Borrowing

Borrowing from Other Libraries

If the library does not own the material a patron wants, the patron may request an interlibrary loan. The library will attempt to borrow the material from another library using the State Library's collection search.

The patron is responsible for the return postage, returning the book to this library on time and in the condition the material was loaned. The patron is responsible for loss, theft, or destruction of interlibrary loaned items and must make restitution to the lending library. The library shall not request inter-library loans for patrons with fines, lost or overdue items, or a history of returning materials late.

Library Cards and Check out

Persons wishing to use computers or Internet on a one-time basis are not required to have a card.

There is no fee for checking out material or use of computers.  Anyone wishing to check out materials or use computers must have a valid information card on file and be entered in the computer. Adults must present a photo ID and proof of residency. Those under the age of 16 must have a parent/guardian's signature.

Information cards are filled out in the library. The card may not be taken home for signature. In signing the information card, the patron agrees to abide by all library regulations. In the event he/she does not, he/she may lose his/her checkout privileges.

He/she may not be denied access to use of materials in the library unless his/her behavior becomes disruptive.

In order to borrow library materials or use computers, a patron must present a valid library card. The patron to whom the card is issued is responsible for all items borrowed on that card, fines incurred, or payment for damaged or lost materials. Upon notification a card is lost or stolen, that patron’s account shall be frozen to prevent unauthorized use. The replacement fee for lost cards or cards damaged beyond use is $3.00.

All materials circulate with the exception of reserve items. All material circulates for two (2) weeks with the exception of adult paperback books which checkout for thirty (30) days. Items may be re-checked in person by bringing the materials to the library or once by phone or once through the online catalog. The library does not limit the number of items a person may check out as long as the patron can return them in a timely fashion. The library reserves the right to limit the number of items checked out if warranted. In the event an item is lost or damaged, the person who has it checked out is responsible for replacing it.

Overdues

Patrons with a working e-mail address shall receive a notice three days in advance of when books are due stating the titles and date due if the patron so desires. When books are seven days overdue the patron is called by the library. In the event the person cannot be reached by phone an attempt is made to reach him/her by mail.  Courtesy calls will be made again when items are fourteen days overdue. At the end of thirty days if items are not returned, a letter with a public notice is mailed requesting return in seven days. When the letter is mailed the patron’s account is debited $10.00 in addition to regular fines.

Fines

Fines are set by the Board of Trustees and are posted at the circulation desk. The computer automatically figures fines. When the patron pays a fine, his account is credited. Fines may be forgiven at the discretion of the librarian in the event of illness or other hardship. Fines are not collected for any day the library is closed.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Items

The replacement cost of materials shall be the actual cost of the item if it is available from library records or from Books in Print.  If the title is out-of-print, the original cost and the book's historical value shall be taken into consideration. If the library declares an item lost or damaged, the patron is responsible for restitution before resuming checkout privileges. Books six (6) weeks overdue are considered lost and the patron shall be billed for the cost of the book plus a service fee of 20%.

Internet and Computer Use

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Garland Smith Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of our community.  It is within this context the library offers access to the Internet.  All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all users, with the understanding that it is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using public library resources and facilities.

Due to limited staff the library cannot provide individual or in-depth training concerning Internet, computer jargon, or personal computer use. The library does provide books for checkout dealing with these subjects.

Disclaimer and Children's Use of the Internet

The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. It is also an unregulated medium. While it enables access to a wealth of information that is personally, professionally, and educationally enriching, it also opens doors to materials that may be offensive, disturbing, false and/or illegal. Since not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information, become a good information consumer. Evaluate Internet sources, questioning the validity of its content.

The library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of controversial or mature nature. While the library uses Internet filtering software to block access to inapporpriate sites that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors, it does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion and they are solely responsible for any access points they reach.

Parents and guardians of minor children, not the library or staff, are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet through the library’s connection. Parents may wish to supervise their child’s Internet sessions.  Parents who believe their children cannot responsibly use the library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use. Children must be ten years of age or older to use the Internet.  Children six years of age and older may use a computer without Internet access.  Children under six years of age may use a computer without Internet access with a parent/guardian present at all times to assist the child.

Internet Use Policy

The Garland Smith Public Library requires all regular users to comply with the following before using the library’s access to the Internet:

• Have a valid library card with current address on file.

• Sign an Internet Use Agreement. Parents must sign for minors under the age of eighteen.

• Have no fines, all lost items replaced, and no more than one item overdue.

• Be familiar with rules, policies, and procedures.

A one day pass will be issued to a non-resident for one time use.  That user is bound by the same rules of conduct as all users.

Internet computers may not be used by anyone, including minors, for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be obscene.  Library employees are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce the Rules of Conduct, and/or prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet and Computer Use Policy as stated or implied herein.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is defined as bullying or harassment that happens online. It can be in the form of an email, text message, game, chat room, or on a social networking site. The library has zero tolerance for cyberbullying. Anyone using library computers in violation of this policy shall lose all computer privileges. Links to online sources availabe for parents and children providing information for appropriate online behavior are available on the library's web page https://www.garlandsmithpubliclibrary.okpls.org.

Rules of Conduct

• Internet access through the library’s connection is for educational purposes only.  (No chat groups, news groups, games, adult entertainment, etc.)

• Users must sign to use the Internet or computers on a next-available-terminal basis.  Terminals will not be reserved for persons who are not in the immediate vicinity when their name is called.  Telephone reservations will not be taken.

• Internet and computer use is free.  However, prompt payment is required by users who incur charges for disks, printing, other authorized fees, or willful damage to equipment.

• Unless otherwise authorized by the librarian in charge, access sessions will be limited to thirty minutes with an additional thirty minutes possible if no one is waiting for a computer.

• Only one person may use the Internet or computer at a time with the exception of a parent and child or husband and wife as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or library staff.

• Users must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by library staff, even if they have not completed their access session or task.

• The library does not provide e-mail service.  The user may send and receive e-mail through a free mail service of his choice.

• Internet computers may not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be obscene.

• Users may not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.

• The Internet or computers may not be used for commercial activity.

• Users are to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.

• Users are to respect the privacy of other users, and refrain from viewing or attempting to view or read material being used by others. To do so is a violation of the Privacy Act.

• In accordance with the Privacy Act, the library staff may not provide unauthorized information about a patron's use of the computers or Internet.

Failure to comply with the Internet and computer policy and/or the rules of conduct will result in the loss of Internet and computer privileges. Illegal acts involving library computing resources may also be subject to local, state, and/or federal authorities.

Materials Policy

The Garland Smith Public Library places major emphasis on informational, recreational and educational objectives. It recognizes the importance of basic materials of permanent value and timely materials on current issues. Materials shall be purchased in the formats that best suit patron needs.

The Garland Smith Public Library Board of Trustee, which was created by article 3 Section 3-1 of the Charter of the City of Marlow, Oklahoma, grants the library director the authority in purchasing, retention, and withdrawal of library materials.  As such, the library director shall be held responsible and answerable to the Library Board of Trustee for any selections made.

Guidelines

The Trustees of the Garland Smith Public Library support the Library Bill of Rights promulgated by the American Library Association, and it serves the basis for this policy and other lending policies of this library.  Choice of materials will result from a variety of professional activities on the part of the library director.

Reviews of new books from both professional journals and popular reviewing media form an important tool in the selection process.  Recommendations from the staff and the public are also welcome and evaluated within the framework of the acquisition process.

The library director has the final responsibility for the selection of all materials to be incorporated into the library’s collection, regardless of the mode of acquisition.  It is the director’s responsibility to provide materials that are of both current interest and permanent value, that are up-to-date, that are responsive to the interests and needs of every segment of the community and that do not discriminate against any political, religious, economic, or social view or group through deliberate exclusion of their views.  The director shall try to provide for a diversity of materials without exercising either direct or implied censorship.  The director shall be responsible for expending available funds in an equitable manner so that all divisions of the collection receive a just proportion of said funds.

Selection Criteria

All acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the standards listed below.  However, an item need not meet all the criteria in order to be acceptable. Materials are evaluated on the significance of the entire work rather than individual parts. When judging the quality of materials several standards and combinations of standards may be used.

The Garland Smith Public Library subscribes to the general principles stated in The Freedom to Read and the Library Bill of Rights statements endorsed by The American Library Association.

Because the Garland Smith Public Library recognizes its responsibility to provide access to all aspects of the human record, the widest possible variety of subjects and views are included in the collection. Cost, space, usefulness, demand, and interest of the community are considered.

The Garland Smith Public Library encourages suggestions and comments about the collection. They are important in helping decide what to acquire. Because the library follows accepted principles of freedom, it will not remove specific titles solely because individuals or groups may find them objectionable.

Children’s materials are to be selected based upon their literary and artistic merit, contribution to the balance of the total collection, and the suitability of their content and vocabulary to the age of the reader. Materials shall be sought which present an accurate, fair, and wholesome picture of the subject.

Textbooks are purchased only when information is not available in any other form. The goal of the public library is to supplement textbooks by providing materials that will help broaden interests stemming from the use of the textbook rather than the textbook itself.

Periodicals are purchased to supplement the book collection, provide recreational and professional reading, and/or provide material not yet available in book form.  Selection of periodicals shall be based upon their consideration as authoritative, objective, of local interest and demand, and indexed in standard periodical indexes.

All materials are shelved in age-appropriate sections and call numbers reflect each section. Material for children ages birth through early readers is in the section of the library marked “Easy” and each spine label begins with E. Material for middle grades through high school is located in a section marked “Juvenile” and each spine label begins with a J.  Adult materials are shelved in specific adult areas.  The library is responsible for displaying material in the appropriate section.  Parents are encouraged to take an active role in the selection of materials for their children.  The library is not responsible for what children select.

Gifts

Gifts to the library are appreciated. Gifts of money and materials are accepted with the understanding that the director shall evaluate the materials using the criteria set forth in the library policies and that said items become the property of the library. The library is under no obligation to replace these gifts if they become lost, damaged or worn, or to keep them after they have become obsolete or of no further value to the library.

Monetary gifts for books and/or equipment shall be accepted.  The director shall consult with the donor to insure, so far as possible, that the selections are mutually satisfactory and whenever possible compatible with the life interests of the donor or person being honored.  Gifts not designated for specific materials or equipment may be invested or retained for future use, depending upon the wishes of the donor.

Memorial books shall carry a special bookplate identifying the donor and the person in whose memory the gift is made. An acknowledgement shall be sent to the family of the person in whose name the book or item is given. Bookplates, identification plaques, or other appropriate recognition identifying the donor or person being honored may be displayed on items acquired through donations or grants.

Material gifts are accepted with the understanding that they shall be evaluated according to the material selection policy and may be added to the library’s collection, given to the Friends of the Library for sale, or discarded. Gifts of mass-market paperback books may be added to the collection of adult paperbacks. Because of their great popularity these books may be made available despite the fact that they may not meet the usual standards of literary quality used in buying materials for the library. These materials shall be shelved in the adult area of the library. Juvenile paperbacks shall be shelved in the juvenile area of the library.

The library prefers not to appraise gifts; however, the general estimated value of books is based on 1/3 of the original price if the book is in good condition and copyrighted within the last five (5) years.

Persons wishing to receive federal income tax deduction credit for gifts that are donated to the library must be responsible for counting or listing the items. The library staff shall not list or count or evaluate such gifts. However, the director shall sign a statement indicating the gift was received.

Collection Maintenance

To maintain the effectiveness of the library's total collection, the library shall attempt to systematically remove materials no longer useful. The library does not automatically replace all materials withdrawn because of loss, damage or wear. Need for replacement is weighed with regard to several factors: number of duplicate copies, existence of adequate coverage of a field, similar material in the collection, later or more authoritative material as well as current demand for the particular subject or title.

Challenges

Patrons requesting that material in the collection be reconsidered must complete a "request for reconsider of material" form. The inquiry shall be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Garland Smith Public Library Board of Trustees. The board shall not act upon any inquiry unless the request form is completed and signed. Their decision shall be based upon this selection policy after due consideration of the report of the library director and the patron's inquiry.

The library recognizes that some materials may be controversial and that any given item may offend some patron. Selection or retention of materials shall not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval of any group of patrons, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy. Library materials shall not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their content, and no library material shall be sequestered, except to protect it from theft. Responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents or legal guardians.

Personnel

Library staff shall adhere to the policies of the City of Marlow as stated in the Personnel Policies Handbook.  Policies and job descriptions that are library-specific shall be established in the library policies.  All library staff working twenty or more hours a week shall attend Librarianship classes to become certified at his/her appropriate level.  After certification each staff member is responsible for taking one workshop annually and fulfilling requirements for recertification. Staff is paid for actual class hours and reimbursed for travel and meals.  To be reimbursed, mileage and other receipts must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office with employee’s name, date, and event attended.  Every effort shall be made to arrange scheduling so staff may attend workshops.

Each employee’s history with the library shall be recorded and kept in the employee’s personnel file.  These documents include job evaluations, change of status records, commendations, corrective action warnings, educational attainment records and any other document pertinent to the employee’s work performance.  Evaluations are conducted in accordance with the City of Marlow Personnel Policies Handbook.

Employees shall be responsible for setting cell phones, pagers, and other personal electronic devices to silent and securing these items with his/her personal belongings.  Each employee may check and return messages during a break time determined by the employee and the library director.  Use of library phones follows the City of Marlow Personnel Policies as stated on page 11 of the policy handbook.

Safety and Behavior

Children in the library

The Garland Smith Public Library welcomes the use of its facilities and services by children of all ages and encourages them to visit often.  The library strives to maintain an environment conducive to learning and developing a love of books. However, for their safety and security, children under the age of six must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult caregiver. No child under six may be left unattended in the library at any time.  Patrons using computers and accompanied by underage children must keep the children within physical reach at all times. Staff members are not allowed to assume responsibility for any child in the absence of an adult, even for a very short time, nor are the staff responsible for determining if children are leaving the building with the designated caregiver or strangers. The library shall shelve materials in age-appropriate areas but it is the parents who are responsible for what their children read.

Patron Behavior

The Garland Smith Public Library adheres to the Library Bill of Rights and maintains that all patrons, regardless or origin, age, background, or views, are free to study, read, and utilize library materials without fear of harassment, intimidation, physical threats, or undue distractions.

In order to protect patrons' rights, the following activities will be strictly prohibited in the library:

• Any behavior that endangers the safety or health of others

• Violation while in the library of any local, state, or federal law

• Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library materials

• Smoking

• Eating or drinking

• Loud talking or use of abusive language

• Disrupting other patrons in any manner

• Loitering or Soliciting

• Pets (with the exception of seeing-eye dogs, etc.)

• Talking on a cell phone

In most cases the library director or a staff member shall give any patron who violates the library's rules one verbal warning. If the patron ignores the warning he/she may be expelled from the premises. The staff may contact the Marlow police if deemed advisable. The library director may deny any patron access to the library for violating library rules. The patron has the right to appeal the decision to the library board at their next regularly scheduled meeting.

Cell phones in the library

The Garland Smith Public Library seeks to provide an environment conducive to study and research.  So that ringing cell phones and phone conversations do not disturb that environment, library patrons are asked to observer the following:  upon entering the library, cell phones should be turned off or the ringer set to “silent” or “vibrating” mode; If a cell phone must be used please take the call outside the building; anyone receiving a call should immediately put the caller on hold and move outside before continuing the conversation.

Staff Roles

Library Director

The library director is responsible for the daily operation of the Garland Smith Public Library. The director shall be responsible for maintaining a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable environment for patrons; have an in-depth understanding of library principles, procedures, and laws; promote library services and programs to the community; develop community support; and maintain a good working relationship with the Board of Trustees, Marlow City Council and city manager.

Duties include day-to-day activities; budget preparation; grant writing; selecting and ordering materials; maintenance of collection, equipment, and building; supervising staff; maintaining a current inventory of building and contents; and any other duties set forth by the Board of Trustees, the Marlow City Council, city administrator, or Oklahoma Department of Libraries. The director is responsible for maintaining records as prescribed by the trustees, city officials, and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, submitting reports as requested. The director shall serve as the secretary for the library board. In the event the director does not have a master of library science degree he/she shall complete the Institute of Public Librarianship and keep certification current.

Children's Librarian

The children’s librarian is responsible for assisting the director in the daily operation of the library. The children’s librarian shall have a general understanding of library principles and procedures, and be familiar with the daily responsibilities. The children’s librarian shall plan, schedule, and arrange publicity, and present book talks, storytimes, and programs for children of all ages both in the library and in the community. The children’s librarian shall be responsible for assisting the director in developing a collection that best meets the needs of the children, parents, and facilities of the community. The children’s librarian shall teach children and parents how to make effective use of the range of library resources, services, technology, and programs that are available. Other duties may be assigned by the director.

Library Assistant

The library assistant is responsible for assisting the director in the daily operation of the library. The assistant shall have a general understanding of library principles and procedures, and be familiar with the daily responsibilities as posted in the office and the manual. Duties include assisting patrons, cleaning and properly shelving books, repairing damaged books, keeping an adequate supply of office and library supplies, and helping prepare books for shelving. The assistant is in charge of inter-library loans and in notifying patrons of overdue materials according to library policy. The assistant shall assist the director in cleaning and keeping the library in order including routine reading of the shelves and other duties that may be assigned by the director.

Library Aide

The library aide shall be attentive to all patrons and willingly give assistance when needed. Duties include cleaning and shelving books, routine reading of the shelves, and other duties that may be assigned by the director.

Volunteers

Volunteers contribute by supporting the efforts of the library staff. The duties of volunteers shall be determined by the library director and may consist of routine jobs or specialized or technical assistance depending on the person’s background and experiences.

Paper copies of all policies are available upon request.