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Internet Use and Computer Use Policy

 New Holstein Public Library

Access:

The New Holstein Public Library provides access to the Internet by a direct connection to the BadgerNet network.   The New Holstein Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a global electronic network and there is no federal, state or local control of its users or content.   Users are cautioned that the accuracy, completeness and currency of information found on the Internet varies widely and therefore should use critical judgement in relying on the information found.  To assist users, the New Holstein Public Library has developed a web page at www.newholstein.lib.wi.us for useful sites from reputable sources.

Guidelines for responsible use:

All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet, e-mail, chat rooms and available software are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided, and to follow these rules:

 People may use the library computers for legal purposes only.  No unauthorized, illegal or unethical use of the Internet or library computers will be allowed.  Examples of unacceptable uses include but are not limited to the following: 

·         Display of materials that can be reasonably be construed as obscene. 

·         Harassment of other users or violation of their privacy.

·         Violation of copyright laws or software licensing agreements.

·         Attempting to crash, degrade performance or gain unauthorized access to the computers or the network.

·         Damaging equipment, software or data belonging to the library or other users.

The New Holstein Public Library partners with parents in guiding children to safe, appropriate use of the Internet.

Children under the age of 14 must have a parent/guardian present in the library in order to use the Internet. Parents are responsible for the Internet and computer use of their child.  Parents and guardians are directed to the “Child Safety on the Information Highway” at www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to help determine appropriate use for their child.

The library provides a page on the library web page at www.newholstein.lib.wi.us with links to selected sites deemed useful and appropriate to children. 

Individuals age 14 to 17 must have a parental permission slip on file before using the Internet. Parents and guardians are directed to the “Teen Safety on the Information Highway” at www.safekids.com/safeteens/safeteens.htm for guidance in directing their teen’s safe use of the Internet.

Conditions and Terms of use:

A.  Anyone using this equipment agrees not to make any changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware, and to be held responsible for any damage done to the software and/or hardware during their use.

B. Access to the hard drive (c drive) is not permitted on public computers.  Information may be saved to external storage devices. Floppies and cds may be purchased at the circulation desk.

C.  Printing:  Information retrieved from the Internet may be printed out at a cost of $0.10 (10 cents) per page or $0.50 (50 cents) per color page.  All pages printed must be paid for.  Failure to pay for printing expenses will forfeit the right to use the library computers.

D. The library use of public access computers takes precedence over individual use.

E.  Public access computers may be used for 1 hour per day with an additional hour of use if there is no one waiting to use a computer.   Computer users must sign in at the desk.

F.  Library staff is available for minimal assistance. The library also has Internet and computer how-to books and magazines, which may be used as instructional materials. Computer use workshops are offered by the library.

G. NOTE: All computer use ends 10 minutes before the library closes.

Wireless Internet Access

The New Holstein Public Library provides free wireless Internet access during regular library hours.

Limitations:  the signal strength may vary in the building and there is not printing capability.  No guarantee can be made that you will be able to make a wireless connection.  The laptop/notebook must have a wireless network interface card.

By choosing to use this free wireless service you agree to abide by the Internet Use and Computer Use Policy of the New Holstein Public Library.  This policy can be obtained at the circulation desk.

The New Holstein Public Library does not provide virus protection, encryption or other security for wireless access.  Patrons choosing to use the wireless access are advised to install anti-virus and firewall software on their personal computers.  Use of the wireless access is at your own risk and the New Holstein Public Library is not responsible for any damage that may occur to your computer while connected. 

Wireless access users must keep their equipment with them at all times. 

Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance. 

It is the responsibility of the computer user to understand this Internet Use and Computer Use Policy and his/her obligation to agree to abide by all laws, rules and regulation of the New Holstein Public Library, the State of Wisconsin and the federal government that are applicable to Internet use. 

Misuse or abuse of the computers, failure to comply with this Internet and Computer Use Policy, or failure to comply with library staff directions will result in suspension of Internet access privileges or further discipline measures as specified in the “General Public Conduct- Acceptable Behavior” library policy and may result in prosecution under local, state or federal laws.  Using the Internet and public access computers after reading these guidelines constitutes acceptance of the Internet Use and Computer Use Policy of the New Holstein Public Library.

Approved 5/13/02
Revised 11/14/06
Revised 8/10/09

Board of Trustees New Holstein Public Library

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Circulation Policy

Purpose:

A core service of the New Holstein Public Library is to bring the people together with the information they need by loaning materials to individuals in the community.  The library does this by maintaining a database of registered patrons and giving patrons in good standing access to the collections of the New Holstein Public Library.  By providing borrowing privileges the library promotes use of materials, ensures the rights of borrowers, and protect the interests of the taxpayers.

New Holstein Public Library is a member of the LARS Consortia and residents having valid library cards have access to the facilities, collections and services of the 5 LARS member libraries. (Manitowoc Public Library, Kiel Public Library, Lester Public Library of Two Rivers, Chilton Public Library and Brillion Public Library)

All users of the New Holstein Public Library have equitable access to the services and materials of this library regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion or disability.

Service to the patrons of the New Holstein Public Library is the most important duty of this library.

Policy:

All residents of the state of Wisconsin are eligible for a library card.

All library circulation records are confidential under Wisconsin Statute 43.30.

An individual with a valid library card from a LARS member library may check out materials at New Holstein using that card.

Library staff will require those applying for library cards to present identification, preferably a state identification card or a driver’s license.  Refusal to present identification will result in the library not issuing a library card. 

Patrons applying for library cards will sign a responsibility statement that reads:

I agree to comply with the rules and policies of the New Holstein Public Library.  I accept responsibility for all materials borrowed with this card and all fines accrued.

The library will require that a parent or guardian must sign the application form for their minor child.  The parent will provide identification that is required on the minor child’s registration.  Each family shall have the right and responsibility of setting standards for their own children; standards applied to their child shall not be imposed on anyone else’s child.  The New Holstein Public Library will not assert the rights of a minor child over the rights of that child’s parents.  The library will comply with a parent or guardian’s request restricting their minor child’s access to specific collections.  Borrowing restrictions shall remain in effect until the library is notified by the parent or guardian, or by the child upon reaching the age of eighteen.

Parents or guardians are responsible for the materials borrowed by their minor child, including payment of any fees or charges incurred by their children.

Registered library users are responsible for informing the library of any name, address or status changes.

Cards not used for more than 3 years will be purged from the LARS database.  Patrons will be asked to update the name and address information in the database each year.

Only one card will be issued to each individual.

City of New Holstein community organizations and local businesses may be issued a library card to borrow materials for organizational purposes.  Teachers may be issued a library card with an extended loan period for classroom materials.  The organization, teacher, etc. assume full financial responsibility for all materials borrowed on the card.

Any New Holstein city resident who finds it difficult or impossible to visit the library in person is eligible for Homebound Delivery Service.

Limitations:

Any borrower with late materials, fines or fees in excess of $5.00 may not check out any materials until the matter is resolved.

Reference materials are non-circulating.

The Library upholds the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of all library materials and resources.  It is the policy of the library that responsibility for the use of library materials by children rests with their parents and/or legal guardians.  If no restrictions are set by the parent/guardian then no borrowing restrictions are placed on the child.  Although a parent or guardian is ultimately responsible for any and all use made of the library by a minor child, the library will assist a parent or guardian in imposing restrictions on his or her child’s use of the library.  The parent or guardian remains responsible for monitoring the items checked out from the library by a minor child and the use of resources by the child in the library.

Any use of a borrower’s card by anyone else, whether authorized or not, remains the responsibility of the person to whom the card was issued.  If a borrower’s card is lost, that fact needs to be reported to the library staff.

Checkout and Return

New Holstein Public Library materials can be returned to any public library in the LARS Consortia. 

Materials may be returned to the drop box located on the side driveway of the library.

Requests for materials may be accepted from registered patrons.  Requests may be made in person, by phone or over the Internet.  Callers must be prepared to provide library card barcode numbers to request holds. 

Items on hold will be held at the circulation desk for 1 week after phone or e-mail notification, after which the item will be returned to the owning library.

Patrons may request that their name be moved lower on the holds list if they choose.

Holds will only be given out to the patron requesting the item or to persons authorized by that individual to pick up their materials.

Patrons may select or request LARS pick-up locations other that New Holstein when placing holds.  Once the item has been received for the hold, it cannot be forwarded to another library.  Items unavailable in LARS are processed through the state interlibrary-loan system and requests from New Holstein must be picked up at New Holstein. The lending institutions determine the loan period and renewal rules for interlibrary loan materials.

Videocassettes, DVD’s and CD-Rom materials circulate for 7 days.  The overdue fine starts on the day after these items are due and the charge is $1.00 per day.  

All other materials circulate for 21 days. A few special items have their own circulation period.   The renewal period is the same length as the initial loan period.    Materials may be renewed only once.  Renewals are not permitted on items on reserve for another patron.   Renewals can be done in person, over the Internet, or by telephone.

Materials are considered overdue If not received by the date due.  Materials returned in the book drop when the library is not open are considered to have been returned on the last day the library was open.

Overdue Fines:

Children’s materials - $0.02 per item per day overdue.

Adult materials - $0.10 per item per day overdue.

Videotapes, DVD’s and cd-roms - $1.00 per item per day overdue.

An overdue notice will be printed and sent when materials are 10 days overdue.  The overdue notice for short-loan items is sent after the item is 2 days overdue.

A final notice is sent after 21 days for regular materials and after 14 days for short-loan materials.

A letter from the library director is sent to individuals when materials are 45 days overdue.    This letter includes information on replacement value.

Overdue items that progress past this point are turned over to the City of New Holstein attorney’s office.  The library staff sends a letter from the attorney.  10 days after the date of the attorney letter, the City of New Holstein Police Department will enforce New Holstein Ordinance 7.04 (3), which makes it a misdemeanor to fail to return library materials, and a citation may be issued.  Patrons will be charged replacement value for damaged or lost items. 

At any time a patron may pay for materials that he believes are irretrievably lost.  The patron will be issued a receipt for the payment.  If a lost material is subsequently found and returned within one year a refund will be made provided the patron presents the receipt.  Any charges for processing replacement materials will not be refunded.

The library charges for photocopies/FAX used to fill requests.

Materials loaned to New Holstein patrons from other libraries may require borrowers to be held responsible for all special assessments placed by the lending institution.

Cards that are lost or damaged will be replaced at a charge of $1.00.

Patrons may request e-mail notification for holds and overdue notices.

Confidentiality of Library Records:

WARNING: Although the New Holstein Public Library makes every effort to protect your privacy, under federal USA PATRIOT ACT ( Public Law 107-56), records of the books and other materials you borrow from this library may be obtained by federal agents.  That federal law prohibits library workers from informing you if federal agents have obtained records about you.  Questions about this policy should be directed to Attorney General John Ashcroft, Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. 20530.

(A)  As described in Wisconsin Statute 40.30 Public library records (1), all circulation and other records which identify the names of library users, especially as they connect library users with materials or services used, are confidential. It is the policy of this library that such records shall not be made available to any agency of federal, state, or local government, or to any individual, except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power.

(B)  Furthermore, it is the policy of the library to 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.

(C)  Information concerning overdue materials or materials placed on hold may only be given out to persons authorized by the individual cardholder who provides the barcode number from the card in question. 

Unlawful retention, mutilation or theft of library materials:

City of New Holstein Ordinance 7.04 (3)

a)     Unlawful retention of library materials.  No person shall fail, following demand sent by regular mail, to return or make full restitution for any overdue book , periodical, pamphlet, picture or any other article or property belonging to or in charge of the New Holstein Public Library and no person shall remove from the New Holstein Public Library any book, periodical, pamphlet, picture or other article or property belonging to or in charge of the New Holstein Public Library without first having checked out such article pursuant to the rules and regulations of the library.

b)     Mutilation of library materials, No person shall mar, deface, or in any other way damage any book , periodical, pamphlet, picture, or other article or property belonging to or in the charge of the New Holstein Public Library, or permit the same to be done without reimbursing the library for such damage following demand sent by regular mail.

c)      Theft of library Materials.  Section 943.60 of the Wisconsin Statutes, relating to theft of library materials, is hereby adopted by reference with the exception of the penalty previsions of said section.

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General Public Conduct – Acceptable Behavior

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees that patrons of the New Holstein Public Library have the right to use library materials and services without being unduly disturbed or impeded by other library users, and that patrons and staff have the right to a secure and congenial environment.

Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 43.52 (2) states: “Every public library shall be free for the use of the inhabitants of the municipality by which it is established and maintained, subject to such reasonable regulations as the library board prescribes in order to render its use most beneficial to the greatest number.  The library board may exclude from the use of the public library all persons who willfully violate such regulations.”

It is the charge of the library staff to see that the rights of individuals to use the library are upheld. The staff is obligated to enforce these guidelines so that the library can be used to the fullest by all persons.

Acceptable Behavior

• Patrons should be engaged in normal activities associated with the use of the public library while in the building

• Noise level in the building is to be kept at a minimum.

• Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children and children are expected to comply with the appropriate conduct rules.

• Personal phone calls on the library telephone should be kept to a minimum and under 3 minutes.  Persons with cell phones are asked to turn the sound off inside the library and use cell phones in the library entrances. 

• Shoes and shirts are required at all times.  Appropriate dress for a public building is required.

Computers

• Drinks are not allowed at the computer stations.

• Patrons shall not send, receive, or display on computer screens any text or graphics which may reasonably be construed to be obscene and must comply with the library's Internet Use Policy. 

Inappropriate Behavior

• Consumption of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs in the library or on the property is not permitted.   Food and drink is allowed in the Arps Room only.

• Food is not allowed in the library. Drinks must be in closed or covered contatiners. Food and drink is allowed in the Arps Room.

• No pets or animals of any kind are allowed in the library.  The exception is assistive animals and animals used in library programming.

• Patrons shall refrain from using language or gestures that a reasonable person would find inappropriate for use in a public library.

• Selling products or services, or soliciting donations, is not permitted in the library, except as part of a library-sponsored program.

• Taking surveys, circulating petitions, distributing leaflets, and other similar activities are not permitted in the library, except as part of a library-sponsored program.

• Patrons whose extremely poor personal hygiene interferes with other people's use of the library will be asked to leave.

• Patron behavior that is overly boisterous is not allowed. The library table and chairs are to be used in the manner that they are intended.

• Patrons shall not harass other patrons or library staff members. 

• Any other behavior disturbing to library patrons or staff, endangering other persons, or damaging the library or its furniture or equipment is not allowed. Any behavior considered unacceptable in a public place is not allowed.

• Theft, vandalism, and mutilation of library property are criminal offenses and will be prosecuted.  The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks and other such items when the staff has reason to believe this rule has been violated.  The library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.

Consequences

• Unacceptable behavior on the part of the public will result in loss of library privileges.  Staff members observing violations of these policies shall take appropriate action.  Actions by the staff include a verbal warning, asking the patron to leave an area of the library or the library building, suspending the patron from a specific library service or from the library building.  Suspensions range from one week to 6 months.  At their discretion, staff members shall also fill out an Incident Report of the unacceptable behavior.  When deemed appropriate by the library director, reports shall be forwarded to the New Holstein Police Department or other appropriate agency.

• The person whose library privileges are suspended shall be advised in writing of the suspension and the reason(s) for such action.  The suspension may be appealed at the next regularly scheduled Library Board meeting.

• The violation of federal, state or local laws and ordinances will not be permitted on library property and will be reported to the New Holstein Police Department immediately. Any behavior that endangers patrons or staff, is physically intimidating, assaultive behavior, or threats of violence, will result in immediate and permanent expulsion from the library. The incident will be reported by the staff to the Library Director, to the Library Board, and to the New Holstein Police Department.

Approved: Board of Trustees New Holstein Public Library Date 03/10/2008

New Holstein Public Library

(Sample) Incident Report Form

Report any incident which you have witnessed or has been reported to you.  This includes but is not limited to issues of acceptable behavior, accidents, injury or any patron problems including repetitive or potential problems you feel should be documented.  All reports should be filled out promptly and placed on the director’s desk.

IMPORTANT:  If the situation merits it, act immediately by calling the police, fire department or appropriate agency.

Date: _________________Time:_____________Staff member:_____________

Name of patron: _________________________________

Address/library card number:________________________________________

Telephone number:__________________________

Description of Incident:______________________________________________

 ______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Action taken by staff member:________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Witnesses: other than staff member, include address and telephone number when possible:________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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Unattended Children

The New Holstein Public Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services.  Library staff cannot accept responsibility for the safety, care or supervision of children.  Children under the age of six must be closely accompanied at all times by an older responsible person.  The child’s parents will be contacted if the child is left unattended.  Minors left unattended or left after library hours will be remanded to the care of the New Holstein Police Department.

Collection Development Policy

10/14/02

New Holstein Public Library

1, Mission Statement

The New Holstein Public Library contributes to a strong community by providing a welcoming place, free and open, where all individuals are offered the opportunity, aided by a knowledgeable staff, to acquire knowledge or satisfy their information and recreation needs through access to a varied materials collection, or through connections to information resources beyond New Holstein.

The mission statement of the New Holstein Public Library, adopted in January 2002, is the main guiding force in the development of the library’s collection.  The New Holstein Public Library provides access to a broad collection of materials in a variety of formats to provide the community with access to reliable and easily available sources of recreation, information and reference.   The library will acquire materials reflecting a diversity of points of view on topics of interest to the public.

The New Holstein Public Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, as adopted by the American Library Association.

The New Holstein Public Library is part of a shared automation system (LARS) with the 6 members of the Manitowoc Calumet Library System.  A benefit of the library’s participation in a shared automation system is the great increase in available materials. 

The New Holstein Public Library participates in the Wisconsin Interlibrary Loan system.   Materials not held in the shared automation system can be obtained through the ILL system.  Interlibrary loan and the shared automation system do not relieve the library of any responsibility for developing its own collection.

2. Responsibilities for Collection Development

The ultimate responsibility for collection development rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of policies developed by the Library Board.   This responsibility is shared with the library staff.  Recommendations from patrons and the community are encouraged and seriously considered in the selection process.

3.  Selection criteria:

Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.

General criteria used in the selection process:

• Reviews in professional journals and popular periodicals.
• Recommendations from professional organizations.
• The experience and knowledge of the staff and consideration of the community and its needs.
• The library’s existing collection.
• Materials budget.
• Physical limitations of the library building.
• Availability of materials from the shared automation system.
• Suitability of the physical format and construction.
• Recognition by prizes, awards, etc.
• Accessible formats for patrons with special needs.
• Availability.
• Level for intended audience.
• Authority of author and/or publisher.
• Relevance to community needs.

The lack of a review or an unfavorable review is not sufficient reason to reject a material for which there is demand.

Due to the restraints on the materials budget the library is not able to purchase most reference materials.  Reference questions that fall beyond the scope of the collection are referred to the Manitowoc Public Library.

4. Weeding of library materials:

The library collection is kept attractive and current by a continual program of repairing, discarding and replacing materials. 

Selection of materials for weeding is based on the following criteria:

1. Materials worn out through use.
2. Ephemeral  materials which are no longer timely.
3.  Materials no longer considered accurate or factual.
4. Materials that have had little recent use.
5. Excess copies of a title no longer in demand.

Disposal of materials weeded from the collection:

Materials determined by the library staff to have resale value are kept for the library book sale where they are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.  The library will not accept requests to hold weeded materials for individuals.

Materials unsuitable for resale are discarded.

5. Gifts

Gifts to the New Holstein Public Library extend and enrich the collection.  Materials given as gifts to the library are subject to the same collection development criteria as purchased materials.  Staff will determine if the gift is acceptable under the Collection Development Policy.  If the gift does not meet these criteria, the library reserves the right to dispose of the gift as it sees fit.  

No special conditions can be placed on gift materials. 

The library reserves the right to dispose of any gift without notification of the donor, if the staff judges the item no longer serves the purposes of the library.

Library bookplates will be placed in gift materials, format permitting.  

Approved October 13, 2003

Board of Trustees

Bulletin Board / Display Items / Posters / Flyers / Etc.

Any material for display at the library that is not produced for or produced by the staff of the New Holstein Public Library will be covered under this policy.

1. All display materials are turned in to the circulation desk.

2. Library staff will date the materials with the current date.

3. The library staff will post the material(s) in the library proper, in display bins or on the bulletin board for one month from that date.

4. After the one month display, materials will be removed and recycled or disposed of.

5. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the materials being removed and disposed of immediately.

Organizations that use the Arps Meeting Room of the library may display information in display areas for extended lengths of time at the discretion of the library director. 

Materials deemed of reference or community value, such as city and not-for-profit community activities may be kept for longer than one month.

Adopted 12/13/2004

Board of Trustees