Patron Registration Policy
(Adopted 9/25/01)

Library Consent Form
(Approved 9/25/01)

To be signed by parents of minors wanting to be registered as a library user in the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System.

The Library System is sensitive to the responsibility parents have for raising their children. The Library does not presume to act in loc parentis, but supports the role of parents in making decisions regarding their children. The Library requires parents and/or legal guardians to acknowledge responsibility for the use of library cards held by minors (unmarried children under the age of 18 as defined by Oklahoma Statute). The child’s parent and/or legal guardian may withdraw the card at any time.

Children of any age are welcome to have a library card. Recognizing your right as an parent/guardian to decide what is best for your child, we ask you to circle one of the following options regarding your child's privileges at any EODLS branch. Your choice will be added to your child's computer record and only a parent/guardian may change the privileges for a minor. Please read the accompanying EODLS Internet User's agreement.

1. Checkout privileges for the entire collection, with access to the Internet and the library's online databases.
2. Checkout privileges for the entire collection, without Internet access.

_______________________________________________________________________
Parent's signature

_______________________________________________________________________
Please print Parent's name and barcode if a registered library user.

Please list each Child's name and barcode

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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Circulation Policy
(Approved 9/25/01)

1. The first circulation for a new patron is limited.
2. The regular circulation period for most books is 21 days.
3. Managers may change certain high demand items to 7 days circulation.
4. Videotapes circulate for 3 days.
5. Audiocassettes circulate for 21 days.
6. Manager may allow Reference material to circulate 1 day.

Items may be renewed twice, either by phone or in person.  Items that are 10+ days overdue, items on Hold and 7 Day books may not be renewed.

Holds

If an item is not on the shelf, a patron may place a "Hold" on the item with assistance from staff. Holds are in effect for 6 months. A patron may request a change in pick-up location and they may indicate they would prefer a phone call rather than a mailed "hold" notice if the individual branch has time to make the phone calls.

Patron Types

Adults are allowed:

• 25 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 12 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 25 holds
• Adult cards never expire but the address is verified every 180 days

Adults with Internet are allowed:

• 25 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 12 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 25 holds
• Access to the Internet and all library databases
• Patron receives a copy of the EODLS Internet User's Agreement
• Adult with Internet cards never expire but the address is verified every 180 days

Youth are allowed:

• 25 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 12 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 25 holds
• Minors are classed as Youth or Youth with Internet (see next). Parents must sign the Library Consent for minors to be registered
• Youth cards expire when the patron turns 18 and the address is verified every 180 days

Youth with Internet are allowed:

• 25 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 12 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 25 holds
• Access to the Internet and all library databases
• Patron AND parent receives a copy of the EODLS Internet User's Agreement
• Minors are classed as Youth with Internet. Parents must sign the Library Consent Form for minors to be registered.
• Youth cards expire when the patron turns 18 and the address is verified every 180 days

Non-Resident Adults are allowed:

• 25 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 12 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 25 holds
• Non-residents must pay $10.00 per year for EODLS borrowing privileges
• Non-Resident Adult cards expire in 365 days. Their addresses are verified every 180 days

Non-Resident Adults with Internet are allowed:

• 25 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 12 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 25 holds
• Access to the Internet and all library databases
• Patron receives a copy of the EODLS Internet User's agreement
• Non-residents must pay $10.00 per year for EODLS borrowing privileges
• Non-Resident Adult cards expire in 365 days. Their addresses are verified every 180 days

Non-Resident Youth are allowed:

• 25 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 12 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 25 holds
• Non-residents must pay $10.00 per year for EODLS borrowing privileges
• Non-Resident Youth cards expire in 365 days. Their addresses are verified every 180 days

Non-Resident Youth with Internet are allowed:

• 25 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 12 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 25 holds
• Access to the Internet and all library databases
• Patron AND parent receives a copy of the EODLS Internet User's agreement
• Non-residents must pay $10.00 per year for EODLS borrowing privileges
• Non-Resident Adult cards expire in 365 days. Their addresses are verified every 180 days

Temporary Cards are allowed:

• 5 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 6 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 15 holds
• Temporary cards expire in 90 days. Their addresses are verified every 90 days

Temporary Cards with Internet access are allowed:

• 5 books to be checked out at one time
• 3 videotapes to be checked out at one time
• 6 audiocassettes to be check out at one time
• 15 holds
• Access to the Internet and all library databases
• Patron receives a copy of the EODLS Internet User's agreement
• Temporary cards expire in 90 days. Their addresses are verified every 90 days

Interlibrary Loan Libraries are allowed:

• 50 books to be checked out at one time
• No videotapes to be checked out at one time
• No audiocassettes to be checked out at one time
• 10 holds
• Interlibrary Loan Libraries cards never expire and their addresses are never verified

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Overdues Policy
Approved 9/25/01

Items are considered overdue on the day following the due date. The system will block patrons from checking out until overdues are cleared.

Patrons are mailed their 1st overdue notice 14 days after an item is due. 14 days from the first notice, the 2nd and final notice is sent out.

Overdue Reference items are charged a $1.00 a day. Videotapes are charged at $1.00 a day. If an item is lost the default price will be charged.

One year from the original due date the item status will be changed to Lost and a billing notice will be mailed. Items which have the Claims Return status will automatically change to Lost after nine months. The patron will then be billed the price of the item or a default price if it was a gift.

1. Adult Items, which include 7 Day books, Cassettes and Kits are charged the acquisitions price or a default price of $20.00.
2. Juvenile Books are charged the acquisitions price or a default price of $13.00.
3. Videos are charged the acquisitions price or a default price of $13.00.
4. Interlibrary Loan Items are charged what the lending library charges us, including the processing fee.
5. Paperbacks and Periodicals are charged the acquisitions price or a default price of $5.00.
6. Reference Items are charged the acquisitions price or a default price of $50.00.

When a patron pays for a lost item, the patron is given a dated receipt to keep. Managers may accept replacement copies at their discretion.

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Personal Behavior Policy for Library Users and Staff
Adopted by the Board on July 26, 2005

Individuals who use the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System's branch library facilities, equipment and resources do so at the discretion of EODLS.

Destruction/tampering with library or private property on library premises

Individuals who destroy or tamper with the facilities and property of EODLS or the property of other library users and staff present at library sites will be reported to law enforcement authorities immediately. If the individual(s) involved do not leave the property at the request of library staff, a staff member will request that attending law enforcement authorities escort the individual(s) from library property. The library manager, in consultation with EODLS administration, will determine the extent of sanctions. Sanctions may include a range of interventions, up to and including library privileges withdrawn, barring library visits, or pressing charges.

Endangerment

Individuals who behave in ways that endanger any staff member or other library user will be reported to law enforcement officials immediately, and removed from the premises. The individual(s) may be barred from the library for a period of time determined in consultation with the library administration.

Abusive action or language

Individuals that verbally or physically threaten any staff member or other library user, or individuals who are disruptive to the extent that it halts the normal conduct of business to deal with the disruption, will be reported to law enforcement officials immediately and staff may request removal of the offending individual(s) from the premises. The individual(s) may be barred from future use of the library and its privileges.

Illegal activities in library

Individuals who make illegal use of the resources of the library, including access to Internet sites and resources that appeal to prurient interests or child exploitation will be subject to immediate interruption of their activities and suffer consequences up to and including barring the individual(s) from the library and its use, and reporting the incident(s) to law enforcement officials.

Interference with other users, interference with minors

Individuals who attempt to make personal contact with others, including minors, for purposes of illegal or illicit behavior in an EODLS library will be reported to law enforcement officials immediately, and may be subject to disbarment from the library and its use privileges.

Individuals who use library computers to make contact with users, including minors, for illegal or illicit purposes or individuals who attempt to entice minors for any purpose, including illicit or illegal behavior, through on-line contact from a library computer location will be reported to law enforcement officials immediately, and may be barred from future use of the library and its privileges.

Investigation procedure

Library administration and managers are authorized, and may authorize staff, to cooperate with the proper investigation of complaints. Proper investigations will include adherence to the library's privacy and freedom of information policies. Proper investigations will include a search warrant when, in the conduct of a proper investigation, it appears necessary to override the library's freedom of information and privacy policies. Library staff will continue to operate within the library's policies until directed to do otherwise by the library administration or the site manager acting under the authority of the library district administration.

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Internet Policy
(Revised by the Board on January 28, 2003)

The mission of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System is to support lifelong learning.  To this end, the System is providing free access to the Internet at designated terminals in individual branches.

Although the Internet provides access to valuable sources of information, the System makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of information found there.  There are sites on the Internet which may be considered controversial or inappropriate, the System cannot protect users from information that they may find offensive. EODLS does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The System does not restrict access or protect users from information that they find offensive.  Patrons use the Internet at their own discretion.

Parents and guardians of minor children, not the EODLS, are responsible for their children's use of the Internet through the library connection. Parents may want to discuss Internet safety with their children. Young people below age 18 will not be permitted to use the Internet at the library without parental permission, and parental guidance and assistance to young people using the Internet is strongly encouraged. The library cannot and does not substitute for the parent in fulfilling this responsibility.

Illegal activities are prohibited.

Activities intended to disrupt network services or equipment are prohibited.

Materials copied on this computer network may be subject to copyright laws and may not be copied without permission of the copyright owner unless the proposed use falls within the definition of "Fair Use."

All patrons using the Internet at any Eastern Oklahoma District Library System branch must sign the Internet Users Agreement.

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Internet Users Agreement
(Approved 9/25/01)

I recognize that use of the Internet through a branch of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System is a privilege. I agree to abide by the following rules regulating use of the Internet, and understand that failure to observe them or failure to observe other library policies may result in a suspension of my use of the library's Internet access stations.

1. I will not engage in any activity which:

1. seeks to gain unauthorized access to the resources of the library or Internet database,
2. disrupts the intended use of the Internet,
3. wastes any resources through such actions,
4. violates, compromises, or destroys the integrity of any library computer-based information,
5. compromises the privacy of any user,
6. is illegal.

2. I will not use this service for unlawful purposes. I understand that transmission of any material in violation of any U. S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or any other protected material.
3. I agree to hold harmless the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System for any and all claims of any nature arising from my use or inability to use the service.
4. Knowing that Internet is currently an unregulated resource, I understand I use information obtained via this service at my own risk, that the library offers no guarantees as to accuracy or validity of information obtained through the Internet.
5. I will observe all copyright laws which might apply to files, software or other resources downloaded from the internet.
6. I will observe posted rules governing the use of the library's Internet hardware and software.
7. I will take proper care of all equipment, and will report any problem with the hardware or software immediately to the library staff.

Signature _______________________________________ Date __________________

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Internet Personal Security Policy
(Adopted by the Board on March 25, 2003)

Individuals who use the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System's branch library facilities, equipment and resources do so at the discretion of EODLS.

Individuals who destroy or tamper with computer equipment and computer resources of EODLS will be reported to law enforcement authorities immediately. If individual(s) involved in tampering or destruction of property do not leave the library at the request of library staff, a staff member will request the law enforcement authorities escort the individual(s) from library property. The library manager, in consultation with EODLS Administration, will determine the extent of library privileges to be withdrawn.

When library staff are alerted to individual(s) who use library computers to make contact with minors for illegal or illicit purposes, or individuals who attempt to entice minors for any purpose, including illicit or illegal behavior, through on-line contact from a library computer location, the individual(s) will be reported to law enforcement officials immediately and may be barred from future use of the library and its priviliges.

Individuals who make illegal use of the library's computer resources may suffer consequences up to and including reporting the incident(s) to law enforcement officials and barring the individual(s) from the library and its privileges.

After consultation with the EODLS Director or Assistant Director, library staff is authorized to cooperate with the proper investigation of complaints initiated by them, or with complaints that are relayed to them from local law enforcement authorities.

Proper investigation will include adherence to the library's privacy and freedom of information policies. Proper investigations will include a search warrant or subpoena when privacy may be threatened, or when it may appear necessary in the conduct of the investigation.

Library staff will continue to operate within the library's policies until directed to do otherwise by the Library Administration.

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EODLS Interlibrary Loan Policy

The borrowing library will make every effort to exhaust their own resources before requesting material through interlibrary loan. Interlibrary loan should not be a substitute for collection development in individual libraries.

Any type of library materials needed for the purpose of study, instruction, information, recreation, or research may be requested to be loaned or to be supplied in copy from another library.

Most libraries will not ordinarily loan:

1. Bulky or fragile materials (hard to mail);
2. Materials in current or recurring demand (bestsellers);
3. Materials with local circulation restrictions;
4. Unique or valuable materials which would be difficult or hard to replace;
5. Entire periodical issues, volumes, or journals;
6. Genealogical and heraldic materials.

This does not mean these materials cannot be requested; it means that your request will be more likely to be returned to you unfilled and/or unavailable.  Your library is not expected to loan materials which fit these categories, however if you are not willing to loan these materials, please do not request them.

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National Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States

Prepared by the Interlibrary Loan Committee, Management and Operation of Public Services Section, Reference and Adult Services Division, American Library Association.
Approved by the RASD Board of Directors, February 8, 1994.

Introduction

The Reference and Adult Services Division, acting for the American Library Association in its adoption of this code, recognizes that the exchange of material between libraries in the United States is an important element in the provision of library service and believes it to be in the public interest to encourage such an exchange.

Interlibrary loan is essential to the vitality of libraries of all types and sizes and is a means by which a wider range of materials can be made available to users. In the interests of providing quality service, libraries have an obligation to obtain materials to meet the informational needs of users when local resources do not meet those needs.

Interlibrary Loan has been described as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, collection development in individual libraries. Changes in the last decade have brought increasing availability of materials in alternative formats, an abundance of verification and location information, and a shift in the very nature of interlibrary cooperation. Interlibrary borrowing is an integral element of collection development for all libraries, not an ancillary option.

The effectiveness of a national resource sharing system depends upon the responsible distribution of borrowing and lending. Libraries of all types and sizes should be willing to share their resources liberally so that a relatively few libraries are not overburdened. Libraries must be willing to lend if they wish to borrow.

This code is designed to regulate lending and borrowing relations between libraries. It is not the intent of this code to prescribe the nature of interlibrary cooperation within formally established networks and consortia, or to regulate the purchase of materials from document suppliers. However, this Code may be used as a model for development of state, regional, or local interlibrary loan codes.

This code provides general guidelines for the requesting and supplying of materials between libraries. Specific guidelines and procedures are found in such sources as those listed in the bibliography.

1.0 Definition

1.1 Interlibrary loan is the process by which a library requests materials from, or supplies materials to, another library.

2.0 Purpose

2.1 The purpose of interlibrary loan as defined by this code is to obtain, upon request of a library user, materials not available in the user's local library.

3.0 Scope

3.1 Interlibrary loan is a mutual relationship and libraries should be willing to supply materials as freely as they request materials.

3.2 Any materials, regardless of format, may be requested from another library. The supplying library determines whether the material can be provided.

4.0 Responsibilities of the Requesting Library

4.1 The requesting library should establish and maintain an interlibrary loan policy for its borrowers and make it available.

4.2 The requesting library should process requests in a timely fashion.

4.3 The requesting library should identify libraries that own and might provide the requested materials. The requesting library should check the policies of potential suppliers for special instructions, restrictions, and information on charges prior to sending a request. The requesting library is responsible for all authorized charges imposed by the supplying library.

4.4 Requests for materials for which locations cannot be identified, should be sent to libraries that might provide the requested materials and be accompanied by the statement "cannot locate." The original source of the reference should be cited or a copy of the citation provided.

4.5 The requesting library should avoid sending the burden of its requests to a few libraries. Major resource libraries should be used as a last resort.

4.6 The requesting library should transmit all interlibrary loan requests in standard bibliographic format in accordance with the protocols of the electronic network or transmission system used. In the absence of an electronically generated form, the American Library Association Interlibrary Loan request form should be used.

4.7 The requesting library must ensure compliance with the U.S. copyright law and its accompanying guidelines. Copyright compliance must be determined for each copy request before it is transmitted, and a copyright compliance statement must be included on each copy request. Copyright files should be maintained as directed in the CONTU Guidelines. (See bibliography for full citations to these documents).

4.8 The requesting library is responsible for borrowed materials from the time they leave the supplying library until they have been returned and received by the supplying library. If damage or loss occurs, the requesting library is responsible for compensation or replacement, in accordance with the preference of the supplying library.

4.9 The requesting library is responsible for honoring due dates and enforcing all use restrictions specified by the supplying library.

4.10 The requesting library should request a renewal before the item is due. If the supplying library does not respond, the requesting library may assume that the renewal has been granted for the same length of time as the original loan.

4.11 The requesting library should return materials by the due date and respond immediately if the item has been recalled by the supplying library.

4.12 The requesting library should package materials to prevent damage in shipping, and comply with special instructions stated by the supplying library.

4.13 The requesting library is responsible for following the provisions of this code. Continued disregard for any provision may be reason for suspension of borrowing privileges by a supplying library.

5.0 Responsibilities of the Supplying Library

5.1 The supplying library should establish and maintain an interlibrary loan policy, make it available in paper and/or electronic format, and provide it upon request.

5.2 The supplying library should process requests within the timeline established by the electronic network. Requests not transmitted electronically should be handled in a similar time frame.

5.3 The supplying library should include a copy of the original request, or information sufficient to identify the request, with each item.

5.4 The supplying library should state any conditions and/or restrictions on use of the materials lent and specify any special return packaging or shipping requirements.

5.5 The supplying library should state the due date or duration of the loan on the request form or on the material.

5.6 The supplying library should package the items to prevent damage in shipping.

5.7 The supplying library should notify the requesting library promptly when unable to fill a request, and if possible, state the reason the request cannot be filled.

5.8 The supplying library should respond promptly to requests for renewals. If the supplying library does not respond, the borrowing library may assume that the renewal has been granted for the same length as the original loan period.

5.9 The supplying library may recall materials at any time.

5.10 The supplying library may suspend service to any requesting library which fails to comply with the provisions of this code.

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Distribution of Free Materials and Public Posting Policy
(Adopted 9/25/01)

It is the policy of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System as part of its information mission and as a public service, to provide access to community information by providing designated spaces for the free distribution of handouts and the public posting of flyers, notices and posters. Distribution or posting of such materials by the library does not indicate library endorsement of the ideas, issues, or events promoted by these materials.

A limited number of places within each library branch area available for handouts and postings. Therefore, the branch manager will designate within each branch:

• Those bulletin boards, literature racks, countertops, desktops, and shelves that are to be used exclusively for materials as solely defined by the library which provide library information to the public or which promote library events.
• Those bulletin boards, literature racks, countertops, desktops, and shelves that are made available for the free distribution or posting of non-commercial materials produced by organizations.
• Those bulletin boards, literature racks, countertops, desktops, and shelves that are made available for individual advertisements.

Materials known to be illegal will not be posted or placed for free distribution.

The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of materials posted or placed for free distribution.

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Exhibits and Display Policy
(Approved 9/25/01)

The Display areas of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System facilities are primarily intended to support the goals of the public libraries of the system; to further the cultural, informational and education needs of the people of the EODLS region. In providing free exhibit space for public use, the Libraries of the System support the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states:

"Libraries which maintain 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."

Some branches may choose to limit their display areas to library related activities only. Individual booking arrangements differ from branch to branch. Branches that allow community exhibits will follow these regulations.

Regulations Regarding Exhibits and Display Areas

1. Displays must be educational, cultural or informative.
2. Posting of materials by the library does not indicate the library’s endorsement of the issues or events promoted by these materials. The library reserves the right to solicit representation of an alternative point of view when an exhibit or display may become controversial with the community where it is housed.
3. Reservations for exhibits will be taken up to one year in advance of the time the exhibit will be displayed.
4. The exhibitor will prominently display the name of the individual or organization that is responsible. The name, address and phone number of a contact person will be included.
5. The exhibitor will deliver and pick up items at the time specified and will arrange the display and dismantle it.
6. The exhibitor will sign a disclaimer form. The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the library, as a part of the exhibit, are done so at the owner’s risk. (See "Exhibits and Display Release Form".)
7. No prices are to be posted on the display items. The sale of any items will be handled privately without library staff intervention.
8. The library reserves the right of refusal to anyone who violates these regulations.
9. Displays and exhibits sponsored or co-sponsored by the individual branch or library system may be exempt from these regulations.
10. The library and/or library system’s displays are given precedence when scheduling exhibits. The library reserves the right to reschedule exhibits and displays when the areas are needed for library purposes.

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Exhibits and Display Release Form

I, the undersigned, hereby lend the following works of art or other material to the

__________________________________________________________________________
(a branch of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System)

for exhibit purposes only. In consideration of the privilege of exhibiting them in the Library, I will provide my own insurance coverage and I hereby release said Library from responsibility for loss, damage, or destruction while they are in the possession of the Library.

I have read and will obey the Regulations listed in the Exhibits and Display Policy.

Exhibit to be held in the ________________________________________________________
                                                                   (name area in library)

During _______________________________________________________________________
                                                           (time of exhibit)

Description of materials displayed: ________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
(Signature)

_____________________________________________________________________________
(Address)

_____________________________________________________________________________
(Telephone)

_____________________________________________________________________________
(Date)

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Donation Policy

The Eastern Oklahoma District Library System and its individual community branches are grateful for all gifts. Collections and facilities have been enriched by individuals and community organizations that have made it a practice to enhance the library with gifts, donations and local fund raising efforts.

Donation Form
(Adopted 5/2002)

Thank you for your donation.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STAFF MEMBERS: Before giving the donor this Donation Form, (which he/she may or may not want to use) please make them aware of the Donation Policy. The Branch Manager should be made aware of all donations and a copy of the Donation Form should be kept. If you are in doubt about accepting a donation, please ask the Branch Manager.

Estimated Price (to be supplied by the DONOR ONLY) _________________

Donor's Name ______________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________ State _______________________ Zip ____________________

Telephone _________________________________________________________________________

I am aware of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System's Donation Policy.

Animals in the Library Policy

Animals, except assistive or service animals such as guide dogs used by handicapped persons, are prohibited within any EODLS library premises. An exception is made for the use of animals supervised by a program presenter who is participating in a library programming activity or a library activity sponsored by the library and supervised by a library staff member.

Example of exceptions: a zoo handler who brings a zoo animal to a library sponsored story time, staff holding a turtle race as part of a summer reading program activity, a small aquarium maintained by the library for the enjoyment of children and families.

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Library Materials Selection Policy

This materials selection policy is intended to implement the general objectives of the Mission Statement of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System. A written materials selection policy aids library staff in selecting and acquiring a useful, balanced collection of books and other materials to meet the needs of the community. The System Board endorses all decisions made based upon this policy.

The purpose of this selection policy is to obtain, organize and make conveniently available to all people in the six county region recreational, educational, and informational materials in convenient form including books, periodicals, newspapers, microforms, video and audio recordings, electronic resources and other print and non-print materials. It is the policy of the Library System to maintain an up-to-date collection of standard works in all fields of knowledge, that are of permanent value, plus timely materials on current issues and items in current demand.

In addition to the requirements of the general public served, materials will be selected to meet the needs of business, the professions, government, cultural and community organizations. Materials selection will also include consideration of the needs of adult beginning readers and of people for whom English is not the principal language. Both the adult and juvenile collections will serve as supplementary sources for student use, but materials selected for students must also be useful to the general reader.

Responsibility of Selection

The selection of materials is the responsibility of the Branch Managers, with assistance from the Technical Services Coordinator and the Assistant Director. All employees may be involved in the selection process by making recommendations to the Branch Managers.

Method of Materials Selection

Materials selected must meet certain criteria, have received favorable reviews, been requested by a patron or group, and/or be of special interest.

Criteria: Each type of material must be considered in terms of its own merit and intended audience. All selections, both purchases and gifts, must meet some of the following criteria:

1. Appeal to the interests and needs of individuals in the community.
2. Permanent value as source material or interpretation.
3. Reflection of all sides of an issue.
4. Contemporary significance.
5. Artistic excellence.
6. Entertaining and effective presentation.
7. Quality including accuracy, clarity and objectivity.
8. Suitability of physical form to library use.
9. Qualifications and/or reputation of authors, artists, or publishers.
10. Relation to other materials and existing areas of coverage in order to maintain a well-balanced collection.
11. Quality of physical format.
12. Availability of information elsewhere.

Reviews: Reviews in professionally recognized periodicals are a primary source for material selection. Standard bibliographies, forthcoming selection lists, booklists by recognized authorities and the advice of competent people in specific subject areas will be used.

Requests: All requests from patrons for specific titles or subject requests will be considered. Whenever there is enough demand or interest in a title or subject, an item with unfavorable reviews may be purchased unless it is completely without literary or social value, or better materials already adequately cover the subject in question.

Special Interest: Specialized materials of limited community interest will not ordinarily be purchased. Referral to other library collections and inter-library loan will be used to supply patrons with these materials. Supplementary materials for students and information for specialists are provided in a limited number of fields. The System will avoid unnecessary duplication in subject areas that are the special prerogative of other community resources.

Weeding (removing materials from the collection)

Library staff review the collection on an ongoing basis with the goal of maintaining the quality and vitality of library resources. This process of collection management incorporates the use of output measures, circulation reports, database use statistics and other statistical information for continuous collection evaluation. Worn, damaged and dated materials are withdrawn from the collection on a regular basis. Materials may also be withdrawn if they are not used or are superseded by a new edition or a more authoritative work on the same subject.

Access

Processing and shelving of materials shall in no way reflect a value judgment of the materials. There will be no labeling of any item or its cataloging to indicate its point of view or bias. All materials will be shelved in their proper order on open shelves, freely and easily accessible to the public.

The System assures free access to its holdings for all patrons who are free to select or reject for themselves any item in the collection. Individual or group opinions about the suitability of a particular item or type of material in the collection may not preclude its use by others.

Children are not limited to the juvenile collections, although juvenile collections are usually kept together to facilitate use. Responsibility for a child’s reading and viewing must rest with the parent or guardian, not with the Library System or its employees. Parents or guardians who are concerned about their child’s ability to select appropriate materials may want to assist their child in his/her selection. A library employee will not take the place of a parent or guardian in “screening” materials for children.

Reconsideration of Library Materials

The Library System believes in freedom of information for all and does not practice censorship. The selection of library materials is predicated on the patron’s right to read and similarly, his/her freedom from censorship by others. Selections for the branch libraries will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the material in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the interest of the reader.

The Library System holds censorship to be a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to reject books and other materials of which he/she does not approve, he/she may not exercise censorship to restrict the freedom of others.

The Library Board considers all materials selected under this policy to be constitutionally protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. If a patron claims that a particular item is not constitutionally protected, the burden of proof rests with the patron.

All complaints will be referred to the Branch Manager who will discuss the matter with the patron and who will provide a copy of the System’s Collection Development Policy to said patron. If the patron wishes, he/she will be provided with a “Request for Reconsideration” form. After receiving a completed form, the Branch Manager will examine the item in question, check reviews, and determine whether the item conforms to the standards and criteria of this selection policy. The Branch Manager will inform the Executive Director of the complaint. The Branch Manager, with help from assigned System staff, will review the material and inform the patron, in writing, of their decision. Patrons whose concerns are not satisfied may take their complaint to the next regularly scheduled System Board meeting.

Materials subject to complaint shall not be removed pending final action. The Board’s decision will be final.

The Eastern Oklahoma District Library System Board of Trustees endorses the “Library Bill of Rights” and the “Freedom to Read.”

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Request for Reconsideration

Meeting Room Policy

The Meeting rooms of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System facilities are primarily intended to support the goals of the public libraries of the system; to further the cultural, informational and educational needs of the people of the EODLS region.  In providing free meeting space for public use, the Libraries of the System support the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states:

"Libraries which maintain meeting rooms, exhibit space, or other facilities open to the public should make them available on equal terms to all persons, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations."

Regulations Regarding Use of the Meeting Rooms

1. All meetings must be open to the public.
2. Organizations of an educational, civic, cultural, professional, religious, or political nature may book meeting rooms.  Individuals may not book meeting rooms.
3. Any for-profit business having items or services for sale, or promoting items or services for sale may not book rooms.
4. Groups may not use rooms for social functions such as showers, parties, receptions, birthdays, etc.
5. There will be no charge to groups for the use of the meeting rooms.
6. No admission charge may be made for any function held in the library’s meeting rooms.
7. Non-profit organizations may sell items, provided that ALL the money collected goes to the non-profit organization. (Percentage of sale arrangements will not qualify under this rule.)
8. Organizations are allowed to book NO MORE THAN TWO meetings in advance.  A meeting date may be booked up to one year in advance.
9. Pursuant to Oklahoma Law, smoking is not permitted in libraries.
10. Only animals confined to cages will be allowed in the meeting rooms.  Guide animals are exempted from this rule.
11. Library rooms will not be reserved to groups for activities that are likely to disturb regular library functions.
12. All groups are responsible for the repair or replacement of missing or damaged equipment or facilities.
13. The Library reserves the right to refuse use of the meeting rooms to any group that violates any of the above regulations.
14. Programs sponsored or co-sponsored by the individual Library or Library System may be exempt from the rules as outlined above.
15. The Library and/or Library System’s programs are given precedence when booking rooms.  The Library reserves the right to reschedule other meetings when the rooms are needed for Library purposes.

Appeal of Meeting Room Refusal

Date: _________________________

Branch: __________________________________________________________________________

Name of Organization: ______________________________________________________________

President or Representative making request _____________________________________________

Contact Numbers: Telephone ____________________ Fax ____________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________
City                                                State                                                                 Zip Code

Check a blank to discuss the specific rule that is the basis of your appeal. Form continues to back side. Use blank space at bottom of form if you need more space to present your information.

_____1. Open to the public. Explain how your meeting meets this criteria.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

_____2. Organization is educational, civic, professional, religious, or political in nature. (Attach bylaws to form.) Is not a for-profit business.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

_____3. There is no charge for the event/function.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

_____4. Activity is not a social event.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

_____5. Meets booking rule of no more than two ahead, and not more than one year in advance.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

_____6. Meets booking rule against selling items in the meeting room.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

_____7. Protest is for reasons other than those listed above. Explain.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your comments. Turn this form in for consideration of your appeal. A person at the Library desk will take the information and forward it to the Librarian who will consider it and make a response to you within 7 days. If the matter cannot be resolved, you may request that it be referred to the EODLS Board for a ruling. The EODLS Board meets once monthly, except in July and December. The EODLS will consider your protest at the next available Board meeting that meets the legal notification notice. Any responses requested in July and December will be delayed for consideration until the next meeting date. The ruling of the Board is the final determination on this appeal.

4/18/2000

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Meeting Rooms
An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

Many libraries provide meeting rooms for individuals and groups as part of a program of service. Article VI of the Library Bill of Rights states that such facilities should be made available to the public served by the given library "on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use."

Libraries maintaining meeting room facilities should develop and publish policy statements governing use. These statements can properly define time, place, or manner of use; such qualifications should not pertain to the content of a meeting or to the beliefs or affiliations of the sponsors. These statements should be made available in any commonly used language within the community served.

If meeting rooms in libraries supported by public funds are made available to the general public for non-library sponsored events, the library may not exclude any group based on the subject matter to be discussed or based on the ideas that the group advocates. For example, if a library allows charities and sports clubs to discuss their activities in library meeting rooms, then the library should not exclude partisan political or religious groups from discussing their activities in the same facilities. If a library opens its meeting rooms to a wide variety of civic organizations, then the library may not deny access to a religious organization. Libraries may wish to post a permanent notice near the meeting room stating that the library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of meetings or meeting room users.

Written policies for meeting room use should be stated in inclusive rather than exclusive terms. For example, a policy that the library’s facilities are open "to organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, or charitable activities" is an inclusive statement of the limited uses to which the facilities may be put. This defined limitation would permit religious groups to use the facilities because they engage in intellectual activities, but would exclude most commercial uses of the facility.

A publicly supported library may limit use of its meeting rooms to strictly "library-related" activities, provided that the limitation is clearly circumscribed and is viewpoint neutral.

Written policies may include limitations on frequency of use, and whether or not meetings held in library meeting rooms must be open to the public. If state and local laws permit private as well as public sessions of meetings in libraries, libraries may choose to offer both options. The same standard should be applicable to all.

If meetings are open to the public, libraries should include in their meeting room policy statement a section which addresses admission fees. If admission fees are permitted, libraries shall seek to make it possible that these fees do not limit access to individuals who may be unable to pay, but who wish to attend the meeting. Article V of the Library Bill of Rights states that “a person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” It is inconsistent with Article V to restrict indirectly access to library meeting rooms based on an individual’s or group’s ability to pay for that access.

Adopted July 2, 1991, by the ALA Council

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