request to limit media items.

Homebound Borrower 

A patron who is “homebound” by temporary or permanent physical incapacity may select up to two (2) adults as their proxy borrowers by completing a form signed by a health care professional and submitting it to the Library. 

Non-Resident Cards

Fee of $15.00 annually for an individual non-resident card can be issued to individuals in adjacent counties. No ILL transactions allowed on a non-resident card.

Temporary Cards

A temporary card may be issued to a non-resident visitor for 3 months for a fee of $10.00.  A permanent address must be given before a temporary card is issued.

Residents of group homes, shelters, etc., may not check out any items, but may use the facilities and collections at the library, including the computers. 

School Employee 

Any employee of a public school district or private school, that also primarily works from a school building situated within Crawford County, or who works primarily with children who are residents of Crawford County, shall be eligible for a free library card.  This benefit does not extend to family members who would not otherwise qualify for a free card.  Proof of employment is required, in addition to proof of identity and residency.

Responsibility for Card

The patron is responsible for ALL items checked out on their library card.  A library card should be treated the same as a credit card.  If a card is lost, stolen, or borrowed, the Patron is responsible for any items charged to their card.  A patron is responsible for any use of their card if they loan it to someone else.  A patron who owes the library money, may not use another person’s library card to check out materials.

Expiration and Invalidation of Library Cards

All library cards are valid for three (3) years from the date of issue except for temporary cards.  Renewals follow the same procedure as that for a new card.  A card may be invalidated at any time if the patron does not return materials when due, does not pay outstanding fees, or habitually abuses the library policies or materials.

Privacy of Patrons

Patron records are accessible only when compelled by law.  Patron information shall only be shared with third party vendors when necessary to perform library functions.If there are inquiries about access to patron records, these inquiries should be referred to the Director or designee. Hard copies of Library Card applications are to be retained for two (2) years after the expiration date, after which time they will be destroyed if there are no fine and fees $5.00 and above.

CIRCULATION OF MATERIALS

General Circulation Guidelines

  1. A patron must present his/her own card at the Circulation Desk at the time of the check out.  Individual patron cards will not be kept at the Circulation Desk.
  • Items limited to in-house use such as reference books, reserve books, and genealogy room materials cannot be checked out and do NOTcirculate.  
  • All materials, with the exception of items on hold, may be renewed twice for the same period.   
  • Library users will not be allowed to check out materials if they:
  • Owe $5.00 or more in unpaid charges.  Parents of minors with feesor overdue materials will be blocked from circulation.
  • Have unpaid charges more than 30 days overdue.
  • Have materials that are 2 weeks or more overdue.
  • A patron who owes the library money, may not use another person’s library card to check out materials.

Interlibrary Loan

  1. Three active requests are permitted.
  2. Interlibrary loan periods are determined by the lending library.
  3. Interlibrary loan materials will be assessed overdue fees at $1 per day.
  4. If an Interlibrary loan item is not returned, the account will be put on hold and a replacement cost fee assessed.

Request for holds

  1. Each patron may place up to 20holds for items that are checked out or otherwise unavailable (in mending, or processing etc.)  

Returns

  1. Materials may be returned at the Circulation Desk, by mail or in the Book Drop.
  2. ILL materials must be returned to the Circulation Desk.  
  3. Items damaged by returning them in an overflowingbook drop, will be the patron’s responsibility.

Circulation parameters

Item typeMaximum outLoan periodDaily overdue feeMax overdue fee
New Books314 days$.20Replacement cost
Books3014 days$.20$10.00
Interlibrary loan3Variable$1.00Replacement cost
New DVDs35 days$1.00Replacement cost
Audiobooks814 days$.20$10.00
Magazines57 days$.20$10.00

OVERDUE LIBRARY MATERIALS

Overdue Guidelines

  1. The Library has no obligation to remind patrons to return library materials.  The Library sends reminder notices via email and SMS Texts as a courtesy to our patrons. The receipt at checkout is your due date notice. 
  2. All library materials are due on the due date.  There is no grace period.
  3. If the library closes due to weather or other emergency situations, the Library Director will exempt charges for those dates.
  4. Overdue notices will be sent by mail according to the following schedule:
  5. Final notice, 21 days after the item is overdue.
  6. 30 days after the final notice is sent, the item is marked lost and if the total for the patron is $25.00 or more the patron’s name is submitted to the collection agency for payment and an additional $10 collection fee is charged.

Fines

  1. A fine of $1.00 per day will be assessed for videos, new DVD’s and ILLs that are overdue.  A fine of $.20 per day will be assessed for all other overdue materials.
  2. The maximum fine charged is $10.00 (or replacement cost for new books and DVD’s) per item.  Any charges for ILL items imposed by the lending library will be charged to the patron.

Charges for Damaged Items

  1. If the damaged item is unusable, the patron will be charged the price of the item, plus a $5.00 Processing Fee.
  2. Damaged items that are paid for by the patron become the property of the patron.  The Library will hold damaged items for 3 months, after that the item will be discarded.  Items that are soaking wet, moldy or have infestation of bugs will be discarded immediately.
  3. Replacement of a torn or damaged barcode is $1.00
  4. Replacement of a damaged audio/video case is $6.00

Refunds

  1. All charges for damaged materials are non-refundable.
  2. The Library will issue a receipt for each lost item paid for.  If the item is found and paid for within three (3) months of being declared lost and the item is still serviceable, the patron may request a refund.  Refunds are issued once a month.

COLLECTION MANAGEMENT POLICY

The purpose of the collection management policy is to outline the development and maintenance of the materials collections of the Crawford County Library in accordance with the mission of the Library, inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made and to ensure that public monies are spent to meet the needs and interests of the community.

Materials Selection Policy:

The library’s essential resource is the collection of materials, which supports the mission of the Library as approved by the Board of Trustees and in accordance with local, state and federal law.  Materials are considered and decided in terms of each item’s excellence and the audience for whom it is attended.  No single standard is applied.  Some materials are judged primarily for artistic merit, scholarship or value to humanity; others are selected to satisfy the informational, recreational or educational interests of the County’s diverse population.  The Library strives to provide a collection in a variety of formats for a wide range of ages, interests, cultural and educational backgrounds and reading skills.  The Library collects material reflecting a variety of viewpoints on controversial issues.  New formats are considered when demand and viability warrant.  Final responsibility for selection decisions rests with the Library Director.

The Crawford County Library subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement and the Freedom to View statement as adopted by the American Library Association.  In accordance with these statements, the Library recognizes that some materials may be controversial and that any given item may concern some citizens.  Without anticipated approval of disapproval, selections will be made solely on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the interests of Library customers.  Responsibility for the reading, viewing and listening choices of minors rests with their parents or guardians.  Limitations on access to public computer workstations or collections or formats may be requested for a minor child by the signing parent or legal guardian.

Evaluation and Withdrawal of Materials:

The Library monitors and evaluates the materials regularly to determine if the needs of customers are being met.  An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained by renewing essential materials.  Works that are damaged, worn, outdated, of little historical significance, or no longer in demand are removed from the collection on a systematic and continuous basis.

Replacements:

A customer who has lost or damaged an item may not elect to donate a replacement in lieu of payment without direct approval from the Director.  Before such approval is made, it will be determined that the replacement is exact in terms of quality, binding, edition, etc.  If a replacement is accepted, the customer will still be required to pay a $5.00 processing fee.

POLICY ON GIFTS AND DONATIONS

The Crawford County Library actively encourages and solicits gifts, grants, and contributions to the Library which will further its mission and goals in serving the public.

Financial gifts that are intended for the purchase of specific items, subject areas, or are in other ways designated, should be negotiated through the Library Director.

Gifts of specific items such as books, audio-visual materials, periodicals, and other materials shall be accepted by the Crawford County Library.  These materials shall be subject to the same procedural consideration that is utilized when considering an item for purchase.  Specific donations shall be considered with the explicit understanding that such factors as physical condition of the material, duplication of material, community interest, processing costs, or inadequate space may prevent the addition or permanent retention of an item in the collection.  The Crawford County Library accepts material donations with the understanding that the disposition of any material the library cannot add to, or retain in the collection, will be disposed of as the library deems appropriate.  The Library will not accept materials that are not outright gifts and reserves the right to assign any of its materials where needed.  Because of wear, theft and damage, the permanence of gifts cannot be guaranteed.

RECONSIDERATION OF MATERIALS

The library recognizes its responsibility to make available a representative selection of materials on subjects of interest to its users, including materials that represent various sides of controversial issues.  Individuals may request reconsideration of a selection decision by submitting a written request for reconsideration using established procedures and guidelines.

PROGRAM POLICIES

As many library programs as possible shall be free and open to the public, but some programs may be designed with specific audiences in mind, i.e., children’s programs, toddler’s programs, and parenting programs. Programs targeted toward specific audiences will be publicized as such.

Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program, including patrons with special needs.  However, when safety or the nature of the program requires it, attendance may be limited.  When limits must be enforced, attendance will be determined on a first-come, first-service basis or by pre-registration.  

Acceptance of a program topic by the library does not constitute an endorsement by the library of the group’s or individual’s policies or beliefs.  Programs endorsed by the Library will have the Library’s logo or be otherwise marked as a Library program in publicity.

Unsolicited offers, including author events, from individuals or organizations to present programs will be evaluated by the same standards used by staff when planning programs.  All programs will be vetted and pre-approved by Library staff.

Where necessary, a performer may be asked to provide a copy of his/her certificate of insurance.  Programs must be done for a non-profit or community service purpose.  Library policy prohibits any solicitation for services or the sale of products while on Library property unless explicitly approved by Library staff.

All Library policies and procedures must be followed.

Programs must not interfere with normal library operations.

Library Displays and Exhibits

Exhibits and displays will be scheduled and approved by the library.  Exhibits and displays developed by library staff will highlight library programs, collections and special materials/purchases.

Display or exhibition of materials does not indicate endorsement of issues or events in those materials.

Petitioning or Distribution of Literature in Libraries

  1. An initiative or petition is defined as a petition by members of the electorate to initiate legislative or constitutional change, said petition to be acted upon by either the legislature or total electorate
  2. Solicitations of signatures may only take place during the library’s regular business hours
  3. Solicitations of signatures must take place at least 15 feet from the main entrance of the library, may not obstruct foot or vehicular traffic and may not block entry to any library property.  Library patrons may choose whether or not to stop and may not be harassed, threatened or detained by persons seeking to solicit signatures.
  4. Persons wishing to solicit signatures for initiative petitions on library property shall notify the library director of their intent and check in at the circulation desk before beginning.
  5. Use of the library does not signify opposition or endorsement.
  6. Commercial solicitation is not allowed.

Meeting Room/Programs Policy

  1. Library sponsored activities and events receive priority.
  2. No admission may be charged.
  3. No soliciting or selling of products may occur, except with the approval of the Director at library sponsored events.
  4. Personal events (birthday parties, showers, etc.) are not allowed.
  5. The meeting room must be reserved 48 hours in advance with library staff.
  6. The meeting room may not be reserved more than three months in advance.
  7. An adult, 18 or older, must be present.
  8. A contact name and phone number must be provided.
  9. All groups must conduct themselves so as not to disrupt the functioning of the library.
  10. The group is responsible for leaving the room clean and undamaged.
  11. The library will not store materials and is not responsible for personal property.
  12. The use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
  13. The library may cancel a reservation with as much notice as possible, if necessary.
  14. The library reserves the right to refuse bookings to any group that fails to appear on schedule or abide by the above policies.
  15. The room may be used only during normal business hours.
  16. A reservation is not complete until the library receives a signed contract.  Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, except as designated by the Director.
  17. Not all of our libraries have meeting room space available. 
  18. The person signing the use contract is responsible for any and all damages to library property which occur during the program.

Handouts 

All handouts must be approved by the Director prior to being displayed. The display of commercial and/or political advertising is not allowed.  Distribution of materials does not indicate the Library’s endorsement of issues or events promoted in any materials.

PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT

The Crawford County Library enforces a code of conduct in order to provide a safe and pleasant environment for its patrons.

Serious Offenses 

No person shall engage in any conduct, including, but not restricted to the following:

  • Willfully annoying, harassing, intimidating, stalking or threatening another person, including physical, sexual or verbal abuse of other Library users, employees or volunteers.
  • Stealing library materials or damaging, defacing or destroying library property, or disrupting library services, theft of property belonging to the library, employees or other patrons.
  • Carrying a weapon, explosive, or dangerous biological or chemical agent into the library, unless authorized by law
  • Illegal use of actual or simulated controlled substances
  • Unauthorized consumption of alcoholic beverages on Library grounds
  • Any behavior prohibited by law

Unacceptable behavior

The following behavior by a member of the public, while not considered illegal and may be acceptable elsewhere, is not allowed in Library facilities when it disrupts the smooth and proper functioning of the Library:

  • Interfering with another person’s use of the Library or with Library staff’s performance of their duties
    • Creating a disturbance and refusing to leave Library property when asked to do so by the Library staff
    • Leaving a child unattended in the library.
    • Refusing to leave the library after closing time or when asked by staff
    • Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it
    • Cell phone use in the library other than in designated areas
    • Eating and drinking in the library other than in designated areas
    • Smoking or other use of tobacco products is not allowed in the building.  This includes, but is not limited to, electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes), electronic vaping devices, personal vaporizers (PV), or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) which simulate tobacco smoking.
    • Bringing animals or vehicles into the library, except as required per the Americans with Disabilities Act
    • Interfering with others’ use of the Library through poor personal hygiene or excessive body odor/perfume/cologne
    • Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, canvassing, or surveying Library patrons or staff without director’s approval.
    • Failing to wear a shirt,  shoes or pants
    • Misusing the restrooms (including use of the restrooms for changing clothes, graffiti, or bathing)
    • Interfering with, obstructing or blocking free passage on library premises (personal items must fit readily underneath one library chair).   Items needed for library research and human conveyances (wheelchairs, strollers, etc. are exempt from the size limitation.  Items may not be plugged into outlets not designated for public use.
    • Failing to keep personal belongings to oneself (The library is not responsible for lost or stolen property.  Library premises shall not be used for storage of personal belongings.  Items unattended are subject to removal and discard.)
    • Any behavior or activity which disrupts use of the library

Serious offenses will result in the police being called and a permanent ban from the library.  Patrons observed engaging in unacceptable behavior will be encouraged to cease the behavior or leave the library.  Repeated offenses, refusing to cease the behavior and/or leave when asked may result in loss of library privileges.  Additional banning will be progressive in nature.  A first incident will result in a one day ban, then a week, then a month.  Permanent banning for unacceptable behavior must be authorized by the Director and will be used only when repeated efforts to encourage proper behavior have failed.

An individual may appeal to the library board to have their privileges reinstated.

TORNADO WARNING

 During a tornado warning, the Library is not open for service, but public buildings are open for shelter. A tornado warning is declared in one or both of the following ways: the sounding of civil preparedness sirens or announcements on the radio. Staff must take shelter in assigned areas and may not remain in work areas.  All customers are required to take shelter in assigned areas or leave the building until the National Weather Service has canceled the warning.

Should the tornado warning begin prior to a site’s official opening, the facility will be opened as an emergency shelter when staff is in the building.  Should the warning extend beyond the regular hours of operation, staff will remain until the warning has expired and the building is secured.

OTHER INCLEMENT WEATHER

The Library’s data equipment and files are vulnerable to damage from power fluctuations as well as physical damage during severe weather.  During intense storms, some services may be unavailable.

LOSS OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Library facilities may close if one or more essential services (electricity, natural gas, water, etc.) are lost and public safety would be compromised if the facility were to remain in use.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

As part of the Crawford County Library District’s mission to expand community enrichment through education, information, inspiration, and recreation, our libraries provide access for all library users to our public computers. In general, these computers are equipped with word processing software, document viewers, and the Internet.  The Crawford County Library District (CCLD) also makes available free wireless access at all locations.  This policy applies to all use of Crawford County Library District’s wired or wireless Internet service, whether the equipment is privately owned or library owned. As an information resource, the Internet is not within the scope of the CCLD’s materials selection policy.  Therefore, CCLD is unable to assume responsibility for the quality of information accessed through the Internet.  Parents and/orguardians are responsible for the information selected and/or accessed by their minor children.  The Crawford County Library District and its library branches, staff, and trustees are not responsible for the information selected or accessed by minor children.  Providing access to information available on the Internet does not constitute endorsement of the content by the CCLD.  Crawford County Library District expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through the Internet.  CCLD assumes no responsibility for damage to any personal device or equipment that may result from downloading files from the Internet.  Likewise, the library assumes no responsibility for damage arising from connections to our workstations or network. In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, Missouri Revised Statute 182.827, and the Commission on Child Online Protection, the Crawford County Library District does filter access to pornographic and sexually explicit websites on all CCLD computers, as well as websites that may introduce viruses into our network. Wireless connections accessed by personal devices are also filtered as above.  Filtering software is not guaranteed to protect a child from access to information that a parent or guardian may find inappropriate.  Adults may request filters to be turned off for a specific category on a specific computer for a specific amount of time. Such requests will be referred to the Branch Manager or Library Director as appropriate.  For more information on children and the Internet, parents are encouraged to visit www.ConnectSafely.org, and to read Child Safety on the Information Highway – www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm, and Teen Safety on the Internet – www.safeteens.com.   CCLD protects patron privacy in any way possible, but cannot guarantee confidentiality on the Internet.  We encourage our patrons to use best practices regarding privacy and to remember that CCLD computers are accessed by multiple patrons every day. Patrons handling financial transactions or other activities that require confidentiality do so at their own risk. The Internet is not a private environment and security of electronic communication cannot be guaranteed.  CCLD is not responsible for the privacy practices or security of any web sites accessed by its patrons. 

Expressions of Concern 

The Crawford County Library District and the Board of Trustees welcome feedback from our patrons.  Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about this or any other CCLD policy.

Acceptable Use  

  1. The freedom to access information is a fundamental right, but use of library equipment is a privilege.  Users will respect the rights of other computer users, library patrons, and staff in keeping with the library’s behavior code and policies.  Specific computer access rules are listed below:      
  2. A library card or guest pass is required for access to the computers.  All users must sign in at the circulation desk prior to signing onto the computer.
  3. Patrons who have outstanding fines of $5.00 or more will be required to pay those fines prior to using computers.
  4. There is a 2 hour per day time limit for all public access computers.   
  5. There is a $0.10 charge for any black and white print and a $0.50 charge for any color print (where available). 
  6. Children under the age of twelve (12) must be accompanied by an adult.  
  7. YOU MAY NOT USE YOUR OWN SOFTWARE OR DOWNLOAD ANY PROGRAMS TO ANY OF THE LIBRARY COMPUTERS.  However, you may use your removable storage device to save your work. This privilege will be rescinded if a patron’s device damages the systems in any way.  This helps prevent viruses that can damage the library’s computers.
  8. Patron computers are located in public spaces. We ask patrons to be mindful and courteous of surrounding patrons.  Headphones are available at the service desk and we require their use if patrons are accessing materials that utilize sound.   
  9. Display of sexually explicit graphics or otherwise offensive material is inappropriate for an open public environment and is prohibited.  Please respect the sensibilities of others when accessing images that may reasonably be offensive to someone else. 
  10. Harassment, libel, slander, and/or infringement upon the rights of others is prohibited. 
  11. Library staff members may request that individuals cease accessing works that threaten the safe and comfortable environment of the library or interfere with the conduct of library business.  
  12. Each user is responsible for complying with copyright law and adhering to software licensing agreements, as well as all local, state, and federal laws.  Use of the Library’s Internet connection in an illegal, disruptive, or destructive manner will result in the loss of Internet and/or Library privileges. 
  13. CCLD uses Internet filters in compliance with CIPA. Filtering software is not guaranteed to protect a child from access to information that a parent or guardian may find inappropriate.  For more information on children and the Internet, parents are encouraged to visit www.ConnectSafely.org, and to read Child Safety On the Information Highway, and Teen Safety on the Internet.  These publications are available at www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm and www.safeteens.com. 
  14. The public computers are available from opening of the library to fifteen minutes before closing each day the Library is open to the public.
  15. DO NOT TO ATTEMPT TO FIX PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTERS OR PRINTERS – CONTACT STAFF – DO NOT TURN OFF THE COMPUTERS!!!!!!!
  16. Remember:  Public computers are not private or secure.  Public computers cannot be modified for individual use.

 Compliance

Failure to comply with this Library Board Policy, or misuse of the Library’s networks or computers – including Wireless access – may result in the loss of computer access privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible criminal prosecution. 

Any attempts to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, to damage or modify Library owned computer equipment or software or to intentionally download or save items to Library owned computers will result in the loss of computer access privileges, potential loss of Library privileges, and possible criminal prosecution.

Wireless Connection Acceptable Use Policy

Wireless access through the MOREnet network is prohibited by the Missouri State Library beyond the property line of the Crawford County Library.  Therefore, all wireless users must be authenticated and authorized by library staff before being able to connect to the library’s wireless network.  This authentication will include verification that the user is a current CCLD patron and is able to present valid picture identification.  For a guest pass, two forms of current identification are required, one being a picture ID.  Upon authentication, an access code to the wireless network will be generated.  This code will last for a pre-assigned amount of time. In order to receive an access code, the user must agree to this Wireless Network Acceptable Use Policy and sign the library’s wireless network use log. 

It is the policy of the CCLD to restrict minors (under the age of 16 years) from gaining computer access to material that is pornographic for minors in accordance with Sections 182.825 and 182.827, RSMo.  To this end, CCLD’s Internet connection is equipped with software that limits such access. Otherwise, it is the parent’s or legal guardian’s responsibility to control his/her child(ren)’s use of the Internet through the library’s connection.

The CCLD does not assume responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of the library’s Internet connection or the connections with other systems which users may make through its connection.  Library staff will not give assistance with a user’s personal computer.  There is no wireless access to the library’s printers.

All Internet users must agree to adhere to the CCLD Internet Policy and to any “appropriate use policy” of the library’s current Internet service provider. 

Rules of Use

  1. User must sign in at the Circulation desk and present his/her library card and photo ID.  If user is not a library patron, two forms of identification are required, one being a photo ID. 
  2. User will not be able to connect to the library’s wireless network without first obtaining an access code from library staff.
  3. A parent or guardian must be present to sign the library’s cardholder agreement for a child under the age of 17 and to give permission to access the Internet.
  4. Failure to use the Internet legally will result in the revocation of Internet use privileges. Unacceptable use of the Internet includes libel, slander, destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the library, unauthorized monitoring of electronic communication, and unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
  5. Failure to comply with the above policy or any damage done to the library’s computer system will result in loss of privileges.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY (Minors to Age 17)

The Crawford County Library District encourages and welcomes children of all ages to use the resources and services of the library.  Responsibility for the safety, behavior, and care of children using the library rests with the parent, guardian, or adult caregiver.

The Crawford County Library District cannot provide care and supervision for an unattended child.  The Crawford County Library District does not assume responsibility for children left at the library.

Therefore, to protect children while using the library and to provide all patrons with a facility that is safe, pleasant and conducive to library use, the following policy has been established and must be observed:

  • While in the library, the parent, guardian, or adult caregiver is responsible for monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children.
  • Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or adult caregiver at all times. If a child age 12 and under is found to be unattended in the library, staff will try to locate the parent, guardian, or adult caregiver to correct the situation.  If the parent, guardian, or adult caregiver cannot be located, law enforcement officers, child protective services, or other appropriate government agency will be contacted.
  • Children ages 12 to 17 may be permitted to stay unattended if they are behaving in an appropriate manner. The library does not assume responsibility for any unattended child.  The parent, guardian, or adult caregiver is responsible for monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children.  Any person behaving in an unacceptable manner in violation of the Crawford County Library District Behavior Policy may be asked to leave the premises.  Library privileges may be revoked.  If the parent, guardian, or adult caregiver cannot be located, law enforcement officers, child protective services, or other appropriate government agency will be contacted.
  • Teachers, daycare providers, or other youth leaders may not leave groups of unattended children in the library. If a child exhibits inappropriate behavior, staff will ask the teacher, daycare provider, or youth leader to correct the situation.  If the teacher, daycare provider, or youth leader does not correct the situation, the family or school group will be asked to leave the premises.
  • If an unattended child is found frightened or crying, or is perceived to be endangering him or herself, or others, law enforcement may be contacted. A staff member will wait with the child until law enforcement officers arrive.
  • If a child age 12 and under is found alone at closing time, the staff will attempt to call the parent, legal guardian, or adult caregiver. If no one can be reached, the staff will contact law enforcement officials to assume responsibility of the child. A staff member will remain with the child inside the library entrance until law enforcement officials arrive.

Under no circumstances shall a library staff member transport or take a child away from the library building.

Library staff will report known or suspected abuse or neglect of children.  

VIDEO, FILMING and PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE LIBRARY POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to establish the terms and conditions under which Library space may be used for video, filming, and photography.

The Library is a place for community use of information resources and services, study, and education.  No video, filming, or photography may occur without permission from the Director or Library Board of Trustees.

The person wishing to use the Library space for video, filming, and/or photography must complete the Application for Video, Filming and Photography in the Library.  Permission may be denied or be revoked for any activity whose purpose has the potential to cause, or causes, substantial disruptions or material interference with the functions of the library, or may violate patron confidentiality.

The person signing the application form is responsible for any liability with the video, film, or photo crew, and any costs associated with damage to the Library.  The Library is not liable for any loss/theft/damage of personal property of the producer or damage to equipment.  Library property must not be moved or rearranged without specific permission to do so.  All Library policies and procedures must be followed.  Permission to video, film or photo shoot on Library premises is conditional upon user agreement to save, hold harmless, and indemnify the Crawford County Library District, Directors and Officers from any claims, lawsuits, or judgments arising from loss, damage to property, injury to persons from or during the video, filming, or photography shoot.  The Library retains the right to review and submit final approval of the product prior to release.

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