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By-Laws of North Bend Public Library 140 East 8th Street, North Bend, Nebraska Revised
and Approved by the North
Bend Public Library Board May 2011
Contents I.
Statement Of Purpose……………………………
Page 3 II.
Mission Statement………………………………
Page 3
III. Trustee
Policy…………………………………...
Page 3 IV.
Personnel Policy…….…………………………..
Page 7 V.
Public Relations Policy……………………..….
Page 8 VI.
Service Policy…………………………………..
Page 8 VII.
Emergency and Safety Policy… ……...……. .
Page 12 VIII. Public Internet Use Policy…………………..... Page 15 IX.
Materials Selection Policy................................... Page 17 Request For Reconsideration of Materials Form... Page 21 By-Laws of North Bend Public Library140 East 8th Street, North Bend, Nebraska I.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
Service Role of the North Bend Public Library.
A. Children
and Young Adult Reading Center.
B. Adult Popular
Reading Center.
C. Provide
information and reference services that are accurate and current.
D. Provide access to
information and reference services beyond it's own facilities through
Interlibrary Loan and other cooperative agencies. II.
MISSION STATEMENT
The
North Bend Public Library strives to provide educational, cultural,
recreational and informative material to community residents of all
ages. Special emphasis is
placed on stimulating young children's interest and appreciation for
reading and learning. The
library strives to be an active center of services for research and
study and a comfortable place for leisure reading and browsing. III.
TRUSTEE POLICY
A. North Bend
Code 1. Commissions
and Boards, Article 2.
a. 2-201-Library
Board. The Library
Board shall be appointed or elected.
At the first (1st) regular meeting of the Governing Body in
January of each even year the Governing Body shall, by ordinance, adopt
the manner in which the five (5) members of the Board are to be chosen.
If the members are to be chosen by appointment, the nominated
members must receive a majority vote of the Governing Body.
If the members are to be elected, the usual election procedures
of the Municipality shall be followed.
The Board shall consist of five (5) members who shall be
residents of the Municipality. The
members of the Library Board shall serve a four (4) year term of office
as specified by Nebraska Statutes.
The Board shall serve without compensation and may be required,
in the discretion of the Governing Body, to give a bond in a sum set by
resolution of the Governing Body, and conditioned upon the faithful
performance of their duties. At
the time of the Board's first (1st) meeting in July of each year, the
Board shall organize by selecting from their number a chairman and
secretary. It shall be the
duty of the secretary to keep the full and correct minutes and records
of all meetings, and to file the same with the Municipal Clerk where
they shall be available for public inspection at any reasonable time.
A majority of the Board shall meet at such times as the Governing
Body may designate. Special
meetings may be held upon the call of the chairman, or any three (3)
members of the Board.
The Library Board shall have the authority to appoint a Director and all
other employees. It shall be the
duty of the Board to have general charge of the Municipal Library and to
establish appropriate rules and regulations for the management,
operation, and use of the same. The
Board shall have supervisory authority over all employees of the library
including the Director. All
actions of the Board shall be subject to the review and supervision of
the Governing Body. The
Board shall be responsible for making such reports and performing such
additional duties as the Governing Body may designate from time to time.
No member of the Governing Body shall serve as a member of the
Library Board while serving a time of office as a member of the
Governing Body. No member
of the Library Board shall serve in the capacity of both the chairman
and secretary of the Board. (Ref.
51-202 RS Neb.)
b. 2-201.01-Library
Board: Selection Term. The
Mayor and Council do adopt
the appointment method of selecting five (5) members of the Library
Board, whose nomination and appointment by the Mayor must receive a
majority approval vote of the Council.
This method of selection may be reconsidered in January of each
even numbered year hereafter. There shall be appointed by the Mayor in 1980 and four (4) years thereafter, three (3) members for four (4) year terms each, and in 1982 and each four (4) years thereafter, two (2) members each for a term of four (4) years. All members so appointed must be residents of the Municipality at time of appointment and during the time of their term. The successors to each of the appointments shall serve four (4) year terms. The terms of the members shall begin on the first day of July of
the first (1st) year of the four (4) year term for which the member was
appointed following his/her appointment. The terms of all eligible five (5) members of
the present Board shall continue until July 1, 1980 at which time the
group of three (3) appointments as made pursuant to this Section shall
begin their four (4) year terms. For
the remaining two (2) members of the Board, the Mayor and Council
pursuant to this Section shall appoint two (2) members whose terms will
expire on the last day of June, 1982 and thereafter the Mayor and
Council shall make the group of two (2) appointments hereunder for four
(4) years. (Ord. No. 265,
1-7-80)
2. Library,
Article 7. a.
3-701-Municipal Library:
Operation and Funding. The
Municipality owns and manages the Municipal Library through the Library
Board. The Governing Body,
for the purpose of defraying the cost of the management, purchases,
improvements, and maintenance of the Library may each year levy a tax
not exceeding the maximum limit prescribed by State law, on the actual
valuation of all real estate and personal property within the
Municipality that is subject to taxation.
The revenue from the said tax shall be known as the Library Fund
and shall include all gifts, grants, deeds of conveyance, bequests, or
other valuable income-producing personal property and real estate from
any source for the purpose of endowing the Municipal Library.
The Library Fund shall at all times be in the custody of the
Municipal Treasurer. The
Board shall have the power and authority to appoint the Director and to
hire such other employees as they may deem necessary and may pass such
other rules and regulations for the operation of the Library as may be
proper for it's efficient operation.
All actions by the Board shall be under the supervision and
control of the Governing Body. (Ref.
51-201, 51-202, 51-211 RS Neb.) b. 3-703
Municipal Library: Rules and Regulations.
The Library Board shall establish rules and regulations for the
governing of the Municipal Library for the preservation and efficient
management thereof. They
shall fix and impose by general rules, penalties and forfeitures for
injury to the Library grounds, rooms, books, or other property, or for
failure to return a book. All
fees, penalties, and forfeitures may be collected in civil action in the
event of failure, neglect, or refusal to pay the said assessments.
(Ref. 51-205, 51-214 RS Neb.) c.
3-704 Municipal
Library: Damaged and Lost
Books. Any person who
injures or fails to return any book taken from the Library shall forfeit
and pay to the Library not less than the value of the book in addition
to any replacement costs and penalty which the Library Board may assess.
(Ref. 51-211 RS Neb.) d.
3-706 Municipal
Library: Cost of Use. The Municipal Library will be free for the use of the
inhabitants of the Municipality. The
Librarian may exclude from the use of the Library and reading rooms any
person who shall willfully violate or refuse to comply with the rules
and regulations established for the government thereof.
(Ref. 51-201, 51-212, RS Neb.) B.
North Bend Public Library Board Code
1. Article I: Name
This organization shall be called:
"The North Bend Public Library Board". The
Board exists by virtue of the provisions of Section 51-201 et. seq. of
the Revised Statues of the State of Nebraska and City Code 2-201 of
North Bend, Nebraska.
2. Article II: Members of the Board.
a.
Section 1: The
Board shall be composed of five (5) members who shall be residents of
the Municipality. The members of the Board shall be
appointed by the Mayor and Council for individual terms of four (4)
years.
b.
Section II:
The members terms of office shall be staggered to provide
for continuity in policy and orderly transition of membership. c.
Section III: In
the event of vacancies due to resignation, removal or otherwise,
the Mayor and Council of the City of North Bend shall fill such vacancy
for the unexpired term pursuant to law. 3.
Article III: Officers
and Their Duties.
a.
Section I:
The officers of the Board shall be a President, a Secretary, and
a Treasurer, elected from among the appointed Trustees, elected annually
at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board after July 1, of the
current year. b.
Section II: It
shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the
Board, to appoint Board members to standing committee's and to carry out
such other duties as the Board or these by-laws may impose. c. Section
III: The Secretary
shall maintain a true and accurate written record of all meetings of the
Board, shall carry out such other duties as the Board or these by-laws
may impose. d. Section IV: The Treasurer shall write all checks to pay bills incurred by the operation of the North Bend Public Library. The City Clerk has the authority to sign all checks to pay the bills. The Treasurer shall present to the North Bend City Council a written annual budget request prepared by the Library Board and the Library Director. The Treasurer shall perform all other such duties as generally devolve upon the office. e.
Section V: Should
the President be absent from any meeting of the Board, a member shall be
selected to preside by a motion. f.
Section VI: In
the absence of the Secretary another Board member shall be appointed to
act as Secretary pro tempore by the presiding officer.
4. Article IV: Terms of Office and Elections. The officers
shall be elected annually at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board
after July 1, of the current year.
The newly elected officers shall assume the responsibilities of
their offices from the annual meeting at which they are elected and
until their successors are duly elected.
5. Article V: Meetings. a.
Section I: Regular
meetings of the Library Board shall be held every other month with a
minimum of six (6) regular meetings per year, or at such times as the
Board deems appropriate. (Regular meetings may or may not include the Board members
going into Executive Session.) Written
notice of the time and place of the meeting shall be posted at least
three (3) locations in the community, in conformity with the provision
of the law of the State of Nebraska. b.
Section II: Special
meetings may be called by the President or by any three (3) Board
members. c.
Section III: Three
members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
d. Section IV:
Proceedings of all meetings shall be governed by "Robert's
Rules of Order".
6.
Article VI:
Order of Business.
The
order of business at the regular meeting shall be established by the presiding
officer.
7. Article VII: Director and Staff:
a.
Section I:
The Board shall elect and appoint the Director to serve at the
pleasure of the Board, at a salary determined by the City.
The Board will evaluate and keep with the Board minutes an annual
written evaluation of the Director's performance.
b. Section II: The Director shall have sole charge of administration of
the Library under the direction and review of the Board. The Director shall be held responsible for the care of the
building and equipment, for the efficiency of the Library's services to
the public and for the operations of the Library under the financial
conditions set forth in the annual budget.
The Director shall attend all Board meetings.
c. Section III:
The Director shall present a report at each regular meeting of
the Board. 8.
Article IX:
Library Facility
a. Every
year the City Library budget will provide funds for general repairs
and maintenance to the building. The
budgeted money will be used to make such repairs for proper maintenance
as deemed necessary by the Board and staff.
b. The Board and
staff have the authority to contract out the needed repair work.
Whenever possible, said work is to be contracted to local people. 9.
Article IX: Amendment
of the By-Laws.
These by-laws may be amended at any meeting of the Board by
affirmative vote of at least three (3) members of the Board, provided
notice of the proposed amendment is presented for consideration.
These by-laws shall be reviewed annually.
All other written policies for operations, collection management
and personnel shall be reviewed annually. IV.
PERSONNEL POLICY
A.
Director’s
Duties
1.
Carry out the policies agreed upon by the Board. 2.
Be responsible for the daily operation of the Library and all its
services. 3.
Select books and materials, classify and catalog them.
4. Attend all Library Board
meetings; prepare reports, and advise the Library
Board relative to policies of the Eastern Library System and the
Nebraska Library Commission. 5. Represent the Library at professional conferences and public
meetings. B.
Working Conditions.
1. The salary and
fringe benefits of the Director shall be determined by the City.
2. The vacation,
sick days and other leave shall be determined by the City to be
consistent with all other city employees. C.
Staff Development 1.
The Director is expected to keep up with professional Library
literature and
reading.
2.
Preparation necessary for visits from groups, for story hours and
programs,
and for public relations stories and talks, is legitimate Library
business and may be done on Library time.
3.
The Director is expected to belong to the Nebraska Library
Association and
to attend its meetings. Also,
to attend meetings and workshops offered by the Eastern Library System
whenever possible. V.
PUBLIC RELATIONS POLICY A.
North Bend Library Foundation
The Foundation provides an opportunity for people of our community to
show support of the North Bend Public Library and the services it
provides to the community. The
Foundation is a non-profit organization that will accept real or
personal gifts from the general public for the improvement of the
Library and it’s services. VI.
SERVICE POLICY
A. Hours Open.
1. The North Bend
Public Library shall be open as follows: Sunday
- Closed
Monday
- 1:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Tuesday
- 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
1:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Wednesday -
1:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Thursday
- 1:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Friday
- 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturday
- 9:00A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
2. If the Director
feels the Library should be opened for special or unusual occasions, the
decision will be made by the Director and the President of the Library
Board.
3. The Library will
be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day Memorial Day Christmas Day Independence Day Labor Day
Thanksgiving
4. The Library will be
closed on any other holiday in keeping with the City's regulations.
If Dec. 24th or Dec. 31st falls on a weekday, the Library will
close at 3:00 P.M.
5. If, due to bad weather,
the Director, or staff on duty, feels the Library should close for all
or part of its open hours, the decision is to be made by the on duty
staff and a Library Board member or City Hall.
B. Lending
Policy: Library Lending.
1. Any person,
whether a resident of North Bend or not, may register for and receive a
library card free of charge. Presentation
of this card entitles him to the borrowing of lending resources from the
North Bend Public Library and the use of the computer lab.
A photo I.D. is required for first time applicants; a copy of
this will be retained for Library records.
Minors under the age of 16 must have a parent/guardian signature
with their photo I.D. accompanying the application.
2. Certain books or
parts of collections may be held back from circulation such as reference
books, maps, encyclopedia, etc.
3. There may be a
limitation on check out of materials to one person.
A limit of 10 bar coded books per person.
4.
Books shall be checked out for a four (4) week period with the
exception of
books from special collections, such as InterLibrary Loan Books and
selected reference materials. Audio books will be checked out for three
(3) weeks; Magazines/ one (1) week; Cake pans/ one (1) week; Video Tapes
& DVD’s/ one (1) week. 5. Children who are under the age of 14 are required to have a permission form, signed by their parent or legal guardian, on file at the library before they may check out DVD/VHS materials. Forms may allow the youth unsupervised check out of all DVD/VHS materials OR unsupervised checkout of all materials except those with the Light Blue Spine Sticker, which include general movies, including rated R materials. Forms will be at the front desk. The parent/legal guardian must come to the library to sign a permission form.
6. Loan materials may be renewed, when necessary, if no other requests
have been made for that item.
7. Books will be
returned to the inside of the Library during open hours, or when closed,
to the outside book return with the exception of videos and audios.
Videos and Audios must be returned to the inside of the library
during open hours.
8. A fine shall be
assessed on all circulation material returned after the due date.
Books will be fined five cents ($.05)/ day; Audio Books, Video
Tapes, and DVD’s will be fined fifty cents ($.50)/ day. All other materials / fine accessed at the Directors
discretion. Patrons that have overdue materials will be sent monthly
notices at their most current application address.
9. Any person
failing to return books or other library materials resulting in the loss
of that material may be assessed the replacement cost of the material
and a processing fee. Library
privileges may be suspended at the discretion of the Director until the
fine is paid.
10. If any household
incurs fines totaling $10.00 or more, that household will relinquish all
library privileges until the fine is paid down to zero.
11. A charge per
copy shall be made to patrons using the copy machine not to exceed
current popular prices. Also,
a charge shall be assessed on printed material obtained from the
Library’s computer, and/or Internet, current charges to be posted. C.
Confidentiality.
State Statue #84-712.05. The Library
Board of Trustees of the North Bend Public
Library recognizes its circulation records and other records identifying
the names of Library users with specific materials to be confidential in
nature. All Directors and staff employees are advised that such
records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or
local government except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as
may be authorized under the authority or, and pursuant to, federal,
state, or local administrative discovery procedures or legislative
investigative power.
The Board shall resist the issuance or enforcement of any such process,
order, or subpoena until such time as a proper showing of good cause has
been made in a court of competent jurisdiction. (Point, or paragraph,
three above means that upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena,
the Library’s officers will consult with their legal counsel or the
City’s attorney to determine if such showing of good cause for its
issuance exists; if the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper
form or, if good cause has not been shown, they will insist that such
defects be cured.) D.
Genealogy Services
The staff on duty will not provide extensive research assistance
in areas of genealogy. The
staff will provide help only for a reasonable amount of time.
Researchers are encouraged to use the North Bend Eagles available
on microfilm. E. Library Conduct
The purpose of the Conduct Policy is to maintain a safe and
pleasant environment for all library patrons.
It also ensures access to library facilities, the safety of users
and staff, and the protection of the library collection, equipment and
facility.
Patrons have the responsibility to use the library in a manner that a)
does not
interfere with the rights of other individuals to use library materials,
resources, and services; b) does not limit the ability of library staff
to conduct library business; and c) does not threaten the secure,
healthy, and comfortable environment of the library. Prohibited conduct includes any illegal activity and also
includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Willfully
annoying, harassing, or threatening another person. 2. Consuming
alcohol or controlled substances being intoxicated, smoking or using
tobacco products. 3. Food
and beverages are not permitted in the library. 4. Using
library building, furniture or equipment in a manner that could cause
harm to self, patrons, staff, or personal or public property 5. Campaigning,
petitioning, interviewing, survey taking, soliciting, posting notices,
fundraising, or selling, unless authorized by the Director or his/her
designee. 6. Picture
taking or videotaping of people, except at events, unless authorized by
the Director or designee and by the patrons involved, or their parents
if minors are present. 7. Making
excessive noise, including loud conversations, behaving in a loud,
boisterous, or disruptive manner that is not solely caused by a
disability. 8. Use
of audio devices, pagers, portable CD players, radios, TV, DVD, cell
phones, or other electronic device in such a manner that others are
disturbed. 9. Impeding
access to the building or an area of the building or blocking book stack
aisles for extended periods of time.
10. Rollerblading,
skating, or skateboarding in the library building.
11. Leaving animals,
bicycles or personal items in the library entrances or walkways.
12. Bringing animals
into the library, except as required by persons who are physically
challenged, unless authorized by the Director or designee.
13. Leaving
unattended personal items in the building.
The Library assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen, or
unattended personal items. Items
left longer than 30 minutes may be removed or taken to Lost and Found.
14. Bring weapons
into the library unless authorized by law.
15. Leaving
suspicious packages that, in the opinion of staff, are of potential
threat. These items may be
removed from the premises without notice.
16. Being in
unauthorized areas of the library, remaining in the library after
closing or when requested to leave during emergency situations, drills,
or when not abiding by Library Conduct Policy.
17. Having offensive
hygiene, odor or scent that constitutes a nuisance to other persons.
18. Using library
areas or equipment for other than their designated use when these
resources are limited.
19. Relocating
tables, equipment, or other furniture without staff permission.
Failure to comply with the Conduct Policy may result in loss of library
privileges. If,
following a request, the patron fails or refuses to comply or responds
to the request in an abusive fashion, he or she will be required to
leave the library premises immediately for the balance of that calendar
day. If he or she fails to
leave, the police will be summoned.
Library personnel will record instances in which patrons are required to
leave the library in a file maintained by the library for that purpose.
Upon the second recorded instance in which a patron is required
to leave the library premises within a thirty-day period, the Director
shall bar the patron from use of the library premises for a period of
one year. Parents or
guardians of minors will be notified in writing after the second
recorded instance in which a minor is required to leave the library and
advised of the consequences. Patrons,
or Parents when a minor is involved, wishing to appeal such action may
do so upon written request to the Library Board.
In the event the patron barred from the use of the library
attempts entry to the library during any such period of exclusion, the
police will be summoned and informed of the prior action. F.
Posters, Displays, Brochures
Posters, displays, or brochures of a civic or community nature may be exhibited
or placed in the Library with permission from the Director.
The Library assumes no responsibility for damage or theft of any
item on exhibit in the Library, this is at the owner’s own risk.
G. Meeting Room.
Use of the meeting room in the Library may be available for
community individuals or groups with permission from the Library Board
and/or Director. Certain
restrictions may apply to the community use of the meeting room. VIII. EMERGENCY
AND SAFETY POLICY
The North Bend Public Library attempts to provide a safe environment for
all who use our facility as well as a safe repository for library
materials of all types. Despite our best efforts situations may arise of
an emergency nature. These guidelines for foreseeable but unplanned
emergencies, which may occur in the library, are designed to reduce risk
to life and materials. In the event of a major disaster involving a
wider section of our community, the library will adhere to the Nebraska
Emergency Management Act. A. Weather Emergencies 1.
Tornado or Violent Storm
a. When warranted,
staff will monitor weather conditions using television, radio,
and/or the Internet. When Dodge County is in a watch or a warning, staff
will follow the appropriate library procedures established for the
situation.
b. If time allows,
patrons must either leave the building or take shelter in the library's
lower level when notified by staff that a tornado warning is in effect.
After the main level of the library is evacuated, all doors will remain
locked except for those leading to the lower level. Access to the lower
level will remain open to the public throughout the warning period.
c. If the tornado
strikes with little or no warning and there is no time to evacuate to
the lower level, patrons and staff should take shelter away from windows
and exterior walls, hiding under furniture if they cannot get to an
interior room. Everyone should protect his or her head as much as
possible. The open stacks area should be avoided. 2.
Snow Storms
a. The library may
open late or close early when winter weather conditions present a danger
to staff and patrons. The library will follow the actions of the North
Bend Central Public School District during normal school hours and the
Library Director shall be authorized to close the library during other
times.
b. Maximum effort
will be made to maintain regular library operating hours.
However, if the library is closed due to bad weather, staff will post a
notice on the front door of the Library.
The Library Director will notify the Board President of the
closing as soon as reasonable.
c. Programs for all
ages will be cancelled whenever the North Bend Central Public School
District calls off school because of inclement weather, whether or not
the library closes. B.
Facility Emergencies 1.
Fire
a. At the first
indication of smoke or flame or if the fire alarm is pulled by a
patron, staff should investigate the situation to determine location and
extent. If the problem can be easily contained staff should proceed to
do so. If there is any doubt about controlling the fire, staff should
immediately call 911 and then evacuate the building, pulling the closest
alarm to notify all patrons.
b. Staff should
familiarize themselves with alarm locations and with the location
and operation of fire extinguishers in the building.
c. Library staff
should await emergency personnel at the main entrance to notify them of
the location of the fire. 2.
Loss of Utilities
a. If electrical
power is lost for at least two hours or if the loss makes the
temperature or the lighting in the library difficult for working, the
library may close until the problem is resolved.
b. If water is
shut off to the library all restrooms should be closed immediately.
c . If the heat
supply to the library is interrupted during winter months and the
temperature drops enough to make working in or using the library
uncomfortable, the library should close until problem is resolved. 3.
Hazardous Materials
a. If carbon
monoxide detectors warn of danger or if other chemical fumes are
noticeable, staff should immediately evacuate the building and call 911
for assistance.
b. If a traffic
accident in the vicinity of the library involves hazardous waste
materials of any type, library staff should follow the directives of
City Hall and the North Bend Rural Fire District or other emergency
personnel. 4.
Plumbing Problems or Water Leaks
a. If a plumbing
problem is limited to a single area, staff will close off the affected
facility and call for professional assistance if they are unable to
resolve the problem.
b. If a plumbing
problem or water leak affects major parts of the library, the Library
Director may close the library if deemed necessary. City crews can be
called upon for immediate assistance and professional help should be
found as soon as possible. 5.
Bomb Threat
a. Staff receiving a
bomb threat call will try to keep the caller on the line as long as
possible, noting every detail about the caller's voice, background
noises, and so forth. If the caller doesn't mention the location and
detonation time of the bomb this information should be requested.
b. When the caller
hangs up the phone or when a bomb threat is received in other ways
besides the phone, police should be called immediately. Clear the
building of all staff and patrons.
c. When police arrive on
the scene, staff will provide them with the information taken on the
phone and then evacuate the premises, making sure the Library Director
has their contact information for calls to return to work after the
building has been cleared.
d. If a bomb threat
has been received at a nearby facility, evacuation of the library will
be based on the judgment of emergency personnel. Library staff should
again make sure the Library Director has their contact information so
they can be called back to work when the building is cleared. C.
Personal Safety 1. Health Emergencies or Accidents a.
Staff should exercise caution when assisting anyone with a health
complaint.
Make the affected person comfortable and call for emergency personnel
immediately in the event of a serious problem. Staff should not attempt
to provide first aid unless certified. b.
At no time should staff ever dispense medication, including
aspirin, to the public.
c. Following
the incident, staff should complete the City's Accident Report form and
submit it to the Library Director and/or City Administrator. 2.
Patron Unruliness or Violence
a. Library patrons
are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which shows respect to
other patrons and to staff. Disruptive behavior which disturbs others or
destroys property will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior includes
but is not limited to any violation of the Library Conduct Policy (VI.
E, page 10) or the Public Internet Use Policy (VII.
page 14). D.
Reporting Emergencies
1. All emergency situations
should be reported to the Library Director as soon as possible. The
Library Director will contact the President of the Library Board and the
City Administrator as appropriate. The full Library Board will be
informed of the emergency at the next regular board meeting.
2. Because timely and
accurate reporting of emergencies is crucial, library staff should
contact the Library Director and the North Bend City Hall before
information regarding emergencies is made public. Information about
non-emergency situations that may affect the public should be approved
by the Library Director before being released.
VIII. PUBLIC
INTERNET USE POLICY
A. Filtering
While the North Bend Public Library is required by law to have a
filtering system
for Internet access it is not foolproof and Internet use is not
monitored by the Librarian on duty.
Any adult over the age of 17 may request to have the filtering
system temporary disabled for their use. The
North Bend Public Library does not endorse the viewpoints presented, or
vouch for the accuracy of the available information from the Internet. B. Internet access rules and guidelines 1.
A North Bend Public Library card is required to use the Internet
access computer.
2.
2.
Use of the Internet computer is on a first-come, first-serve
basis. School
projects take priority. By
using the Internet, the patron agrees to follow our posted rules and
guidelines regarding the use of the Internet.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in the patron being
barred from further access to the Internet station. 3.
Children who are under the age of 17 are required to have a
permission form signed by their parent or legal guardian on file at the
library before they can access the Internet.
Forms will be at the front desk.
The parent/legal guardian will need to come to the library with
their child/children to sign. 4.
Printing charges shall be made to patrons not to exceed current
popular prices. Three pages
of text may be printed for school projects at no charge.
5. There will be no downloading of programs from the Internet onto
public access
machines owned by the North Bend Public Library.
6. Children who are under
the age of 17 will be allotted one half hour of computer/internet
use each day. Circumstances may allow change, without notice, at the
discretion of the librarian on duty.
7. There will be
only one person at the Internet station per session.
There will be a one-time/five minute period allowed for help.
Circumstances may allow change, without notice, at the discretion of the
librarian on duty.
8. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for supervision to insure
their children’s
use of Internet resources are appropriate and safe.
9. The functions of Chat Lines, Chat Rooms, and File Transfers are not
offered to patrons using the Internet stations.
Email may only be accessed through the patron's own personal
account.
10. The Internet station may not be used to seek unauthorized access to
any computer
system, damage or alter software components on any network or database.
11. Persons must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
Any responsibility
for consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user, the
Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting
from such use.
12. 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. 13.
Persons using the electronic information systems, acknowledge
that they are subject to, and agree to abide by all laws, and all rules
and regulations of the City of North Bend, County of Dodge, the State of
Nebraska, and the federal government that are applicable to internet
use.
14. The Internet policy of
the North Bend Public Library may be subject to change
without notice and at the discretion of the board and/or the librarian
on duty. C. Wireless access
Free wireless access is available at the North Bend Public
Library for persons using their own wireless-capable devices.
At this time, the library does not loan or otherwise make
available any wireless devices for checkout.
1. Persons utilizing
the wireless connection agree to comply with all provisions of the
current North Bend Public Library Internet Policy, which is incorporated
by reference herein.
2. Audio users must
use headphones. Headphones
and adaptors are available for checkout for use within the Library
facility. Library conduct
rules still apply to laptop users.
3. Printing is not
available via the wireless connection at this time.
Persons may save documents to a personal USB drive and print from
a wired work station.
4. The Library
assumes no responsibility for the safety of personal equipment; users
must keep equipment with them at all times. 5. Persons utilizing the wireless connection must obtain the ability to configure their laptop to use the library’s connection. Library staff is not available to provide technical assistance with personal equipment or their configuration. No guarantee can be made that personal equipment will be able to make a wireless connection.
6. The Library's
wireless connection is unencrypted and unfiltered. Use of the
wireless connection is done at the person's own risk. The library
cannot guarantee the safety of data transmitted across its wireless
network. By using this connection, persons acknowledge that security
errors and hacking are an inherent risk associated with any wireless
service. For that reason, persons expressly agree that they
knowingly assume such risk, and further agree to hold harmless, the
North Bend Public Library, Library staff, the City of North Bend, its
officers and employees, and any affiliate, from any damage that may
result from use of this wireless access or any claim or loss arising out
of, or related to, any such instance of hacking or other unauthorized
use or access into the person's computer. 7. The North Bend Public Library assumes no responsibility for
personal equipment software configurations, security or changes to
personal data files resulting from connecting to the Library's wireless
access. 8. 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 person's equipment or self from viruses, identity theft, spyware,
plug-ins, or other Internet-borne programs is the sole responsibility of
the person; and the person indemnifies and holds harmless the Library,
Library staff, the City of North Bend, its officers and employees, and
any affiliate, from any damage that may result from use of this wireless
access. IX.
MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY
A policy cannot replace the judgment of the Library Director, but will
assist the
Director at the North Bend Public Library in choosing from the vast
array of available materials. The North Bend Public
Library is a public Library supported by the taxes of the residents of
the city of North Bend, Nebraska. It
serves the needs of the city and surrounding rural area.
Smaller communities nearby and in adjoining counties are also
served by this library. The
population is mainly Caucasian and varies greatly in age, economic
backgrounds and education. A.
Major Goals in Material Selection
The advancement of knowledge, the education and enlightenment of
the people of the community, and provision of recreational reading. B.
Library Bill of Rights
Basic to the policy and adopted by the American Library
Association which states, among other things:
As a responsibility of library service, books and other library
resources shall be provided for values of interest, information, and
enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.
Materials should not be excluded because of the origin,
background, or views of these contributing to their creation.
There shall be the fullest practicable provision of materials and
information presenting all points of view on current and historical
issues. Materials of sound factual authority should not be proscribed
or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. C.
Responsibility for Selection
Final responsibility for materials selection rests with the
Library Director who operates within the framework of policies
determined by the Library Board of Trustees.
The responsibility for selection is shared in execution with the
staff. D.
Criteria for Selection
Materials must be considered in terms of their own merit and
intended audience. Library
materials will be selected with a balance of the total collection in
mind. All selections must
meet at least some of the following criteria to be considered for
selection:
1. Needs and
interests of the library’s users and anticipated users.
2. Value of the material
for information, recreation, or education.
3. Accuracy and
timeliness of the material.
4. Authority and
reputation of author and publisher.
5. Relation of work to
existing collection and balance of viewpoints expressed
in the collection.
6. Price, format and
ease of use.
7. Scarcity of information
in subject area.
8. Availability of
material elsewhere in the community.
9. Popular demand.
10. Artistic
excellence and quality of material. E.
Method of Selection
A variety of aids are considered prior to selection, including
standard review sources, jobbers, bibliographies, publishers’
catalogs, direct examination and patron requests. F.
Procedures for Selection
The library recognizes its responsibility to provide material
presenting various points of view, within the limitation of space,
budget, and availability. The
library attempts to fulfill most of the information needs of the
community, but it is not an in-depth research library.
Selections are made on a popular and recreational level.
The book collection emphasizes current and popular reading
material rather than scholarly works and extensive reference holdings.
The Library Director will select materials of all formats based
on budgeted money. The
majority of purchases include the following:
1. Popular fiction
for adults and children
2. Biographies
3. Non-Fiction
materials to replace outdated information
4. Current titles, both
fiction and non-fiction, on subjects of interest to the community.
5. User demand: If three (3) or more requests by separate individuals are
received by the staff for a title, the book should be purchased. Outside lending
resources such as the InterLibrary Loan Service will be used to
subsidize the collections. G.
Materials Not Purchased Generally
excluded from consideration will be materials that are deliberately
distorted or are solely sensational, offensive, or erotic.
Materials, which display, in picture or words, men or women in a
manner, which is aimed primarily to titillate the reader, and are
pornographic in nature, do not serve the needs and interest of the
community as a whole and shall not be purchased.
On the other hand, serious works, which present an honest aspect
of certain problems of life in our society, are not necessarily excluded
because of coarse language or frankness. Formats that
are in the collection at the North Bend Public Library are books, books
on audiotape, videos, computer software, microfilm, cake pans,
magazines, and the North Bend Eagle newspaper.
No other formats will be purchased or accepted by the library. H.
Replacements Replacements of
specific items are made where the materials are of continuing interest.
Replacements are also made based on the number of titles
available currently or in the near future and the coverage the library
has on the subject. I.
Formats While reading
is the strongest emphasis at the North Bend Public Library, other
formats are available to patrons. These
formats will be purchased in accordance with the selection criteria
stated in this policy. J.
Duplicates Duplicate
copies are provided based on staff assessment of current and future
needs and space and budget limitations. K.
Gifts The Library
accepts gifts of suitable materials with the understanding that they
will be added to the library collections only when needed and disposed
of at the discretion of the Director.
The same principles of selection applied to purchases are applied
to gifts. Gifts that do not
meet the needs of the Library will be sold on an annual book sale,
donated to charities or given away at the Library. Requests for
specific titles or subjects are subject to the same principles, which
are given other, purchased materials.
Every attempt will be made to accommodate donors’ wishes.
However, final responsibility for selection of materials with
such gifts, as well as condition of display, housing, access to, or
eventual disposition rests with the Library Director. The Board will
gratefully accept unrestricted gifts of money, lands or property.
The board will review restricted gifts or bequests before
acceptance or rejection. The library
does not appraise gifts. L.
Collection Maintenance To maintain a
useful and attractive collection, materials may be repaired or rebound;
or removed from the library when they become badly worn or damaged,
out-of-date, or unused. The
Library Director will evaluate the collection with approximately five
percent (5%) to ten percent (10%) of the book collection to be weeded
annually to attain and maintain an up-to-date and attractive collection.
Some of the guidelines to consider are: 1.
Is there an interest in the item and is it still available in
some form? 2.
Does it have historical or genealogical value to the community? 3.
What is its use history? 4.
What is the condition of the item? 5.
Is the information outdated? A
new and/or undated Encyclopedia media should be purchased at least every
three (3) to five (5) years. If
the Library has several forms, replacement is staggered so there is
always one (1) new and/or updated form of media.
The Library
Director is authorized by the Library Board to dispose of discarded
library material. M.
Requests for Reconsideration The library
recognizes that many books, magazines, and videos are controversial and
that any given item may offend someone.
Selections will not be made on the basis of any assumed approval
or disapproval, but solely on the merit of the work as it relates to the
library’s objectives and as it serves the needs and interests of the
community as a whole. The
standards stated in this policy apply equally to materials for children.
The library believes that individuals may reject for themselves
or their children materials, which they find unsuitable, but cannot,
exercise censorship on others. Parents
who wish to limit or restrict the reading of their own children should
personally oversee their selections.
Since all political, religious and social opinions should be
represented in a public library, no group or individual will be
permitted to impose a partisan emphasis upon the library’s collection. Procedures have
been established which will insure consideration of any request for
removal or restriction of any item within the Library.
1. The complaint
must be filed in writing. The
Library Director will request the patron to fill out the “Request For
Reconsideration of Materials” form.
2. The Director will
notify each Board member of the complaint and forward all review
literature on the material to each Board Member.
The Director will also submit a recommendation and evaluation of
the material and it's place in the collection.
3. At the next
regularly scheduled Board meeting, the complaint will be reviewed and a
decision made regarding the complaint.
Until such an examination has been made, and a decision reached
by the Library Board, no such removal or restriction shall take place.
4. The Library Board
will notify the patron of the Board’s decision soon after the decision
is reached. |
140 East 8th Street, North Bend, Nebraska 68649-0279 |
