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LIBRARY USER POLICY Rules for all library users: l. Patrons MUST bring their library card to check items out or to use the computers each and everytime. Rules for children: Inappropriate Behavior Policy CIRCULATION POLICY A library card may be issued to individuals who present proper identification, as follows: For individual 18 years of age or older
Individuals under the age of 18 In addition to proper ID, the following information must be provided by the individual to participating libraries in order to qualify for a library card:
All applications will be signed at the library with library staff as witness to the signature. A valid identification will be verified by the library staff at the time of application. REPLACEMENT OF LIBRARY CARDS Patrons will not be charged for replacement of library cards due to a name change. Patrons will be charged $1.00 for the first replacement of lost or damaged library cards. Patrons will be charged $2.00 for the second replacement card. Patrons will be charged $5.00 for the third and up replacement cards. Found library cards will not be reactivated. LOAN PERIODS Patrons must use their own valid library card to check out materials. Several circulation periods are in place for different formats. 28 day circulation Books in print (except new fiction) Audiobooks Kits Compact Discs (Music) 14 day circulation New fiction books in print Periodicals CD-Roms 7 day circulation DVD and Video Feature Films (Fiction) No circulation Reference materials Renewals/Limits Circulating materials may be renewed for one (1) loan period after the initial check out if there are not holds on these items. Items that are requested by another patron are not renewable. There is no limit to the number of items which may be checked-out at one time, except for feature/fiction films. Only five (5) feature/fiction films may be checked out at one time. The Lowell Public Library purchases popular and educational films. These collections include films which are not rated, films which are rated G, PG, PG-13 and R. The library is an open access library. Library personnel are not responsible for limiting patron’s access to the film collections on the basis of age. FINES AND FEES Most overdue materials: $ .10 per day per item Videos and DVDs: $1.00 per day per item Interlibrary loans outside of MWFLS: $ .50 per day per item If a patron has an overdue item, the library will call the patron when it is one week overdue. If the item is still not returned after two weeks, another call will be made. A final notice will be mailed if the item is four weeks overdue. After four weeks overdue, the item is considered lost. Fines will accrue up to $10.00 for all items, except for paperback books which will have a fine limit of $5.00. Patrons will be charged the current replacement cost for materials damaged or lost while checked out on their patron record. Further, a processing fee ranging from $2.00 to $5.00 will be assessed based upon severity of damages. This processing fee is in addition to the replacement costs and will help defray staff costs in ordering, repairing and processing damaged or lost materials. If an item price is not stated in the item catalog record, the patron will be charged as follows: Default replacement costs: Hardcover book: $25.00 Paperback: $ 5.00 Magazine: $ 3.00 Music CD: $20.00 Movies (DVD or VHS): $30.00 Books on tape or CD: $5.00 per CD or tape that is missing Lost CD booklet $5.00 Attention: Patrons with fines exceeding $2.00 may not check out any items. Also, patrons cannot use a library computer if fines exceed this limit. Staff discretion may be used to reduce overdue fines due to extenuating circumstances. HOLDS Patrons may place holds on items through the library website, or through the library staff in person or over the phone. Patrons will be notified by telephone when the materials are available. Items on hold for patrons will normally be held for 7 days. PRINTING AND COPYING PRICES $ .15 per side black and white $ .25 per side color Faxes: $1.00 per page (incoming and outgoing) Lowell Public Library INTERNET/COMPUTER USE POLICY
Purpose
The purpose of the policy is to provide access to the broad range of information resources available through the Internet to persons of all ages at all levels of need. The purpose of the policy is also to assure that Internet resources are used in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purpose for which they are provided, and that the rules and regulations cited below are followed. Disclaimer
The Internet offers access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. However, not all sources on the Internet are accurate, complete or up-to-date. The library does not monitor, has no control over, and does not accept responsibility for material on the Internet. The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof. The authority to determine what is illegal content rests with the courts as defined in Wisconsin and federal statutes. If any patron believes that information obtained via library terminals is inaccurate or offensive, the patron should contact the original producer or distributor of the information. Users must use the Internet at their own risk, realizing that beyond the library’s home page and supporting documents, they may encounter material they find offensive. The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians. Using Workstations
Patrons must check-in with the library staff at the circulation desk using a valid library card before using any computer workstation. Visitors from another area can check in with a photo ID. Patrons who owe more than $2.00 in fines cannot use the Internet until fines are paid. Computer use sessions are limited to 30 minutes. If a patron needs to use a computer for more than 30 minutes, he may, unless another patron is waiting. However, IF a patron is in the middle of a school or work test or application, they will be given priority and will be allowed to finish or save to the point they will not have to start all over again. If a patron tells the staff on duty before he/she starts, that he/she will need more than 30 minutes then we can schedule computer usage accordingly. Patrons may reserve a computer up to 24 hours in advance. There will be no more than ONE (1) person at the workstation. Permission for a group may be granted at the discretion of the staff and must be arranged at the time the reservation is made. Patrons may print from the computers. Patrons are responsible for the cost of all printing from computers. The library reserves the right to adjust the per page rate of printing as necessary. Use of user’s own portable computer memory devices is permitted on library-owned equipment. However, no personal software may be installed or downloaded. The library is not responsible for any lost data or damage to equipment or files. Respect the privacy of others using the library by not interfering with their work by your presence or your noiose. Supervising Children’s Use
Children eight and under must use the Internet with an accompanying adult. The library does not use filtering software. Lowell Public Library supports the right for each family to decide what is appropriate Internet use for their children. Restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the parents’ or guardians’ responsibility. Unacceptable Uses of Workstations
The library’s computers may be used only for legal purposes. Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following: Transmitting threatening or harassing materials Libeling, slandering or maliciously offending other users Violating other users’ privacy Violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements: U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use." Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use. Exposing children to harmful materials: This policy presumes that children are always present in all areas of the library. Sec. 948.11 of the Wisconsin Statutes, among other things, makes it a crime to expose children to pictures or images of nudity, sexually explicit conduct, or physical torture or brutality that appeal to the prurient, shameful or morbid interests of children, are patently offensive to prevailing adult standards regarding materials suitable for children, or lack serious literary, artistic, political, scientific or educational value for children. Obstructing other people’s work by overuse of system resources Hacking or attempting to crash, degrade performance of or gain unauthorized access to the library’s computer systems and networks Gaining access to files, passwords, and data belonging to others Modifying or damaging equipment, software or data belonging to the library or other users Misrepresenting oneself as another user Misuse of Workstations
If a patron is told more than once (after their 30-minute allotted time) that their time is up, library staff has the authority to turn off the monitor and the patrons computer privileges will be suspended for one week. A patron violating this policy will receive a first time warning, a second violation will result in a 30 day suspension from use of library computers, and a third violation will result in suspension for one year. Disciplinary forms will be given and must be returned within one week, signed by patron, parent or guardian, and library staff. The form will remain in Lowell Public Library’s files for a period of One year. Internet privileges will NOT be reinstated until signed form is returned to library. Duplicate forms will be available at the patron’s expense. |
