Library Policies
The Orange City Public Library is guided in its mission by the policies reviewed and adopted by its Board of Trustees. Library policy helps define the values of the library, set standards for service, and ensure equitable treatment for all. The policies listed below are only a portion of the Orange City Public Library’s policy handbook. All policies are available upon request.
Circulation Policy
Purpose
The purpose of the Orange City Public Library Circulation Policy is to establish library card eligibility and to state the conditions that invalidate cardholder privileges.
Adopted 2002, Reviewed 2004, Revised 2007, Revised 2012 Revised 11/2014, Revised 11/2015, Revised 6/2018, Revised 10/2020
The entire policy is available by download only using the following link:
Code of Conduct Purpose
The purpose of the Orange City Public Library Code of Conduct is to provide a safe and comfortable environment that is conducive to the use of the library. Providing expectations of behavior ensures the safety of library patrons and staff. The Code of Conduct is also instrumental in securing the equipment, collections and facilities of the library. The library is defined as the library building, parking lot, grounds and surrounding sidewalks.
Expectations
Patrons using the library are expected to behave in a way that is appropriate to the library’s purpose. Patrons are expected to observe the rights of other patrons in using the library and its resources. Patrons are expected to follow all library policies and use library collections, services and technology as indicated by those policies. Patrons are to observe the rights of staff and their responsibility to conduct library business.
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to the following:
• Annoying, harassing, or threatening another person.
o Harassment is defined as any action or situation that produces
psychological or physical discomfort or causes embarrassment. Harassment includes but is not limited to requests for sexual contact, unwelcome physical advances, or conduct (verbal or physical) that is intimidating, demeaning, hostile, offensive, or potentially dangerous. Iowa Code Section 708.7
- Any behavior that endangers or could endanger the safety or health of self or others.
- Exceeding acceptable noise levels. Iowa Code Section 723.4
- Behaving in a disorderly manner. Iowa Code Section 723.4
- Using abusive or profane language. Iowa Code Section 723.4
- Theft, vandalism, or the deliberate destruction of Library materials, property, or
the personal property of other patrons or staff.
- Displaying, distributing, scanning, viewing or printing pornographic or obscene
material or other offensive material that is in violation of federal or Iowa
law. Iowa Code Section 709.9
- Photographing, videotaping, or audio taping of individuals unless authorized by
the individuals involved, or their parents or guardians if the individuals are
minors.
- Maliciously accessing, altering, deleting, downloading, damaging, or destroying
any computers, peripherals, computer systems, networks, computer programs, or
data.
- Impeding access to the building or any area of the building.
- Entering staff or locked areas, unless accompanied by a staff member or through
prior authorization.
- Inappropriate use of furniture and equipment.
- Leaving personal items in the building.
- Prolonged sleeping in the library.
- Bodily hygiene that is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons.
- Using the restroom facilities for bathing.
- Patrons must be fully clothed and wearing shoes.
- Consuming alcohol or controlled substances; public intoxication.
- Smoking, vaping, using e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, using snuff, or spitting.
- Petitioning or soliciting.
- Bringing animals into the Library, except those trained to assist individuals with
disabilities, or that may be providing programming for the library.
- Consuming food at computer stations.
- Littering.
- Violation of any municipal, state or federal law or code.
Enforcement
Enforcement of these rules may take the form of any of the following actions,
depending upon the severity of the misconduct which will be determined by the staff on duty at the time: Warning, Removal, Banning, and Police Contact.
Consequences of Disruptive Behavior in the Library
In most cases, patrons who are behaving inappropriately in the library will be given one warning and asked to behave in an appropriate manner. Patrons who do not modify their behavior after one warning may be asked to leave the library premises for the rest of the day.
Any misconduct that, in the judgment of a staff member, is extreme or threatening, may result in the person or persons being directed to immediately leave the building or alternatively, the police may be called without warning.
Patrons engaging in misconduct on more than one instance may be banned from the library premises for one month. Patrons may be banned from the library for one year if prohibited conduct continues.
The Library Director has full discretion to review incidents and amend consequences. An appeal in writing may be filed with the Library Board of Trustees. Appeals will be considered at the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, provided the appeal has been received seven days prior to the meeting.
Approved by the Orange City Library Board: 9/16/2014; Revised 11/19/19
Collection Development
Revised April 2018
General purposes and Responsibility
Purpose
The Mission of the Orange City Public Library is to enrich the community of Orange City and to provide access to information and technology. The library strives to provide quality services, technology and programming in order to foster readers, stimulate minds and to serve as a community gathering space. In order to meet this mission, the Orange City Public Library’s collection must provide a wide range of materials for users of all ages, educational levels and socio-economic backgrounds.
The purpose of this policy is to provide a well-balanced and broad collection of materials for all age groups, diverse types of material based on demand of the citizens, and materials for the education and recreation of the community, and to provide guidance and direction to the library staff for the development and maintenance of the library’s collection.
Responsibility
The Responsibility of collection development ultimately resides with the Board of Trustees and the Library Director. The responsibility can be delegated to other qualified staff with oversight from the Library Director.
This collection development policy provides structure and guidance for effective management of all aspects of the collection. The policy directs Library staff in both general and specific responsibilities of working with the collection and establishes guidelines for the acquisition and management of information and services for the benefit of the customer.
Selection Criteria
Acquisitions Statement:
- Selection is based upon professional journal reviews, authors or subjects which have widespread demand, patron requests (if the title is one that will circulate more than once or twice) and availability through regular library vendors.
- The Library acquires and manages a wide variety of informational and recreational resources in multiple formats with the intent to develop a useful, well-rounded collection of materials. These resources include print, non-print, and electronic resources as well as internet access. The primary focus is on serving the community with a popular consumable collection. A secondary focus is to provide research materials.
- Selection of library materials, whether purchased or donated, is based upon the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the community but is limited by factors such as materials budgets, space, agreements with other libraries, and content of existing collections. Including materials in the library collection does not constitute an endorsement of the contents of an item. The library recognizes that any given item may offend any one person, but because the library follows accepted principles of intellectual freedom, it will not remove specific titles solely because individuals or groups may find them objectionable. The library subscribes to the principles embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements adopted by the American Library Association.
- Each potential acquisition must be considered in terms of its own excellence and the audience for whom it is intended. There is no single standard that can be applied in all acquisition decisions. Some materials may be judged primarily in terms of artistic merit, scholarship; others are selected to satisfy the recreational or informational needs of the community. Expanding areas of knowledge, changing social values, technological advances, and cultural differences require flexibility, open-mindedness, and responsiveness in the evaluation and re-evaluation of all library materials. In order to build collections of merit, all acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, will be considered according to the following general and specific criteria:
- Materials for the library collection are chosen to support the mission of the library. The library is dedicated to providing service to persons of all nationalities, age, sex, religious persuasion, or disability. The library strives to offer the widest possible range of subjects and views in a variety of formats, treatments, and levels of difficulty, with consideration towards cost, available space, current holdings and demand.
- Materials for the library collection are chosen based on all of the above criteria and in consultation with library staff responsible for material selection and purchasing.
- Access to other collections: If the library does not own an item, for a minimal cost patrons can request the item through Inter Library Loan. The library also participates in “Open Access” through the Iowa State Library. The goal of Open Access is to provide Iowans with direct access to more library materials and information resources through a reciprocal borrowing program that enables customers from a participating library to go to other participating libraries and directly check out materials. As part of this program, residents of Orange City are able to access the Ramaker Library on the Northwestern campus and all other public libraries in Sioux County (and over 600 libraries throughout the state). The library cannot own every title; therefore, Interlibrary Loan Services (borrowing/lending from/to other libraries) are available at the state library’s allowed charge for postage.
- Specialized resources available in other local libraries will not be duplicated. When appropriate, patrons will be referred to other libraries. (Examples: Ramaker Library at Northwestern College has a Dutch Heritage Room with extensive information on Dutch Heritage and a staff person is employed to answer questions and help patrons. Sioux Center Public Library holds a substantial collection of Sioux County Genealogical information. )
Weeding the Collection
Because the library has limited space and limited resources we strive for a high use, well maintained collection of materials. Weeding is simply the selection process in reverse. The Orange City Librarians, using their knowledge, institutional interests, and professional tools decide which books to purchase, and use that same skill set to decide what books to withdraw. Routinely the library staff will examine the collection and pull books based on the following criteria:
- Removing books that are not being used
- Removing books with outdated or obsolete information/philosophies (that have no historical use)
- Identifying books that are damaged or in poor condition
- Identifying gaps in the collection and make new purchases
- Aligning the collection with the library’s goals and mission
- Increasing space for the collection
Request for Reconsideration
Anyone wishing the Library Board of Trustees to reconsider an item in the collection should talk with the Administrative Librarian and complete a “Request for Reconsideration” form. Completed Request for Reconsideration forms will be taken to the Board of Trustees for their consideration. The Board of Trustees will decide if the item remains in the collection at a regularly scheduled board meeting at least 14 days after the Administrative Librarian receives the completed Request for Reconsideration form. The Library Board of Trustees will consider the Request for Reconsideration based upon the written contents of the submitted form and after an opportunity to review the material.
Appendix
Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, Freedom to View Statements
We support the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement in providing free and open access to our materials for all age groups. Children are not restricted to particular area of the library. Our staff does not monitor the materials that children choose. The responsibility for the reading or viewing choices of children rests entirely with parents or legal guardians.
- LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS
- Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
- Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
- FREEDOM TO READ
This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council.
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.
Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.
These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.
Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.
Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.
We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.
The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
We therefore affirm these propositions:
- It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.
Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
- Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated. Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
- It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
4.There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
- It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.
The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
- It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.
It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.
- It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one.
The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support.
We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.
- FREEDOM TO VIEW
The freedom to view, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore these principles are affirmed:
- To provide the broadest access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
- To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials.
- To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
- To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video, or other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content.
- To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public’s freedom to view.
This statement was originally drafted by the Freedom to View Committee of the American Film and Video Association (formerly the Educational Film Library Association) and was adopted by the AFVA Board of Directors in February 1979. This statement was updated and approved by the AFVA Board of Directors in 1989.
Approved and Adopted by the Orange City board of trustees Oct. 14, 2014, revised April 23, 2018
Equipment Use Policy
Purpose
The purpose of the Orange City Public Library Equipment Use Policy is to establish guidelines for customer use of library equipment.
Policy
The person checking out the equipment must:
- have a current and valid library card
- be 18 years of age or older.
- sign the Equipment Use Form
The person checking out the equipment will be responsible for damage, missing components, or stolen equipment and be required to make financial restitution.
Overdue fees accumulate at the rate of $1.00 per day with a maximum fine equivalent to the replacement cost of the item, as determined by the library director.
Items must be returned to the circulation desk during the library’s open hours. Any items returned in the drop box will result in a minimum $10.00 fine, plus and any fees for resultant damages.
Approved 2/2015; Revised 10/2020
To see the full policy with with equipment use form please download the following link:
Gaming System Policy Purpose
Orange City Public Library services and programs are offered to make the library appealing and to encourage library use, to develop a love of books, reading and libraries. The Orange City Public Library’s Gaming Systems are in the teen area and in the children’s room.
Policy
Users must read and agree to the Gaming System Policy before use of the system. Users will have permission to use the system with a signed permission for Technology use located on the back of application cards. Failure to follow the rules and “Code of Conduct” policy rules will result in loss of library Gaming System privileges in the Teen Area. The user is responsible for any damages to any of the equipment that occurs during use. A manual invoice will be generated and attached to the library card holder for the damages. This will be handled on a case by case basis. The Orange City library welcomes patrons to use the gaming systems. Special times, events, and tournaments may include adult participation.
To use the newest gaming system (Currently Xbox One):
- Users must have a valid Orange City Public Library card in good standing and be age 9 or older.
- Game playing will be limited to 30 minutes (1/2-hour). If no one is waiting to use the system, play may continue. Anyone using the Gaming System must be willing to end the game when requested by staff.
- Users will check out the games, controllers and other accessories on their cards at the front desk. No outside games will be played without permission.
- Any broken, damaged, or dysfunctional equipment caused by patron misuse
will be charged to the patron’s card, and library privileges will be suspended until costs are cleared from the card. (Please note: game playing is monitored by video cameras.)
- Users will respect others and keep the volume and noise level low. This includes no vulgar, foul, or inappropriate language or actions. If players do not keep within these guidelines they will lose gaming privileges for the day. If there are continued problems, further action will be taken.
- A list of games will be provided. Games and accessories will be kept at the front desk when not in use.
- Users are asked to treat the equipment gently. Users who do not treat equipment gently will be asked by staff to stop for the day. A user who repeatedly abuses equipment will have his/her Gaming System privileges revoked.
- Inventory of the gaming accessories will be taken daily by the staff.
- The Gaming System can be used throughout the day.
10. The Gaming System will be shut down one half hour (1/2 hr.) before library closes.
Patrons using the gaming system must return all borrowed gaming controllers and equipment.
11. The policy is posted online and in the Gaming Area.
Other Gaming System:
- Youth under 9 will be allowed to use the older gaming system located in the children’s room.
- All guidelines and rules set out for the X Box One will also apply to our oldest gaming system.
- Games and controllers must be checked out on individual library cards.
Adopted 4/2015; Revised 10/2020
Internet & Computer Use Policy
Revised October 2014
Purpose
The Orange City Public Library provides free use of computers and access to the Internet to all users in good standing as part of its mission to help our patrons “Find, evaluate and use information”. It is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using Public Library resources. The purpose of the Computer and Internet Use Policy is to insure the best use of computers and access to the Internet by the greatest number of people.
Policy
- Internet computers are available for use during the library’s normal business hours. Use must be completed 15 minutes prior to the library’s closing. The Internet may be unavailable due to unforeseen problems with hardware, software or telecommunications.
- The Internet is available for any user who visits the library. Access is on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not accepted, but users are welcome to call ahead to check availability.
- Initial use will be limited to one hour. If no other users are waiting, use time may be extended for another hour at the discretion of the librarian on duty.
- Patrons using computers for research, job applications, or for work on lengthy documents may extend their time as needed. These patrons should inform staff prior to starting work so limits can be removed.
- Users are expected to have a basic knowledge of computer use and the Internet. Staff cannot provide in-depth training for users. Classes, training and an online tutorial are available for users not familiar with either the computer or the internet
- While respecting individual users’ right to privacy, Orange City Public Library staff reserves the right to monitor use of Internet workstations to ensure compliance with this policy. Staff may ask users to remove themselves from library equipment if observed behavior is in conflict with library policy.
- Any patron under 18 must have a library card to use the library’s public computers, and may access the internet. A parent’s signature on a child’s library card application is permission for their child to have access to the internet. Parents or guardians, not library staff, are responsible for internet information accessed by their children.
- The Library does not filter Internet content. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
- The Library is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor’s use of this resource.
- Use of the Library’s Internet connection in an illegal, disruptive or destructive manner may result in the loss of Internet or library privileges.
- The Library is not responsible for any loss of data, damage to equipment, or personal liability that may occur from use of its Internet connection.
The Orange City Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available on the Internet. The Library cannot be responsible for its content. The Internet is an un-moderated global network with a highly diverse user population and library Internet users use it at their own risk.
Internet users should avoid disclosing personal information over the Internet to preserve their own personal safety. Minors should use caution in their use of social networking sites, e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, as these forms of communication can expose minors to dangerous situations. Minors should never disclose personal information, such as name, school, address, and telephone number to strangers on the Internet. Library Internet users are prohibited by law from disclosing, using, or disseminating personal information about minors without written authorization of the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved.
The library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free. The library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user’s personal computer from the use of data downloaded from the library’s Internet service.
Iowa & federal laws make it illegal to download or purvey child pornography, purvey pornography to children, or to commit fraudulent acts using the Internet. Use of the internet to view or access obscene materials is prohibited.
Privacy in using the Internet in the library cannot be guaranteed. There exists a possibility of inadvertent viewing by others. Customers are urged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else.
Use of the Internet workstations is for LEGAL purposes only. Internet users may not use the library’s computers to display obscene materials or child pornography as determined by State and Federal Law. Other illegal activities which are also prohibited include but are not limited to:
- software piracy
- degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance
- gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities
- invading the privacy of individuals
- engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment
- violation of copyright or licensing agreements
U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use.” Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
Violation of this computer use policy shall result in the loss of computer privileges and may lead to financial responsibility. Violations of the internet policy to view illegal or obscene materials will result in termination of library use and a referral to appropriate law enforcement. All other illegal use of the internet will be referred to law enforcement.
Wireless Internet Access
The library provides free, unsecured, wireless Internet access for public use. The library does not provide technical support for privately owned personal wireless devices. Security for personal wireless devices rests solely with the owner of the wireless device. Personal use of the library’s public wireless access is subject to the same policies regulating other types of public Internet access provided by the library. As with all library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet.
The library will not restrict access to the internet for minors with phones, laptops or tablets.
The library cannot guarantee a connection at all times and in all places in the library. The library takes no responsibility for lost data, etc. due to a lost connection. Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance.
Patrons must take responsibility for their own equipment. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety, damage or theft of personal equipment, or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s network.
Misuse of the computers/ Internet/ wireless connection may result in the suspension or loss of privileges. The length of the suspension is at the discretion of the library staff. Minor and major violations will be subject to progressive punishment.
Meeting Room Policy
Revised June 2016
The Orange City Public Library offers meeting rooms for individuals, community organizations, and those that wish to provide an open forum for knowledge, ideas, and cultural enrichment.
Patrons using the Library meeting rooms must sign the Meeting Room Agreement.
General Information
- Library functions always have first priority for use of the facilities.
- Rooms:
- Rieckhoff Room (main floor) can accommodate up to 25 people with tables and up to 45 people without tables.
- The Upstairs Meeting Rooms (Goldfinch and Wild Rose) can accommodate up to 6 people.
- The Lower Level Meeting Room can accommodate up to 55 people with tables and up to 75 people without tables.
- All meeting rooms are equipped with a Smart TV that can be used to access the internet or display computer information using HDMI or USB connections.
- The actual number of people in either meeting room may vary with additional room needed for a speaker and different table and chair arrangements.
- The library does not charge a fee for meeting room use, except for:
- Room set-up charge ($25.00)
- Damaged property (cost based on damages)
- Excessive clean-up fee ($25.00)
- *Commercial/For profit groups ($25.00/4 hours; $50/ 8 hours; 9 or more hours $75.00)
- Fee Waivers or Reductions may be made at the discretion of the Library Director.
- The meeting rooms are available from:
- 9:00am – 7:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday
- 9:00am – 5:45 p.m. on Friday
- 9:00am – 5:45 p.m. on Saturday
- Any after-hours use requires special permission and arrangements must be made through the Director. A donation is requested for any after-hours use.
- Groups should be aware that the library has limited parking.
- Use of the library meeting rooms does not constitute an endorsement by the library of the philosophies, practices or viewpoints of the meeting participants.
Rules and Requirements
- All bookings must have full contact information including Name, Organization (if applicable), address, phone number, and email address.
- All meetings held in the meeting rooms must be free of charge.
- Fundraising of any kind is expressly prohibited
- No personal information may be gathered about attendees without their permission.
- Admission or membership fees or the purchase of any item as a condition for attending the meeting are not allowed. Contributions cannot be solicited.
- Groups allowed to use the rooms free of charge* include:
- Non-profit corporations – defined as those entities granted tax-exempt status by the IRS under section 501(c)(3) or other tax exempt sections of the Internal Revenue Code
- Candidate campaign committees – as defined in Iowa Code §68A.102(5)
- Political committees – as defined by Iowa Code §68A.102(18)
- Non-profit citizen’s groups (book groups, scouts, civic organizations, etc.)
- Governmental subdivisions – or a department/division/bureau of a governmental subdivision
- Individuals using the room for study, tutoring, or needing private, quiet space.
- The room must be put back to the original arrangement and vacated 15 minutes before closing time.
- If a special room arrangement is required, a set-up fee of $25.00 will be assessed.
- Smoking & alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
- Any group which fails to leave the room in a satisfactory condition (ex: does not clean the kitchen, or damages to premises) may be billed for the cost of repairs and/or cleaning fee ($25.00) and may not be allowed to use a meeting room in the future.
- Groups doing craft projects must take measures to ensure that the tables, chairs and floors are left neat & clean or a $25.00 fee will be charged (or possible replacement fee will be charged).
- All groups must abide by the Library Code of Conduct.
- The library is a shared community space. Loud talking or other loud sources of noise are not allowed to extend beyond the meeting room. CD players, microphones, and other electronic devices may be used, but the sound must be contained within the meeting room and not disturb the other library patrons.
- Groups wishing to exhibit, perform, duplicate, or distribute any copyrighted work in the library (print or non-print) must secure a license or permission to do so. (Example: handouts with copyrighted images, showing of feature films, etc.)
- Groups must comply with the “Americans with Disabilities Act” and each group is responsible for providing qualified interpreters or auxiliary aids, if requested. The user assumes the cost of reasonable accommodations.
- Reservations must be made by an adult (18 years or older) who will be held responsible for any damage incurred to the building or equipment, for restoring the room to its original condition and arrangement, and maintaining control of children/minors who are attending the meeting. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in denial for future use of meeting rooms. Please notify library staff of any damages, spills, or maintenance-related issues before leaving.
- Students under the age of 18 will be allowed to use the room for study or group projects, but not for internet access on the Smart TVs unless it’s part of a specific project.
Room availability is at the discretion of the Library Director. The Orange City Public Library reserves the right to cancel any scheduled activity when circumstances warrant such measures.
Reserving a Room
- Requests may be made over the phone (707-4302) or via email (circulationdesk@orangecity.lib.ia.us)
- Rooms may also be used at any time if no one has a reservation.
- Confirmation will be sent to those who reserve rooms via email.
- Rooms may be reserved up to three months in advance.
- Cancellations should be made 24 hours before the start of the room rental
Download a PDF of this policy. (including the meeting room agreement document)
Proctoring Policy
Purpose:
The Orange City Public Library supports lifelong learning by offering proctoring services to students and institutions when conditions for independent study require such agency and certification.
General Provisions:
This policy is available upon request by students and institutions requiring proctoring services. This service is available by appointment during library hours.
Exam proctoring is available to anyone who requests the service.
Exams are proctored by the Library Director, subject to availability.
Exams must be completed 30 minutes prior to the library closing.
The student must be on time for the appointment and is responsible for notifying the proctor in advance if the appointment cannot be kept.
The student is to arrange for the exam and its instructions to be sent to the library at least one week prior to the exam.
The student is to verify that the required materials have arrived prior to the scheduled exam. The student is responsible for verifying that library technologies are adequate and available for the examination.
The student must provide a valid driver’s license or photo identification prior to the exam for verification purposes.
The student is responsible for the return postage and envelope by providing a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The student is responsible for the cost of faxing services related to the exam.
The proctor will not remain with the student during the exam and will monitor the student periodically. If an institution requires the student to receive constant uninterrupted observation the library will be unable to proctor the exam.
The proctor will return all forms directly to the school, following the directions of the institution. The library may not be able to proctor an exam for which the signature of only one designated person is required.
The Library Director may refuse an examination that is burdensome.
The library is not responsible if the institution’s web site or e-mail is not working. The library is not responsible for exams that are lost in delivery.
The library will not keep copies of completed exams
Approved:11/2014; Revised: 10/2020
Unattended /Safe Child Policy
Purpose
The Orange City Public Library welcomes the use of its facility by children of all ages. The library is a public space and patrons of all ages are welcome. Our services and programs are offered to make the library appealing to children, to encourage them to visit the library and to develop a love for books, reading and libraries. The Unattended/Safe Child Policy is placed for the protection, safety and well-being of the children in our community.
Policy Statement
The Board of Trustees asserts that it is the responsibility of parents or guardians to provide childcare. The library will not accept the responsibility of surrogate care provider for children in the library. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children’s behavior while at the library.
- Children age 8 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian/caretaker (14 years of age or older) at all times.
- A child may attend a program in the program room unaccompanied; however, the caregiver must remain in the building at all times.
- Children 9 and older may be left unattended, provided they follow library rules and behavior policy.
- Children engaging in disruptive behavior will be subject to the Code of Conduct Policy terms and conditions.
o For unattended children under the age of 9, staff will attempt to locate the parent or guardian by telephone.
o Police may be called to assist.
o Repeated incidences or the inability of the parent to provide immediate
assistance, may result in suspension of library privileges for the child or parents
or guardians of the child.
o Additional action is at the discretion of the Administrative Librarian.
Actions
- If unattended children remain at the library at closing time, two staff members will wait with the child and attempt to call the parents or guardians.
- The Orange City Police will be called fifteen minutes after the library has closed and the child will be placed in their custody.
- Under no circumstances will library staff transport a child to another location or take the child from the building.
Approved by the Orange City Library Board: 9/16/2014; Revised 9/25/19
Volunteer Policy
Reviewed and revised April 2015
The Library welcomes volunteers from the community in order to:
- Help the library further its goals and objectives.
- Strengthen the link with the community by developing a group of citizens who through their volunteer work, become knowledgeable about the library’s services and needs
- Provide meaningful work experiences for college students and others needing to do community service, as suitable jobs are available.
Recruitment for volunteer positions, screening, placement, coordination, supervision will be the responsibility of the Library Director. Youth volunteers for the summer reading program will be managed by the Youth Services staff.
Volunteers will observe regular work rules including rules of library confidentiality while engage in work for the library.
The Library staff reserves the right to terminate a volunteer if the volunteer’s performance does not meet the standards for the job in which they have been placed.
Volunteers will be used to augment basic services but will not be used to replace paid library staff positions.
Policy:
- The Orange City Public Library will accept volunteers performing court-ordered community service, or for school requirements.
- Volunteers who are performing court-ordered community service must disclose the nature of their conviction to the Director or any other staff member of
the library. The Orange City Public Library will not accept volunteers who have been convicted of violent crimes, crimes of a sexual nature, or crimes of dishonesty (burglary, theft, fraud). - Also the Orange City Public Library reserves the right to decline any volunteer or to limit the number of hours a volunteer can work.
- All court-ordered and school service volunteers must sign the “Volunteer Policies and Procedures” prior to beginning assigned tasks.
- The Orange City Public Library may also set certain pre-conditions for a court-ordered volunteer to work, such as requiring an adult chaperone for a juvenile.
- The Orange City Public Library also reserves the right to dismiss a volunteer at any time during their scheduled time. Court-ordered volunteers are responsible for tracking their own hours.
Community Service Volunteer Waiver
I release Orange City Public Library, The City of Orange City and/or its agents and any person or entity, which provides information pursuant to this authorization, from any and all liabilities, claims or law suits in regards to the information obtained from any and all of the above referenced sources used. I further do hereby release and hold harmless the Orange City Public Library and agree to indemnify and hold harmless The City of Orange City from any and all liability, claims or causes of action that may arise from accidents, injuries or illnesses that may occur when I volunteer. I waive any right of action I have against The City of Orange City in consideration of my participation as a volunteer for the Library.
Confidentiality
Access to confidential records is restricted to employees of the Orange City Public Library. All library related business or program participant information overheard or entrusted to a volunteer must stay confidential.
Photographic Waiver
Volunteer does hereby grant and convey unto Library all rights, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by Library during the Volunteer’s Activities with Library, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.
Social Media Policy
This policy sets forth guidelines for the establishment and use by the Orange City Public Library of social media sites as a means of conveying Orange City Public Library information to the public. The intended purpose behind the use of Orange City Public Library social media sites is to disseminate information from the Library, about the Library, to advocate for core issues related to the library’s vision, mission, and values, and core library values supported by the American Library Association, to the public in a civil and unbiased manner.
General policy
- The establishment and use by any Library department of Library social media sites are subject to approval by the Library Director or her/his designees. All Orange City Public Library social media sites shall be administered by the Department Director or her/his designees.
- Library social media sites shall make clear that they are maintained by the Orange City Public Library and that they follow the Orange City Public Library Social Media Policy. The Library logo or branding shall be used on all social media accounts to confirm authenticity of the site. Library social media accounts will only join a group or become a fan of a page if it is related to official Library business, services, and events.
- Wherever possible, Library social media sites should link back to the official Orange City Public Library or City of Orange City website for forms, documents, online services and other information necessary to conduct business with the Orange City Public Library.
- The Library Director or her/his designees will monitor content on Library social media sites to ensure adherence to both the Orange City Public Library Social Media Sites Policy and the interest and goals of the Orange City Public Library.
- Users of all Library social media shall adhere to applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies.
- The Library reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation of the Orange City Public Library Social Media Policy or any applicable law. Any content removed based on these guidelines must be retained by the Library Director or her/his designees for a reasonable period of time, including the time, date and identity of the poster, when available.
- The Orange City Public Library’s website at ww.orangecityiowa.com/residents/library will remain the Library’s primary and predominant Internet presence.
- Freedom of Information Act and e-discovery laws and policies apply to social media content and therefore content must be able to be managed, stored and retrieved to comply with these laws.
- Orange City Public Library social media sites are subject to State of Iowa public records laws. Any content maintained in a social media format that is related to Library business, including a list of subscribers and posted communication, is a public record. The Library is responsible for responding completely and accurately to any public records request for public records on social media. Content related to Library business shall be maintained in an accessible format pursuant to Library and City of Orange City policy and practice so that it can be produced in response to a request. Wherever possible, such sites shall clearly indicate that any articles and any other content posted or submitted for posting are subject to public disclosure.
- Employees representing the Orange City Public Library via social media accounts must conduct themselves at all times as representative of the Orange City Public Library. Employees who fail to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner shall be subject to the disciplinary action procedures outlined in the Personnel Policy.
Comment policy
Although the Orange City Public Library encourages posts and comments on the social media sites managed by the Library, the sites are limited public forums and are moderated by Library staff. The Library reserves the right to deactivate the comment feature on Library-affiliated social media sites, where applicable, at any time without prior notice.
- A comment posted by a member of the public on any Orange City Public Library social media site is the opinion of the commentator or poster only, and publication of a comment does not imply endorsement of, or agreement by, the Orange City Public Library, nor do such comments necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Orange City Public Library.
- Comments containing any of the following inappropriate forms of content shall not be permitted on Orange City Public Library social media sites and are subject to removal and/or restriction by the Library Director or her/his designees:
- Profane, vulgar, or obscene comments;
- Sexual content or links to sexual content;
- Comments not related to the original topic;
- Content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates illegal discrimination of any kind;
- Defamatory or personal attacks;
- Threats to any person or organization;
- Comments in support of, or in opposition to, any political campaigns or ballot measures;
- Solicitation of commerce, including but not limited to advertising of any business or product for sale;
- Conduct in violation of any federal, state or local law;
- Encouragement of illegal activity;
- Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems; or
- Content that violates a legal ownership interest, such as a copyright, of any party.
- Comments that contain the following protected information should be immediately removed by library staff. Protected information includes the following:
- Social security numbers.
- Financial account numbers.
- Dates of birth.
- Names of minor children.
- Individual taxpayer identification numbers.
- Personal identification numbers.
- Other unique identifying numbers.
- The Orange City Public Library reserves the right to deny access to Orange City Public Library social media sites for any individual who violates the Orange City Public Library Social Media Policy, at any time and without prior notice. The Library reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation of this social media policy or any applicable law.
- The following verbiage can be used to warn individuals about their content: “Your recent post is in violation of the Orange City Public Library Social Media Policy. Please refrain from posting inappropriate content in the future. If you do not refrain from posting such content, we will block you from this forum. Thank you for understanding.”
- Library staff shall monitor library social media sites for comments requesting responses from the Library and for usage in violation of this policy.
- The Library Director or their designees, shall determine how employees must identify themselves when participating in the social media forum.
The Social Media Sites Policy must be displayed to users on the social media site or the site must contain information for users about where they may find the Social Media Policy.
Approved by the Board of Trustees April 2019.
Protection of Library Property The Purpose
The purpose of the Protection of Library Property Policy is to ensure library property entrusted by the citizens of Orange City and provided for by taxpayer dollars, is protected against misuse, vandalism, theft or another incident.
General Provisions:
The library may act against those suspected of harming library property misuse, vandalism, theft or another incident. This policy is based on Iowa Code §714.5: Theft, Fraud, And Related Offenses
Persons suspected of concealing property may be detained and searched by employees of the library or police under Iowa Code § 808.12 where the search or detention had reasonable grounds to believe the material was concealed or there was an attempt to conceal library property as set forth in Iowa Code § 714.3A or 714.5
The library may require deposits by borrowers and in the case of late returns the owner may impose graduated penalties of up to twenty-five percent of the value of the equipment, based upon the lateness of the return.
In the case of lost library materials or equipment, arrangements may be made to make a monetary settlement.
Reviewed 10/2020