Library Policies

 

Circulation Policy

Library staff will require those applying for library cards to present documentation sufficient to establish their identity and place of residence. There shall be no charge for issuing a card. Library accounts for Brooklyn adults are valid for 2 years from the
date of issue and can be renewed at no charge. Juvenile and out-of-town accounts are valid for 1 year from the date of issue and can be renewed at no charge.

Library staff may deny borrowing privileges to patrons with an account that is not in good standing due to unreturned material.

Iowa Code 22.7 which states:
“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: 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." Custodian of record is Josh Gerard.

Books, books on CD, DVDs, magazines, puzzles and games can be checked out for 2 weeks and will automatically renew twice, unless the material is reserved for another person. There is no general limit to the number of materials that can be checked out. At
staff discretion, limits may apply to materials. All materials may be reserved in person, over the telephone, or on-line. Reserved materials will be held for the patron for 5 days. Patrons are expected to return materials to the library in the same condition as they borrowed them. If an item is lost or damaged beyond repair, the borrower will be billed for the current retail replacement cost of the item. Patrons are allowed to purchase a replacement copy of an item, but the replacement copy must have a matching ISBN or product code and be in new condition. Replacement costs will be assessed by billing staff who will check current retail prices for replacement in library vendor databases (i.e. Baker & Taylor, Ingram, Midwest Tape) and Amazon.com. Out of print materials will be assessed a value based on the current Out of Print Prices list. Patrons will be given a receipt for fees paid for damaged items. Customers may keep the damaged item when paid for in full. Replacement charges are not refundable. If materials are found after payment, they become the property of the patron.

The library reserves the right to take measures up to and including legal action to recover materials not returned in accordance to Code of Iowa, Section 714.5.


Computer and Internet Usage Policy

RESPONSIBILITY OF USERS

All users of electronic information resources are expected to use them in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided. It is expected that users will have some prior knowledge of how to work the computers, such as how to do a browser search, or operate our office software.

Library staff will be glad to assist patrons (time permitting) in using the library computers and the Internet, but they
may not be familiar with every application you might wish to use. The library staff cannot provide complete technical
support.

Use of computers will be on a first come first serve basis. There is no set limit, unless there is a wait, and then a 60
minute time limit will be enforced.

Material may be printed at a cost of 15¢ per single-sided black and white page. Color prints will cost 50¢ per single-sided page. If you print it, it must be paid for whether you want it or not. Printing costs will be collected at time of printing.
Patrons are responsible for which materials they copy or print out.

USERS MAY NOT:

  • Call for a specific time to use computers.
  • Engage in any activity, which is deliberately offensive or slanderous.
  • Ask librarians to copy or print out materials for you to avoid potential liabilities with copyright laws.
  • Expect library staff to teach you how to use computers. You should have a working knowledge of computers beforehand.

DISCLAIMER
You are advised that complete protection against viruses is not possible. Consequently, Brooklyn Public Library cannot be held liable for damages to personal data and equipment.

 

Bulletin Board Policy

The Library maintains bulletin boards for the purpose of disseminating library, community, or public service information and materials of educational or cultural interest. Approval of a display or distribution of handout materials does not indicate
endorsement of any cause or activity.

All materials for display or distribution must be submitted for approval by designated Library staff members. Any material found on the bulletin boards or in the brochure rack that has not been approved shall be removed and discarded. Dated material will
be removed as soon as possible after the event. Undated material will be removed after a minimum of two weeks or when the space is needed for other materials.

The Library posts and/or distributes free materials such as community pamphlets, fliers, calendars, newsletters, tabloids, and other information for public awareness and convenience. The Library acts as a distribution point for information that city,
county, state, and federal government agencies wish to disseminate widely. The Library will post and distribute information on educational and cultural opportunities available within the area. Job search information will be posted or distributed if it is of
general public interest.

Because space is limited, materials will be posted and/or distributed in this order of
priority:

  1. Brooklyn Public Library announcements and publications.
  2. City of Brooklyn and Poweshiek County government announcements and publications.
  3. State of Iowa, federal government announcements and publications.
  4. Civic, recreational, cultural, and educational announcements and publications. If space is limited, priority will be given to events and organizations in the immediate Brooklyn area.
  5. Commercial publications containing information of general interest to Library customers.

The Library reserves the right to dispose of materials that have been posted. It cannot be held responsible for returning materials to the donors.