AULD PUBLIC LIBRARY POLICIES Adopted 1/12/1979
Amended 9/81, 12/82,
1/94, 8/96, 1/2008, 9/2014
9/2017
Statement
The Auld Public Library’s mission is to foster lifelong learning and enjoyment through an array of information resources. The Auld Public Library is committed to enhancing the quality of life for our community by providing personalized, open access to the world of information and ideas.
I. BOARD STATEMENT
The following policies were prepared by the Board of Trustees of the Auld Public Library, Red Cloud, Nebraska, and establish the operational policy of the library. These objectives and policies will be examined annually and may be revised at any time by the action of the board in the same way as prescribed for amendment of the by-laws governing the trustees.
The board subscribes to the spirit and intent of the position statement of the Nebraska Library Association, the Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read statement on book selection and controversial materials contained in the Nebraska Library Association Handbook of Intellectual Freedom.
II. GENERAL OBJECTIVES
A. To assemble, preserve, and administer organized collections of books and related educational and recreational materials to meet the informational and recreational needs of the community.
B. To serve the community as an information and technology resource center of reliable information.
C. To give guidance and stimulation to encourage the use of the library by all age groups
D. To strive to identify community needs and to provide programs of service to meet such needs. To partner with other organizations, agencies, and institutions to provide programs or services to meet those needs.
E. To provide the opportunity for recreation through use of literature, music, films, and other means within the sphere of library activities.
F. To provide free public access to computer usage for the community.
III. LIBRARY SERVICES
A. 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.
B. The library will initiate programs to stimulate the use of library materials to fill the needs of people of all ages.
C. The library will cooperate with civic and community agencies and organizations to help them with program materials.
D. The library accepts the responsibility for securing information beyond its own resources by borrowing materials through inter-library loan for patrons. The library will cooperate with other libraries to strengthen the services and resources of the library.
E. The library staff will supplement, but cannot perform the functions of school and other institutional libraries which are designed to meet curriculum needs.
F. Home delivery or curb service will be provided to any person physically unable to get in the library building.
IV. USE OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
A. Hours of Operation
1. The Auld Public Library will be open as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
2. The Library follows the holidays recognized by the City of Red Cloud and will be closed: New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Arbor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and Christmas Day. In addition, the Library will be closed on Christmas Eve and will close early on New Year’s Eve.
B. Use Privileges
1. Within the library, the use of all references, computers and collections is free to all.
2. Check- out privileges are available to all persons with a valid library card. Persons can apply for a card by completing the required information on the application cards. New patrons will be required to provide some proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill with current address.
a. Library cards are free to all patrons who live in the city of Red Cloud
b. Non-residents (those living in other towns) within Webster County will be charged a $3.00 fee for a library card.
c. Non-residents (those living outside of Webster County) will be charged a $5.00 fee for a library card.
d. NebrasKards may be issued to any patron in good standing. Non-residents will be charged a $15.00 annual fee for the card.
3. Services will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status.
4. The use of the library or its services may be denied temporarily for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return books or to pay fines, destruction of library property, or objectionable conduct.
C. Check out and renewals
1. Borrowers must have a library card in order to check out library materials.
2. Each borrower may check out 8 items. No more than 3 DVDs may be checked out at a time and no more than 6 DVDs per household.
3. Books, magazines, and audio books will be checked out for a 2 (two) week period.
4. DVDs and VHS tapes will be checked out for a 3 (three) day period.
5. Materials may be renewed at the discretion of the Librarian. Items on hold or reserved for another patron may not be renewed.
6. Patrons may place a hold on a book or reserve a book by contacting the library staff.
7. Certain reference materials, equipment, and magazines may be used only in the Library.
D. Fees, Fines, Penalties
1. There will be a fine of 10 cents per day, per item assessed on library materials: books, audio books and magazines.
2. There will be a fine of $1.00 per day, per DVD or VHS tape. Movies must be returned prior to closing time on the due date.
3. After materials have been overdue for a period of two months, the material will be considered lost and a replacement cost will be assessed.
4. Patrons will be responsible for lost or damaged materials. The patron will be charged the cost of the material plus the overdue fine.
5. Patrons who accumulate unpaid fees, fines, or penalties of over $5.00 will be restricted from borrowing library materials until fees are paid in full.
6. There will be a fee of $.10 per page for black and white copies and $.50 per page for color print. Fees for color reprints of pictures will be based on the photo size. Wallet size: $1.00., 3 x 5: $.2.00, 4 x 6: $3.00, 8 x 10: $5.00.
E. Privacy and Confidentiality
It is the policy of the Auld Public Library and the Library Board of Trustees to insure the privacy of the users of its services and to consider any library records to be confidential in nature.
1. Library patrons’ names, addresses and phone numbers are used for our Library purposes only. We do not share our patron data base with any other company or entity.
2. Any records that reveal the identity of any library patron using the library’s materials or services will be kept confidential except as pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state or local law relating to criminal, civil, and administrative discovery procedures. (State Statute 84-712.05)
3. Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the City Attorney will be consulted to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and there is just cause for its issuance.
F. Conduct
1. Respect the rights of other patrons and staff members.
2. Respect the library facility and library materials.
3. Disruptive behavior or actions that interfere with other patrons lawful use of the library is prohibited.
4. Library staff that observes or receives complaints of inappropriate behavior will use their best judgement to handle the problem directly with the patron.
5. Staff member will notify Director immediately and Director will be responsible for notifying board when necessary.
G. Unattended Children
1. Parents, guardians and caregivers (high school age and older) are responsible for monitoring the activities and regulating the behavior of their children and/or siblings while the children are in the library.
2. Children under age 6 should be accompanied by their parent, guardian or caregiver except when attending a scheduled program or event.
3. Library personnel do not take the place of the parent, act as caregiver, or assume responsibility for unattended children.
V. LIBRARY MATERIALS SELECTION AND COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY
The Auld Public Library recognizes that its patrons are diverse, with different interests, backgrounds, cultural heritages, social values, and needs. The Library attempts to maintain a collection that includes material on most subjects and points of view, in keeping with the community’s interests. To achieve this goal, the Library must ensure that its collection remains current and responsive to the needs of its patrons and materials are easily accessible through appropriate technology. The collection is regularly reviewed so that gaps in various subject areas and formats may be filled. All aspects of materials selection will aim at implementing the general objectives of the Library.
A. Authority and Responsibility for Selection
1. The Library Director ultimately is responsible for selecting materials. The Library Director operates within the framework of policies and objectives determined by the board of trustees.
B. Selection Criteria
1. Reputation of the author and/or publisher
2. Permanence or timeliness
3. Accuracy
4. Content
5. Relationship to the existing collection
6. Price and/or availability of the material
7. Ease of use/readability
C. Selection Tools
1. Booklist
2. Book Review Digest
3. Best Seller Lists
4. Library Journal
5. Book awards
6. Staff and patron recommendation
D. Evaluation and Weeding Collection
1. The collection will be regularly evaluated and materials no longer useful will
Be systematically weeded according to the accepted practices using the CREW method.
2. Materials removed from the collection will be placed a library book sale.
3. The disposal of any unsold books is left up to the discretion of the Director.
E. Gifts, bequests and memorials
1. The Library accepts gifts of suitable materials with the understanding that they will be added to the library collection if needed, as determined by the selection criteria and disposed of at the discretion of the Director.
2. Restricted gifts will be reviewed by the board of trustees before acceptance.
3. Unrestricted gifts of money, land or property will be gratefully accepted.
4. The donor will receive a document stating what was donated with a notation to follow IRS guidelines regarding contributions. No monetary value will be assigned.
F. Criticism of materials
When a patron criticizes the presence of any material, the ultimate decision as to whether the material should be removed from the collection will be made by the board of trustees.
1. The patron will complete a form in which they outline the objections to the material.
2. The board will review the criticized material and objections to the material at the next regular board meeting. A decision concerning the retention or removal of the material will be made at the board meeting.
G. Cooperative Programs
1. Interlibrary Loan
The library will upon request locate materials for patrons by using the Interlibrary Loan Service through the Nebraska Library Commission.
2. Central Plains Library System
Audio books/book club kits.
3. McCook Public Library
Large print book loans. 200 titles per year
4. Overdrive
Ebook and audio titles
5. NebraskAccess free online access databases
6. NebrasKard
VI. Computer and Internet Policy
The Auld Public Library is committed to serving the information and lifelong learning needs of all patrons. Computing resources greatly expand the availability of information beyond the traditional collections. The library provides computers to patrons for internet browsing, word processing, and other productive activities.
The internet is an unregulated global information resource. The Auld Public Library cannot guarantee the accuracy and/or authenticity of information discovered through this resource.
The Auld Public Library complies with the United States Copyright Law, and all other federal, state, and local laws relating to the use of the internet and other electronic media.
The Auld Public Library uses Open DNS filter system on the computers and Wi-Fi access.
A. Rules and guidelines for public computer use
1. Stations are available on a walk-in basis
2. Patrons must sign in
3. Computer sessions are limited to one hour per day. Patrons may request an extension depending on computer availability.
4. It is the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to monitor and control their minor children’s access to the internet and to information obtained from the internet.
5. Inappropriate use of the internet in a public and open environment is prohibited and will result in the suspension or revocation of internet use privileges.
6. Activities which disrupt the library, violate copyright or software license agreements, or damage equipment are prohibited.
7. Patrons entering personal information (credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.) do so at their own risk.
8. The Auld Public Library is not responsible for work or information lost due to computer or system malfunction.
9. Wireless access (Wi-Fi) is available for any patron using their own device (computer, reading device, phone etc.). Patron must comply with the library internet policy.
VII. FINANCE POLICY
The Library Board established this financial policy to ensure fiscal accountability, appropriate use of funds in support of the Library’s mission and goals, and compliance with appropriate laws and ordinances.
A. BUDGET
1. The Library Director will establish a proposed budget for the fiscal year and review this budget request with the Library Board. The proposed budget will be submitted to the City of Red Cloud for approval by the City Council.
2. The City of Red Cloud ultimately determines the Library budget.
3. The Library Director is authorized to make purchases on behalf of the Auld Public Library.
4. The Library Director presents bills to the city for materials and services upon receipt.
5. The Library Director presents expenditures of budgeted funds to the Library Board of Trustees for review and approval at the regular meetings.
B. LIBRARY ACCOUNT
1. The Library Director prepares a financial report of receipts and expenses to the Board of Trustees.
2. Monies received as reimbursement for lost or damaged materials, copies, fines and donations may be used to defray expenses in these areas as well as for appropriate program supplies, and serve as a petty cash fund as authorized by the library board.
3. Grants and Donations. Funds donated to the Library may be allocated according to the wishes of the donor. Undesignated memorial funds will be used at the discretion of the Library Director and library board.
4. Fundraisers. All funds generated from special fundraisers are turned over to the Library Foundation.
5. The library account has designated account signers (Director/Library Assistant). This account is audited by the library board on an annual basis.
6. The fiscal year coincides with the City of Red Cloud fiscal year (Oct 1 to Sept 30)
VIII. MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
A. Publicity
1. All publicity concerning the library and library programming shall be the responsibility of the Director. The Director will advertise via Library website, Facebook page, newspapers, television and flyers as deemed necessary and appropriate.
B. Public relations
1. The board of trustees recognizes that public relations involve every person who has any connection with the library. The board urges its own members and every staff member to realize that he or she represents the library in every public contact.
IX. PHYSICAL FACILITIES
A. General Statement
To achieve the goal of good library services, the board of trustees will review the public library building facilities and recommend to the City of Red Cloud actions and maintenance necessary to meet the physical requirements of modern, aggressive library service. Such facilities will offer to the community a compelling invitation to enter, read, look, listen, and learn. The building will fit an expanding program of library service.
B. Exhibits and displays
1. The library will strive to provide attractive, educational and cultural exhibits
2. Posters, pamphlets, brochures, or similar materials require approval by the Director prior to being displayed.
3. Exhibits and displays require approval by the Director. The library assumes no responsibility for damage or theft of items on exhibit or display.
C. Meeting Room
The lower level of the library is intended for regular, pre-arranged usage of library activities. The meeting room may be reserved for non-library related activities during regular and non-library hours if there is no conflict with regular usage for library activities. Contact the library to reserve and confirm use of the room.
1. Set-up and clean-up are the responsibility of sponsoring organization. If refreshments are served the kitchen is to be cleaned and all trash removed.
2. Sponsoring organization is responsible for any damage to the room, furnishings or equipment.
3. The Auld Public Library, City of Red Cloud and the staff are not liable for any loss, accident, or injury to persons or property caused by the groups’ occupancy of the room or the use of the facility.
4. No fees are charged for non-profit organizations.
5. Other groups (use for party or business) will be charged $25.00 per hour for the use of the room. After regular library hours a designated staff person must be present to open, close and lock-up.
D. Insurance
1. The board of trustees will review insurance policies and make recommendations to the City of Red Cloud regarding additions or changes necessary to maintain adequate coverage on the facility, contents and workmen’s compensation.
X. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
A. Weather
1. In case of a tornado or other threatening weather, staff and patrons will be directed to a designated location in the basement. The staff and patrons should remain in the basement until the threatening weather has passed.
B. Fire
1. In case of a fire, the staff should immediately evacuate all patrons from the library and direct them to the offsite designated area. Follow fire drill procedures.
2. Call 911
XI. PERSONNEL
A. Employment
1. The Auld Public Library is a department within the City of Red Cloud, and as such is an equal opportunity employer.
2. Selection of staff members is based solely upon merit, with due consideration of personal, educational, and physical qualifications of training and aptitudes for the position, regardless of race, color, creed or sex.
3. Applicants are required to submit a written application. The library board will select a qualified applicant for a position and make a recommendation to the City Council.
4. The Library Director must have a high school diploma and preferably an associate or bachelor degree in a related field.
5. The Library Director must meet the requirements for certification within the provisional licensing time determined by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Library Assistant is also encouraged to take classes for certification.
6. There shall be a one month probationary period for all newly hired employees.
7. Library staff report to the Director and through the Director to the Board of Trustees.
8. The Library Director is responsible for scheduling staff for regular library hours of operation and for special programming.
9. Employees are requested to give a two week written notice of his/her resignation.
10. The Director will evaluate all staff under his/her direct supervision annually and make salary recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
11. The Board of Trustees will evaluate the Director annually and make salary recommendations for all library staff to the City Council.
12. All employees must be paid the current minimum wage set according to the Fair Labor Standards Act of the Federal Government.
13. Salary decisions are ultimately made by the Red Cloud City Council.
14. Library staff as city employees will be paid on the 1st and 16th of each month.
15. Refer to the City of Red Cloud Personnel Policy for additional information. The employees of the Auld Public Library abide by the personnel policies of the City of Red Cloud.
B. Employee Benefits
1. Employees on duty for the library are covered by the workmen’s compensation laws of Nebraska.
2. The Director and Assistant Librarian receive one week (29 hours) of vacation pay annually, after one full year of employment.
3. The Director and Assistant Librarian receive one week (29 hours) of sick leave pay annually, after one full year of employment. Unused sick leave does not accumulate into the next year.
C. Dismissal
1. The board of trustees will recommend the termination of any staff whose attitude, professional ethics, conduct or performance in their judgement warrant such action.
2. A discharged employee may request and receive a reinstatement hearing by the board of trustees. The board may reinstate the employee, with or without prejudice, and with or without loss of pay between date of dismissal and date of reinstatement.
D. Professional Expense
1. The library encourages the attendance of all staff members and trustees at professional meetings, conferences and conventions.
2. Mileage, wages, registration fees, motel and meal expenses are covered and paid within the operating budget.
3. Dues to NLA and ARSL are covered and paid within the operating budget
