(Policy last revised: 12-15-04)

The Children's Library is dedicated to resources and services for children. Persons who are unaccompanied by children are to use the Children's Library only for the purpose of retrieving materials for study and check out or to make arrangements for materials to be pulled and used in other parts of the library.

1. Parents and Caregivers are invited to accompany their children to the Children's Library to participate actively in reading, programs and the selection and use of library materials.
   
2. Persons who are unaccompanied by children may select items in the children's library but they may not loiter in the department.
   
3. Persons who are unaccompanied by children may not use the computers or restroom facilities in the children's library.
   
4. Persons who are unaccompanied by children may be asked to leave the children's library at the discretion of the children's library staff.

(Policy last revised: 07-28-04)

The Jessamine County Public Library considers all patron records, including but not limited to, registration information and use information in the form of circulation records, database search records, computer use records, interlibrary loan records or reference records, to be confidential. In order to protect the rights of our library users, Jessamine County Public Library makes every effort to keep all records pertaining to customers' use of the library confidential.

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 consulted or borrowed, database search records, reference interviews, circulation records, registration records and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities or services. Such information may not be disclosed, except to:

   a. Persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the library or library system.

   b. 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 must 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. Signatory of an agency card, as well as owner and/or director of said agency, may access records pertaining to the agency card.
   
5. Whenever possible, it continues to be the policy of Jessamine County Public Library to purge records containing personal information.
   
6. If the supervisor on duty deems that a customer's behavior appears to be in violation of the law, the library considers his/her rights to privacy as forfeited and will take appropriate action.

(Policy last revised: 10/23/06)

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.

• Any disturbing, unlawful, potentially harmful behavior or any other action that interferes with the normal operation and use of the library is not permitted.
  
• Respectful use of the library and its property is to be exercised at all times.
  
• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing any staff member or library customer is forbidden.
  
• All library users must obey any reasonable direction given by a library staff member.
  
• All materials must be checked out before exiting the library proper.
  
• All bags are subject to inspection by authorized personnel.
  
• Customers are responsible for the care and safety of their own personal property, both inside and outside of the library building.
  
• Appropriate apparel, including shirts and footwear, must be worn in the library.
  
• Parents/guardians or assigned chaperones are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children.
  
• Effective March 1, 2007, children ten (10) years of age and younger must be attended and directly supervised by someone age sixteen (11) or older.
  
• Only assistive service animals are allowed in the building unless the director has given prior approval.
  
• No alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or tobacco products may be brought inside the building.
  
• Food items are to be consumed in the coffee-shop area only. Drinks in closed containers may be brought into the library.
• Conducting non-library surveys or soliciting in the library is prohibited.
  
• The noise level in designated quiet areas of the library is to be kept to a minimum; any activity louder than a whisper should be conducted in another section of the library.
  
• Library users are not allowed in the staff areas unless they are escorted by a staff member.
  
• Skateboarding, rollerblading, loitering and bicycle riding are prohibited on library property. Bicycles shall be parked in the designated racks outside the building.

• Customers must leave the library building by closing time.
  
• Carrying of deadly weapons is prohibited on library property.
  
• 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.
  
• The supervisor on duty is authorized to ask anyone failing to comply with this policy and its regulations to take appropriate action, including, but not limited to, asking the customer to leave the building immediately, calling the police, and limiting the customer's 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.

(Policy last revised: 06-16-04)

As a way of supporting our mission and vision, the Library welcomes the use of its meeting rooms. First priority in the use of Library meeting rooms will always be given to Library sponsored and co-sponsored programs and to programs held in cooperation with the Library. While this impacts the availability of meeting rooms, the library does allow group usage of the rooms by Jessamine County citizens. If you have more questions, please see Meeting Rooms -» View, or contact the Circulation Department by e-mail or phone 859-885-3523.

The Board of Trustees of Jessamine County Public Library will make the programming 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.
  
• The programming room is available for public gatherings of a civic, cultural, or educational character. It is not available for social or religious gatherings, fund-raising, partisan political or commercial purposes.
  
• Any group offering programming for elementary or preschool children must have the prior approval of the Children's Librarian.

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 or e-mail us.
  
• The registration form will confirm meeting date and should be filed with the librarian 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 programming room.
  
• For the purpose of recording library use and traffic, an attendance card shall be filled out for each meeting and left at the circulation desk.
  
• Before leaving the room(s), a checklist shall be marked off, signed and left at the circulation desk.
  
• The programming room(s) will be assigned in the order in which the registration forms were received.
  
• 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 programs must end 15 minutes before the library closes.
  
• No admission fee may be charged by any group using the library programming room. Fees sufficient to defray the direct cost of the activities of a group are allowed with prior approval by the librarian.
  
• 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.
  
• Users of the programming room(s) may enjoy facilities and equipment such as kitchen, projector and screen. Storage facilities will not be offered to any group.
  
• No alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or tobacco products may be brought inside the building.
  
• Service-dogs are allowed, but no other animals may be brought inside the building.
  
• Neither the name nor the address of Jessamine County Public Library may be used as the official address or headquarters of a group.
  
• When publicizing a meeting to be held in the library programming room(s), all groups must clearly state and identify time, place and sponsoring group or organization.
  
• Library staff is authorized to deny permission to use the programming room(s) to any group that is disorderly, objectionable or is otherwise violating the regulations and guidelines of this policy.
  
• The responsibility for any damage to the room(s) and contents is assumed by the group that has requested the room(s). 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.
  
• 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 programming 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).
  
• In consideration for the use of the programming room, each group agrees that it will hold harmless 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.
  
• 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.

This statement of policy is subject to amendment at any time by the Jessamine County Public Library Board of Trustees. A copy of this policy and guidelines shall be provided to all groups when their first registration form is received. The guidelines will also be posted in the programming rooms.

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
(Policy last revised: 12-20-06)

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.

• 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.
  
• There is a charge of $.10 for each page sent to the printer.

• 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. For more information see Unattended Children policy -» View

• 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:
  
• Displaying offensive messages or pictures
• Violating copyright laws
• Damaging computers, computer systems, or networks
• Accessing chat rooms
• Playing online computer games
• Using Instant Messenger software

• 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. Customers exhibiting disruptive behavior must terminate their computer session and may be asked to leave the property.
  
• 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.
  
• Customers may use their own jump drives or memory keys while working on one of the library's PCs. The following must be observed:
  
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Each customer is responsible for the use of the computer until he or she logs off with a library staff member.

• 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.

(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.