Policies
To guide the development and maintenance of collections owned and managed by the Plum Creek Library System (PCLS) for use by the patrons and staff of PCLS member libraries. To guide library selectors in the selection and deselection of materials. To inform regional residents of the criteria on which materials are evaluated for selection and deselection.
Definitions
Library materials has the widest possible meaning and may include books, electronic resources, audio-visual materials, web resources, and realia.
Selection is the process of deciding whether to add materials to the collection.
Deselection is the process of evaluating materials for removal from the collection.
A Selector is an individual that has been authorized to develop and maintain library collections.
Scope of the Collections
PCLS collects digital and physical materials and resources to connect the patrons and staff of the PCLS member libraries with resources and experiences that support learning and enrichment. Selectors aim to balance the needs of diverse communities and do not preference the needs of one user over others. The selection of materials does not indicate endorsement of the creator’s work. PCLS upholds the right of each person to select or reject materials for their own use.
Responsibility for Materials Selection
Responsibility for selection resides with the PCLS Governing Board. The Board delegates the authority to interpret and implement the application of the policy to the Regional Library Director, who in turn authorizes PCLS staff and member library staff to apply this policy in developing and maintaining collections.
Criteria for Selection
- Community needs
- Relation to existing collections
- Attention of reviewers and critics
- Timeliness and/or enduring significance
- Potential demand and patron recommendation
- Relation to Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund initiatives
- Cost
Criteria for Deselection
- Low use and/or relevance
- Condition
- Space considerations
- Availability from other sources
Items are withdrawn from the collection when they are unused for a specific period of time, no longer meet the needs of the community, are factually inaccurate, and/or are in poor condition.
Recommendations
PCLS welcomes recommendations for the purchase of materials by member library staff and patrons. A member of the selection committee will evaluate the recommended items based on the criteria for selection established by this policy.
Reconsideration
Member library staff and patrons may request the reconsideration of library materials by submitting a written Statement of Concern to the Regional Library System Director. The Regional Library System Director will evaluate the Concern and respond at the earliest possible date. The Regional Library System Director may consult with the selectors and if necessary, the Concern may be brought to the Governing Board for evaluation. Materials will remain in circulation until a determination is made.
Approved by Advisory Council 6/8/2022
Approved by Governing Board 6/15/2022
Each trustee and employee shall disclose any personal interest or the interests of immediate family members which may influence a matter pending before the Board. Trustees shall refrain from participating in any decision on such a matter.
No PCLS trustee or employee may solicit or accept from any person, directly or indirectly, anything of value if it could reasonably be expected to influence a PCLS trustee or employee’s official actions or judgment, or could reasonably be considered as a reward for any official action or inaction.
No PCLS employee may serve as a trustee of the Board or of a PCLS member library board.
Approved by PCLS Governing Board 2/16/22
Printable Conflict of Interest Policy for Board Members and Employees Policy
Distribution of Free Publications and Community Postings Policy
Mountain Lake Public Library Administrative Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define library practice with regard to the distribution of free publications and community postings in Mountain Lake Public Library.
Policy
As a public service, Mountain Lake Public Library may make limited space available within library buildings to distribute free publications or post community announcements.
Free publications or postings from the community will be made available in a designated space at the discretion of library staff. Priority will be given to Mountain Lake Public Library or other Cottonwood County produced publications or postings. In the case of free publications, distributors are expected to deliver publications regularly, place them in designated locations, and discard out of date issues. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in the withdrawal of publications and if required, removal of distribution privileges via a Letter of Removal from the Mountain Lake Public Library.
Materials posted or left for free distribution must be reviewed by library staff before posting and will be discarded if the material and or “poster” does not follow the stated criteria located within this policy. The library does not endorse nor take a position on any of the views presented in free publications or in items posted for community viewing. But will ensure that all peoples or organizations are represented in a fair and respectful way within the free materials left to be distributed within the library.
Considerations and Criteria
- Items for posting must be submitted to library staff.
- The entryway public bulletin board area (including free item bookshelf located under the bulletin board) are the only appropriate spaces for providing access to free publications and community postings unless approval from Director is received for alternate locations.
- Priority is given to Mountain Lake Public Library or other Cottonwood County produced publications or postings; followed by postings for events and programs in the local community.
- Some examples of items that may not be posted if the material includes: political campaign material, hateful or direct negative position about a peoples or organizations, business or profit-making items, rent solicitations and coupon circulars.
- Postings or materials without event or end dates may be displayed for up to 60 days. Then must be “reviewed” by a librarian or Director to continue displaying items with no end dates for an additional 60 days.
- The maximum size of items accepted for posting is 11”x 17”. Items with tear-off tabs are only allowed on items that are not in the prohibited list (please refer to criteria #4).
- Items “dropped off” for distribution or posting will not be returned if they are not approved, or are approved and being removed based on the considerations and criteria listed in this policy. If the “poster” is still present the materials will be offered back.
Roles and Responsibilities
When reviewing items submitted for distribution and posting, staff:
- Use their professional judgment to critically evaluate the authority, appropriateness, scope, audience, currency and accuracy of items submitted for posting and/or in the distribution of free publications.
- Be mindful of the Library’s mission, vision and services; and weigh onsite conditions (e.g. available space) when considering items for posting and/or in the distribution of free publications.
Process
This administrative policy is reviewed at least every five (5) years by the Mountain Lake Public Library Board. Upon completion of that review, this policy is revised or reaffirmed.
Policy History
Library Board Approved – March 14th, 2023
Internet Safety Policies
It is the policy of the Mountain Lake Public Library to provide free access to information to users of all ages, while attempting to protect them from unwanted exposure to graphically depicted obscenity and child pornography and to restrict access to minors to materials harmful to minors.
In order to offer such protection, and to comply with Public Law 106-554, Title XVII, the library has installed a filtering (device or software) which is intended by the manufacturer to block access to possible illegal or inappropriate sites. The user should be aware, however, that no device or software can block every site, electronic mail, electronic mail, and chat room which contains illegal or inappropriate content, and sites may be blocked that do not contain illegal or inappropriate content. The library does not accept responsibility for these incidents.
Users wishing to access the Internet at the Mountain Lake Public Library must agree to comply with the following RULES OF CONDUCT;
- Internet computers will not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local standards would be obscene.
- Users will obey copyright laws and licensing agreements.
- Users will not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted library or Internet filed or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software at the library or at another location by using library connections.
- Users will not disclose, use, or disseminate personal information regarding minors without written authorization of the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved.
Library employees are authorized to take prompt and appropriate action to enforce the Rules of Conduct, and/or to prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet Acceptable Use Policy as stated or implied herein. To preserve their own personal safety, users should avoid disclosing personal information over the Internet. Parents are responsible for their children’s use of the library’s resources and facilities. Parents are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.
Access to Internet Workstations
- Users must have a valid library card.
- Access sessions will be limited to one hour, unless authorized by library staff.
- Users must end their session and leave the terminal after their one hour session. If the Rules of Conduct are not followed, authorized library staff will end the session.
Use of Internet Workstations
- Installation, downloading, or modification of the library’s software is prohibited. Users may not alter or attach equipment or programs to the library’s hardware. Users may not circumvent the established procedure for access to the Internet. The library is not responsible for date loss/
- Prompt payment is required by users who incur charges for printing. There is no charge for using the Internet at the library, however, printing charges are $.25 a page.
- By mutual agreement, two persons may share one access session as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or library staff.
- Users will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to express the roles and responsibilities patrons have to ensure the library’s physical and virtual spaces are welcoming, safe, and secure.
Principles
- The library’s mission to “bring people together, foster creativity, and encourage lifelong learning” is achieved in part by the willingness of its patrons to respect one another and coexist in library spaces.
- Physical and virtual library spaces are designed to be used for multiple purposes and are intended to be used by a diverse community of patrons.
- Public library spaces are important community assets that rely on the stewardship, mutual support, and goodwill of all.
Roles and Responsibilities
Patrons are participants in a shared, public use environment and must conduct themselves accordingly. They will be courteous, considerate, and understanding of other patrons and library staff.
Parents and caregivers are responsible to supervise the activities and choices of the children in their care.
Patrons are stewards of the library and its resources. They will value and respect library resources and conduct themselves in a safe and orderly way.
Patrons will comply with federal, state, and local laws and policies.
Library staff will work to ensure that library spaces are safe and welcoming to all. Staff will work with all patrons to ensure compliance with the policy. Failure to comply may result in loss of library use privileges. Illegal conduct may be referred to the proper authorities for legal action.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to further define the Mountain Lake Public Library Patron Use of Library Spaces Policy and ensure its fair and consistent application.
Mountain Lake Public Library welcomes and encourages people of all ages to use library facilities, resources and services. To protect the rights and safety of library customers and staff and to protect property, we expect that individuals will obey laws and follow library policies and rules. Access to library services and/or facilities may be denied for individuals who do not follow library policies and rules.
The violation of any federal or state statutes or local ordinances on the library premises is also regarded as a violation of library rules.
Patrons are expected to:
- Understand that the library is a public space shared by many.
- Be courteous and respect other library patrons and library staff.
- Conduct themselves in a safe and orderly way; allowing others to do the same, so as not to disrupt or prevent others from using library resources, materials, furniture and/or facilities.
- Avoid disruptive behaviors that may hinder other library patrons.
- Provide adequate and proper supervision at all times of young children or vulnerable individuals in their care.
- Leave the building at closing time and parents/guardians are expected to pick up children before closing time.
- Dress appropriately and sufficiently, including shirt, pants or shorts, shoes or sandals and maintain proper personal hygiene.
- Respect library property. Careful use of library materials, furniture, and equipment is required. Damage to library property is prohibited under Minnesota Statute Section 609.541.
- Silence cell phone ringers and other audible signals when entering the building. Phone conversations must be moved to the meeting room if available or outside the building.
In order to allow a wide variety of people maximum enjoyment and comfort while in the library, patrons may not engage in the following activities or behaviors:
- Bring animals into the library except service animals specifically trained to assist those with disabilities, as defined under local, state and federal laws, or animals brought in for library programming. Animals may not be left tied outside on library premises.
- Deposit litter anywhere other than in garbage receptacles provided.
- Smoke, use tobacco products, or e-cigarettes on library property, except within a personal vehicle.
- Consume, possess or be under the influence of illicit or intoxicating substances while on library premises.
- Harass, intimidate or threaten library staff or patrons, including but not limited to threatening physical violence, cursing or using inappropriate language; throwing things; interfering with those attempting to leave or enter a building, room or space; engaging in sexual or verbal abuse.
- Behave in a loud, disorderly or boisterous manner.
- Violate the Library’s Internet Usage Policy.
- Running, roller skating, skateboarding, roller blading, or any other similar inappropriate activities are not permitted in the library.
- Carry a weapon of any type into the library, unless authorized by law.
- Leave laptop computers, phones, backpacks, packages or any other personal items unattended. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
- Take photos or videos of others without their, or their parent or legal guardian, explicit permission. No commercial photography or video recording is allowed without the explicit permission of the library director or designee.
- Enter staff only areas such as behind the circulation desk or any other non-public areas.
- Solicit, petition, sell, campaign or distribute written materials, or canvass for business, political, charitable, or religious purposes without prior approval from library staff.
- Willfully disregard the instruction and/or requests of library staff.
Minnesota Statute 13.04 provides that individuals on whom data is stored by a government entity have the right to know what data is stored, how the data will be used, and what happens if the individual refuses to provide it.
Minnesota Statute 13.40 provides that patron records are private and that information linking a patron to materials requested or borrowed or with a subject about which the patron has requested information may not be disclosed without a court order except for library purposes.
Card applications will be kept by the library that accepts them, either in print or electronic format, until the patron record is deleted from the ILS. Libraries will keep the applications in a secure location or on a secure server if they are stored online.
Plum Creek Library System will delete records for patrons whose records in the ILS have been expired for at least three years. The records will be deleted at least once per year and a list of the deleted records will be sent to the library that entered the record so that the applications may be removed from storage and destroyed. Libraries will destroy the applications within 60 days of receipt of the list of deleted patron records.
Patrons may consent to permit libraries to use email addresses to communicate via email about programs, services, and fundraising efforts. Patrons that choose to take advantage of opt-in communication may unsubscribe at any time by contacting their local library.
Approved by Governing Board December 29, 2021
Patron Registration Policy
Residents and landowners of any member county or municipality of the Plum Creek Library System are eligible to receive a library card at no cost. The following groups are also eligible to receive cards:
- Children under the age of 16 may receive a card at no cost if the application is signed by a parent or legal guardian. Member libraries may choose to raise this age.
- Minnesota residents with a valid card from their home library living in an area that participates in the Minnesota Reciprocal Borrowing Compact may register and borrow at no cost. Residents of the Pioneerland and Traverse des Sioux regions may be issued a card without a card from their home library, depending upon local policy.
- South Dakota residents who attend the Pipestone school district or with children who attend the Pipestone school district may receive a card at no cost.
- Individuals and families may receive a non-resident card good for three years at a charge of $5. This includes residents of other states and residents of communities in Minnesota that do not participate in the Minnesota Reciprocal Borrowing Compact.
- Businesses, institutions, and organizations may receive a card under the same terms as individuals. The card application must be signed by the owner, president, treasurer, or other signatory eligible to take responsibility for the materials borrowed on the card.
Plum Creek Library System requires public libraries using its shared ILS to use the Plum Creek card application, which includes a Tennessen warning. Cards will not be issued to patrons who do not provide the information marked with an asterisk(*) on the application form.
- Identification must be a valid driver's license or state identification card, tribal identification card, passport, or immigration identification with a photograph.
- If the address on the identification is not current, proof of current address must be provided by showing a check, piece of business mail, or other item.
Library Card Renewals
Patrons must renew their cards every three years. Those with a name change must complete a new registration form and the old one must be destroyed. Twice a year, Plum Creek will purge all patron records that have no fines or fees and have been expired for three years.
Fines
Each library will determine whether to charge fines and set its own rates. Fines for overdue items are determined by the lending library’s circulation policies, regardless of which library owns the item.
If a library collects $5 or more in fines or fees at one time that were assessed by another library, it will forward the amount to the library that assessed them.
Overdue Materials
Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their cards. Each library is responsible for contacting all patrons with overdue materials a minimum of two times, regardless of who owns the materials:
- At 38 days, a library must contact the patron either via mail, email, phone call or text message.
- At 68 days, the library must mail a Legal/Bill notice, citing MN Statute 609.541 subdivision 3, which considers unreturned library materials a petty misdemeanor.
Although this policy only requires two contacts, Plum Creek encourages all libraries to leverage the ILS’s email program to contact patrons more often, including notice of upcoming return dates and after the one week grace period is up. If requested, the owning library may contact the lending library about overdue materials and ask what contacts have been made. The owning library may reach out to the patron to request that the material be returned after first contacting the lending library. The owning library will place a note in the patron record when they have contacted a patron.
The lending library will place a restriction in the patron’s record when an overdue or Legal/Bill notice letter is returned as undeliverable or a phone number has been disconnected.
Suspended borrowing privileges
Patrons may not borrow materials if:
- They have $5 or more in fines and fees.
- They have any item overdue for a week or more.
MNLink ILL Lost Materials
Costs associated with lost MNLink interlibrary loan materials (those borrowed from other regions) are first, the responsibility of the patron who borrowed the materials; second, the responsibility of the Plum Creek member library from which the materials were loaned; and ultimately, the responsibility of the Plum Creek Library System. If Plum Creek pays for an item, the library where the item was checked out will receive an invoice. If not paid within 60 days, Plum Creek will suspend borrowing privileges for the library and/or customer.
Approved by Advisory Council November 10, 2021
Approved by Governing Board December 29, 2021
Libraries on the Plum Creek ILS will share their materials to the greatest extent possible, but they may create collections that are restricted to use at the library or to borrowing at the owning library. Such collections should be limited in size and number. Examples of such collections are local histories that are no longer available for purchase or a reference collection. Broader categories such as entire genres must be made available for lending to other libraries through the ILS. All materials must be available to fill holds immediately upon addition to the collection.
Each library must run its holds list and fill the holds on it each day the library is open. Holds will be filled using a "local holds filled first" feature in Koha: if a library owns an item, patrons choosing that library as their home library will have their holds filled before holds for patrons at other libraries regardless of their place in the hold queue.
Items with holds may not be renewed.
Approved by Advisory Council 2/9/22
Approved by Governing Board 2/17/22
PCLS Hotspot Agreement
Plum Creek Library System makes mobile hotspots available to adult PCLS card holders for check out to be used with mobile connected devices. Patrons agree to the following Library Hotspot rules and regulations.
Hotspots may only be used within the continental United States. Connecting to a hotspot outside of the United States may result in international access fees, for which the patron is responsible to pay.
Patrons must abide by all state and federal statues and laws related to internet access, including those regarding obscenity, pornography, and the delivery of any such material to minors. PCLS is not responsible for information accessed using the device or for personal information that is shared over the internet. Patrons are encouraged to use safe internet practices.
Lost or damaged devices will result in a $100.00 replacement cost charged to the patron and an additional replacement cost for hotspot components may be assessed up to $25.00 the total replacement cost for the hotspot kit will be $125.00.
Hotspots are provided according to availability to adult patrons and must be returned to the circulation desk of the library from which they were borrowed.
The device will be turned off should the item become overdue.
Approved by Advisory Council 2/8/2023
Approved by Governing Board 2/15/2023
If a close-up photo is taken of one or two people, a photo permission form will be acquired by the library and a copy will be sent to Plum Creek Library System before the photo will be used. The permission form must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian for children under the age of 18. The library will use a permission form provided by Plum Creek Library System.
This policy only applies to webpages maintained by Plum Creek Library System.
Approved by the Advisory Council February 7, 2018
Approved by the Governing Board February 21, 2018
Portable Device Loan Policy
The Plum Creek Library System (PCLS) makes portable technology devices available to check out from member libraries for use by adult library users. The devices are made available to support the informational, recreational, and educational needs of the library users in the PCLS region.
Portable technology devices, such as Chromebooks, digital recorders, and video equipment available for loan to full privilege adult library card holders that are in good standing. Adults can check out portable devices for supervised use by minors.
The responsible adult agrees to assume any and all liability for the repair or replacement of PCLS devices in the event of loss, damage, negligence, or misuse. PCLS will not assume responsibility for lost files due to viruses, hardware malfunctions, and network interruptions.
Library users checking out devices with internet access must abide by the Internet Use Policy for the library from which devices are checked out. PCLS reserves the right to restrict or terminate device access to any library user who is misusing PCLS equipment or violating library policy. PCLS owned equipment with internet access is filtered in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) enacted by the United States Congress in 2000.
Portable devices must be returned in-person to staff at the service desk of the loaning library. Fees may be assessed to the library users’ account for the return of portable devices in book drops.
All user files will be deleted when the portable device is returned to the loaning library.
Approved by Advisory Council 2/8/2023
Approved by Governing Board 2/15/2023
Approved by Advisory Council 5/11/2022
Approved by Governing Board 6/15/2022