(Revised 4-19-07)

Policy Statement

Our library staff welcomes everyone and is here to serve all customers. We are dedicated to making the library a welcoming place and to providing quality service to all of our patrons. As a result, the staff cannot monitor the whereabouts or behavior of underaged children. Parents/guardians are responsible for abiding by the regulations outlined below.

Regulations

1. Responsibility for the safety and behavior of all children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or assigned chaperone, not with the library staff.
   
2. Children ten (10) years of age and younger shall, at all times, be attended and directly supervised by a parent/guardian or assigned chaperone age sixteen (16) or older.
   
3. Children eleven (11) through seventeen (17) may use the library unattended providing they are able to follow library rules and observe proper conduct. Children, like all library users, are required to respect library property and act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the library.
   
4. Children using inappropriate behavior will be informed of the rules. If the inappropriate behavior continues, an attempt to contact parent/guardian will be made. If they cannot be reached, proper authorities will be contacted.
   
5. Children of any age with mental, physical or emotional disabilities which affect decision-making skills or render supervision necessary, must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or assigned chaperone at all times.
   
6. Any minor child, age seventeen (17) or younger left at the library without transportation at closing time will be referred to the police. Under no circumstances will library staff transport or take a minor away from the library building.
   
7. The library is not responsible for children outside the library socializing or awaiting transportation.
   
8. In case of a medical emergency involving unattended minors, library staff will call 911 for help. Emergency personnel, upon their arrival at the library, will be informed that the child is not accompanied by their parent/guardian.
   
9. All accidents or incidents involving unattended children that require staff action will be reported in writing to the supervisor on duty. The supervisor on duty will give a copy of the report to the appropriate senior manager and to the Director.
   

(Revised 5-19-10)

Policy Statement

In order to protect the rights of our library users, Jessamine County Public Library endeavors to keep all records pertaining to customers’ use of library materials and information confidential.

Regulations

1. All Jessamine County Public Library circulation and other records which indicate the identity of library users, especially as they connect library users with material or services used, are confidential. This confidentiality extends to information sought or received, including library materials in all formats consulted or borrowed. These may include but are not limited to database search records, reference interviews, circulation records, registration records and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities or services.
   
   Such information may be disclosed:
   By an agency or individual duly authorized by the library and acting on behalf of the library within the scope of their duties.
   To an agency or individual or any local, state or federal government, pursuant to a process, subpoena or court order authorized pursuant to a federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, administrative or legislative investigative power. All such requests should be made to the Library Director who is the keeper of the records.
   
2. Customers may access their own library records and the records of minor children under their legal custody.
   
3. Legal Guardians may access the records of individuals under their guardianship.
   
4. Jessamine County Public Library regularly purges records containing personal information.
   

(Revised 7-21-10)

Policy Statement

The Jessamine County Public Library strives for every visitor to experience the joy and satisfaction of learning and enrichment. In order to ensure that opportunity, the library requires all users to demonstrate the appropriate decorum, respect and civility towards other individuals on the library’s property by complying with the code of conduct outlined below.
A copy of this policy shall be given to all new library customers when they first register for a library card. The Customer Code of Conduct will also be posted in the library.

Regulations

1. Any 1.) unlawful behavior, 2.) potentially harmful behavior, or 3.) any other action that interferes with the normal operation and use of the library is not permitted.
   
2. Respectful use of the library and its property is to be exercised at all times.
   
3. Verbal or physical threats or harassment, including sexual harassment, toward any staff member or library customer is forbidden.
   
4. All library users must obey any reasonable direction given by a library staff member.
   
5. All materials must be checked out before exiting the library proper.
   
6. Personal items, such as backpacks, briefcases, bags, purses, etc. may be subject to inspection by authorized personnel.
   
7. Large items not essential to library activities, which may impede access, must be left outside the building.
   
8. Customers are responsible for the care and safety of their own personal property, both inside and outside of the library building. JCPL is not responsible for personal items lost or damaged at the library.
   
9. Appropriate apparel, including shirts and footwear, must be worn in the library. A customer whose offensive bodily hygiene interferes with the ability of others to use the library facilities as intended may be asked to leave the building.
   
10. Parents/guardians or assigned chaperones are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children.
    
11. Children ten (10) years of age and younger must be attended and directly supervised by someone age sixteen (16) or older.
    
12. Only assistive service animals are allowed in the building unless the director has given prior approval.
    
13. No alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or tobacco use is permitted inside the building.
    
14. Food items are to be consumed in the gallery area only. Drinks in closed containers may be brought into the library.
    
15. Conducting non-library surveys or soliciting in the library is prohibited.
    
16. The noise level in designated quiet areas of the library is to be kept to a minimum; any activity louder than a whisper, including phone conversations, should be conducted in another section of the library.
    
17. Library users are not allowed in the staff areas unless they are escorted by a staff member.
    
18. Recreational activities such as skateboarding, rollerblading, bicycling, etc., are prohibited on library property. Bicycles shall be parked in the designated racks outside the building (near the Main Street entrance).
    
19. No loitering is permitted on library property.
    
20. Customers must leave the library property by closing time.
    
21. The supervisor on duty is authorized to take appropriate action toward anyone failing to comply with this policy and its regulations, including, but not limited to, ordering the customer to leave the building immediately and calling the police
    
22. Failure to comply with the JCPL Customer Code of Conduct may result in limited or suspended library privileges.

Beverages in sealed containers (e.g. disposable cup with lid, travel mug, soda with screwcap) are allowed and encouraged inside the library. No food is permitted.

No beverages are permitted at the public computers.

(Revised 7-21-10)

Policy Statement

The Board of Trustees of the Jessamine County Public Library will make the meeting room(s) available to any group of citizens from Jessamine County provided they meet the regulations as stated below.
Library sponsored activities are given priority in scheduling use of the rooms at all times. The library reserves the right to cancel previously arranged room reservations, and will, in such instances, give prior notice to the party involved. All meetings are open to the public.
A copy of this policy and guidelines shall be given to all groups when their first registration form is received. The guidelines will also be posted in the meeting rooms.

Regulations for Community Use

1. The meeting rooms are available for public gatherings of a civic, cultural, or educational character. It is not available for social, fund-raising, or commercial purposes.
   
2. Any group offering programming for elementary or preschool children must have the prior approval of the Children’s Librarian.
   
3. In order to reserve a room, the following rules and procedures are to be observed:
   
   • Individuals wishing to reserve a room must be over the age of eighteen (18).
   • Before the room(s) can be reserved for the first time, a representative from the group must first register at the circulation desk.
   • The registration form will confirm meeting date and should be filed with supervising staff at least one week prior to the reserved date.
   • Once a registration has been filed, future meeting dates may be reserved by telephone.
   • The room(s) may be booked up to six (6) months in advance.
   • The room(s) may not be scheduled for regular weekly meetings.
   • Registration forms shall be re-filed and updated annually.
   • There is no fee charged for the use of the meeting room(s).
     
4. For the purpose of recording library use and traffic, a total attendance card shall be filled out for each meeting and left at the circulation desk.
   
5. Before leaving the meeting room(s), a checklist shall be marked off, signed and left at the circulation desk.
   
6. The meeting room(s) will be assigned in the order in which the requests are received.
   
7. All users must allow for set-up and clean up in the time they have booked. The room(s) may not be accessed before or after the time requested. Evening meeting room users must clean and exit the room 15 minutes before the library closes.
   
8. No admission fee may be charged by any group using the library meeting room(s). Fees sufficient to defray the direct cost of the activities of a group are allowed with prior approval by the librarian.
   
9. Children or youth groups must be accompanied by adult sponsors who will be present at designated times of the children’s arrival and remain until all children have departed. One adult per every ten children is expected.
   
10. Users of the meeting room(s) may enjoy use of equipment such as a DVD Player, LCD projector and screen. Storage facilities will not be offered to any group.
    
11. No alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or tobacco use is permitted inside the building.
    
12. Service animals are allowed, but no other animals may be brought inside the building.
    
13. Neither the name nor the address of Jessamine County Public Library may be used as the official address or headquarters of a group.
    
14. When publicizing a meeting to be held in the library meeting room(s), all groups must clearly state and identify time, place and sponsoring group or organization.
    
15. Any group that is disorderly or otherwise violates the regulations and guidelines of this policy may be denied use of the meeting room(s).
    
16. The group/person requesting the use of the meeting room(s) assumes responsibility. In assuming this responsibility, it is understood that each group agrees to pay for all damage to any property of the Jessamine County Public Library resulting directly or indirectly from the conduct of any member, officer, employee, or agent of the group and/or its invitees. The library will arrange for all repairs.
    
17. The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs. In case a question is raised as to the objectives and activities of any group requesting the use of the meeting room(s), Jessamine County Public Library Board of Trustees shall be the final authority in granting or refusing permission for the use of the room(s).
    
18. In consideration for the use of the meeting room(s), each group agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Jessamine County Public Library Board of Trustees and staff from and against all liability that may be imposed upon them, or any of them individually, for any injury to persons or property caused by that group or any person in connection with that group’s meeting.
    
19. It is understood that the Jessamine County Public Library, its Board of Trustees and staff, assume no responsibility whatever for any property placed in the library in connection with a meeting or for display purposes and that the Jessamine County Public Library, its Board of Trustees and staff, collectively and individually, are hereby released and discharged from any and all liability for any loss, injury, or damage to persons or property which may be sustained by reason of a meeting.
    
20. This statement of policy is subject to amendment at any time by the Jessamine County Public Library Board of Trustees.
    
21. Failure to comply with this policy, its regulations and guidelines, shall result in the termination of meeting room privileges.
    

The Jessamine County Public Library provides computers with Internet access and Microsoft Office Programs to customers whose accounts are in good standing and able to follow our Acceptable Use for Computers and Internet Access Policy below. The computers are available at no cost, but printing is $.10 per page.

Acceptable Use for Computers and Internet Access
(Revised 11-19-08)

Policy Statement

The Jessamine County Public Library offers customers in good standing free access to public computers. All customers who wish to use this service must agree to abide by the regulations below.

Regulations

1. To use a library computer, customers need to enter their library card number and PIN at an open terminal.
   
2. Adults and customers under the age of 18 are welcome to use the computers as follows:
   
   
   

   Adults Middle and High School Students Primary and Elementary School Students Software applications YES YES YES if accompanied by legal guardian with valid library card Filtered* use of the Internet YES YES if parent or guardian has given written permission YES if accompanied by legal guardian with valid library card Unfiltered use of the Internet YES if requested NO NO * In accordance with federal law, internet filters are installed on all of JCPL's public computers. Upon request, adults will be given access to unfiltered use of the Internet.

   
   
3. Customers may use the computers in one-hour time blocks. Requests for additional time will be accommodated as demand allows. Customers may also call the library to reserve a computer up to 24 hours in advance.
   
4. There is a charge of $.10 for each page sent to the printer.
   
5. Customers accompanied by children under the age of ten must at all times maintain close supervision of those children. Failure to do so will lead to the termination of customer’s computer session.
   
6. Customers are expected to abide by local, state, and federal laws. Proper rules of computer and network etiquette must also be observed. The following are not permitted:
   
   a) Displaying offensive messages or pictures
   b) Violating copyright laws
   c) Damaging computers, computer systems, or networks
   
7. The library reserves the right to check the computer’s history files. If a customer is found to have violated a regulation, he or she will be given a verbal warning. If a second violation occurs, the library may terminate the customer’s computer privileges for up to one year.
   
8. Customers exhibiting disruptive behavior must terminate their computer session and may be asked to leave the property.
   
9. The responsibility for any intentional damage of computer hardware or software is assumed by the customer, or, in the case of a minor, the legal guardian. In assuming this responsibility, the customer or legal guardian agrees to pay the cost of the repair or replacement.
   
10. Customers may use their own jump drives or memory keys while working on one of the library’s PCs. The following must be observed:
    
    a. Customers may never plug anything into the USB port at the back of the computer. The portable storage devices may only be plugged into the port in the front of the computer.
    b. The computer must be logged off before customers can remove their devices. Failure to do so may cause damage to the device and/or computer.
    c. Customers plug in their devices at their own risk. The library is not responsible for any damage caused to customers’ drives or the files on them.
    
11. Each customer is responsible for the use of the computer until he or she logs off with a library staff member.

Disclaimer
The Internet is a highly unregulated medium, and the library is not responsible for the accuracy, currency or propriety of its content. Customers must exercise judgment and evaluate for themselves the value of the information found online. The library assumes no responsibility for damages, direct or indirect, resulting from customer’s use of the Internet or public computers.

(Policy last revised: 10/23/06)

Our library staff welcomes everyone and is here to serve all customers. We are dedicated to making the library a welcoming place and to providing quality service to all of our patrons. As a result, the staff cannot monitor the whereabouts or behavior of under aged children. Parents/guardians are responsible for abiding by the regulations outlined below.

• Responsibility for the safety and behavior of all children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or assigned chaperone, not with the library staff.
  
• Children ten (10) years of age and younger shall, at all times, be attended and directly supervised by a parent/guardian or assigned chaperone age sixteen (16) or older.
  
• Children eleven (11) through seventeen (17) may use the library unattended providing they are able to follow library rules and observe proper conduct. Children, like all library users, are required to respect library property and act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the library.

• Children using inappropriate behavior will be informed of the rules. If the inappropriate behavior continues, an attempt to contact parent/guardian will be made. If they cannot be reached, proper authorities will be contacted.
  
• Children of any age with mental, physical or emotional disabilities which affect decision-making skills or render supervision necessary must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or assigned chaperone at all times.
  
• Any minor child, age seventeen (17) or younger left at the library without transportation at closing time will be referred to the police. Under no circumstances will library staff transport or take a minor away from the library building.
  
• The library is not responsible for children outside the library socializing or awaiting transportation.
  
• In case of a medical emergency involving unattended minors, library staff will call 911 for help. Emergency personnel, upon their arrival at the library, will be informed that the child is not accompanied by their parent/guardian.
  
• All accidents or incidents involving unattended children that require staff action will be reported in writing to the supervisor on duty. The supervisor on duty will give a copy of the report to the appropriate senior manager and to the Director.