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 Rooms Use Policy:

A.  Meeting Rooms Use Policy

The Marshall District Library meeting rooms are 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, press conferences, partisan political rallies, or purely social functions.  The meetings must be open to the public, no admission fees may be charged, and their purpose may not be primarily for fund raising. Library sponsored events and Library Board meetings have first priority for use of the meeting rooms.  Regularly scheduled use of a room may be approved subject to availability of the space.

Scheduling is by application at the Information Desk and is recommended at least four weeks, but not more than 3 months, 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 rooms are entered and exited through the main library.  Use of the rooms may include access to chairs, tables, a lectern, a laptop computer, VHS, CD, DVD players, a projector and a multi-purpose screen.  The user groups must set up 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 any of the meeting rooms.  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, September 9, 2008, November 10, 2009, June 28, 2011, November 8, 2011

For questions or assistance with reserving a meeting room space please contact Denise Connelly at:
269-781-7821 ext 21 or ConnellyD@MarshallDistrictLibrary.org

Meeting Room Application

B.  Internet Use Policy

1.  General Statements Regarding Internet:

a.         Internet Access.  The Marshall District Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet. Access to the Internet enables the library to expand its information services significantly. This policy applies to both the Library owned computers and wireless access available at the Library.

b.         Validity of Information.  The Internet offers access to a wealth of information and Internet sites including useful ideas, information and opinions from around the world.  However, not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete or legal.  Internet users will need to evaluate for themselves the validity of the information found.

c.         Library does not Endorse Information on Internet.  The Marshall District Library provides a home site on its public computers pointing to a variety of quality Internet sites.  However, because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to information, ideas and commentary beyond the confines of the Library's mission, selection criteria, and collection development policies.  The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary that may be found on the Internet.

d.         View Internet at Own Risk.  The Internet may contain information that is controversial, sexually explicit or offensive. 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. Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk.  Parents or guardians of minor children are responsible for their child's use of the Internet, including email, through the Library's connection as stated more fully below. (See Section III)

e.         No Liability.  The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. 

2.  Nature of the Public Library Setting

a.         Respect Others.  Because library users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities are using the computers, library patrons are asked to be sensitive to other’s values and beliefs when accessing potentially controversial information and images.

b.         Use with Caution of Risks.  Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use.

3.  Patrons Under 18 Years of Age, Public Act 212 of 2000

a.         Responsibility of Parents and Legal Guardians.  As with other materials in the Library's collection, it is the Library's policy that parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their children.  The Library urges parents and guardians to discuss Internet use, including email, with their children and to monitor their use of this educational tool.

b.         Access for Patrons Under 18 years of Age. 

 i.  Unfiltered terminals.  A parent or guardian must accompany and be sitting at the computer terminal with patrons under 18 years of age wishing to have access to unfiltered Internet workstations. 

ii.  Filtered Terminals.  A filtered terminal means the computer has a program installed that is designed to restrict minors from receiving obscene material or sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors.

4.  Acceptable Use

All users of the Library's Internet connection and workstations are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, and to follow all rules and procedures as established in this policy. 

a.         Lawful Use.  The Library Internet connection and workstations shall be used in a lawful manner.  Workstations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose prohibited under any applicable federal, Michigan or local law, including but not limited to accessing material that can be classified as obscene or child pornography.  

b.         Intellectual Property.  Users must respect intellectual property rights and obey the copyright laws of the United States and all other intellectual property rights.  Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.  The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

c.         Use Must Not be Harmful to Minors.  Michigan law prohibits users from allowing minors access to sexually explicit materials harmful to minors. Internet Users shall not permit any minor to view sexually explicit material or any other material deemed harmful to minors.

d.         Compliance with Code of Patron Conduct.  The same rules apply to the use of the Internet as with the use of any other Library materials.  The Library has adopted a Code of Patron Conduct.  All Internet Users must comply with the Library's Code of Patron Conduct policy, which is posted in the Library.  The Library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images that other library users find offensive and/or is in violation of the Library Code of Patron Conduct.

e.         Privacy.  Users must respect 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.

f.          Time Limit.  The Library has a limited number of terminals.  As a result, Internet users shall understand that they do not have unlimited access to the Library's computers.  Marshall District Library cardholders who use unfiltered adult area computers shall limit use to 1 hour if other patrons are waiting.  Non cardholders shall limit use to 30 minutes.  If no other patron is waiting, a patron may, with staff permission, use the Internet for an additional half hour increment.  The user of a filtered youth area computer shall limit use to 30 minutes if other patrons are waiting.  If no other patron is waiting, a patron may, with staff permission, use the filtered youth area computer for an additional half hour increment.

            Upon permission of Library staff, the User may obtain extra time in half hour increments; however, patrons may be restricted to no more  than two (2) hours of computer use per day, based on public computer workstation availabilty. The User shall relinquish the computer terminal immediately upon the expiration of the User's time limit. 

g.         Personal Software Prohibited.  The Users shall refrain from use of personal software, or the modification of any operating system or network configuration. 

h.         System Modifications.  Users are not permitted to change the security setup, operating systems, the network configuration or any other configuration of any Marshall District Library computer workstation without authorization. 

i.          Wireless Internet Connection.    The Marshall District Library provides a Wireless Internet connection for the convenience of library visitors.  All the rules of this policy including the Code of Patron Conduct apply to use of the Wireless Internet connection.  Authorized use of the Library’s Wireless connection is limited to the interior of the library building and to the outside garden bench area.  Authorized hours of use are consistent with the posted hours of business for the Marshall District Library.  All other use is deemed unauthorized use of the Library’s Wireless Internet connection.

5.         Violations of Internet Use Policy

The Library Director or the Director's designee may restrict access to Library facilities by (1) terminating or limiting computer/Internet access; (2) immediately dismissing the patron from the premises; (3) suspending the patron’s access to library facilities for a set period of time; or (4) by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant to this Policy.  If necessary, the local police may be called to intervene.

a.         Incident Reports.  Library Staff shall record in writing in the form of an Incident Report any violation of this Policy that resulted in a verbal warning or a suspension of library privileges.  By the end of the day on which the incident occurred, an Incident Report shall be written and forwarded to the Library Director for review. The report should include physical descriptions in addition to the name of the patron.  A copy of the suspension of privileges letter should be attached, if applicable.

b.         Violation of the Policy – Suspension of Privileges.  Unless otherwise provided in this Policy, (See Section C below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:

i.          Initial Violation:  Library patrons observed violating this policy will be  asked to cease the violation with a verbal request.  If the patron does not comply with the request, he or she will be asked to leave the building for the day.  If he or she refuses, police may be called.

ii.         Subsequent Violations:  The Director or the Director's authorized designee may further limit or revoke the patron's library privileges if infractions continue.  Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation.  Subsequent violations of the same rule shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length. 

c.         Violations that Affect Safety and Security.   Violations involving violations of law (including child pornography and allowing minors to view sexually explicit or other material deemed harmful to minors), violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, theft or attempted theft, sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:

i.          Initial Violation:  The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue.  Violations of this nature will result in an immediate minimum two-week suspension of library privileges.  The Incident Report shall specify the nature of the violation.

ii.         Subsequent Violations:  The police will be called immediately.  If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue.  The Director or the Director's authorized designee, may further limit or revoke the patron's library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documented in writing.  Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

d.         Reinstatement.  The patron whose privileges have been limited or revoked shall attend a meeting with the Director or the Director's designee to review the Library Patron Behavior Policy before their privileges may be reinstated.

e.         Civil or Criminal Prosecution.  Illegal acts involving the Library's Internet access service may be subject to civil or criminal prosecution.

6.         Staff Assistance

Staff may assist library users in getting started on the Internet.  Because of the many different applications available on the Internet, staff may not be able to provide specialized or technical knowledge about a particular application.

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.

The Marshall District Library Board adopted an Internet Use Policy on November 9, 1998, and it was reviewed and amended, July 19, 2005 and May 12, 2009.

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

Library Program Registration:

It is the policy of the Marshall District Library to offer library cardholders the opportunity to register early for popular library programs.  Cardholders may take advantage of early registration for three days, as announced in the library and through public media, before the general public is allowed to register for limited program seats.  Event registration begins a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program date.  Library cardholders and non-cardholders may register in person or by telephone.

Approved February 13, 2007.

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 employees’ 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 in the library, except as part of approved special events or meetings. Covered beverages or bottles with screw tops shall be allowed in the library but must be kept away from all computer workstations.  In accordance with the Calhoun County Clean Indoor Air Regulation, Section 1006, smoking and/or use of tobacco products is prohibited inside the building and within 25 feet of any library entrance, exit, window or ventilation outlet. 
5. Patrons shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. Weapons such as explosives, firearms, knives, look-alike weapons or any other objects that can reasonably be considered weapons, are not permitted on Library property or at any Library events.
7. Patrons spending lengthy periods of time in the lobby shall be construed as loitering (Article V Sec. 18-51 of the Marshall City Code).
8. 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.
9. Patrons may not enter the building without a shirt and shoes.
10. The use of scooters, bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, or skateboards is prohibited in building and lobby.
11. Patrons may not bring pets or animals into the library, other than service dogs.
12. Any materials removed from the library must be checked out on a valid library card.
13. 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.
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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, amended September 12, 2006.

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