Policies

 

Fisher Whiting Memorial Library

Computer Use and Internet Access Policy

Policy regarding the use of public computers and the Internet at the Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library

The Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library is pleased to provide access to electronic resources via the Internet through the use of our public computers.  Computers are available for public use during regular library hours, except during times of routine or emergency maintenance.  The purpose of providing public Internet access is to expose the public to the world of information available and to provide equal access to that information for all individuals in the community.

Since the Internet is a global electronic network, the Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.  The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature.  The library will not censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information and is not responsible for the availability or accuracy of information accessed from remote network sites.

The following rules govern the use of the library computers:

 

·        The Fisher Whiting Memorial Library complies with the “Library Bill of Rights” by not using software filters to block constitutionally protected speech consistent with the United States Constitution and federal laws.

·        The library does not retain browser history or personal information entered into documents or webpages. The library will not reveal the information sources or services individual patrons consult unless required by law or court order.

·        There is a 1-hour time limit for the Public Internet computers, iPad, Xbox 1, and VR googles when others are waiting.  When no one is waiting, additional time is allowed. 

·        If the internet user chooses to save or download files, it must be to a personal device. The library is not responsible for any damage to personal devices. The library uses virus protection software, this will not guarantee the user will not get a virus.

·        Individual software may not be used or installed to alter or attach equipment to the library’s hardware or attempt to bypass security features.

·        It is the users’ responsibility to comply with all local, state and federal laws including but not limited to those concerning copyright, fraud, privacy or obscenity.

·        If use of a computer results in disruption of library services or if behavior becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to end the session at any time and take further action if warranted. Misuse includes, but is not limited to, abusive language or pictures, software piracy, unauthorized use, attempts to learn passwords of other users and destruction or alteration of data belonging to other users.  The decision for appropriate material and behavior is at the discretion of the library staff.

·        Individual software may not be installed or used to alter or attach equipment to the library’s hardware or to attempt to bypass security features.

·        Library staff may be able to help with basic computer use and startup procedures, but may not be able to provide information on the use of each software program.  If one has never used a computer or if one has specific questions about a software program, reference books and use guides are available.

·        As is the case with other materials in the library’s collection, any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The Fisher Whiting Memorial Library cannot act as a censor or substitute parent. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to provide the oversight to ensure their children’s use of the Internet in an appropriate and safe manner, including the proper use of the expensive computer equipment.

·        Patrons are responsible for all printing costs.

·        Computers will be turned off 10 minutes prior to closing of the library.

The following rules govern access to the Internet from the library:

·        Internet communications shall be considered private, and confidentiality will be encouraged within the limits of public environment, the technology of the equipment and the requirement s of the law.

·        The Internet user may encounter closed or restricted databases and resources for which the library accepts no responsibility.

·        As is the case with other materials in the library’s collection, any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.  The Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library cannot act as a censor or substitute parent.  It is the responsibility of the parents to provide the oversight to ensure their children’s use of the Internet in a safe and appropriate manner, including the proper use of expensive computer equipment.

·        Violations of these rules may lead to the suspension or revocation of Internet access through the library.

·        The library places no restrictions on the use of a patron’s own device unless the content viewed in inappropriate or disruptive to the library setting at the discretion on the library staff.

Reviewed 09/10

Revised 07/14

Revised 09/16

Revised 12/17

Reviewed 10/18

Revised 02/22

 

 

FISHER-WHITING MEMORIAL LIBRARY

CIRCULATION POLICY

 

Policy Statement

The Fisher Whiting Memorial Library seeks to have as few restrictions on the flow of information as possible, while also protecting the library’s resources. The library does this by maintaining a database of registered borrowers and by giving customers in good standing access to the library’s collections. The Fisher Whiting Memorial Library strives to provide the community efficient and equitable access to library materials and information, while ensuring these same materials are available in good condition for all.

 

Regulations

  • Residents of the city of Mapleton and rural Monona County are eligible for a Fisher Whiting Memorial Library card.
  • Residents who live in other cities or outside of Monona County are eligible through the Open Access system can apply for a non-resident card.
  • A completed application, valid photo ID and proof of address are required to sign up for a library account.
    • Children must be 6 years or older to sign up for an individual card
    • Those 14 and younger are required to have a parent/guardian signature for full access to library resources.
    • Parents/guardians are financially responsible for the items checked out on their minor child’s library account
    • Parents/guardians are responsible for guiding the selection of library materials by their children.
  • By setting up a library account with the Fisher Whiting Memorial Library, an individual accepts full responsibility for the use and return for all materials borrowed on this account. The individual whose name appears on the account will be charged fees by the library for any items that are lost or damaged during their use by the account holder.
  • Items will not be due on days the library is closed.

 

Circulation Period

  • Books, Audiobooks and Magazines
    • Books and audios have a three-week circulation period. 
    • They can be renewed either in person or by phone or email unless there is a waiting list for the material. 
    • There is a limit of 50 items that can be checked out at one time except DVDs.
    • New Patrons and Limited Patrons will be limited accordingly.

 

  • DVDs

o  DVDs have a two-day circulation period. 

o  Longer checkout periods for these items are at the discretion of the librarian. 

o  Materials can be renewed either in person or by phone once unless there is a waiting list for the material.  

o  There is a limit of 5 DVDs per household.

o  New Patrons and Limited Patrons will be limited accordingly.

 

·       New Patrons

o  New patrons added to the system will be limited to 5 books and 2 DVDs at a time for the first 3 months of activity. If after this time they have shown responsible habits, the limits will be taken off.

 

 

 

 

·       Reserved Items

o   A reserved item is an item that has patrons waiting for it. 

o   Patrons are called in the order in which their request was received. 

o   Items will be held at the desk for up to 2 business days depending on the popularity of the item. 

o   Items that are not picked up will be given to the next person on the reserve list.

o   Items will not be renewable if others are waiting on the item’s reserve list.

 

·                 Fines and Fees

o            No fines or fees are charged for overdue items except DVDs.

o            The library charges $1 per day for overdue DVDs.

o   Lost or damaged items will be charged to the library account at replacement cost plus processing costs.

o            Items will be marked lost when it has not been returned in three-months.

o            No refunds will be issued after the item has been marked lost and been paid for.

o            Borrowing privileges are suspended with $5 fine or lost items on the account.

 

·       Interlibrary Loans

o   Interlibrary loan is available to all patrons with an account that is in good standing.

o   The circulation period is determined by the lending library. 

o   Renewals are dependent upon permission of the lending library.

o   Requests can be made in person, by phone or email.

o   Costs for ILL is $2 per item or multiple items from the same library.

 

Confidentiality

o   All patron records and information are confidential, pursuant of Iowa Code, Chapter 22.7 (13).

o   No patron information will be shared with other patrons including personal information, check out information or patron charges.

o   Library staff can use patron information for library purposes only

o   The Library Director is the Custodian of the Record

o   Any and all requests for patron information must be submitted to the Director.

o   Only legal requests from a court-issued subpoena will release specific patron records.

o   A written agreement, signed by the patron will allow release of information

 

 

 

All materials are subject to the overdue policy.

 

 

Reviewed 09/2000, 12/2003, 12/2007, 09/2011

Revised 09/2009, 02/2015, 10/2018, 2/2022

 

 

FISHER-WHITING MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Disruptive Behavior Policy

Purpose:

It is the policy of the Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library to provide a safe, comfortable environment that is conducive to the use of library facilities, resources, and equipment either by individuals or small groups. The library is designed for the use of all members of the public. Patrons are expected to observe the rights of other patrons and staff members and to use the library for its intended purposes.

Behavior Not Allowed in the Library:

  • Any behavior that endangers the safety or health of others
  • Violation of any local, state, or federal law
  • Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library properties
    • Note: Patrons will be financially responsible for any destruction of library property.
  • Theft of library materials or the personal property of others patrons or staff members
  • Deliberate disruption of library procedures (including the work of the staff)
  • Use of abusive language
  • Loud talking or laughing that disturbs or could disturb other patrons
  • Sleeping as well as smoking, eating or drinking in areas not designated for these activities
  • Loitering in the building or on the grounds
  • Inappropriate dress (shirts and shoes must be worn at all times)
  • Use of cell phones that is disruptive to other patrons

Consequences:

In most cases, patrons who are behaving inappropriately in the library will be given one warning by the library supervisor of the day and asked to behave in an appropriate manner.  Patrons who refuse to behave more appropriately after one warning will be asked to leave the library.  Serious violations, which include behaviors that are absolutely unacceptable, do not require a warning, but can result in the loss of library privileges for as long as the director deems necessary.  Patrons can request reinstatement by appealing to the Library Board of Trustees.
 
In the cases in which a patron poses a clear danger to her/himself or others, deliberately violates the law, or refuses to leave the library after being asked to leave by the supervisor of the day, the police will be called to handle the situation.

In extreme cases where a patron is consistently disruptive every time, he/she visits the library, the Director will bring the matter to the attention of the Board of Trustees who shall decide on any further action.

 

Adopted 10/09

Reviewed 07/14; 10/18, 04/22
 

 

Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library

Borrowers Policy

 

 

Residents of the City of Mapleton and rural Mapleton are eligible for a Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library card.  The library will issue family or individual cards.  Family cards will list those who are eligible to use it.  Out of town relatives of card-holders can either use the Open Access program, or their relative’s card numbers.  There will be no charge for a library card.

People who live outside rural Mapleton limits and the City of Mapleton are eligible to use the library through the Open Access Program by providing a current library card from their local participating library, or by providing verification of enrollment in a participating academic institution (i.e. student identification card, etc.) or by providing proof of residence within the service area of their local participating library (i.e. driver’s license, recent utility bill, etc.)

Patrons who have left the area with library materials and then moved back and want a new library card will be charged the cost of the lost or stolen material prior to being reinstated as a patron.  They will have limited checkout privileges.

The Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library staff and Board of Trustees reserve the right to refuse or limit checkouts to any patron not complying with or misusing the policies set by the library.

 

New Patrons

New patrons added to the system will be limited to 5 books and 2 DVDs at a time for the first 3 months of activity. If after this time they have shown responsible habits the limits will be taken off.

 

Custodian of Record and Confidentiality Policy

The library board has designated the library director as custodian of all library records.  All borrowers’ records shall remain confidential. Information for a borrower may be made public only with the borrowers’ permission.

 

Reviewed and revised 10/07, 10/10

Revised 06/14, 10/18, 04/22

 

 

 

FISHER-WHITING MEMORIAL LIBRARY

INTERLIBRARY LOAN POLICY

 

 

Due to the rising costs of postage, the library will charge patrons $2.00 per interlibrary loan.  If this causes financial hardship to the patron, the cost will be waived.  Patrons who do not pick up their interlibrary loan will still be liable for the cost of ordering it and will have to pay for it before another interlibrary loan will be allowed.

 

Patrons will be notified before materials are requested if the lending library charges to send materials. It is the patron’s responsibility to pay these fees if they choose to receive the items.

 

Once patrons are aware that they will be charged a small fee for interlibrary loans, requests for material that the library does not own will be promptly handled through interlibrary loan. Availability of the materials will be researched first through SILO, then through First Search.  

 

If there are repeated demands for certain items, the library will purchase the requested material.

 

Books loaned through us on interlibrary loan are checked out for 30 days and may be renewed, if requested, as long is there is not a reserve on the item.

 

 

Revised: 10/2007, 10/2018

Reviewed: 04/2003, 10/2010, 11/2014, 12/2016

 

 

Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library

Gift Policy

Materials in General

 

Gifts of library materials will be accepted and added to the collection only if they are needed and meet the criteria of the collection development policy.  Items not added to the collection will be sold at book sales.

 

Book Collections

 

Book collections will be accepted and added to the collection only if they are needed and meet the criteria of the collection development policy and with the understanding that the collection may not be kept intact.

 

Periodicals

 

Gift periodicals will be evaluated to determine their suitability for adding to the collection.

 

Monetary Gifts

 

The library welcomes gifts of cash for the direct purchase of library materials and will try to accommodate the subject or title preferences of the donor.  A book plate recognizing the donor will be affixed to the material if desired.  Substantial cash offerings, securities, land and bequests will be handled by the Library Board of Trustees who will work out terms of acceptance that are compatible with library policies, the donor’s intent and applicable laws.

 

Miscellaneous Gifts

 

Miscellaneous items, furnishings and equipment will be accepted as needed.

 

Plaques

 

It is the policy of this library to not allow plaques.  In lieu of plaques, recognition will be made with book plates and the library memorial book.

 

Evaluation

 

The library will, if requested, provide a written acknowledgment of the receipt of gifts, but in accordance with income tax regulations will leave the determination of a value of the donation to the donor.

 

Reviewed 11/2007, 02/2010, 11/2014, 10/18, 04/22

 

 

FISHER-WHITING MEMORIAL LIBRARY

 MEETING ROOM POLICY

 

 

The Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library has one meeting room available for public use.  Priority is given to library sponsored events. 

 

There is no charge to use the room, however donations are cheerfully accepted.

 

The organization/individual(s) using the meeting room are required to leave the meeting room as they found it. This could include, but is not limited to: cleaning tables, moving tables and chairs back to original locations, and vacuuming or spot cleaning floor.  If damage to the room occurs or the carpet requires heavy cleaning, the cost will be billed to the organization/individual(s) using the room.

 

Light refreshments may be served.  Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the library.

 

The fact that an organization is permitted to meet at the library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of that group’s policies or beliefs.  Groups may not use the Fisher-Whiting Memorial or Mapleton Public Library name in any way that implies library endorsement or sponsorship of the group’s activities.

 

Reviewed: 11/2007, 11/2011, 10/2018, 04/22

Revised: 11/2014

 

 

 

 

Waiver of Liability Agreement

In consideration of my using the Fisher Whiting Memorial Library VR equipment, I agree to the following:

·       I acknowledge I have read, have understood and will adhere to the terms of the Policy and Waiver of Library Agreement;

·       I (or my child/dependent/minor) am using the VR equipment voluntarily;

·       I assume all of the physical, psychological and financial risks associated with the use of the VR equipment;

·       I acknowledge the library has no control over the content and agree the library is not responsible for any inappropriate content viewed by myself or my dependent child/minor.

·       In the event that I require medical care or treatment, I agree to be financially responsible for any and all costs incurred as a result of such treatment;

·       In the event that any damage to equipment or facilities occurs as a result of my use of the Library’s VR equipment, I acknowledge and agree to be held liable for any and all costs of repair of such equipment and facilities.

·       I am voluntarily giving up substantial legal rights for myself and my assignees, executors, administrators, heirs and successors;

·       I hereby release, hold harmless and forever discharge from any liability the Fisher Whiting Memorial Library, the City/Township of Mapleton, Iowa as well as their respective trustees, agents and employees, for any and all claims, damages, causes of action, judgements (including costs and expenses), or liability arising directly or indirectly from damages, bodily injury, or death that I may sustain as a result of my use of the Library’s VR equipment;

·       If any provision within this Waiver shall be deemed to be severable or invalid, or if any term, condition, phrase or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be unlawful or otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect;

·       If a court should find that any provision of this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting said it would become valid and enforceable, then said provision shall be deemed to be written, construed and enforced as so limited.

 

________________________                                    ____________________________________________

Print name                                                      Signature

_________________________                      ____________________________________________

Date                                                                FWML Witness

 

 

 

If the VR equipment is to be used by a child/dependent/minor:

I state that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor _____________________________________,

Age ____, and that I have the legal right to consent to and, by signing below, I do hereby consent to all the terms and conditions of this Waiver of Liability Agreement.

 

 

________________________                                    ____________________________________________

Print name                                                      Signature

_________________________                      _____________________________________________

Date                                                                FWML Witness

 

 

Fisher Whiting Memorial Library Oculus Quest 2 Usage Policy

 

The Fisher Whiting Memorial Library maintains and furnishes an Oculus Quest 2 for use by patrons through the generous gifts given as Endowments.

Purpose

As part of the library’s physical and programming materials, we strive to offer access to new and emerging technologies to promote a learning environment, such as Virtual Reality. This policy establishes how and under what circumstances the public may use the library’s Oculus Quest 2.

Policy

·       Patrons must be at least 13 years of age to use the Oculus Quest 2.

·       Anyone under the age of 13 may be permitted use of the Oculus Quest 2 only under direct and constant supervision of parent/legal guardian.

·       All users must have a Waiver of Liability signed prior to their use of the Oculus Quest 2.

·       All minors under the age of 18 must have a Waiver of Liability signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to their use of the Oculus Quest 2.

·       The library’s Oculus Quest 2 is available for use with programs picked out and downloaded by library staff ONLY.

·       The Oculus Quest 2 is available in 30-minute sessions per person and may be used for no more than one hour per person.

·       Only 2 sessions per person are permitted per day.

·       Patrons may schedule their sessions in advance with a library staff member, one-hour limits will be enforced if another person/group is waiting.

·       Library staff will use their discretion if Oculus Quest 2 users must be monitored during use.

 

Procedure

The Oculus Quest 2 is available during library hours.

 

Approved May 3, 2021

Revised Mar. 7, 2022

 

 

Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library

OVERDUE MATERIALS / REVOCATION POLICY

 

 

NOTIFICATION

 

Patrons with overdue materials will be notified within a two week period following the due date. This will be done via phone or other method if patron cannot be reached by phone. All notifications will be done bi-weekly. During the second month the patron will receive letters showing overdue materials. During the third month the patron will receive a letter stating the cost of replacement for the materials and options for buying new materials. During the fourth month the patron will receive a cost replacement letter, notice of revocation of library privileges, and a copy of Iowa code 714.5 and 714.2. This letter will be sent four times.

 

 

CHECKOUT PRIVILEGES

 

The Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library reserves the right to deny or limit checkout privileges to any patron who has abused library privileges by not returning materials; consistently returning materials late; returning materials in a damaged condition.

 

 

 

FINES

 

The Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library does not charge fines on books, audio books, or magazines. Donations to the “conscience box” will be cheerfully accepted. However, a charge is applied to overdue DVD’s.

 

 

DAMAGED OR LOST MATERIALS

 

Full replacement costs will be charged for any lost or damaged library materials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed: 09/2000, 10/2003, 11/2010

Revised: 11/2006, 02/2015, 10/2018

 

 

Chapter 21

Library Board of Trustees

Available upon request