To maintain an atmosphere appropriate for work, study and enjoyment for all library users and staff, the following policy on behavior in the Carnegie Public Library of East Liverpool has been established. Library staff will courteously, but firmly, enforce this policy.
Appropriate library activities include: browsing for materials, reading, thinking, quiet conversation, homework, writing reports and researching. If library games, puzzles, computers or audio-visual equipment are available, they are to be used quietly, so as not to disturb others. Group study of up to four at one table and quiet tutoring of one or two students is permitted. Group study by, or tutoring of, more students at one time, or any other group work which creates enough noise to disrupt other patrons, must be conducted in the meeting room, following meeting room policies and procedures.
Inappropriate activities include:
1. Loud or boisterous behavior,
2. Conversation that is disturbing to other patrons or employees,
3. Profanity or other abusive language to other patrons or employees,
4. Abusing library furniture, equipment or materials,
5. Running in the building,
6. Harassing others, either verbally or through actions, harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations, impeding access to the building, etc.,
7. Fighting on library property,
8. Using tobacco in any form while inside the library building,
9. Possession, sale or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances on library property,
10. Eating or drinking in the library.
11. Sleeping in the library.
12. Buying or selling of any kind, or soliciting for personal gain or charitable purposes,
13. Using radios, other personal listening devices or cell phone rings and alerts at a level that can be heard by others,
14. Skateboarding, rollerblading and like activities anywhere on library property,
15. Distributing literature, taking surveys, or asking individuals or employees to sign petitions or similar activities,
16. No animals are permitted in the library other than guide dogs and the like,
17. Shirts and shoes are required,
18. Using emergency exits at times other than during an emergency,
19. Moving furniture or putting feet on furniture,
20. Loitering,
21. Inappropriate public displays of affection,
22. The handicapped entrance and elevator are restricted to adults and handicapped patrons only.
Patrons who are behaving inappropriately or disruptively will be warned that the behavior must stop. If the behavior is not immediately corrected, the person will be requested to leave the premises. For serious violations, patrons may be asked to leave even if they correct the problem. Anyone who does not leave after being told to do so will be considered a trespasser and will be treated accordingly, including involving the police. Habitual abusers of library rules may have library privileges restricted for a period of time. A minor (anyone under 18 years of age) who creates chronic problems may be required, for up to three months, to bring a responsible adult when visiting the library who will remain with him or her in the library.
These rules have been adopted for the comfort and protection of all those using library materials and services. The Library staff will courteously, but firmly, enforce them. We ask your cooperation in maintaining a pleasant atmosphere, conducive to the effective use of the library.
Adopted Oct. 20, 1999, updated February 17, 2010
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Internet access is available on selected public computer terminals for all users of the Carnegie Public Library of East Liverpool, Ohio.
Internet access is provided by the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN), a network linking all public libraries in Ohio with the goal of providing equity of access to global information for all citizens. Access to the Internet is compatible with the Carnegie Public Library's endorsement of the American Library Association's Bill of Rights, Code of Ethics, and the library's mission statement.
The Internet offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. It is, however, an unregulated medium with a highly diverse user population. The Internet contains material that some might find offensive or disturbing. The Carnegie Public Library has no control over the information that can be accessed through the Internet and is not responsible for its content.
Library patrons are responsible for the information accessed by their children.
Only parents may restrict the Internet resources chosen by their children.
Parents are advised to supervise children's use of the Internet.
Sources on the Internet do not always provide accurate, complete or current information.
As with any material provided by the library, the user must take responsibility in questioning the validity of the information found. The library does not warrant information available through the Internet to be accurate, factual, legal, or complete.
Users may not use the library's computers for any of the following:
* Unauthorized entry into any other computer or network
* Any action which violates copyright
* Any action which interferes with the use of information sources
* The sending, receiving, or displaying of text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene
* Any action that seeks to invade the privacy of individuals
* Any action that destroys, alters, prevents, or interferes with computer-based information
* Any activity that violates local, state, and/or federal laws
* Commercial activity
* Political lobbying
* Disrupting the use of the Internet by others
* Library staff will make every effort to offer searching suggestions and answer some questions, but they cannot provide in-depth training on Internet and personal computer use. Some staff members have extensive knowledge of the Internet; others have less experience. Because of scheduling, staff members who are knowledgeable about the Internet may not always be available.
Any patron found to have violated any of the above will lose all Internet privileges.
Officially adopted by the Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees on October 23, 1996.
Computer Use Policy
1. The library provides computers for public use, but does not provide instruction in the use of the computer or use of any specific web sites.
2. A patron must present a library card in good standing in order to use the computers. There must be no more than $2.00 in unpaid charges on the patron’s card. A patron who cannot pay their entire balance initially may make payments in increments of $1.00 each time they wish to use the computers, until their balance has been paid in full.
3. Computers are checked out for use in half-hour time periods. A patron may use a computer for an unlimited time period while no other patrons are waiting, but may be asked to finish their session any time after a half-hour has elapsed if other patrons are waiting to use the computers.
4. Once a patron has been asked to vacate because of other waiting patrons, a period of one half-hour of non-use must elapse before they will be afforded the one half-hour expiration period again. They may get on any computer as soon as it is free, but if the half-hour has not elapsed they may be requested to vacate if another patron wishes to use the computers.
5. Patrons waiting to use the computers may wait in either the nonfiction room or the reference room on the 2nd floor. They may not stand near the computers or around the 2nd floor railing.
6. There is normally one user per computer. Staff may make exceptions for two people to sit at one computer. Space and the privacy of other patrons do not allow for more people to be gathered at one computer. Standing behind or beside seated computer users is not permitted for anyone, including members of the user’s party. Others in the user’s party may wait in either the nonfiction room or reference room on the 2nd floor, or on the first floor.
7. A patron wishing to move to another free computer must alert the staff so that the correct expiration time is recorded. Otherwise, the patron may be requested to vacate the computer based on the recorded expiration time of the previous patron.
8. Computer use for each day ends one quarter-hour before the closing of the library.
9. Staff do not type documents for patrons or complete online forms or account registrations.
10. Staff may provide assistance with printing when possible but cannot necessarily modify print formatting or correct printing errors. Patrons must pay for all pages which they print.
11. Patrons may listen to audio content from the web only by bringing in their own headphones or earbuds. Listening to audio openly for all patrons to hear is not appropriate.
The library display cases are used primarily for the promotion of library materials, programs, and services, and preference shall always be given to library needs. When they are not otherwise reserved, the cases are available for the display of materials from community organizations or personal collections.
Requests for display space will be made on the Display Case Reservation Form, and approved by the Director. Groups or individuals may reserve the display case up to 6 months in advance, but may not reserve the display case for more than one four-week period at a time; requests for space are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Displays will stay up at least one week and no more than four weeks.
Organizations wishing to display materials must be non-partisan, preferably with an open membership. Government, health, welfare, educational, and cultural agencies shall be given preference over special-interest groups. A personal or private collection must be both of interest and acceptable to the general public.
The following categories of exhibit material are specifically excluded: commercial exhibits; partisan political exhibits; and exhibits advocating a position on ballot issues, except library issues. The library reserves the right to approve the content and arrangement of all exhibits.
The presence of a particular display in the library does not necessarily indicate that the library either advocates or endorses the viewpoints of exhibits or exhibitors.
The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft, of any item exhibited or displayed. Items are placed on display in the library at the owner's risk. All exhibitors will sign a form that releases the library from any responsibility for exhibited materials.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Display Case Request Form (PDF) [1] | 87.07 KB |
The library will provide at its discretion limited space for the distribution of community information materials, free handouts or the posting of flyers, notices, and posters, which present current and relevant news about nonprofit educational, cultural, public interest and recreational services.
Materials promoting business or commercial ventures, political campaigns or viewpoints, or doctrinal beliefs will not be accepted for distribution. Personal sales or advertisements, or job postings will not be accepted for distribution. Petitions will not be accepted unless first approved in a resolution by the library board and found to benefit the library.
Distribution or posting of community information materials does not necessarily indicate the library's endorsement of the issues or events promoted by the materials.
Due to limited space available for community information materials, only a limited quantity can be accepted, and will only be made available for a period of one (1) month.
Large posters and announcements are not accepted for display. No signs will be posted on the library entrance doors.
Community information materials cannot be returned once given to the library for distribution.
The Library Director shall make the final determination as to whether materials comply with the guidelines for distribution. Adopted January 19, 2005, updated April 16, 2008.
The Carnegie Public Library accepts donations of materials. As many used items are not appropriate for inclusion in the library’s collection because of age, condition or duplication of materials already owned, the Director or designee will determine the acceptability of any donations for the library. Generally, items published fewer than 5 years ago make the best donations.
The library reserves the right to refuse any donations.
The library does not assess the value of donations or gifts. Upon request, a receipt verifying the number of items donated will be provided.
Donations that are not added to the library collection are either disposed of or sold by the Carnegie Public Library in an ongoing or annual sale.
Donation of Monies or Funds
Monetary gifts may be donated to the Carnegie Public Library.
Money donated to the library for gift books or memorials will be deposited in a legally established special revenue fund or the General Fund. Items purchased become the property of the library and may be disposed of accordingly. Gifts of this type will be acknowledged by letter from the Director or designee.
Adopted February 17, 2010
In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and applicable judicial decisions Carnegie Public Library maintains open records
Public records are to be open to the public at all reasonable times with exceptions only as provided for in the Ohio Revised Code.
A poster of the Open Records Policy will be posted in a conspicuous place in the library.
As required by Ohio law, records will be organized and maintained so that they are available for inspection and copying within a reasonable period during regular business hours. The length of time necessary to supply records may depend on the number of records requested, where the records are stored, and other factors.
Any denial of public records requested must include an explanation, including legal authority. If the request for records was in writing, the denial will also be in writing. If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt, the exempt portions are to be redacted and the rest released.
Copies will be made available by authorized library personnel within a reasonable period of time. Those seeking public records will be charged at the standard rate for library copies. If copies are to be mailed, the requestor must pay for the postage and the cost of the copies in advance.
Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the public office to identify, retrieve, and review the records
The Carnegie Public Library would prefer to have requests in writing with the requester’s name and contact information so that staff members can clarify the scope of the request and notify the requester when copies have been made. However, the requestor may decline to supply his/her identity and purpose in requesting open public records.
Approved October 17, 2007.
Links:
[1] http://www.carnegie.lib.oh.us/sites/default/files/Display_Case_Request_Form_0.pdf