POLICY MANUAL – Crawford County Library District

CRAWFORD COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

PATRON POLICY MANUAL

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

We affirm these propositions:

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.

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:

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.
To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials.
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.
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.
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

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.

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.
We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
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.
We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
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.
We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
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.
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 cannot be used as proof of residency. Written proof of an actual physical address must be present when applying for a library card. A parent or legal gaurdian must be present to sign the minor consent waiver for and present identification for minors under the age of 18.

General Requirements Before a Library Card is Issued:

Written proof of current address is required.
Telephone number where the patron can be reached.
Driver’s license, Social Security number, State issued ID, or Military ID number required.
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.

Cards for Minors

A parent or legal guardian, must sign the application, and minor consent waiver if the applicant is 18 years old and under.

Homebound Borrower

An 18 or over 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 $20.00 annually for an individual non-resident card can be issued to individuals in adjacent counties. No ILL transactions allowed on a non-resident card.

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. Minors under the age of 18 may not use any library card but their own to check out items. 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 one (1) year from the date of issue. 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 may be destroyed.

CIRCULATION OF MATERIALS

General Circulation Guidelines

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 NOT circulate.
All materials, with the exception of items on hold, or items ordered from another library outside the Crawford County Library District 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 fees or 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

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

Request for holds

Each patron may place up to 10 holds for items that are checked out or otherwise unavailable (in mending, or processing etc.)

Returns

Materials may be returned at the Circulation Desk, or in the Book Drop.
Items damaged by returning them in an overflowing book drop, will be the patron’s responsibility.

OVERDUE LIBRARY MATERIALS

Overdue Guidelines

The Library has no obligation to remind patrons to return library materials. The Library sends reminder notices via mail, email, and SMS Texts as a courtesy to our patrons. The receipt at checkout is your due date notice.
All library materials are due on the due date. There is no grace period.
If the library closes due to weather or other emergency situations, the Library will exempt charges for those dates.
Overdue notices will be sent by mail according to the following schedule:
Final notice, 21 days after the item is overdue.
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

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.
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

If the damaged item is unusable, the patron will be charged the price of the item, plus a $5.00 Processing Fee.
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.
Replacement of a torn or damaged barcode is $1.00
Replacement of a damaged audio/video case is $6.00

Refunds

All charges for damaged materials are non-refundable.
If a lost 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 DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Purpose: The purpose of the Collection Development Policy is to guide library staff and to inform the public of the principles upon which selections are made and managed. Library materials are selected to support the mission of the library. The mission of the 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.

All Libraries stand strongly for the freedom of thought, the freedom of intellectual activity, and the freedom of communication. Therefore, Libraries must select materials with the view to present all sides of an issue, not just one particular opinion. The Crawford County Library District adheres to best practices as endorsed by the American Library Association:

• The Library Bill of Rights

• Intellectual Freedom

• The Freedom to Read Statement

• The Freedom to View Statement

Introduction: This policy defines the scope and nature of our existing collection, and the plans for continuing development of resources as they relate to library goals, general selection criteria, and the rights of the library users to receive information.

“Library collections” includes all resources in all formats acquired for use by the public, including resources obtained through the library’s membership in selected consortia or contracts with other libraries.

Responsibility for Resource Selection and Collection Development: The Board of Trustees delegates administrative authority for the selection of resources and the development of library collections to the Library Director, operating within the framework of policies determined by the Board. The Library Director, in turn, delegates these duties to branch management staff.

Collection Philosophy: Within the constraints of its budget, the Library selects a diverse range of materials in a variety of formats to support the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of the population it serves. The Library provides a general collection of circulating materials embracing broad areas of knowledge, literature, and genres. Purchases are made to represent as many sides of current political, social, and cultural issues as possible. Included are works of enduring value and timely materials on contemporary issues. Collections are reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis to meet the needs of our community.

The Library upholds the rights of each individual to privately read, listen to, and view the full range of published thought and ideas. The Library considers reading, listening, and viewing to be individual, private matters. Full, confidential, and unrestricted access to information is essential for patrons to exercise their constitutional rights. Libraries have a public and professional obligation to provide equal access to all library resources for all library users. While anyone is free to select or reject materials for themselves or for those who are legally under their care, it is important for library users to understand that the Library does not serve in place of the parents when it comes to access to library materials. Only parents and legal guardians have the right and responsibility to guide and direct the reading, listening, and viewing choices of their own minor children.

Collection Development: All Library materials are part of one collection, which is physically distributed among the 3 branches or accessible electronically via the Library’s website. Print materials in the collection include books, newspapers, and magazines. Audiovisual materials include audiobooks, DVDs, and microfilm. The Library also provides access to digital materials which can be viewed online, downloaded, or streamed. Selections are made to provide a broad, popular, and relevant collection.

Material selection is based on awareness of community interests and concerns, national and international issues and events, publishing trends, societal trends, reviews in popular and professional periodicals, vendor recommendations, patron requests, and the professional judgment of selectors regarding the material’s value to the Library’s collection. Materials are evaluated as complete works and not on the basis of a particular passage. Selection of materials by the Library does not constitute endorsement of the material’s content or the views expressed. Some digital formats are purchased as a total collection and, therefore, items cannot be selected individually.

The Library strives to purchase materials presenting a variety of viewpoints. Factors considered when adding specific material to the Library collection include, but are not limited to: community needs, local demand, reviews in professionally recognized sources, timeliness and/or significance of the subject, cost, contribution to diversity, depth or breadth of collection, objectivity, and support of the Library’s mission.

The Library collection is organized, marked, and maintained to help people find the materials they want. The Library does not support the labeling, sequestering, or alteration of materials because of controversy surrounding the author or viewpoint on the subject matter. Materials are placed in the collection based on age appropriateness. Age appropriateness is determined by the publisher’s intended audience, vendor recommendations, professional reviews, and the library community/consortium standards.

The Collection:

Adult Collection: This collection is recommended for mature readers, ages 18+. Adult fiction is selected for its appeal to members of the community and its quality as literature. The library attempts to provide a wide selection of standard fiction titles as defined in recognized bibliographies, as well as the best current titles. Nonfiction items are selected in an attempt to educate and inform readers. Items of lasting interest are preferred, but it is recognized that titles of current interest are also appropriate purchases.

Youth Collection: Youth materials are selected to include the best available titles of fiction and non-fiction for ages birth through young adults. Titles are chosen that may enhance the intellectual, cultural, social, and ethical development and growth of individuals. Such a collection should provide a background for the development of critical reading and thinking, in addition to recreational reading.
There may be some variation in the age appropriateness of each collection. Patrons are not limited by these age recommendations. All patrons are welcome to check out any materials in our collection. As stated previously, the Library does not serve in place of the parents when it comes to access to Library materials. Only parents and legal guardians have the right and responsibility to guide and direct the reading, listening, and viewing choices of their own minor children. Library cards are issued to minors (ages 0-17) only with the parents signed permission to allow the minor to check out materials from any library collection. Library cards will not be issued to minors whose parents do not give permission for their child to have full and unrestricted access. Separate collections are available for children and young adults, but it is not the responsibility of the Library, its Board of Trustees, staff, or volunteers to determine which collection they should use or what item in the collection is suitable for an individual.

Easy (E) Collection-This collection is recommended for ages birth to 8.
Juvenile (J) Collection-This collection is recommended for ages 8-12.
Young Adult (YA) Collection-This collection is recommended for young adults, ages 13+.

Electronic Database Collection: This collection is a diverse selection of reference and circulating materials that are accessed electronically and is developed with the same criteria as print materials. In some cases, because of inclusion in consortia agreements for electronic resources, local control of selection is not an option.

Media Collection: The goal of this collection is to provide instructional, educational, and recreational audio-visual material that will enhance the existing fiction and non-fiction collections. The Library recognizes that patrons desire information and popular materials in various forms. Purchases in this collection are in the form of audiobooks and commercial and non-fiction DVD.

Periodical Collection: This collection consists of magazines and newspapers providing a broad range of general interest subject areas.

Reference Collection: The historical and genealogy collection is intended to preserve materials of importance to our library community and surrounding areas; including Crawford County, and when useful, the entire state of Missouri. The materials themselves and/or the subject areas they represent have permanent value to the community and are made available to the general public for research on local, genealogical, and historical issues.

Gifts, Donations, and Memorials: The policies which apply to the selection of purchasing materials also apply to materials that are donated or given to the library. Once an item has been given to the library, the branch management staff shall determine whether it will be added to the collection, discarded, or put up for book sale. Items not added to the collection may be donated to local organizations. Items added to the collection become the property of the Library and are subject to the same standards as any other library material. The Library will accept financial donations to buy materials following the same guidelines used in any other selection decision.

Suggestions for Purchase: Patron suggestions for purchase are always welcome. However, the submission of a request does not guarantee its purchase. Some items are not selected for purchase for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the material being highly specialized and/or obscure and more suited for an academic or research library, the item being out of print, cost, a format the Library does not use, or the item does not meet the needs of the collection.

The Library participates in resource sharing with other institutions through the Missouri Evergreen consortium. Items not selected for purchase will be requested from another library through interlibrary loan if available. Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan do not necessarily adhere to the criteria outlined in the Library’s Collection Development Policy.

Collection Maintenance: The Library’s collection is a living, changing entity, much like the community it serves. Ongoing evaluation of materials is necessary in order to maintain a current, accurate and appealing collection. As items are added, others are reviewed for their ongoing value and sometimes removed from the collection. This process improves the accessibility of remaining materials, enhances the appearance of the collection, and helps improve the overall circulation of materials. Great care is taken to retain or replace items that have enduring value to the community. Decisions are influenced by patterns of use, condition of the materials, and the capacity of each location.

The Library does not automatically replace discarded, lost, or withdrawn items. The need for replacement in each case is based on the existence of adequate coverage of the subject, the timeliness of the title, the demand for the title, and the availability of an item. The collection is not archival and is reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis.

Reconsideration of Library Materials: It is a vital obligation of the public library to reflect within its collection, differing points of view. The Crawford County Library District does not endorse any particular viewpoint nor does the selection of an item indicate an endorsement of any particular viewpoint. The Library District seeks to provide information on all sides of every issue. Library materials will not be sequestered, except to protect them from damage or theft.

Regarding children’s access to materials, the library respects the right of parents and legal guardians to determine what is or is not appropriate for their own child. Parents and legal guardians are therefore responsible for monitoring card use and applying any restrictions they deem appropriate on their own child’s access to library materials.

The Library District values opinions of patrons. There may be occasions when a patron of the library district may be concerned about a particular item in the Library’s collection or the age appropriateness of a library presentation, event, material, or display. In this instance, a patron may request a “Reconsideration Request Form.” This form must be completed in its entirety and returned to library staff. A committee consisting of the Library’s professional staff will review the form and respond with a written response within 30 days. If a patron is unsatisfied with the Director’s response, the patron may appeal in writing to the Board of Trustees. The Library District is responsible for making the public aware of any challenged presentations, events, materials, or displays; while excluding any identifying information of the person making the request.

The “Reconsideration Request Form” will be available at the main circulation desk of all Crawford County Library branches during normal business hours. Material for which a “Reconsideration Request Form” has been submitted will not be removed from the collection until the process of reconsideration has been completed, and then only if the material is found not to meet the criteria of the Library’s Collection Development Policy. Library materials that are subjected to reconsideration and are found to meet the standards outlined in the Collection Development Policy will not be removed from public access. Duplicate challenges for items reconsidered in the past 36 months will not be accepted.

The following criteria are necessary for a “Reconsideration Request Form” to be considered:

The requester must be library patron within the Crawford County tax paying library district (hereafter described as ‘legal service district’)
If challenging the age-appropriateness for minors of a particular event, material, presentation, or display, requestor must be a parent or legal guardian of a minor within the legal service district
“Reconsideration Request Form” must be completed in its entirety
One request form per item
A title will not be reviewed more than once in 36 months
The requester must agree to read the Collection Development Policy

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 and parenting programs. All programs will have an age range designated to allow patrons to make their own decisions about program attendance even if the age range is “all ages.”

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.

Meeting Room Use Policy

Library sponsored activities and events receive priority.
No admission may be charged.
No soliciting or selling of products may occur
The meeting room must be reserved 48 hours in advance with library staff.
The meeting room may not be reserved more than three months in advance.
Individuals reserving meeting rooms for a group must be at least 18 years old.
An adult, 18 or older, must be present during the use of the meeting room.
A contact name and phone number must be provided.
All groups must conduct themselves so as not to disrupt the functioning of the library.
The group is responsible for leaving the room clean and undamaged.
The library will not store materials and is not responsible for personal property.
The use of cigarettes, e cigarettes, vapes, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
The library may cancel a reservation with as much notice as possible, if necessary.
The room may be used only during normal business hours.
Not all of our libraries have meeting room space available.
The person signing this contract is responsible for any and all damages to library property which occur during the program.
All groups using the meeting room must assign an age recommendation for the stated purpose of their meetings.
All publications, website notices, or advertisements made by the group about the stated purpose of their meeting/event must include this age recommendation.

Each group is responsible for its own publicity. Use of the library meeting rooms does not imply Library endorsement, and no announcement, press release, flyer or other promotion should state or imply Library endorsement or sponsorship of the event or the organization. Such announcements, press releases, flyers, or other promotions, should clearly state the sponsoring group’s name and refer to the Library only as the location of the meeting/event.

Groups or individuals using meeting rooms and study rooms shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Library its trustees, officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all losses, damages, claims, costs, suits, actions of any kind, arising and resulting and accruing from any act, omission or error of the such group or individual and any users, employees, agents, representatives, guests, invitees, resulting in or relating to personal injuries or property damage arising from the group’s or individual’s use of the Library.

Failure to comply with these regulations will result in denial of future use of a Library meeting room and/or immediate removal from the room.

Handouts

All handouts must be approved by the Director prior to being displayed. The display of 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 in a loud or disruptive fashion
- Talking on the phone in a loud or disruptive manner
- 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 week ban, then a month. Permanent banning for unacceptable behavior must be authorized by the Director and will be used 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 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/or legal guardians 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. 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.

Acceptable Use

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:
All users must sign in at the circulation desk prior to signing onto the computer.
Patrons who have outstanding fines of $5.00 or more will be required to pay those fines prior to using computers.
There is a 2 hour per day time limit for all public access computers.
Minors under the age of eighteen (18) must be accompanied by an adult.
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.
Patron computers are located in public spaces. We ask patrons to be mindful and courteous of surrounding patrons. We require headphone use if patrons are accessing materials that utilize sound.
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.
Harassment, libel, slander, and/or infringement upon the rights of others is prohibited.
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.
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.
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.
The public computers are available from opening of the library to fifteen minutes before closing each day the Library is open to the public.
DO NOT TO ATTEMPT TO FIX PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTERS OR PRINTERS – CONTACT STAFF – DO NOT TURN OFF THE COMPUTERS!
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

It is the policy of the CCLD to restrict minors (under the age of 18 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

User must sign in at the Circulation desk.
User will not be able to connect to the library’s wireless network without first obtaining an access code from library staff.
A parent or guardian must be present for a child under the age of 18 to give permission to access the Internet.
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.
Failure to comply with the above policy or any damage done to the library’s computer system will result in loss of privileges.

UNATTENDED MINOR POLICY

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 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or adult caregiver at all times in the library.
Children ages 15 to 17 may be permitted to stay unattended if their parent or legal guardian has signed the Minor Consent Waiver to allow them to use the services of the library, and 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 an unattended child 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 that involves patrons or staff of the library may occur without permission from the Director or Library Board of Trustees.

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.