Policies & Procedures

Palisade Public Library Policies And Procedures Manual 

Revised

09/10/2018 

Palisade Public Library 

Library Description

The Palisade Public Library had its beginning in the Palisade School.  In 1917 the Women’s Club decided to enlarge the school library into the public.  The library was first housed in the H.L. Hunt building on Main Street; here it stayed rent free for 30 years.  In 1930 the Village of Palisade established a Municipal Library according to Nebraska State Law and the first library board was formed.  In 1957 or early 1958 the library was moved to a little white building south of the Bosley Law Office on Main Street.  There it stayed until 1966 when it was moved to its present location a former Palisade State Bank building at 124 North Main Street. 

Mission Statement

The mission of The Palisade Public Library is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our community. 

Vision Statement

To keep the Palisade Public Library a place where our Patrons will want to enter, read, look, listen and learn. 

Palisade Public Library Policies 

These policies are adopted by the Palisade Village Library board to serve as a directive of the Library.  In so far as possible the Palisade Municipal Code, Chapter 2, Article 1, Paragraph 4 is used as a guideline.

Library Services, Objectives and goals

  1. Within the Library, the use of all reference and collections is free to all persons.
  2. Service will not be denied because of religious, racial, social, economic or political status.
  3. The Library staff will provide guidance and assistance for people to obtain the information they seek as recorded in print, information technology and audio-visual resources.
  4. To keep the Library a place where the citizens will want to enter, read, look, listen and learn.
  5. To assemble, preserve and administer books and related educational and recreational material.
  6. The Library accepts the responsibility for securing information beyond its own resources by borrowing inter-library loan materials at no charge to the patron.
  7. No material will be excluded because of race, nationality, political or religious views of the author or editor, but all book selection is with librarian and library board approval.
  8. The library will initiate programs, story hours, exhibits, training sessions etc… to help advocate the library and its materials.
  9. The use of the library or its services may be denied permanently or temporarily for due causes. Such may be failure to return books, pay fines, pay destruction of library property fee, disturbance of other patrons or any other objectionable conduct on library premises. 

Library Board 

  1. Library Board Member shall have an understanding of the community, its needs and resources, time to attend meetings and work for Library objectives, keep informed of Library trends, exert every effort to insure the necessary funds for the operation of the Library.

B.    The Library Board is made up of at least five Members who serve a four    year term, beginning with the first board meeting following appointment.  A new board member is chosen to fill an unexpired term.  Board members shall be chosen by the existing library board members with approval of the village board of trustees.  Members of the village board of Trustees may not be members of the Library Board.   Members will not receive pay or compensation for their services.  Regular meetings will be the first Monday of each month at 5p.m. CST.

C.  If a board member expects to be absent from a future board meeting, such board member is encouraged to give notice to the chairman.  It shall then be recorded in the minutes whether the absence is excused or unexcused.  The member can request that unexcused absences be reconsidered at the next meeting.  If the member shall have three consecutive unexcused absences, the Chair shall send notice to the member that their continued participation as a member shall be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting.  At the next regular Board meeting the remaining members shall vote as to whether three consecutive unexcused absences have occurred and whether the position shall be declared vacant.

  1. The Library Board is responsible for Employee evaluation, voting board positions every December and presenting at the December Village board meeting.

Open Hours

  1. The Palisade Public Library will be open on Monday and Wednesdays   9-5pm.
  2. The library will be closed for New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day and July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The library board and librarian/director may change the hours with approval for special circumstances. In which case a notice will be placed on the door of the library, village office and post office table.
  3. All residents of the Hitchcock, Hayes and adjoining counties may use the library at no cost.
  4. Every consideration will be made to accommodate Americans with disabilities.

Personnel and volunteers

A.    The Librarian is an employee of the village and under the supervision of the Village Board of Trustees, and answers to the Library Board.

B.    Selection of a Librarian is based solely upon merit, with due considerations of personal, educational, and physical qualifications of training and aptitudes for the position, regardless of race, color, creed, sex or religion.  A medical examination may be necessary.  The Library Board shall have the authority to appoint a Librarian and all other employees.

C.     The first three months of employment is a probationary period and during that time the employee may be dismissed without given cause.

D.    All volunteers over the age of 16 are welcome on approval of the librarian and the Library Board Members.  Volunteers will be informed by the Librarian or a Library Board Member as to what is needed, at what times, and arrangements will be made as to duties and schedules.  The skills and needs of the volunteer will be considered when assigning him/her a project.  The fact that the volunteer is not an employee and projects are not assigned on a permanent basis must be stressed.

Borrowed Books, Fines and Fees 

  1. All borrowers must have a library number in order to check out materials.
  1. Each borrower may check out 5 items
  1. Books, Audio Books and DVD’s shall be checked out for two weeks with one renewal for two more weeks. Renewal may be in person, by phone, email or Facebook message.
  2. An unlimited number of paperbacks (NOT CATALOGED) may be checked out for an indefinite period of time.
  1. A fine of ten cents per day will be charged per borrowed item that is not returned by the due date. No borrowed item will be issued to anyone who has an overdue item or an unpaid fine.  Patrons with overdue items shall be notified by phone call or mailing.  Patron must return overdue items within seven calendar days.  After seven calendar days patron will be notified by certified mailing of the Library Board intention to take legal action through the village attorney.  Upon approval of the Library board the patron may be taken to small claims court.
  1. All damage to borrowed items beyond reasonable use shall be made good to the satisfaction of the Librarian and Library Board.

G.    The borrower or adult signer must pay for any cost incurred for non-returned items.

H.    Services and the Library patron number (account) of patrons who refuse to follow Library policies may be revoked.

  1. Anyone under the age of 17 must have a signed parental consent to check out R movies.

Gifts and Memorials 

  1. The Library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the Library collection only when needed and disposed of at the discretion of the Library Board Members and Librarian. Monetary gifts and memorial funds are gratefully accepted and used where most needed.  Restricted gifts and requests will be reviewed by the Library Board Members before being accepted or rejected.

Library Inventory and Supply 

  1. The librarian will select from the mass of available materials and organize for easy access, those books and materials that best meet the needs of the community. 
  1. The library subscribes to the Freedom to Read Statement and the Library Bill of Rights prepared by the Library Association. 
  1. The responsibility of book selection rests with the librarian and the approval of the Library Board, operating within the framework of board policies. 
  1. The librarian will make every effort to offer assistance and obtain materials requested by patrons with use of NLC (Nebraska Library Commission) inter library loan, audio books, braille books, large print books and within the allotted budget.
  1. The librarian will strive to maintain a balance in the material selection so all patrons may have access to the librarian materials.
  1. The librarian will maintain to the best of their abilities within the budget materials for story hour, programs, snacks and supplies to keep the library running and relevant.
  1. Books shall be weeded once per year to make room for new materials.
  1. All patron information will be kept with the strictest confidentiality.
  1. The librarian will make all efforts to explore grants and or fund raising for purchase of collection development, equipment, technology, building maintenance, Follett, Overdrive and anything else deemed needed to stay relevant in todays environment.

            Library Environment 

  1. To provide quality Library service, the Library Board and Librarian accept the responsibility of maintaining the library building to adequately meet the physical requirements of comfort and attractiveness of a modern progressive Library. Concerns beyond the control of the Library board, shall be reported to the village board. Such facilities will offer to the community a compelling invitation to enter, read, look, listen and learn
  1. The Library may be used by groups within the Palisade trade area for meetings that are civic, cultural, and/or educational in nature and appropriate to the facilities. The regularity of such meetings will be decided upon with librarian and library board approval.
  1. Reservations are to be made with the Librarian or a Library Board member.
  1. Additional furniture and equipment may be used only with the approval of the Librarian. Library needs receive first considerations in scheduling events or meetings.

E.  The library may not be used for personal or commercial purposes.

F.  Each group is responsible for cleaning up and replacing lost or damaged equipment.

G. The Library, with the Librarian’s permission, is happy to display and/or exhibit as many attractive educational, cultural posters, etc., as possible.  No political materials will be allowed.  The Library assumes no responsibility for any items displayed or exhibited.

  1. Any complaint must be filed in writing to the librarian to be submitted to the library board, who will review at the next scheduled library board meeting and action if any indicated voted upon. Should such complaint be an emergency a meeting will be scheduled accordingly.

    Conduct

  1. The use of profanity is strictly prohibited.
  1. No horseplay or running in the library
  1. No Alcohol, smoking or use of tobacco products is permitted in or on library property, (this is a child protective zone).
  1. No food or drink except in designated areas.
  1. Respect shall be shown to others at all times.
  1. Behavior deemed inappropriate in the library will not be tolerated and any violations may result in the patron being asked to leave the library.
  1. The use of cell phones is permitted as long as person speaks quietly, respectfully and are not disturbing any other patron.
  1. Service pets are permitted at all times. However pets are allowed only under extreme circumstances.  Entering library with permission only from library board and librarian.
  1. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Children left unattended will be asked to return home.

 

    Computer Use 

  1. The equipment may be used on a first-come, first-served basis. ONLINE COMPUTER usage is not limited unless patrons waiting to use a computer, in this instance the computer usage will be limited to 30 minutes.  The Librarian may grant additional minutes should they be needed.  The Palisade Public Library adheres to CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) rules and regulations. 
  1. The Library considers filtering or blocking Internet information within the World Wide Web, chat rooms and electronic mail to be legally defensible as long as it focuses on material harmful or inappropriate to minors. The Library is concerned about the state criminal code that could make it liable for exposing children to pornography.
  1. Parents are ultimately responsible for the Internet information selection selected and/or accessed by their children, as the library filtering or blocking system may not cover all sources of offensive material. Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in loss of computer privileges.
  1. Time is not limited. If no one is wishing to use the computer, the patron may continue until another patron requests its use.  If someone is waiting a 30 min time limit is set.
  1. The patron will not violate copyright laws by copying programs from disk to fixed disks, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the producer of the program.
  1. In the event the patron damages the equipment or programs, the patron will pay the cost to repair or replace the equipment  or software.
  1. The Library is not responsible for any damage to the patron’s personal software or loss of material due to any reason. (Such as electrical failure, user carelessness, computer viruses, etc.)
  1. Only the computer user will be at the computer station except for adult assistance for minors.
  1. Minors that do not have a good grasp on how the internet works and is used must be accompanied by an adult and or guardian.
  1. The patron may use arcade or game type software as long as is not downloaded to the computer. They may not use any arcade or game type software that requires paddles or joy sticks.
  1. The patron will not connect, disconnect or rearrange in any way the equipment or software.
  1. The patron will save personal files on their own memory device. The Library is not responsible for any damage or deletion of personal files left on the hard disks.
  2. The employees of the Library are not responsible for providing personal instruction on the use of computer or software programs, but are always glad to help should time allow.
  1. The patron will pay $.10 per sheet used when printing black and white and $.25 per sheet when printing in color.
  1. If the patron fails to comply with the terms of the Library’s written agreement, the patron may become ineligible to use the computer equipment.
  1. The patron may receive email using a browser email service providing that their site, login name and password are used.

Emergencies

Emergency Phone Numbers

Police:  911 or 308-334-5444

Ambulance:  911 or 308-285-3333

Fire:  911 or 308-285-3333

Poison Control:  1-800-222-1222

Shirley Ferguson:  308-285-3512 or cell #308-340-8911

Mike Herrin:-719-439-0109

Kerry Miller:  cell #308-350-3458

Village Office:  308-285-3320

Village Fax:-308-285-3327

Medical Emergencies

  1. If an individual needs medical attention, yell for help, then call 911.
  2. If an individual needs CPR, contact [name, phone of staff member trained in CPR].
  3. Notify the [receptionist or title of appropriate individual] so that he or she can direct first responders to the right location.
  4. Do not move the individual unless essential to protect life. If necessary to prevent shock, keep the individual warm and elevate lower extremities if possible.
  5. Control any heavy bleeding using direct pressure on the wound.

Fire

  1. Evacuate staff and patrons from the building. Always and immediately evacuate the building in case of an alarm; do not wait to find out if it’s a false alarm.
  1. Do not reenter the building until given an “all clear” from security or emergency management officials [or name or title of person responsible for making this decision]. 

If you discover a fire:

  1. Get everyone to a safe area away from the fire.
  1. Call 911 and report the location of the fire.
  1. Activate fire alarms.
  1. Notify the [receptionist or title of appropriate individual] so that he or she can direct first responders to the right location.
  1. Small fires: Use fire extinguishers, but only if it is safe to do so.
  1. Large fires: Get out of the building.
  1. All fires, large or small, must be reported to [name, phone].

Disabled individuals:

Always involve individuals with disabilities in their own evacuation because they are best informed about their disabilities and how best to move them out of a building in an emergency.  Ensure that these individuals always have someone with them.

Individuals with mobility impairments who cannot evacuate the building without assistance should be taken to an area of refuge often the landing of an exit stairwell enclosed by a fire door) where they can be rescued by the fire department.

Individuals who are visually impaired may need assistance to go through areas that they don’t typically use.  If they need your assistance, explain where you are going, any obstacles, and the direction in which you are about to turn. When you reach the staff assembly area, orient the individual to the surrounding area.

Management:

  1. Ensure that all information in the printed procedures is up to date.
  2. Conduct basic emergency preparedness exercises, such as those suggested in the list of ideas in below web site: http://www2.archivists.org/initiatives/mayday/ideas-for-mayday-activities.

All Staff:

  1. Read and re-familiarize yourself with these procedures. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
  1. Be able to identify two emergency exit paths.
  1. Locate the fire alarms closest to your work area(s). 

                 Publicity and Public Relations

A.    All publicity concerning the Library shall be under the direction of the Librarian, who shall inform the public of the services the Library performs and of the activities there in.  Full advantage shall be taken of all news media, and public communications sources, including electronic media.

                Obsolete Material

Article 3-302, Municipal Code states, “The governing body may authorize sale, exchange, or disposal of any surplus, damaged, defective, obsolete, or duplicate books in the Library.”  Records shall be kept of any such material so disposed of.