North Bend Public Library
North Bend, Nebraska

By-Laws of North Bend Public Library

 140 East 8th Street, North Bend, Nebraska

Revised and Approved by the

North Bend Public Library Board

December 2005

 



By-Laws of North Bend Public Library

 

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 7 

VI.  Service Policy…………………………………..     Page 8 

VII.  Internet Policy…………………………...…….       Page 11 

VIII.  Materials Selection Policy…………………..       Page 12         

Request For Reconsideration of Materials Form...    Page 17

 

By-Laws of North Bend Public Library

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 their 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 membership shall consist of at least two (2) men and two (2) women. 

                        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 be the disbursing officer of the Board, nd sign all checks. In the absence of the elected Treasurer, the City Clerk will have the authority to sign checks to pay bills incurred by the operation of the North Bend Public Library.  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
                       Veterans Day                        

           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 uty 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.  Loan materials may be renewed once, when necessary, if no other requests have been made for that item.

          6.  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.

          7.  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.

          8.  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.

           9.  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.

          10.  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 libraryprivileges.  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 documen