LIBRARY POLICIES

Berne Public Library Computer/Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The computers available for use by patrons of the Berne Public Library have various computer programs as well as Internet access.  The Internet is an unlimited computer network that connects computers throughout the world – the Internet has access to sites operated by governments, universities, large corporations, individuals and both for-profit and non-profit organizations.  It contains vast amounts of information from varying viewpoints, and the information changes constantly.

The library cannot control access points that change rapidly and unpredictably.  Some sites may contain material that is inaccurate, defamatory, illegal, or potentially offensive to some people.  Yet we believe that the Internet provides access to informational resources that outweigh potential disadvantages of such access.  The Berne Public Library will attempt to prevent any direct access to materials that would not be acceptable in the Berne Public Library, yet it is impossible to prevent access to all offensive resources.

THE BERNE PUBLIC LIBRARY IS IN NO WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTERNET ACCESS POINTS ANY USER REACHES, ALTHOUGH A FILTER IS IN PLACE TO HELP PREVENT ACCESS TO PORNOGRAPHIC SITES.  PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF A MINOR CHILD (AGES 13 TO 18) ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILD’S USE OF THE INTERNET IN THE BERNE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

The use of the computers in the library is a privilege, not a right.  The computers are provided as a service of the library for patrons.  Several of the computers and much of the software have been provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Foundation’s usage guidelines have been incorporated into the following policy.

1.       Any misuse of the computers may result in loss of library privileges, legal action, or both.  If library personnel observe unacceptable usage, language, or behavior, computer privileges will be suspended.

a.       A computer user shall not knowingly access, distribute, or receive materials that are pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit in nature or language.

b.       A computer user shall abide by all copyright laws as applicable.

c.        No one shall use the Berne Public Library connection to the Internet to violate any local, state or federal statute.

d.       No computer user shall access another individual or organization’s private files, materials, or information without permission.

e.       Any physical abuse of the equipment will be grounds for suspension of privileges.

f.         Violation of the Acceptable Use Policy may be cause for suspension of computer privileges.

2.       The primary use for computers in the library is for educational and research purposes.  E-mail is permitted, but chat room participation is not allowed except under special circumstances.

3.       All users must sign-in on the sheet provided.    Computer time may be reserved by calling the library at 589-2809.  Patrons who are more than ten minutes late will lose reserved time if others are waiting.

4.       One-half hour time slots are allotted.  Computer use is limited to one hour per person, per day, but during busy after-school hours or at other times when the library staff deems it necessary, time may be limited to ½ hour.  Additional time can be arranged for persons working on special projects, resumes, on-line exams, etc. if prior arrangement is made.

5.       It is strongly recommended that all children under age 13 be accompanied by a parent / guardian at all times when using the computer.  Children 5 years old and younger must have direct supervision of a parent / guardian to use the computers.

6.       Children 6 through 13 years old may play the children’s games without direct parent/guardian supervision, however, any use of the Internet by this age group requires direct supervision of a parent / guardian.

7.       Children 13 and under should use the computers in the Children’s Room which are filtered differently than the adult computers.  If a child younger than 13 is directly supervised by a parent/guardian the computers in the Adult Department may be used. 

8.       For playing games, children will be limited to one half hour if there are others waiting to use the computers.

9.       The Children’s Room computers are for the use of children and/or parents with children in the room unless special permission is given by the library staff for other adults to use the computers.

10.    The computer’s hard drives are for the storage of library software and information.  Patrons cannot save files there.  Disks may be brought in for downloading or may be purchased for $0.50 each at the circulation desk upstairs.

11.    Printing cost is 15 cents per page.  Color printing is available for an additional charge. Check with the library staff for all printing.

12.    Forms to request reconsideration of a blocked site must be filled out completely so the site can be re-evaluated.

13.    The Berne Public Library staff will assist patrons, as needed, and as available to do so. 
                                                                                                                           Revised 2/26/08

Top of Page

VIDEO / DVD  LENDING POLICY           

1.       Borrower must be at least 18 years of age with a valid Berne Public Library card.  Library card must be presented each time a video or DVD is borrowed.

2.       In order to check out videos or DVD’s, borrower must not have overdue materials or unpaid fines.

3.       Only 2 DVD’s or videos in the “New” collection can be checked out at a time.

4.       Since the library does not yet have a large collection of DVD’s, only 2 may be checked out at a time.

5.       A total of 5 videos / DVD’s may be checked out at a time, but only 2 of the total can be DVD’s or “New” videos.  An  exception will be made for the few 6-part videos in our collection. 

6.       Each part of a two (or more) part video is counted individually and fines are charged for each one that is overdue.   Two or more part DVD’s that are in the same case are counted only as one for check-out purposes.

7.       Videos and DVD’s will be due one week after check out. 

8.       All videos and DVD’s must be returned to the library desk if the library is open.  During hours when the library is not  open, videos and DVD’s may be returned in the drop box.  Be sure that the case is shut properly or secured with a rubber band to prevent damage when placed in the drop box.  Any library material placed in the drop box while the library is closed is considered returned the last previous day the library was open (for example, in the drop box on Monday morning before the library opens is considered returned on Saturday).

9.       Late returns will be charged $1.00 per video or DVD per day.  Two-part videos count as two videos.  The fine on any video or DVD is figured including Sunday even though the library is closed on Sunday.

10.    Videos and DVD’s will be checked out on a first come – first served basis, unless the video or DVD is on reserve.  Videos or DVD’s may be reserved in advance the same as a book, in person or by phone – you will receive a call letting you know when the reserved video or DVD is available.  Availability may be checked by phone and a reservation made for pick-up that day or the next.

11.    Any reserved item not picked up within 2 days after notification will be canceled and the video or DVD will be available for check-out by another person.

12.    Please cancel a reservation as soon as possible if not needed to allow other patrons the opportunity to check out the video or DVD.

13.    Videos and DVD’s may not be renewed.

 14.    Protect videos and DVD’s from dust, dirt, heat, and magnetic fields such as stereo speakers.  Videos and DVD’s must be at room temperature for at least 2 hours before playing.

 15.    Cassettes should be rewound and in their cases when returned.

 16.    In case of bad road conditions, the library will not charge overdue fines for videos or DVD’s due that day if the schools are closed.  If bad road conditions or transportation problems exist, patron may call the library prior to closing to explain the situation.

17.    The borrower is responsible for the full replacement cost if a video or DVD is lost, stolen or damaged while checked out in his/her name.  For damage which can be repaired, up to $10.00 may be charged.  Replacement cost will be collected before any other materials will be loaned.  Habitual overdues, lack of rewinding or other problems may lead to suspension of library privileges.

 18.    Videos are for private home use only.  Federal law prohibits any other use, reproduction, or public exhibition.

 WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION IN HELPING US KEEP OUR VIDEO AND DVD COLLECTION IN GOOD CONDITION FOR ALL TO ENJOY.  
                                                                                                                                                         Revised 3-21-2008

Top of Page

LOST OR DAMAGED LIBRARY MATERIALS

Due to the increasing number of lost and damaged library materials stemming from ill handling and/or lack of concern, the Berne Public Library Board has passed the following resolution:

• Lost materials will be assessed at the replacement price plus $2.00 processing charge.
  
• Lost materials no longer in print, or no longer available will be assessed at $25.00.

• Damage to library materials will be determined by the library staff as to be REPAIRABLE or UNUSABLE for library circulation.

Damage may have been caused by any of several different things:  water or other liquids, food, fire, ink, crayon, magic marker, grease, dirt or mud to name a few.  Books sometimes have torn pages or covers.  Scratches or sticky fingerprints on CD’s or records may damage the item or require cleaning.  Cassette tapes and videos sometimes are damaged due to mishandling or being caught in a player.  Cases which are broken require replacement.

• Items determined to be REPAIRABLE will be assessed at 20% of the purchase value.
  
• Destruction of the Bar Code on any item will result in a $2.00 processing fee.
  
• Those items determined to be UNUSABLE for library circulation will be assessed at the replacement cost plus a $2.00 processing fee.

Normal wear and tear of items is an accepted fact, and the library staff will take into consideration the age of an item when determining damage.  The type of damage we are talking about here is blatant disregard of proper handling or accidents to items while the responsibility of the patron.

For library users, privileges must be balanced with responsibility.  Join us in taking care of our fine facility and its holdings.

Top of Page

ROOM COLLECTION POLICY

The privilege of Room Collection is given primarily to teachers and home schoolers to enable them to share a selection of books with their students.  With young students, it may be a selection of picture books at their reading level.  With older children, it may be chapter books, or non-fiction books concerning areas they will be studying.

As a courtesy to our library staff and to other library patrons please follow these guidelines:

• Books may be placed in Room Collection for a four-week period.
  
• It is the responsibility of the teacher or home teacher to keep track of the books in the Room Collection.  All books in the collection should be returned to the library at the same time, if possible.

• In general, only one collection of books should be on Room Collection at a time – all should be returned before a new collection is checked out.

• Room Collection materials, in general, may not be renewed, but if a situation occurs where the books are needed longer, a two-week renewal can be arranged.

• Holiday books, current Hoosier nominees, and other one-week books may not be put in a Room Collection.
  
• The number of books by a particular author, subject, or series must be limited.  Other patrons must also be considered – it wouldn’t be fair to deny others of the use of all books on a particular subject or by a particular author, for example, for a four-week period.

The Room Collection privilege is also extended to “home schoolers” to assist with supplemental materials for a theme or topic which is curriculum-based.

In order to be fair to other patrons and to assist the library in providing the most efficient service to you and to others, please follow the following additional guidelines for “home schoolers”:

• In general, a Room Collection should consist only of material which deal with a particular subject being taught at that time and should be limited to six books (not necessarily on the same subject) at any one time per child.

Therefore, each home schooled child may have a Room Collection of up to six books at any one time.  All six must be returned at the same time, and only one collection of up to six books can be on Room Collection at any one time per child.

Other books for recreational reading, etc. can be checked out by each child with the standard two-week due date.  However, it is suggested that the number be limited and those be returned before others are checked out in order for each child to keep track of what he or she is responsible for.

It is the ultimate responsibility of the parent/teacher to see that all library materials are returned, but this provides an opportunity for the children to learn responsibility as well.

• Room Collection may not include audio or video materials except for foreign language studies.

 Vacation or Other Extended Loan Period

Occasionally an extended loan period is provided for high school or college students or vacationers (Car Collection?) who need the materials for longer than two-weeks or who will be away for more than the two-week regular check-out period.  The following are guidelines for this type of Room Collection which is used strictly as a means of extending the check-out period by providing a built-in renewal:

• Recent releases ( from our “new book” shelf) and other one-week books such as reference books or Hoosier nominees are not to be checked out on Room Collection.

• A limit of one or two books by a particular author may be placed on Room Collection, particularly if that author is a very popular one.

• Audio tapes (limited to five as usual) may be included in the Room Collection for vacationers.

• All materials should be returned at the same time upon the vacationer’s return home.

Top of Page

Faxes

The charge to send or receive a fax within the US is $1.00 per page.

Sending an international fax costs considerably more than sending a fax within the US.  Therefore, the charge per page to send an international fax (one outside the 48 continental United States) will be $4.00 per page. 

For international faxes the cost to receive is no greater for us than any other fax.  Therefore, we will charge $1.00 per page just as for all faxes received.

WEATHER-RELATED FINES 

During inclement weather we do not want our patrons to endanger themselves to return videos and other library material.  Therefore: 

1)                 When South Adams schools are closed due to weather conditions we will forgive fines on all videos due during the time of school closings. 

2)                 Overdue videos should be returned the first day school reopens, any returned thereafter will accrue fines. 

3)                 Fines on overdue books can be forgiven at the discretion of staff checking in the books.   If a patron advises that they are late returning the books due to the weather, the fine will be forgiven.  Again, this should just be for the period when school is closed.

 1-28-04  

Top of Page

Photo Policy

The library takes photographs of some of its programs.  Those photos may be used on the library web site or published in the local newspaper.  Your participation in library programs grants the library permission to use photos of you and/or your child(ren).  If for any reason you do not want to appear in photos used on the web site or in the newspaper, please advise one of the library staff.  Thank you!