Independence Public Library
Policy

Table of Contents

Mission and Goal Statements
Who May Use the Library
Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
Behavior Policy
Services of the Library
Volunteers and Friends
Materials Selection/Collection Development Policy
Circulation Policy
Reference Service Policy
Programming Policy
Public Relations Policy
Equipment Use Policy
Internet Use Policy
Public Notice Bulletin Board Policy
Form: Statement of Concern about Library Resources
Library Bill of Rights
The Freedom to Read Statement              

Mission and Goal Statements
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1. The mission of the Independence Public Library is to provide quality materials and services which fulfill educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful, and businesslike.

1. The general library goals of the Independence Public Library shall be:
2. To serve all residents of the community and the surrounding region.
3. To acquire and make available to all residents of the above area such books, periodicals, pamphlets, and other services as will address their needs to a) become well informed, b) locate answers to important questions, c) cultivate the imagination and creative expression, d) develop skills for career and vocational advancement, and e) enjoy leisure by means of reading and other media services.
4. To acquire the means to provide the most frequently requested material locally and upon demand.
5. To maintain a program of service which locates information, guides reading, organizes and interprets material for people of various backgrounds, and stimulates thinking and intellectual development in individuals of any age.
6. To strive consistently to discover new methods and improvements for better service for the Library’s customers.
7. To review regularly these goals of the Independence Public Library and, if necessary, revise them in the light of new developments.

Who May Use the Library
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1. All residents or property owners in the SEK Regional Library System area are entitled to a free patron registration by completing a written application form. Any registered patron in good standing may check out circulating material upon request. 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.

1. The use of the library may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return library materials or to pay penalties, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises.

Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
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It is a patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be subject to the law.

1. Young children: The Independence 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 is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library.

Therefore, it is library policy that all children under age seven 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 require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.

1. Attendance: Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and attending programs.

1. Disruptive children: 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, he/she may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.

INDEPENDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
 BEHAVIOR POLICY
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Independence Public Library endeavors to provide a safe, quiet place for all who wish to read, study, research, write, select books to read, and consult with library staff.  All who enter this Library are entitled to enjoy a library atmosphere - a calm, quiet space, free from distractions - and have an implicit obligation to contribute to the maintenance of that atmosphere.  The Library Board of Trustees, in establishing this policy, endeavors to identify behaviors that are in opposition to the purposes for which the Library is provided.
1. Anyone who enters either the Independence Public Library is expected to pursue library-related activities quietly, with a minimum of disturbance to others.
2. Certain behaviors that may be appropriate outside the Library are not acceptable in the library setting. The behaviors and activities listed below have been determined through tradition and experience to be inappropriate and are prohibited.

GENERAL RULE
The Library offers a place for reading, study and research.  Any behavior that, in the judgment of the librarian, disrupts or distracts other library users from using the Library or threatens the safety of library users and staff, is not allowed.

DRESS
Shoes and shirt must be worn.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORS, including, but not limited to . . .  
Noise-making, including such things as clicking, whistling, tapping, humming
Easily-overheard talking
Audible use of a device such as a Walkman, I-pod, or personal music player
Disruptive loud conversations lasting more than five minutes
Shouting
Panhandling or soliciting
Eating, drinking (including carrying of open food/beverage containers)
Game playing, card playing, craft making, etc.
Possession of animals (except dogs assisting the handicapped)
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Sleeping
Using cell phones inside the building to either receive or make calls
Being under the influence of alcohol/drugs
Misuse of restrooms
Hairdressing or grooming of another person
Crying baby or out-of-control toddler
Leaving unattended child seven years or under in the building
Interfering with another's use of library or of staff in performance of duties
Engaging in sexual activities      
Blocking of doors, passageways, corridors, steps or railings
Running inside the building except in case of emergency
Violence or threat of violence
Verbal abuse or harassment of library staff or library patrons
Bringing roller blades, bicycles, scooters or skateboards inside the building
Using library computers to view sites inappropriate to a public library setting
Spitting

                       CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR,  including but not limited to . . .
Bomb threat or telephone harassment
Child abuse
Assault and battery
Illegal possession of weapons
Refusal to leave the building
Sexual offenses
Vandalism
Theft from library patrons or library staff
Theft or destruction of library property
Concealment of library property
Intoxication
Drug paraphernalia
Public indecency
Loitering
Using library computers to view and/or download child pornography

STAFF ROLE
The librarians and support personnel are employed to serve the legitimate reference, information and pleasure reading needs of the public; they are not social workers, police or daycare providers. If a patron seems to be placing a staff member in the position of providing a non-library-related function, the staff member may bring the interaction to a prompt conclusion.

STAFF ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE
The staff member shall approach the patron courteously, tell the patron the behavior is unacceptable, and ask the patron to refrain from the behavior. The staff member shall step back or walk away but continue to observe the behavior.
If the behavior continues, the staff member shall approach the patron a second time, reiterate the relevant policy, and warn that he/she may be asked to leave the library. Again, the staff member shall step back or walk away but continue to observe the behavior. This second warning is at the option of the staff member.  Some behaviors may be so disruptive as to require only one warning before the police are called.
If the behavior persists, the staff member shall tell the person to leave. If the patron refuses to leave, the staff member will warn that he/she has no choice but to call the police and will go to the phone to do so. The staff member shall meet the police officer at the door (or a second staff person shall be alerted to meet the police) to instruct the officer what is to be done.
Any adult library employee is empowered to enforce the behavior policy.
Anyone ejected under enforcement of this policy may not re-enter the Library that day and up to an additional two days.  A suspension of longer than three days is covered under “Suspension Policy and Procedure”.

CHILD POLICY
The Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services.  However, the responsibility for the care, safety and behavior of children using the Library rests with the parent/guardian or caregiver and not with library staff members. Public libraries, by their nature, are subject to "stranger danger" and are not necessarily safe for unattended children.
Children seven years of age and under shall not be left unattended in the Library under any circumstances.  They must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or caregiver.  A caregiver must be at least twelve years of age.  Parents/guardians, if delegating their responsibilities to a caregiver, must ensure the caregiver is a responsible person of suitable age.
A parent/guardian or caregiver must remain with the child during the entire time period in the Library, and must directly supervise the child.
Library staff members may contact the Kansas Social & Rehabilitation Services or other authorities, such as the Police Department, in the event a child seven years of age or under is left unattended in the Library, or the parent/guardian or caregiver fails to directly supervise the child; for example, by leaving the child alone in the Children’s Room.
In the case of children over age seven, parents may be notified, at the determination of the Library Director or a senior staff member, if an unaccompanied minor's behavior in the Library is a problem.
Children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other patrons and are subject to the same consequences, including being asked to leave the Library.
KSRS, or other authorities, such as the Police Department, may be contacted in the event of a minor left unaccompanied in the Library for an extended period of time.
At library closing time, or in the event of an early closing due to inclement weather, etc., if unattended children are still in the building, the Police Department will be called to take custody of the children.  Two staff members must stay with the child until he/she is in the custody of an appropriate caretaker.

 SUSPENSION POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Any patron ejected through the procedure explained in the Staff Enforcement Procedure section may be subject to a longer suspension for habitual or improper behavior.
Suspension from the Library means that the patron may not enter the Library for any reason or be present on outdoor library property. If the suspended patron enters the Library or is on the property outside the Library, the police will be called to remove the patron and the patron may be subject to criminal charges. In addition, other library privileges, such as the use of the Independence Public Library Card, will be suspended.
The Library Director may suspend a violator's library privileges, including the right to enter the Library, for a period of time greater than three days for repeat offenders or egregious behavior.
The offending patron must provide his/her name and address to the Library Director or the senior staff member on duty. Written notice will be sent to the patron or, in the case of a minor, to the patron's parents, with a date upon which the suspension will go into effect and a date upon which the suspension will end.
In the event of a suspension greater than three days, the patron may appeal the decision to the Library Board of Trustees' Behavior Policy Enforcement Committee.
The patron must provide written notice that he/she is requesting a suspension hearing. The written notice may be mailed or hand-delivered to the main desk and must be received before the effective date of the suspension. If written notice requesting a hearing is received, a suspension hearing before the Behavior Policy Enforcement Committee of the Library Board of Trustees will be convened as soon as practicable.
If written notice requesting a hearing is not received, or is received after the effective date of the suspension, the suspension will automatically go into effect upon the date stated in the notice from the Library.

POSTING OF BEHAVIOR POLICY
This policy shall be posted in the Library and on the library website and copies s hall be available upon request.

Services of the Library
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 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 which 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.

Volunteers and Friends
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The Library Board encourages individuals and groups to volunteer their time and efforts in the service of the Independence Public Library. In appreciation of volunteer services, the Library acknowledges the need to organize volunteer activities and provide for appropriate recognition befitting the benefit to the library and the community it serves.

A library friends group is a formal association of people who unite to plan and execute, in conjunction with library goals and the needs of the library director, programs and events to benefit the library. In particular, a friends group is often heavily involved in fund-raising for the library and often oversees periodic book sales. Friends groups always serve at the pleasure of the library board, which is the only body with legal authority to set policy for the development of the library.

Volunteers Policy

DEFINITIONS
A volunteer is any individual who regularly assists with work done at the Independence Public Library, without remuneration.
A Student intern is any middle school, high school or college student who performs volunteer work, without pay, as part of a school program. Individual students who volunteer through a local civic group are also classified as student interns.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Independence Public Library may use the services of volunteers to:

1. Supplement the efforts of paid library staff in meeting demands for quality public service.
2. Serve as research aides in the Kansas Room.
3. Staff or support fundraising activities sponsored by the Library Friends.

Independence Public Library shall make use of the services of interested volunteers to supplement but not replace the work done by library staff.
RECOGNITION
Recognition is an important component of a volunteer program and is often the only way in which the Library can say "thank you" to a volunteer. Although individual, informal recognition of volunteers should be ongoing, it is important that volunteers be recognized formally as a group on a regular basis, at least annually. The Library staff and Library board shall find ways of recognizing volunteers throughout the year.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Nothing in this policy shall be deemed to create a contract between the volunteer or intern and the Independence Public Library. Both the volunteer and the Independence Public Library have the right to terminate the volunteer's association with the Library at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.
Independence Public Library will not provide any medical, health, accident or worker's compensation benefits for any volunteer. Volunteers will not be eligible to receive any worker's compensation benefits for any injuries sustained while functioning as a volunteer.
Prior to engaging in any volunteer activity, each volunteer will be required to submit a Volunteer Application and be interviewed for suitability for service by the Adult Services Manager. Upon approval of the Library Director, the volunteer may be scheduled for training and work assignments.
Volunteers may be asked to work on projects that are supportive of staff efforts. Examples include: shelving books, mending books, processing new materials, storytelling, helping to prepare for programs, assisting with summer reading programs, maintenance of periodicals, public relations activities, etc. Volunteers willing to undergo specialized training may be scheduled to work in the Kansas Room to assist history and genealogy researchers.
Hours of volunteer service will be determined by the supervising staff member in conjunction with the volunteer. Volunteers are expected to arrive at the library in time to begin work as scheduled or call the library if they will be absent. All volunteer work will be completed within normal library hours. Exceptions may be made by the Library Director.
The Library does not participate with the criminal justice system in the area of community service.
RECRUITMENT AND SUPERVISION OF VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers will be sought through a variety of methods (newspaper announcement, in-library publicity, requests through volunteer coordination organizations), to meet specific as well as general project needs. Recruitment shall be the responsibility of the Library Director.
Volunteers will work directly with library staff members to receive training and complete projects. All volunteers will be assigned one primary staff member to guide them in their work; however, staff members may offer guidance to any of the volunteers.
When appropriate and affordable, the Library may fund the cost of training for volunteers who have made a long-term commitment to the Library. Examples of appropriate training classes are: book mending classes at SEK Regional Library, genealogical research training, and other classes that are appropriate.
There will be no formal evaluation process for volunteers.
RECRUITMENT AND SUPERVISION OF STUDENT INTERNS
Student interns will be sought by the Library through educational contacts in area schools and colleges. A job description will be tailored for each school program that may offer student interns. The job description will stress the value of the project for both student and Library. A representative of the school or college will usually be involved in developing the job description and outline of the project.
The professional staff member who shapes an individual project will be responsible for the training and supervision of the student intern. Interns can be very valuable to the Library, but the Library must also offer a genuine educational opportunity. Because much staff time will be required, each project must be carefully planned and approved by the Library Director before the intern is accepted. Participation in student internship programs shall be considered a privilege which may be revoked at any time by the Independence Public Library or the student intern. All schedules will be worked out between the student intern and the supervising librarian and should not conflict with school schedules.
A method and schedule for evaluation will be agreed upon between the supervising librarian and the school or college representative before the student intern is accepted. The supervising librarian will follow this schedule and report student progress to the representative.
Adopted by the Library Board May 16, 2007

Materials Selection/Collection Development Policy
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1. Objectives

1. The purpose of the Independence 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Independence Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy.
5. The materials selection/collection development policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.

 B. 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 Independence 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.

 C. Criteria for Selection

• The main points considered in the selection of materials are:

1. individual merit of each item
2. popular appeal/demand
3. suitability of material for the clientele
4. existing library holdings
5. budget

• Reviews are a major source of information about new materials. The primary sources of reviews are nationally recognized library journals. The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title which 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.

• 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 Independence 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.

• Gifts and Donations

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 purchased 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 that gifts of or for specific titles to be offered after consultation with the library director. The director will make book selection if no specific book is requested. The Independence 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.

• Potential Problems or Challenges

The Independence 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 arise 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 that is available in the library. The inquiry will be placed on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Independence Public Library Board of Trustees.

Circulation Policy
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• Registration

1. All borrowers must be registered. Patrons must fill out an application form to register.
2. Applicants under 13 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a new card can be issued. This parental signature is not required for children who are renewing cards.
3. Resident borrower’s cards must be renewed every 5 years; nonresident borrower’s cards expire after 1 year but may be renewed. In order to renew a registration, patrons must clear all outstanding fines and bills.

• Loan periods

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 that are in a new format, e.g., computer software.

• Limits

1. New borrowers are limited to borrowing 5 items on their first visit.
2. Other limits on types of materials may be established based on need, demand, and supply. Signs will be posted to notify borrowers.

• Reserves

Reserves may be placed by patrons either in person or over the phone. Patrons will be notified by telephone when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a reserve or for interlibrary loan services.

• Fines and charges

Fines are all per item, per day, to a maximum of the cost of the item plus a $5.00 service charge. Should the item be lost and paid for, fines and service charge (non-refundable) are added to that total. Lost or damaged items are charged to the patron and may be replaced at the discretion of staff. Fines accrue from the due date but there is a 7-day grace period during which no fines are charged if the material is returned. On the 8th day fines will be charged from the date due. For example, a regular book becomes due on the 10th of the month and may be brought back with no charge up until the 17th day for the month, but on the 18th of the month there will be 80¢ due (10¢ X 8 days  = 80¢.)”

• Damaged materials

If materials are damaged so as to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost as well as costs for shipping and processing. A notice of these charges will be sent to the borrower. A sample of the notice is in the Appendices.

• Confidentiality

As specified in Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 45-221 (23) "Except to the extent disclosure is otherwise required by law, a public agency shall not be required to disclose: “(23) Library patron and circulation records, which pertain to identifiable individuals.”

The Independence Public Library adheres strictly to all sections of this Statute regarding the protection of the confidentiality of its users.

Reference Service Policy
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The Independence Public Library:

1. Will provide information in the form of short answers to specific questions and guidance in locating material for patrons who appear in person, call on the telephone, or request information through correspondence;
2. Will assist patrons in the use of the Library and teach basic research methodology, when appropriate (this includes providing help in developing a research strategy and advice on whether a trip to the Library would be worthwhile for individuals who telephone);
3. Will provide bibliographic verification of items both in the Library and not owned by the Library and will assist patrons in obtaining materials through interlibrary loan, when appropriate;
4. May refer library users to other agencies and libraries in pursuit of needed information;
5. May use not only the Library's resources in printed form, but consult appropriate digital resources as well as the regional resource library and other agencies by telephone in pursuit of "ready reference" information.

Programming Policy
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A "program" is a planned interaction between the library staff and the program participants for the purpose of promoting library materials, facilities, or services, as well as offering the community an informational, entertaining, or cultural experience.

Programming includes such activities as story times, films and activities on no-school days, summer library program for children and speakers for young adults and book or author discussion groups for adults.

The board, in conjunction with the library director, will establish a budget and goals for programming to facilitate the effective implementation of this service.

Public Relations Policy
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Public relation’s goals of the Independence Public Library are:

1. To promote a good understanding of the Library's objectives and services among governing officials, civic leaders, and the general public;
2. To promote active participation in the varied services offered by the library to people of all ages.
3. The Board recognizes that public relations involve every person who has connection with the Library. The Board urges its own members and every staff member to realize that he or she represents the library in every public contact. Good service supports good public relations.
4. The director will be expected to make presentations and to participate in community activities to promote library services. A reasonable amount of library time will be allowed for preparation and speaking. Materials to be used by press, radio, or television will be approved by the director.
5. The board will establish a publications budget to cover costs related to printing, publication, supplies, and miscellaneous needs related to the public relations effort.

Equipment Use Policy
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Computers are 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 computers. However, in order to make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a time limit for usage has been imposed. Library staff is available for general assistance in using the computer. However, staff is not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs. Tutorial manuals will be provided when available.

Computer printers are available. The first three prints are free then they will  cost $ .10 per sheet and must be paid in advance.

A photocopy machine is available to patrons who wish to copy materials at the rate of $.25 per sheet.

Copy machine users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the copy machine user.

Internet Use Policy  (This section revised Sept. 2003)
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The Independence Public Library is providing access to the Internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the library's service area. Library Staff is not expected to train the users or do the searches for them. The Board of Trustees has established the Internet use policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of this resource.

The library provides Internet access. However, this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent with the adopted guidelines.

Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the library's Internet service.  All young people under the age of 18 must have signed permission by their parents on file to use the Internet.

• Expectations:

Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and can lead to prosecution. The user will be held responsible for his/her actions using the Internet. Users are expected to abide by the policies below which include generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Unacceptable use of the service will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges for one day. Repeated unacceptable usage may result in complete loss of privileges.

• Warnings:

The Internet is a decentralized, unmoderated global network; the Independence Public Library has no control over the content found there. The library will not censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information, and it is not responsible for the availability and accuracy of information found on the Internet. The Independence Public Library adheres to K.S.A. 21-4301,  K.S.A. 21-4301b, and K.S.A. 2-4301c, Promoting Obscenity to Minors.  It also adheres to K.S.TA. 21-3516, Sexual Exploitation of a Child.

The library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free. The library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user's personal computer from the use of data downloaded from the library's Internet service.

The use of the Internet and e-mail is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities. 

• Guidelines:

 Users may use the Internet for research and the acquisition of information to address their educational, vocational, cultural, and recreational needs.

Users may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of electronic mail (e-mail) as long as they use an e-mail service which does not incur a cost to the Library and which will establish and maintain an account for them. The Library is unable to manage e-mail accounts for any organizations or individuals.

The user will not disclose, use and or disseminate personal information that could threaten or create vulnerability for a minor, for any other person or for the library.

The users will not participate in email, chat room or instant messages that use information that is obscene as defined by Kansas Law: K.S.A. 21-4301a and K.S.A. 21-4301c, as amended.

Users will respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws and regulations; they will not copy materials for illegal purposes: United States Code, title 17, Section 107.

Users will respect the rights and privacy of others by not accessing private files

Users agree not to incur any costs for the library through their use of the Internet service.

Users shall not create and/or distribute computer viruses over the Internet

Users shall not deliberately or willfully cause damage to computer equipment, programs, or parameters
 
Users will not use library computers to access unauthorized secure data, including so-called “hacking.”  Violations will be immediately reported to appropriate law enforcement officials.

Public Notice Bulletin Board Policy
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Bulletin board materials may be submitted for posting by nonprofit organizations for civic, educational, or cultural purposes. Such organizations may submit literature publicizing a specific event. Limited space generally allows only short-term notices. The director must approve all postings and may prohibit postings that do not meet library standards. Library staff will place and remove postings promptly.

Each item posted must be dated and signed. A request for return of items, along with name and telephone number of person to be contacted, should be printed on the back of each article. Unless such arrangements are specified, items must be picked up the day following the date of the publicized event if the owners want them returned. Otherwise, the library will not be responsible for returning materials.

 INDEPENDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
                  
  STATEMENT OF CONCERN ABOUT LIBRARY RESOURCES
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Name_________________________________________________Date_____________

Address_______________________________________Phone____________________

City _________________________State ______ZIP ___________

Resource on which you are commenting:
_____Book
_____Audio-visual Resource
_____Magazine
_____Content of Library Program
_____Newspaper
_____Other

Title: ___________________________________________________________________

Author/Publisher or Producer/Date: ___________________________________________

1. What brought this resource to your attention?

2. To what do you object? Please be as specific as possible.

3. Have you read or listened or viewed the entire content? If not, what parts?

4. What do you feel the effect of the material might be?

5. For what age group would you recommend this material?

6. In its place, what material of equal or better quality would you recommend?

7. What do you want the library to do with this material?

8. Additional comments:

 American Library Association Library Bill of Rights
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The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and the following basic policies should guide their services:

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

2. Libraries should provide materials and information, presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.

6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948 Amended February 2, 1961, June 27, 1967, and January 23, 1980 by the ALA Council
 

The American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement
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• It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those which are unorthodox or unpopular with the majority.

• Publishers, librarians and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation contained in the books they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what books should be published or circulated.
• It is contrary to the public interest for publishers to determine the acceptability of a book on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.

• There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
• It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept with any book the prejudgment of a label characterizing the book or author as subversive or dangerous.

• It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people's freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom to read by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large.
• It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, bookmen can demonstrate that the answer to a bad book is a good one, the answer to a bad idea is a good one.

(Abbreviated version)
Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council Revised January 28, 1972.