Policies

CIRCULATION POLICY

General Information

A library card is a valuable asset. It can give you access to millions of dollars worth of books, magazines, and other library materials. You are financially responsible for the items checked out on your card. Our circulation policy is very important. Do not let others use your card, and report a loss or theft of your card to the library immediately.

All patrons wishing to borrow materials from the library must register with the library, providing a current address in Washington Township. An appropriate application form must be completed, and proper identification must be shown in order to receive a library card. Appropriate identification includes a driver’s license, automobile registration, property tax statement, fishing license, voter’s registration card, or a piece of delivered mail.

The Library reserves the right to withdraw borrowing privileges from any patron providing the Library with false information, displaying unruly conduct, or failing to return borrowed materials.

Resident Adult

Adult residents (16 and older) or real property owners of Washington Township may apply for a free library card for the Bristol Public Library. An application form must be completed and proper identification shown.

Resident minor

The parent or guardian of a minor child must apply in person for a card for a minor child (under the age of 16). The adult must also present appropriate identification and sign the registration form, agreeing to be responsible for materials borrowed by the child as per our circulation policy. The library will not restrict a patron’s access to library materials due to age, and request that parents who are concerned about their children’s access to materials accompany them to the library and assist them in making selections.

Business

The owner or manager of a business in Washington Township may request a business library card. Up to two employees may be designated in writing as having borrowing privileges.

Staff

Members of the Library Staff are eligible for full borrowing privileges, regardless of residency. These cards will not accrue fines; however, members of the staff are expected to return all materials on time. These cards expire upon termination as per our circulation policy.

Reciprocal Borrowing

The Bristol Public Library participates in SRCS (Statewide Remote Circulation System.) Borrowers in good standing may borrow materials without charge from other libraries in the state participating in this program.

PLAC Cards

The State of Indiana has established a program to provide Indiana residents with the opportunity to purchase a Public Library Access Card for an annual fee. The fee is set annually by the state. The card will be honored by any public library in the state.

Lost Cards

If your library card is lost or stolen, please notify us to prevent others from charging items to your account. There is a replacement charge of $0.50 for a new card.

Borrowing

There is no limit to the amount of books a patron may borrow from the library. Books have a loan period of three weeks with three renewals. Periodicals may be borrowed for one week, with three renewals. A total of five DVDs may be borrowed for one week, with one renewal. A total of five CDs may be borrowed for three weeks, with three renewals. Items on reserve for another person may not be renewed. A fine of $0.10 per day per item on overdue materials will be charged to patrons. Patrons will not be charged more than the replacement cost of the item in overdue fines.

Lost or damaged materials

Library patrons are expected to return library materials in as good of condition as when borrowed, excluding wear from normal use. Patrons will be charged the replacement cost of lost or damaged materials.

Revised by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on August 23, 2018.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Purpose of Policy

The purpose of the Bristol Public Library Collection Development and Management Policy is to provide guidelines for acquisition and withdrawal decisions, resource allocation, and long-range planning of collection needs in accordance with the library’s mission statement and current strategic plan.

Responsibility for Collection Development

Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Director, who operates with the policies determined by the Board of Trustees. The Direction delegates the responsibilities for specific subject areas and formats regarding the evaluation, acquisition, retention, and withdrawal of materials.

Cooperative Relationships

The Library encourages the use of interlibrary cooperation to better serve the needs of the patrons by expanding available resource sharing (interlibrary Loan, ILL, SRCS) and cooperative agreements that benefit the community.

Intellectual Freedom

Guiding principles for the Library’s materials selection and use policies is the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association.

Selection Criteria

The Library strives to develop a viable collection of standard works of permanent value and popular materials of current significance, striking an overall balance between public demand and diversity of material. The interest and needs of the community, the individual merit of each item, and the library’s existing collection, budget, and services are the main factors in selecting material.

The criteria listed below apply to the selection of all materials for the Bristol Public Library

• Authenticity
• Public demand and/ or interest
• Timeliness and/ or significance of the subject
• Contribution to a balanced collection
• Support of Library’s mission and strategic plan
• Community Relevance
• Cost
• Reviews for professionally recognized sources

Materials are evaluated as complete works and not on the basis of a particular passage. A work will not be excluded from the Library’s collection solely because the content may be controversial.

Format

Materials are purchased in a variety of formats. The Library monitors the development of new formats and, within budgetary and technical limitations, adds these to the collection. The choice of formats will be based on patron demand, community trends, product development, and positive critical reviews.

Patron Reviews

Patron suggestions and requests will be considered in accordance with the selection criteria outlined in this document. Requests not acquired by the Library may be available via Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

Adopted 8-24-2017

COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE POLICY

Electronic information research skills are now essential in the educational preparations of students and adults. Access to the Internet enables people to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and other resources around the world. In making decisions regarding access to the electronic information and the Internet, the Bristol Public Library considers its own stated mission, goals, and objectives. The Bristol Public Library reserves the right to set and enforce rules and regulations concerning the use of Internet and other computer resources.

Providing access to electronic information services, networks, and the Internet is not the same as selecting and purchasing material for a library collection. Some information accessed electronically may not meet the library’s selection or collection development policy. It is, therefore, left to each user to determine what is appropriate. Parents who are concerned about their children’s use of electronic resources should supervise their children.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF USERS

· The user is responsible for the correct use of the computer systems and its tools. Patrons are not allowed to install computer programs to the library’s computers. Users will be held liable for damages as a result of improper use.

· Information gathered while using the computer systems or the Internet should be downloaded to the users’ portable storage devices. All information saved on the hard drive of the library’s computers will be deleted.

· While using the Internet computers users continue to be responsible for supervising the behavior of children who have accompanied them to the library. If a child is disruptive, you may be asked to terminate your computer use early and supervise the child.

· The user is responsible for complying with all copyright laws, patents, and licensing agreements.

· The Library staff reserves the right to request photo identification of persons requesting to use the computers.

· No eating is allowed at library computers. There is a designated snack table for patrons to use in the Teen section of the library. Covered drinks are allowed at computers.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE (LEGAL AND ETHICAL)

Computers and their resources must be used only for legal purposes by the public and library staff. Examples of illegal use include, but are not limited to:

- Display or dissemination of sexually explicit or sexually suggestive

(obscene/pornographic) material

- Unlawful or malicious activities

- Libel or slander of others or the library

- Using abusive or objectionable language

- Harassment of others

- Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials

- Destruction or damage of equipment, software, or data found on the computers

- Violation of computer system security

- Destruction or tampering with computer files

- Use of spamming software or other high bandwidth usage programs

- Use of Internet chat programs

Any violations or inappropriate use of the library computer systems or the Internet will result in loss of computer use and/or library privileges, and possible removal from the library premises. Authorities will be notified if child pornography is found on a public computer.

STAFF ASSISTANCE

Staff provides limited assistance for basic start up procedures. Library staff will not provide in-depth instruction for users. If specific information is needed, staff members will assist you in acquiring information, or will contact you at a later date with information you require.

TIME LIMITS

Computers:

Children (16 and under) are allowed two hours per day, unless studying for school assignments. Adults are allowed three hours per day, unless studying for school assignments. If a user is studying for a school assignment, he/she may have all the time they need to complete their studying during library hours.

PRINTING

Cost of printing off the Internet is $.50 per page for color; $.10 per page for black and white.

DOWNLOADING

Users may download information onto their own portable storage devices.

DISCLAIMERS

The Bristol Public Library is NOT responsible for the following:

· The accuracy of the information found on the Internet, or other computer systems.

· Sites found on the Internet that the user consider objectionable.

· Lost data or information downloaded from the Internet or computer files.

· Viruses obtained through computer use.

· Personal property or information damaged while using the computer.

· The library does not offer direct access e-mail accounts.

· Information obtained through inappropriate or illegal use of the Library’s Internet

connection.

FILTERING SOFTWARE/TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURES

It is the decision of the Library Board to use filtering software for all computers accessing the Internet. We acknowledge, however, the fact that no software is totally accurate in filtering Internet sites. Errors may occur in the filtering process. The filtering software is not meant to discourage Internet use, but to promote the idea that the Internet should be used primarily as a tool for professional and educational research.

WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

Wireless Internet connectivity is offered to patrons who have their own laptop computer or mobile device. There are no time limits on wireless use. Patrons using the Library’s connectivity will be subject to all other policies stated above, including filtering.

Approved by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on December 21, 2017.

Reviewed by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on December 28, 2023.

CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY

"COMIN SOON"

ELECTRONIC ACCESS POLICY

The Bristol-Washington Township Public Library’s Information Technologies are available to the public but with certain restrictions. Use of these technologies, as with all library services and materials, is a privilege, not a right. Misuse of library hardware or software may result in assessed fees charged to the patron for required repairs or replacement, loss of library privileges, legal action, or all of the above. In making decisions regarding access to the Internet, the library utilizes its own stated mission, goals, and objectives. In a such as providing access to electronic information services and networks is not the same as selecting and purchasing materials for the library’s collection, some information accessible electronically may not meet the library’s selection or collection development policy. Therefore, the library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy or authenticity of any electronic information.

The Public Library does not act as guardian for minors and does not limit any library items from card-holding patrons, it is suggested that parents or caregivers monitor the use or non-use of computers by their children. Patrons will at all times abide by all copyright laws applicable. Patrons use their library card number to access the library’s computers. The electronic access policy pops up to be accepted or declined. Patrons below the age of 8 are asked to be accompanied by a parent or guardian while using the computers.

Patrons may use E-mail, chat rooms, Facebook, and newsgroups, but may not set up an account on the library’s E-mail. All accounts on the library’s hard drive will be deleted. Those patrons found setting up accounts on the library’s hard drive will lose their computer privileges. Patrons may download information onto USB sticks that belong to the patron or are purchased from the library. Patrons may not upload information onto the library’s system. Those patrons found uploading information will lose their computer privileges. Patrons may use the computers for 2 hours per day. Use is on a first-come, first-served basis, except for reserved time. Patrons may reserve computer time by telephoning the library. Computers may be reserved for 2 hours per day. If the reserving patron is not at the library at their reserved time, their name is put to the bottom of the waiting list.

All work, including printing, must be completed 5 minutes prior to the library’s closing. The library’s computer hard drives are for the storage of library software and information. DO NOT SAVE YOUR FILES THERE. Any unknown files will be purged by library staff. Patrons found to be entering files, erasing library stored data or programming on the hard disks, or illegally copying copyrighted software from library computers will lose their computer privileges.

Library computers are not to be used to create, transmit, print, or otherwise distribute pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, racist, sexist, or homophobic materials as decided by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees using community standards. Patrons agree to anonymous monitoring of their use by library staff to ensure compliance with these policies. Patrons may not use library materials or equipment to disrupt any of the Internet networks as a whole, or any equipment or system forming part of the connection to, or part of, the Internet system, or any services provided over the connection. Patrons may not use library materials or equipment to mass distribute (or otherwise intrusively “broadcast”) any message over the Internet, including but not limited to advertising. Patrons may not use the library connection to the Internet to violate any local, state, or federal statute. Those whose conduct with a library account violates these laws will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Evidence of illegal activity will be reported to the proper legal authorities. The library will cooperate with authorities in the investigation of illegal activities. The library reserves the right to deny Internet access to any person found to be in violation of the Electronic Access Policy, and any addendum adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Bristol-Washington Twp. Public Library, or its designees.

The library is not responsible for any damage to personal property/information due to library computer use.

(Approved Feb. 16, 2000; reviewed Sept. 24, 2009; reviewed April 28, 2011; reviewed May 24, 2012; reviewed July 25, 2013; reviewed July 24, 2014)

GIFT POLICY

The library welcomes gifts of materials, money, or memorials. These gifts help enrich and improve library resources.

1. Monetary contributions are added to a Gift Fund and used to purchase goods and services that are not appropriated for in the approved operating budget.
2. Memorial gifts of money, books, or other items may be donated in honor of a friend or relative. If desired, the library will select appropriate books for a memorial gift. All books designated for memorials will be marked with a special bookplate.
3. Used books (paperback and hardcover), DVDs, and audiobooks are accepted for donation. The library reserves the right to use these donations as needed. Some may be added to the library’s collection or sold in the book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The following materials are not accepted for donation.
   • Items that are moldy, foul-smelling, soiled, or damaged (water-damaged, browning or missing pages, torn bindings)
   • Old dictionaries, encyclopedias, or other out-of-date reference books
   • Magazines or newspapers, including National Geographic
   • Textbooks
4. The library applies the same criteria for evaluating gift items as it applies to purchased material. Gifts will be withdrawn in the same manner as purchased material. The library does not accept responsibility for notifying donors of the withdrawal or replacement of gift items.
5. All gifts are tax-deductible. A letter acknowledging donations will be provided. The library does not place a financial value on materials received. For artwork, rarities, or other materials of unique value, a donation form may be requested and kept on file.
6. No gifts are accepted unless given to the library without restriction. All gifts may be utilized, sold, or disposed of in the best interest of the library. The library reserves the right to refuse donations if it is determined that they are not useful.

Endorsed and passed by the Library Board of the Bristol Public Library in the State of Indiana on August 24th, 2017.

Bristol Public Library Meeting Room Policy

The Library Board of the Bristol Public Library recognizes the need for groups within the community to reserve the use of the Meeting Room for public gatherings. In keeping with the library's mission to support the educational, professional and recreational needs of the community it serves, the Library Board permits the use of the meeting room to non-profit groups at no charge provided that they follow the prescribed rules and procedures. Other groups will be assessed a basic rental fee of $25.00 an event. ALL activities engaged in direct or indirect revenue collection or private gatherings such as anniversaries, birthdays, or open houses will be charged the rental fee. Groups with special situations not falling into the above categories can be granted use of the room by the library director.

Library sponsored programs and events will take priority over all programs.

The FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET by any group reserving use of the meeting room:

1. The person reserving the room will do so by contacting library staff. The group name will be placed on the reserve calendar provided all conditions herein defined can be met. He/she accepts responsibility for any damage to the room or its contents by signing this reserve document.

2. Events must be held during library hours, unless approved by Director.

3. Persons reserving the meeting room must be 21 years or older. A responsible adult must be attending the event for which the room is reserved.

4. Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are not permitted on library property. Smoking is prohibited on library grounds.

6. There will be no general admission charged to the event. Buying or selling of goods is not permitted. Special situations may exist for Library and Friends of the Library activities.

7. Food service is limited to light refreshments or boxed meals. GROUPS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN FOOD SERVICE UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT.

9. Furniture and equipment needed for a meeting should be reserved at the time the room is reserved. A video/computer projector is available for use with a ceiling-mounted screen. Ask for instructions from the Library staff before using the audio-visual equipment. Library staff will make chairs and tables available for groups to set up themselves. The chairs and tables should be taken down and left in the same manner as they were found when the meeting is completed.

10. Events held when the Library is closed will use the east door only. The main door to the

Library will be locked and there will be no access to the interior of the Library except for the restrooms and hallway next to the Meeting Room.

The Library Board is authorized to deny use to any group that is disorderly, or

in violation of any of the above regulations.

Before leaving make sure:

1. All lights in the Meeting Room, hall and restrooms are turned off.

2. The restrooms have been vacated and the toilets flushed.

3. All areas used by your party are left in a neat and orderly arrangement.

4. When leaving make sure the door is securely shut. Leave the key in the white audio/visual drop box.

_______________________________________________________________

I have read the Meeting Room Policy, understand its contents, and accept responsibility for the use of the Bristol Public Library Meeting Room.

Name of responsible party ________________________________________________

Date_________________ Group/organization/event____________________________

*This signed form stays in effect until December of the current calendar year. Each year a new form must be signed.

Approved by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on December 21, 2017.

Reviewed by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on December 28, 2023.

Notary Public Policy

“A Notary Public is a public officer of the state, authorized by law to certify documents, take affidavits, and administer oaths.”—Indiana Secretary of State website.

The Bristol Public Library offers Notary Public services for the benefit of the residents of our community. The following guidelines will be followed in providing this service:

· Notary service is provided free of charge by the Bristol Public Library. In lieu of fees, donations to the Library are welcomed, but not necessary.

· The service is subject to the availability of the notary public on staff.

· Documents in any language other than the notary’s primary language will not be notarized.

· People seeking notary service must present valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or current employee ID.

· Documents to be notarized must be signed in person before the notary who will certify the signature.

· The notary may, at his/her discretion, decline to provide notary service.

Approved by Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on December 21, 2017.

Reviewed by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on December 28, 2023.

PLAC CARD POLICY

Definition:

The Public Library Access Card (PLAC) is the name for the statewide library card, enacted by law (Indiana Code 4-23-7.1-5.1). The PLAC program allows an individual to borrow materials directly from any public library in Indiana. Each library determines what materials are eligible for loan through the PLAC program, but at least books that normally circulate must be available for loan. An individual who holds a valid public library card may obtain a PLAC.

Fee:

The fee for a PLAC is determined each year by the Indiana State Library.

Issuance of Card

1. The Indiana State Library will provide a supply of numbered PLAC Cards at no cost to the library.
2. The card will show: name of cardholder, address, home library. The card is issued to one specific person, not a family.
3. Any public library can issue a PLAC card to any patron statewide.
4. Patron must have a valid library card and be in “good standing” at their home library.

The Bristol Public Library determines that a patron is in good standing if the current library fines of the patron are $5.00 or less, or at the discretionary advice of the home library.

Determination of “good standing” will be done in the following manner.

A Bristol Public Library staff member should call the home library to verify that the patron has a valid library card from that library and that the patron is in good standing. If the home library cannot verify the patron’s card of the patron is not found in good standing, the Bristol Public Library reserves there right to deny privileges until the card is validated or the fines are paid.

Local Agreements

The Bristol Public Library has signed agreements with the following county libraries: This agreement allows residents of each library district to borrow items from a public library in the other library districts without the PLAC card.

• Wakarusa Public Library
• Elkhart Public Library
• Goshen Public Library
• Middlebury Public Library
• LaGrange Public Library
• Nappanee Public Library

Overdue and Lost Materials

PLAC cardholders will be charged the same overdue rate fee as resident patrons in the library’s district. Cardholders must pay for lost materials.

PLAC Procedure

Patrons can buy a PLAC card at any library. They must have a library card from some library. Call that library to verify that they are in good standing. Must have proof of address.

1. PLAC card cost; cash or check made out to Bristol Public Library. Give money to director to deposit in special account.
2. Fill out a PLAC card: expiration is one year from that day’s date or expiration of patron’s home library card – whichever is sooner. Patron must sign.
3. If they don’t have a Bristol Library Card already, use normal procedure for patron card.
4. Fill out our patron card form (write PLAC on the top of the card) Computer profile name is REC-PLAC. Expiration date in the computer should be the same as the PLAC expiration.

Approved by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on December 21, 2017.

Unattended Child Policy

Children are welcome at the Bristol Public Library, and we are concerned about their safety. The parents or caregivers are responsible for the behavior and conduct of their children while they are at the library.

Children 11 years and younger must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible person over the age of thirteen years. Children 12 and older may use the library unattended by an adult, subject to all library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct, and demeanor.

In the case of a child being left at the library when the library is ready to close, the staff will make every effort to locate the parent, caregiver, or a friend to take them home. (Library staff will not transport children.) Two staff members will remain with the child for 15 minutes after closing, and then the police will be called. If the situation warrants, the parents will be contacted and reminded of the policy. Further action will be taken if the child is repeatedly left at the library at closing. This action may include but is not limited to, denied privileges or a call to the police department, who in turn are required to inform the Child Protection Agency.

Staff Responsibilities:
1. Ask the child for suggestions about where his/her parents might be. Call and talk with the parents. If parents are unavailable, have the child think of a relative or friend with whom he can stay or who will take him home.
2. Two staff members should stay with the child until the child is picked up.
3. Write an incident report explaining the situation and what was done.
4. File the report and talk with the director about the situation.
5. The director, if the situation warrants, will contact the parents.

Approved by the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees on December 21, 2017.