How to Create Anchor Links

Patron of Conduct

Policy Number:  P2.63  Effective Date:  10.20.97  Last Revision Date:  04.20.15

Library staff is committed to serving patrons and providing a safe and inviting atmosphere.  Conduct on library property which may lead to denial of library privileges includes, but is not limited to, the following:

I. Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local, or other applicable law, or library policy.

II. Theft, or attempted theft, or destruction or attempted destruction of library materials or property or the personal property of library patrons and staff.

III. Smoking or use of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes in library.

IV. Bringing uninvited animals of any kind, including insects and other living organisms except service animals, such as seeing-eye dogs or other guide-trained animals. (P2.65)

V. Entering into or remaining in the library while emitting odors—including bodily odors and perfumes—which interfere with the use of library services by other patrons or by staff.

VI. Offensive gestures; cursing; obscene, abusive, or threatening language including hateful speech, racial slurs, or profanities.

VII. Public display of explicit sexual material or child pornography.

VIII. Sexual misconduct.

IX. Using or bringing controlled substances or alcohol onto library property or otherwise exhibiting signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

X. Unlawful or unsafe possession, use, or display of a weapon.

Library Bill of Rights

Policy Number: G3.10 Effective Date: 06.18.48 Last Revision Date: 11.16.09

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should be not excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment o their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV.Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI.Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948 Amended February 2, 1961; June 28, 1957; and January 23, 1980, inclusion of “age” affirmed January 23, 1996 by the ALA Council.

Unattended Children

Policy Number:  P2.67  Effective Date:  07.15.96  Last Revision Date:  03.17.14

General:

For the purpose of this policy, an unattended child shall be a child age 7 and under who has been left alone without parental or other supervision. A child will not be considered unattended if she is attending a library program applicable to her age group at which the presence of her parent or legal guardian is not required.

Parental Responsibilities:

Any unattended child must be picked up or leave the library at the conclusion of a library program and / or upon library closing.

A parent or child’s caregiver may not leave a child 7 years of age or younger in any area of the library.  A parent or caregiver accompanying a child is responsible for the child’s behavior while in the library. The caregiver must be at least 12 years old and actively monitoring the child.

Staff Responsibilities:

A staff member will not allow a parent or child’s caregiver to leave any child 7 years of age or younger unattended in the library.

A staff member will not agree to a parent or caregiver’s request to “keep an eye on” any child, nor will staff allow a parent or caregiver to order a child to remain in the library unattended.

A staff member will make the Branch Director or her designee aware of any child left unattended in the library, and, if deemed necessary, she/he will contact the child’s parent or guardian.

A staff member will notify the Branch Director who will, in turn, call the police, sheriff’s office, or other authorities if she/he believes the safety or well being of any child in the library is in danger.

The staff of the Coffey County Library is not responsible for keeping an unattended child at the library against that child’s will.

The staff will not transport or accompany a child home from the library.

Confidentiality of Patron Borrowing Records

Policy Number: P3.10 Effective Date: 06.21.99 Last Revision Date: 02.15.10

Administrative Policy: All outside requests for access to patron registration or circulation records will be referred to the Branch Director and the Administrator. The Coffey County Library will not retain a patron's circulation records beyond their use for circulation or control purposes.

Open Records Law: Patron registration and circulation records are exempt from the open records law (K.S.A. 45-221(23)) and will only be released by the administrator or her designee upon the receipt of a valid court order or when authorized under Federal, State, or local law. Library staff will not disclose library patron's use of the library with regard to information sought or received, except pursuant to a valid court order or when authorized under Federal, State or local law.

Patriot Act: The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (USA PATROIT Act) became law on October 26, 2001. Under provisions of the act, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and law enforcement officials may seek court orders for Library records for investigations relevant to national security or terrorism. Libraries or librarians served with these search warrants may not disclose, under penalty of law, the existence of the warrants or the fact that records were produced as a result of the warrants. Patrons cannot be told their records were given to law enforcements agencies or that they were the subjects of FBI P3.10 Confidentiality of Patron Borrowing Records Page 2 investigations.

Juvenile Records: Parents or legal guardians of children under 18 years of age, upon presentation of proper identification, may obtain the current status of their child's circulation record or withdraw their authorization for the child's library card.

Patrons who disclose their barcode and personal identification number to other individuals give authorization to access their registration records or circulation records.

Loan Period Schedule

Policy Number: P3.20  Effective Date: 01.17.05  Last Revision Date: 11.17.08

Administrative Policy: All circulating material, with the exception of DVD’s, may be borrowed for a period of two weeks (14 days) by any patron with a valid Coffey County Library registration number. A DVD may be borrowed for one week at a time. The number of DVD’s borrowed is limited to ten per library card. A patron may borrow a total of 30 items at one time, this includes 10 DVDs.

Overdue, Lost, and Damaged Materials

Policy Number: P3.70  Effective Date: 08.17.96  Last Revision Date: 04.16.12

Administrative Policy: It is the philosophy of the Library that charging small fines for materials returned after their respective due date is not an effective means by which to encourage patrons to return Coffey County Library materials on time. The Library does not charge fines to its patrons for overdue materials that belong to Coffey County Library. Interlibrary.

Loan Materials: Past due retention of interlibrary loan materials which the Library borrows from other information agencies damages Coffey County Library's reputation with these lending institutions. Because this damaged reputation may be used to deny the Library access to certain collections, the Library does endorse charging a fine to the responsible patron when an interlibrary loan item is retained past the designated due date.

The Library shall charge a fine of $1.00 per day for all overdue interlibrary loan materials which are not returned on or before the designated due date. Materials may be returned and fines paid at any Coffey County Library Branch.

Patrons with overdue interlibrary loans shall be contacted by the library staff as soon as possible after the designated due date.

The maximum fine for an overdue interlibrary loan shall be $30.00.

If an interlibrary loan item is lost while still charged to a patron, the replacement cost of material will be determined by the fee charged by the lending library plus the fine accrued. No fines will accrue on days the library is closed.

Coffey County Library Materials: Individuals who keep any materials past the designated due date(s) will have their borrowing privileges revoked at all branches of the Coffey County Library until the overdue items have been returned and any applicable fines and fees have been paid.

Notice Given: Patrons who elect to receive notices by text or email will receive a courtesy notice three days before their material is due. Once it is overdue, they will again receive a notice by text or email.

Patrons who elect to receive notice by USPS mail will receive a phone call or postcard while their material is in overdue status and before it goes into lost status.

Lost Material: Material that is not returned within thirty five consecutive days after the due date will be considered lost.

If a replacement item is no longer available for purchase, the patron will be responsible for the cost of replacing a reasonable facsimile as determined by the library. I

f the amount owed by the patron for lost materials is less than $100, the standard billing notice will be sent.

Refunds for lost Coffey County Library material for which a patron has paid will be issued up to one year from the date payment was made.

Kansas Setoff Program: If the amount owed by the patron for lost materials exceeds $100, the patron will be sent a letter by certified mail stating that their account will be turned over to the State of Kansas Setoff Program for recovery if the items are not returned in 30 days. There will be a $20 fee for all accounts turned over to the Setoff program, which will be added to the cost of their materials.

Claims Returned: Each patron account will be permitted no more than three (3) Claims Returned materials at any given time.

Internet Use

Policy Number:  P4.21  Effective Date:  08.17.98  Revision Date:  10.20.15

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs in Coffey County communities, the library develops collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, educational, informational, recreational and aesthetic needs of library users.  The mission of the library is to “provide access to materials, information and services which enrich the lives of people.”  The people of this county represent a rich diversity of backgrounds, values and interests. It is within this context that the library offers Internet access.

Administrative Policy:

In providing public access to the Internet, the Coffey County Library subscribes to the principals of intellectual freedom expressed in the American Library Association’s LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS and FREEDOM TO READ statement and its interpretations of these documents.  Information resources on the Internet may enhance those already held in the library and often go beyond what is locally available.  The Internet is one of many information sources offered by the library.  Information that is specific, accurate and current can also be found in the books, magazines, databases and from skilled library staff. This policy shall be reviewed at least once every three years.

Parents and guardians are responsible for Internet use by their own minor children.

Responsibility of Users:

All Internet users are expected to use the resources in the Library in a responsible manner, consistent with educational and informational purposes.  Users of library computing resources must comply with federal and state laws, library rules and policies and the terms of applicable contracts including software licenses.  Examples of applicable laws, rules and policies include but are not limited to the state and federal laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity and child pornography; and computer trespass criminal code statutes which prohibit “hacking” “cracking” and similar activities.  Users who engage in electronic communications with persons in other states or countries or on other systems or networks may also be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions and the rules and policies of those other systems and networks.

If I use Internet at a library computer, I agree to the following:

1. I will use the computer and the Internet for cultural, educational, informational, recreational or aesthetic purposes.
2. I will not print illegal or copyrighted material.
3. I will not violate software license agreements.

1. I will not send, receive or display materials which may violate Kansas laws K.S.A. 21-4301 Promoting Obscenity or K.S.A. 21-4301a Promotion to Minors.
2. I will respect the privacy of other computer users by not looking at the screen or interfering with another user.
3. I will abide by time limits set at the library branch.
4. I will not make changes to the library computer software or hardware.
5. I will pay for all copies generated by my use of the library computer.  Some web resources indicate number of pages in each print job but other resources do not. All copies must be paid for. (CCL Policy P 4.30.) 

Content Accessed:

Coffey County Library and its staff have no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.  The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population contributing to its content.  Users should carefully judge the worth of an electronic resource as they would any other resource.  Just as the library does not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of written material in the print collection, it does not do so for electronic information. The availability of information does not constitute endorsement of the content by the library board or staff.  Library selection policies that serve to govern purchases of written materials may not apply to materials accessed electronically.

Availability of Resources:

All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library users subject to CCL Disruptive Patron Policy P2.63 and subject to limitation of Internet resources.  All websites accessible on the Internet are available without prior review by library staff but subject to restriction as may be authorized by Library policy and/or law.  Parents or guardians or other individuals responsible for children (e.g. babysitters and/or grandparents [collectively referred to as “parents” for purposes of CCL policy] are responsible for determining what is appropriate for children they accompany. The public library, unlike a school, does not serve “in loco parentis” (in place of a parent).  Library staff cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet.  The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians. Parents or designated guardians, who wish to limit or restrict the access of their own children, should personally oversee the use of the Internet and other electronic resources by their children. Parents--and only parents--may restrict their children--and only their children--from accessing or viewing specific information on the Internet. Internet users in the library must recognize that the user--and only the user--has the ability and responsibility to move to or away from any site.

Children and the Internet:

Parents are advised to supervise their children on Internet sessions.  Children seven years of age and under are not to be left unattended at the library. (CCL Policy P2.67.)  Parents who allow their children eight years of age and older to visit the library unattended deem that the children are responsible for their own decisions and behaviors.

The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that children have positive online experiences, whether at home or in the library.

• Use the Internet as a family. Join your children in Internet exploration.
• Explore the wide range of available information and tell your children about sites you consider inappropriate for them.
• Encourage children to use sites recommended on the Library homepage and counsel them to avoid sites you consider unsuitable.
• Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online.
• Instruct children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, password, telephone number, credit card number) online.
• Teach children to be good online consumers. As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of online information.
• Software is installed on public access computers to reduce unsolicited advertising and to control unauthorized changes to library computer settings.

Privacy: 

The Library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of users.  Users must also exercise caution when using the Internet to avoid unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information.

The Library discourages users from retrieving or displaying graphics or any content to include text that may be construed as obscene, graphically violent or offensive to other users passing workstations or printers. Users are urged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else.  However, absolute privacy for users accessing electronic resources in the library cannot be guaranteed. There exists a possibility of inadvertent viewing by other users, either by watching the user’s screen, or because the user may leave the screen unattended.  The Library’s “Disruptive Patron Policy” (CCL Policy P2.63) applies to the behavior of users of electronic equipment and resources. The library is not responsible for what is displayed on devices connected to the Internet. All library users are individually responsible for compliance with laws relating to obscene material.  The staff reserves the right to ask a user to discontinue printing, and/or viewing.

Files transmitted or transactions made over the Internet are not private.  Coffey County Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its connections to the Internet.  Others may view information about the user and the user's sending and receiving location.  Confidential information or personal name or address information is transmitted at the user's risk.  The library cannot be held responsible for damage resulting from the provision of personal information.

Services:

Copies made are paid for in the manner specified in (CCL Policy P4.30).

Coffey County Library does not support individual user e-mail accounts.  Public web e-mail services may be accessed but no staff assistance is assured.

Virus protection is provided on public computer workstations but the library cannot be held responsible for damage to personal data or equipment resulting from downloading or uploading on the Internet.

Internet commerce is available.  Users are encouraged to make transactions only on sites which display security icons.  The library cannot be held responsible or liable for any errors or problems experienced by users engaging in personal commercial transactions on a library workstation.  No staff support will be provided for assistance with commercial transactions unless it is connected with a service for which the library has a specific contractual relationship.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA):

All Coffey County Library computers are filtered, in conjunction with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) which protects against access to visual depictions that are:

1. • Obscene: This is defined in a reference to section 1460 of title 18, U.S. Code.
   • Child pornography: This is defined in a reference to section 2256 of title 18, U.S. Code.
   • Harmful to minors: This is defined in CIPA and means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that, with respect to minors:
     • taken as a whole, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
     • depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
     • taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value

Filtering:

If our filtering technology interferes with your research or other lawful use of the Internet, please see a librarian for assistance.  For your protection, please close all applications and the Internet browser when you are ready to leave.

Files may be downloaded to External Storage Devises only after approval of the device by library staff.  Users should not expect library staff to download data for them or to know the specifics of how particular e-mail accounts or web sites work.

Response to Prohibited Behaviors and Content:

Misuse of computer resources will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges and possible prosecution.  Such misuse includes, but is not limited to, using the computer for illegal activities, hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system; damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software; interfering with systems operations, integrity or security; gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files; sending harassing messages to another computer user from a library computer; altering or attempting to alter the library computer settings; and violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.  Misuse reported to staff will be investigated and may be considered disruptive behavior. (CCL Policy P 2.63.)

Some content is not protected by the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution. No library user is permitted to use a library computer to view obscenity, child pornography, or to display this illegal content, or if a minor, to view materials harmful to juveniles in violation of federal, state, or local laws or ordinances including but not limited to: K.S.A. 21-4301 to 21-4301c Promoting Obscenity; K.S.A. 21-3755 Computer crime; computer password disclosure; computer trespass; Title 17 United States Code – Copyright; and Public Law 106-554 – CIPA/NCIPA;K.S.A 75-2589.

The legal status of any particular content can only be determined by a court of law. The library staff will not judge the legality of content. Staff will help a user refer a concern about potentially illegal content to the Cyber tip line provided by The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at http://www.missingkids.com/cybertip/

Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior which violate this policy shall also be submitted in writing to the senior staff person in charge, providing as much detail as possible.

Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi):

The Coffey County Library provides 24 hour unsecured internet connectivity for users with wireless devices.  Signal strength may vary throughout the building.  By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by our Internet Use Policy.  This policy can be found on our website, www.cclibraryks.org.

Security:

WiFi is not as secure as a wired network.  Users should know and understand that information sent to or from a wireless device could potentially be intercepted by a third party.  Coffey County Library is not responsible for any information that is compromised or for any damage caused to hardware or software due to power surges, security issues, hacking or viruses.  Anti-virus and security protection are the responsibility of the patron.

In accordance to K.A.R 54-4-1 (Children’s Internet Protection), filtering software is in place on the library public wireless network. Parents are advised to supervise their children on Internet sessions.  Children seven years of age and under are not to be left unattended at the library. (CCL Policy P2.67.)  Parents who allow their children eight years of age and older to visit the library unattended deem that the children are responsible for their own decisions and behaviors.

Patrons can request filtering be temporarily disabled for research and other legal purposes.

Headphones:

WiFi users are expected to be considerate of patrons nearby and are expected to use headphones or mute sound.

Printing:

Printing is not available over the wireless network.  If printing is needed, patrons may save files to a storage media and print from one of the Library’s public access computers.  Printing charges apply.

Children:

Parental supervision of children using the Internet is advised.

Liability:

Coffey County Library will not be responsible for wireless devices left unattended.

Meeting Room

Policy Number: P7.10  Effective Date: 07.19.99  Last Revision Date: 02.15.10

The Coffey County Library facilities include public meeting rooms available for the use of individuals, groups and organization under the following guidelines:

A. Library-sponsored activities and programs take precedence over all others. Even when a meeting room has been reserved for a nonliterary use, the right to revoke such use for library purposes is inherent and will be given priority.

B. No nonlibrary use of meeting room facilities may be made for regularly scheduled meetings. No more than two consecutive meetings may be scheduled in the meeting room for any individual, group or organization.

C. In accordance with A.L.A. guidelines, except for certain librarysponsored activities or programs, no commercial use will be made of the meeting rooms. This prohibits admission charges, acceptance of donations or sale of products or services for nonlibrary events. Any event that may include the exchange of money will require prior approval of the Library Administrator.

D. Use of the meeting rooms for nonlibrary purposes must be scheduled in advance, and an authorization form available from any Coffey County library must be completed and signed by a responsible adult representing the reserving party. By her/his signature, this person affirms that she/he has read, understands and agrees to be personally accountable for (a) using the meeting room and its equipment as stated on the authorization form; (b) leaving it clean and set up as it was upon entering; (c) removing anything brought in for the meeting; (d) leaving utilities and entrance door(s) as instructed by the librarian; and (e) ASSIGNING FULL LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES TO THE BUILDING AND/OR ITS CONTENTS RESULTING FROM THE ACTIVITY OR PROGRAM.

E. During the meeting or activity, at least one adult supervisor must be in attendance throughout to make sure the provisions of this policy are properly carried out. If the room is used during regular library hours, the librarian, the person signing the authorization form or the adult supervisor in charge will be responsible for opening, closing, securing the facility and returning the key as agreed.

F. Meeting room facilities may be used in making coffee, tea or light refreshments. Any audiovisual equipment obtained from the library must be operated by an adult with experience, and must be returned as directed. ANY DAMAGE WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RESERVING PARTY.

G. Candles, incense or any other smoke or flame producing devices, including barbeques and birthday candles, are not permitted in the library or on the library grounds.

H. As prescribed by Kansas statutes, there shall be no smoking or use of alcohol or drugs in the building.

I. The library does not accept any responsibility for loss of or damage to any property brought in for the program or activity, nor for any personal injury occurring at the meeting.

J. All extension cords used in Coffey County Meeting rooms shall be OSHA approved three-wire grounded extension cords.

K. Continued use of the meeting room facilities by any individual, group or organization will be contingent upon adherence to the provisions of this policy.

L. The fee(s) for use of Coffey County Library meeting rooms are listed on the Price Chart.

M. Persons interested should contact the branch they wish to use for reservations and the Statement of Responsibility. This Statement can be found on our website.

N. All individuals and groups who use these rooms will be charged a fee except the Coffey County Library Board, Friends of the Library, individuals needing the use of such facility to further academic goals, library-sponsored programs, and programs presented by a government entity or nonprofit organization.