Browse Library policies on libary cards, conduct, unattended children, meeting rooms, internet access, collection development, and more!
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LIBRARY CARDS & PATRON REGISTRATION
revised 7/12/2010
Owners of Albion District Library borrower cards assume responsibility for the care and safekeeping of all materials borrowed on their cards. They also assume responsibility for settling fines, damages, losses, or other assessments incurred by the use of their cards.
Card owners are asked to report changes in names, addresses, email, and telephone numbers to the library as soon as possible, so that the library’s borrower records can be kept up to date.
Proof of Identification & Residency
Library cards of all categories will be issued only after the applicant presents proof of personal identity and Albion District Library residency. A valid Michigan driver’s license is the preferred form of personal identification; any photo ID showing the applicant’s name and current Albion district address will be considered acceptable proof of residency. If no photo ID is available, the patron must show two other forms to prove residency.
Persons Under 18 Years of Age
Children must have applications signed by parent or by an individual specifically authorized as a person acting in place of a parent for the minor.
A library card may be issued to anyone (babies included) regardless of applicant’s age.
The person who signs the library card application for a child under the age of 18 years is responsible for any outstanding fines, bills, or overdue materials on the child’s library card.
Borrowing privileges
1. Local patrons
All residents of the Library’s service area (the City of Albion and the surrounding townships that contribute penal fines and the current required millage level of support of the Albion District Library) shall be considered local patrons and, as such, shall be entitled to a library card free of charge. This shall include persons who live in, own property in, or own a business in the Library’s service area.
2. Albion College
All students attending Albion College shall be entitled to a library card free of charge. Students must show their college I.D. and include their permanent address on the application. Any employee of Albion College who does not otherwise qualify for a library card may have the same borrowing privileges that the Library extends to community patrons.
3. Community borrowers at Albion College
Albion College Library may extend to our eligible patrons, in good standing who are within our Library’s service area, a Community Library Card for use at the College.
4. Temporary residents
Persons temporarily residing with friends or relatives in the Library’s service area shall be entitled to a library card free of charge during the term of their visit, providing the friend or relative agrees to assume responsibility for their materials.
5. Non-Residents
Persons residing outside of the Library’s service area who do not otherwise qualify for a library card shall be charged a fee to obtain a library card. This fee shall be established by the Library Board. Quarterly cards may be issued at a prorated fee.
6. Jackson District Library
A reciprocal agreement between the Albion District Library and the Jackson District Library waives the user fee for Jackson County residents.
7. Albion Public Schools
All staff of Albion Public Schools are entitled to a library card free of charge.
OVERDUE POLICY
Delinquent patrons will receive one overdue notice (via email if they have an account and have given us permission to use it) and one bill. The overdue notice will be sent two weeks after the due date. If the item(s) is not returned in two weeks, a bill for replacement will be sent. The Library may prosecute for theft of materials under City Ordinance 86-5, or the Library may attempt to retrieve materials through small claims court. Legal action will be based on total amount of overdue materials and/or total value of materials. Any patron who has received a bill for replacement of library materials shall be restricted. (A patron who has been restricted may not check out materials but may continue to use materials in the library.) Any patron who has two or more overdue items or $5.00 in fines shall be restricted. Each item shall have a fine limit of $3.00. A $1.00 billing fee per item will be added to the fine for any patron who receives a bill to help defray the cost of sending bills at public expense. A processing fee of $3.00 per item will be added to the bill for replacement. Patron accounts with over $100 in overdue items will be turned over to the City of Albion’s Public Safety department.
Library Loan and Fine Rates
Item
Loan
Renew
Reserve
Limit
Fine/day
Max fine
Audio Books
3 weeks
Yes
Yes
None
10 cents
$3
CD Music
3 weeks
Yes
Yes
None
10 cents
$3
DVDs
1 week
Yes
Yes
10
10 cents
$3
Videos
1 week
Yes
Yes
None
10 cents
$3
Video Games
Books
3 weeks
Yes
Yes
None
10 cents
$3
Magazines
3 week
Current
issues—No
older—Yes
Yes
None
10 cents
$3
C. Lost or Damaged Materials
The care of library materials while on loan to a borrower is the responsibility of the borrower. If material is lost while on loan to a borrower, it is the responsibility of the borrower to pay the replacement cost of the lost item.
If an item on loan to a borrower is damaged so badly that the library determines that the item is no longer fit for loan, the borrower will be charged the replacement cost of the item. If the borrower pays for a damaged item, s/he may keep the item after it is deleted from the database. If an item is no longer available for purchase, the borrower will be charged the out of print price established for that type of material. The borrower has the option of purchasing a new copy of the item and bringing it in, but must pay a $3 processing fee. The borrower is not charged for items that have worn out.
CONDUCT
The purposes of the Library’s rules for behavior in the public sector are to protect the rights of individuals who are in the Library to use library materials and/or services, to protect the rights of staff members to conduct library business without interference, and to preserve library materials and facilities.
According to Michigan Statutes, the Library Board may exclude from the use of the Library any and all persons who shall willfully violate such reasonable rules and regulations as the Board may adopt (MCL 397.206). Such exclusion from this Library shall occur on the orders of the Director or his/her designee. In this document, “withholding of library privileges” is defined as meaning that an individual may not enter or use the Library.
In the event that a patron feels their privileges have been suspended unfairly, they may challenge the policy by submitting the APPEAL/STATEMENT OF CONCERN ABOUT LIBRARY POLICIES form found in the appendix.
On the premises of the Albion District Library, the violation of any federal or state statutes or local ordinances will also be regarded as a violation of library rules. The laws and ordinances that follow are examples and are not meant to be inclusive.
1. assault/assault and battery
2. fighting
3. larceny
4. knowing destruction, damage, defacement or removal of property
5. indecent/obscene conduct or exposure
6. selling or use of controlled substances
7. intoxication
8. patron in building after hours without permission
9. disturbance of peace by loud/aggressive behavior
10. solicitation for acts of prostitution
11. harassment of patrons or staff
12. loitering in a menacing manner
13. possession of a firearm, knife, or other weapon
PERSONS WHO VIOLATE THE ABOVE LAWS AND/OR ORDINANCES ARE SUBJECT TO THE WITHHOLDING OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES AS FOLLOWS:
FIRST OFFENSE: LIBRARY PRIVILEGES WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 1 MONTH.
SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES: LIBRARY PRIVILEGES WILL BE SUSPENDEDFOR 1 YEAR.
The following conduct policies are also in force:
1. No alcohol may be consumed on the premises except in the Meeting Rooms at a scheduled meeting and with the necessary permit/s.
2. No smoking in the building (Public Act 368 of 1978, Rule 21531) or within 25 feet of Library property (Section 2462 of the Michigan Public Health Code, 1978 P.A. 368).
3. No eating except in the Meeting Rooms during scheduled meetings or in staff areas. .
4. No eating or drinking in the local history areas without special permission from the Director.
5. No conversations or other sounds louder in volume than the general noise level in the building at the time. Audio equipment allowed only with earphones.
6. Cell phones may be used in the lobby area. Ringers should be turned off in Library common areas.
7. No library users are permitted in non-public areas of the library unless accompanied by a staff member or through prior arrangement with the Director or his/her designee.
8. No animals (except for those assisting library programs and the handicapped), bicycles, skateboards, roller skates or shoes with rollers in the building. No use of skateboards on library property (building or grounds).
9. No entering or remaining in the library without shirt and/or shoes.
10. No soliciting for any reason.
PERSONS WHO VIOLATE THE ABOVE ORDINANCES ARE SUBJECT TO THE WITHHOLDING OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES AS FOLLOWS:
FIRST OFFENSE: THE PERSON MUST LEAVE THE LIBRARY FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
SECOND OFFENSE: LIBRARY PRIVILEGES WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 1 MONTH.
THIRD OFFENSE: LIBRARY PRIVILEGES WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 1 YEAR.
EXCEPTION: AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR, PATRONS UNDER 18 MAY BE ALLOWED TO USE THE LIBRARY UNDER PARENTAL SUPERVISION IN LIEU OF HAVING PRIVILEGES REVOKED FOR 1 YEAR.
In the event that a patron feels their privileges have been revoked unfairly, they may challenge the policy by submitting the APPEAL/STATEMENT OF CONCERN ABOUT LIBRARY POLICIES form found in the appendix.
UNATTENDED CHILDREN
The Albion District Library welcomes library use by children. Staff members are available to assist children with library materials or services. The Library desires to provide a safe and appropriate environment for visitors of all ages. The Library, however, is a public building with staff trained to provide public library services. The Library is not equipped and it is not the Library’s role to provide long- or short-term child care.
For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or caregiver should accompany children while they are using the Library. While in the Library, parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children.
Library staff members will be guided by this policy in situations, such as:
- An unattended child is perceived to be endangering him/herself, or another person in the library poses a perceived threat to the unattended child
- An unattended child is found frightened or crying in the Library
- An unattended child exhibits inappropriate behavior
- An unattended child has not been met by a responsible caregiver at closing time
After evaluating the situation, Library staff members will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of an unattended child. In the event that the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child will be placed in the care of Albion Public Safety.
MEETING ROOMS
The meeting rooms exist for use by community organizations that serve the greater Albion community, for the Library and its programs, and for other meetings that are open to the public. If scheduling allows, the rooms may be used by private organizations.
Use of the library meeting rooms by a group does not in any way constitute an endorsement of that group’s policies by the library staff, the Board of Trustees, or the City of Albion.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. The meeting rooms may not be used for any money-making venture without prior permission by the Library Director.
2. The Library has first priority with regard to meeting room use and no restriction as to frequency of use.
3. Meeting rooms are available for use during the Library’s regular open hours. Meetings outside of regular open hours may be scheduled at the discretion of the Library Director and may involve additional maintenance fees. (The Library’s insurance carrier requires a Library employee in the building when used by any public group.)
4. Room users are responsible for the condition of the room, including equipment and furnishings, following the meeting. Damage may be charged to the user.
5. No group may reserve meeting room space for more than twelve meetings in a six-month period.
6. No smoking is allowed in any of the meeting rooms or anywhere else in the Library.
7. Final determination for use of the meeting rooms is at the discretion of the Library Director.
MAINTENANCE FEES
The rooms are available without charge any non-profit group whose meetings are free and open to the public.
Private use requires payment of a maintenance fee. (See Fines and Fees Schedule)
INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
revised July 12, 2010
Acceptable Use of the Internet and Library Public computers
The Library’s public computers allow users to search a wide variety of digital resources, search the library’s holdings, use Microsoft Office programs, and access the Internet.
A. Albion District Library is committed to providing access to informational, educational, recreational and cultural resources for library users of all ages and backgrounds. Recognizing the First Amendment rights of its patrons and their desire for intellectual freedom, equity of access, and confidentiality, as well as the Michigan Legislature’s mandate that the Library restrict access to minors with regard to obscene and sexually explicit materials deemed harmful to minors, the Library has adopted the following policy. The Library will enforce the rules by using filtering software stated in this policy, including those designed to meet the Legislature’s stated intent of protecting minors from access to that material without interfering with the rights of adult patrons.
B. Internet filtering
The Internet offers access to a wealth of material that is personally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. However, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, illegal, inaccurate, or incomplete.
Albion District Library’s Internet computers are equipped with commercial filtering software. Tests by independent agencies have shown that filtering software may help to minimize access to objectionable Internet sites. However, filters cannot block out all objectionable sites and will sometimes block useful material, including sites that are suitable for children, teens, and adults.
Anyone over 18 years of age may request unfiltered access to the Internet.
Filtering software helps protect minors from access to electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication that may be harmful to minors.
C. Time and other limits
To access a computer a patron must sign up at the circulation desk and use his/her own library card number. An adult visitor who does not have a library card may receive a computer guest pass by signing in and showing identification at the circulation desk; however, a visitor who is a minor must have the completed registration form signed by their guardian.
Each individual is limited to one hour per day of computer access. If no one is waiting, their time may be extended.
The library’s computers are set up for use by a single individual. A maximum of two persons may sit/work together at one computer, except when individual behavior is disturbing other patrons.
Due to the wide variety of parenting styles, neither the Board of Trustees nor the Library staff can fairly act in place of a parent or guardian concerning the Library’s juvenile patrons. Parental consent for access to digital information will be required when patrons are under 18 years of age.
Children 12 and younger must use the computers in the Children’s Room. Patrons 13 or older may use the computers in the Adult Room. Computers in the Teen area are available to those 13-19 years of age.
D. User Responsibilities
- Log on using your own library card or guest card number.
- Download files using only supported media. The Library is not responsible for damage to your files, including damage caused by virus or spyware.
- Pay for printing from public computers.
- Be aware that what you are accessing may be viewed by those around you.
- Comply with copyright law, licensing agreements, and polices of individual Web sites.
- Refrain from activities that interfere with or disrupt the network, users, services, and equipment.
- Do not transmit inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications.
- Refrain from unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity.
- Do not disseminate personal identification information of minors.
- Comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)] and with Michigan Privacy Act Section 6 397.606 Act 455 of 1982.
Wireless Internet
The Albion District Library allows personal computer equipment to access the internet via a wireless network throughout the entire building.
Persons utilizing the wireless connection agree to comply with all provisions of the current Acceptable Use of the Internet and Library District Computer policy during Library hours of operation.
1. The Library’s wireless connection is unencrypted and unfiltered. Use of the wireless connection is done at the patron’s own risk. By using this connection, patrons acknowledge that security errors and hacking are an inherent risk associated with any wireless service. For that reason, patrons expressly agree that they knowingly assume such risk, and further agree to hold the Library harmless from any claim or loss arising out of, or related to, any such instance of hacking or other unauthorized use or access into the patron’s computer.
2. .As the Library’s wireless connection is unfiltered, no one under 18 years of age may use a laptop without parent supervision on the Library’s premises.
3.The Library accepts no responsibility for any software downloaded and/or installed, email opened, or sites accessed while patrons are on the wireless internet connection.
Any damage done to the patron or patron’s equipment from viruses, identity theft, spyware, plug-ins, or other Internet-borne programs is the sole responsibility of the patron; and the patron indemnifies and holds harmless the Library from any such damage.
- The Library accepts no responsibility regarding the ability of patron-owned equipment to connect to the wireless network. Library staff will not change settings on patron equipment.
- Any unauthorized use of the Library’s wireless internet is not sanctioned by the Albion District Library.
SELECTION POLICY
revised May 10, 2010
As a public body, the Library will operate in accordance with the requirements of the First Amendment and will ensure that the Library collection represents a broad spectrum of ideas, which are contained in divergent materials and formats. The Board of Trustees endorses the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Statement on Labeling (see appendix). In pursuit of the ideals set forth in these documents, the Board of Trustees supports the following policy regarding the selection of Library materials.
All materials shall be chosen at the discretion of the Library Director and such staff members as the Director may designate. Selection of materials shall be determined by the staff’s professional judgment. Suggestions for titles from Library patrons are welcome, with the understanding that these titles shall be subjected to the same criteria that are used for staff-selected items.
Controversial materials
The Board considers it the duty of the Library to provide Library patrons with materials representing a full spectrum of issues. Individual items, which in and of themselves may be controversial or offensive to some, may appropriately be selected if their inclusion will contribute to the balance and effectiveness of the Library collection as a whole. Insofar as facilities and resources permit, the Library staff shall attempt to include all sides of controversial issues in the collection.
Factors to be considered in adding specific materials to the Library collection shall include:
- Present collection composition
- Interest
- Demand
- Timeliness
- Audience
- Significance of subject, author, or title
- Diversity of viewpoint
- Effective expression
No materials shall be excluded because of race, nationality, religion, political or sexual affiliation, or social view of the author.
Challenged Materials
The Albion District Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy.
Responsibility of access to Library materials by children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children. For a more complete discussion on Challenged Materials see section VI on Access to Library Materials and Information.
Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents.
Although materials are carefully selected, there may be differences of opinion among the public regarding suitable materials. Patrons requesting that material be withdrawn from or restricted within the collection may complete an Appeal/Statement of Concern About Library Resources” form, which is available in the Library. The inquiry will be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Albion District Library Board of Trustees. Patrons challenging Library materials are requested to attend the board meeting.
