Policies

Mission Statement

The Shiawassee District Library offers a variety of formats, materials, and services to provide for the informational and educational needs of its community members and to encourage the appreciation of reading.

Library Policies

The following are some of the most requested library policies. Questions about these or other library policies should be directed to the library director or other staff members.

Circulation Reference Internet Services Behavior

Circulation

Residents of the Cities of Owosso and Durand, Bennington, Owosso, and Rush Townships are issued free cards. Non-resident cards are $82.00 per family per year. Patrons may use the collections of other libraries in Genesee, Ingham, Lapeer, and Shiawassee Counties which are also members of the Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative subject to the other libraries' policies. Replacements of lost cards are $3.00.

Most materials can be borrowed for 3 weeks. Video tapes and DVDs are loaned for 2 days, and DVDs have a rental fee of $1.00. Two additional renewals are allowed if the item is not on reserve. Renewal requests may be made in person, by phone, or on line through the library's catalog section.

Fines are 5 cents per day up to a maximum of $1.00 for most items. Video fines are $1.00 for each day overdue up to half the retail cost of the video. Patrons are responsible for paying for materials charged to their card if the materials are lost or damaged. Individuals may be denied library service until overdue materials are returned or all fines or fees for lost or damaged materials are paid.

Reference Services

The Shiawassee District Library attempts to provide timely, accurate, and useful information in response to reference questions related to personal, educational, or work-related interests of community members regardless of age.

Patrons within the library will receive first priority in the use of reference tools or staff assistance. Phone and written requests will be handled as time permits, although a quickly answered question may be done immediately at staff discretion. At the librarian’s discretion, library users needing more extensive help than can be given over the phone may be asked to come into the library. Patrons needing extensive individual help, Internet searches, or other time-consuming assistance may need to make prior arrangements for a time at which adequate staffing is available. Internet searches may not be available on an on-demand basis. The amount of time which may be given to an individual will vary depending upon the number of staff members available at the time and the number of other people also needing assistance.

Genealogical questions will not be taken over the phone, but may be researched if requested in writing from people outside Shiawassee County. Shiawassee County residents will generally be expected to come into the library to do their own research. Research done by staff is limited to in-house materials. The library will not provide staff to look at census microfilm as this is available to local public libraries through a rental program or various on line databases.

Staff will provide assistance in using library materials in response to homework assignments. They are not expected to complete assignments or do research assigned to the student.

Contest questions will be treated as any other reference question. The library accepts no responsibility for contest results.

Library staff cannot prove medical, legal, or other professional advice. Every attempt will be made to provide materials related to patron needs, but no interpretation of the material to a given situation will be provided.
(Adopted 10-23-96)

Internet Services

XX. INTERNET SERVICES

A. GENERAL USE
The Shiawassee District Library provides use of the Internet as a service to its patrons. The Internet offers access to Internet-based communications as well as a wealth of information and sites including useful ideas, information and opinions from around the world. However, not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete or legal. Internet users will need to evaluate for themselves the validity of the information found.
Because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to information, ideas and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s mission, selection criteria, and collection development policies. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary that may be found on the Internet.
The Internet may contain information that is controversial, sexually explicit or offensive to some patrons. Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk.

B. USE BY MINORS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE
As required by Michigan Public Act 212 of 2000 ("P.A. 212"), the Library will adopt and enforce a policy that restricts minors (patrons under the age of 18) ("Minors") from accessing obscene material or sexually explicit material deemed harmful to minors (as those terms are defined by state law) in their use of the Internet. To comply with P.A. 212, all public Internet access at the Library, including wireless access, will be filtered from receiving obscenity and sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors, as those terms are defined by P.A. 212. Patrons 18 years of age or older shall not allow Minors to view or have access to visual sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors as defined in P.A. 212.
In addition to the filtering of all terminals, the staff, while not to be considered or used as "traffic cops" nor to act in loco parentis, shall make all reasonable efforts, within the course of their other duties, to monitor activity at the internet terminals.
Minors may only have the filters disabled if they make a request in writing, with a parent or guardian’s signature, on a form provided by the Library for (1) bona fide research or other lawful purposes and (2) only if a parent or legal guardian has accompanied them to the Library and is sitting at the computer station or terminal at all times.
Minors may request in writing on a form provided by the Library that a particular site be unblocked, but only if the site does not include obscene or sexually explicit material deemed harmful to minors as defined by Michigan law.
No one below 9th grade will be allowed to use the computers in the adult section (Owosso only) without a parent or legal guardian present at the computer.
As no filter is 100% effective, parents or guardians of Minors are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection. Minors will be allowed access to web-based e-mail and chat rooms. The Library reserves the right to require Minors to exit any chat room discussions or prevent access to any e-mail, including attachments, containing sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors as covered under P.A. 212.
As with other materials in the Library’s collection, it is the Library’s policy that parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their children. The Library urges parents and guardians to discuss Internet use with their children and to monitor their use of this tool.
Parents or legal guardians who wish to deny their Minor children access to the Internet via the Library’s connection must inform the Library in writing of this desire. A photograph or other information, which will allow staff to identify the Minor, must also be included.

C. RULES OF USE
Use of Internet workstations is free of charge, but the Library reserves the right to charge for printing. Users are responsible to pay for all pages they print; failure to pay all printing charges will result in the loss of computer privileges.
The demand for use of the Library’s Internet workstations may exceed the available supply. Therefore, the Library Board has authorized each department head, in consultation with the Director, to employ whatever reasonable methods, including but not limited to time limits, sign in requirements, and the use of privacy screens, are deemed appropriate in order to ensure that access to Internet workstations is available to all patrons who wish to use them. These specific rules are posted at each workstation.
Patrons shall not use their own software on the Library’s workstations. They may save material to their own floppy disks(s), CDs, flash drives, etc. for future use. Patrons should not download any information to the computer’s hard drive; patrons are reminded that all information saved to the hard drive is deleted upon the computer being turned off or rebooted.
Patrons 18 years of age or older may request in writing on a form provided by the Library to have the filters disabled for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. However, patrons 18 years of age or older using computers with disabled filters shall be required to use privacy screens and must be using one of the computers designed for disabled filters (in Durand computer #5 and in Owosso computer #8 or #9).
Patrons 18 years of age or older may request in writing on a form provided by the Library that a site they believe has been erroneously blocked be unblocked unless such site violates federal or state law or Library policy.
Adults 18 years of age or older will not be allowed to use the children’s library (Owosso) computers unless assisting a child at that computer.
All users of the Internet are expected to use this Library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided; and to follow all Library-related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use including those following as well as all applicable Library policies. Computer resources may not be used for the following purposes:

Violation of any applicable federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations including laws related to obscenity, child pornography, and Minors viewing material deemed harmful to minors as defined by law. The Library’s internet connection may not be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose.
Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or other users.
Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to or disrupting any computing, information, or communications devices or resources, including access codes, passwords, or network identification numbers assigned to others.
Unauthorized copying of copyrighted or other protected material. Responsibility for any copyright infringement lies with the user. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
Violation of computer system security.
Use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or e-mail exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, etc.)
Violation of another person’s or party’s privacy by misrepresenting oneself as another user; by attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; and by seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
Use of any software other than what is provided by the Library without permission. This includes the attachment of equipment to the Library’s computers or networks or the modification of any operating system or network configuration, and the downloading/uploading of files to/from the Library’s computers.
All forms of gambling, including but not limited to casino games.
Violation of any part of the Library’s Behavioral Policy including, but not limited to, excessive noise or use of cell phones.

Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.
The Library does not provide e-mail accounts to the public; however, web-based e-mail may be utilized. Attachments may be downloaded when technically possible, subject to the same rules as other Internet software

D. VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES AND APPEALS
Law enforcement officials will be notified for violations of federal, state, and local laws; this may result in arrest or prosecution.

In addition, the Library reserves the right to deny Internet usage to patrons with material more than one month overdue and/or owing more than $5.00 in fines or fees.

The Library takes seriously any violation of its policy. Thus, the Library Director or the Director's designee may restrict access to Library facilities by (1) terminating or limiting computer, internet access or library facilities; (2) immediately dismissing the patron from the premises; (3) suspending the patron’s access to library facilities for a set period of time; or (4) by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant to this Policy as set forth more fully below. If necessary, the local police may be called to intervene.

A. Incident Reports. Library Staff shall record in writing in the form of an Incident Report any violation of this Policy that resulted in a verbal warning or a suspension of library privileges. By the end of the day on which the incident occurred, an Incident Report shall be written and forwarded to the Library Director for logging and review. The report should include physical descriptions in addition to the name of the patron. A copy of the suspension of privileges letter should be attached, if applicable.

B. Violation of the Policy – Suspension of Privileges. Unless otherwise provided in this Policy, (See Section C below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:

1. Initial Violation: Library patrons observed violating this policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal request. If the patron does not comply with the request, he or she will be asked to leave the building for the day. If he or she refuses, police may be called.

2. Subsequent Violations: The Director or the Director's authorized designee may further limit or revoke the patron's library privileges if infractions continue. Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation. Subsequent violations of the same rule shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

B. Violations that Affect Safety and Security. Violations involving violations of law (including child pornography and allowing minors to view sexually explicit or other material deemed harmful to minors), violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, theft or attempted theft, sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:

1. Initial Violation: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. Violations of this nature will result in an immediate minimum two-week suspension of library privileges. The Incident Report shall specify the nature of the violation.

2. Subsequent Violations: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. The Director or the Director's authorized designee, may further limit or revoke the patron's library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documented in writing. Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

Staff will attempt to contact parents, schools, or the police for patrons under 12 when appropriate. A written record of expulsions will be maintained. If patrons do not leave upon request, police will be contacted. Refusal to leave upon request will be considered an infraction also.

E. Wi-fi ACCESS
The Shiawassee District Library provides wireless Internet access to users on their own laptops or other wireless-enabled devices.
All users must abide by the above SDL's Internet Services Policy including compliance with any applicable state and federal laws.
The Library's wireless connection is not secure. Users should use caution and not transmit personal information (credit card numbers, passwords, etc.) while using any wireless "hotspot."
The Library will not be responsible for any information (including credit card numbers) which is compromised or for any damage caused to users' hardware or software due to power surges, or security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. Anti-virus and security protection are the responsibility of the user.
The Library is not responsible for laptops or other devices left unattended.
Printing is not available via the wireless connection.
Library staff can provide general information but cannot troubleshoot problems related to users' wireless devices or assist in making changes to users' network settings and/or hardware configurations.

F. STAFF ASSISTANCE
Staff at public service desks may assist library users in getting started on the Internet. However, the Library will not guarantee that Internet-trained staff will be available to assist users . Regrettably, staff is not able to offer extensive explanations about the Internet or personal computer use or provide in-depth training. Staff mediated assistance is limited to the guidelines presented in policy VI--Reference Services. Staff can also provide information about Internet training opportunities and Internet books and manuals. More extensive instruction is available through the Internet Training Center.

G. INTERNET TRAINING CENTER
The Library, in cooperation with other community agencies, will attempt to provide training on an on-going, scheduled basis for users with a variety of needs, interests, and expertise. Use of the Internet Training Center is limited to groups with instructional needs. Arrangements must be made in advance; all scheduling will be done by the Library Director or his/her designee.
Adopted original C & D 2-26-97

Adopted original A & B 8-27-97
Revised 8-23-00
Revised 2-28-01
Revised 5-28-03
Revised original B 3-23-05
Revised 11-11-09 (Sections relettered).

Sample Forms:
Website Reconsideration
Unfilter Request--Durand Memorial Branch
Unfilter Request--Owosso Branch

Behavior

Introduction

The Shiawassee District Library is open for specific and designated uses, including reading, studying, writing, participating in scheduled library programs, , and using library materials. In order to provide resources and services to all people who visit the Shiawassee District Library facilities in an atmosphere of courtesy, respect, and excellent service, the Board of Trustees has adopted this Patron Behavior Policy. The purpose of the Library Patron Behavior Policy is to assist the Shiawassee District Library in fulfilling its mission as a community resource enriching life, stimulating intellectual curiosity, fostering literacy, and encouraging an informed citizenry.

The following rules of conduct shall apply to all buildings—interior and exterior—and all grounds controlled and operated by the Shiawassee District Library and to all persons entering in or on the premises.
Rules for a Safe Environment

Violations of Law. Committing or attempting to commit an activity in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance or regulation is prohibited.
Weapons. Carrying weapons, except bona fide officers of government jurisdictions or individuals with a lawful permit, is prohibited.
Alcohol / Drugs. Possessing, selling, distributing, or consuming any alcoholic beverage, illegal drug or drug paraphernalia is prohibited.
Under the Influence. Persons noticeably under the influence of any controlled substance or intoxicating liquor are not allowed on library property.
Use of Library buildings and Grounds

Use of skateboards, rollerblades, rollerskates, or scooters is not allowed in the library or on library premises.
Library patrons must park bicycles or other vehicles only in authorized areas.
All doors and entrances must remain obstacle-free.
Animals or personal transport vehicles are not permitted in the library other than those required by persons with disabilities or those used in law enforcement or for library programming.
Smoking inside library facilities is prohibited and smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance. Smokers must use exterior ashtrays and refrain from littering with cigarette butts.
Shirts and shoes are required for health reasons and must be worn at all times inside the library.
The use of incendiary devices, such as candles, matches, and lighters, is prohibited inside the library.

Rules for Personal Behavior

Personal Property. Personal property brought into the library is subject to the following:

Library personnel may limit the number of parcels carried into the library.
The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.
The Library does not guarantee storage of personal property.
Personal possessions must not take up seating or space if needed by others.
All bags, parcels, briefcases, etc. are subject to inspection upon leaving the library.

Food and Beverages. Food may only be consumed when part of a library program. Drinks must be covered containers and may not be with 5 feet of a computer.
Unauthorized use. Patrons must leave the library promptly at closing time. Further, any patron whose privileges to use the Library have been denied may not enter the Library. Any patron whose privileges have been limited may not use the Library in any manner that conflicts with those limits placed on the patron the Director, his or her designee, or the Library Board.
Engaging in Proper Library Activities. Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of the Library while in the building. Patrons not engaged in reading, studying writing, participating in scheduled library programs, and using library materials shall be required to leave the building.
Considerate Use. The following behavior is prohibited in the Library.

Spitting
Running
Putting feet or legs on furniture
Using obscene or threatening language or gestures

Panhandling or Soliciting. Panhandling or soliciting library staff or patrons for money, products, or services inside the library or on library property is prohibited.
Interference with Staff. Patrons may not interfere with the staff’s performance of duties in the Library or on Library property. This includes engaging in conversation or behavior that monopolizes or forces the attention of staff for an inappropriate period of time, inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances, or physical and/or verbal harassment.
Campaigning and Similar Activities. Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey-taking, pamphleteering, canvassing are prohibited in the Library building, except for library-related surveys approved in advance by the Director.
Sales. Selling merchandise on Library property without prior permission from the Director is prohibited.
Distributions / Postings. Distributing or posting printed materials/literature on Library property not in accordance with Library policy is prohibited.
Restrooms. Misuse of restrooms, including laundering, sleeping, shaving, hair cutting or trimming, bathing, and sexual activity is prohibited.
Harassment. Staring, photographing, following, stalking, harassing, or threatening library users or staff while in the Library or on Library property so that it interferes with he Library patrons’ use of the Library or the ability of the staff person to do his or her job is prohibited.
Loud Noise. Producing or allowing any loud, unreasonable, or disturbing noises that interferes with other patrons use of the Library or which can be reasonably expected to disturb other persons, including those from electronic, entertainment, and communication devices, such as cell phones, headphones, and radio is prohibited. Cell phones and pages need to be turned off or paced on vibrate. Patrons should speak in low tones and keep conversations brief. Phone call should be moved to a library entrance or exit area.
Body Odor. Offensive body odor due to poor personal hygiene, overpowering perfume, or cologne that causes a nuisance is prohibited.
Use of Library Phones. Library desk phones are for staff use in conducting library business and are to be used at their discretion. Public Service desks do not take messages for or page customers, but Library Staff will offer assistance in contacting customers in an emergency.

Rules for the Safety of Youth

The Shiawassee District Library encourages visits by young children to the library, and it is our desire to make these visits both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library.
Supervision of Children. Parents or caregivers must be present and responsible for the supervision of children age 8 and under.
Restriction of Youth Areas. Staff may restrict Adult use of Youth areas.
Children present at Closing: At closing time, if children under 12 are unattended, staff will first attempt to contact the family and if unsuccessful, the police. At least 2 staff members should stay until the family or police arrive.

Disciplinary Process for Library Facilities

The Library Director or the Director’s designee may restrict access to library facilities with immediate dismissal of the patron from the premises, by suspending the patron’s access to library facilities for a set period of time, or by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant to this policy. If necessary, the local police may be called to intervene.
Incident Reports. Library Staff shall record in writing in the form of an Incident Report any violation of this Policy that resulted in a verbal warning or a suspension of library privileges. By the end of the day on which the incident occurred, an Incident Report shall be written and forwarded to the Library Director for logging and review. The report should include physical descriptions in addition to the name of the patron. A copy of the suspension of privileges letter should be attached, if applicable.

Violation of the Policy—Suspension of Privileges: Unless otherwise provided in this policy , (See section G below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:

Initial Violation. Library patrons observed violating this policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal request. If the patron does not comply with the request, he or she will be asked to leave the building for the day. If he or she refuses, police may be called.
Subsequent Violations. The Director or the Director’s authorized designee may further limit or revoke the patron’s library privileges if infractions continue. Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation. Subsequent violations of the same rule shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length. Patrons may be asked to leave after one warning for any of the above infractions according to the following schedule:

1st offense--1 day, verbal notice acceptable
2nd offense--1 week (7 days), written notice (to parents if minor)
3rd offense--up to 6 months, written notice (to parents if minor)
4th offense-- loss of access to the library for 1 year or more depending on the severity of the abuse, with written notice (to parents if minor).

Violations that Affect Safety and Security: violations involving verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug sale or use or attempted drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment, sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:

Initial Violation: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. Violations of this nature will result in an immediate minimum two-week suspension of library privileges. The Incident Report shall specify the nature of the violation.
Subsequent Violations: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. The Director or the Directors’ authorized designee, may further limit or revoke the patron’s library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documented in writing. Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

Reinstatement: The patron whose privileges have been limited or revoked shall attend a meeting with the Director or the Director’s designee to review the Library Patron Behavior Policy before their privileges may be reinstated
Right of Appeal. Patrons may appeal a decision to limit or revoke privileges by sending a written appeal to the Library Board within 10 working days of the date the privileges were revoked or limited. The appeal should be sent to the President of the Library Board. The decision of the Library Board is final.

(Revised 2-25-09)