Policies
Approved by the Library Board
Acceptable Behavior Policy
While the services and materials of the Marshall Public Library are available to everyone, those activities which interfere with the rights of others to use the Library, or which could result in injury, or which might damage the Library building, materials, or equipment are considered unacceptable.
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to
- any illegal activity
- the use of tobacco or alcohol anywhere in the Library
- sleeping in the Library
- soliciting
- misuse, abuse, or vandalism of Library facilities, equipment, materials, or grounds
- any form of harassment of Library staff or patrons
- bringing animals into the Library, except for service animals or those involved in a Library-sponsored program.
- running or roughhousing
- shouting or use of vulgar language
Violations may result in a range of sanctions, including notification of the police. Any illegal activity will be reported to the proper authorities.
Revised and adopted by the Board of Trustees, June 21st 2011
CELL PHONE USE POLICY
The Marshall Public Library is aware of the need to stay in touch. However, ringing cell phones and personal phone conversations can be distracting and disturbing to others. Therefore, the following policy is effective June 1, 2009.
- Cell phones, pagers and other communication devices may be used in a manner that does not disturb others. Loud or extended conversations must be moved out of the library.
- Cell phones in the library should be set to the silent or vibrate mode, or set to the lowest volume ring tone.
Reviewed May 17th 2011
Collection Development Policy
The Marshall Public Library Collection Development Policy exists to serve as a guide in the selection of materials and to inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made.
Read the entire Collection Development Policy
Revised and Adopted by Library Board, April 2011
Confidentiality of Library Circulation Records
The Board of Library Trustees of the Marshall Public Library believes that efforts to gain access to library circulation records constitute an invasion of the right of privacy of library patrons, and that if permitted, would do damage to the education and social value of the libraries of this country.
These records are considered to be confidential in nature, and shall not be made available to any individual, or to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures of legislative investigatory power. Procedures expand and modify that policy, but the intent should be kept in mind.
Modifications to strict confidentiality
Electronic Notification System
The electronic notification system calls telephone numbers to notify patrons of materials on hold and overdue materials. Because it calls the number, not the person, and because the message does not identify the library material, we frequently get calls for additional information.
Family members
We have allowed family members to check out materials on hold (but not interlibrary loan materials) for a patron. This does not give the family member access to the circulation records of another.
This is the biggest challenge to confidentiality policy. We expect parents to monitor their child's library use, if they wish, and also require parents to be legally responsible for materials checked out on a child's card, yet our policy is not to reveal information about materials checked out on a child's card, even to a parent, unless--
The parent has the child's card or the barcode from a child's card. If the telephone number can be verified, we will provide information about materials checked out, fines, and other circulation records. However, we do not provide circulation record information when the person who requests the information does not have the required barcode and telephone number. This rule holds even if the parent wants to pay fines for the child.
Approved by the Library Board
Exhibits and Displays Policy
The Library will provide displays of materials of interest to the community; these are presentations of materials promoting Library services, areas of subject interest, and are often topical in nature. Exhibits of items of public interest are kept in display cases or are otherwise secured, they often are of materials which are not owned by the Library.
The display cases and other presentations areas are available for the use of local beneficial or nonprofit corporations, community groups, civic and other associations, and individual artists. Exhibitions of a commercial nature will not be accepted and prices may not be attached to articles displayed.
The Library assumes neither risk nor responsibility, other than that of due care, for any item displayed or exhibited. Those responsible for the display or exhibit will arrange their materials under the general supervision of the Library staff and will furnish whatever specialized display equipment is needed. Those furnishing materials for display or exhibit will sign a form acknowledging this and provide a signed inventory of the materials displayed.
Exceptions to the above may be made, in writing, by the Library Director prior to the presentation.
While the Library’s policy on Intellectual Freedom apples to all displays and exhibits, the Library reserves its right to exercise discretion about exhibit topics and materials.
Approved by the Board of Trustees February 17, 2004
ACCEPTABLE USE OF INTERNET ACCESS FOR ADULTS 18 AND OLDER
The Marshall Public Library provides access to World Wide Web and the Internet for the same reasons the Library offers other resources: to facilitate research, learning, and recreational pursuits of appropriate and requisite quality. Because of the vast amount of material on the Internet and because of the rapid pace with which it changes, the Library cannot review all of the material that is available. Therefore, certain standards of acceptable use are required. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in loss of Internet access privileges; illegal acts will be reported to the proper authorities. Some examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to
- damaging, attempting to damage, or changing any computer equipment or software setting, including unauthorized installation of any software, pictures, or files; adding “bookmarks” or “favorites;” or changing the default home page;
- violating copyright laws or licensing agreements;
- except for a parent and child, more than one person using a computer without prior approval;
- displaying or accessing sexually explicit materials or gambling;
- engaging in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive;
- using the Library’s computers to gain unauthorized access to any network or computer;
- engaging in any illegal activity;
- disturbing others;
- eating or drinking while at the computer stations.
Use of the adult Internet computers is available to those 18 years of age and older. Those under the age of 18 are referred to either the Young Adult or Children’s departments. Registered users may bring minors with them to the Internet computers if they are the minors’ parent/guardian; however use of the terminal is restricted to only the adult.
Printing
A printer near the Reference Desk may be used to print material from the Internet. Printing costs ten cents ($0.10) per page for black & white copies.
Scheduling Internet Access
Each person is limited to one session of no more than sixty minutes each day.
Instruction
Please ask a librarian for help in using the Internet workstations.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees February 17th, 2009.
Internet Safety Policy
Introduction
It is the policy of the Marshall Public Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254 (h)].
Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children's Protection Act.
Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or "Internet filters") shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.
Specifically, as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Marshall Public Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
\Specifically, as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking," and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination or personal identification information regarding minors.
Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Marshall Public Library staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children's Internet Protection Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or designated representatives.
Coordination with other Library Policies
Nothing in this Policy shall alter other Library policies, especially the Library's policy on acceptable use (Acceptable Use of Internet Access, as approved by the Board of Trustees on July 22, 2003) and electronic resources, (Electronic Resources Use Policy, as adopted by the Board of Trustees on August 19. 2003.)
Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of Marshall Public Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on July 20, 2004.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees July 20, 2004
Meeting Room Policy
The Marshall Public Library has two areas which can be reserved for public meetings: the Dr. Minnie F. Howard Community Room at the north end of the first floor (in the “old building”) and the Children’s Story Room at the south end. These are the only places which may be reserved for public gatherings.
Use of these Rooms is limited to the capacity allowed by fire code. Filtered internet access is available in both Rooms, although only by wireless connection in the Story Room.
Although the Story Room can be used for public meetings, such use is at the discretion of the Administration and is not encouraged.
The Meeting Rooms are available without charge to nonprofit organizations (designated as such by the Internal Revenue Service or the State of Idaho), civic associations, community groups, and similar organizations in the area served by the Library. Groups which wish to use a Meeting Room must complete a Meeting Room Reservation Form, or supply the information necessary to complete the Form, two (2) weeks in advance and have it signed by a Pocatello resident who will take responsibility for the room. Up to one (1) year with a maximum of twelve (12) meetings use may be requested on a Form at one time, although there may be no more than one (1) meeting held per week. Religious groups may use a Meeting Room with the prior approval of the Administration. Groups not meeting the time constraints above may be approved by the Administration on a first come, first served basis.
Those using the Meeting Rooms agree to the following provisions, which are also noted on the Meeting Room Reservation Form:
- Library activities and meetings or other activities sponsored by the City of Pocatello have precedence and may displace other groups.
- All meetings must be open to the public.
- Use of the Meeting Rooms, including setup and cleanup are limited to the hours the Library is open. If the Room is not left clean a cleaning charge of fifty dollars ($50.00) will be assessed against the person listed as responsible for use of the Room.
- The group using the Meeting Room is responsible for the setup of the Room as well as ensuring that it is returned to the approximate state in which it was found. The Library will place the requested number of chairs, tables, and other equipment in the Room beforehand.
- The person designated as responsible for the use of the Room assumes responsibility for all damages which are done to the Room and/or its contents during the time requested for the meeting. No smoking is permitted in any part of the Library at any time, and smoking outside the building must be done at least twenty (20) feet from the entrances.
- No charge may be made for attendance at any meeting or workshop, nor can a request for a voluntary donation be made. Charges to cover the cost of materials may be made with the express advance permission of the Library Director. Groups which collect dues may not do so in the Library or on Library grounds.
- A group which disturbs others will be asked to “quiet down” and if it happens again they will be asked to leave. If such disturbance happens at a second meeting the group will no longer be allowed to use the Meeting Rooms.
- Certain equipment, such as projectors and screens, are available and must be indicated on the Reservation Form. A charge will be made for the use of each piece of equipment; this money will be used to repair the equipment and to purchase new equipment. Absolutely no equipment may be taken out of the Library.
- There is no charge for using the Internet connections. A charge will be assessed for the use of Library-owned cables, etc.
- No group will be denied use of the Meeting Rooms because of the content of the meeting unless the exclusion is necessary to serve a compelling governmental or community interest which cannot be served by a less restrictive action.
The Meeting Rooms are accessible to persons with disabilities. Interpreters for persons with hearing impairments and/or taped information for persons with visual impairments can be provided upon three working days’ notice. For accessibility arrangements please contact the Americans with Disabilities Coordinator at 234-6248; the group using the Room is responsible for all associated costs.
This policy is effective immediately and may be amended or modified at any time by the Board of Trustees of the Marshall Public Library.
Revised and adopted September 20th, 2011
A Policy for "Permanent" Gifts
A group or an individual may want to present a gift to the library which is intended to be a substantial and relatively permanent addition to the appearance and/or function of the library facility. A gift may be initiated by the donor or may be solicited by the library. Such gifts differ from the gifts of library materials or money covered in the gifts section of the Marshall Public Library's "Collection Development Policy," especially because they
- May be intended to become a permanent part of the library's interior or exterior
- May be accompanied by an identifying plaque or other label
- May require special security, cleaning, maintenance, or insurance
These permanent gifts should be considered by the library board of trustees. In some cases, the gift may be modified or even declined, based upon such considerations as
- the limited space available for long-term gifts
- the contribution of the gift to the appearance of the facility
- the impact of the gift upon library resources
- the contribution of the gift to the mission of the library
- any conditions required by the donor.
The building committee of the library's board of trustees will review potential permanent gifts, and after consultation with the library staff and discussion with the donor of the proposed gift, present a recommendation concerning the gift to the full board of trustees for action.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees April 25, 1995
Petitioning and Distribution of Literature Policy
Petitioning, solicitation, distribution of literature or leaflets, canvassing, and similar activities are not permitted inside the Library. Exceptions may be made for specific Library projects; examples of these include, but are not limited to, the periodic book sales by the Friends of the Marshall Public Library or the solicitation of information from Library users which will be used to improve Library services.
Groups or individuals who wish to engage in these activities on the Library’s parking lots, sidewalks, or grounds may only do so during the normal business hours of the Library. These activities cannot impede access to or interfere with the use of the Library, and provision must be made for the proper disposal of unwanted materials. Excessive noise will not be tolerated.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2004
Reciprocal Borrowing Policy
The Marshall Public Library will honor all valid cards from those libraries which participate in LiLI Express or other agreement by which the patrons of the Marshall Public Library can borrow materials from or use the services of the other library.
Except for Interlibrary Loan, the materials and services of the Marshall Public Library will be extended to these users as if they were residents of City of Pocatello, and these borrowers will have the same responsibilities as a resident of the City of Pocatello.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on January 20, 2004
Unattended Children Policy
The Marshall Public Library welcomes library use by children aged 17 and under. Staff members are available to assist children with library materials or services, and the Library desires to provide a safe and appropriate environment for visitors of all ages. However, as a public facility providing public library services to a diversity of patrons, the Library is neither equipped nor is it the Library’s role to provide long or short-term child care.
For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or caregiver must accompany children under 8 years of age while they are using the Library. While in the library, parents or caregivers are responsible for the behavior of their children. All library patrons, including children, are expected to maintain behavior which in the opinion of the Library staff is appropriate to a public library. Noise must be kept within levels which do not interfere with others, and actions which could cause injury, damage property, or offend others must be avoided. Failure to do so will result in those involved being asked to leave; repeated violations may result in the withdrawal of Library privileges.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, February 17, 2004
Unexpected closings
While the Marshall Public Library exists to serve the citizens of Pocatello and makes every effort to maintain its posted hours of operation, hazardous weather, building problems, extreme cold weather, power outages, or other emergency conditions may make it necessary to alter the hours or even to close altogether. Of the options available -- delayed opening, early closing, and total closure -- the last is the least desirable and will not be implemented if other options are feasible.
The authority to unexpectedly close or modifiy hours of operation resides in the board of Trustees, who delegate it to the Library Director or, in the absence of the Library Director, to the Associate Director.
The Library will consider closing or a midified opening or closing time when
The weather is more than twenty (20) degrees below zero Fahrneheit;
officials have asked that non-emergency trips be postponed;
the library is experiencing a power outage or other form of building trouble;
the routes to and from the Library and the Library's parking lots are difficult or impossible to negotiate with an ordinary car;
conditions may endager patrons or staff
A decision to close or alter hours of operation will be made as early as posssible. Once the decision is made, the Library's emergency communication plan will be implemented and the media listed in Appendix A notified; the Library's telephone answer message and website will be mondified as soon as possible. The person making the decision will also notify the Chair of the Library Board.
Staff will be paid for the hours they were assigned to work during an unexpected closing as if they had worked those hours.
Materials due on a day when the Library is unexpectedly closed will be considered as due the next day the Library is open. Fines will not be charged for these days.