Table of Contents
Mission Statement—————————————————————————-pg. 1
Policies:
• Confidentiality of Patron Records———————————————-pg. 2
• Emergency-Safety-Disasters—————————————————–pg. 3
• Rules of Conduct——————————————————————–pg. 4
• Computer and Equipment Use————————————————–pg. 5-6
• Meeting Room———————————————————————-pg. 7
• Circulation Policy——————————————————————-pg. 8
• Collection Development———————————————————-pg. 9
• Deselecting of Materials———————————————————-pg. 9
• Finance——————————————————————————–pg. 10
• Gifts & Donations——————————————————————-pg. 10
• Personnel & Employment——————————————————–pg.11-12
By-Laws—————————————————————————————–pg. 13-16
Confidentiality of Patron Records
Hooper Public Library supports every patron’s right to have his or her library records remain confidential. Library records include registration data, current circulation records, overdue & hold records, and information related to participation in library programs.
Except during the actual transaction, (circulation, maintenance of record on unpaid fines, holds on materials, etc.) HPL will not maintain a record of transactions. When no longer needed for library administration purposes, records will be expunged.
In compliance with Nebraska law no information will be released to any person, agency, organization, except in response to a valid court order or subpoena, properly presented to the library director.
Nothing in this policy shall prevent authorized library personnel from using library records in the administration of their regular duties.
Revised and approved 05-01-2012
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Emergency -Safety
HPL practices strict procedures to ensure the safety of all patrons and staff while inside the Hooper Public Library through diligent surveillance of the library and all actions therein. If necessary the library staff on duty will call police and/or any needed emergency help.
If a medical occurrence of a patron arises which necessitates emergency help, staff will immediately call 911 for assistance. Minor medical needs will be attended to as deemed by the staff on duty. In a case of a medical need for a child, the parents or guardian will be contacted immediately when possible. No medication whatsoever will be given to patrons.
Library staff will not leave the library (at closing) until all children are able to safely leave library property or shall call the police to attend to any remaining children.
Disasters
Fire: At the first indication of smoke or flame, library staff will instruct patrons to vacate the building and call 911. If it is possible for staff to use a fire extinguisher and safely extinguish the fire they may do so. If there is any doubt about whether that can be done staff should also vacate the building. All library staff shall be familiarized with the location & application of the fire extinguisher(s) in the building.
Tornadoes/Storms: Patrons will be directed to the restroom and/or furnace room in the event of a tornado. In the event of a major thunderstorm, snowstorm or tornado warning staff may close the library if no patrons are present.
Bomb Threats: If a bomb threat occurs by phone the library staff member shall try to keep the caller on the line as long as possible. The staff member should try to write down everything the caller says. If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb and the time of the possible detonation, the staff member should try to get that information and pay attention to accents, background noise, etc. Immediately after the caller hangs up the staff member should clear the building of all patrons and staff and call 911 from a location away from the building.
Revised and approved 05-01-2012
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Rules of Conduct
The Hooper Public Library is supported by the City of Hooper property tax dollars. Every patron has a right to expect the facility to be a clean, pleasant and safe place. To best serve all library users certain rules and guidelines have been established. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it encroaches on the use of the library by others, when it could result in injury, or when it could result in damage to property.
Unacceptable behavior at the library includes, but is not limited to:
• Persistent noise or talking. Patrons using laptops or other devices with sound must use headphones. Cell phone use will be outside of the library.
• Loitering or congregating on library property.
• Bringing animals other than those trained to assist the handicapped.
• Eating, drinking, smoking, tobacco-chewing, gambling, possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Unruly or offensive language or behavior.
• Physical, sexual or verbal abuse.
• Improper use of restroom (restroom is not to be used for bathing, laundering clothing, food preparation, etc.)
• Inappropriate attire; shirts and shoes must be worn, specialized sports shoes & some apparel are not appropriate attire.
• Refusal to leave library at the direction of HPL staff or at closing. Library staff will notify patrons ten minutes prior to closing, all patrons are expected to vacate the premises at closing or before.
• Solicitation is not permitted on library premises.
• Leaving children unattended; HPL and its personnel assume no responsibility for the safety and behavior of children left unattended on library premises, including if the unattended child leaves the building. For the safety of the child, children not picked up by closing time will be referred to local law enforcement.
• HPL policies regarding children are as follows: 1) any child seven years old or younger shall be attended and supervised by a parent, guardian, or responsible chaperone. 2) During scheduled activities children may be left unattended at the activity however, the parent/ guardian must have signed applicable permission/registration forms. 4) Children age 8 and above may use the library unattended as long as they remain in good standing as a patron and follow the rules and guidelines of the HPL.
• Patrons who fail to adhere to the rules and guidelines will be warned and given one chance. Anytime after that HPL staff has the right to ask said patron to leave, persistent infractions may result in a patron losing their library privileges.
Revised and approved 05-01-2012
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Computer and Equipment Use
Patron computer(s) are available on a first come first serve basis. Children under the age of 13 will need signed parental permission on their patron registration in order to use the internet. Computer rules are posted at computer(s).
1) In order to make the computer available to as many patrons as possible a time limit for usage is imposed. Use is limited in 30 minute increments, if no one is waiting after 30 minutes user may continue.
2) Social networking (i.e.: Facebook, Twitter, etc.) is not permitted.
3) Patrons shall not download or save anything to the library computer.
4) No sound will be played through the library computer without the use of headphones.
5) Fees for printing from computer are .10 per page for black & white and .50 per page for color. Charges will be incurred for printing in error also.
6) No food or beverages are allowed near computer.
7) Wireless internet is also available to HPL patrons. All patrons may request our Wi-Fi password to use free internet while in the wireless range of HPL.
8) Email and flash drives are allowed.
9) No C.D. burning.
Copier
A photocopy machine is available for patrons who need copies made at a cost of .10 per page. Copy machine users are advised of copyright restrictions. Any violation of copyright laws is the responsibility of the patron making copies. Staff will operate the copy machine.
Telephone
The telephone at HPL shall be available to patrons on a limited basis. No long distance or cell phone numbers are allowed. Personal cell phone calls should be placed or received outside the library.
Non-computer gaming equipment
Patrons using the gaming equipment will follow the direction of the library staff member on duty. Gamers and/or movie viewers must also abide by the rules and guidelines established by HPL.
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Die-Cut machine
HPL’s Accu-cut machine is available for use by patrons. Fees for use are .05 per letter or shape with HPL paper, .03 per letter or shape with patron’s paper. Patron will do the cutting with instruction from HPL staff.
Other property
All HPL equipment & property shall be used with respect and care. All damages will be the responsibility of the patron causing the damage.
Revised and approved 05-01-2012
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Meeting Room
In accordance with HPL goals and objectives, all library space is primarily used to enhance library services for our patrons. Our meeting room is used for planned programs but when not in use for those activities the meeting room space is available for use by HPL patrons during regular library hours. These meetings should be of a civic, cultural or educational nature. Specifically excluded are commercial activities, private social gatherings and religious services.
Advance reservation is required and room should be left in the condition it was found.
The fact that HPL allows a group to use its faculties does not constitute HPL endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs.
HPL reserves the right to deny or revoke permission to use any part of the HPL facility at the Director’s discretion. Meeting room regulations will be made available to those using the room.
Regulations:
1) Advance reservations must be made.
2) Meeting room may only be reserved during regular open hours.
3) If a reservation needs to be cancelled please notify the library as soon as possible.
4) Decoration and rearrangement of the room should be approved by the library director or staff on duty. Room must be cleaned and restored to original condition at the end of use. Tacks, tape or glue will not be allowed on walls or furnishings.
5) Smoking is not permitted on library premises.
6) Light refreshments are permitted. However, with the exception of coffee they shall not be prepared in the library.
7) Neither the library nor its staff shall assume responsibility for any property of groups or organizations. At the end of each meeting, all of an organization’s property must be removed from HPL.
8) The name, address, or phone number of HPL may not be used as the official address or headquarters for any organization. No mail or shipments of materials will be accepted for organizations or individuals.
Revised and approved 05-01-2012
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Circulation
Books (including audio books) may be checked out for 2 weeks and renewed for the same period unless the item has been put on hold for another patron. Renewals may be made by phone or email as well as in person.
Videos, DVDs and magazines may be checked out for 1 week. No renewal on these items.
Each card holder may have up to ten items checked out on their account at one time.
A fine of .05 per day per item will be charged on each item that is overdue. Patrons may be denied library privileges if items are not returned and/or fines are not paid.
A drop box is available for after hour returns.
All damages to library materials beyond reasonable wear and tear shall be paid for by the responsible patron. Determination of repair or replacement value will be determined by library director. Until payment is made in full privileges may be suspended.
The adult who signed up for library card and is listed as the card holder on patron registration is ultimately responsible for all materials checked out under said card number.
Inter Library Loan is offered for a fee of $2.50 per item to cover postage.
Revised and approved 05-01-2012
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Collection Development
HPL provides materials and services to support the informational, recreational, and educational needs of the citizens of Hooper and the surrounding area. This provision will be considered in the development of the collection and will receive priority in the allocation of resources and funds.
Selection and purchase of library materials rests with the library director who will adhere to accepted professional practices when making selection decisions. Purchases will be allocated among the major collection genres; Adult Fiction, Junior Fiction, Children’s, Non-Fiction, Reference, DVDs, Magazines, E-readers, etc.
Requests from patrons for items to be considered for purchase are encouraged. HPL will attempt to purchase requested materials if materials meet selection criteria and funds are available.
Materials that no longer meet the needs of HPL’s patrons and no longer support the library’s collection will be withdrawn and disposed of in accordance with HPL’s Deselecting policy.
Deselecting of Materials
Materials that no longer meet the stated service roles of HPL will be withdrawn from the collection. This may include materials that are damaged, include obsolete information, duplicated items or items that are no longer circulating. Deselecting items will be made with the professional judgment of the library director or designated staff.
Items withdrawn will be disposed of in accordance with local law which permits discarding into the trash, recycling, or transfer for sale. Method of disposal will be at the discretion of the library director.
Discarded magazines and newspapers may be given at no charge to patrons, groups, or facilities.
Revised and approved 05-01-2012
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Finance
HPL services are primarily funded by budgeted City of Hooper revenue derived from taxes or public monies, trust funds, or donations. Additional services and enhancements are funded by grant revenue, fees collected for overdue materials, and book or misc. sales.
HPL purchases are determined monthly by the library director, approved by the board and submitted for payment to the City of Hooper.
A budget of library spending is submitted annually by the library director to the Hooper City Council for approval. After approval by the council, purchasing is limited to the approved budget allowance.
Gifts/Donations
HPL welcomes gifts of new and used books, DVDs, magazines & misc. items. Materials will be added to the collection in accordance with the selection policy of HPL. All donated items become property of HPL and may be disposed of according to the Deselecting Policy of HPL. Some duplicate items may be sold at used book sales. Donated items will not be returned to the donor and the library will not accept anything that is not an outright gift.
The library will acknowledge receipt of donated items but will not determine values. If items are being donated to obtain a tax benefit, it is the donor’s responsibility to list items and establish a fair market value.
Monetary gifts, bequests, and memorial or honorary contributions are particularly welcome. Funds donated will be used to make purchases in accordance with the HPL Selection Policy.
Acceptance of donated equipment, furniture, real estate, stock, artifacts, works of art, collections, etc. will be determined by the library director based on their suitability to the purposes and needs of HPL, regulations that govern the ownership of the gift, and the library’s ability to carry insurance and/ or maintenance costs associated with the donation. The director may contact the board for consultation in the determination of acceptance of donated items.
Revised and approved 05-01-2012
10
Personnel and Employment
The Hooper Public Library is a department of the City of Hooper, Nebraska in Dodge County. Personnel services are coordinated through the City of Hooper Personnel Policy.
HPL adheres to all laws and policies regarding equal employment opportunity, the Civil Rights Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, fair employment practices, and other federal, state and local legislation concerned with employment and hiring practices.
Job Descriptions & Requirements
Director/Librarian:
Under broad policy guidance and direction from the HPL Board of Trustees, performs professional and administrative duties in planning, developing, implementing and directing public library services and programs for HPL. These duties include budget preparation, evaluation of personnel, collection development, community relations and facility maintenance.
Essential Responsibilities:
• Administers board policies, makes policy recommendations to the board, and provides staff support and information to the board.
• Prepares budget for library board and City Council approval, monitors and approves expenditures as directed by the library board, administers gifts, state and federal money and/or grants.
• Prepares monthly report for HPL board and attends all board meetings.
• Supervises personnel directly or through subordinates; hires and trains employees, substitutes and volunteers; assigns and monitors work, evaluates and disciplines personnel as necessary.
• Evaluates library services and makes recommendations for improvements.
• Administers maintenance of library facilities and equipment.
• Reviews and approves selection of all materials for purchase.
• Reviews and approves all materials for deselecting.
• Develops and facilitates programs for library patrons including annual Summer Reading Program.
• Participates in professional meetings, classes, conferences and workshops as well as reading materials to update and maintain library knowledge and skills.
• Applies skills and knowledge obtained through certification classes.
• Manages library website, Facebook page, and writes monthly column for local newspaper.
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Job requirements include considerable knowledge of management principles and practices including working knowledge of budgetary and accounting processes, thorough knowledge of library reference sources, print and online, above average computer skills including Word and Excel, customer service skills and the ability to bend & lift up to 20 lbs. The Library Director will also be required to complete the Basic Skills Certification course within two years of starting at this position.
Assistants:
Library assistants will perform all duties related to circulating materials to patrons, assist patrons with selections, reference questions, basic computer operation, return drop box books & shelve returned books, answer phone, assist with programs, light cleaning and other misc. duties as assigned by the library director. General computer knowledge, customer service skills and the ability to bend & lift up to 20 lbs. is required.
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Revised and approved 05-01-2012