Library Policies


Circulation Policy	Computer And Internet Access Guidelines
Computer and Internet Access Policy	Internet Access Policy
Meeting Room Policy	Gifts and Donations

Circulation Policy:

Loan Period:

21 Days - Books, Magazines, Audiocassettes, Books on Tape, Compact Discs, Cassette/Book Kits, Audiocassette Kits, Videocassette Kits, Games/Toys

7 Days - Videocassettes, DVDs, 16 MM Films, CD ROMs, Slide Sets, New Books

All Library materials may be renewed one time except for 16 MM Films,
CD ROMs, and Slide Sets.

Overdue Fines:

Fines are $1.00 per day per videocassette and CD ROM, and 5¢ per day for all other Library materials. Overdue notices are sent when items are 21 days overdue. A bill for the replacement cost of non-returned items is sent at 35 days overdue.

Lost Library Card Fee:

A lost library card should be reported immediately. A fee of $1.00 is charged to replace a lost card.

Computer And Internet Access Guidelines:

To use a computer for Internet access all patrons must present a valid library card to the librarian on duty at the Reference Desk in Adult Services or at the Children’s Librarian’s desk in the Children’s Room and sign-in. First time users will receive a packet of Internet Access Information. All users and parents/guardians of users under 18 years of age must also sign the Internet Policy Agreement in the presence of Library personnel before using the computers.

Computer use for Internet access is on a first come, first served basis, in one-half hour slots with a maximum of one hour per day unless no one is scheduled. Reservations for computer time must be made in person at the Reference and Children’s Room desks, for a 24 hour period only, with no telephone reservations being accepted. Arriving 10 or more minutes late will cause you to forfeit your entire reserved time. A parent, or responsible adult, is required to assist children 7 years and younger when using the computer or the Internet. Otherwise, only one person at a time is permitted at a computer.

Patrons may use their own data disks, and not their own software application disks, on the Library computer reserved for word processing only. Under no circumstances may patrons use their own personal software on the Library PAC (public access catalog) computers. Installing software, or altering or attaching equipment to any of the Library’s PAC computer hardware is prohibited and doing so will result in the loss of Library computer use privileges.

Software downloaded from the Internet may contain computer viruses. Every user is responsible for maintaining virus-checking software on his/her home computer. The Clyde Public Library is not responsible for damage to any user’s disk or computer, or any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the Library’s computers. Users are not to use their own diskettes for downloading information. Diskettes are available for $.50 and copies are $.10 per page, inquire at the Reference desk and the Children’s Room desk.

If patrons experience any problems with the computer or programs, the Library staff should be notified immediately.

Patrons may send and receive e-mail (electronic mail) and initiate purchases using the Library’s Internet access computers.

Library staff will help in logging on and off of the Internet only. It is the patron’s responsibility to educate him/herself about computer functions, the Internet, and specific program usage.

The Library’s computers are to be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only; not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes. Library personnel have the authority to request a patron to exit from an Internet site if it is deemed in violation of this policy. Violators will lose computer use privileges and possibly Library privileges as well.

Patrons are prohibited from using the Library’s Internet access computers to access "chat rooms" for inappropriate purposes.

You may not send, receive or display text or graphics that may be construed as obscene or are sexually explicit or sexually suggestive. Other examples which violate this standard for ethical and legal use of the Library’s computers include but are not limited to the following:

	Violation of computer system security
	Violations of guidelines of the networks traversed
	Use of computer communications facilities in a way that unnecessarily impedes the computing activities of others
	Violation of software license agreements
	Violations of network policies and regulations
	Violation of another user’s privacy
	Engaging in illegal communication activities
	Misrepresenting yourself as another user
	Using your own diskette in the Library computer
	Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material
	Harassment, libeling, or slandering other users

Users who damage or destroy the Library’s equipment, software, or data will be held liable by the Library for the costs incurred in replacing the equipment, software and data and restoring the system to its former configuration.

Computer and Internet Access Policy:

Introduction:

The Clyde Public Library strives to provide resources in a variety of formats and serices to fulfill the individual informational needs for daily libing and pleasure, and for the cultural, educational, and leisurely pursuits of the Clyde community and surrounding area. Toward this goal, the Clyde Public Library offers access to the electronic resources of the Internet via the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) and to electronic resources via CLEVNET.

Disclaimer:

It is understood by users of OPLIN and the Internet that most of the information available is not generated by the Clyde Public Library or OPLIN. The Library, through OPLIN, provides access to reference databases of general and special periodical materials, readers’ advisory services, and homework centers to assist students with research assignments, and legislative, historical, and archival materials and information.

Information available through OPLIN and the Internet is not warranted by the Clyde Public Library or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of networked information via the Clyde Public Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. The Clyde Public Library and OPLIN are not responsible for the content of networked information available. The use of OPLIN and the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited.

All users of this service agree to hold the Clyde Public Library harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to the use of OPLIN and the Internet, caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall the Clyde Public Library or OPLIN have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Clyde Public Library or OPLIN is advised of the possibility of such damages.

Adopted by the Clyde Public Library Board of Trustees on April 14, 1997.

Internet Access Policy:

The Internet is a worldwide computer network which provides easy access to a massive amount of information. By providing Internet access, the Library is able to expand its information services beyond traditional collections and electronic resources.

These electronic resources are available through the Library as a member of CLEVNET and the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN). The Clyde Public Library subscribes to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, including its Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks.

The Internet is a rapidly changing environment and not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, or current information, and some may be offensive. The Clyde Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed over the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable, and suitable to their needs.

All Internet and OPLIN resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all Library users. As with all Library materials only parents or guardians may restrict their children from access to Internet resources accessible through the Library. Library staff cannot control the databases that children may select on the Internet and therefore parents are strongly encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet use. Parents and children are also encouraged to read and discuss Child Safety on the Information Highway, jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association. This publication is available at the Clyde Public Library.

Adopted by the Clyde Public Library Board of Trustees on April 14, 1997.

Meeting Room Policy:

The Clyde Public Library Board of Trustees strives to make the Library’s meeting room available to the community free of charge whenever possible. The Board has established the following rules for the use
of the meeting room:

	Any organization willing to abide by the Library’s rules may book the meeting room on a first come first served basis.
	All meetings must be open to the public.
	For free use of the meeting room, no collection may be taken or admission charged. If fees are collected, the person or organization will pay the Library a fee of $30.00 in advance for the use of the meeting room, except for when the room is used for tutoring students. In this case no fee will be charged.
	Persons or organizations using the meeting room are responsible for setting up and taking down tables and chairs.
	Individuals may not use the Library's audiovisual equipment for entertainment purposes.
	No posters, advertisements, decorations, etc., may be pinned or taped to the meeting room walls, ceiling, doors, or posts.
	The meeting room must be left neat. If the kitchen area is used, it must be cleaned.
	If a meeting in the room lasts beyond the Library’s normal closing time, necessitating extra-time pay for a staff member to stay and secure the building, a fee of $15.00 will be charged up to one hour past closing time. The Library Director must know one week in advance of a scheduled meeting if a staff member is required for extra time.
	No smoking, or use of alcohol or drugs is permitted.
	The Library’s own meetings, both for staff and the public, will be given priority in reserving the meeting room.
	The Clyde Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to limit the use of the meeting room according to the discretion of the Library Director.

Adopted by the Clyde Public Library Board of Trustees on July 12, 1993.

Revised by the Clyde Public Library Board of Trustees on August 9, 1999, March 12, 2001, July 9, 2001, November 22, 2002.

Gifts and Donations:

Gifts to the Library

The Library welcomes honor or memorial book requests from the community. Patrons must supply the name of the person to be honored or memorialized, provide family notification information, and give their own name and address. Payment may be made at the time of the request or the patron may be billed. A book of lasting value will be purchased, a bookplate inserted in the book, and the family notified about the honor or memorial book request.

Donations

The Clyde Public Library accepts donations of items to the collections on an "as needed" basis and reserves the right to sell or otherwise dispose of donated materials not used. The following guidelines apply:

The Library will accept items in good condition only.

Magazines and Reader's Digest Condensed Books are generally not accepted.

Donated items are inspected and will not be accepted if they are mildewed, worn, or have sustained smoke or water damage.

Patrons wishing to receive written acknowledgement of their donation should supply their name, address and the number of books. Library staff will not appraise or indicate a value for the donation.