Computer/ Circulation/ Office
Computer Policy
Bonfield Public Libary
Public Access Computers (CAP)
Onlink Internet
ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT
In order to use one of the Public Access Computers or the Internet, users must agree to the following conditions:
1. Use of the Internet and Computers is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of this privilege. The Library staff reserves the right to terminate patrons’ use of any computers for any reason, including disruptive or destructive behavior. Their decision is final. Closure of library due to weather conditions will also apply.
*COMPUTERS LOG ALL ACTIVITIES
2. Persons wishing to use the Computers/Internet must sign an annual Internet Use Registration Form. Parents/Guardians must sign for children under 18 years old. Signature on this form is legally binding and indicates the party has read and understands the terms and conditions of the Bonfield Public Library Acceptable Use Agreement.
3. These computer terminals are not to be used illegally or for unethical purposes. Illegal acts involving library computers will be reported to the authorities.
4. Users will not misrepresent oneself or represent oneself as another user.
5. Persons using this equipment agree not to make any changes to the set up or configuration of the software and hardware. Unauthorized tampering with computer hardware and software is prohibited. Users may not download any other program onto library computers, or copy, alter, or delete programs.
6. As a protection against viruses, absolutely NO disks may be brought in from outside the library. Blank disks may be purchased for $1.00 at the library and be stored there. If taken home, the disks may not be brought back into the library. WARNING: Although we utilize virus checking software, this is not a guarantee that you will be completely protected from viruses. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus and you need to have a virus-checking software on your computer.The Bonfield Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron’s disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from a patron’s use of the library’s computers.
7. Children under the age of 18 must have parental permission to use the Computers and or the Internet. The Bonfield Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. The library does not monitor, and has no control over, the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.
*8. Users must carry their library card at all times, as proof of being registered users.
A service charge of $1.00 dollar will apply
9. Patrons must sign the acceptable use agreement form at each use.
*10. In order to allow access for all our patrons, a half-hour time limit will be imposed.
Users requiring more than 30 minutes must make arrangements in advance with the library staff. Equipment will be held until five minutes after the scheduled time, and then released to waiting patrons. A time can be booked up to one week in advance, by phone or in person; patrons are limited to one booking at a time.(Must be booked during regular library hours).
*11. Printing costs .25 cents per page for black & white (Students/Non-Profit Organization .10 cents each) Colour prints are available at 1.00 cents per page. The library does not guarantee the quality of the prints, and because the library has to recover costs for paper and toner, all prints must be paid for, whether the user is satisfied with the quality or not.
12. There is no e-mail access unless using a Web-based e-mail service such as Hotmail or YahooMail.
13. Users are expected to have adequate knowledge of hardware and software to enable them to work with minimal assistance from the library staff.
14. If a serious computer malfunction occurs and can be traced back to a patron’s computer use, that patron’s computer privileges will be suspended and they will be financially responsible for any damage to computers and software due to carelessness or misuse of the equipment, this includes repair or replacement of damaged items.
15. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Bonfield Public Library Computers and Internet.
16. The Bonfield Public Library makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The Bonfield Public Library will not be responsible for any damage you suffer, this includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The Bonfield Public Library specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
*17. Any computer patron who requires a monitor to complete an internet examination for education purposes, i.e. certificates will advise the staff at least 24 hours prior to usage. The cost of a monitor shall be the responsibility of the user and must be paid in full prior to taking the course examination. The fee amount is $10.00 per hour, or any part of an hour thereof.
Asterisks (*) denotes changes Revised October 2001
Circulation Policy
Cir-1 MEMBERSHIP
Public libraries are required by law to adhere to the Public Libraries Act, Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990, chapter P.44 which states in Section 23 that library boards shall allow the public to reserve and borrow circulating materials free of charge. The public includes all residents within the municipality for which the library board is established. Therefore:
1. The library will serve all residents of the Township of Bonfield. People residing outside of the geographical area of the municipality but owning property in the Township shall be considered residents.
2. No fee will be charged to residents of the Township of Bonfield for borrowing circulating materials.
3. Parents/Guardians of children under the age of sixteen (16) years will be required to sign the library registration card. Parents/Guardians will be held responsible for all library materials borrowed by their children.
4. A resident of the Township of Bonfield may apply for membership at the library and must furnish verification of address and identity by showing a document bearing his/her name and current address (e.g., driver=s license, student card).
5. Parents/Guardians of children age 16 and under will be required to sign a computer permit form. The Library staff and volunteers will not be held responsible for all or any information access by the under age user.
Cir-2 OTHER MEMBERSHIP TYPESOut-of-town membership
Residents of Townships and Municipalities outside the Township of Bonfield may use the services of the Library in return for a yearly fee of twenty-five ($25.00) dollars.
Contractual Agreement
Residents of other municipalities who have entered into a contractual agreement for the provision of library services shall receive the same library service as the residents of Bonfield.
Cir-3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP
Fair and equal access to library services and materials by all patrons of the library depends on the fair use of such services and materials by library users. Patrons have certain responsibilities and a library patron shall:
1. Be responsible for all materials borrowed with his/her card and agree to abide by the regulations of the Library.
2. Present the library card each time materials are borrowed.
3. Pay for damaged or lost library material.
4. Observe all policies set the board as authorized by the Public Library Act.
5. Report change of address as soon as possible
Parents or guardians of children under the age of sixteen (16) are responsible for their children=s borrowing and behavior with respect to the observance of board policy.
The CEO is authorized by the board to withhold library privileges to anyone refusing to comply with board policy. The use of the library or its services may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return borrowed materials or to pay penalties; destruction of library property; disturbance of other patrons or any other conduct on library premises considered objectionable.
Cir- 4 CONFIDENTIALITY OF PATRON and CIRCULATION RECORDS
The Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990, chapter P.44 states, in section 28, that a person may, during ordinary business hours, inspect any records, books, accounts and documents in the possession or control of a board=s secretary...[except where the] information... identifies an individual user of library services by name or makes him or her readily identifiable by other means.
Numbers will be used at the library to identify the borrower rather than using the person=s name on borrower records. Only the library staff will know the name of person assigned to this number.
The confidentiality of all borrower and loan records applies in all circumstances except where the police have a search warrant.
Cir-5 LOANS
The normal loan period for circulating print material, cassettes and talking books is three (3) weeks. Videos are available for three (3) days and a limit of three (3) videos can be borrowed at one time.
By request, a longer loan period may be available for patrons.
The following restrictions exist on borrowing:
a) reference materials are non-circulating to ensure ready access to information resources
b) unique and/or fragile material from the collection are also restricted.
c) there is a maximum number of items (10 print and 5 cassettes or talking books) which may be checked out by one adult patron for each borrowing period. This policy may be altered at the discretion of the library staff.
d) there is a maximum number of items ( 5 print and 2 cassettes or talking books) which may be checked out by children under the age of sixteen (16) for each borrowing period. This policy may be altered at the discretion of the library staff.
e) CNIB talking books are only available to certain borrowers. To be a registered borrower, the user must have a certificate from a professional authority ( a doctor, nurse, social worker or other competent authority who has a professional knowledge of the nature and probable duration of the handicap) which states that the reader is unable to read conventional print because of blindness, visual or physical handicap or reading disability.
Cir- 6 RENEWALSLibrary materials may be renewed for up to two (2) loan periods provided:
a) the item(s) are not on reserve for someone else
b) the item(s) are not in high demand
c) renewal by telephone is permitted
Cir-7 FINES
The library does not currently collect overdue fines.
Cir-8 LOST or DAMAGED MATERIALS
Members are responsible for materials while on loan to them. A borrower who losses or mutilates library material shall be required to contribute to the cost of replacing that material or replacement in like kind. Charge for lost or damaged materials will be assessed by the CEO and will be based on the actual replacement cost plus a $5.00 processing charge.
Cir-9 RESERVES
Library materials not available on the shelves may be reserved at the circulation desk. When the item becomes available the member will be advised by telephone.
Reserved materials will be held for patrons at the circulation desk for a period of 4 days.
Cir-10 INTERLIBRARY LOANS
Library materials not available in the Library may be requested through interlibrary loan. Any charges made by the lending library are the responsibility of the borrower. Renewals for interlibrary loans may be requested from the lending library. Requests for the renewal of interlibrary loan material must be received at least three (3) days before the due date.
Cir-11 OUTREACH SERVICE
Outreach service is available to the home-bound in the Bonfield Township. Inquiries should be made through the staff at the circulation desk regarding this service.
Cir-12 CENSORSHIP
The library, and the library board and its members endorse the right of all patrons to read any available materials and does not engage in or promote any form of censorship.
Cir-13 DONATED MATERIALS
The library welcomes donations of suitable library materials to its collection. Any and all donated material may not necessarily be accepted by the library staff. The library staff will determine if such donations are of use to the library, its patrons and the development of the library collection. The placement or disposal of donated material will be at the discretion of the library staff. All donated material, once accepted becomes the property of the Bonfield Public Library and will not be returned to the donor upon withdrawal from the collection.
Cir-14 TAX RECEIPTSThe Bonfield Public Library Board may issue a tax receipt for any book donation as long as the books have been appraised by a reputable appraiser. The Library must keep all records of this transaction. The Bonfield Public Library Board may issue a tax receipt for cash donations, minimum of $10.00, for the tax year that the donation was received.
Office Policy
Off- 3 INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event of a severe storm, storm warnings, blizzard, extreme fog, or other extenuating weather conditions that may affect public safety, the Bonfield Public Library will remain closed. Employees will not be paid for that day. If inclement weather should arise when the library has already been opened, the Library may be closed and the employee will receive pay for the full shift. In the event of inclement weather, where the library must be closed, the CEO will contact the employees, Chairperson of the Board and/or Vice-Chairperson of such an event.
Off- 4 LIBRARY HOURS
The Library will be open during those hours publicly posted by the main entrance to the library. By agreement between staff and the Board members, the library may, from time to time, be closed during regular hours due to statutory holidays, special events, or extenuating circumstances. In light of these circumstances, no material will be due on a day when the library is closed.
Off-5 LIBRARY USE
The Library is recognized as an integral part of the community; as a space available for use by responsible groups and committees when such use:
1) Does not interfere with the regular function of the library;
2) Does not promote activities in conflict with the general existence of this library, as outlined in the Introduction.
3) Permission has been obtained for such use from the library staff .
4) Users of the library space agree to abide by the rules of the library, to clean up the library after use, and to be responsible for any damage incurred to all materials and/or equipment during the period of use.
Off- 6 FOOD & BEVERAGES
Except during special events and programs, the library does not permit the consumption of any food or beverages in the library. Any groups wishing to use the library and intending to serve food and/or beverages must first obtain permission to do so from the library staff.
Off- 7 USE OF LIBRARY EQUIPMENT
The following equipment is viewed as being possessions of the library and unless specific arrangements have been made, will not be made available for use outside the library: television, video-cassette recorder, tripod screen, computers and laminating machine.
Any groups or individuals wishing to borrow these items must first obtain the permission of the Head Librarian.
The borrowing group/individual is responsible for any damage, loss or theft of any equipment in their control.
Off- 8 OTHER FACILITIES
While in the library, patrons are asked to not:
a) Loiter;
b) Bring pets into the building;
c) Leave small children unattended;
d) Wear their roller blades or ice skates.
Use of the telephone is restricted to emergency situations unless otherwise stipulated.
Off-9 DISPLAYS and BULLETIN BOARDS
One role of the Library is to serve as an access point for current information on community organizations, issues and services. Notices and posters will be displayed on the bulletin board as space is available with the following considerations:
1. Material for posting or distribution within the library must be deposited at the circulation desk for approval by the CEO.
2. The board and staff do not necessarily support the aims and objectives of the groups whose material may be displayed in the library, nor is it required to display all material submitted.
3. The notices and posters will remain on display for a time mutually agreed to or until just after the event has been held
The board accepts approved materials for display depending on available space. All articles on display will be left at the owners risk. The library will not be responsible for the loss, defacement or return of materials to organizations or individuals.
- No tickets or items sales are permitted in the library, unless otherwise stipulated by the CEO.
- No soliciting will be allowed in the library.