Newton Public Library
720 N Oak
Newton, KS 67114
(316) 283-2890

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NEWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
SERVICE AND OPERATIONAL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

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GENERAL

Values
Mission
Revision

PATRON SERVICE POLICIES

Access to Library Services
Confidentiality
Code of Conduct
Request for Information

Hours
Holidays
Training Days

Issuance of Card
Lost or Damaged Card
Loan Periods
Fines and Fees
Denial or Restriction of Library Use

Services to Teachers
Services to Persons with Qualified Disabilities

Reference Service (City Cross Directory)
Interlibrary Loan Requests
Interlibrary Loan Fees

Electronic Services
Illegal and Prohibited Acts
Internet Access for Minors
Internet Contents
Other Internet Restrictions
User Responsibilities

Accessing Electronic Services
Handling Inappropriate Use of the Internet

Public Use of Library Supplies
Use of Copier and Printers
Use of Microfilm Machine
Public Use of Fax Machine

Public Programming
Adult Services
Youth Services

Acceptable Use Meeting Rooms

Display and Distribution of Community Information
Exhibits and Displays

Copyright Disclaimer
Video Disclaimer
Computer Disclaimer
Internet Disclaimer

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NEWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
SERVICE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES - PUBLIC FORM

STATEMENT OF VALUES

We are dedicated to the highest standards of ethics and public service, and will strive for the maximum of effectiveness and economy in Library operations. Information services will be conducted with all possible consideration of confidentiality for the researcher and the contents of research. The Newton Public Library Board of Trustees, Director, staff, and volunteers will strive for equity and fairness in serving individuals and organizations throughout the community. We are dedicated to the development of full and equal access to information for all people.

These are the values which guide our services:

• Patron needs come first. We place the highest priority on service to our patrons and treat every request as being of equal value. We acknowledge that our patrons' information needs are considered first as we enhance traditional services, and implement new and innovative services. We will proactively develop new services to meet changing information needs in our community.
• Respect for people. We treat all our patrons, and each other, as valued individuals.
• Access to information. We ensure access to information for people of all ages, abilities, and means.
• Freedom of information. We protect the freedom to read and view all Library information.
• Privacy and confidentiality. We safeguard the right to request and obtain information in confidence.
• Basic services without charge. We provide basic Library services free of charge.
• Promotion of services. We inform our community about Library services. We draw our community into dynamic environments that encourage a love of reading and lifelong learning.
• Quality. We strive to deliver the highest quality services possible. We strive to provide friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, and expert staff.
• Stewardship of community resources. We recognize that we have been entrusted with managing Library resources contributed by the community. We hold ourselves accountable for the efficient and effective use of all resources - people, time, assets, and funds.
• Integrity. We follow the ethical standards and policies which have been adopted by the Newton Public Library Board of Trustees.

NEWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Newton Public Library is to provide quality Library resources and services which fulfill educational, recreational, informational and cultural needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful and professional.

The roles the Library intends to fulfill are:

• Popular Materials Library: The Library provides current, high demand, high interest materials in a variety of formats for persons of all ages.
• Children's Door to Learning: The Library encourages children to develop an interest in reading and learning through services for children and for parents and children together.
• Independent Learning Center: The Library supports individuals of all ages pursuing a sustained program of learning independent of any educational provider.

The Library upholds all Library users' legal right of access to Library resources, services and facilities. We uphold these rights in order to ensure the safety of users and staff, and to protect Library resources and facilities from damage.


REVISION OF POLICIES

Upon recommendation of the Library Director or a majority of the Library board, policies may be reconsidered or revised. The Library Board is granted sole authority in Kansas Statute for adopting Library policies.

PATRON SERVICE POLICIES

ACCESS TO LIBRARY SERVICES

The Newton Public Library affirms a person's right to use a Library should not be denied because of origin, age, background, or views.

Any restrictions regarding the type of materials a minor may borrow from the Library must be made by a parent or guardian, with the following exception: In the interest of protecting the families from replacement or damage costs and the collection from damage or loss, toys may be checked out only by an adult.


CONFIDENTIALITY

In accordance with K.S.A. Open Records Act (KOMA), 45-215 et seq., the Newton Public Library Board of Trustees in recognizing the Library's position of special trust with members of the public, ascribes to the confidentiality of Library and patron records. Staff, volunteers, and the Library Board of Trustees will not make available any of the information listed below to any person, agency of state, federal, or local government except and pursuant to federal, state, or local law relating to civil criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power:

• A patron's name or whether an individual is a registered borrower or has been a patron
• A patron's address
• A patron's phone number
• A patron's email address
• The Library's circulation records and their contents
• The Library's borrowers' records and their contents
• The number or character of questions asked by patrons
• The frequency or content of a patron's lawful visits to the Library or information supplied to the Library or gathered by it shall not be given, made available or disclosed to any individual, corporation, institution or government agency without valid process, order or subpoena.

The Library will not retain a patron's charge records beyond their use for circulation or control purposes.

In exchange for access to Library services, Library patrons irrevocably consent and agree that the Library may disclose and/or submit the circulation records of patrons with past due materials and unpaid fines, charges and fees to a collection agency, legal counsel and/or the court system for the purposes of debt collection and materials recovery.

Parents or legal guardians of children under 18 years of age may, upon presentation of proper identification, obtain the current status of their child's circulation record or withdraw their authorization for the child's Library card.


CODE OF CONDUCT

To the ultimate goal of providing a pleasant and suitable environment at the Newton Public Library, the following Code of Conduct is presented to protect the personal rights of patrons and employees and insure the preservation of public property.

• All persons are welcome in the Library. Parents or guardians are responsible for the conduct and safety of persons under their care.
• Library materials must be properly checked out at the check out desks. Certain materials, such as reference books, and current periodicals may not be removed from the Library.
• Library staff reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks, containers, books and any similar items.
• A pay telephone is provided for patron use. Library telephones are for Library business only.
• The following will not be tolerated in the Library at any time:
• Behavior which may result in disturbing other Library users, including, but not limited to: loud talking, obscene, profane or abusive language, running, fighting, shoving, throwing things, physical or verbal harassment or threats
• Any person, clothing or belonging that are soiled in such a manner that may in turn cause by contact the soiling or staining of Library furnishings or other Library property; and any person, clothing or belonging that emits strong nauseating odor
• Leaving a child, ages seven or under, unattended in the Library without the supervision of an adult except for organized Library activities
• Use of audio equipment or musical instruments, except Library equipment, so that others can hear it
• Abuse or misuse of Library materials, equipment furnishings, furniture, or harming Library users or staff
• Eating or drinking if not part of a Library sponsored function
• Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, firearms or other weapons
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Animals, except for those needed to assist a patron with a disability or for use in a Library sponsored program that has been authorized by the Library Director
• Rollerblades, scooters
• Soliciting funds or panhandling
• Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing or surveying Library patrons or staff
• Unauthorized or unscheduled group meetings or activities
• Entering non-public areas such as staff work rooms, offices and storage areas
• Any illegal act or conduct in the violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance or regulation
• Shoes and shirts must be worn in the Library.
• Patrons must promptly leave the Library at its regular closing time.
• The elevator is to be used as the means to the lower level of the Library. Safe and responsible behavior is expected in its operation.
• The Newton Public Library assumes no responsibility for children left unattended on the Library premises.
• Any person whose behavior is inappropriate to the use of the Library by other patrons or violating the Code of Conduct may be asked to leave the Library premises. A patron who refuses to leave under these circumstances is trespassing. In the case of trespass, the Library staff supervisor handling the trespass will seek assistance from the police if needed.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

All requests for a copy of any budget, report, minutes or other discrete and readily identified public record shall be open for inspection or copying by any person unless otherwise provided.

Charges for the costs of staff time and copying shall be at the hourly rate of pay received by the staff person actually making the record accessible. No charge shall be made for staff time of less than six minutes, but thereafter, staff time will be computed at six minute intervals. The costs of copying shall be $.10 per copy page.

Requests for Library and patron records shall be denied in accordance with the K.S.A. Open Records Act. (see Confidentiality). All requests must be submitted in writing and signed by the requestor.

HOURS

The facility will be open for public service as follows:

Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Library website and on-line resources will be available for public access 24 hours each day except for maintenance services.

HOLIDAY

Holidays the Library shall not be open to the public: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

Closing the Library for other observed holidays will be at the discretion of the Library Board.


TRAINING DAYS

It is at the discretion of the Library Board to close the Library for staff, board and volunteer In-Service Training Days.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

The Library may be closed at the discretion of the Library Director or Library Board President for inclement weather. It is the general policy to close the Library when USD 373 Newton closes for inclement weather.



ISSUANCE AND USE OF LIBRARY CARD

A Library card will be issued without charge to residents of Kansas who present valid proof of identification which includes a photo ID. Acceptable forms of identification are:

• Kansas Driver's License with current address or Kansas ID
• School ID with proof of address
• Military ID with proof of address
• Utility bill, lease agreement, or mail that is not hand-addressed is acceptable, if accompanied by a photo ID
• Persons under the Kansas age of majority which is eighteen years of age must obtain a parent's or legal guardian's signature with parent's/guardian's identification as per above qualifications. In cases where an individual has been conferred the rights of majority by District Court, or is 16 years or over and is or has been legally married, the person is treated by law as having achieved "age of majority".

Courtesy cards are issued to college students who are not residents of Kansas but attending a Kansas college who present a school ID with proof of address.

The Library will issue cards, with a legal guardian's or foster parent's signature on the application, to wards in a legal guardian's or to foster children in a foster parent's care. The guardian or foster parent will remain legally responsible for lost, damaged, or overdue items checked out on that card until such time as the guardian or foster parent notifies Library staff that the child is no longer in their care and the Library card should be cancelled.

A Library card may be issued to a business, governmental unit, or other organization when requested and when a responsible individual is identified. The business or organization is responsible for materials borrowed on the card.

A teacher Library card may be issued to a teacher when requested who present valid proof of identification. A teacher Library card will extend the three week loan period for an item to an eight week loan period. Library items checked out on the special teacher card must be for in classroom use. The teacher is responsible for materials borrowed on the card.

Library materials may be checked out by anyone with a Newton Public Library card in good standing.

• To check out materials, the patron must present the Newton Public Library card.
• Patrons are in "good standing" when the amount of fees or lost charges is less than $5.00 and there are no items more than 30 days overdue or fees more than $5.00 but an active payment plan in place.

· LOST OR DAMAGED CARD

The patron is responsible for promptly notifying the Library of a lost or stolen Library card. Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out to a lost or stolen card that is not reported as such.

Upon loss or damage beyond usability of a Library card or barcode the replacement cost of a new card or barcode is $2.00. Staff may issue a new borrower's card or barcode without replacement charge five years after issuance of previous card.


LOAN PERIODS

• 7 days (1 week): New, holiday books, items with a minimum of four holds, equipment, back issues of periodicals, toys, videos, miscellaneous - designated as 7-day loans
• 21 days (3 weeks): All other books and audiovisual materials, Polaroid cameras
• 56 days (8 weeks): Art prints, books for ENLITE patrons including large print library loans, classroom loans
• Overnight: Reference books
• Each day for a loan period ends when the Library facility closes for public service.
• Renewal Methods: The patron may renew a library material as listed below in Renewal Loan Periods. A patron must follow standard check out procedures in order for an item to be renewed by one of the following methods:
• Bring the library material into the Library and follow standard check out procedures.
• Renew the library material through the Library automation system by entering the requested patron barcode number and PIN.
• Renew the library material by calling the Library and providing the staff with the patron barcode number and PIN.

RENEWAL LOAN PERIODS:

• 7 days (1 week): New books may be renewed one time if there are no holds for the books.
• 7 days (1 week): Holiday books are non-renewable.
• 21 days (3 weeks): Items may be renewed one time if there are no holds for the items.
• Interlibrary Loan: Interlibrary Loan materials may be offered to Library patrons in conjunction with the guidelines established by the Kansas Interlibrary Loan Council. Check out requests of Interlibrary Loans will be limited to four per borrower at any one time.
• All other loans including overdue materials are non-renewable.
• Reservation of Materials: Any circulating material owned by or on order by the Newton Public Library may be placed on hold without charge.

FINES AND FEES

Items held over the final day of the loan period are subject to the following fine schedule except as noted. (Newton Ordinance No. 3506)

• 10 cents per day for adult books, magazines, audio-visual materials, vertical file materials, Interlibrary Loan materials, all videos and toys
• 5 cents per day for children's books, magazines, and audio-visual materials, except videos and toys
• 25 cents per day for art prints
• $1 per day for equipment

A $5 maintenance fee is charged for all equipment for the loan period.

Replacement cost and $10.00 processing fee and accumulated fines  per item will be charged for material damaged or destroyed beyond use. Material that is damaged or still useable will be charged a minimum of $1.00 up to the replacement cost of the material.

The Newton Public Library is not responsible for any damage which may occur to a patron's personal equipment during use of videos, audiocassettes, compact discs or computer software borrowed from the Library. Any damage to the Library's material is the responsibility of the borrower.


DENIAL OR RESTRICTION OF LIBRARY USE

Any patron who has fines or fees accumulating to $5.00 or more must clear those charges before the patron's Library card can be reactivated.

Lost Declaration. Patrons are responsible for library materials borrowed on their Library card which have been declared lost or damaged beyond repair by the Library or the patron. An item is declared lost by the Library when the item is at least 30 days overdue. A patron may declare an item lost or damaged beyond repair at anytime.

• The patron is responsible for the replacement cost of the item and a $10.00 processing fee per item. When payment is not made within 30 days of the lost declaration the patron's charges may be referred to a collection agency.
• The patron, whose transactions have not been referred to a collection agency, may return the lost item with the payment receipt to the Library if the item is found within 30 days of payment. Upon Library Board of Trustees approval, the patron will receive 80% of the replacement cost of the item. The processing fee is not refunded. No refund will be given for transactions referred to a collection agency.
• The patron owns the item if it is located more than 30 days after payment. No refund is given.

SERVICES TO TEACHERS

The Library will cooperate with area public, private and home schools to promote good reading habits with students.

Classes are welcome to visit the Library for stories, research, and tours. As a courtesy to staff and other patrons, it is requested that teachers call the Library before bringing in a class or group of students. This will allow staff to plan for visits, and to advise teachers of the best times to visit, based on pre-existing classroom activities, Storytimes and staffing availability.


SERVICES TO PERSONS WITH QUALIFIED DISABILITIES

No individual with a qualified disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs or activities of the Newton Public Library, except when such accommodation would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the program or in undue financial and administrative burdens.

REFERENCE AND INFORMATION SERVICES

The Library reference staff endeavors to provide accurate information and materials in response to requests from Library users in an efficient, courteous, and timely manner. Questions are generally answered in the order received, with priority given to questions asked by patrons in the library.

Telephone or electronic reference service is usually limited to supplying readily available information that does not require extensive research and that can be accurately imparted over the telephone or electronic communication system. Extensive research that requires selection of appropriate materials, interpretation of data and sources, or analysis of information is best performed by the patron.

Telephone reference questions that can be answered quickly (two or three minutes) without affecting service to patrons in the library should be handled while the patron waits. Questions that require more time to answer, or that are received while other patrons are waiting in the library, will be handled as callbacks. Privacy and concern for accuracy of information will be considered when leaving messages on answering machines or with another household member.

Additional care and caution must be exercised when providing legal, medical, or consumer information. To avoid misunderstandings, it is preferred that patrons visit the library to review this type of information, rather than receiving the information over the telephone. Staff will not offer advice or opinions, condense or abstract information, or suggest a course of action or diagnosis. Staff will provide the source and copyright date for legal and medical information.

Cross directory information will not be provided via the telephone or computer.


INTERLIBRARY LOAN REQUESTS

The Library participates in the Kansas Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Circuit. At the request of a patron, the Library will attempt to locate materials which are not owned by the Library and borrow the materials from other participating Interlibrary Loan libraries.

• The patron is limited to four Interlibrary Loan requests on the system at one time.
• The loan period is determined by the lending Library.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN FEES

If the lending Library charges a lending fee, the patron, after being consulted, will be responsible for the charges.




ELECTRONIC SERVICES

Computer use is an integral part of Newton Public Library activities and information resources. The following policy governs the use of public workstations at Newton Public Library
The Newton Public Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. As with other library materials, restrictions of a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian The Library does not monitor an individual’s use of any sites except when material displayed on the screen may be deemed criminally prohibited by applicable state and federal laws. All workstations are in view of other library users and staff and users are not permitted to display images containing gratuitous violence or obscenity as identified in K.S.A 21-3516 and 21-4301 et seq, and federal laws on copyright (U.S. Code, Title 17). The Library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) (codified in pertinent part at 20 U.S.C. § 9134) regarding requirements to use technology protection measures. Technology protection measures such as filters are not completely reliable. The Library cannot be held responsible for prohibited information that might be displayed. The Library will disable the filter for adults patrons 17 and over upon request or in the case of minors for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) laws require an age-related limitation of information access for, in the Kansas law, "...a child under the age of 18 years" and in CIPA and NCIPA, "...an individual who has not attained the age of 17." This limitation is applied to information that is obscene as defined in K.S.A. 21-4301; 21-4301a, and 21-4301c. In compliance with state law, the library will apply this limitation to users under the age of 18. To provide the definition required by CIPA and NCIPA, the phrase "matter...inappropriate for minors...." used in the federal law is regarded as synonymous with the definition of obscenity in K.S.A. 21-4301; 21-4301a, and 21-4301c. Applicable state and federal laws for this policy are available upon request.


ILLEGAL AND PROHIBITED ACTS

Inappropriate use of Internet access will result in cancellation of the individual’s use of this service. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Displaying or disseminating images containing gratuitous violence or obscenity;
• Disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal information that could threaten the safety or security of a minor, any other person, or the Library;
• Attempting unauthorized access to restricted or confidential systems;
• Use of computer which impedes activities of others;
• Destruction or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library;
• Unauthorized monitoring (or disruption of) electronic communications;
• Unauthorized use or destruction of data of other users;
• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material;
• Violation of software license agreements and copyright laws;
• Violation of another user’s privacy;
• Any illegal activity, unethical misrepresentation or any form of harassment;
• Use of library workstations for other than their intended purposes.

Illegal acts involving Library resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities.

When Internet searching results in disruption of library service, or if patron behavior when using Internet resources becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to end the session.

INTERNET ACCESS FOR MINORS

As with all Library materials, parents, legal guardians and caregivers, not Newton Public Library, are responsible for their minor's use of the Internet. The organization of the Internet makes it impossible for Library staff to control content selected by minors or adults. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their minor's use of the Internet through the Library. Parents and minors are encouraged to read CHILD SAFETY ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY including the section MY RULES FOR ON-LINE SAFETY, reprinted and distributed with permission of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which is available on-line and in print form through the Library. Parents and legal guardians may restrict their minor from access to the Internet resource available through the Library (see Appendices: Internet Access For Minors Restriction Form, Internet Access Procedure, Internet Disclaimer on Internet Workstation, Statement on Internet Sign Up Sheet).



INTERNET CONTENTS

Library staff cannot control the availability of information links which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. The Library's book, periodical, CD-ROM databases, etc., provide resources that have been selected in accordance with the Materials Selection Policy and consequently are often more authoritative and credible than some Internet content.


OTHER INTERNET RESTRICTIONS

The Library does allow Library patrons and visitors access to email through free web based email services for a maximum of 15 minutes per day on designated email stations. Library patrons and visitors may access Library email stations by presenting a Newton Public Library card or acceptable photo identification. Visitors under the age of eighteen who are not registered borrowers may register to use email stations only with a parent or legal guardian who has presented acceptable photo identification.

The Library does not provide access to newsgroups/chat rooms. Users may not download material onto the computer’s hard drive.

The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet or computer session at any time.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES

All users of the Internet are expected to use this Library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use including, but not limited to, those of the Library. Responsible, courteous use of the Internet includes:

• Recognizing that the Internet, like all of the Library's information sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others and refrains from activity that prevents others from using it.
• Using the Library's Internet resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
• Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet.
• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
• Respecting the privacy of others using public access workstations at the Library by not interfering with their use.
• Not sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene.
• Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
• Refraining from the deliberate propagation of computer worms or viruses.

STEPS FOR ACCESSING ELECTRONIC SERVICES

· User must sign up to use computers at the appropriate desk and must follow stated policy and procedure for each computer.

° Use of Internet and email computer stations is open to all registered Library patrons and visitors in good standing (see: Illegal and Prohibited Acts, Denial Or Restriction Of Library Use). Users must sign up at the Check Out Desk presenting a Newton Public Library card or acceptable photo identification which will be held for the duration of the Internet or email session. Parents and legal guardians may restrict minors from access to Internet resources available through the Library (See Appendices: Internet Access Restriction Form). Visitors under the age of eighteen who are not registered borrowers may register to use email stations only with a parent or legal guardian who has presented a Newton Public Library card or acceptable photo identification.

° Register for public use reference computers at each computer station.

° Register for public use CD computers at Children’s Services Check Out Desk.

· User may reserve computer time 24 hours prior to use.

° User may reserve up to a one hour block of time in a 24 hour period.

° User may use the computer in 15 minute increments until time the computer was previously reserved if the computer is available without making a reservation.

· Parents and guardians of minor children are responsible for their children’s use of Library computers. Parents and guardians are expected to monitor and supervise their children’s access to the computer resources in the Library.

· Users may not download materials onto the computer’s hard drive. Users may download material onto a diskette, when appropriate. The diskette must be purchased from the Library. There will be a $1 charge for each diskette used. Due to chances of a virus, users may not bring in their own diskettes.

· Users may not use their personal software on Library computers.

· Library scheduled use of the equipment takes precedence over individual use at all times.

STEPS FOR HANDLING INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE INTERNET

· Whenever a staff member receives a complaint or witnesses a user accessing Internet material that may be inappropriate, the staff person should take the first step to correct the situation. The staff member should inform the user that it appears they may be viewing material that is considered inappropriate and ask them to review the Library acceptable use policy. The staff member will inform the user that violating the acceptable use policy will result in the loss of library privileges.

· The staff member will note on the patron’s card that the customer was observed or reported to be viewing inappropriate material, that the acceptable use policy was reviewed and that the patron was informed that violation of this policy will result in the loss of library privileges.