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Americans with Disabilities Act
Display Case
Donation & Appraisal Policy
Internet Access & Computer Usage
Library Card
Materials Selection & Collection Development
Meeting Room
Mission Statement
Problem Patron & Sexual Harassment
Unattended Children
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
Open Records
Americans with Disabilities Act
The MCPLS adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that assures equal access to employment opportunities and access to all library facilities, activities, and programs. Every attempt will be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities and the library welcomes input from persons with disabilities about the ways the library can more completely serve them. Questions about ADA compliance and complaints or suggestions about accessibility of library facilities, activities, and programs should be addressed to the library director.
Created 01/22/09
Display Case
Exhibits and Display Cases Policy
Display space is available in the library’s exhibit case for educational, artistic, and cultural materials that promote interest in the use of books, library materials, and information, or that share information about local are and cultural groups. Preference will be given to exhibits that are timely and of general interest. Displays that focus on a public issue (including elections and political issues) must include information about major aspects of differing points of view. Displays that are solely commercial in focus are not appropriate.
Displays will generally be changed ever 2-4 months. Groups or individuals desiring to use the exhibit case should submit a request to the exhibit coordinator at least two months in advance. Generally, the same group or individual may display items one time per year.
The library director may reject any exhibit or display that does not fit with the mission of the library or that is not neat and presented attractively. Labels for exhibit items must be neat and legible.
The library will take reasonable care to ensure the safety and security of items displayed, however the library has no insurance to cover exhibit items and assumes no responsibility in the event of loss, theft, or damage. Exhibitors are encouraged to insure items of value and will be required to sign a form that releases the library from responsibility for loss, damage, or destruction. Items must be removed from the exhibit case as scheduled by the exhibit coordinator or they will be removed and stored for 30 days by library staff. After thirty days, they will be disposed of in accordance with local law. Display of items in the library does not indicate endorsement of the issues, events, or services promoted by those materials.
Created on 01/22/09
Donation & Appraisal Policy
MCPLS welcomes gifts of gently-used DVDs, magazines, and books. Donated books should be less than five years old or of local significance. The library cannot accept donations of reference materials (textbooks, encyclopedias, etc.), items with writing or other markings, or items with odors, dirt, mold, etc. Any donation of more than ten (10) items must be approved by a member of the management team at least 24 hours before drop-off.
Items will be added to the collection in accordance with the selection policy of the library. Once donated, items become the property of the MCPLS, and may be given to other libraries, other non-profit agencies, sold, traded, or discarded if they are not added to the collection. Donated items will not be returned to the donor and the library will not accept any item that is not an outright gift. The library will acknowledge receipt of donated items but is unable to set fair market or appraisal values. It is recommended that the donor make a list of items donated. If items are being donated to obtain a tax benefit, it is the donor’s responsibility to establish fair market value or obtain expert assistance in establishing any value. The library also reserved the right to decide when a gift added to the collection must be withdrawn.
Monetary gifts, bequests, and memorial or honorary contributions are welcome. Funds donated will be used to purchase items in accordance with the selection policy of the library. Books, videos, and other materials purchased with bequests and memorial or honorary contributions will be sent to the family of the person being recognized. Suggestions for subject areas or other areas of interest are welcome and will be followed to the extent possible.
Acceptance of donations of equipment, real estate, stock, artifacts, works of art, collections, etc., will be determined by the library board based on their suitability to the purposes and needs of the library, law and regulations that govern the ownership of the gift, and the library’s ability to cover insurance and maintenance costs associated with the donation.
Created 06/23/09
Updated 4/21/21
Internet Access & Computer Usage
Accuracy Disclaimer
Not all information provided through Internet sources is accurate, complete, or current information, and may be offensive or dangerous. The library assumes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of information obtained through Internet sources. It should be understood that use in a public environment prevents any guarantee of privacy.
Internet/Computer Use By Children
Parents or Legal Guardians will be responsible for monitoring the use of the Internet and computers by their child. Children under the age of 10 must have a parent or legal guardian present, and in attendance with them at all times, to use the computer for Internet use and other available programs.
Technology Equipment Checkouts
The Library allows patrons to check out a variety of technology, including laptops and hotspot devices. Patrons must be 18 years of age to check out these materials, and all items must be returned in the same condition in which they were checked out.
The library has received funding from the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to purchase hotspots. Any ECF supported equipment and services can only be provided to patrons who declare they do not have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the internet during the duration of the checkout period.
Filter
The Library employs the use of web content filtering software to assist in prohibiting access to material that is obscene, contains child pornography, or is harmful to minors to comply with Federal law. However, users should be aware that the nature of the Internet precludes any filtering software from being fully effective. Some sexually explicit sites may evade the filtering device. Other sites may be inadvertently blocked. Please report any problems accessing a site to a Library staff member. Library staff will temporarily disable the Internet filtering device for research or other lawful purposes at the request of a user; however, all other restrictions on the usage of the Internet listed in this document continue to apply. Violation of any rules in this policy while the filtering device is disabled may result in loss of Internet use privileges.
General Rules for Internet/Computer Use
- All patrons must read the Marshall County Public Library System Internet/Computer Use Policy.
- Permission for two people using one workstation is required & does not double the length of time allowed.
- Patrons will be given one initial hour. The session will automatically extend if there are no patrons waiting for a computer.
- Patrons 10-12 years old will be limited to 3 hours of computer use per day. Persons 13 years and older will be limited to 5 hours of computer use per day.
- Patrons CANNOT use another person's library card to access the Internet computers.
- Each page printed will cost 25¢ per page for black and white and 50¢ per page for color.
- Library staff can offer general assistance and will assist individuals in the use of the Library's website.
- Library staff cannot assist users in extensive searching through the many other sites available via the internet. Users should have a minimal level of computer experience and be able to use a mouse. The Library offers introductory computer classes and the staff can assist in registering you.
- Users with disabilities should contact the Library staff if they have special needs.
Internet/Computer Misuse
The library staff is authorized to refuse anyone access to the Internet or Computers. The violation regulations are as followed:
- The 1st violation of this policy will result in a warning.
- The 2nd violation of this policy will result in loss of Internet/Computer Access for one year.
- The 3rd violation of this policy will result in permanent loss of Internet/Computer Access.
Violations include but are not limited to:
- Unauthorized connection to the library's network.
- More than two people per station.
- Exceeding time-limit when other patrons are waiting.
- Charge fees to library via Internet workstations.
- Exhibits pornographic material on Internet workstations. (KRS 531)
- Violating copyright or software licenses while using Internet workstations. (US copyright law, Title 17, US Code).
- Use of Internet workstations to harass others or illegal activities.
- Intentional damage to workstations, printers, and/or additional property.
- Altering hardware/software configurations.
- Using a Guest Card to bypass the daily limit.
- Removal of SIM card from any library device.
- Failure to return hardware
- Failure to comply with documentation requirements for any equipment purchased through federal or state grants.
Library Card
The Marshall County Public Library accepts the American Library Association Equity of Access statement. Equity of Access means that all people have the information they need, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, education, ethnicity, language, income, physical limitations, or geographic barriers. Equity of Access states that all patrons should be able to obtain information in a variety of formats--electronic as well as print-- without fear of censorship or reprisal.
MCPL cannot and does not accept responsibility for what a user accesses or borrows. The Library encourages parents to be an active participant in their child’s selection of materials.
In order to check out material, a patron must present their library card, have their picture on their account, or provide positive identification. Patrons are not permitted to use another patron’s library card except in special circumstances which must be approved by a member of the Management Team.
Permanent, Full-Time Resident Card
(1) Patrons receiving the Permanent, Full-Time Resident Card must provide a photo ID and proof of local address in order to obtain a card. Local residents include all persons living in Marshall County as well as the surrounding counties of Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, McCracken, Trigg, Union, and Webster.
(2) Patrons who are not local residents may obtain a Permanent, Full-Time Resident Card for a $20 fee.
(3) Applicants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to register for a library card unless they are 16 or over and can provide a photo ID.
(4) Patrons who have a Permanent, Full-Time Resident Card have full access to library materials and services.
Temporary Resident Card
(1) Any person who does not currently have a library card is eligible for the Temporary Resident Card.
(2) Patrons with a Temporary Resident Card can check out up to 3 items at a time, have full access to online materials, can use in-house computers, are eligible to receive training/certification in the MakerSpace, and may check out equipment for in-house use.
(3) Applicants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to register for a library card unless they are 16 or over and can provide a photo ID.
Digital Access Card
(1) Any person may have a Digital Access Card, including patrons who have a Permanent, Full-Time Resident Card or Temporary Resident Card that is in bad standing due to fees or missing/damaged materials.
(2) Digital Access Cards may be applied for online.
(3) Patrons with a Digital Access Card have full access to online services and may use in-house computers.
(4) Applicants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to register for a library card unless they are 16 or over and can provide a photo ID.
Family Option
Applicants must select this option to allow family members to pick up, know about, and renew library material. Patrons who chose the Family Option may allow a family member to pick up their hold material. Hold material will be checked out onto the account the hold was placed. The Family Option does not allow family members to use one another’s cards to check out materials.
Renewal & Replacements
Patron library cards expire every two years. In order to renew, patrons must confirm their current contact information. The Library will charge $2 to replace physical library cards.
Approved by Marshall County Public Library Board of Trustees on November 17, 2021.
Materials Selection & Collection Development
Objectives
The purpose of the Marshall County Public Library is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid the individual in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time.
The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.
The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Marshall County Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy.
The materials selection/collection development policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.
Responsibility for Selection
The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the library director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Marshall County Public Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.
Criteria for Selection
Materials will be selected based on positive reviews in professional journals or actual examination and evaluation of materials. Items and authors that must be purchased every year may be placed on a standing order list to ensure timely delivery.
The main points considered in the selection of materials are:
- Individual merit of each item
- Popular appeal/demand
- Suitability of material for the clientele
- Existing library holdings
- Budget
- Format
- Reviews
Reviews are a major source of information about new materials. The primary source(s) of reviews is (are):
- The Library Journal
- Booklist
- Publisher’s Weekly
- Best Seller lists
- Guide to Reference Books
- Publisher's and jobbers catalogs
- Best Seller lists
- Patron requests
- Newspapers, radio, TV, or other media publicity
- Internet sources
- Standard lists
The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title that is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and material discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.
Deselection of Materials
Materials that no longer meet the needs of the community and no longer support the library’s collection will be withdrawn and disposed of in accordance with the library’s “Collection Management” policy.
Approved by Marshall County Public Library Board of Trustees on October 24, 2002.
Meeting Room
Availability and Fees
The meeting rooms of the MCPLS are made available free of charge to non-profit groups. The purpose of the meeting rooms is to make them available to as many community groups as possible. Therefore, a non-library group may not monopolize the use of the meeting room.
Rules
•Library sponsored programs will receive first priority. There may be times that the library will have to unexpectedly cancel a group’s meeting to allow a library function to be held.
•No fee is charged for use of the facility.
•Pass-through costs for educational materials or supplies may be allowed if pre-approved by the Director.
•No materials, equipment or furniture belonging to any organization will be stored on Library premises, and the Library will not assume responsibility for any materials or items left on the premises.
•Library sponsored events for the purpose of raising funds for the Library are allowed.
•Groups consisting mainly of persons under eighteen (18) years of age must have an adult in supervision at all times during the meeting. The contact adult may not leave the premises until all other attendees have departed even if the library itself is open.
•Light, non-alcoholic refreshments may be served by the group, but no serving materials will be provided by the Library. If the carpet or furnishings are soiled during the use of Library facilities, the organization must pay the cost of cleaning. Garbage should be disposed of as leaving.
•The room must be restored in an orderly manner after use, chairs in place, tables clean, garbage taken off, etc.
•If a meeting is canceled, the Library must be notified at once and at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled event unless unexpected hazardous weather or other emergencies occur.
•In compliance with fire code regulations, attendance for any use of the facility may not exceed the room’s capacity.
•If a question is raised as to the objectives and/or activities of any organization or group requesting use of the meetingroom, the Board of Trustees shall be the final authority in granting or refusing permission for the use of the room.
Prohibited Uses
•Activities likely to disturb regular Library functions. Prior approval for such possible events may be obtained.
•Individuals, organizations or groups presenting programs of which the primary purpose is the disparagement or denigration of another individual, organization, or group.
•Functions such as birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, reunions, etc.
•Functions or activities which could endanger the safety of anyone while in attendance. The library cannot be held responsible for accidents or injuries occurring during use of the facility.
•Groups conducting moneymaking activities while using the facility.
o Meetings promoting sales or services may NOT be held.
o Advertising products for sale is also prohibited.
o Nonprofit and public organizations may seek permission from the Board of Trustees to hold fundraising activities. Requests must be made at least sixty (60) days in advance. Fundraisers for political parties or candidates are not allowed.
Reserving The Meeting Room
•The appropriate form used to reserve the meeting room must be filled out, signed, and returned to the library.
•A contact name and phone number must be provided. The contact person will be responsible for turning off meeting room and restroom lights as well as restitution for any fees.
•Advance reservations for groups are allowed, but not earlier than six (6) months prior to the event.
•Meeting rooms are intended for groups use. Individual use may be scheduled on an as-needed basis no more than one week in advance.
Created 01/22/09
Revised 11/20/19
Revised 10/20/21
Mission Statement
The Marshall County Public Library System provides equal opportunity access to information, high quality book and multimedia materials, programs, exhibits, and on-line resources to meet the needs of the community.
Approved and adopted by the Marshall County Public Library Board of Trustees on October 24, 2002.
Problem Patron & Sexual Harassment
Patrons and staff of the MCPLS have the right to enjoy an environment free from harassment or lewd conduct. Anyone, including patrons, who harasses staff or another patron, will be asked to leave the library and a report will be filed with the director. Repeated acts of harassment or acts that may escalate into violent or illegal actions will be report to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, the Benton City Police Department, or the Calvert City Police Department.
Lewd acts or sexual misconduct is not appropriate in the library. Those who commit minor acts will be given one warning and then asked to leave.
Examples of minor acts are:
• Patrons, of any age, who “make out” in the library
• Vulgar or inappropriate gestures
• Repeatedly asking staff to override policies
Serious acts and acts of harassment will be reported to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, the Benton City Police Department, or the Calvert City Police Department. All serious acts will be reported to the Director.
Created 01/22/09
Revised 02/23/10
Unattended Children
Children of ages 12 & under
The Marshall County Public Library System welcomes children to use its facilities and services. However, the responsibility for the care, safety and behavior of children using the library rests with the parent, guardian or caregiver. A caregiver must be at least 16 years of age. The Library is not an alternative to daycare. Unlike a daycare facility, the library is not a closed environment.
All library patrons are required to abide by Library Rules & Regulations. Failure to abide by Library Rules and Regulations may result in the exclusion of a patron from the Library and/or access to the Library and its services.
• Children under the age of 10 must have a parent or caregiver in the immediate vicinity unless they are participating in a library program.
o Parents or caregivers for those ages 5 & under who do not attend the program with the child should remain in the building.
o Parents are still responsible for the actions of their children.
• Children of ages 10 - 12 may use the Library unattended for up to three (3) hours.
o Parents are still responsible for the actions of their children. Children using inappropriate behavior will be informed of the rules. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child shall be asked to leave the Library.
o If a child under the age of 13 and is in need of supervision and no parent, guardian, or caregiver can be located in the building or otherwise contacted, library staff will notify police.
• Children at least 13 years of age may be unattended as long as they abide by Library Rules and Regulations.
Closing Time
Children who are left to wait outside the building for a ride after the library has closed are placed in a vulnerable position. If a child under the age of 13, or with an obvious impairment, has not been picked up by closing time, employees will attempt to contact the parents or caregivers and two employees will wait with the child. If the child has not been picked up after 15 minutes, the police or sheriff department will be summoned to assist the child. Under no circumstances will a library employee provide a child a ride home.
Created 01/22/09
Revised 02/21/17
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
Where can I connect?
Depending on many factors, this will vary. You should receive your best signal inside of your local branch.
Is there an access fee?
No, the Marshall County Public Library is providing this service free of charge to its patrons. Patrons must have their own equipment, wireless card and software, and agree with the Marshall County Public Library District's WiFi Terms of Service.
When is access available?
WiFi is available 24/7.
What equipment do I need?
An internet capable device with a (802.11a/b/g) wireless Ethernet card.
Is public wifi internet access at Marshall County Public Library filtered or unfiltered?
Public Wi-Fi internet access is filtered.
Is the network secure?
Marshall County Public Library's Wi-Fi is as secure as any open public access network. It's always a good idea to make sure you are on an SSL-encrypted web page prior to sending or receiving confidential data.
Can I print to the Library's printers?
There are no printers connected to MCPL's wireless network.
I can't connect, who can help me?
Library staff can only give generic instructions for connecting. Library personnel are not permitted to handle any computer equipment that is not owned by the Marshall County Public Library.
Open Records Policy
Open Records Requests and Records Retention
The Marshall County Public Library is subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870-61.884) and certain requirements with regard to records retention.
Retained records
The Marshall County Public Library will maintain and retain its records in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Unless otherwise provided by law, records may be retained or discarded according to the Records Retention Schedules as adopted by the State Archives and Records Commission.
Public records
Not all records of the Marshall County Public Library will necessarily be “public records” under the Open Records Act, and even some public records are exempt from operation of the Act. "Public record" generally means all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, discs, diskettes, records, or other documentary materials prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the Library. It does not include any records owned by a private person or corporation that are in the possession of the Library or one of its employees.
Requests for records
The Marshall County Public Library Director (or designee) acts as Custodian for all of the Library’s public records. Any Kentucky resident may request to inspect or receive copies of the Library’s non-exempt public records. All requests to view or copy the Library’s public records pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act must be made in writing and must contain the requester’s name and a statement that the person making the request is a Kentucky resident. Requesters may use the Request to Inspect Public Records form, but are not required to do so. All Open Records Requests must be submitted via U.S. Mail, facsimile transmission, email, or hand delivery. Open Records Requests should be directed to the attention of the Library’s Records Custodian. If a requester is requesting to be provided with copies of non-exempt public records, they must provide a sufficiently precise description of the documents they are seeking so as to allow the Records Custodian to readily identify them.
Response
The Marshall County Public Library has five business days in which to respond to an Open Records Request. This time begins to run the next business day after the request is received.
The response to an Open Record Request may: (1) grant the request, (2) deny the request, (3) explain that there will be a delay in responding to the request; or any combination thereof. To the extent a request is granted, the response will provide a timeframe when the requested non-exempt public documents may be inspected in person, or will inform the requester of the applicable copying charge and postage fee required to be paid before copies of the non-exempt public documents may be provided. To the extent a request is denied, the response will provide the legal cause for the denial. To the extent the full response to a request is delayed, the initial response will give a detailed explanation of the cause for any delay and an estimate of when a complete response may be expected.
Copies
To the extent a request is granted, copies of the responsive non-exempt public records requested may be provided at a cost of $0.10 per page, along with any applicable postage costs, all of which must be pre-paid by the requester. Requests for specialized or non-standard copies (e.g. color or oversized copies) will be provided at the cost incurred by the Library to produce them. The Marshall County Public Library may also recover costs associated with staff time expended in responding to a request made for a commercial purpose. Non-public or exempt information may be redacted as appropriate from copies of otherwise non-exempt public records provided.
On site examination of records
To the extent a request is granted, individuals requesting to review records will be allowed to schedule a time to conduct on-site inspection of non-exempt public records during the regular hours of the Marshall County Public Library. An on-site inspection may be required by the Library if the request is not precise in nature. Public records must be inspected in the location set by the Library. During their inspection, a requester may copy non-exempt public records (at their own cost), but may not remove, alter or add to documents provided for review. The Library is responsible for protecting the security of public records in its custody, and may require that a staff member be present during any inspection or copying of its public records.
Denial of request
Certain public records are exempt from inspection under the Open Records Act. Circulation and Library use records for individual patrons are exempt from inspection, and requests to inspect or receive copies of these records will be denied, as will a request to inspect or receive copies of any other records which either are not public or which are exempt under the Act. Under certain circumstances, the Library may find that a request would create an unreasonable burden to comply with, and may deny such a request for that reason. Requests that the Library believes are intended to disrupt its essential functions will also be denied. Reasons that a request may be deemed unduly burdensome for compliance, or which may be disruptive to the Library may include time and expense involved in retrieving and duplicating the records, or in the type and nature of the request. To the extent a request is denied, the Library will provide the legal basis for the denial to the requester.