-
Other
-
Library equipmentAll library equipment shall be used for the benefit of the library. Equipment may be loaned for use outside the library, but library needs will have priority. Equipment purchased through a partnership must adhere to the policies of that partnership.
Adopted 4/14/93
Revised 11/97
Revised 05/05
Reviewed 8/08
Back to table of contents. -
DisplaysThe utilization of exhibit space by any group or individual shall not imply endorsement or approval by the Lincoln County Public Library.
As an educational and cultural institution the Lincoln County Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community. The Library Board reserves the right to reject any display or item, which in their judgment is illegal or which may interfere with normal operations of the library.
The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection or possible theft or damage of any item displayed. All items placed in the library are done so at the owner’s risk.
Purely commercial use of the display space is prohibited.
Reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis. No exhibit may be on display for more than 60 days.
Adopted 4/14/93
Revised 11/97
Revised 05/05
Reviewed 8/08
Back to table of contents. -
Disposal of surplus propertyThe Library will dispose of surplus materials in a manner which is consistent with general principles of fairness in disposal of public properties and which maximizes library revenue.
The Board will consider requests to donate specific withdrawn items to other libraries or related agencies on a case-by-case basis. The Board may approve such donations if: 1) the items are being requested for use rather than resale, 2) it is decided that the benefits of cooperation and good will outweigh any anticipated Library revenue.
Adopted 2/93
Revised 11/97
Reviewed 05/05
Reviewed 8/08
Back to table of contents. -
VolunteersThe Board of Trustees and the Library recognize the services provided by volunteers as important in supplementing Library staff and meeting the Library’s public service objectives. Volunteers will be adequately trained, supervised, and recognized for their performance. No Library unit shall be dependent on volunteers for its daily operation.
The Library staff will supervise all volunteer activities under the direction of the Library Director.
Adopted 2/93
Reviewed 10/97
Reviewed 05/05
Reviewed 8/08
Back to table of contents. -
Complaints and censorshipThe library supports the principles of Intellectual Freedom inherent in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and expressed in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association.
In the case of an objection to library materials the following procedure will be implemented:
(1) The library staff will try to handle the question on an informal basis and present the Selection Policy.
(2) If the complainant wishes to present a formal complaint, the Director will explain the procedure and have complainant submit a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form.
(3) The Director will inform the Chairman of the Library Board. The questioned material will be available for use during the reconsideration process.
(4) An Ad Hoc Review Committee consisting of the following will review the completed form:- 2 Library staff members (Director as one)
• 2 Library Board members
• 1 FVCC/LCC staff member
• 1 Community member proposed by the Committee
• 1 person will chair the Committee in a non-voting capacity
(5) The review committee will follow these steps:- Read, view, and/or listen to the challenged material in its entirety
b Check acceptance of the material by reading reviews and consulting recommended lists
c Determine the extent to which the material supports the Library Selection Policy.
d Present a decision to the Director within 20 working days of the receipt of the form.
(6) The Director will promptly notify the complainant of the committee’s decision. If the complainant contests the decision of the review committee, he/she may present the complaint to the Board of Trustees for final review.
Adopted 12/96
Reviewed 10/97
Reviewed 8/06
Back to table of contents. - 2 Library staff members (Director as one)
-
Request for Consideration FormDate:
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Type of Resource:
___ Book___ Magazine___Newspaper ___ Audio___Video/DVD___Display ___ Other
Did you receive a copy of the Library’s policy about this resource? Y N
Have you read, heard or seen the entire content of the resource about which
you are filling out this form? Y N
The specific resource you are commenting on?
Your comments:
Staff member who received the statement of concern:
Library receiving statement of concern: Eureka Troy Libby
Revised 8/06
Back to table of contents. -
Internet public access acceptable useAll electronic traffic originating from the Lincoln County Libraries public access computers shall be in accordance with these Acceptable Use Policies. Failure to abide by these policies will result in the loss of Internet or Library privileges.
Acceptable Use
Use of the Internet Public Access Computers shall be guided by the following principles:- Respect for the privacy of other users.
2 Attention to the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.
3 Consideration for the integrity of computing systems; for example, users shall not intentionally develop programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system, or damage or alter the software components of this or other computing systems.
4 Responsible use of appropriate sites is required of users.
Unacceptable Use
- It is not acceptable to use the Internet access computers for any purposes which violate U.S. or state laws, or county ordinances, to transmit or receive threatening, obscene, or harassing materials, or to interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms and viruses, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network.
2 Users may not represent themselves as another person.
3 It is assumed that information and resources accessible via the Internet are private to the individuals and organizations which own or hold rights to those resources and information, unless specifically stated otherwise by the owners or holders of rights. It is therefore not acceptable for an individual to use the Internet to access information or resources unless permission to do so has been granted by the owners or holders of rights to those resources or information.
4 Use of the Internet access computers and any attached network in a manner that precludes or significantly hampers its use by others is not allowed.
5 Unsolicited advertising is not acceptable. Advertising is permitted on some mailing lists and news groups if the mailing list or news group explicitly allows advertising. Announcements of new products or services are acceptable.
Modifications to this policy
Lincoln County Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.
Adopted 3/19/96
Reviewed 10/97
Reviewed 8/06
Back to table of contents. - Respect for the privacy of other users.
-
Public meeting roomThe public meeting room at the Libby Public Library may be scheduled by the community for use where no fee is charged for attendance or participation. Any other use is at the discretion of the director. Control of the scheduling of the public meeting room is by the library staff at the Libby Public Library.
Library-sponsored or sanctioned classes, events, activities or functions shall be given first priority in meeting room scheduling. Applicant organizations will be provided a one-week notice in the event of a conflict in scheduling.
The meeting room is available during hours when there is a library staff member scheduled to control building, facilities and collections security. A library staffmember may voluntarily make his/herself available to perform the security function, with the prior approval of the Library Director or his/her designee. Exempted from the provisions of this paragraph are the Friends of the Library, the Lincoln County Public Libraries Foundation and KooteNet.
The act of scheduling a community organization to use the public meeting room does not constitute an endorsement or imply sanction or sponsorship of the organization's beliefs, policies, activities or function. Any representation of Library endorsement, sanction or sponsorship by the community organization scheduled to use the public meeting room may result in an immediate loss of the public meeting room use authorization.
Lincoln County Public Libraries do not assume any responsibility whatsoever for any non-Library property brought to or placed in the Library in conjunction with a properly scheduled meeting by a community organization. Damage to or loss of any property belonging to Lincoln County or the Lincoln County Public Libraries resulting from the conduct or activities of any person using the public meeting room shall be paid for by the organization scheduled to use the public meeting room.
Scheduling of the meeting room is a first come first served basis with library needs and used taken into consideration. Meeting room request forms, available from the Libby Public Library staff, must be completed and signed by an authorized representative of the community organization one week prior to the scheduled event.
The Troy and Eureka Libraries are not available for after hour meetings.
Download the application.
Approved 9/91
Reviewed 2/93
Revised 2/95
Revised 9/97
Revised 6/04
Reviewed 8/08
Back to table of contents. -
Disruptive behavior
I. Expectations
Library staff members are responsible for maintaining an atmosphere that is both safe and conducive to independent study and reading. Certain types disruptive behavior can be potentially harmful or dangerous, and should be monitored by staff:- Inappropriate use of furniture or equipment
• Running or rough play
• Badgering or harassment
• Verbal arguments or confrontations
• Obscene language or behavior
• Willful damage of library materials or facilities
Staff intervention isn't necessarily required in disputes between patrons. Allow/encourage patrons to resolve problems on their own, but be ready to intervene if needed in order to maintain order. If a patron notifies staff about a problem, staff must address situation.II. Procedures
When dealing with disruptions, speak directly but discreetly to person involved. Relate concerns, explaining why behavior is unacceptable stating clearly that continued disruptions will require that person leave library.
Sheriff's office should be notified in the event that a person refuses to leave.
Complete incident report form in any situation involving expulsion from the library.
If a minor is involved, parents should be asked to monitor behavior. However, staff should act to halt inappropriate behavior if parents do not. If parents are not present, and minor is asked to leave, call parents if possible.
Depending on the nature of the incident, patrons may have library privileges restricted. (MCA 22-1-311) The nature of the restrictions will depend on the type and severity of the unacceptable behavior:- Non-destructive disruptive behavior: may not enter library for remainder of the day.
• Second expulsion for similar behavior: may not enter library for one week.
• Third expulsion: may not enter library for one month.
Persons caught intentionally damaging library materials or facilities must be confronted immediately. Complete incident report form, and identify value of the materials damaged. The person or persons involved will be held liable for cost of repairs or replacement. Depending on the extent of damages, legal action may also be taken.
Approved 2/20/97
Revised 4/06
Reviewed 8/08
Back to table of contents. - Inappropriate use of furniture or equipment
-
Threatening behaviorThe public library is expected to be a safe, secure facility for all members of the community. Library staff is responsible for ensuring the safety of library patrons. When threatening or potentially threatening behavior takes place, staff members will respond according to the nature and severity of the situation.
I. Direct
- when patron(s) is in library acting in a threatening manner, either verbally or physically, towards other patrons, staff, or self.
Do not put yourself at risk in effort to stop threatening behavior. However, do monitor situation until police officers arrive.
Depending on the severity of the situation, library staff may need to direct other patrons out of the building.
Willful damage of library materials, equipment or facilities may in some cases be considered threatening as well.
Complete and file incident report form after situation is resolved.II. Indirect
- would include threatening written notes, phone calls, or e-mail directed at library staff or library in general.
Any threat delivered in this manner must be taken seriously.
Content of message will determine the immediacy of the action taken. Bomb threats require immediate call to sheriff's office and, if possible, clearing of building as directed in evacuation procedures.
In all cases, notify sheriff's office, providing thorough description and/or copy of message.
Complete and file incident report form after situation is resolved.III. Procedures
In addition to any legal action taken against them, patrons involved in threatening behavior may be barred from entering the library. (See Montana Code 22-1-311) Such restrictions will be applied according to the following guidelines:- First incident - barred from library for one week.
• Second incident - barred for one month.
• Third incident - barred for one year.
These decisions will be recorded in writing and kept on file in the library.
Approved 2/20/97
Revised 4/06
Reviewed 8/08
Back to table of contents. - First incident - barred from library for one week.
-
Unattended minor or vulnerable adultWhile the library encourages visits by children and all community members, the library staff cannot watch, keep track of or otherwise be responsible for children or vulnerable adults. This remains the responsibility of the parents, guardians or caregivers. The library and library staff do not serve under any circumstances in loco parentis. Simply put, library staff does not and cannot legally assume authority in place of a parent, guardian or caregiver.
If a situation arises with an unattended minor or vulnerable adult, it will be evaluated. The staff will attempt to contact the parent, guardian or caregiver. Situations may include illness, anxiety, misbehavior, and remaining at closing time. If the responsible party cannot be contacted, the matter will be immediately referred to the police or sheriff department or other legally constituted authority. Under no circumstances will staff offer a ride or give a ride to any patron of any age.
Approved by the Board 11/06
Back to table of contents. -
Public participation in Board of Trustee meetingThe Lincoln County Public Libraries Board welcomes public input at its meetings. Each agenda item (unless specified otherwise) will be open for public input before the Board deliberates on that item. In an effort to assure adequate notice and assist in public participation, the board will post their agenda in the each library and anywhere else the board may deem appropriate. The agenda will be posted at least 72 hours before the meeting.
Generally the board meets once a quarter and tries to rotate the meetings between all the libraries. On occasion the board may call a special meeting or need to change the time and date of the monthly meeting. Notice of such changes will be given at least 48 hours before the changes are made.
While it is recommended that anyone wishing to address the Board notify the director at least 48 hours before the meeting so that time may be reserved for such input, it is not absolutely necessary.
Everyone wishing to speak must fill out a form to allow for accurate spelling of names and identification of those speaking on the various items for inclusion in the official minutes of the meeting. The form is available on the table at the rear of the meeting room.
Since time is limited, the Board chair reserves the right to set reasonable time limits for public input on each topic. Normally, a person will be limited to five minutes per agenda item. Comments may be given orally or in writing. Written comments should be submitted to the library director at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
During Board deliberation, the public is asked not to make any comments unless responding to a specific question asked by the Board chair.
Thank you for your interest in the library and the Board, and for your assistance in keeping our meetings orderly.
Approved by the Board 4/3/08
Back to table of contents.