Library Policies
2.13
11/15/05
XIII. ACCESS TO INTERNET RESOURCES
Sandusky Library offers access to information resources on the Internet in response to advances
in technology and to the changing information needs of the community. Internet access is one
component of the Library's objective to acquire, organize, and preserve materials which advance
human knowledge and stimulate ideas, and to provide free access to these materials to all
individuals and groups in the community for purposes of education, information, research, or the
creative use of leisure time. The Library has no control over the information accessed over the
Internet and is not responsible for its content. Sandusky Library assumes no responsibility for
any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its World Wide Web site or from its
connections to other Internet services. Users are hereby notified that they are responsible for the
access points they reach.
CHILDREN’S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT (CIPA)
Sandusky Library complies with the Federal Children’s Internet Protection Act which mandates
that access to the Internet be filtered for the protection of those under the age of 17. All Library
PCs are filtered. For patrons ages 17 or older, the Library will remove the filtering software for
45 minutes upon request for their personal use as long as the patron is also in compliance with
the Library’s Internet policy and patron responsibility policy.
Parents or guardians of minor children are responsible for their children's use of and exposure to
the Internet. While patrons are free to access whatever Internet sites they wish, the Library is
obligated to comply with federal and state laws regarding the prevention of exposure to certain
explicit images and materials. Therefore, staff members will request that a patron remove such
an image or text from an Internet workstation screen if, in the staff member's judgment, the
image or text is displayed in such a way that other patrons, particularly children, are exposed to
or cannot reasonably avoid viewing it. Patrons must refrain from displaying profanity, sexually
explicit graphics or other sites that violate community standards as set forth in the U.S. Code
Sec. 1460 of Title 18 and U.S. Code Sec. 2256 of Title 18. Library staff encourages parents to
work with their children to develop acceptable rules for Internet use. Library staff encourages
parents and children to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, jointly produced by the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association.
This publication is available in Children’s Services.
Efforts to bypass the security of the Library network or any other computer network connected
with the Library is strictly prohibited. The Library will assist in investigations of individuals
who hack at any computer via the Library's network.
OTHER REGULATIONS
* Under no circumstances may patrons use their personal software on Library computers.
* Sandusky Library allows downloading and saving from the Internet only on removable
media.
* Library staff will devote a reasonable amount of time assisting individual library users
with the computer and Internet where needed. Library staff may be able to offer
searching suggestions and answer some questions. Staff can help patrons start a
program, save a program, and print a document. They cannot devote large amounts of
time to each patron because staff scheduled on the floor are handling many information
requests from many individuals. Library patrons are expected to be familiar with basic
computer operation. The Library provides classes at no charge and provides manuals and
documentation.
* If users experience any problems with the computer or programs, they should notify
Library staff immediately.
* Illegal activity involving the Library's Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by
the appropriate authorities
* No unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification information
on minors is permitted. Such unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination will result in
a report to the federal and/or local law enforcement agencies
* Users agree to comply with United States Copyright Law and all other applicable laws.
* Users shall not use the Internet for the transmission of threatening or harassing materials.
7.1
8/19/08
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT USE POLICY
I. IN-HOUSE EQUIPMENT USE
The Library has available computers, microform equipment, copy machines, typewriters, and a CD listening
station for patrons to use. In the Center for Lifelong Learning, the Library has fourteen (14) computers for
instructor-driven training.
There is a fifteen-minute limit for using microform equipment and the CD listening station when someone
else is waiting. When demand warrants, the staff may alter patrons’ use of the equipment.
Library staff will devote a reasonable amount of time assisting individual library users with the equipment
where needed. Library staff may be able to offer suggestions for search strategies and answer some
questions. Staff can help patrons start a program, save a program, and print a document. They cannot
devote large amounts of time to each patron because staff scheduled on the floor are handling many
information requests from many individuals. Library patrons are expected to be familiar with basic
computer operation. The Library provides classes at no charge and provides manuals and documentation.
(Access to Internet Resources – 2.13)
II. COMPUTER USE
Computers are available for use within each public service area of the Library. Patrons can use the SAM
(Smart Access Management) software program to schedule computers and to pay for printing. A patron must
either have a CLEVNET library card or a Temporary Access Card to use the computers. If the patron is using
a library card, his fine must be under $3.00. A patron must purchase the Temporary Access Card for $1.00 at
the APM (Automatic Payment Machine) which is located in Reference Services, Lower Level. This card is
only good for the date it is purchased.
The following policies apply to computers in all areas of the Library:
- Computer time is available on a first come, first serve basis for a maximum of 2 hours per day. Because of the great demand for computer use, a patron must relinquish the computer when his time is up.
- Under no circumstances may patrons download or install their personal software on Library computers. Digital cameras and other devices requiring additional software may not be compatible with Library computers.
- Patrons may save their data only on removable media. The Library does sell blank formatted diskettes at cost. Sandusky Library is not responsible for damage to any user’s removable media, loss of data, or liability that may occur from patron use of the Library’s computers.
- Printing is available at a cost of .10¢ per page for black and white and .25¢ per page for color. No cash will be accepted. Printing must be paid for in advance using the pre-paid printing system.
- Patrons may bring in and use their own Laptops at their own risk in the Lower Level of the Library only.
- PAC terminals are available in areas of the Library for patrons to use and are not scheduled.
Computers in Reference Services, Lower Level:
Four (4) computers and a printer are located in the Archive Research Center and are designated for Archive
Use Only.
Twenty-two (22) computers are designated Internet Lab.
In the Internet Lab:
Computers can be used by adults who are 17 years old and older only. Two patrons may use a computer at a
time.
Computers in Children’s Services, Carnegie Wing:
Six (6) computers are located in the Short Circuit Center. These are for game use only.
Children under the age of five must be accompanied by an adult or responsible person. Printing is not
available on these computers.
Four (4) computers and a printer are located in the Family Center. These are available for Internet use. The computers may be used by an adult or responsible person who is accompanied in either the Family Center or Play Area by a child under the age of 17.
Fifteen (15) computers are located in the Homework Center. These are available for Internet use. Children
under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult or responsible person.
In both the Short Circuit Center and Homework Center:
During non-school hours, or hours school is not in session, these computers may be used only by children
between the ages of 7 and 16, or an adult or responsible person who is accompanied by a child.
During school hours, or hours when school is in session, these computers may be used by anyone. Children
under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults must relinquish the computers if either a planned
or unplanned school visit occurs and the students want to use the computers. When Homework Helpers, a
Library-sponsored tutoring program, is in session, three computers are reserved for the program.
III. WIRELESS ACCESS POINT USE
The Library provides Internet access points for users with portable computers on the Lower Level. Library
staff will provide general information on the settings necessary to access the Internet via these connections;
however, the Library is not responsible for any changes made to one’s computer settings and cannot
guarantee one’s hardware will work with the Library’s wireless connection.
If a user has problems accessing the Internet over these connections, staff will verify that the Library’s
connections are operational, but will neither assist in making changes to the user’s network settings nor will
they perform any troubleshooting on the user’s own computer.
Wireless poses the same risks to one’s personal information that a wired network poses, as well as some new
risks. Users should not transmit their credit card information and passwords while using any wireless
connection. Potentially, any information being sent or received could be intercepted by another Internet user.
Users must take appropriate precautions when using this service.
The Library will not be responsible for any information that is compromised. The Library will not be
responsible for any damage caused to one’s hardware or software due to security issues or consequences
caused by viruses, hacking, or library systems. Printers are not available via the wireless connection.
Use of the wireless access points is governed by the Library’s 2.13 Access to Internet Resources Policy.
SAM AND APM PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
SAM (Smart Access Management) is the innovative software
program used in libraries across the nation to better facilitate a
more balanced use of public computers through increased
privacy and time management. APM (Automatic Payment
Machine) is used for computer printing management.
HOW TO USE SAM TO SCHEDULE COMPUTER TIME IN
REFERENCE SERVICES & THE HOMEWORK CENTER:
- If a computer is available, you do not need to use the
SAM Sign-Up Station computer. You can walk over
to any available computer, type in your library
card number and four digit pin number, and begin
using the computer immediately. (Your four digit
pin number is usually the last four digits of your
phone number. If you are having problems with
the pin number, please ask staff for assistance.)
- You can change your pin number. Please ask staff
for assistance.
- You are allowed a one-hour session. The computer
will give you a 10-, 5-, and 2-minute warning before
you are automatically logged off the computer. If you
want another one-hour session on a computer, you
must either approach an empty computer (if one is
available and re-enter your library card number and
pin number) or schedule another session at the SAM
Sign-Up Station computer.
- To use SAM to schedule computer time, you must
approach the SAM Sign-Up Station computer and
scan (or manually type) in your library card
number and pin number.
- You will be assigned a ticket number and
automatically put on a waiting list for the next
available computer.
- To know when your assigned computer time is
available, you must check the SAM Sign-Up Station
computer screen for your computer assignment. The
assignments are listed by the first four digits of your
last name and the ticket number.
- Once the ticket number and assigned computer are
listed on the screen, your ticket number will move to
the middle column on the screen. You will have five
(5) minutes to log on to the assigned computer. If
you walk away from the area when your assigned
computer time is listed, and it’s been longer than 5
minutes, your computer time is no longer available.
You will need to re-enter the Waiting List using the
SAM Sign-Up Station computer.
NOTE: If you do not have a library card, you may
purchase a temporary Access Card for $1.00 using the
APM. Temporary Access Cards expire at the end of
the business day, therefore, you may not want to
purchase a Temporary Access Card or apply printing
to your account within 30 minutes of closing.
HOW TO USE THE APM FOR PRINTING AND
PURCHASING TEMPORARY ACCESS CARDS:
- You must have money in your printing account in
order to print. Your account is your library card
number. However, money cannot be put into a
your account until you have logged onto a library
computer at least ONE time.
- Printing costs are .10 cents for black and white
printing and .25 cents for color printing.
- Money is put into your account using the APM.
Scan (or manually types) in your library card
number.
- You then put money (cash up to $20.00) into the
machine which goes into your account. You
must press Enter to apply the money to your
account. The APM does not make change when you
insert money.
- If you are putting printing money onto a
Temporary Access Card, in order to get any
remaining printing money back, you need to
CASH OUT before leaving for the day. At the end
of the day, the SAM system removes the
temporary Access Card accounts.
- At any time, regardless if you have applied
printing money to your library card or a
Temporary Access Card, you can cash out to get
your money back. However, the money will be
given in quarters and nickels.
- If you have pre-purchased printing tokens, you
must go to the Reference Services desk and have
a staff member apply the token amount to your
printing account. NOTE: However, it still applies
that if you haven’t logged on at least once to a
computer, you will need to do so in order for the
token money to be applied to your printing
account.
- Printing is done from the computer. The cost of the
printing is automatically deducted from your library
card (or Temporary Access Card) printing account.
- To check to see how much printing money remains
on your account, you can check this at the APM by
scanning (or typing) in your library card number.
- When you are done using the computer, please
turn in your Temporary Access Card as we can
reuse it.
NOTE: The APM is located near the stairs in Reference
Services in the Lower Level. ALL patrons must use this
machine to apply money to their library card (or
Temporary Access Card) printing account.
POLICIES:
- Children cannot log in to a computer in Reference
Services. However, this is where the APM is located
which they must use to apply money to their printing
account.
- You may use the computers for two (2) hours per
day or six (6) log-ins per day.
- You can only have three (3) consecutive log-ins
within one hour. On your fourth try, the computer will
not allow you to log-in until one hour has passed. You
will receive an “exceeded log-in” message telling you
this.
- If you are over the fine limit threshold ($3.00) on your
library card, you cannot use a computer until your fine
amount is under $3.00.
*REMINDER: With the new SAM software, we no
longer take advanced reservations. The only way for
you to schedule computer time is to walk-in and sign
up using the SAM Sign-Up computer.
Once a patron accumulates fines of $3.00 or
more his/her borrowing privileges are discon-
tinued. Borrowing privileges are reinstated once
fines are paid in full or are under $3.00.
SANDUSKY LIBRARY
FINES AND FEES SCHEDULE
updated 2/3/10
OVERDUE FINES
Adult Materials
Circulating Items.............10 cents per day/item
Except:
DVDs/Videos............................$1 per day/item
Teacher Totes............................$1 per day/item
Children’s Materials
Circulating Items............10 cents per day/item
MAXIMUM OVERDUE FINE
Circulating Items...............................$3 per item
Except:
DVDs/Videos.................................$10 per item
Playaways.....................................$3 per item
REPLACEMENT PRICES
List price for materials as shown in the data
base. If the database shows no list price,
patron is charged as follows:
Hardcover Book.........................................$20
Paperback................................................$5
Compact Disc............................................$17
DVD........................................................$25
Magazine..................................................$5
Software/CD-ROM.......................................$40
Videocassette............................................$25
Playaways.................................................tba
DAMAGE FINES
Major......................................Replacement Price
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS REPRODUCTION
FEES
See our Special Collections Reproduction
Price Schedule.
COPY FEES (Self-Serve or Staff-Assisted)
Copies from Computer Printers
Black & White.....................10 cents per page
Color.....................................25 cents per page
Copies from Microform
Black & White.....................10 cents per page
Photocopies 8.5”x11”................................10 cents per page
8.5”x14”................................10 cents per page
11”x17”.................................10 cents per page
GENEALOGY RESEARCH FEES
If copies are mailed, postage is billed to the
patron in addition to any research fees.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION
PLEASE PRESENT YOUR LIBRARY CARD (OR A
CURRENT PHOTO ID) each time you wish to check
out library materials.
There will be no exceptions, so please, don't leave
home without your library card!
As a new cardholder, you are limited to FIVE TOTAL
ITEMS on your library card for the next 12 weeks.
Upon registration verification, you will be able to
check out up to 50 total items.
LOAN PERIODS &
ITEM LIMITS
LOAN PERIODS
Books...........................................................21 days
Book Express ................................................ 10 days
Magazines......................................................7 days
Music CDs.....................................................21 days
Playaways.....................................................10 days
New Release DVDs.......... ..................................2 days
General DVDs/Videos........................................7 days
Misc. DVDs/Videos.........................................21 days
Audiobooks..................................................21 days
Children's DVDs/Videos................................. .21 days
Teachers Totes.......................................... ..14 days
ITEM LIMITS
Book Express ...........................................5 per patron
New Release DVDs.....................................2 per patron
Playaways..............................................2 per patron
Children’s, General & Misc. DVDs................10 per patron
Children’s, General & Misc. Videos..............10 per patron
Music CDs............................................10 per patron
Teacher Totes........................................1 per patron
2.12
6/16/09
XII. RULES OF CONDUCT
The Members of the Board of Directors of the Sandusky Library hereby adopt the
following policy in order to provide an atmosphere conducive to appropriate use of library
services and facilities. These rules of conduct are hereby ordered to be posted in a prominent
location in the library and will be given to patrons upon request. The following actions are
prohibited on library property:
- selling and/or soliciting for any purposes, which includes but is not limited to money or
items of service, prostitution, sale of illegal drugs or sale of alcohol,
gambling, etc.
-for the safety of patrons, rather than setting up in front of the entrance, petitioners may set up beside the bick rack (10 feet west from the curb and across from the book drops) and/or in front of the outside granite Donor Wall and/or on the public sidewalk at Jackson Street, Columbus Avenue, and Adams Street.
- distributing or posting printed materials/literature that has not been approved by the
Library
- smoking or other uses of tobacco
- eating of any packaged or unpackaged food or drinking of any uncovered beverages in
the Library building.
- sleeping or putting a head on the table repeatedly or for prolonged periods of time
- failing to wear shoes or shirt
- putting feet or legs on table tops or other flat surfaces which are meant to be used for
writing, reading, or research
- bringing animals or pets into the library (except guide dogs for the blind or hearing
impaired and therapy dogs)
- creating any loud, unreasonable, and/or disturbing noise by personal actions, radios,
tape players, televisions, telephones, and/or other means of communication
- intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any library property, patron's property,
or employee's property
- taking library materials into restrooms
- removing library materials from the premises without authorization through lending
procedures
- using public pay phones for extended periods (the use of the pay phones is limited to
ten (10) minutes. Pay phones cannot receive incoming calls.)
- using library equipment for extended periods of time or on a repetitive daily or weekly
basis
- interfering with another's use of the library through personal hygiene that doesn't
conform to customary standards in the community
- leaving a child under six (6) years of age unattended by a responsible, non-library
employee
- leaving a child or young adult (up to the age of 17) on library premises after closing
time
- leaving a child over the age of six (6) and under the age of thirteen (13) unaccompanied
in the library for prolonged periods of time or on a repetitive daily or weekly
basis
- allowing a small child to ride the elevator unaccompanied by a responsible, non-library
employee
- misusing restrooms, which are meant for Library patrons only, including but not limited
to bathing and indecent or illicit acts
- bringing bedrolls, blankets, large duffle bags, large plastic bags measuring over two and
one half feet in length or height, or any bags of that size
- carrying weapons of any type
- engaging in disorderly conduct, fighting, or challenging to fight, or using offensive
words likely to provoke violence
- engaging in acts of indecent exposure or threatening or attempting to do so
- using obscene or abusive gestures or language
- wearing clothing that doesn't conform to customary standards in the community
- acts or conduct which are prohibited by state, federal, or City of Sandusky ordinance
Any communication of these threats, use of obscene or abusive language or gestures,
physical violence or sexual offenses will result in permanent exclusion if arrest and conviction
occur.
Failure to comply with the Library's established rules, regulations, and policies may
result in exclusion from the Library for a day, an extended period, or permanently. Such actions
may result in arrest.
Theft of Library materials is a serious offense and also may result in arrest and
permanent exclusion from the Library.
2.17
5/16/06
XVII. UNATTENDED CHILD POLICY
Children are welcome in our Library, and we are concerned about their safety and welfare.
However, parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring the activities and regulating the
behavior of their children while the children are in the Library.
Library staff members cannot, however, supervise children or function as substitute baby-sitters.
Parents and responsible persons need to be as careful of their children’s safety in the Library as
they would be in a shopping mall or any other public building. Children can easily wander out
the door, into the street or parking lot. They can be injured by swinging doors or by falls from
furniture.
We respect the privacy of all library patrons and will intervene only when, if in the opinion of
Library staff, the safety and well-being of a child or adult is threatened.
The Board of Directors of the Sandusky Library has, therefore, established the following policies
for the Library system:
POLICY ON UNATTENDED CHILDREN
Children under age six (6) may not be left unattended in the Library without a responsible, non-
library employee. Parents and/or responsible persons are accountable for their children’s
behavior and safety while in the Library. Children over the age of six (6) and under the age of
thirteen (13) should not be left unaccompanied in the Library for prolonged periods of time or on
a repetitive daily or weekly basis. Small children must be accompanied in the elevator by a
responsible, non-library employee.
CLOSING TIME PROCEDURES FOR UNATTENDED CHILDREN, 17 AND UNDER
If a staff member or security person observes an unattended child fifteen (15) minutes prior to
closing, that staff member or security person will ask the child what his/her provisions are for
getting home. If the child seems unsure, the staff member in charge of the Library or security
staff will call the parents. If closing time arrives and the child is still in the Library:
- An attempt will be made to call the parents. If a parent is contacted, insist that the child be picked up immediately.
- If a parent cannot be reached, the police department will be contacted, with the request that someone pick up the child as abandoned.
- The staff member in charge or security staff and one other staff member will remain on the Library premises with the child until the parent, guardian, or police officer arrives.
- A copy of the Library policy on Unattended Children will be handed to the child’s parent(s).
- Under no circumstances shall a staff member take a child off Library premises.
