Anderson Public Library Policies

Library Operation Policy

A. Who may use the library:

The library will serve all residents of Anderson County. Service will not be denied or abridged because of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, social, economic or political status. Persons residing outside Anderson County but owning property or attending an educational institution in Anderson County, or employed in Anderson County, shall be considered eligible for service. Citizens residing in other counties may also receive the services of the library if deemed appropriate.
The use of the library or its services shall be limited when excessive demands of groups or individuals tend to curtail service to the general public. Such demands may include those made by students and others whose demands for staff time, available materials, or space would prohibit attention and service to other individuals or groups.
The use of the library or its services may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return books, destruction of library property, disturbance of other members, or any other objectionable conduct on library premises.

B. Registration of borrowers:

Borrowers are required to fill out a registration form with accurate information of name, home address and telephone number, driver’s license number and proof of local address. Borrowers under eighteen (18) years of age must have a parent or guardian present to sign the application form on their behalf. Borrowers are asked to notify the library of any change in name, address, or telephone number.
The library will not assume any responsibility for the selection of materials by a member, regardless of age.

C. Charges:

The borrower is responsible for the care and prompt return of all books and other library materials borrowed on his/her card.
In the interest of retrieval of library materials and books, no fines are charged by the library or outreach, save on DVD’s and other items as deemed appropriate.
Notice of overdue books or other library materials shall be given to the member when possible.

D. Loans:

Most Library materials are loaned for 21 days. The time may be extended for limited at the discretion of the librarian. DVD’s are loaned for seven days.
The loan period for inter-library loan items is determined by the lending library
Reference materials may be loaned, overnight or for an extended period, at the discretion of the librarian.

LOAN LIMITS:

Adults: 50 Total Items

50 Books
10 Audiobooks
10 DVDs
10 Magazines
5 Music CDs
5 Playaways

Juvenile: 25 Total Items

25 Books
2 Audiobooks
10 Magazines
5 Music CDs
3 DVDs
2 Playaways

Member Code of Conduct

The Anderson Public Library believes that library visitors and staff have the right to work and enjoy the use of library facilities that are clean, safe, and free from undue interference by others. In order to maintain such an environment, all visitors of the library are required to follow this code of conduct. Failure to follow this code or general directives from staff members may result in visitors being asked to leave library property and/or suspension of library privileges.

Respect Others

Be courteous and respect other library visitors and staff.
Conduct yourself in a safe and orderly way, including being fully clothed.
Avoid disruptive or offensive behaviors.

Take Care of Your Library

Abide by posted food and drink restrictions.
Avoid bringing animals, insects, or other living organisms into the library. Service animals are exempt.
Use library furniture and property as intended.

Attend Your Children and Items

Children 10 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult, with children 5 years old and younger in close proximity of an adult.
Safeguard and attend your personal items on library property.
Unattended food or drinks will be thrown away.

Follow Library Policies and Laws

APL campus is tobacco, alcohol, and drug free.
Read and follow the Computer Use and Unattended Children Policies.
Your photograph may be taken on library property for promotional purposes. If you would prefer not to have your image used, let a staff member know.
Follow all federal, state, and local laws.

Unattended Children Policy

Approved 11/20/18

The Anderson Public Library (APL) welcomes children (under 18 years old), and staff strive to provide a safe and appropriate environment for all library users. Libraries are public places; however, and may become unsafe for a child who is left unattended. Library facilities are not designed or licensed to provide childcare and should not be used for this purpose. A child left alone at the library may become bored or frightened, which may lead to behavior that disrupts library services. It is not the library’s purpose to seek out unattended children, but rather to have guidelines in place when a problem occurs. APL encourages parents to consider the safety and well-being of their children, as well as the needs of other library users.

Children age ten and younger must be supervised by a responsible adult caregiver in the same service area, unless they are participating in a library program. Children age five and younger must be in close proximity and within sight of the responsible adult caregiver accompanying them. Responsible adult caregivers must be able to effectively supervise young children. Caregivers using computers are still responsible for the behavior of the child accompanying them and should remain aware of where their children are and what they are doing at all times. If a child is left unattended, staff will call the police to pick up the child.

Children age eleven to eighteen years old are free to use the library’s resources unattended, provided that their behavior is not disruptive and they are mature enough to follow library rules; otherwise they should be supervised by a responsible adult caregiver. Parents/caregivers are still responsible for the actions and the well-being of their children. Children using inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library. If a child in this age group is not able to leave the library unaccompanied by an adult, he/she should not be in the library alone.

Children of any age with mental, physical or emotional disabilities which affect decision-making skills or render supervision necessary must be accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult caregiver at all times.

If a situation arises that jeopardizes the safety or welfare of an unattended child, library staff may take action they deem appropriate and necessary to provide for the welfare and safety of that child. This action may include any or all of the following:

Locate the parent or caregiver in the Library
Attempt to contact a caregiver who is not in the Library to come and pick up the child.
Call the local police to pick up the child if the caregiver cannot be located.
Encourage an unattended child to contact the caregiver if it is within 20 minutes of closing time.
Library staff may not transport any child from the Library to another location.

Ultimately, library staff will use their own discretion and judgement in each individual circumstance as to how to best apply the aforementioned policy.

Computer and Internet Use Policy

Approved 9/18/2013, Revised 7/14/2015, Revised 3/14/2020

The Anderson Public Library provides access to a broad range of information sources and services for the public, including access to computers and the Internet. The Internet is a global electronic network of ideas, images, information, and commentary that enables the library to provide enhanced resources beyond the physical collection of materials owned by the Library.

Filtering:

The Library uses technology protection measures, in accordance with federal law, to protect against access to visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) contain child pornography, or (3) are harmful to minors. The Library does not provide access to sexually explicit sites. Other web sites that have been determined by Library staff as sites that overburden or disrupt the Library’s computer network may also be inaccessible. Technology measures are imperfect and it is possible that legitimate sites may be erroneously blocked. Adults may request access to websites that are erroneously blocked.

Rules of Access:

All library visitors are able to access the Library’s public computers under the following rules:

Library cardholders must have their library card with them to use the computers. If a cardholder does not have their card present, they may be issued a guest pass one time only with the presentation of a valid photo ID. Cardholders whose card has been blocked due to lost items or other reasons will not be issued a guest pass. Additional use after a onetime guest pass has been issued will require the cardholder to have their current card present or to purchase a replacement card. Staff will encourage any local resident who does not have a library card, to register for one.
Non-residents, visitors, and others ineligible for a regular library card must obtain a temporary guest pass by presenting a valid ID to library staff. Any request by an individual for subsequent guest passes, must be approved by the Director.
Computers are available on a first-come, first served basis. Requests for access may only be made in person at the time access is desired. No advance reservations will be accepted.
Persons accessing a library computer must enter their guest pass code or library card number along with their personal identification number (PIN). This PIN is initially set by the Library but may be changed by the user at any time by accessing their library account online or by speaking to a library staff member.
Users may not use someone else’s card to gain access to the computers. Using someone else’s card may result in the denial of computer access for the violator and the cardholder.

Time Limitations:

In order to provide equitable access, the Library uses an automated time-keeping and sign-up system. The library has established standard time sessions for all users. The library monitors usage patterns and may alter the length of standard sessions as needed to maintain equitable access for all users. The Library also reserves the right to shorten individual sessions or to deny a second session if other members are waiting for computers or if a substantial number of the Library’s computers are currently in use.

Rules of Use and Restrictions:

Users must utilize headphones or earbuds so that sound is not audible to others.
Users shall refrain from the use of visuals which disrupt the ability of other Library members or the staff to use the Library and its resources.
Users may not attempt, in any way, to alter, damage, abuse, or sabotage computer equipment or software, alter configurations, or install additional software or hardware.
Users may not use library computers in any way that violates the Library Member Rules of Conduct, or pertinent state, federal, and local laws. Any illegal actions will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Users may not take any action that will cause disruption to the normal operations of the Library or result in the invasion of privacy or harassment of others.
Users are not allowed to directly connect a personal computer or other personal hardware device to any library computer or the Library network.
A maximum of two users may use a single computer at one time.
No food or drink is allowed in the vicinity of the computer area.
Misuse of the Library’s computers and/or the Internet will result in loss of access to Library computers.

Printing:

Printing from the Library’s computers is available for a charge. Payment must be made in advance before print jobs are released to the print station. It is the user s responsibility to verify that they are requesting the correct item for printing before releasing a print job. The Library will not refund charges for items printed in error by users. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 US Code) governs the printing of copyrighted material. The user of any Library computer is liable for any infringement.

Downloading/Uploading:

Downloading is permitted only to portable storage devices. Users must provide their own storage devices. Downloaded materials will not be retained on the Library’s computers. Information and files downloaded from the Internet may contain malicious elements (like computer viruses) that could result in loss of data or damage to other computer equipment. The Library is not responsible for damage to a person’s storage media or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from the use of the Library’s computers. Users are prohibited from downloading any software or applications from the Internet to a Library computer and from uploading software or applications from a personal device to a Library computer. No physical devices, other than portable storage devices (flash drives, USB drives) may be attached to any library computer.

User Risks and Responsibilities:

The Internet offers unlimited global access to information. However, not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, current, legal, or philosophically acceptable to all citizens. The Library is unable to control the content of the materials on the Internet. Users of the Internet are responsible for their own choices.

Use by Juveniles:

As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibilities of parents and guardians NOT the Library staff, to determine and monitor their children’s use of the Internet. The Library staff is trained and employed to provide library services, not to provide child-care or supervision. The staff cannot and will not act to monitor a juvenile’s access to the Internet except within the parameters of this policy. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for the use of these resources by their own minor children.

Privacy

The Library does not provide privacy for individual users. The sending or receipt of any information through the Internet is at the sole risk of the user.

Disclaimer

The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its computers or from its connection to Internet services.

Wireless Access

The Library provides access to the Internet for users who bring their own computer or other mobile device. Users are responsible for configuring their own equipment. The library does not provide technical support for establishing or maintaining a connection or equipment configurations. The library is not responsible for any changes made to an individual device’s settings and does not guarantee that a user’s hardware will work with the library’s wireless connection.

Wireless users agree to abide by all Rules of Use for this policy while using the Library s wireless network.

The Library is not responsible for any damage caused to hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. All wireless access users are individually responsible for maintaining up-to-date virus protection on personal computers or other mobile devices.

The wireless network is configured separately from the Library’s wired public-access computer network and is offered without any guarantee of service. While every effort will be made to render the wireless network functional and useful, the Library reserves the right to make any restrictions necessary to make maintenance and support of the wireless network manageable and practical, including but not limited to the use of passwords, filtering, limits on the number of simultaneous users, and the prohibition of certain technologies and Internet features and functions.

User Created Content Policy

Approved 8/21/2018

Removal of Content:

The Library operates a number of online presences, including social media and websites, where users can post comments and create their own content. While the Library recognizes that these online sites are limited public forums, the Library has the sole discretion to remove or delete any user generated content that is inappropriate as listed below (but are not limited to):

Obscene or racist content
Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language
Defamatory speech
Potentially libelous statements
Plagiarized or copyrighted material
Private, personal information published without consent
Comments totally unrelated to the content of the forum
Hyperlinks to material that is not directly related to the discussion or the Library
Commercial promotions or spam
Organized political activity
Any material disruptive to the general purposes and services of the Library

The Library does not discriminate against any views, but reserves the right to remove posted comments that do not adhere to these standards.

Statement of Responsibility:

The Library takes no responsibility for comments or data that may be uploaded by a member of the public to a social media site (or any website) that is maintained by the Library. Comments, postings, and links that appear on Library sites do not necessarily reflect endorsement or agreement by the Library with specific viewpoints, policies, practices, or products. Any views expressed on any Library sites are those of the individual post author only.

The Library accepts no liability for the content of any such postings. The accessibility and vulnerability of this medium is, in many ways, beyond the control of the Library. Reasonable measures will be taken by Library staff to monitor any site that is maintained by the Library; however, given the need to manage staff resources, comments and postings will generally be monitored only during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

The Library will not act in the place of a parent or caregiver for a juvenile in relation to social media. The decision on whether to allow a child to participate in online social media lies solely with the parent. The Library will not deny access to a juvenile. Responsibility for preventing or limiting access lies solely with the parent or caregiver.

Users of any online presence maintained by the Library agree to hold the Library, its staff, and its Board harmless against all liabilities, judgments, damages, and costs (including attorney’s fees) incurred which arise out of or are related to the posted content.

Open Records:

All of the Library’s online presences are subject to the Open Records Act. Appropriate user generated content will be kept a minimum of two years, subject to the limitations of the online provider. The Library will not seek to archive information on a social media account using its own equipment. In some cases, a person making an Open Records Request may have to seek his/her information directly from the online provider.

Copyright Policy

Approved 7/16/2019

The Library provides access to print and electronic resources (subscription-based electronic resources, streaming services, etc). These resources are provided for educational, instructional, and personal entertainment use. By using these resources, all Anderson Public Library members agree to abide to the copyright and terms and conditions of each resource. Unauthorized use or access to the Library’s resources may result in suspension of library privileges.

Guidelines & Resources

Fair Use:

Members and staff may, on occasion, have the need to reproduce copyrighted works in print or digital form. Section 107 of the U.S. Code on copyright (17USC107, http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107 ) addresses the fair use of materials and provides for limited copying and reproduction of copyrighted resources for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research. Four factors help determine fair use:

the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
the nature of the copyrighted work;
the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole;
and the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

Unacceptable Use:

It is unacceptable to use the Library’s computers, the Internet, and electronic and print resources in a manner which violates copyright law. Violations will result in suspension of library privileges. Unacceptable use includes but is not limited to:

Unauthorized downloading, uploading or file sharing of copyrighted material, such as music, video files, or other copyrighted works
Purposes that are illegal or fraudulent
Purposes that violate fair use
Resources directly used for commercial gain (e.g. selling copies)

If copies are used for purposes other than education, instruction or research, the use may exceed fair use and the user may be liable for copyright infringement. Works in public domain can be copied freely, without penalty.

Inquires on acceptable use of copyrighted material should be directed to the Library Director or Director of Community Relations.

3D Printer Policy

Approved 7/16/2019

The Anderson Public Library makes 3D printers available for use by the public to support the ever-changing and constantly evolving technology needs of the community. 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, means making things layer by layer according to a 3D design file. Anderson Public Library makes 3D printers available to members of the public to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file.

The library’s 3D printers may be used only for lawful purposes. They may not be used to create weapons or materials that:

Are prohibited by local, state, or federal law;
Are unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or which pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others;
Are inappropriate for the library environment and/or against the Code of Conduct; or
Violate another person’s property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce objects or materials that are subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.

All 3D printing requests must fulfill the library’s requirements:

The print file submitted must be sent in the required file format and object must be smaller than the maximum print size of the printer.
Submitter must be a library member with an account in good standing.
Only one print request per person will be accepted and printed at a time.
Submitter must pay for the cost of the material and wear on the printer. Cost will be determined after file is submitted. Submitter will be notified of cost and acknowledge approval before printing begins.
Items must take less than 5 hours to complete printing. Submitter will be notified if time is exceeded.
Submissions by one person must not exceed one request per single week.
Submitter must pick up previously printed item before submitting a new request.
Cost for printing will be due upon pick up of printed item.

Printing is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is coordinated by the Anderson Public Library staff. Priority printing will be given to library programs and events.

Library staff will review every object file before it is printed, and the library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request. The Library is not responsible for failed 3D prints and cannot guarantee for printing accuracy or correctness.

The nature of 3D printing does not allow for member privacy. Printed objects may be displayed publicly during printing.

The printer will only print an object in one color plastic as provided by the Library. The printer will only use filament designated by the Library. Library staff reserves the right to resize projects unless dimensions are specific in the request.

Due to the amount of time it takes to print an object, the number of requests received and staff availability, the library will not guarantee that a print job will be ready on a specific day and may take an extended time to complete.

Anderson Public Library will not be liable for functional failures of or injuries or property damage caused by objects or materials made through the use of 3D printers. The Library strongly recommends that 3D printers not be used to make things that could prove harmful, or that would result in significant cost or injury to the user if they fail.

Open Records Policy

Adopted 6/19/2012, Reviewed 7/14/2015, Revised 7/18/2017, Revised 9/17/2019

The Anderson Public Library Director, or designee, acts as Custodian for all of the Library’s public records. Any person may request to inspect or receive copies of the Library’s non-exempt public records in accordance with the Kentucky Open Records Act. Open Records Requests should be directed to the attention of the Library’s Records Custodian.

Mailing Address:

ATTN: Library Director

Anderson Public Library

114 N Main St.

Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

Phone: 502-839-6420

All Open Records Requests must be submitted via U.S. Mail, facsimile transmission, email, or hand delivery. The Library’s Open Records Policy can be found below.

Open Records Requests and Records Retention

The Anderson Public Library is subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870-61.884) and certain requirements with regard to records retention. The Anderson Public Library recognizes the authority of all pertinent Kentucky statutes and regulations over internal library policies.

Retained records

The Anderson Public Library will maintain and retain its records in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Unless otherwise provided by law, records may be retained or discarded according to the Records Retention Schedules as adopted by the State Archives and Records Commission.

Public records

Not all records of the Anderson Public Library will necessarily be “public records” under the Open Records Act, and even some public records are exempt from operation of the Act. “Public record” generally means all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, discs, diskettes, records, or other documentary materials prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the Library. It does not include any records owned by a private person or corporation that are in the possession of the Library or one of its employees.

Requests for records

The Anderson Public Library Director (or designee) acts as Custodian for all of the Library’s public records. Any person may request to inspect or receive copies of the Library’s non-exempt public records. All requests to view or copy the Library’s public records pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act must be made in writing and must contain the requester’s name and signature. Requesters may use the Request to Inspect Public Records form, but are not required to do so. All Open Records Requests must be submitted via U.S. Mail, facsimile transmission, or hand delivery. Open Records Requests should be directed to the attention of the Library’s Records Custodian. If a requester is requesting to be provided with copies of non-exempt public records, they must provide a sufficiently precise description of the documents they are seeking so as to allow the Records Custodian to readily identify them.

Response

The Anderson Public Library has five business days in which to respond to an Open Records Request. This time begins to run the next business day after the request is received.

The response to an Open Record Request may: (1) grant the request, (2) deny the request, (3) explain that there will be a delay in responding to the request; or any combination thereof. To the extent a request is granted, the response will provide a timeframe when the requested non-exempt public documents may be inspected in person, or will inform the requester of the applicable copying charge and postage fee required to be paid before copies of the non-exempt public documents may be provided. To the extent a request is denied, the response will provide the legal cause for the denial. To the extent the full response to a request is delayed, the initial response will give a detailed explanation of the cause for any delay and an estimate of when a complete response may be expected.

Copies

To the extent a request is granted, copies of the responsive non-exempt public records requested may be provided at a cost of $0.10 per page, along with any applicable postage costs, all of which must be pre-paid by the requester. Requests for specialized or non-standard copies (e.g. color or oversized copies) will be provided at the cost incurred by the Library to produce them. The Anderson Public Library may also recover costs associated with staff time expended in responding to a request made for a commercial purpose. Non-public or exempt information may be redacted as appropriate from copies of otherwise non-exempt public records provided.

On site examination of records

To the extent a request is granted, individuals requesting to review records will be allowed to schedule a time to conduct on-site inspection of non-exempt public records during the regular hours of the Anderson Public Library. An on-site inspection may be required by the Library if the request is not precise in nature or if the requester resides or maintains his or her principle place of business within Anderson County. Public records must be inspected in the location set by the Library. During their inspection, a requester may copy non-exempt public records (at their own cost), but may not remove, alter or add to documents provided for review. The Library is responsible for protecting the security of public records in its custody, and may require that a staff member be present during any inspection or copying of its public records.

Denial of request

Certain public records are exempt from inspection under the Open Records Act. Circulation and Library use records for individual library members are exempt from inspection, and requests to inspect or receive copies of these records will be denied, as will a request to inspect or receive copies of any other records which are either not public or are exempt under the Act. Under certain circumstances, the Library may find that a request would create an unreasonable burden to comply with, and may deny such a request for that reason. Requests that the Library believes are intended to disrupt its essential functions will also be denied. Reasons that a request may be deemed unduly burdensome for compliance, or which may be disruptive to the Library may include time and expense involved in retrieving and duplicating the records, or in the type and nature of the request. To the extent a request is denied, the Library will provide the legal basis for the denial to the requester.

Rules and Regulations

The following notice will be posted in a prominent place at the Anderson Public Library facility in accordance with the Open Records Act.