Policies
POLICIES OF THE DE SOTO PUBLIC LIBRARY
DE SOTO, MISSOURI 63020
I. BOOK SELECTION
Library materials will be selected for values of interest, information, enlightenment and recreational needs of all people of the community. All sides of issues will be represented if possible. The Board will not remove materials from the library at the request of any group because they are offensive to that group, but will evaluate materials on their merits.
It is the function of the library to provide materials for all ages from small children to the elderly. The library will endeavor to maintain a carefully selected collection of good, representative books of permanent value and current interest. Books that enrich the quality of thought and expression will be emphasized.
The library collection will be regularly weeded using CREW guidelines. The reference collection will be regularly evaluated to ensure a balanced collection. Materials in electronic formats will be considered where replacement of reference books becomes price prohibitive.
NOTE: Wherever the word book is used it also refers to all types of library materials purchased for use by the general public.
II. GIFTS
Gifts of books and other library materials are accepted by the library. These items are judged by the same principles and criteria applied to the selecting of an item for purchase. They are considered with the explicit understanding that such factors as duplication, lack of community interest, processing costs or inadequate shelf space may prevent their addition to the collection or permanent retention on the shelves. These gifts are accepted with the understanding that the library, if it cannot use them, may at any time discard them in any way it sees fit. No conditions may be imposed relating to any book or library material after its acceptance by the library.
Gifts of money, real property and/or securities will be accepted by the library board of trustees if they find the conditions attached thereto acceptable.
The library will not accept, for deposit, materials that are not outright gifts. Personal property, art objects, portraits, antiques and other museum items will be accepted, subject to space limitations of the library and at the library director's discretion. Acknowledgment of gifts for tax records may be provided, but appraisal of the value of the donated items is not made.
III. DISPLAYS
Art exhibits and displays of objects of art or crafts shall be part of the library's program. Such exhibitions and displays are subject to the limitations of space, facilities and staff time. The library will try to protect such materials displayed, but it cannot be responsible for loss or damage to such materials..
IV. GENERAL USE OF THE LIBRARY
1. The library will serve all residents of the city. Service will not be denied because of religious, racial, social, economic or political status. Persons residing outside the city limits, who are able to prove ownership of property within the city limits, shall be entitled to library cards. Proof of ownership shall be a tax bill showing library taxes for the city of De Soto have been paid for the current year.
2. Library cards can be obtained by filling out an application card. Proof of residence will be required, a driver’ license, a bill showing current address, a tax receipt, etc.
3. Library cards issued to children under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian signature on their library application.
4. Adult materials of a controversial nature may not be checked out by card holders under age 16 unless they present a letter from their parent or guardian (to be filed with their application card), giving the young persons permission to check out any materials in the library that are available for check-out purposes.
5. Complaints about specific materials shall be handled in accordance with the recommendations of the Missouri Library Association on file in the library. (See attached copy).
6. Books may be checked out for a two-week period, with the privilege of renewal for another period of two weeks, if they are not on a waiting list. After this they must be returned to the library so as to be available for use by other patrons. No materials may be renewed except in special cases after the fourth notice requesting return of the books has been sent.
7. Fines on library materials will be assessed at a fee determined by the library board.. No books or other materials will be checked out when there is an unpaid fine on a card. If fines for a family or residence of the same address total ten dollars ($10.00), no one of that family or address who has a fine free card may check out more than one book.
` 8. When a patron has library materials overdue for four months the price of such materials shall be added to the patron's card as a fine, and the records for such items shall be deleted from the library's on-line catalog.
10. Personal information concerning patrons shall be released by the library director or assistant librarian only to law enforcement officers or to other government representatives who present a court order and proper identification for the release of said information. Requests for other types of personal information must be approved by the library board.
11. There will be a limit of 15 books on each library card issued. Only 5 videos may be checked out at one time.
V. NONRESIDENT CARDS
Nonresident cards may be issued to anyone residing within a twenty mile radius of De Soto who regularly comes to the town, upon payment of an annual fee as determined by the library board. A family card will cover parents and all unmarried children under the age of 21 residing at the same address. After an individual reaches the age of 21, he/she must purchase his/her own card. A nonresident card is nontransferable.
All items appearing under IV, General Use of the Library also apply to nonresident user
VI. GROUP HOMES
Library cards may be issued to group homes within De Soto city limits with the understanding that the owner or person signing the card is the one responsible for all materials checked out on that card. Fines will be assessed to that card as they are with any other patron. No materials may be checked out on that card if fines are unpaid.
VII. RESERVE BOOKS
Books on the reserve list will be held for 3 days after the patron has been notified. If not called for within three (3) days, the book will go to the next person on the list.
VIII. SERVICE CHARGES
Fees for overdue books/materials and such services as copies, faxes, interlibrary loans, videos, nonresident cards, Internet access and any other special services provided by the library shall be set by the library board. Meeting room fees are listed in the policy section dealing with use of the meeting room.
IX. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
1.VIDEOS - Videos will be checked out for three days. Children must be over 16 years of age to check out videos without a parent present.
2. GENEALOGY - The library's collection of genealogy materials is a reference collection available to anyone coming into the library. Discretion should be used in the handling of the rare books housed in the director's office, since these books are irreplaceable. Copies of these materials may be made in accordance with the copyright law.
X. LIBRARY HOURS AND CALENDAR
The library hours shall be set by the library director and library board.
Holidays: New Year's Eve Day, New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day .
When a Holiday falls on Sunday, the library will be closed the following Monday. (See Personnel Policy under Paid Holidays.)
XII. RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR LIBRARY USERS
The following rules and regulations are for the protection and comfort of library patrons and staff:
The use of the library and its services may be denied for due cause, such as:
a. failure to return books or to pay penalties,
b. giving false information on an application card,
c. destruction of library property,
d. disturbance of patrons, or any other objectionable conduct on library premises.
a. Library staff shall not be responsible for children left unattended in the library for several hours. Local police will be notified if parents have not picked up a child by closing time and asked to keep the child at the police station until the parent calls for them. See page 9 of the Staff Emergency Manual for additional instructions.
2. Anyone exhibiting noisy behavior, drunkenness, sexual harassment, indecent exposure, bodily assault, talking in a loud or abusive manner, threatening patrons or library staff, destroying library property or any other actions that create disturbances in the library will be asked to leave. If necessary the local police will be called.
3. Possession or consumption of alcohol or a controlled or restricted drug or substance is prohibited in the library.
4. Smoking and Firearms are not permitted in the library.
XI. SOLICITATIONS AND FUND DONATIONS
Solicitors will not be permitted to ask for contributions from librarians or patrons in the library.
State Law does not permit the donation of tax funds to other organizations.
XII. LIBRARY COOPERATION & INTERLIBRARY LOANS
1. The Board of Trustees recognizes that no single library can meet all the demands of its community. Libraries in different political subdivisions working together, sharing their services and resources can more nearly meet the full needs of their users.
2. The Board of Trustees and the librarian will be alert to opportunities to cooperate with other libraries, and to strengthen the services and resources of the library.
3. Patrons in good standing wishing to borrow books from other libraries, will be asked to reimburse the library postage costs for each book borrowed.
4. The Board of Trustees will work in cooperation with the Friends of the Library, whenever such a group exists.
XII. COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Each board member and employee acts as a representative of the library in every public contact. The librarian will be expected to make talks and to participate in community activities. Board members will also be encouraged to participate in talks to various organizations, and to do all within their power to create an agreeable image of the library in the community.
XIV. TAKING OF BIDS
Inasmuch as possible it will be the policy of the Board to take bids on all major remodeling, repairs and building equipment costing over $1000.00. The board shall have the right to reject any and all bids.
XV. CITIZEN'S REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIAL
Anyone who has a complaint about any materials in the library shall make that complaint known to the library director, who will provide them with a form to be filled out covering the following items:
Author, Type of material (book, video, CD, DVD, etc.) , Title: Publisher (if known); To what in the book do you object ? (Please be specific: cite page) ;. What do you feel might be the result of reading /seeing this item? 4. Is there anything good about this material?. Did you read the entire or view the entire material? What parts do your find offensive? . Are you aware of the judgment of this material by literary critics?
. What would you like your library to do about this material?
do not lend it to my child
withdraw it from all readers as well as my child
send it back to the book selection person for reevaluation
In its place, what book/ CD, DVD, etc. of equal literary quality would you recommend that would convey as valuable a picture and perspective of the subject treated?
The librarian will present the complaint the next board meeting for their discussion and decision and the patron will be informed of the board’s decision. Decisions of the board will be final.
DE SOTO MISSOURI PUBLIC LIBRARY
DE SOTO, MISSOURI
Internet Policies and Guidelines
POLICIES
- Approval to use the library’s public access computers and related resources is based on the availability of computers. A signed and appropriately completed agreement to abide by the policies and guidelines will be kept on file by the library. An Internet User card will be issued upon completion of the agreement. Cards will not be issued if there is a fine in a library card or if you have overdue books. Use of computer resources is a privilege, not a right and users must sign in on the daily log sheet
- The Youth Computer User Form and the Adult Computer User Form are to be completed in the presence of library personnel. Minimum age for children to use the internet is 6 years of age. Children 12 years of and under must have a parent/guardian present while accessing the internet. Youth under the age of 18 years must have a parent/guardian signature to access the internet.
- Library computers are primarily for research, business and study purposes. Access to computing resources is contingent upon prudent and responsible use. Inappropriate use of computing services and facilities, as determined by the library board, is not acceptable and may result in loss of computing privileges. Reading of these policies before an internet card is issued is required. Your signature on the computer user’s form verifies that you are aware of the library’s policies and guidelines for computer usage.
- Access to the internet is provided through connection with MOREnet. This provides access to web sites around the world, therefore the user, and the parent of guardian of the user, specifically understands that the library staff does not have control of the content of information residing on carious web sites. Users (and parents of users who are under 18 years of age) are advised that the library is required to be in compliance with Missouri Statutes 182.825 and 182.827.
- The library is also required to be in compliance with the 2003 federal law, section 2252A(a)(3)(B) of Title 18, United States Code which prohibits viewing of any material considered child pornography. Users viewing such material forfeit the privilege of internet access and may be subject to prosecution by law enforcement agencies.
- Users accessing the De Soto Public Library’s wireless network inside the library building, by virtue of their connection to this network do agree to abide by all policies and regulations in effect at the tine of the usage. Failure to comply will result in prohibition of access. Wireless network users in violation of the library’s policies and regulations are required to submit in writing, the media access control address (MAC address) of the wireless network interface installed in the user’s computing device.
- Certain times of the day or night may be blocked for library usage, maintenance, etc.
GUIDELINES
- Each computer user is responsible for the use of the computing resources in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner. The library staff has authority to revoke library computer privileges for anyone engaged in unacceptable behavior. Examples of unacceptable behavior include but are not limited to the following:
- Saving files on the hard drive.
- Altering, changing or deleting hardware or software configurations.
- Using the computer to view pornographic material.
- Importing software of unknown or suspicious function of quality (the primary vehicle for introducing viruses).
- Knowingly introducing a computer virus or other destructive program.
- Interfering in any way with another’s use of library equipment or service.
- Do not install personal software on the library’s computers.
- Failure to follow the guidelines will result in a warning and suspension of internet privileges for 30 days. After this 30 day period, the card may be reinstated. Upon a second offence, internet access will no longer be permitted.
- No person may use the library computer resources for any illegal or unauthorized act, in particular, individuals may not use computing resources to violate any state or federal laws of regulations governing the creating, dissemination or possession of pornography or other illegal documents or images; the possession or use of programs, files or instructions for violating system security; and the violation of copyright law.
- Library resources cannot be used to intimidate or create an atmosphere of harassment based upon gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed or sexual orientation. Chain letters or obscene e-mail after being requested to stop are also examples of inappropriate uses of library electronic communications resources and may result in loss of computing privileges.
- Library staff is authorized to extend user time and also to give permission to individuals asking to access their e-mail accounts.
HARDWARE USE
- Do not remove or try to relocate hardware. Hard drive, cable, or wiring damage
could occur.
- Do not remove disks or flash drive with drive is running or while the disk drive
light is on.
PRINTING
- Making illegal copies of copyrighted software is a crime and therefore strictly
prohibited. Violation of the rule will cause the loss of computer and checkout privileges and may result in criminal prosecution.
2. Loading or downloading any application/program software onto or from the
library computers is strictly prohibited.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Always save any data files to your personal data disk and not to the hard drive. If you do not know how to do this ask one of the staff for help. The library does have some small flash drives available for your purchase if you need to save your work and so not have one with you.
2. The library is not responsible for lost or otherwise damaged or stolen personal items.
3. Any persons causing a disturbance or nuisance in the computer area will be asked to leave by the library staff and may lose their computer privileges.
4. Adults or children who need a computer only for writing assignments should use computers designated for word processing. (These computers do not have internet access.)
5. Use of the computers in the library will be on a first/come, first/serve basis. While the basic time limit is 30 minutes additional time may be obtained at the discretion of the staff if you have not completed your work and if there are no patrons waiting to use the computer.
6. Anyone abusing library computers in any way, or entering files which say “Stay out” etc. will forfeit library computer use.
7. Computer users are responsible for any damage occurring to the library hardware or software due to inappropriate actions or inaction while using the computers. Fees will be accessed and charged to the patron for required repairs or replacement.
8. Work for profit making organizations or businesses will not be conducted using library computers.
9. The library is not responsible for any damage to your data while using a library computer.
10. The library’s computers are not to be used to create, transmit, print or otherwise distribute pornographic, obscene or sexually explicit material, racist, sexist or homophobic materials.
11. Our staff members will help you if you need instruction on how to use a computer. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
THESE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES WERE ADOPTED BY THE LIBRARY BOARD AT ITS FEBRUARY 2005 MEETING AND WERE REVIEWED AND UPDATED AT ITS JANUARY 2009 MEETING.
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