Behavior in the Library

Rules of Conduct on Library Premises

Library patrons have a right to expect that the library will be quiet, safe, and enjoyable place for reading and study.  The Library Director and authorized staff are responsible for enforcing patron conduct in the library and on library premises.  Anyone found to be interfering with another's use and enjoyment of the library will be asked to stop the behavior or activity.  If the behavior continues, the staff will ask the individual to leave the library. Failure to leave will result in the staff calling for assistance.
1. No smoking in the library.
2. No food, drink, or gum in the library.
3. Pets of any kind will not be allowed.
4. Appropriate clothing is required which includes shirts and shoes.  No rollerblades allowed.
5. Flyers, brochures, pamphlets, etc. may be accepted for display which describe an event or activity of public interest.  No announcements of a strictly personal nature will be accepted.  In no case will the library staff participate in the distribution of any but library generated publications.
6. Solicitation of funds within the library will not be permitted.
7. Preschoolers may not be left unattended in the library unless they are participating in a library program.  In the case of children being unattended the following will occur:  a staff member will accompany the child within the building to reunite them with the adult in charge, or if the child is alone in the library, a staff member will call the parents and request that they pick up the child.
8. The telephone is for business use of the staff.  Patrons may use the phone for emergency use only.
9. Unattended school age children are free to use the library facilities provided their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or to the staff members.  The library is not to be used as after school or daytime child care.  The District Board of Trustees asserts that it is the parents' responsibility to provide child care.
10. Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children, whether or not the parents are in attendance.  Disruptive children, attended or unattended, may be asked to leave the library after one warning.  Library staff may notify the appropriate authorities if they have reason to suspect that there is significant evidence of abuse or neglect.
11. All library users must conform to acceptable standards of hygiene and cleanliness in order to prevent the disturbance of other library users and their use of the facility.  Patrons exhibiting unsanitary hygiene may be asked to leave the premises.

12.  Failure to abide by the rules of the library will be a basis for suspension of library privileges.
13. The following actions may result in the loss of library privileges: using another patron's library card for personal use, fighting or other disruptive behavior, abusive language, defacing or abusing library property, and taking materials from the library without checking them out.

14. Library users may not harass or bother other library users or library employees on library property.  The library enforces a comprehensive harassment policy which also covers sexual harassment.

15. The library grounds and parking lot should not be used as a playground.  The library assumes no liability for individuals using the library property during hours in which the library is closed.

16. Loitering in the library building, the foyer, or on the library premises is prohibited.  Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of the public library while in the building.  Patrons not engaged in reading, stuydying, or using library materials or services shall be required to leave the library premises.

Circulation Policy

Length of loan periods shall be as follows:
     Books, audio books, music CDs    Three(3) weeks
     Magazines, new books    Two (2) weeks
     Videos/DVDs    One (1) week
     Most items may be renewed.  New books may not be renewed if there is a reserve placed on it by another patron.

Fine schedule shall be as follows:
     Books, audio books, magazines, new books    $.10 a day
     Videos/DVDs    $.50 a day
Fines will also be assessed on overdue items in the bookdrop.  Use of the library may be suspended until payment is made.  The maximum fine will not exceed the cost of replacing the item, including preparation costs.
The librarian may, at his/her discretion, specify dates for return of overdue items without a fine.
There is no limit to the number of items may be checked out at one time providing it does not deplete the collection in one area.  The exception would be a limit of two (2)  DVDs.
Lost or damaged books or items will be paid for by the patron at the current list price.  If an interlibrary loan item is lost or damaged, charges will be assessed to the patron based on the advice of the owning library agency.  Use of the library may be suspended until payment is made.
Reference materials may not be checked out of the library.
A patron may be allowed to reserve library materials.
Patrons will be required to use their library card when borrowing library materials.
A schedule of all fees and fines will be posted at the circulation desk.  This schedule will include fees for photo copies, faxes, laser printouts, late fines, meeting room rental and others deemed necessary by the director or Board of Trustees.
 

Community Room Use

The Community Room may be used at no charge by non-profit organizations/groups within the Robert W. Rowe Public Library District.  Other organizations/groups will be charged a $25.00 janitorial fee.
Groups using the Community Room are responsible for setting up the room to their requirements and returning the library property to its proper place.  Any group leaving the Community  Room in poor order may have their privileges revoked.
Groups may not store equipment and supplies in the room.
Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the premises.
Meetings of groups of individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult sponsor, who shall be held responsible for the group.
Application for use of the room must be made on the "Robert W. Rowe Public Library Community Room" form.  See Appendix C.  Reservations may be canceled if the room is needed by the library.  This application does not guarantee usage approval.  Application are approved on a first-come, first served basis.
The person making the reservation must be present during the scheduled activity.  This person, as well as the requesting organization, shall be responsible for any and all damages that may occur.
A set of keys is available for entrance during off hours of the library.  These will only be issued to an officer of the requesting organization.  This set of keys is to be returned to the library via the bookdrop immediately following the scheduled event..
The Board of Trustees will require compensation for damage to library property by the organization or group causing the damage whether such damage was deliberate or accidental.  Such compensation will be based upon the cost of repair or replacement.
 

Computer/Internet Use

Public Access to Electronic Information Networks
Libraries make it possible for citizens to have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.  As a member of the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), the Robert W. Rowe Public Library is committed to networking which represents good public policy by maximizing the use of the resources of all types of libraries.  Every library user benefits from expanded access to information beyond the four walls of a single library building.
The Robert W. Rowe Public Library and all ILLINET libraries use electronic information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes:
1. Access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state
2. Access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet
3. Access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs.
"Global" versus "Local" Resources
Most resources available via the Internet and electronic information networks are "global" resources rather than "local" resources.  The Robert W. Rowe Public Library does not and cannot control the information content available through global resources such as information obtained from outside sources via the Internet.  Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within a library.  Library users must be aware that the Robert W. Rowe Public Library does not exercise control over information obtained via the Internet and must keep in mind the following points when evaluating information obtained via the Internet:
1. Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable and may or may not be obtained from a reliable source.
2. Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be accurate.
3. Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be current and up to date.
4. Links to information on the Internet may or may not always be valid, and particular information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable and this unavailability often occurs unpredictably.
5. Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by some library patrons.
Library patrons are urged to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet.
The Robert W. Rowe Public Library is not responsible for damages, direct or indirect, arising from a library patron's use of Internet information resources.

Library Patron's Rights
Library patrons have certain rights with respect to use of electronic information networks such as the Internet.  The Robert W. Rowe Public Library will work with other libraries in the Illinois Library and Information Network to preserve and protect these rights, subject to limitations imposed by licensing and payment agreements with database providers.
1. Library patrons have the right to confidentiality and privacy in the use of electronic information networks to the extent possible given constraints such as proximity of other patrons and staff in public access settings.
2. Library patrons have the right to equitable access to electronic information networks.
3. Library patrons have the right to access and read all library service policies and discuss questions with appropriate library staff.
Patron Assistance and Instruction
The staff of the Robert W. Rowe Public Library may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks as time and staff knowledge permits.  Printed and on-line documentation and instructions are available at or near points of service.
Use of Equipment and Networks
The Robert W. Rowe Public Library requires that library patrons using electronic information networks such as the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use.  The following activities are unacceptable:
1. Use of the electronic information networks for any purpose which results in the harassment of other users.
2. Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the library's computer equipment, software, or network security procedures.
3. Use of electronic information networks in any way, which violates a Federal or State law.
4. Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates licensing and payment agreements between the Robert W. Rowe Public Library and network/database providers.
5. Unauthorized duplication of copy protected software or violation of software license agreements.
6. Violation of system security.
7. Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to overuse of computer equipment which serves to deny access to other users.

Children's Access to Electronic Information Networks
The Robert W. Rowe Public Library supports the right of all library users to access information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age.
The Robert W. Rowe Public Library recognizes that electronic information networks such as the Internet may contain material that in inappropriate for children.  Children under the age of 16 (minor) must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult, age of eighteen (18) or older as listed on the permission sheet.  Parents, or responsible adult, are expected to remain in the library building to monitor and supervise their children's use of the Internet.  Library staff is unable to monitor children's use.  Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic network safety

The multi-media computers located in the reference area are for public use. 
Children under the age of eight (8) need the direct supervision of a parent or adult, listed on the permission sheet, sitting with them. 
Times for computer usage may be reserved.  Time may be limited to one half hour time slots but may be extended if no one is waiting. 
Nothing is to be put into the hard drive, no files are to be saved there, and no programs are to be installed.  Nothing is to be deleted from the hard drive except by library staff.
Use of the computer is free for valid PALS library cardholders but printing fees will be $.10 per black and white page or $.25 per colored page.  Guest passes will be issued at $1.00 per session on the discretion of the library staff.

As not to disturb others, cell phone usage is to be limited to the library foyer or outside.

Donations

Illinois Freedom of Information Act

Wireless Access Policy

    The Robert Rowe Public Library provides free Internet access points for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals, during normal library hours.  The access points allow users to connect to the Internet only from their laptop computers.  The wireless Internet access offered is unfiltered.  Persons utilizing the wireless connection agree to comply with the current Robert Rowe Public Library "Public Access to Electronic Information Networks Policy" as stated above.
1. Library staff will provide general information on the setting necessary to access the Internet via these connections, but are not responsible for any changes users make to their computer settings and cannot guarantee that a user's hardware will work with the library's wireless connection.
2. The Library accepts no responsibility regarding the ability of patron owned equipment to connect to the wireless network.  Library will not change settings on patron equipment.
3. The Library's wireless connection is unencrypted and unfiltered.  Use of the wireless connection is done at the patron's own risk.  By using this connection, patrons acknowledge that security errors and hacking are an inherent risk associated with any wireless service.  For that reason, patron's expressly agree that they knowingly assume such risk, and further agree to hold the Library harmless from any claim or loss arising our of, or related to any such instance of hacking or unauthorized use or access into the patron's computer.
4. The Library accepts no responsibility for any software downloaded and/or installed, e-mail opened, or sites accessed while patrons are on the wireless Internet connection.  Any damage done to the patron's equipment or self from viruses, identity theft, spyware, plug-ins, or other Internet-borne programs is the sole responsibility of the patron.  The patron indemnifies and holds harmless the Library from any such damage.
5. All users are expected to adhere to a "good neighbor" policy and should avoid extended periods of high bandwidth usage or any needless network traffic.  The wireless network is for client access only; it is not to be used to connect servers to the network nor as a means to provide network services.  Any form of File Sharing or peer-to-peer applications is strictly forbidden.
6. The Library provides access  to only Web-based e-mail.
7. Access to printers via the Wireless network is available through the library website.
8. Any restriction or monitoring of a minor's access to the wireless network in the library is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Breach of Policy
Violation of any aspect of this policy may result in the loss of library privileges.