The mission of the Webb Shadle Public Library is to provide materials and services to help residents of the community obtain information to meet their personal, educational, and professional needs. The library has a special mission to encourage a love of reading and learning for children and adults. It also provides a community room for use by local individuals, organizations, and non-profit groups.

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Applying for a Library Card

You may become a registered borrower if you are a resident of Pleasantville, rural Marion County, or a resident of a community participating in the Open Access Program. A photo ID with a current verifiable address must be presented with your library card application. Address and phone number changes should be reported immediately. Individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present, with a valid ID, and sign the application for a library card. [back to top]

Borrowing Privileges

You are responsible for all materials checked out on your card. It is recommended that you do not lend your card to others. Borrowing privileges may be restricted due to overdue items or unpaid fines. [back to top]

Check Out Limits

Up to 4 DVDs per library card can be checked out. All other library materials may be checked out (within reason) as many items as you wish, however, you are financially responsible for those items. [back to top]

Interlibrary Loan

If the library does not own the book you need, you may request it to be borrowed from another library. The patron making the request is required to have a current library card and is responsible for any overdue fines or replacement costs charged by the lending library. An agreement form must be signed by patron before the inter-library loan item can be checked out. [back to top]

Loan Periods

Regular library books, audio books, DVDs, and cake pans may be checked out for a two week period.

Items may be renewed if no one else is waiting for that item. [back to top]

Renewals

Library materials may be renewed if no one else has placed a hold on the item. This may be done in person at the library, on-line, by calling, or emailing the library. [back to top]

Returns

You may return borrowed materials at the circulation desk or in the outside drop box. [back to top]

Overdue and Lost or Damaged Items/Fines and Fees

Library materials: $.25 per item per day

Lost items or Damaged items: Borrower is responsible for the cost of the item. [back to top]

Reserves/Holds

If the item you want is currently checked out, you may place a hold on the item. A staff member will notify you when the requested item is available. [back to top]

Unlawful Use of Library Computers

The Library prohibits any unlawful use of the Internet by staff or patrons. Those who engage in unlawful use of the Internet may lead to the suspension or revocation of Internet access through the library. [back to top]

Using Library Computers

The library’s public computers are available to any user who visits the library, free of charge.

Computers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved in advance.

The library reserves the right to limit computer time at peak hours. Thirty-minute time slots may be enforced if the demand is greater than the number of computers available.

A flash drive may be used to save information from a computer. The library is not responsible for any damage to flash drives when used in library computers. Files saved to the computer’s drives will be erased.

The Library makes every effort to provide a stable and effective Internet service for its customers. However, the Internet user may encounter closed or restricted databases and resources for which the library accepts no responsibilities. The Webb Shadle Public Library’s Internet connection may be temporarily closed down for maintenance or due to technical difficulties beyond the Library’s control.

Each user is responsible for complying with copyright law and adhering to software licensing agreements, as well as all local, state, and federal laws including, but not limited to, those concerning fraud, privacy, or obscenity.

Patrons are expected to use library computers in a responsible and courteous manner. Computers are located in public areas and shared by people of all ages and backgrounds. Be considerate and respectful of other library patrons and especially mindful of children in the library. Disruptive behavior or misuse of the computer may result in suspension or loss of computer privileges. Children under the age of 8 years old must be supervised by adults.

Any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The Webb Shadle Public Library cannot act as a censor or substitute parent. It is the responsibility of the parents to provide the oversight to ensure their children’s use of the Internet in a safe and appropriate manner.

Since the Internet is a global electronic network, the Webb Shadle Public Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The library is not responsible for the availability or accuracy of information accessed from remote network sites. [back to top]

Challenges:

The Library will not remove specific titles solely because the individuals or groups may find them objectionable. All material shall be judged as a whole. No work shall be judged for exclusion by taking single passages out of context and basing condemnation of that book on such lifted passages. [back to top]

Collection Maintenance:

The weeding of library materials is a continual process and one that is essential to maintain a quality collection. Material no longer deemed useful in the library will be disposed of according to accepted professional practices at the discretion of the Library Director.

Specifics considered in the weeding process.

• Outdated or inaccurate information
• Any materials which are badly worn, damaged, stained, or soiled
• Materials no longer in demand
• Duplicate copies
• Space limitations

The Library Director retains the right to dispose of all duplicate or unneeded materials.

Discarded materials become surplus property and may be given to and then sold by the Friends of the Library for fund-raising purposes to benefit the library. [back to top]

Donations of Library Materials.

The Webb Shadle Public Library accepts gifts of books and donations. Gifts are accepted by the donor with the full understanding that all gifts become the property of the library. The library reserves the right to dispense gifts in any manner that it deems appropriate. Donations which are not placed in the collection may be given to and then sold by the Friends of the Library for fund-raising purposes to benefit the library.

The library does not appraise the value of donated material for tax purposes. A receipt clarifying the number of items given may be provided upon request to the donor.

The library does accept donations to purchase books, materials, furniture, or to make improvements. In honor or memorial of individuals. The library director will work with the donor to purchase materials which are meaningful to the family and the donor. A memorial book plate will be placed in the materials in their honor. A note will be sent to the family of the individual, upon request. [back to top]

Purpose of the Collection:

The Webb Shadle Public Library strives to provide books and other library materials of value and interest for information and enlightenment for all people in the community. The library attempts to maintain a collection of carefully selected representative book and non-book materials that are both of current interest and permanent value. The library will strive to provide items of interest for patrons of all ages. [back to top]

Request for Reconsiderations of Selections

Any person at least eighteen (18) years of age, a registered patron of the library, and a resident of the Pleasantville Public School District who objects to specific books or other library materials in the collection is requested to submit a “Material Reconsideration Form”.

Material will remain in circulation during the reconsideration process.

• This form must be completed in full, signed by the person challenging the material, and forwarded to the Library Director for review.
• The person must have read, viewed, or listened to the material in its entirety.

Patrons who wish to initiate comments or complaints will receive copies of the:

• Library Bill of Rights
• Freedom to Read
• Freedom to View
• Collection Development Policy

The library director will go over these materials with the patron. The process of registering complaints is designed to make sure the selection was appropriate and informs the patron about the criteria used.

The patron is welcome to attend the meeting of the Library Board. The decision of the board on the material is final. [back to top]

Responsibility:

The Library Board delegates the selection and acquisition of library materials to the Library Director and, at the discretion of the director, staff who are qualified by education and/or experience. All staff members are encouraged to recommend materials needed in particular areas of the Library, and to make note of subjects requested by patrons but not held by the library. Recommendations for the addition of materials from citizens of the community are encouraged. Serious suggestions will be considered carefully and an effort made to include worthwhile titles which are deemed appropriate. When, in the opinion of the Director, the material requested is of limited appeal, interlibrary loan will be suggested instead of purchasing the material. [back to top]

Selection

The following factors will be determinants in the selection of materials to be added to the Library’s collections:

• • An attempt will be made to maintain an appropriate balance between books of temporary, current popularity and those which are timeless and of classic value.
  • The overall value of material as an individual work and its value to the collection as a whole.
  • Factual accuracy and/or objectiveness of non-fiction materials.
  • Relationship to existing collection in the same subject field.
  • Local history and materials of specific interest to the Pleasantville community will be given special consideration.
  • Community needs and/or requests.
  • Price and/or availability.
  • Whenever possible, objective reviews in reliable sources will be consulted before purchasing materials.

The selection of sources for the purchase of library materials shall be left to the discretion of the Library Director or to the person(s) designated to be in charge of acquisitions.

All regulations governing the purchase of materials and services shall be in compliance with policies adopted by the City of Pleasantville. [back to top]

Library employees are subject to the personnel practices and regulations of the City of Pleasantville as outlined in its Employee Handbook. A copy of the Employee Handbook is located at the front desk of the library. A copy is available for each library employee. [back to top]

1. It is the policy of the Webb Shadle Public Library to promote and encourage community-minded people to serve as volunteers. Volunteers’ diverse skills and expertise enhance and augment paid library staff to provide the best possible service to the public which is serves. The use of volunteers is to provide adequate staffing and enhance library services while making the best use of fiscal resources and furthering the library’s mission of promoting community and intellectual diversity.
2. The library director, board of trustees shall recruit library volunteers to augment, not replace, paid staff in the enhancement of library services and programs.
3. Volunteers will be coordinated by the director of designee. The Library Director is authorized to create and amend procedures to implement and support this policy.
4. Volunteers will submit a Library Volunteer Application Form which will be kept on file. Applicants may be subject to reference checks and review of the sex offender registry. The Library does not guarantee the placement of all applicants and reserves the right to refuse an applicant. Parental signatures will be required for all applicants under the age of 18 years old. Children under the age of 14 are not allowed.
5. Volunteers are expected to adhere to the regular work rules and policies of the library. Depending on assignment, volunteers may be in a position to observe personal information or literature choices of patrons. Volunteers will respect the privacy of all patrons and shall not discuss any information with anyone other than paid Library staff.
6. Record of individual and total volunteer hours will be maintained to assist the board in publicly recognizing those individuals annually and evaluating library activities.
7. Volunteers are not covered by Workers Compensation insurance.
8. Volunteers are considered “at will” volunteer employees and the Library reserves the right to terminate a volunteer’s working association with the Library at any time, for any reason. [back to top]

The East Room/Kitchenette of the library is available to rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cleaning checklist must be fulfilled after every event.

1. A Rental Agreement form must be filled out and signed by all renters.
2. Rental for events that are not-for-profit and/or educational in nature will not incur a charge in most cases (organizational meetings, educational programs, etc.).

• Ongoing (week-to-week/month-to-month) events that land in this category will require library board approval and may be subject to a fee.
• The cleaning checklist must be fulfilled at the end of the event regardless of whether a deposit is paid.

3. Private parties (birthdays, graduations, showers, reunions, etc.) will be charged $50/day, plus a refundable damage deposit of $50. The fee is due prior to or upon receiving the keys.

4. An inspection of the East Room, outside grounds, fixtures, and restroom facilities will be made by a representative of the building prior to and after rental. The representative’s inspection and assessment will be conclusive. This is to determine damage, missing furnishing, cleaning requirements, etc. to the premises.

5. The damage deposit will be adjusted to repair/correct any problems as outlined in item #4. Balance of deposit, full or partial, will be available to pick up after inspection, typically 1-3 business days after the event. If the renter does not wish to return to the library for the deposit, the deposit will be mailed to the renter’s address. In the event that the damage deposit is insufficient, the renter agrees to pay the amount to repair said damages in excess of the deposit.

6. Parties may request an exemption from the deposit and/or rental fee by filling out a Rental Fee Exemption Request Form for the library board to review.

7. Exemption/Approval requests will be assessed at regular library board meetings, typically held the first Tuesday of the month. If an assessment must be made prior to a board meeting, the library director may contact an officer of the board, and the officer may solely determine the outcome. [back to top]

The Board of Trustees of the Webb Shadle Public Library recognizes the responsibility to protect the privacy of library users. Confidentiality is essential to protect the exercise of patrons’ First Amendment Rights.

This policy is meant to protect the privacy of library users while complying with the Constitution of the United States of America, federal statutes, and the code of Iowa.

Iowa Code 22.7, number 13, 14, and 18 speak specifically to library record privacy.

22.7 Confidential Records:

The following public records shall be kept confidential, unless otherwise ordered
by a court, by the lawful custodian of the records, or by another person duly
authorized to release such information:

13. The records of a library which, by themselves or when examined with other
public records, would reveal the identity of the library patron checking out or
requesting an item or information from the library. The records shall be released to
a criminal or juvenile justice agency only pursuant to an investigation of a
particular person or organization suspected of committing a known crime. The
records shall be released only upon a judicial determination that a rational
connection exists between the requested release of information and a legitimate
end and that the need for the information is cogent and compelling.

14. The material of a library, museum or archive which has been contributed by a
private person to the extent of any limitation that is a condition of the contribution.

18. Communications not required by law, rule, or procedure that are made to a
government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those
communications from such persons outside of government could reasonably
believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to that
government body if they were available for general public examination.

Notwithstanding this provision:

In keeping with the protections afforded by the Constitution of the United States of America, federal statutes and the code of Iowa, the Webb Shadle Public Library shall hold confidential:

• a. Information sought or received and materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired, database search records, reference interviews, interlibrary loan records, computer use records, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.
• b. The names of card holders and their registration information and not provide access for private, public, or commercials use.

In keeping with the above statements, the following shall be policy for Webb Shadle Public Library records:

1. The Library Director is designated as the lawful custodian of records and the City Attorney is the legal counsel. Every effort shall be made to reach the Director if court orders are to be served, whether the Director is present in the building or not. In the Director’s absence, the President of the Board is duly authorized to release confidential library records.
2. Webb Shadle Public Library registration records and circulation records shall be kept confidential.
3. If there is reasonable basis to believe library registration records are necessary to the progress of an investigation or prosecution, the request for such records including the justification for the request, shall be made to the Director, in writing on official letterhead by an official of the investigation or prosecution workforce, who has provided necessary identification.
4. If there is reasonable basis to believe library circulation records are necessary to the progress of an investigation or prosecution, the judicial system provides the mechanism for seeking release of such confidential records: The issuance of a court order, following a showing of good cause based on specific facts, by a court of competent jurisdiction. Such court orders shall be presented to the library Director.
5. Circulation and registration records shall not be made available to any agency or local, state, or federal government except pursuant to such process, order of subpoena as may be authorized of, and pursuant to local, state, and federal law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power.
6. The issuance or enforcement of any such process, order, or subpoena shall be examined by the library Director in consultation with legal counsel and resisted until such time a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.
7. Family accounts are available to those who request them. The library will release information to the parent or guardian of a minor child on the family accounts, for the purpose of recovering overdue materials and settling accounts for lost, late, or damaged material, and for other matters, related to the recovery of material or charges incurred by minor children for which a parent or guardian may be considered liable. However, information will not be provided to the parent or guardian who is merely attempting to determine what library materials a minor child is using. [back to top]

Signed Documents

Board signed policy documents

Volunteer Policy

East Room Rental Policy

Confidentiality of Library Records Policy, signed and dated

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