INTERNET POLICY

The Graves County Public Library provides resources to meet the informational, recreational and educational needs of our customers, which includes access to the Internet, under the guidance of the Director and the Library Board of Trustees. 

The Internet is not a regulated or secure source.  The library is not responsible for the material posted on the Internet.  Information found on the Internet may not be current or reliable, it may be inaccurate, biased, and unavailable at times.  Library patrons use the Internet at their own discretion.

Internet users should be advised that security is technically difficult to achieve, and we caution you to take care with all electronic transactions.  Your files and  personal information might become public, stolen, or abused by disreputable companies or persons operating on the Internet.  For your own safety, the Graves County Public Library recommends that you do not give out personal information or credit card numbers while you are using public access computers. 

Materials on the Internet may be unsuitable for viewing by children.  Parents are responsible for monitoring and supervising their children's use of the Internet.  The Library complies  with the Children's Internet Protection Act by providing filters on the Internet.  Filters provide some protection for children, but they are not entirely safe.  Any adult requesting filters be turned off, may request it of the library staff.

Every person must agree to abide by the Library's Internet Policy and  Internet Use Agreement and Rules (below).  Violations of the Internet Use Agreement and Rules or Internet Policy may result in loss of computer privileges, and may be prosecuted. 

Please take Cell phone calls in the front lobby to avoid annoying nearby library users.

INTERNET USE AGREEMENT AND RULES

    The Graves County Public Library is committed to provide responsible access to the Internet services to all patrons by creating the following rules: 

• Patrons must read and agree to abide by the Library's Internet Policy and the Rules & Regulations before using the Internet computers.  Parents are responsible for materials accessed by their children, not the library.  No one under the age of 12 will be allowed to use the Internet computers unless a parent or guardian is present.

• Internet/computer users must have a current library card and be in good standing (i.e. hold no long overdues, owe no outstanding fines, and show exemplary conduct while in the library).  Computer use is a privilege and carries responsibilities on the part of the user.  Any violation of the Policy or Rules & Regulations will forfeit computer use, as well as sitting with friends while they are at the computer.

• Internet use is limited to 2 hours per day per patron by automated time-keeping software.  All patrons will check out a computer for a 2-hour block of time.  Exceptions include doing homework or educational research, as approved by library staff. 

• If you use someone else's library card to extend your 2 hours on the computer, you will be banned for one month, and that time will be doubled with each violation.   Reservations to use the computer may be made in person or by phone in advance.

• Materials may be printed out for 15 cents per page.  You must pay for all the pages you print out in advance.  Ask for help before you print.  U.S. Copyright Laws prohibit unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use."  The responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.

• Library staff  will assist you with beginning searching suggestions, and will provide limited training due to time restraints.  The library provides free Internet classes at designated times, with a $10 beginning committal deposit which will be refunded to you at the end of the class term.  The Library offers online software training at all times through the "Helpful Links and Tutorials" on our library's home page.

• There will be no more than two (2) people at a computer at a time.  Any disruption of the library or the network may result in loss of Internet privileges.

• Do not download to the computers' hard drive.  Patrons may purchase high-density disks from the library staff for 50 cents.  These disks may be housed at the library for up to 3 weeks.  All non-commercial disks and thumb drives you bring into the library must be scanned for viruses before using them in library computers. 

• All computers will shut down 20 minutes before closing time.  A clock on the computer shows how much time you have for printing, saving, etc., to avoid losing all files or work.

• If for any reason Library staff request that you cease a function on the computer, please do so.  Failure to comply will result in loss of privileges.  The library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time.

• Site blocking or filtering software will be installed on the computer system to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).  If an adult requests a site be opened that is blocked, staff will unblock the site for you.  You understand that information you display is still covered by the anti-pornography clauses of KRS 531.010(1)(c)(4) and KRS 531.030(1)(b).  Violators will lose computer privileges, and may be subject to prosecution.

• Any damage or misuse of the computers, the Internet,  the network equipment, wiring, or software programs will result in loss of computer access.  Computers may not be used to send out unsolicited advertising, nor used to harass, libel or slander others.  Law may prosecute any user distributing harmful computer viruses or other harmful programs, messages, or emails.

• In accordance with the Library's mission, no user shall display obscene materials either privately or publicly to a minor or an adult on the library's computers, nor send or receive it through emails, chats, or other transactions.  KRS 531.020(2)(c)(4) prohibits the public display of obscene materials.  Violations may be punishable by law and will result in loss of computer privileges.  You may appeal your case before the Library Board at a time scheduled by the Director.

• The Graves County Public Library is not responsible in any way for any loss or damage you may suffer as a result of using the public computers.  This includes interruptions to or loss of work due to electrical malfunctions.

• Limits and Reservations:

  The Library uses automated time-keeping software to track the use of its public computers. A valid Graves County Public Library card is required to access this system. A temporary card number may be generated for patrons who are not eligible for a Graves County Public Library card.

These Rules & Regulations govern all library users and you must agree to abide by them and the Internet Policy before using the library's computers.  Violators will forfeit all computer use privileges.

MEETING ROOM POLICY

    The meeting room of the library is intended primarily for library-sponsored functions, and will take precedence over all other pre-scheduled programs.  The meeting room is provided free of charge, to individuals and groups for civic, educational, and philanthropic purposes. The meeting room is available to any group.   Attendance at meetings may not be restricted based on age, race, sex, religion, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status.  Approval to use the meeting room does not constitute an endorsement by the Library Board of the group's or individual's policies or beliefs.

   Library equipment and services must be requested at the time the meeting room is reserved.  A spokesman for the group is responsible for filling out an application for the meeting room, and agreeing to the Guidelines for Public Use.  Lost or damaged Library equipment must be replaced; the person making the application for the room is held responsible. 

Guidelines for Public Use

1]  Library functions have priority use of the Meeting Room.  Meetings must be open to the public and the media.  Fees may not be charged.

2]  All tables, chairs, and furniture must be restored to its original positions after every meeting. No staff are responsible for the placement of tables, chairs, or other furniture in the meeting room.

3]  No group may use the meeting room more often than once a month, nor schedule the room on a monthly basis.

4]  Neither the name nor the address of the library may be used as the official address or headquarters of an organization.

5]  Children's groups, or any group consisting mainly of persons under the age of 18 may use the room, provided they are supervised by adults who accept the responsibility for their behavior. Individuals booking the room must be 18 years of age.

6]  Kitchen supplies must be provided by the user, and the facilities left clean. The chairs and tables must be wiped clean, garbage taken off, and the lights turned out, etc. If the carpets or furnishings are soiled or damaged during the use of the meeting room, they must be professionally cleaned at the expense of the organization or responsible person.  Violations may result in fines and/or cleaning costs not to exceed the cost of the restorations.

7]  Parking space for any meeting must allow for normal library parking needs.  The library makes no promise for adequate parking space for meetings.

8]  No conduct disturbing regular library use or infringing on any library rules is permitted.  The individual who signs the meeting room request is responsible for the supervision of the group.  

9]  Abuse of the meeting room or failure to adhere to Library policies may result in loss of meeting room privileges. No alcoholic beverages or drugs are permitted on the library's premises.  No smoking inside the library facility. Violations could result in permanent loss of meeting room use.

10] Groups must notify the Library of a cancellation of the library meeting room at the earliest possible date.

11]  In consideration of the use of the meeting room, each organization and responsible person agrees that:   (A)  It will pay for all damage to any property of the Graves County Public Library resulting directly or indirectly from the conduct of any member, officer, employee or agent of the organization or its guests.  (B)  It will hold blameless the Graves County Public Library from and against any and all liability which may be imposed upon them for any injury to persons or property caused by the organization or any person in connection with a meeting. 

12]  The following uses of Library meeting rooms are not permitted:

    A.  No admission fees or collections will be allowed for any event scheduled in meeting rooms, except library functions.  Pass-through costs for educational materials may be collected.  Library sponsored events for the purpose of raising funds for the Library are allowed.

    B.  Social functions or recitals unless sponsored by the Library.

    C.  Activities likely to disrupt regular Library operations.

    D.  The promotion of illegal activities.  Meetings and individuals must conform to local laws or ordinances.

Review or Appeal Process

Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the Library Director or his/her designee.  Individuals or groups who are denied the use of a meeting room may appeal to the Director.  Such appeal shall be filed in writing with the Director within 10 days of rejection of the application.  The appeal will be presented to the Board of Trustees who shall be the final authority in granting or refusing permission for the use of the room.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT POLICY

    The Graves County Public Library adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that assures equal access to employment opportunities and access to all library facilities, activities, and programs.  Every attempt will be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities and the library welcomes input from persons with disabilities about the ways the library can more completely serve them.  Questions about ADA compliance and complaints or suggestions about accessibility of library facilities, activities, and programs should be addressed to the library director.

GIFTS AND APPRAISAL POLICY   

    The Graves County Public Library welcomes gifts of new and used books, audio recordings, videos, DVD's and similar materials.  Items will be added to the collection in accordance with the selection policy of the library. The library may refuse donations if they do not meet the selection policy guidelines.  Once donated, items become the property of the Graves County Public Library, and may be given to other libraries and other non-profit agencies, sold, traded, or discarded if they are not added to the collection.   Donated items will not be returned to the donor and the library will not accept any item that is not an outright gift.  The library will acknowledge receipt of donated items but is unable to set fair market or appraisal values.  It is recommended that the donor make a list of items donated.  If items are being donated to obtain a tax benefit, it is the donor's responsibility to establish fair market value or obtain expert assistance in establishing any value.  The library also reserves the right to decide when a gift added to the collection must be withdrawn.

    Monetary gifts, bequests, and memorial or honorary contributions are welcome.  Funds donated will be used to purchase items in accordance with the selection policy of the library.  Books, videos, plants, furniture, and other materials purchased with bequests and memorial or honorary contributions will be acknowledged in writing to the family of the person being recognized, and to the donor.  Suggestions for subject areas or other areas of interest are welcome and will be followed to the extent possible.

    Acceptance of donations of equipment, real estate, stock, artifacts, works of art, collections, living trees, shrubs, etc., will be determined by the library board based on their suitability to the purposes and needs of the library, law and regulations that govern the ownership of the gift, and the library's ability to cover insurance and maintenance costs associated with the donation.

RULES OF CONDUCT POLICY

    The Graves County Public Library has adopted this policy stating the right to maintain its facility in a clean, pleasant, and safe manner.  Every individual has the right to use the library undisturbed and every library employee has the right to work without undue interference.  All library users and employees should be free of any threat of harm, invasions of property, or gross indignity.  To guarantee these rights for all persons, the following rules of conduct apply to behavior on the premises of Library property.

     No person shall:  engage in any conduct, which disturbs or interferes with patrons or employees of the Library, including but not restricted to the following:

No person shall:

1.   Annoy, harass, threaten or cajole another person (physical, sexual, or verbal abuse of other library users or of library staff)

2.   Behave in a disorderly, loud, or boisterous manner.  Talking shall be limited to quiet tones and low voices.

3.   Allow children to run wild or unsupervised, disturbing others in the library

4.   Behave in lewd (coarse or vulgar) public affection, including petting, kissing or necking

5.   Interfere with free passage--not blocking access in or out of the building. 

6.   Drink alcoholic beverages or abuse drugs on library grounds or be in a state of intoxication in any manner that causes public disturbance

7.   Deface or destroy library property, including restrooms, foyer, or parking lots

8.   Display or attempt to use any firearm, knife, or other weapon

9.   Hack into computers, tamper with electronic equipment, systems, or websites, or set off any alarms

10.  Display or view nude pictures, pornographic, or violently graphic, or hate-based materials

11.  Eat, drink, smoke (except in designated areas), sell or use drugs in the library or on its grounds

12.  Loiter or sleep in the library or on its grounds

13.  Remain in the library after its regular closing hours

14.  Solicit funds, beg, or panhandle in the library or on its grounds

15.  Interfere with patrons’ use of the library through poor personal hygiene or offensive body odor

16.  Bring animals into the library, except as required by persons with disabilities

17.  Shirts and shoes are required at all times while using the library.

18.  The Library maintains the right to inspect all packages, briefcases, backpacks, or bags of visitors entering or leaving the Library.

19.  The Library has the right to restrict visitors from entering the Library with large bundles, carts, bicycles, or similar items. Anyone who

         refuses to leave the Library at the request of a staff member is guilty of criminal trespass and is subject to arrest and prosecution.

            20.  Play audio, video, TV, or compact disk equipment without headphones or disturbing others

21.  Campaign, petition, interview or survey library patrons or staff in a manner which is disruptive to library activities

22.  Violate any City or County Ordinance or State Statue on library property or grounds

* The Library may take appropriate legal measures to enforce these behaviors or to prevent access to individuals who refuse to comply. 

            The Library Director or his/her designee may first warn anyone violating these rules at the time of the offense, if possible.  If conduct continues the offender is ordered to leave the premises.  Staff may expel the offender(s) without a warning at the discretion of staff in situations of serious, threatening, or willfully malicious behavior.

            Failure to observe these rules may lead to revocation of library privileges, including the right to visit the building and grounds.  Repeat offenders or persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing.  A time to appeal your case before the Board of Trustees will be scheduled by the Director. The Board of Trustees will be the final authority on appeals. 

LIBRARY CARD USE AND FINES/FEES POLICY

You must present your card each time you check out any items, including magazines and computers. You are responsible for all materials checked out on your card and fines or fees accrued on your card.  If you lose your card you are responsible for notifying the library as soon as possible so we may suspend the card. 

No one may use your library card without verbal (in person) permission from you.  If you grant permission for someone else to use your card, that person must have a form of identification to prove who they are and that you have allowed this person to check out on your account.  YOU will be responsible for any items checked out by this person or fines that they may accrue on your account. 

You are responsible to report phone and address changes to your card.  Fines and fees on library materials begin the day after the items are due to be returned.  Notify us as soon as possible so we can renew your materials to stop fines from accruing to your account. 

Fines and Fees:
All materials borrowed from the Graves County Public Library are subject to the following daily fine charges:

Loan Periods

·         Most Books, Audiobooks, and Music CDs circulate for 28 days.

·         Videotapes\DVDs circulate for 7 days.

Book drop is located to the left of the library's front doors on the wall and is open 24 hours a day.  Any materials borrowed from the Bookmobile may be returned at the Graves County Public Library.

Terms of Use:

·      Anyone age 18 and older who lives, works, or owns property in Graves County, Kentucky is eligible for a free Graves County Public Library (GCPL) card. A valid picture ID and proof of current address is required.

·      Anyone age 6 through age 17 may receive their own library card with the signature of a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are responsible for all items checked out on that person's library card and fines accrued on that card.  A parent or legal guardian may choose to give permission for children to check out software and videos/DVDs with a rating up to PG-13.

·         The individual to whom a GCPL card is issued is responsible for all materials checked out or fines on that card.

·         Please report lost or stolen cards. Replacement cards are $2.00

·         The Library will notify you about overdue materials or items on hold through e-mail, cell phone or by land phone. Items on hold will be held for you 3 days.

·        GCPL belongs to a regional library network that allows you to use your GCPL card to obtain a library card from other participating libraries in the area.  Ask library staff for details.

Fines/Fees:

Fines under $5.00:  Patron must pay something toward their fine reduction per visit before checking out books.  Patron will be limited to three books at that time until the fine is paid in full.  To use the computers, patrons must owe no fines.

Fines over $5.00:  Patron has to pay at least $2.00 toward the fine per visit until the fine is reduced to $5.00 or less.  A poor book/materials return record will  result in a three-item limit per check out, for at least 3 consecutive check-out periods to establish a responsible returns record.

When a patron has overdue items:  Patrons cannot check out any other items until fines over the amount of $5.00 are reconciled. No computer use until all fines are paid.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY

The Graves County Public Library places high priority on service to children.  Children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to use the Library's materials, programs, and services.  Every effort is made to create a pleasant, warm, and inviting atmosphere.  However, the Library is an open, public building and the well-being and safety of young children left alone is a serious concern.  Also, unattended children left alone for an extended period of time often become bored, restless, and disruptive, thus disturbing the enjoyment of the library by others.

We, the Library Staff and Board of Trustees of the Graves County Public Library, are not responsible for monitoring the activities and controlling the behavior of unattended children in the Library.  Staff members will not assume the responsibility for any child in the absence of an adult or assigned caregiver, even for a short period of time.  This includes the time that an adult, or caregiver is using the computer stations. Children in your care MUST be supervised at all times. 

If an unattended child is being disruptive, is habitually left alone for long periods of time, or neglected, or is deemed to be at risk of coming to harm (for example, no one to pick the child up at closing time), a reasonable effort will be made to locate the adult or caregiver. Under no circumstances will a staff member transport children home or to any other destination.  However, if necessary, appropriate law enforcement or child protective authorities will be notified to take custody of the child.

If a child's behavior becomes disruptive for other library patrons while their parent or caregiver is present in the library, but chooses to ignore their disruptive behavior, that child will be considered an unattended child.  Both the adult and child will be asked to leave the library.  Computer and other library privileges may be revoked immediately until such time as the disruptive behavior ceases to exist.  Library services to other patrons must not be sacrificed due to a child's disruptive behavior.

We respect the privacy of all library patrons and will intervene only when, in our opinion, the quality of library services to other patrons is at risk, or the safety and well being of a child is threatened. 

PRIVACY POLICY

We do not share customer information with other organizations or agencies for any purpose.

Graves County Public Library collects only the personal information needed to provide enhanced services to our customers.

Cookies, files containing information about visitors to a web site, are set to assist us in understanding site usage and to improve the content in our pages.  No other use is intended for this information.

                                                        LOST OR DAMAGED MATERIALS POLICY

Lost Materials

The patron is responsible for all materials borrowed on his or her card. The charge for lost materials is the list price as recorded in the item record. If an amount is not recorded, the following charges are used:  

In addition to the replacement cost, the borrower is responsible for overdue charges that accumulate until the day the material is reported lost. When a patron has a “lost” item, full payment is required to restore borrowing privileges.

Refunds for materials may be made until the record is deleted from the Library’s catalog.

Damage Assessments

Patrons are not charged for the normal wear and tear of materials. If an item has been damaged due to misuse or neglect, the following charges may be assessed:  

Minor damage that can be repaired $1 (examples: damaged/torn wrapper (dustcover), torn page,

pencil marks, dirty pages, dirty edges, etc)

Major damage to older books that can be repaired $3 (examples: split binding, torn cover, minor bitemarks)  

Material that is no longer usable full price  (examples: water damage, mold, drink spills, bitemarks that tear pages, crayon marks)

If a patron pays for an item in full, the item becomes the property of the patron.

Replacement Packaging

The charges for replacement of cases, packages and bags are set to cover the average cost of such packaging. The Library will absorb differences in the cost of replacing such materials due to the difficulty of addressing most individual situations. The following charges apply:  

Video/videogame/DVD case or CD jewel case $3  

Audiocassette case or software bag $3  

Multi-disc CD case or audiocassette case $10  

Some packaging may be unique to the item or a special order for the Library. In such instances, circulation staff should contact Technical Services to determine a replacement cost.

Replacement Items

On a case by case basis, patrons may be allowed to replace lost or damaged items in lieu of payment. Decisions about replacement items will be made at the discretion of the Director.

MATERIALS SELECTION/COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

The Graves County Public Library will provide all individuals in the community with books and other materials to assist the individual in the pursuit of education, information, research, enjoyment, and the creative use of leisure time.

The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Graves County Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy.  

The materials selection/collection development policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.

The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the library director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Graves County Public Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.

Criteria for Selection:

Materials will be selected based on patrons requests, positive reviews in professional journals, or actual examination and evaluation of materials.  Popular genres (romance, Christian fiction, westerns, etc.) are placed on a standing order list to ensure timely delivery.

Selection of materials are:

      1.       Individual merit of each item
2.       Popular appeal/demand
3.       Suitability of material for the clientele
4.       Existing library holdings
5.       Budget
6.       Format
7.       Reviews
        a.       Reviews are a major source of information about new materials.
                The primary source(s) of reviews is (are)
                ·         The Library Journal
                ·         Booklist
                ·         Publisher’s Weekly
                ·         Best Seller lists
                ·         The American Library Association
                          Publisher's and jobbers catalogs
                ·         Patron requests
                ·         Newspapers, radio, TV, & other media publicity
                ·         Internet sources
                ·         Standard lists
           b.  The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title that is in demand. Consideration is given to requests from library patrons and material discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.

Deselection of Materials

                Materials that no longer meet the needs of the community and no longer support the library’s collection will be withdrawn and disposed of in accordance with the library’s “Collection Management” policy.

Other Policies:

Not all polices of the Graves County Public Library are listed, but they are available at the library. 

READ FOR LIFE!  READ FOR THE FUN OF IT!

Home