POLICIES
- PHILOSOPHY -
I. Statement of Philosophy The policy manual contains the general policies of the library with regard to the following: • The mission of the library, the responsibilities of the library board and staff • The basic principles of material selection, access to materials and confidentiality of library records • Policies for the use of library services • The rights and responsibilities of customers and staff • Fee schedules
II. Mission Statement The mission of the Neosho Newton County Library is to maintain and improve the quality of life for all citizens by providing access to materials, resources and technology that contributes to the knowledge, enrichment and enjoyment of the community. The staff and board will work together to serve the public and to respond to the changing nature of library services through collections, technology and well-trained staff.
III. Library Bill of Rights The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Adopted June 18, 1948, by the ALA Council; amended February 2, 1961; amended June 28, 1967; amended January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 24, 1996.
IV. Freedom to Read The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label "controversial" views, to distribute lists of "objectionable" books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read. Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be "protected" against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression. These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials. Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference. Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections. We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings. The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights. We therefore affirm these propositions: 1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority. Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it. 2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated. Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper. 3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say. 4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression. To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others. 5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous. The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them. 6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people's freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information. It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship. 7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a "bad" book is a good one, the answer to a "bad" idea is a good one. The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader's purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support. We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours. This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers. Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28, 1972; January 16, 1991; July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004.
V. Freedom to View The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore these principles are affirmed: 1. To provide the broadest access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression. 2. To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials. 3. To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content. 4. To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video, or other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content. 5. To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public's freedom to view. This statement was originally drafted by the Freedom to View Committee of the American Film and Video Association (formerly the Educational Film Library Association) and was adopted by the AFVA Board of Directors in February 1979. This statement was updated and approved by the AFVA Board of Directors in 1989. Endorsed January 10, 1990, by the ALA Council.
VI. Libraries: An American Value Libraries in America are cornerstones of the communities they serve. Free access to the books, ideas, resources, and information in America’s libraries is imperative for education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government. Libraries are a legacy to each generation, offering the heritage of the past and the promise of the future. To ensure that libraries flourish and have the freedom to promote and protect the public good in the 21st century, we believe certain principles must be guaranteed. To that end, we affirm this contract with the people we serve: • We defend the constitutional rights of all individuals, including children and teenagers, to use the library’s resources and services; • We value our nation’s diversity and strive to reflect that diversity by providing a full spectrum of resources and services to the communities we serve; • We affirm the responsibility and the right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children’s use of the library and its resources and services; • We connect people and ideas by helping each person select from and effectively use the library’s resources; • We protect each individual’s privacy and confidentiality in the use of library resources and services; • We protect the rights of individuals to express their opinions about library resources and services; • We celebrate and preserve our democratic society by making available the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions and ideas, so that all individuals have the opportunity to become lifelong learners - informed, literate, educated, and culturally enriched. Change is constant, but these principles transcend change and endure in a dynamic technological, social, and political environment. By embracing these principles, libraries in the United States can contribute to a future that values and protects freedom of speech in a world that celebrates both our similarities and our differences, respects individuals and their beliefs, and holds all persons truly equal and free. Adopted February 3, 1999, by the Council of the American Library Association
VII. Code of Ethics We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations. The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations. I. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests. II. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources. III. We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted. IV. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders. V. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions. VI. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions. VII. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources. VIII. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession. Adopted June 28, 1997, by the ALA Council; amended January 22, 2008.
- COMMUNITY ROOM POLICIES -
The Neosho Newton County Library welcomes the public use of its meeting space in keeping with the Library’s mission to inform and enrich our community by creating and promoting access to a vast array of ideas and information for lifelong learning and creating a comfortable place to visit and use. The meeting room is made available free of charge to any non-profit or governmental organization engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities. All groups or organizations scheduling the meeting room must fill out the Community Room Use Form one week prior to day of use. All applications must have director’s approval. Any meeting that is open to the public must follow the following guidelines, as required by 15 CSR 30- 200.15 Library Certification Requirements for the Protection of Minors, subsection (e): “All meetings that are open to the public must have age-appropriate designation affixed to any publication, website, or advertisement for the meeting, i.e. Tots ages 0-3, Children ages 3-12, Teens ages 13-17, Adults Only 18+, or All Ages. The library does not stand in place of the parent or guardian when it comes to access of meetings. The responsibility for meeting attendance for a minor child rests solely with parent or guardian.” Other groups, including but not limited to baby/wedding showers, family gatherings, graduations, and anniversaries, will be charged a $100 use fee/cleaning deposit (cash or checks only accepted) along with a copy of a driver’s license, which must be attached to the Use Form. Users must return the Community Room check out list to the circulation desk at which time the $100 cleaning deposit check will be returned if staff found room acceptable. Damage fees may be charged. The charge for using the room is $100. After-hours meetings must pay a $5 door fob fee, which unlocks the doors. If this is returned, the fee will be refunded. No admission fees or collections will be allowed for any event scheduled in the meeting rooms. Passthrough costs of educational materials may be collected. The sale of an author’s books during a book-signing event is allowed. Library-sponsored events for the purpose of raising funds for the library is allowed. Library-sponsored activities and programs will always receive first priority. The library does not advocate or endorse any non-library meeting held in the community room. The room must be vacated by 8 p.m., otherwise the alarm will sound and the police will be summoned. No alcoholic beverages, tobacco or illegal drugs may be used in the community room. No candles or open flames are allowed at all. Children must be supervised at all times. Failure to do so may lead to expulsion of violators. Room use involves tables, chairs, AV and internet access. Any additional equipment is the responsibility of the person or agency booking the room. Please note: The user is responsible for scheduling any training in the use of equipment in advance of the meeting. An equipment check-list will be provided to insure all pieces are returned to us. Equipment trained Library staff may not be available to assist in trouble-shooting during the event. The kitchenette is also available for use, and must be left clean after use. It is not intended to prepare a meal, but to warm and serve on site. All food must leave the building with you. No materials, equipment or furniture belonging to the organization may be stored on library premises, and the library does not assume responsibility for any materials or items left on the premises, or any item that is lost, stolen, or broken. No tables or chairs will be allowed out of doors. The flag is to be left in the community room – DO NOT PUT IN CLOSET. Meeting room set-up, break-down and clean-up in the responsibility of the group using the room. A cleaning fee or loss of privilege may result if an organization fails to leave the meeting room in good order. No signs, displays, decorations or exhibits may be attached to the doors, walls or windows of the room. The use of thumbtacks and any kind of tape is not allowed. If this policy is violated, the cleaning deposit will be kept by the library. For non-library users, you may not use the library’s phone number as a contact number for press releases or other public relations material. The meeting and events must not interfere with the normal operation of the library. The parking lot may not be blocked for loading and unloading. If a meeting is cancelled, the library must be notified 24 hours before, unless inclement weather or other emergencies occur. Fees or deposits paid in advance will be refunded if the room is cancelled within this time. Checks will be issued within 30 days. Any exceptions to the policies must be approved by the director on a case-by-case basis. The library makes its premises available on equal terms to all persons, regardless of their race, sex, color, age, beliefs or affiliations. Library permission for a group to use a meeting room space does not constitute an endorsement of the group. Board Approved 6/19/18 Policy Revision 10/17/18 by Board Policy Revision 8/20/19 by Board Policy Revision 12/21/21 by Board Policy Revision 7/18/23 by Board
Check Out Procedure This check-out procedure is presented to assist you in leaving the community room and bathrooms in clean order. After your meeting, please be sure that: ____ All audiovisual equipment has been turned off. ____ All tables are washed and straightened, or returned to the closet. ____ All chairs are stacked and returned to closet. ____ Carpet runner is vacuumed if needed. ____ All spills are wiped up on counters and in refrigerator. ____ Bathrooms are clean, water is off in the sinks, and the toilets are flushed. ____ Lights are off. ____ Trash is collected and taken to outside dumpster. ____ All catering equipment and food are removed. Do not leave anything behind. ____ The dust mop has been used to sweep the floor. No wet mop is allowed. ____ Report to the library how many attendees ____All Library Tech equipment accounted for if any was used. (use check list)
- STUDY ROOM USE POLICY -
The Neosho Newton County Library provides two free study rooms for individual study, group work, meetings, and other uses to support and cultivate the community’s creativity and affirm the library as a center for learning. This policy covers both study rooms, which has seating for 1-4 individuals. Reservations *Customers may view the availability on the Library website and reserve a study room up to 1 week in advance. *A valid email address is required to make study room reservations. *Individuals and/or groups are allowed 1 booking per day. Reservations can be made in 30- minute increments, up to two hours (120 minutes) per day. Exceptions must be approved by Circulation desk personnel. *Reservations may be made online, by phone, or in person. Customers may also make sameday walk-in reservations if the study rooms are available. Guidelines *Customers are required to check in with a staff member before entering the reserved study room. Customers should be prepared to show the confirmation email to confirm their booking. *Study room use must begin within fifteen minutes of the reservation start time or the reservation may be forfeited to another customer or group. A “no-show” reservation will count towards a customer’s daily booking limit. *Members of a group currently occupying a study room may not extend their booking time by using additional email accounts. *Groups using study rooms may not exceed the posted capacity listed in this policy. *Study rooms are not soundproofed. In consideration for other library customers, please keep noise to a minimum. *Study rooms must be left in the same condition in which they were accepted. Cleaning up of the room, including disposing of trash and cleaning tables, is the responsibility of those using the study room. *Personal property should not be left unattended in a study room, and the library is not responsible for lost or missing items. *Customers must exit the study room promptly at the end of their scheduled time. Customers must notify library staff if they are finished with the study room before their time is up. *Study rooms must be vacated 15 minutes before the library closes. Wi-Fi is turned off at that time as well. Cancellations and Other Restrictions *Customers may cancel their reservations up to the reservation start time but are highly encouraged to cancel as soon as possible to allow their groups to reserve the room. Cancellations may be done on the online reservation system, in-person, or over the phone. *Permission to use a study room does not constitute endorsement or sponsorship by NNCL. *NNCL reserves the right to decline or cancel any study room reservation. *Study rooms may not be used for purposes prohibited by County ordinances, or by state or federal law. *Failure to observe the study room policy and/or violations of may result in cancellation of current or future study room reservations. *To promote accessibility of study rooms to the community, the Library may limit the number or length of study room reservations during any time period for any applicant. The Library also reserves the right to place additional limitations on the use of the study room based on the demands at those Library locations. *NO FOOD ALLOWED! Only drinks in non-spill, leak proof containers or bottles are allowed. No soda fountain drinks are permitted. A snack area has been provided by the front doors for the consumption of food and other drinks.
- COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD POLICY -
The bulletin board serves as a source of community information, and the Library welcomes notices and flyers from educational, cultural, civic and other not-for-profit groups. The Library is a Governmental Political Subdivision, and must adhere to all rules and regulations of a government building. In order to best utilize the limited space available, we have the following policy and procedures regarding usage of the bulletin board: 1. All postings must be brought to the Circulation desk and approved by the Circulation Manager or the Library Director. 2. Approval will be based upon the provisions of this policy and not upon the viewpoints of the organization. 3. The library does not necessarily advocate or endorse the viewpoints of organizations permitted to post notices and flyers on the bulletin board. 4. The library will not display personal advertisements, for-profit, or other commercial materials. 5. Job postings by other non-profits are permitted, but priority will be given to community events and activities. 6. Postings for events or activities will remain up for up to 3 weeks or until the event. However, postings may be removed earlier if space is needed; the library cannot guarantee any specific length of display. 7. In fairness to the numerous community groups, the library may limit the frequency and volume of posting notices from the same organization. 8. Notices should be generally no larger than 8 ½ by 11, but larger notices will be considered. 9. The bulletin board is a public space, so postings must be appropriate for viewing by all. 10. The only political materials allowed are those that provide non-partisan information on ballot issues, non-partisan races, or those that announce bipartisan political events such as “meet the candidate” debates or forums. 11. The library accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to any item accepted for posting. All posted items will be discarded after they are removed. 12. Any disagreements concerning any aspect of this policy may be appealed to the Library Director.
- GENERAL POLICIES -
HOURS OF OPERATION Neosho Newton County Library Monday-Thursday (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) Friday (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) Saturday (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) Seneca Library Monday-Thursday (11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
LIBRARY CARD ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Residency Requirements A Neosho Newton County Library card will be issued at no charge to any person who resides at a permanent address in Newton County or is a property owner of Newton County and who agrees to abide by the circulation policies of the library. Identification with proof of name and current address is required. Post Office boxes are acceptable as mailing addresses only, but cannot be used as proof of residency. Written proof of an actual physical address must be present when applying for a library card. A parent must be present to sign for and present identification for minors. College students attending area colleges are eligible for a Library Card on a semester basis. A current student ID must be presented before a card will be issued. A permanent and a local address must be provided when filing out the application. General Requirements Before a Library Card is Issued: (Revised and Approved 2-22-05) Written proof of current address is required. Telephone number where the patron can be reached. Driver’s license, Social Security number, State issued ID, or Military ID number required. Signature of the applicant on the card acknowledges that all information is correct and that the applicant accepts full responsibility for the use of the card. The applicant must provide a current picture ID plus a current utility bill or rent receipt (within the last 30 days), or a current voter registration card, or other official document with your name and address on it. Reciprocal Agreement with McDonald County (Updated 11-17-2015) The Neosho Newton County Library has a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the McDonald County Library. A person who does not live in Newton County and has a card at the McDonald County Library in good standing may apply for a reciprocal borrower’s card. Cards for Minors A parent or legal guardian must have a library card in order to be a responsible party on a minor’s library card, age 17 and under. Parent or guardian accepts financial responsibility for any fees, damages, or loss of materials which may result from the use of the card. Parent or guardian must sign the consent form that states the following: “As a parent/legal guardian of my child, I grant access to the full collections of the Neosho Newton County Library system, including online materials. I acknowledge that the library staff does not supervise children, and that they do not know what I consider appropriate for my child and cannot be responsible for their selections.” “If you do not agree to full access of the collections, your child will not be issued a card or their existing account will be terminated. Parents/guardians may then check out items for their children on their own library card. This statement is required by 15 CSR 30—200.015 Missouri State Regulations.” (Amended July 2023) Homebound Borrower A patron who is “homebound” by temporary or permanent physical incapacity may select one adult to act as a proxy. The proxy must show an ID when using this account. The form and library card will be kept at the library. Non-Resident Cards • Fee of $15.00 annually for an individual non-resident card can be issued to individuals in adjacent counties. Fee of $25.00 annually for a family non-resident card. Family is defined as including all members living in the same household. A note will be added to the responsible party’s card indicating the fee rate and family members for which they are responsible. Also, a note will be added to the remaining family members listing the responsible party. Responsibility for Card The patron is responsible for ALL items checked out on their library card. A library card must be presented to check out material. A library card should be treated the same as a credit card. If a card is lost, stolen, or borrowed, the Patron is responsible for any items charged to their card. A patron is responsible for any use of their card if they loan it to someone else. A patron who owes the library money, may not use another person’s library card to check out materials. (Oct. 2013) Expiration and Invalidation of Library Cards (Updated 11-17-2015) All library cards are valid for 365 days from the date of issue except for those issued to college students and for temporary cards. Renewals follow the same procedure as that for a new card. A card may be invalidated at any time if the patron does not return materials when due, does not pay outstanding fees, or habitually abuses the library policies or materials.
CIRCULATION OF MATERIALS A. General Circulation Guidelines 1. A patron must present his/her own card at the Circulation Desk at the time of the check out. Individual patron cards will not be kept at the Circulation Desk. 2. Items limited to in-house use such as reference books, reserve books, and genealogy room materials cannot be checked out and do NOT circulate. Only the director or circulation supervisor may make an exception. 3. All books, including audio books, will automatically be renewed twice for the same period, with the exception of items on hold. All DVDs will be automatically renewed one time with the exception of items on hold. 4. Library users will not be allowed to check out materials if they: • Owe $5.00 or more in unpaid charges. Parents of minors with fees or overdue materials will be blocked from circulation. • Have unpaid charges more than 30 days overdue. • Have materials that are 2 weeks or more overdue. 5. A patron who owes the library money, may not use another person’s library card to check out materials. (Oct. 2013) 6. Patrons who owe other Missouri Evergreen libraries will not be allowed to check out. B. Circulation parameters Books - maximum out: 20, loan period: 3 weeks DVD – maximum out: 6, loan period: 7 days Audiobooks – maximum out: 8, loan period: 3 weeks Magazines – maximum out: 5, loan period: 1 week C. Requests for Holds 1. Each patron may place up to 30 holds for items that are checked out or otherwise unavailable (in mending, or processing etc.). D. Return of Materials 1. Materials may be returned at the circulation desk, by mail, or at either book drop. 2. Items damaged by returning them in an overflowing book drop, will be the patron’s responsibility.
OVERDUE LIBRARY MATERIALS A. Overdue Guidelines 1. The Library has no obligation to remind patrons to return library materials. The Library sends reminder notices via email and SMS Texts as a courtesy to our patrons. The receipt at checkout is your due date notice. 2. All library materials are due on the due date. 3. If the library closes due to weather or other emergency situations, the library will extend all due dates. 4. Overdue notices will be sent by mail according to the following schedule: a. Final notice, 21 days after the item is overdue. b. 21 days after the final notice is sent, the item is marked lost and if the total for the patron is $25.00 or more the patron’s name is submitted to the collection agency for payment and an additional $10 collection fee is charged. Balances of $10.00 to $24.99 that are over 30 days old will be submitted to the collected agency for payment and an additional $3.00 collection fee will be charged. B. Charges for Damaged Items 1. If the damaged item is unusable, the patron will be charged the price of the item, plus a $5.00 processing fee. 2. Damaged items that are paid for by the patron become the property of the patron. The library will hold damaged items for 3 months, after that the item will be discarded. Items that are soaking wet, moldy or have infestation of bugs will be discarded immediately.
COLLECTION MANAGEMENT POLICY Approved October 16, 2007 Amended July 18, 2023 Purpose: The purpose of the collection management policy is to outline the development and maintenance of the materials collections of the Neosho Newton County Library in accordance with the mission of the Library, inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made and to ensure that public monies are spent to meet the needs and interests of the community. Materials Selection Policy: The library’s essential resource is the collection of materials, which supports the mission of the Library as approved by the Board of Directors and in accordance with local, state and federal law. Selection Criteria: Materials are considered and decided in terms of each item’s excellence and the audience for whom it is attended. No single standard is applied. The Library strives to provide a collection in a variety of formats for a wide range of ages, interests, cultural and educational backgrounds and reading skills. *Popular interest *Contemporary significance or permanent value *Currency of information *Accuracy *Local emphasis *Readability or ability to sustain interest *Treatment of subject to age of intended audience *Reputation of author, publisher, producer or illustrator *Creative, literary, or technical quality *Critical assessment in a variety of journals *Format and ease of use *Circulation as monitored through the automation system *Cost and availability *Relationship to existing materials in collection *Relationship to materials in other libraries in consortium Items in the library’s collection are shelved in recommended age-appropriate sections. The Board Books are intended for birth through four years, Storybooks, which are intended for grades Preschool through 2nd grade, Easy Fiction, intended for Kindergarten through 3rd grade, Juvenile Fiction, intended for 4th through 8th grade, and YA, intended for 9th through 12th grade. The Adult Section is intended for ages 18+. These age recommendations are only a recommendation, and items are placed in collections based on the standards of the average person, applying contemporary standards nationwide or the publisher’s suggested age range if available. This statement is required by 15 CSR 30-200.015 Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors subsection (a). Patrons are not limited by these recommended age-appropriate sections. All patrons are welcome to checkout any materials in the collection. However, the responsibility for materials used by minor children rests solely with their parents or guardians. The library does not stand in place of the parent or guardian when it comes to library collections. It is not the responsibility of the Library, staff, volunteers, or Board of Trustees to determine which collection minor children should use or what item(s) in the approved collection is suitable for an individual. Patron Statement of Concern: The Neosho Newton County Library subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement as adopted by the American Library Association. In accordance with these statements, the Library recognizes that some materials may be controversial and that any given item may concern some citizens. The library welcomes comments from our cardholders and suggestions regarding the continued appropriateness of the collection, especially in regards to outdated material. Individuals may take issue with library materials that do not support their own values or beliefs. Staff are available to discuss these concerns. If a patron’s concerns are not satisfied with the discussion with staff, there is a formal Statement of Concern form available. For a Statement of Concern form to be considered: *The patron making the request must have read/viewed/heard the entire item. All materials are judged as a whole rather than by isolated passages. *The patrons submitting the form must be a resident of Newton County and hold a valid library card. *The patron must complete the form in full. *The patron making the request must submit their name, library card number, address, phone number and email address. The item under consideration will remain in the collection throughout the process to support the freedom of other patrons to read, view, or listen. Any item will be evaluated for concern only one time in a twelve-month period. The item in question will be evaluated by the Director. The patron may appeal to the Board of Trustees as a final step.
CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES LIBRARIES WORK UNDER REGARDING BANNING BOOKS: 1. Children also have 1st Amendment rights: Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969). 2. 1st Amendment rights include access to information: Board of Education v Pico, 457 U.S. 850 (1982). 3. Suitability for minors must be judged according to appropriateness for the oldest minors (17 years old) not younger ones: American Booksellers Assn v Virginia, 882 F 2d 125, 127 (4th Cir. 1989), cert. denied, 494 U.S. 1056 (1990) and American Booksellers v Webb, 919 F 2d 1493, 1504-05 (11th Cir.), cert. denied, 494 U.S. 1056 (1990). 4. The value of the work must be considered as a whole, not just focus on the most worrying parts: Miller v California, 413, U.S. 15 (1973) 5. Courts have laid out standards for censoring in any public forum, including a public library (“a limited or designated public forum”). See, e.g. Sund v City of Wichita Falls, Tex, 121 F. Supp. 2d 530, 547 (N.D. Tex 2000) a. Removal based on viewpoint is strictly prohibited. b. If removal is based on content, governmental entity must establish that the removal of materials meets strict scrutiny. *Scrutiny test: (1) compelling interest: (2) narrowly tailored to achieve compelling interest: and (3) no less restrictive alternative. Board of Education v Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982): “If petitioners intended by their removal decision to deny respondents access to ideas with which petitioners disagreed, and if this intent was the decisive factor in petitioner’s decision, then petitioners have exercised their discretion in violation of the Constitution.” Id At 871. Obscenity is defined in the “Miller test:” Miller v California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973) Test: (1) that the average person, applying “contemporary community standards” would find the work, as a whole, appeals to the “prurient interest,” (2) that the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law, and (3) that the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. Miller v California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973) (emphasis added) Harmful to Minors is defined: Ginsberg v New York, 390 U.S. 629 (1968), and also see citations in point 3 above. The test parallels the Miller test, but the considerations are in the context of offensiveness and serious value for minors. Ginsberg v. New York, 390 U.S. 629 (1968). Determination must be made in the context of whether the material would be harmful to the oldest of minors. Materials cannot be deemed harmful to minors if it would be constitutionally protected for a seventeen-year-old even if one might conclude that it was “harmful” for a five-year-old. Evaluation and Withdrawal of Materials: The Library monitors and evaluates the materials regularly to determine if the needs of customers are being met. An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained by renewing essential materials. Works that are damaged, worn, outdated, of little historical significance, or no longer in demand are removed from the collection on a systematic and continuous basis. Replacements: A customer who has lost or damaged an item may not elect to donate a replacement in lieu of payment without direct approval from the Director or Assistant Director. Before such approval is made, it will be determined that the replacement is exact in terms of quality, binding, edition, etc. If a replacement is accepted, the customer will still be required to pay a processing fee.
POLICY ON GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Neosho Newton County Library actively encourages and solicits gifts, grants, and contributions to the Library which will further its mission and goals in serving the public. Financial gifts that are intended for the purchase of specific items, subject areas, or are in other ways designated, should be negotiated through the library director or acquisitions manager. Gifts of specific items such as books, audio-visual materials, periodicals, and other materials shall be accepted by the Neosho Newton County Library. These materials shall be subject to the same procedural consideration that is utilized when considering an item for purchase. Specific donations shall be considered with the explicit understanding that such factors as physical condition of the material, duplication of material, community interest, processing costs, or inadequate space may prevent the addition or permanent retention of an item in the collection. The Neosho Newton County Library accepts material donations with the understanding that the disposition of any material the library cannot add to, or retain in the collection, will be disposed of as the library deems appropriate. The Library will not accept materials that are not outright gifts and reserves the right to assign any of its materials where needed. Because of wear, theft and damage, the permanence of gifts cannot be guaranteed. While it is not the practice of the Neosho Newton County Library to accept material with externally imposed conditions, the library does recognize that community organizations may request some negotiated conditions for large donations. Such donations must equal or exceed $3000 in value. Any such conditions shall be negotiated with the administrative staff of the library. Reconsideration of materials: The library recognizes its responsibility to make available a representative selection of materials on subjects of interest to its users, including materials that represent various sides of controversial issues. Individuals may request reconsideration of a selection decision by submitting a written request for reconsideration using established procedures and guidelines.
PROGRAM POLICIES Library Displays and Exhibits Exhibits and displays will be scheduled and approved by the library. Exhibits and displays developed by library staff will highlight library programs, collections and special materials/purchases. Display or exhibition of materials does not indicate endorsement of issues or events in those materials.
PETITIONING OR DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE IN LIBRARIES (updated June 2016) All solicitations of signatures must take place at least 15 feet outside of any public entrance to the library, may not obstruct foot or vehicular traffic and may not block entry to any library property. All distribution of literature or solicitation of signatures must have director’s permission
MISSOURI REVISED STATUTES 2000 REGARDING LIBRARIES RSMO 182.010 County library districts – petition – tax levy – notice – elections – elections to increase levy. RSMO 182.040 City may become part of county library district – procedure – effect RSMO 182.050 County library boards – appointment, qualifications, removal, vacancies – nepotism forbidden RSMO 182.060 Board to organize – rules and regulations – county librarian, appointment RSMO 182.070 General powers of district – seal RSMO 182.073 Treasurer of board, custodian of funds RSMO 182.075 Bond requirements for treasurer, librarian and other employees RSMO 182.080 Board may contract for library service – procedure RSMO 182.100 Tax for library building, election – duration, rate – building fund – revenues paid to district RSMO 182.105 Issuance of bonds for building – limits – maturity – election – tax to pay RSMO 182.110 Librarians required to attend meetings – expenses RSMO 182.120 Services assessable to all residents of county RSMO 182.291 City – county library, how organized – board of trustees, duties – effect of merger on assets and liabilities – funds, how handled – budget required RSMO 182.815 Disclosure of library records, definitions RSMO 182.817 Disclosure of library records not required – exceptions.