To better serve all library patrons, the Library Board of Trustees has established certain standards of acceptable behavior to maintain an atmosphere which promotes the use and enjoyment of the Library and protects the rights and safety of the public, the staff, and the materials of the Library.

     Any activity which interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the Library or could result in damage to the facilities, equipment, or materials is considered disruptive and unacceptable. The Library reserves the right to require anyone who violates these rules of conduct to leave the premises and to restrict library privileges.

Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to:

     When the above behaviors are observed, Library staff may ask the person(s) to discontinue the behavior or to leave the premises. Any patron who violates these rules of behavior may be denied the privilege of access to the Library and materials by the Library Board of Trustees on the recommendation of the Library Director. The Library Director, in consultation with the President of the Board of Trustees, may deny the privilege of access to the Library until the full board can consider the matter.

Patron Policy for Young Children

     Children are welcome in the Library and are encouraged to use the Library often. The Library also encourages families, caregivers, and guardians to use the library with their children. In all situations, the adult caregivers who have transported minor children to the Library or who have otherwise directed or allowed minor children to use the Library, shall be solely responsible for the care and safety of the children. All children 7 years and under shall be adequately supervised by a responsible caregiver while in the Library. Parents or caregivers are asked remain with children 5 and younger while in the children's room accept during scheduled library programs. During programs, caregivers must remain in the building but may leave the children's room if the child is comfortable and is able to participate appropriately.

Circulation Policies

Library cards are issued at no charge to residents or real property owners of Cleveland , Richland , and Union townships. At the time of application, residents must show a photo ID with name and current address. If photo ID does not have a current address, other acceptable forms of identification may be used with the photo ID. These may include the latest utility bill with applicants name and address, checkbook with current address, and/or a dated rental agreement. Cards for patrons under the age of 18 must be signed by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must also have a card, except for Whitko card holders.

Public Library Access Cards (PLAC) - South Whitley library cards will be issued at no charge to non-residents who are in good standing at their home libraries and have purchased an Indiana Public Access Card (PLAC). These cards may be purchased at the home library or at SW-CTPL. PLAC cards are valid for one year from the date of purchase. The cost of a PLAC card is currently $30 and is set by the Indiana State Library.

Subscription Cards may be purchased by non-residents and are valid for one year. The cost is commensurate with the cost of supplying services to patrons who pay library taxes. The cost is based on the Indiana State Library formula and may change annually.

Whitko Cards may be given to students of the Whitko School District who live in an area without library service. A parent's or guardian's signature is required. Holders of student cards may check out print materials only. A maximum of 5 items may be checked out at any one time. The Whitko cards may not be used to check out DVDs, video tapes, CDs, recorded books, or other equipment.

Lost Cards -Lost, damaged, or stolen cards may be replaced at a $1.00 per card.

Patrons with 10 overdue items or $5 or more in fines may not check out materials until materials are returned and/or fines paid.

Cardholders are responsible for all items checked out on their cards. Patrons are encouraged to present their cards at the circulation desk for the most efficient service. Library staff may ask to see some identification before checkout of materials to a person who has forgotten his/her card if that person is not known personally.

Lost or Damaged Items
 

Patrons are responsible for lost or severely damaged materials. The replacement cost of the item as charged by the library's vendor plus a $5 processing fee will be charged.

Miscellaneous Fees

•  Black and white copies from photocopier are .10 per page.

•  Copies from the computer printers are .20 for all pages printed. Please do a “print preview” before printing.

•  Copies from the color Phaser Printer are .50 per page.

•  Faxes are $1.00 for the first page and .50 for additional pages. International faxes may not be sent.

•  Laminating fees for business cards and sizes up to letter size are $1; additional sizes are $2 per foot.

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Internet and Computer Usage Policy
Approved 5/6/99 – Revised 8/10/06

     The South Whitley-Cleveland Township Public Library’s (hereafter called SWPL) is a vital community resource and provides information, programs, materials, and resources to foster life long learning and enjoyment.  Through its computer and technology resources, the SWPL enables patrons to access information beyond the confines of its own collection.

 General Internet and Computer Usage

Users must read the Computer/Internet Policy before using the computers for the first time.  They then must sign a usage policy agreement.  Adults must have a signed “Internet and Computer Usage Policy Agreement” on file; minors (anyone under age 18) must have a “Parental Waiver for Computer Use by Minor” signed by a parent/guardian on file.

·                     Users must sign up at the circulation desk each time a computer is used.

·                     Computer time is open for use on a first come, first serve basis.  There is no “pre-registering” allowed unless there is a group that has prior approval.

·                     Individuals may sign up for computer usage in half hour increments.  In order to maximize availability of the computers for all users, each individual is limited to 1 hour per day, regardless of how many computers are in use.  An exception to this will be those working on a school or genealogy project.  This MUST be communicated to the staff before beginning to use the computer.  Individuals who consistently ignore or go over their allotted time can be denied future computer use.

·                     Printouts are 20 cents per page.  Patron must pay for ALL pages printed.  Patrons are highly encouraged to use the “print preview” option before printing.  Please ask for paper BEFORE printing.

·                      Computer hard drives are for the storage of library software and information.  Do NOT save your files here.  Use your own storage devices.  Any unknown files will be purged periodically by library staff.

·                     No user may bring in any personal software or CDs to load onto SWPL systems without prior permission from the library administrator.  Audio CDs may be listened to with headphones so others are not disturbed.

·                     Users bringing in storage devices for word processing purposes MUST have them checked for viruses by library staff.

·                     Anyone found to be abusing library computers in any way will forfeit further library computer use.  This includes any SWPL stored data, programming or hard disks, and illegal copying copyrighted software to or from library computers. 

·                     Users are responsible for any damage to SWPL hardware or software due to inappropriate actions or inaction while using the computers.  Fees will be assessed and charged to the patron for required repairs or replacement.

·                     The SWPL is NOT responsible for any damage to your software, data, or hardware due to library use.

·                     Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using SWPL computers.

·                     SWPL computers are not to be used to create, view, transmit, print, or otherwise distribute pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, racist, sexist, or homophobic materials.

·                     No user shall transmit any communication where the meaning of the message or its transmission or distribution would violate any application law or regulation, or would likely be highly offensive to the recipient or recipients

·                     No user shall use SWPL materials or equipment to mass distribute (or otherwise intrusively “broadcast”) any message over the Internet, including, but not limited to advertising.

·                     Users shall respect and abide by all applicable copyright laws.

·                     Users shall not use the SWPL connection to violate any local, state, or federal statute.

·                     Users shall not vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization.

·                     Users shall not access another individual’s or organization’s private files, materials, or information without permission.

·                     Users shall not download ANY materials off the Internet onto SWPL computers, but may download to personal storage devices that have been checked for viruses by the SWPL staff.

·                     E-mail accounts may be accessed and viewed only if the account is free through the internet.  The registration for a free e-mail account is voluntary and the responsibility of the party registering.  The library is not responsible for any materials or fees applied or sent to the e-mail account due to your registration.

·                     Chat rooms, instant messaging, and other electronic communications are allowed, but should be kept private by monitoring the volume or using headphones so that others are not disturbed by any discussions.

·                     The SWPL is not responsible for any purchases made or any fees applied to the viewing, ordering, or downloading of materials at any Internet site.

 
Computer & Internet Usage by Minors

While SWPL supports parents and guardians in their efforts to guide their own children’s access to print, non-print, and online information, the library will provide access to children under the age of 18 only if a parent or guardian signs a waiver.  The minors that have a waiver on file will be expected to follow all the guidelines set forth in the previous sections of this policy.  Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using SWPL computers.

It is important for parents/guardians to realize that the SWPL cannot control the resources of the Internet.  The Internet is not a static entity.  It changes as new information is added and old information deleted.  Some sites may contain information which is inaccurate, defamatory, illegal, obscene, or potentially offensive to some.  SWPL does allow access to all areas of the internet – including instant messaging, and chat rooms and other electronic communications..

The SWPL believes that it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to restrict access to certain areas of the Internet.  The parent/guardians are responsible for their own children’s behavior while using the SWPL Internet connection.  SWPL assumes no liability for inappropriate conduct or acts conducted on the Internet by minors.

It is the parent or guardian who sets family standards and values, and therefore the Library cannot usurp that right or responsibility.  The internet is an opportunity for parents/guardians to hold discussions with their children about their family’s standards.  We strongly recommend that parents/guardians work with their children when they are using the internet.  The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent).  Library staff cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the internet.  The responsibility for what minors read or view on the internet rests solely with parents or guardians.  The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that children have positive online experiences, whether at home or in the library.

·                     Use the internet as a family.  Join your children in internet exploration.

·                     Explore the wide range of available information and tell your children about sites you consider inappropriate for them.

·                     Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online, just as for television viewing.

·                     Instruct children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, password, telephone number, credit card number) online.

·                     Teach children to be good online consumers.  As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of online information.  

·                     Encourage them to use the INSPIRE.net database when researching topics.  This is a “safe” area where content has been checked for accuracy and content.

 Filtering

Since the internet is not subject to any form of regulation, users may encounter sites they consider offensive or controversial.  Filters were installed in 2004.  This software is designed to block access to such material, in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.  All computers in SWPL are subject to filtering.  Be advised that no filtering software is totally foolproof, and it may occasionally fail to block access to a site an individual may deem as inappropriate.  It may also occasionally block access to a site not considered offensive.  

The South Whitley-Cleveland Township Public Library’s computers and information technology are available to the public, but with certain restrictions and limitations.  Use of this technology, as with all library services and materials, is a privilege and not a right.  Misuse of library hardware or software may result in loss of library privileges, legal action, or both

 SWPL reserves the right to deny Computer and/or Internet usage to any person who is found to be in violation of the Internet and Computer Usage Policy or the addendums adopted by the Board of Trustees of the South Whitley-Cleveland Township Public Library or their designees.  SWPL also reserves the right to update the Internet and Computer Usage Policy provided above as they deem necessary.

South Whitley-Cleveland Township Public Library
Wireless Internet Usage Policy
Revised from Internet and Computer Policy adopted 5/6/99 and revised 8/10/06

     The South Whitley-Cleveland Township Public Library’s (hereafter called SWPL) is a vital community resource and provides information, programs, materials, and resources to foster life long learning and enjoyment.  Through its computer and technology resources, the SWPL enables patrons to access information beyond the confines of its own collection.

·                     Users must read the Computer/Internet Policy before using the internet for the first time.  They then must sign a usage policy agreement.  Adults must have a signed “Internet and Computer Usage Policy Agreement” on file; minors (anyone under age 18) must have a “Parental Waiver for Computer Use by Minor” signed by a parent/guardian on file.

·                     Wireless users must sign up at the circulation desk each time a computer is used in order to receive their login information.

·                     Anyone found to be abusing library services in any way will forfeit further library internet use.  This includes any SWPL stored data, programming or hard disks, and illegal copying copyrighted software to or from library computers.  Use of profanity will result in the same treatment.

·                     The SWPL is NOT responsible for any damage to your software, data, or hardware due to library use.

·                     Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using SWPL internet services.

·                     SWPL internet access is not to be used to create, view, transmit, print, or otherwise distribute pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, racist, sexist, or homophobic materials.

·                     No user shall transmit any communication where the meaning of the message or its transmission or distribution would violate any application law or regulation, or would likely be highly offensive to the recipient or recipients

·                     No user shall use SWPL services or equipment to mass distribute (or otherwise intrusively “broadcast”) any message over the Internet, including, but not limited to advertising.

·                     Users shall respect and abide by all applicable copyright laws.

·                     Users shall not use the SWPL connection to violate any local, state, or federal statute.

·                     Users shall not vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization.

·                     Users shall not access another individual or organization’s private files, materials, or information without permission.

·                     The SWPL is not responsible for any purchases made or any fees applied to the viewing, ordering, or downloading of materials at any Internet site.

 Filtering

Since the internet is not subject to any form of regulation, users may encounter sites they consider offensive or controversial.  Filters were installed in 2004.  This software is designed to block access to such material, in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.  All computers in SWPL are subject to filtering.  Be advised that no filtering software is totally foolproof, and it may occasionally fail to block access to a site an individual may deem as inappropriate.  It may also occasionally block access to a site not considered offensive.  

The South Whitley-Cleveland Township Public Library’s computers and information technology are available to the public, but with certain restrictions and limitations.  Use of this technology, as with all library services and materials, is a privilege and not a right.  Misuse of library hardware or software may result in loss of library privileges, legal action, or both

 SWPL reserves the right to deny Computer and/or Internet usage to any person who is found to be in violation of the Internet and Computer Usage Policy or the addendums adopted by the Board of Trustees of the South Whitley-Cleveland Township Public Library or their designees.  SWPL also reserves the right to update the Internet and Computer Usage Policy provided above as they deem necessary.

South Whitley-Cleveland Township Public Library
Meeting Room Usage Policy

The South Whitley Public Library welcomes the community use of the Library meeting rooms.
This service is offered as extension of our vision to

Inform, empower, entertain, and inspire.

Description of Available Rooms

Community Room A with tables and chairs.  Seating capacity with tables is 64.  Seating capacity without tables is 140.

Community Room B with tables and chairs.  Seating capacity with tables is 32.  Seating capacity without tables is 50. 

NOTE:  Community Rooms A and B have access to a kitchen.

 
Who May Use the Rooms

• Individuals 21 years of age and older who hold a valid SWPL card may reserve a room.  Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Director and may be made for representatives of U.S., Indiana, or Whitley County agencies.

• The rooms are available at no charge during regular library hours for use by civic, community, local government, and local not-for-profit organizations. 

• For-profit organizations and individuals may be able to use the rooms and will be charged according to the fee structure listed under Fees and Charges below.

• The rooms are not available for religious, political, or partisan groups except as noted above.

• Meeting rooms may be available for personal use for showers, etc.  They are not available for children’s birthday parties.
  Civic and community organizations may reserve a room on a recurring basis; however, any such regularly scheduled meetings shall be subject to cancellation for library sponsored programming.

• Library sponsored activities always take precedence in scheduling meeting room use. 

Procedures for Reserving a Room

• Contact the Library during regular library hours to reserve a meeting room. 

•  Written application is required and must be on file with the Director.  Fill out a reservation form in person or download it from the website at (Click Here to Download Form) and mail to the Library.

• Meetings may be scheduled up to three months in advance. 

• No group may assign its reservation to another group or individual.

Conditions of Use

• Meeting rooms are generally available only during the hours the library is open to the public.  All meetings must adjourn and meeting area be returned to normal arrangement 15 minutes before closing unless prior arrangements have been made.

• If a meeting room is needed before or after the regular hours of public service, either a fee may be charged to cover the cost of a staff member or a key will be given to the scheduling party.  If the key is lost, the responsible party will responsible for the cost of rekeying the entire library.

• Buying, selling, and advertising of products and services are permitted on library property only in support of the library, or by special permission of the Director.

• No admission may be charged to anyone attending a meeting.  Groups, however, may make normal collections of dues from their own members.

• Groups may charge participants a fee to cover the actual cost of materials used such as craft supplies, printed materials, forms, and other items needed to conduct the program.

• Children’s groups may use the rooms only when under the continuous supervision of an adequate number of adults.

• Children who attend meetings with an adult must be the responsibility of the adult and may be required to stay with the adult in the meeting room.

• If a meeting is cancelled, the library should be notified as soon as possible.

• Publicity for a meeting must not be worded in a manner that would imply library sponsorship of the group’s activities.  The library’s address or phone number may not be given as a contact.

• Due to limited parking, we ask that all meeting announcements request that attendees NOT park along the north side of Front Street or the east side of Maple Street (the street parking just south and the street parking just west of the library).  

• Meeting rooms may be rented for private/social gatherings on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday only.  The fee schedule is below.

• The Director is authorized to deny permission to use the meeting rooms to any group that is disorderly, objectionable in any way, or violates these agreements.

Rules of Room Use 

• No alcoholic beverages.  No red, purple, orange, or dark colored beverages besides coffee. 

• No smoking or open flames (candles/matches) are allowed anywhere on library property. 

• Each group must furnish all of their own supplies and refreshments. 

• The library’s electronic equipment, projection equipment, marker boards, and easels may be used if prior arrangements have been made and are on a first come-first served basis.   

• Groups must supply their own markers and paper for easel pads.   

• Each group is responsible for arranging the rooms as needed.  At the conclusion of the meeting tables and chairs must be returned to the previous arrangement.  Litter must be bagged, secured, and placed next to the trash receptacle.  Extra trash bags are available. No liquid is to be placed in the trash.   

• If the kitchen is used, counter tops, appliances, and sink are to be wiped clean.   

• All remaining food, beverages, paper products, and other personal items are to be removed at the conclusion of the meeting. 

• If a meeting is held before or after regular library hours, attendees are permitted to be in only the meeting room reserved and the adjacent restrooms.

Fee and Charges

•  Local community, social service, cultural, and educational groups—no fee.

• Groups deriving a financial gain will be charged a $75 fee for 0-4 hours of use and $100 for 4-8 hours of use.  An additional fee of $50 is charged for groups serving food.  This may be at the discretion of the Director.  A deposit is required.  Any advertisement for the meeting must include the following disclaimer:  “The South Whitley Public Library is not sponsoring or endorsing this program or any goods or services offered.”

• Social groups are limited to 0-4 hours use.  The fee is $50.  A deposit is required.

• If required, a $100 deposit is due at time of registration and will be returned within five days pending satisfactory condition of room after the event.  Partial refund is not available.

 Liability Clause

• Applicants are responsible for damages to facilities and equipment and for provision of clean up.  Should an applicant damage the facilities and/or equipment of the SWPL, such applicant shall be responsible to pay the cost of repair or replacement and/or the cost of clean up.  Should an applicant fail to pay and the SWPL must resort to the court to collect any debt owed, the applicant shall be responsible for reasonable attorney fees and all court costs incurred.

• The Library does not assume the responsibility for the security of personal items.

• This policy is subject to change.