B. A work chosen for discard may be replaced with another copy of the same title.

Unattended Children

Neligh Public Library

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    The Neligh Public Library welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities and services.  In an effort to ensure the safety and well being of the children and maintain an atmosphere of constructive library use, it is understood that the responsibility for the welfare and the behavior of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or an assigned chaperone.  Though staff will always respond with care and concern, they cannot assume responsibility for children’s safety and comfort when they are unattended.  Staff may need to contact outside agencies to assist with the enforcement of discipline in the library or to ensure the safety of an unattended child.

    If a child is visibly distressed and obviously unattended or if a child’s behavior has become unacceptable in the library, an attempt will be made to contact the responsible parent/guardian or assigned chaperone of the child.  If this is unproductive the proper authorities will be called.

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Consumer Complaint Policy

    This policy addresses complaints about library service, procedure, or policies of the Neligh Public Library.  Persons who have experienced difficulties with service or who wish to question a library policy are always welcome to discuss those concerns with Library staff.  Library staff will endeavor to resolve those issues as quickly and fairly as possible.  If an informal meeting with Library staff does not settle the complaint, an individual may choose to enter into the formal grievance procedure.

1. A person who wishes to file a formal grievance about a library policy or a procedure, a service, or a staff member’s conduct should submit a complaint in writing to the Library Director.  Complaints directed toward the Director should be referred directly to the Neligh Library Board after following policy procedure.  The written complaint should include the date of the complaint; the name, address, and telephone number of the individual making the complaint; and a detailed discussion of the issue.  If the complaint deals with a specific incident, it should also include the date of the incident.

2. The Director will respond to the person in writing within thirty days from the time of the referral.  Complaints directed toward the Director should follow the same procedure, but communication is to be directed to the Neligh Library Board.

3. If the complaint is not resolved to the individual’s satisfaction, the individual may request that the issue be brought before the Library Board.  Requests for board consideration will be in writing and be presented no longer than 90 days after the decision by the Library Director.  The issue will be placed on the agenda of the next library board meeting, unless the board secretary receives the request eight or fewer working days before the meeting.  In that case, it will be placed on the agenda of the following month’s meeting.  A complaint directed toward the Library Director will become part of the next month’s board agenda.

4. The issue will be discussed at an open public meeting of the Library Board.  If the complaint is about the conduct of a staff member, the staff member has the right to decide if the meeting is to be open or closed.  If the Library Board finds that it has ample information to make a decision the Library Board will render a decision at that time unless expert information is requested.

5. The decision of the Neligh Public Library Board is final.

Internet Use Policy

Neligh Public Library

 The Neligh Public Library offers free Internet access to patrons and visitors. Patrons with overdue books and unpaid fines who have had their library privileges revoked will not be allowed to use the Internet.

Ø      All individuals accept the responsibility of Internet usage.

A parent/guardian must accompany children under the seventh grade level.  Unaccompanied children will be restricted to the use of the children’s computer found in the children’s area of the library.

Ø      A parent/guardian must sign the Permission of Minors form for individuals between the seventh and twelfth grades.

Librarians may offer to help in teaching Internet use and research skills as time permits.

The Neligh Public Library understands Internet as a means of providing information not otherwise available in this library.  Patrons are encouraged to evaluate Internet sources as they would evaluate print or other media.  This library does subscribe to reference databases, which are designed to present factual material and access to a variety of information formats.  The librarians will help patrons use these databases, which require a password.

Any adults accessing sites inappropriate to student/children’s viewing should be sensitive to the people in the area of the computer they are using.  A filtering program has been installed on all of the library’s computers; adults needing sensitive access should inform the librarian of their need and the librarian will then remove the filter as per the Supreme Court ruling.  Under no circumstances will the filter be removed for a minor.

Users are expected to comply with all local, state, and federal laws while using the Internet.  (See item #2 on the Internet Use Agreement/Permission sheet.)  Internet privileges will be revoked for lack of compliance.

Only one person at a time should use each computer.  Any disturbance or problem from Internet use will result in the loss of Internet privileges.  Parents will be notified if the offender is a minor.

In case of patrons waiting to use the computers/Internet, the librarian will determine need and may ask the patron to relinquish the computer being used to a waiting patron.  Compliance is appreciated.  Generally this hierarchy will be observed:  1. Homework, 2. Adult research, 3. E-mail, 4. Games and music.  A computer time limit of 20 minutes will be applied when the need is equal.

Material printed from the Internet will cost 15 cents per page.  Students will be allowed 3 free copies when accessing reference materials for classroom use.

Food and drink is discouraged while using the computers.

Patrons may not download to the hard drive.  Disks may be purchased from the library for $1.00 for downloading.  The library computers are equipped with software that will erase all saved files at the end of the day.

Patrons using their own computers to access the Internet in the library will abide by library regulations. 

            A student will not be allowed to access the Internet in the library with out a permission form on file if he/she is in Junior High.

            Elementary students will not be allowed to use the Internet without a guardian present.

            Adults using the Internet will be expected to use discretion when accessing sensitive materials around students.

            Student use on the Internet will be monitored.

The Neligh Public Library in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling and the Child Internet Protection Act has installed filters on all of its computers.  These filters are required for all patrons under the age of 18 and will not be removed for any reason.  An adult (person over 18) may request to have the filter removed and a librarian will comply.  A parent or guardian may not have a filter removed for their child.

The Neligh Public Library reserves the right to modify these policies if circumstances warrant.

Internet Use Agreement/Permission

I have read the policy statement for Internet use; I agree to abide by the policies and the following rules while using the Internet at the Neligh Public Library:

1)      I will not attempt to violate the integrity of any information on the Internet or any part of the library.

2)      I will obey all local, state and federal laws while using the Internet, including, but not limited to copyright, fraud, obscenity, and privacy legislation.  I recognize that unauthorized reproduction or use of accessed material may be a criminal offense under the U.S. Copyright laws.

3)      I realize that I may contact fee-based services and online shopping services while using the Internet.  I agree to assume responsibility for any charges I might incur when accessing such services from the library.  I recognize that any service involving the submission of a credit card number involves me, not the library, in a transaction with an outside service provider.

4)      I recognize that the library is not responsible for the content, quality, validity, or currency of any information found on the Internet.  I take responsibility for my use of the Internet.  Parents and guardians, not the library, are accountable for Internet access by a minor child.

5)      Any disturbance or problem resulting from Internet use will result in loss of Internet privileges.

Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in loss of Internet privileges at the Neligh Public Library.

__________________________________________(Print Name)

___________________________________________(Signature)

Date____________________

Permission for Minors

The above applicant is a minor child in my legal care.  I have read the Internet User Agreement and assume full responsibility for the minor.

_______________________________________ (Relationship)

__________________________________________ (Signature)

___________________________________________ (Print Name)

Meeting Room Use

    The meeting room is a public service offered to the community by the Neligh Public Library when not in use by the library board, staff, or for library sponsored events, and as such no fee will be accessed for its use.  The meeting room will be made available to all generally recognized civic and educational organizations without charge.

   Groups using the meeting room are to be held accountable for the condition of the facility during their tenure.  A list of requests and behaviors will be given to the person responsible for the use of the meeting room before the meeting.  (Appendix A) 

    Technology, such as an overhead projector, TV-VCR-DVD, LCD display etc… will be checked out to, and will be made available to the person using the facility upon their request.  The small kitchen will be available for group use as well as the restrooms.

    Federal law prohibits smoking in public buildings, therefore no tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances will be allowed within the Neligh Public Library including the meeting room.

    All organizations will be charged for damage to the facility and/or its contents during their occupancy.  The charge will be based on replacement or repair value.  Organizations and businesses wishing to use the meeting room for financial gain will be accessed a fee of not less than 5% of the total money collected or contracted while using the meeting room.

    Library sponsored programs will be exempt from any financial or facility requirements.

APPENDIX:  A

Neligh Public Library

Meeting Room Use

    The meeting room is available to generally recognized civic and educational groups without charge.  Groups are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and leave the room neat and clean.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Privacy Policy

  Users of the Neligh Public Library have certain rights to privacy with regard to their use of library facilities and services.  Records of patron use of library resources with personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, programs or services as may be accumulated in the course of doing library business are confidential.

·        In the case of patron failure to return materials, the library may disclose circulation information and correspondence to appropriate legal authorities involved in securing return of, or payment for, these materials.

·        Records that identify patrons without respect to their use of library resources, materials or services are not protected under the law.  Information about the identity of persons whose behavior in or about the library violates the law or library policies is not inherently protected or confidential.

·        The library will not disclose to parents or guardians any records of use by children except with the permission of the child.  Possession of a family library card or the child’s library card number by a parent or guardian is construed to imply permission.

·        If law enforcement officials believe that a criminal or terrorist act has been committed on library property or with library resources, the library will cooperate with law enforcement authorities who have obtained proper court orders for access to library records as designated in those orders.

Appendix A

Procedure for routing law enforcement inquires

·        If anyone approaches any of the library staff alleging to be a law enforcement official requesting information, do not disclose to that individual any information without a search warrant.

·        If law enforcement officials present a member of the library staff with a subpoena, direct either the officer or the paper to the Library Director, who will in turn direct it immediately to legal counsel and inform the Library Board President.

·        If law enforcement officials present a search warrant, do not interfere with their search or seizure.  Call the Library Director as soon as possible; if he/she is unavailable call the city of Neligh’s attorney and then inform the Library Board President.  The Director will follow this path. 

·        In the case of a search warrant, present no obstacles.  If no authority is available, comply with law enforcement and inform the director as soon as possible.

Bylaws of the Neligh Public Library

Board of Trustees

   The mission of the Neligh Public Library is to provide access to informational, educational, cultural, and recreational library materials and services in a variety of formats and technologies; to be responsive to the public library needs of the community; and to uphold the public’s freedom of access to information.

ARTICLE I:  Name

            This organization shall be called:  The Neligh Public Library Board.

ARTICLE II:  Members

            Section 1:  The Neligh Public Library Board shall consist of five (5) members, who are residents of the City of Neligh.  Each shall be appointed for a term of four (4) years by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council of the City of Neligh as provided in the statutes of the State of Nebraska.  Board members shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms, unless appointed initially to fill a vacancy.

            Section 2:  The terms of office shall be staggered to provide for continuity in policy and orderly transition of membership.

            Section 3:  In the event of vacancies due to resignation, removal or otherwise, the Mayor and Council of the City of Neligh shall fill such vacancy for the unexpired term pursuant to law.

            Section 4:  Effective functioning of the Board requires attendance at meetings.  Board members are expected to attend at least eight (8) of the eleven (11) monthly meetings.  The board may issue an approved absence prior to the missed meeting.  If these requirements are not met, board members may be asked to submit their resignations.  If unable to attend, board members should notify the librarian.

            Section 5: The Neligh Public Library Board shall determine and adopt written policies to govern the operation and program of the library.  They will also establish library policies concerning book and material selection.

            Section 6:  The Neligh Public Library Board shall determine the purposes of the library and secure adequate funds to carry out the library’s programs.

ARTICLE III:  Officers and Their Duties

            Section 1:  The officers of the Neligh Public Library Board shall consist of President and Secretary.

            Section 2:  It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Board, to appoint Board members to standing committees, subject to the approval of the Board, and to carry out such other duties the Board or these bylaws may impose.

            Section 3:  The Secretary of the Neligh Public Library Board will record the minutes of the meetings and be responsible for providing copies to each board member and staff member.  The city clerk will post notices of meetings.  The President will prepare a monthly agenda after conferring with the librarian, and agendas will be sent to the city clerk and the board members.

Section 4:  All bills shall be approved by a vote of the Board at each regularly scheduled meeting.

Section 5:  Should the President be absent from any meeting of the Board, a president protempore shall be selected, by a motion, to preside.

            Section 6:  In the absence of the Secretary another Board member shall be appointed to act as Secretary pro tempore by the presiding officer.

ARTICLE V:  Meetings

            Section 1:  The Neligh Public Library Board will meet to conduct business on the fourth Monday of each month, except in December and except when such date shall fall on a legal holiday.  Time of meeting will be posted to comply with the public meeting law.  Such special meetings shall be called, as the President considers necessary.  Meetings are held at the library and are open to the public.  The Library Director shall attend all meetings of the Board except when salary and tenure are discussed.

            Section 2:  Three (3) members of the Neligh Public Library Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

            Section 3:  No Board member shall vote on any matter if such vote might reasonably be expected to result in a direct or indirect benefit (other than that received as a member of the general public) to such member or the immediate family of such member.

            Section 4: Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern Proceedings of all meetings. 

ARTICLE VI:  Order of Business

The order of business at the regular meeting of the Neligh Public Library Board shall be as follows:

Call to order

Roll call

Approval of the agenda

Approval of the minutes of the last meeting

Approval of financial reports

Audience participation

Correspondence and communications

Library Director’s report

Committee reports

Unfinished business

New business

Announcements

Adjournment

ARTICLE VII:  Committees

            Section 1: the President shall appoint the following standing committees no later than the July meeting of the Neligh Public Library Board.  The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

a.       Technology committee

b.      Planning committee

c.       Programming

d.      The building and maintenance committee, budgeting committee, and the committee on administration and personnel shall consist of the entire board when not in conflict with the reasonable duties of the other committees.

Section 2: the board to handle specific matters, with the President appointing the chairman and committee members, may create special committees.

Section 3: the Chairman or the President shall call Committee meetings.  The Secretary shall arrange for the notification of each committee member of the meeting.  Two committee members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of committee business.

Section 4:  A report by the committee chairman shall be presented at the next regular meeting of the Board following the committee meeting.

ARTICLE VIII:  Duties of the standing committees

            Section 1:  The Technology Committee shall have the responsibility of overseeing all updating and support of the library’s technology with an eye to sustainability of all library equipment.

            Section 2:  The Planning Committee will make recommendations to the board with regard to capitol improvements and growth planning.  The Neligh Public Library Board will control the care and replacement of all physical properties of the Library.

            Section 3:  The Programming Committee will make recommendations to the board regarding speakers and programs outside of the library staff.  The goal is to find and support the best programming the library can sustain in order to remain a cultural center of Neligh.

ARTICLE IX:  Library director and staff

            Section 1:  The Neligh Public Library Board shall employ a competent and qualified director and staff and shall establish salaries according to the position and duties required of that position.  The Board for each position will maintain written job descriptions.

            Section 2:  The Library Director shall be considered the executive officer of the Board and shall have the sole charge of administration of the Library under the direction and review of the Board.  The Director shall be held responsible for the care of the building and equipment, for the recommendation of employment and staff direction, for the efficiency of the Library’s services to the public and for the operations of the Library under the financial conditions set forth in the annual budget.  The Library Director shall attend all Board meetings.

            Section 3:  The Library Director shall present a written report at each regular meeting of the Board, describing the activities of the Library during the previous month.  This report shall be filed as a permanent record.

            Section 4:  The Library Director shall see that accurate records are kept on file at the library.  These should include minutes of meetings, annual reports, circulation statistics, and budget information.

ARTICLE X:  Amendment of the Bylaws

   These Bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the Board by the affirmative vote of at least three (3) members of the Board, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been given at a regular meeting previous to the meeting at which the proposed amendment is presented for consideration, and the text of the proposed amendment has been of file with the Secretary for not less than 20 days.

Neligh Public Library

Rules of conduct

   The mission of the Neligh Public Library is to provide access to informational, educational, cultural, and recreational library materials and services in a variety of formats and technologies; to be responsive to the public library needs of the community; and to uphold the public’s freedom of access to information.

   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.  Failure to comply with the Library Rules of Conduct may result in exclusion from the Library for the day, permanently, or even in legal action.  Theft of Library materials is a serious offense and may result in permanent exclusion from the Library.  Communication of threats, physical violence, or sexual offense will result in permanent exclusion.

1. Any behavior that disrupts or hinders public use of the Library is prohibited on Library property.  This includes, but is not limited to, loud or boisterous behavior, verbal or physical harassment, drunkenness, running, and fighting.
2. Seating at Library tables and chairs is limited to the number of persons for whom the furniture was designed.
3. Smoking or chewing tobacco is not permitted in the Library
4. Bicycles are not permitted in the Library or the entryway.  Roller-skating and skateboarding are not permitted in the Library.  Wagons and strollers may not be an obstruction to normal library operation.
5. Selling products or services, or soliciting donations, is not permitted in the Library, except as part of a Library-sponsored program or as a fund raising effort by an organized civic group. 
6. Taking surveys, circulating petitions, distributing leaflets, and other similar activities are permitted in the Library only when authorized by the Library Administration.
7. Animals, except those used to aid persons with disabilities, are not permitted in the Library, except as part of a Library-sponsored program.
8. Parents or other legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children in the Library.
9. The violation of federal or state laws or local ordinances will not be permitted on Library property.  Theft, vandalism, and mutilation of library property are criminal offenses and may be prosecuted.  The Library reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks, and other such items when the staff has reason to believe this rule has been violated.  The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.
10. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on Library property.
11. Altering computer settings, software, or peripherals is not permitted.
12. Failure to comply with a librarian’s request to alter your behavior will result in the loss of library privileges for the day.  Persons using computers will risk the loss of library privileges for the day for these offenses:  failure to obey the librarian on duty, failure to respect other patrons using the computers.
13. Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in the loss of Library privileges.

Circulation Policy

1.       All residents of Neligh and Antelope County will be issued a borrower card upon request, with out charge for a three- year period.

a)      To renew a patron card, address and phone information will be updated

b)      Cards will become invalid if service charges are outstanding or if the patron has been designated as a ‘Patron in Poor Standing’.  The card may not be renewed until such charges are paid.

c)      Nonresident cards (out of county) will be issued to families for a period of three (3) years for a fee of $20.00.

2. A patron in good standing is one who has no outstanding fines or delinquent materials and observes all library policies. 

A patron in poor standing has violated library policy and forfeits all library privileges

3.   Patrons who use the library are encouraged to have a library card.

4.    All library circulation records are confidential.

5.    Patrons may check out any reasonable number of materials to be determined be the librarian for two weeks.

a.       New cardholders will be limited to three items per checkout for the first month of library membership.

b.       Parents or guardians are responsible for their minor children’s use of library material, including payment of fees or charges incurred by their children.

c.       Books and audio books may be renewed for two (2) weeks unless reserved for another patron.

d.       Periodicals may not be renewed.  They are available for a one-week check out.

e.       Patrons may check out only three (3) new books at one time (new is defined as purchased within the past month).

f.        Teachers, including homeschool teachers may have, as many as, 50 books on their account for six weeks.  They will be designated “school” within the library’s computer system.  Materials other than books checked out to teachers should adhere to the policy for other patrons.

g.       Art prints may be checked out for three (3) months to patrons in good standing.

h.       Microfilm may be checked out for a two (2) week period to patrons in good standing.

i.         Laptop (notebook) computers will be available for check out to local businesses for a three (3) day period for adult education. Patrons in good standing may checkout a laptop computer overnight after signing an equipment removal form.  In order to remove a computer from the library a patron must have a current address, telephone number, and have been a patron of the library for more than one month (30 days). A $5.00 per day fine will be assessed for an overdue computer.

j.         Patrons must be in good standing to have holds placed and/or use the Internet, or any other library service.

k.       Some reference and Nebraska materials will be available for overnight check out by patrons in good standing.  A fine of 50 cents per day and the loss of library privileges will accompany overdue reference materials.

l.         Damage beyond normal use to library materials (to be determined by the librarian) while checked out are the responsibility of the patron and may include replacement value of the item. 

The current month’s fiction acquisitions may not be renewed beyond the original two (2) week checkout date.

6.   Patrons must be in good standing to have holds placed.  When a patron requests that material be reserved, the librarian will put a hold on the item and call the patron when the item is available.  When ordering new material requested by a patron, a hold is placed on the item.  When the new selection has arrived it will be held for the patron for four (4) days after the patron has been notified.  The hold will be returned to the collection at the end of the four (4) day period.

7.   The library will participate in interlibrary loan service.

a.       Reimbursement for postage and any fees for interlibrary loan material will be charged to the borrower at a fee of $3.00 per book.

b.       Interlibrary loan fees are due at the time of the interlibrary loan request.

c.       Charges according to cost will be made for photocopied materials obtained for the interlibrary loan patron.

d.       Reference and local Nebraska materials are not available for interlibrary loan. (Materials will include print, film, audio, and all other formats.)

e.       Periodicals will not be loaned.  Photocopies may be made and sent to requesting libraries as long as copyright law is upheld.

8.     Patrons who wish to have photocopies and/or computer copies made may be assisted by the librarian.

a.        A fee of 15 cents for a letter size per page, 30 cents for both sides.

b.        A fee of 20 cents for legal size per page 40 cents for both sides.

c.        A fee of 50 cents per page will be accessed for microfilm reader prints.

d.        Color copies of any size will be one (1) dollar per page.

e.       Copies from the digital microfilm reader will be 15 cents per black and white page and one (1) dollar for color prints.

9.      Faxing five (5) pages excluding the cover letter if needed will be without charge.  Each additional page will assessed a fee of one (1) dollar per page.  There will be no charge to send to 800 numbers.  Receiving a fax will be assessed a fee of .50 per page.

      10.   Cold laminate is available for a cost of one (1) dollar per foot or any part of the foot.

11.     Digital photographs will be printed for a fee of fifty cents (.50) per picture.

12.   The telephone is available for local and 800 number calls only.  Discretion is to be used as to the length of a phone call.

13.   Copyright law will be observed when scanning, copying, or printing for the Internet or any source protected by copyright.  The Neligh Public Library will adhere to strict copyright law.

14.   Generally recognized civic and educational groups whose function is not primarily social or religious may use the meeting room without charge.  (Refer to the meeting room policy)

15.   When it is necessary to notify patrons about overdue materials, the charge is:

a.       One (1) dollar  for materials four-seven (4-7) days overdue (one week)

b.       Two (2) dollars for materials 14 days overdue (two weeks)

c.       Three (3) dollars for materials 21 days overdue (three weeks)

d.       Four (4) dollars for materials 28 days overdue (four weeks)

e.       Five (5) dollars for materials 35 days overdue (five weeks)

f.        Six (6) dollars for materials 42 days overdue (six weeks)

g.       All patrons with overdue materials will lose library privileges until overdue items are returned and accrued fines are paid.

h.       The library reserves the right to take measures up to and including legal action to recover materials not returned.

16.  The director will contact all severely (10 week) delinquent patrons.  A severely overdue item (10 week) will be referred to the town’s attorney.  Every attempt is to be made to recover and collect on library property.

17.  Computer use is addressed in the Internet Policy.
18.  Library equipment use and checkout is addressed in Library Equipment Policy.
19. The library will provide reference service to the public as time permits.  The librarian will not do homework, but will assist in finding resources to enable the patron to accomplish his or her task.
20. The librarian will arrange for displays and collections in the library.  Patrons who wish to display a personal collection do so at the librarian’s discretion and in so doing will be given access to the display case for arrangement and removal of their collection.
21. The Neligh Public Library recognizes that all situations are not equal.  The final decision on circulation issues is the responsibility of the Library Director.