Policies
The mission of the Goessel Public Library is to provide resources, services, and programs to meet the informational, educational and recreational needs and interests of the people of the community. The staff will make every effort to connect our patrons to services and timely resources which meet their needs.
The library will serve all residents of the community and the public library system area. Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; or sexual orientation.
- General
In order to provide an environment in which all patrons may safely and freely use and enjoy the library, some expectations regarding patron conduct must be enforced. All patrons observing proper conduct in the library are allowed to freely make use of the library. Those whose conduct is disruptive to library operations and other patrons’ use of the library may have the privilege of using the library limited or denied to the extent necessary to deal with the problem.
No list can be exhaustive; therefore, any conduct which disrupts the library is prohibited. However, conduct which may lead to denial of library privileges includes, but is not limited to, the following.
- damaging library property
- threatening or harassing patrons or staff members
- possession of a weapon unless in performance of official duties
- bringing animals into the library except those needed to assist a disabled person
- smoking
- playing of audio equipment so that others may hear it
- talking loudly enough to disturb others
- body odor so offensive as to disturb others
- soliciting or selling items in any public area, and in staff areas unless authorized by the senior staff members on duty
- anything which may be reasonably expected to result in injury to self or others
- any illegal activity
Patrons using improper conduct may be asked to cease that conduct, to move to another location or activity, or to leave the library severe or recurring problems may be dealt with by barring use of the library to the individual involved, or by making library use conditional. In general, that least restrictive means which effectively deals with the conduct should be employed. Minor problems should be dealt with by the staff member observing it; more serious or recurring problems should be handled by the senior staff member on duty. Only the Director or library board may bar an individual indefinitely from use of the library. Police should be called when conduct is illegal, when it poses a threat to the library or an individual, or when an individual refuses to leave the library when asked to do so.
When any serious incident or one in which an individual is asked to leave the library occurs, the staff member on duty will prepare a written account for the Director by the end of the next working day.
- Young children
The Goessel Public Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff will not be expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library. Therefore, it is library policy that all children under age eight must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library. Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we request the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.
- Disruptive children
Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that he/she must settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.
The library provides materials and resources for information, entertainment, intellectual development, and enrichment of the people of the community. The library should endeavor to:
- Select, organize, and make available necessary books and materials.
- Provide guidance and assistance to patrons.
- Sponsor and implement programs, exhibits, displays, book lists, etc., which would appeal to children and adults.
- Cooperate with other community agencies and organizations.
- Secure information beyond its own resources when requested. (Using interlibrary loan and other resource sharing methods provided through the system and state.)
- Lend to other libraries upon request.
- Develop and provide services to patrons with special needs.
- Maintain a balance in its services to various age groups.
- Cooperate with, but not perform the functions of, school or other institutional libraries.
- Provide service during hours that best meet the needs of the community, including evening and weekend hours.
- Regularly review library services being offered.
- Use media and other public relations mechanisms to promote the full range of available library services.
Registration
All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid membership number to borrow library materials. Patrons must give the fill out a membership card that will include: address (PO and house), phone numbers, and email. Identification is required. A copy of a Driver’s license will be attached to the membership card.
Applicants under 19 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a membership number can be issued. All prospective patrons are to be informed of the online account access and understand that they may not be receiving overdue phone calls. Renewals can be made from the online systems from any computer with internet access. The return of library materials is required by law.
Loan periods
- Circulating books make be checked out for three weeks. Books may be renewed two times via phone, email, or through the online system, if there is not a waiting list for the title. Further renewals will require a “visual check” to deter renewing of lost books.
- Generally, reference books do not circulate. Upon request and for a patron of good membership status, some reference materials may be checked out overnight.
- Interlibrary loans are due the date indicated by the lending library.
- Periodicals, STEM Tubs may be checked out for one week.
- One week for magazines,, audio books, and compact discs.
The director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials that are temporarily in great demand, such as for student projects, or materials added to the collection, which are in a new format, e.g., computer software.
There is no limit on the number of items a patron can borrow at one time. However, patrons may be placed on probation restricting that number as determined necessary by the Director.
Reserves
Patrons either in person, over the phone, or through the online system may place reserves. Patrons will be notified by email or telephone when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a reserve or for interlibrary loan services. However, frequent users are encouraged to donate toward shipping costs.
Fines and charges
The library is not responsible for notifying borrowers that materials are overdue. Reminders and overdue notices are a courtesy. Failure to receive reminders or overdue notices does not excuse borrowers from the responsibility of returning or renewing items on time to avoid penalties. Email overdue/fines messages are sent out weekly. Patrons are encouraged to submit email address. Phone calls about overdue material will be made at the discretion of the librarians.
For material that is not returned within 6 months, the patron will be charged the cost of the item plus the appropriate processing fees. If the item is from the NCKL Book Van the processing fee will be $10.00
The following steps will be taken to ensure the return of library materials and/or the resolution of unpaid fines. The responsibility of returning materials rests squarely on patrons, as all patrons can access the automation system from any computer with internet access.
- The automation system will send out weekly overdue emails.
- Letter or postcard informant patron of materials overdue or phone call
- Suspension of library privileges and information by certified mail of Goessel City Ordinance Article 6.2(b), Ord. 174. In addition to the above-mentioned fees, the patron will be charged the cost of the certified letter.
Computer Use
A computer is available to patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. Instructions for operating hardware are displayed near the computer. There is no charge for use of the computer; however, in order to make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a time limit for usage has been imposed. That time limit is 30 minutes. Non-gaming users are to be giving priority to computer access. Computer gamers are allowed 30 minutes of computer time unless the use of the computer is needed for non-gaming reasons (i.e. email, word processing, card catalog etc.) Gamers will terminate their game to allow computer access at anytime as requested by staff or Tuesday Night volunteers for non-gaming use. Computer gamers can be requested to leave the library to read quietly after their allotted usage time to return after 30 minutes if at all, at the digression of the staff or Tuesday night volunteer. This policy is to be used to encourage appropriate library behavior and to discourage the chaos gaming sometimes creates. Appropriate library behavior would include the calm, quiet, respectful use of computers- not hovering around the computers or loud conversations.
Library staff is available for general assistance in using the computer. However, the staff is not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs. Tutorial manuals will be provided when available.
Printer/copier
A printer is available. Printing will cost $ .15 per side black/white and $.25 per side color and must be paid for at the conclusion of the session. A photocopy machine is available to patrons who wish to copy materials at the rate of $.15 per side.
Copy machine users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the copy machine user.
Digital Projector
The Goessel Public Library will check out the Projection System Cart (LCD Projector, DVD player, sound system) and screen to individuals who have been active patrons for at least one year prior to rental are at least 19 years old, and in good standing. Patron card must be updated with current information and Identification (Driver’s License). A patron who does not have a card or has allowed it to expire will be required to provide a reference and deposit.
The projection system will be checkout from the library and will be placed in the community room by library staff. The system is NOT to be removed from the community room.
The patron will verify that they have the ability and knowledge to use this item in a safe and responsible manner. The Goessel Public Library will only provide a brief overview. To use this system with an Apple computer an adapter will be necessary.
While in possession of the equipment, the patron is responsible for it at all times. It may not be loaned to anyone else. DO NOT LEAVE EQUIPMENT UNATTENDED until room is locked. If an item is removed from the community room, you will be charged for the cost of the equipment.
All devices should be returned with the same contents and settings that were placed at the time of check out. If any equipment is missing, the item will stay on your record until every piece is returned. In the case of missing equipment, following procedure will be followed:
- A registered letter will be sent and police will assist in recovering equipment as per Goessel City Ordinance Article 6.2(b), Ord. 174.
- Patron will be banned from future checkouts
- If any equipment is damaged while in your possession, you will be responsible for the cost of the repairs, not to exceed the replacement cost of that item.
- Replacement costs vary according to type and model of hardware, and we reserve the right to purchase an equal or similar model in case of discontinuation.
The checkout of the system and screen is free; however, to defray the cost of bulb and filter replacement a $5 donation is requested. A form requesting the use of the digital projector is included in the Appendices of the policy book.
STEM Kits
STEM kits contain project kits related to specific themes. The materials included allow patrons of all ages to get a taste of how different things work and try their hands at creating something new, be it a robot or electric motor. There are currently eight STEM Kits available. The Goessel Public Library will check out STEM Kits to individuals who have been active patrons for at least one year prior to checkout, are at least 19 years old, and in good standing. Patron card must be updated with current information and Identification (Driver’s License or similar) and proof of residency. A patron who does not have a card or has allowed it to expire will be required to provide a reference and deposit.
The STEM kits are checked out in their entirety. Individual items will not be removed from kits for checkout. While in possession of the equipment, the patron is responsible for it at all times. It may not be loaned to anyone else. If an item is removed from the STEM kit and not returned, the patron will be charged for the list cost of the item. Volunteers (Tuesday nights) cannot check-out or check-in the kits. It is not their responsibility to perform the inventory required to do these activities.
Tubs should be inventoried immediately at check-in by library staff (not volunteer staff) and zip-tied shut. If the kits are used in the library, the staff will provide supervision, and be responsible for the inventory process.
Goessel Public Library is NOT responsible for any injury or harm that may occur while using the STEM kits. It is the patron’s responsibility to supervise and provide age appropriate activities for their child.
A form for the patron to sign that signifies agreement with the STEM kits/Cricut use is included in the Appendices of the policy book. The agreement will be held on file and only one will be necessary to allow use of all the kits.
Laminator
Policy: The Goessel Public Library laminator is available to patrons but will be done by trained library staff.
- Charges are $1 per yard.
- As the laminator takes approximately 20 minutes to warm up patrons will be advised when the item can be done. There may be occasions that the project will not be able to completed during that same day.
- The Goessel Public Library is not liable and/or responsible for damaged materials.
Internet Use Policy
The Goessel Public Library offers access to electronic resources, including those on the Internet. The Library is committed to serving the information and lifelong learning needs of all. Providing access to computers and the Internet can enable the Library to expand its information services beyond the traditional collections and resources. Access to computers is a privilege, not a right, and requires responsibility on the part of the user.
Public access to the Internet and online services have become an integral part of the Goessel Library programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act, as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding online computer use of Internet accessible computers.
Internet Safety Policy
The purpose of the Internet Safety Policy of Goessel Library is to implement and enforce technology protection measures to: ensure that no minor has access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene; and ensure that no person has access to visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene while using a public access computer.
Developed under the direction of the Board of the Goessel Library, this Internet Safety Policy was discussed and adopted during an open meeting of the Library Board. This policy supersedes all previous Internet Safety Policy statements of the Goessel Library.
This policy document will be reviewed by the Goessel Library Board at least every three years.
Legal Requirements
The Goessel Library Internet Safety Policy complies with the applicable requirements of subsection (b) and L. 2013, ch. 98, sec. 1, and amendments thereto, commonly known as the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.
The Goessel Library has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure or other process that blocks or filters online access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene as defined in L. 2013, ch. 98, sec.1.
Supervision and Monitoring
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled only for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Goessel Library staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Patrons who encounter web sites which they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing web sites which they believe should not be blocked may submit a complaint. This should be given in writing to the library director in charge and include the URL of the site in question and whether the request is to block or unblock it. Staff shall examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked. If the technology protection measure being used is a regional service, the information and recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate regional staff.
Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior which violate this policy shall also be submitted in writing to the library director in charge, providing as much detail as possible.
The library shall inform patrons of the provisions of this policy, including the standards used and procedures for complaint, by making the policy available in print at the circulation desk.
Computer and Internet Use
All computer and Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all library users.
The Library will treat information accessed on the computer as confidential. Requests for disclosure of information will be honored only when required by local, state or federal law.
The Goessel Public Library cannot fully monitor or control the information accessed through the Internet, which changes rapidly and unpredictably. As with other library materials, supervision or restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, not the Library or its staff. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
The Internet offers unlimited global access to all types of information. Not all sources are accurate, complete, current, legal or philosophically acceptable to all people. Some information may be offensive, controversial, illegal, erroneous, etc. It is the responsibility of the user to select or reject online information based on good judgment and discretion.
Acceptable Use
All electronic traffic originating for Goessel Public Library will be in accordance with acceptable use standards. Failure to abide by these standards may result in the loss of Internet, computer and/or library privileges.
- Respect for the privacy of others
- Compliance with copyright law and licensing for individual data and programs. (Copyright is covered by US Code Title 17)
- Consideration for the security and functioning of computer, computer networks and systems.
- E-mail accounts may be set up but they must be web-based. We have no private ISP e-mail accounts available for public use.
Saving files to a disk is important, as our computers will not allow you to save to the hard drive. That information will only be on the computer until you log off, at that time it is automatically deleted. You may bring your own CD or flash drive for computer use.
Printing is available from the Xerox, LaserJet or DeskJet (color) printers. The cost of printing will be 15¢ per page if black and white. Please request help selecting an appropriate printer.
Unacceptable Use
The public and staff may only use library computers for legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable use include but are not limited to the following:
- Uses for any purposes that violate applicable federal, state, or local laws including copyright laws.
- Interfering with or disrupting other computer users, services, or equipment.
- Attempting to gain or gaining unauthorized entry to other computing information, or communications sources or devices (hacking).
- Malicious, threatening, harassing, or obscene behavior or language.
- Obscene behavior including public display of obscene materials on computer screens or in hard copy. (K.S.A. 214301)
- Misrepresentation of oneself or the library.
- Activities that could cause congestion and disruption of networks and systems.
- Unsolicited advertising.
- To access, upload, download, transmit or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit language or material. (K.S.A. 214301)
Cautions
- Parents are cautioned to monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet.
- Users are cautioned to guard closely the security of personal information, credit card numbers, computer accounts, passwords, and other types of authorizations when using the Internet.
- Users are cautioned to take steps to protect their systems from computer viruses and other destructive computer programs when downloading programs to disk for use on other computers.
- Electronic files should not be considered confidential. The Goessel Public Library will disclose all files when and to the extent required by law.
- The Goessel Public Library is not liable for any direct or indirect and/or punitive damages (including lost data or information) sustained or incurred in connection with the use of unavailability of the system.
- Anyone making changes to any of the software or hardware settings may lose their computer privileges permanently.
In the event of inclement weather, the library will close at the discretion of the Library Director. When the local school district (USD 411) closes, the director may determine that the weather is a risk to those traveling to the library.
The library will be closed on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
XIII. Meeting Policy
The Goessel Public Library is not suited for meetings due to lack of space and privacy concerns. If a meeting place is needed, it must be requested a week in advance to the necessity and availability of the community room. The meeting must be less than an hour in length and involve five people or less. If this criteria is not met then the meeting must be scheduled directly with the city clerk and will fall under their existing policy. The request will be filled or denied at the discretion of the city clerk and library director.
Materials Selection/Collection Development Policy
Objectives
The purpose of the Goessel Public Library is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid the individual in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time.
Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs. The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection. The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Goessel Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy. The materials selection/collection development policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.
Responsibility for Selection
The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the library director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Goessel Public Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.
Criteria for Selection
The main points considered in the selection of materials are:
- individual merit of each item
- popular appeal/demand
- suitability of material for the clientele
- existing library holdings
- budget
Reviews are a major source of information about new materials. The primary source(s) of reviews is (are) Forecast, Growing Minds, and the BookPage. The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title that is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and books discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.
Weeding
An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the library director and is authorized by the Board of Trustees. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.
Potential Problems or Challenges
The Goessel Public Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy.
Responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.
Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.
Challenged Materials
Although materials are carefully selected, there can be differences of opinion regarding suitable materials. Patrons requesting that material be withdrawn from or restricted within the collection may complete a “Statement of Concern About Library Resources” form, which is available in the library. The inquiry will be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Goessel Public Library Board of Trustees.
Interlibrary Loan
Because of limited budget and space, the library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of this library’s collection.
In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Goessel Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network, and to make an effort to have its current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.
The Goessel Public Library will request interlibrary loan material to individuals who have been active patrons for at least one year prior to checkout, are at least 19 years old, and in good standing. Patron card must be updated with current information and Identification (Driver’s License or similar) and proof of residency. A patron who does not have a card or has allowed it to expire will be required to provide a reference and deposit.
The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information the director can dispose of them as he/she sees fit. The same criteria of selection which are applied to purchase materials are applied to gifts. Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of a patron if the request meets the criteria established by the Board. It is desirable for gifts of or for specific titles to be offered after consultation with the library director. The director will make book selections if no specific book is requested. The Goessel Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.
By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.