Circulation Policy

The following statement of policies takes effect on October 9th, 2006 and supercedes all previous circulation policy statements.

Borrowing privileges:

Any resident of the Library District five years of age or older, shall be allowed the privilege of borrowing library materials upon presenting identification and registering with the library. However, the library shall not request or maintain records of Social Security numbers for any reason. Applicants age 5 through 17 require a parent or guardian’s signature. Borrower’s privileges are also issued to non-residents who pay library taxes by owning property within the service area. Other non-residents may be granted library privileges upon payment of a non-resident fee: $100 per family per year or $50 per six (6) months; or $50 per year for senior citizens (age 60 and over).  Non-residents may also choose to pay their fees quarterly: $25.00 per family per three (3) months or $12.50 for senior citizens (age 60 and over) per three (3) months.

Institutional library privileges are also issued to corporations within the service area, in which case the “corporate person” is responsible for library materials borrowed. A letter of responsibility is kept on file and renewed annually. Teachers wishing to borrow materials for classroom use may either use their personal library privileges, in which case they receive the same privileges and are subject to the same penalties as all other borrowers; or teachers may borrow through the school media center via standard interlibrary loan procedures.

Loan periods:

Most loan materials are checked out for two weeks. If requested materials may be checked out for four weeks. Renewals are done upon request either in person or by phone, so long as the material has not been reserved for someone else.
Exceptions: Reference books are not normally loaned, but may be loaned overnight at the judgment of Information Desk staff. Loan periods also may be temporarily changed in special circumstances. Framed pictures are loaned for three months and may not be renewed. Newspapers and current issues of magazines are not loaned.

Overdue fines:

To encourage the prompt return of materials, overdue fines are $.15 per day on each item except no fine will be charged if the material is returned within a seven day grace period following the due date. The grace period does not apply to overnight loans. Borrowers are obligated to return loan materials whether or not they have received notices; the notices are an additional service that is rendered to late borrowers. Exceptions to overdue fines are made for senior citizens (60 and over) if requested; and fines may be modified or waived by the staff member in charge in extraordinary circumstances using common sense judgment. When multiple items checked out at the same time become overdue, a maximum of $15.00 will be charged. If fines are not paid when assessed, the record is maintained in the borrower file and the borrower is expected to pay the fine at a later date. No fine for a returned overdue book shall exceed its original cost to the library. If an item has been lost or damaged beyond repair, the borrower will be billed the list price of that item, instead of an overdue fine.

Suspension of privileges:

Borrowing privileges are suspended in the case of a borrower who has failed to return one or more library items without making restitution; or when overdue fines exceed $3.00.

Updated October 9th, 2006

Fees and Fines Table

10/23/06

Use of Facilities and Services Policy

Meeting Room Use Policy:

The Marshall District Library Meeting Room is available for a small fee, for meeting of groups of up to fifty persons during library hours. Meetings should end 15 minutes before closing time. Meetings may not include religious services, partisan political rallies, or purely social functions. The meetings must be open to the public and not be primarily for fund raising purposes. Library sponsored events and Library Board meetings have first priority for use of the meeting room. Regularly scheduled use of the room may be approved subject to availability of the meeting room.

Scheduling is by application at the Information Desk at least four weeks prior to the proposed meeting date. Approval is administered by the Library Director. The library should be notified as soon as possible in case of cancellation.

The meeting room is entered and exited through the main library. Use of the room includes access to chairs, tables, lectern, and multi-purpose screen. The user groups will do the setup for their meetings and must also return the room to pre-meeting condition before leaving the building. No display materials may be taped or tacked to walls or moldings. Damages occurring to the room or the library as a result of the meeting will be charged to the sponsoring group through the person who signed the application.

Groups wishing to serve light refreshments must provide their own utensils for serving and preparation. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on library property.

Children must be adequately supervised by an adult when in the meeting room. Children are not to be left at large in the library.

The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the library does not, in any way, constitute an endorsement by the library of the group’s policies or beliefs.

Revised and approved by library board July 27, 2004.

Application for Use of Conference Room, Meeting Room, Program Room (pdf)

Internet Computer Use Policy:

Access to the Internet is available to all registered patrons of the Library. The Library is making the Internet available as an informational and educational resource that supplements and expands upon the use of the printed word.

Due to PA 212 (1999), the library is mandated to filter Internet access to minors. We maintain filtered and unfiltered public Internet stations. One must be 18 years old (with proof of age) to use an unfiltered Internet station. Those 18 years and older may use any station as available. Persons under the age of 18 may use an unfiltered computer only if a parent or legal guardian is seated with the child at the computer for the entire session.

Child safety:

Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Children who use the Internet unsupervised, even a filtered terminal, may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children’s use of the Internet.

The Marshall District Library provides a home site on its public computers pointing to a variety of quality Internet sites. However, the Internet remains a vast and unregulated information network. It enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary that this Library would not have chosen. Users are cautioned that ideas, points of view and images can be found on the Internet which are controversial, divergent and/or inflammatory. Because of this and the fact that access points on the Internet can and do change often, rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect individuals from information and images which they might find offensive, disturbing or inaccurate.

The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete.

There are some subjects that are found more quickly and accurately in books and magazines. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.

User Alert:

Since the Library computers on which the public can access the Internet are located in public areas which must be shared by library users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities, individuals are asked to consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and images. Library staff cannot consistently and effectively monitor the public’s use of the Internet. However, the Library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images that others find offensive.

User Responsibilities:

All users of the Internet are expected to use this Library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, which includes:

• Recognizing that the Internet must be shared and used in a manner that respects the rights of others and refrains from activity that prevents others from using it.
• Using the Library’s Internet resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.
• Refraining from using the Library’s Internet resources to conduct a business or commercial enterprise, or engage in commercial activity.
• Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the Internet.
• Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet.
• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
• Refraining from damaging the computers or altering the setup used to access the Internet at the Library.
• Refraining from damaging or altering software or data residing on the Internet.
• Refraining from the transmission of threatening, harassing or abusive language and images.

Staff Assistance:

Staff will assist library users with the Internet to the extent that trained staff is available. Internet books and manuals are available for public use. The library does provide free computer training for patrons including workshops and one-on-one assistance, by appointment.

Compliance with Library Policy and Regulations:

Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library’s Internet resources may result in loss of the privilege to use these resources. Illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

The Marshall District Library Board adopted an Internet Use Policy on November 9, 1998, and it was most recently reviewed and updated July 19, 2005. Reference and Information Services;

Reference services are provided to the public at the Information Desk in person, using on-line resources, and over the telephone.

• Simple requests are answered immediately regardless of the person’s borrower status with the library.
• Complicated reference requests by non-residents are referred to the person’s local library.
• Non-residents requesting genealogical research in the Marshall newspapers are asked to put the request in writing and to provide a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.
• For very extensive requests that require photocopying, a fee may be charged.
• The library staff may refer persons requesting extensive research to a genealogical researcher who can do the work for them for a fee.
• The library staff does not give crisscross information by telephone.

Test Proctoring Service:

Test proctoring services are provided by the Marshall District Library upon request. Persons interested in using this service must complete a request form and submit it to the staff at the Information Desk in advance of the test date. The student is responsible for making all arrangements with the educational institution giving the test. The Library Director will designate a staff member as test proctor.

This service is provided free of charge to Marshall District Library card holders. All others will pay $15.00 per proctored test. Payment is due at the time the test arrangements are made.

Approved October 11, 2005

Public Relations

Code of Patron Conduct:

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to allow all patrons of the Marshall District Library to use its facilities to the fullest extent during regularly scheduled hours, to protect the rights of others to conduct Library business without interference, and to preserve Library materials and facilities.

On the premises of the Marshall District Library, the violation of any federal or state law or local ordinance will also be regarded as a violation of the Code of Conduct.

1. Patrons shall engage in activities associated with the use of the public library. Patrons not reading, studying, or using library materials and/or equipment may be required to leave the building.

2. Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons, and shall not harass or annoy others through noisy or boisterous activities, nor shall they interfere with library employee’s performance of their duties. The number of patrons at a table shall be limited to four.

3. Patrons carrying cellular telephones and beepers are expected to turn ringers off, or turn them down to their lowest level while in the library. If cell phone or beeper use is required, users must move to the lobby or outside the building.

4. Patrons may not consume food or beverages, except as part of approved special events or meetings; smoking or use of tobacco products is prohibited.

5. Patrons shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

6. Patrons spending lengthy periods of time in the lobby shall be construed as loitering (Article V Sec. 18-51 of the Marshall City Code).

7. Patrons shall not deface or mar library materials, nor shall they deface, mar or in any way destroy or damage library furnishings, structure, equipment or other library property.

8. Patrons may not enter the building without a shirt and shoes.

9. The use of scooters, bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, or skateboards is prohibited in building and lobby.

10. Patrons may not bring pets or animals into the library, other than service dogs.

11. Any materials removed from the library must be checked out on a valid library card.

12. Members of the Marshall District Library staff are concerned for the safety of children. However they cannot act as babysitters nor keep watch over children. Children, either accompanied by a grown-up or left unattended, are the responsibility of their parents who are liable for their children’s behavior in the library, for damage to materials, equipment, and furnishings, and for injury to themselves and others.

a. Children should not be left alone for more than one hour and should have been trained by their parents in dealing with strangers. Children should be at the library only with the knowledge of a parent and shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of the public library.

b. Children awaiting rides must be picked up promptly so that they are not forced to wait for lengthy periods in the library lobby, which shall be construed as loitering. Members of the staff are instructed to contact the police before leaving when unattended children are left at the library at closing time. Staff will wait until police arrive.

c. Parents will be contacted if children present behavior problems or if the Code of Conduct is not followed.

Anyone not abiding by these or other rules and regulations of the library may be required to leave the library premises and may forfeit their library privileges. Library employees will contact the Marshall Police if necessary.

Anyone whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board.

Adopted by the Library Board on April 13, 2004.

Media / Displays / Exhibits / Programs:

The Marshall District Library seeks to ensure that the public receives consistent and accurate information about the library policies, procedures and programs in order to encourage full understanding and use of its facilities and services. To further that aim we establish the following procedures:

Media contacts initiated by the Library will be made by the Director or person designated by the Director.

Media contacts initiated by the media should be directed to the Director or a person designated by the Director.

Speaking/program requests made by public groups should be channeled to the Director who will assign and schedule staff.

Displays and exhibits are the responsibility of the library staff. Occasionally, community groups or individuals will request permission to make a display. Each request will be reviewed by the Director or designated staff member who will either accept or reject the application. The Library retains the right to limit the location and duration of these displays.

Bulletin boards are maintained in the lobby area of the Library where public notices of sales/services and community events may be posted for one month. Each notice should be dated when posted and the Library retains the right to remove notices at any time.

Promotional materials will be the responsibility of the library department sponsoring the activity and will follow standard guidelines for the use of copyright-free art and quality design.

Approved by the Board June 29, 2004

Storage of Records for Local Organization

Upon request the Marshall District Library may provide file storage space for the records of organizations which are within the Library District or contracting Townships. The records should be in digitized or microform format. The Director has the authority to approve and negotiate such arrangements. Insurance for these records shall be the responsibility of the organization requesting storage. The length of time these records will be retained will be at the discretion of the Director.

Approved by the Board December 13, 2005