SUBJECT: Circulation Limits 3 – 317
Revised: 9/7/12 Approved: 9/19/12

Circulation Limits

There shall be a ten (10) item limit placed on the number of books, magazines, and other materials including a limit of five (5) DVDs/videos and a limit of five (5) books-on-CD/Tape that an individual patron may check out at any one time on his/her card as long as that card is in good standing. There is an overall fifteen (15) item limit that can be checked out to adult patrons and ten (10) item limit to juveniles. EXCEPTION: Bookmobile has a limit of 25 items to all patrons due to the classroom collection delivered to all teachers. (Use Good Judgment)

A patron who has overdue material and/or fines charged to his/her library card should be warned and then allowed to check out limited materials (2). (Use Good Judgment)

A patron who accrues $5.00 or more in fines and/or has 5 overdue items will not be allowed to check out anymore material until a partial or full payment is made and/or items are returned. (Use Good Judgment)

A patron who has overdues, fines and/or photocopy fees charged to his/her account may be denied computer services. Full payment is required to have computer services. Patrons will not be denied electronic resources for reference service. Staff will assist. (Use Good Judgment)

SUBJECT: Circulation Period                   3 - 316
Revised: 11/12/09                   Approved: 11/19/09
Revised: 9/7/12                         Approved: 9/19/12

Circulation Period

Circulation period is the length of time that a book is on loan to a patron, i.e., the period of time from the day the book is checked out to the day it is due back at the library.

Books, and audio material (books-on-CD) shall circulate for a period of fourteen (14) days. DVDs, Videos, Music CDs and Study Guides shall circulate for a period of five (5) days. Magazines shall circulate for a period of five (5) days.

Reference material does not circulate outside of the library building except for special needs for over night. (Use Good Judgment)

The patron may renew any item that has gone out of the library for circulation, unless there are requests for that item. If there are requests, the item will not be renewed.

SUBJECT: Use of Computers 3-327
Revised: 9/7/12 Approved: 7/16/03
Re-Approved: 9/19/12

Use of Computers

Internet and word processing computers are available for public usage in all branches of the Concordia Parish Library

All users should be familiar with the Computer Policy. Copies of the policy are available on the computer and at the circulation desk.

Patrons wishing to use the computer must present their library card.

Initial sign-up time is 1 hour per session. At the end of the hour the system will automatically close the patron session. They must re-enter their library card number to start a new session. Each patron is allowed two logon sessions per day. Once both sessions are used, the system will not allow the library card number to launch another session until the next business day. If a patron closes a logon session prematurely or time runs out due to inactivity, the patron loses the session. The limit for one day of computer use is two hours maximum. The limit during peak periods will be 30 minutes. No time extensions allowed. Certain situation should be brought to attention of staff. (Staff judgment during school assignments usage.)

Patrons having overdue materials and/or fines and/or fees for photocopies, will have computer services/privileges denied. Reference assistance for electronic resources will be allowed with staff assistance. (USE GOOD JUDGMENT)

Non-residential visitors should be allowed to use a computer without a library card. Visitor must show Driver’s License or Identification. This privilege is only for visitors into the parish for a maximum of 5 days.

Headphones are available for Children’s Computer only. Parent must ask at Circulation Desk and must return when finished. The children are allowed to use headphones, whether the library’s or their own for the educational programs. ADULTS are not allowed to use headphones but ear plugs are available for purchase and may be used by adults in the adult computer section.

Ear plugs are available to the adults at a cost $1.00. These are the patrons to keep.

There are NO computer services available during Summer Children’s programming. The main focus at these times is centered on reading enrichment and child/family literacy.

SUBJECT: Dress Code for Public 3 – 337
Updated Approval: 5/24/10

Dress Code for Public

The Concordia Parish Library is a public agency supported by the taxes of the citizens of the parish, and they have the right to expect an atmosphere conducive to study, reading, and the legitimate use of library materials and services. To foster such an environment, patrons must act in a considerate and appropriate manner.

To use the public library, individuals must be properly and completely clothed. Library patrons must wear shirts or blouses, trousers/pants/shorts (shorts of appropriate length-below panty line), shoes and under garments. No swim suits allowed. Women’s garments must cover chest/bosom. All trousers must cover posterior.

The Concordia Parish Library Board of Control has adopted the guidelines for dress code. Library staff members have been authorized to enforce these regulations. The staff may require a patron to leave the library premises and may call the police for noncompliance with these guidelines for behavior.

Violation of the above rules of behavior may result in eviction from the library and temporary or permanent suspension of library privileges.

SUBJECT: Eligibility for Borrowing/       3 – 315
Geographical Service Area
Approved: 9/19/12                    Updated:     9/7/12

Geographical Service Area/Eligibility for Borrowing

The library serves the citizens who reside in the boundaries of Concordia Parish. Any person permanently residing in the parish will be authorized to use the library by way of a library card. There will be no charge for the first card, which shall be issued upon application and provision of proof of residence (i.e. utility/cable/telephone bill, voter registration, or bank statement) AND Driver’s License or Photo I.D. Card will be available for pick up by patron after five (5) days.

Persons who do not reside in confines of the parish but who work in the parish, attend school in the parish, or own property and pay property taxes to the parish shall be eligible to use the library upon application and proof of payment of property tax. This card shall be at no charge.

If a patron loses a card, he/she may obtain a replacement card for the fee of $3.00. There will be a limit of three (3) cards per year, after the third card, the fee goes up to $15.00.

Library cards may be purchased for $10.00 per year for individuals who live out of state.

Library cards may be issued to residents of Tensas and Catahoula, neighboring parishes, due to Trail Blazer and other cooperatives.

The library as an institution and/or the library staff as individuals do not and cannot act for the parent in the selection of materials. It is up to the parent to set the guidelines and instruct the child in the limits of what is acceptable to read and study for that particular individual. With guidance from a parent, a child at any age, may receive his/her own library card if he/she can write his/her name, address, etc. to fill out the library card application. The library recommends the age of 7 for children to get their library cards.

SUBJECT: Fines for Overdue Materials 3 - 322
Revised: 9/13/12 Approved: 9/19/12

Fines for Overdue Materials

The Library will charge for materials held past the date at which the material was due back to the Library. A patron may not check out additional material after five (5) books are overdue and/or there are $5.00 or more in fines. Patrons are told at desk of overdues and fines and overdue notices are mailed. Privileges may be denied. (Use Good Judgment)

The following fine rates shall apply:

Books (Hardback and softcover [paperback], cataloged and uncataloged): $0.10 per day per item up to a maximum of $1.00 per item.
Circulating Reference/Reference: $0.10 per day per item up to a maximum of $1.00 per item.
Magazines: $0.10 per day per item up to a maximum of $1.00 per item.
DVD/Videos: $0.50 per day per item up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.
Study Guides: $1.00 per day per item up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.
BCD/BOT: $0.50 per day per item up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.
Music CDs: $0.50 per day per item up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.
Laptops: $10.00 per day per item up to a maximum of $100.00 per item.

Fines shall not be charged Saturdays and Sundays and for any holiday days when the library is not open for regular business.

SUBJECT: Identification Needed When    3 - 321
Applying For a Library Card
Updated: 9/13/12                        Approved: 9/19/12

Identification Needed When Applying For a Library Card

Patron must present a copy of Driver’s License/ID and Proof of Residence (i.e. utility/cable/telephone bill, voter registration, or bank statement) in order to establish residence in Concordia Parish, and to have on file the correct mailing address and residence address.

Adult cards will be issued to patrons 17 years and older. Juvenile cards will be issued to patrons under 16 years of age whose parents will sign for the card and be responsible for materials checked out.

If registrations are turned in incomplete (missing copy of proof of residence, driver’s license/ID, etc.), the registrations will be discarded after a 30 day period.

If registration is completed and a card is made and placed in the system, but never picked up, staff members will continue to try to contact the recipient (by phone). If after a 90 day period the card is still never received by the applicant the card will be removed from the system and application discarded.

SUBJECT: Lost Materials Charge             3 - 324
Revised: 11/13/09                    Approved: 11/19/09
Revised: 9/13/12                   Re-Approved: 9/19/12

Lost Materials Charge

A patron who has lost or destroyed an item belonging to the library or had it lost or destroyed while in his/her charge, whether inside or outside of the library will be required to pay the full price of the item plus $2.00 processing fee.

If no price is shown on the computer, consult the Administrative Librarian. An average cost is as follows:

$25.00 per book
$30.00 per BCD/BOT
$15.00 per DVD/Video
$12.00 per Music CD

If the item is returned within a six (6) month period from the date of payment for the lost item, then the patron will receive a refund of the funds and then will be charged the overdue fine. After six (6) months, there are no refunds.

SUBJECT: Patron Complaint 3 - 305
Approved: 7/16/03
Updated: 9/7/12 Re-Approved: 9/19/12

Patron Complaints

It is understood that it will be impossible to please every patron of the library at every hour of the day, or with every decision that is made by the Board of Control, or by the Administrative Librarian or by the staff. It is also recognized as the right of every patron to express his/her concerns and complaints about the library and to have these taken seriously.

There shall be a form to be given to patrons wishing to register a complaint about any materials in the library, in regard to any policy of the library, the physical facility, or staff of the library. The original copy of each form completed will be directed to the Administrative Librarian, with a copy retained at the branch where it was completed.

No patron complaint will be ignored. Be courteous, but make no commitments with regard to the resolution of any complaint.

The complaint should be directed to the Administrative Librarian directly.

The Board of Control shall be notified of challenges to materials in the collection and of complaints about library policies, facilities, or staff.

A file shall be maintained of all complaint forms turned in to the Administrative Librarian.

SUBJECT: Responsibility for Library       3 - 320
Card Use/Use of the Card
Revised: 11/13/09                     Approved: 11/19/09
Revised: 9/7/12                     Re-Approved: 9/19/12

Responsibility For Library Card Use/Use of the Card by other than Owner

A patron is responsible for all material checked out from the library using a card issued in his/her name (whether by self, friend, family member or stranger).

Lost library cards must be reported immediately for card cancellation and to prevent charges against that card by other than the assigned cardholder.

A patron will not be responsible for material checked out on a card that has been reported missing if the report is recorded before the date the material was checked out.

Each time a card is lost or replaced, the previously held card becomes invalid for further use and must be destroyed if found. To continue library service, a new card will have to be purchased for $3.00. There is a limit three (3) cards per year at $3.00 each, each additional card after the first three cards increases to $15.00 each.

SUBJECT: Sex Offender Policy 3 – 339
Approved: 9/19/2012

Sex Offender Regulation/Policy

In accordance with the Library’s By-laws ,the Library Governing Board of Concordia Parish Library has adopted on this 19th day of September 2012 the following regulation/policy for the purpose of:

Compliance with the statutory mandates set forth in La. R.S. 14:91.2
Protecting children from contact with persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under 13 years of age

Regulation:

Effective January 1, 2013, persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under the age of 13 (referred to as “sex offenders” for purposes of this policy/regulation) are restricted in their access to public library property, as follows:

Children’s Areas – No sex offender shall be physically present in any area of the library designated as a “children’s area” or “young readers’ area”
Peak Children’s Hours – No sex offender shall be physically present on public library property during peak hours of children’s use of the library.
During the school year, peak hours are defined as_3 pm to 6 pm.
During the summer, peak hours are defined as 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Peak hours of children’s use also include hours during which children’s programs are scheduled. A schedule will be posted on-line and at the circulation desk of the library branch.
Loitering within 1,000 feet – No sex offender shall loiter within 1,000 feet of public library property.
Employment - No sex offender shall apply for, work for, or otherwise provide services to a library branch as an employee, contractor, sub-contractor, or volunteer

Exceptions to these restrictions are:

Police station/courthouse/polling station – There shall be no violation of this regulation if the sex offender is reporting to a police station, courthouse, or polling station that is within the restricted area.
With special permission – There shall be no violation of this regulation if the sex offender has requested and has been granted written permission to be physically present on public library property from the library branch director or his designee, and the sex offender complies with any special restrictions contained within the permission. Example: The sex offender may be allowed to bring their children to the library.

The Library Director shall be responsible for developing and implementing administrative and management procedures in furtherance of the policies stated herein. Recommended procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:

Background checks – Implement procedures to provide that library employees, contractors, sub-contractors, and volunteers who will interact with children or will be required to work in the restricted areas may be subject to criminal background checks.
Configuration – To the extent possible, each library branch shall be arranged in a manner to ensure that areas devoted to children and young readers may be easily supervised by library staff, and such areas are segregated from other library resources and facilities.
Notice – Implement procedures to ensure adequate public notice of each library branch’s times and dates of peak children’s hours and children’s programming. Adequate notice may include posting such information in a prominent location near the library’s entrance and on the library’s website.
Surrogate – Implement procedures to allow sex offenders to authorize a surrogate to check out library materials using the sex offender’s library card or may request mail service.
Enforcement – Implement procedures to update policies, where necessary, and enforce policies regarding unattended children.

The Library Director and members of the public are invited to make recommendations to the Library Board to improve this regulation or suggest legislative changes that will allow public libraries to more effectively achieve the public purposes set forth herein. Those recommendations, along with any supporting documentation, should be submitted bi-monthly to the Library Board by or before the third Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, Attention: Library Director.

Authority Note
Act 693 of the 2012 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature amended and re-enacted R.S. 14.91.2. The effective date of the Act is January 1, 2013.

SUBJECT: Circulation Limits 3 – 317 Revised: 9/7/12 Approved: 9/19/12

Circulation Limits

A patron who has overdue material and/or fines charged to his/her library card should be warned and then allowed to check out limited materials (2). (Use Good Judgment)

A patron who accrues $5.00 or more in fines and/or has 5 overdue items will not be allowed to check out anymore material until a partial or full payment is made and/or items are returned. (Use Good Judgment)

A patron who has overdues, fines and/or photocopy fees charged to his/her account may be denied computer services. Full payment is required to have computer services. Patrons will not be denied electronic resources for reference service. Staff will assist. (Use Good Judgment)

SUBJECT: Circulation Period 3 - 316 Revised: 11/12/09 Approved: 11/19/09 Revised: 9/7/12 Approved: 9/19/12

Circulation Period

Circulation period is the length of time that a book is on loan to a patron, i.e., the period of time from the day the book is checked out to the day it is due back at the library.

Books, and audio material (books-on-CD) shall circulate for a period of fourteen (14) days. DVDs, Videos, Music CDs and Study Guides shall circulate for a period of five (5) days. Magazines shall circulate for a period of five (5) days.

Reference material does not circulate outside of the library building except for special needs for over night. (Use Good Judgment)

The patron may renew any item that has gone out of the library for circulation, unless there are requests for that item. If there are requests, the item will not be renewed.

SUBJECT: Use of Computers 3-327 Revised: 9/7/12 Approved: 7/16/03 Re-Approved: 9/19/12

Use of Computers

Internet and word processing computers are available for public usage in all branches of the Concordia Parish Library

All users should be familiar with the Computer Policy. Copies of the policy are available on the computer and at the circulation desk.

Patrons wishing to use the computer must present their library card.

Patrons having overdue materials and/or fines and/or fees for photocopies, will have computer services/privileges denied. Reference assistance for electronic resources will be allowed with staff assistance. (USE GOOD JUDGMENT)

Non-residential visitors should be allowed to use a computer without a library card. Visitor must show Driver’s License or Identification. This privilege is only for visitors into the parish for a maximum of 5 days.

Ear plugs are available to the adults at a cost $1.00. These are the patrons to keep.

There are NO computer services available during Summer Children’s programming. The main focus at these times is centered on reading enrichment and child/family literacy.

SUBJECT: Dress Code for Public 3 – 337 Updated Approval: 5/24/10

Dress Code for Public

Violation of the above rules of behavior may result in eviction from the library and temporary or permanent suspension of library privileges.

SUBJECT: Eligibility for Borrowing/ 3 – 315 Geographical Service Area Approved: 9/19/12 Updated: 9/7/12

Geographical Service Area/Eligibility for Borrowing

Persons who do not reside in confines of the parish but who work in the parish, attend school in the parish, or own property and pay property taxes to the parish shall be eligible to use the library upon application and proof of payment of property tax. This card shall be at no charge.

If a patron loses a card, he/she may obtain a replacement card for the fee of $3.00. There will be a limit of three (3) cards per year, after the third card, the fee goes up to $15.00.

Library cards may be purchased for $10.00 per year for individuals who live out of state.

Library cards may be issued to residents of Tensas and Catahoula, neighboring parishes, due to Trail Blazer and other cooperatives.

SUBJECT: Fines for Overdue Materials 3 - 322 Revised: 9/13/12 Approved: 9/19/12

Fines for Overdue Materials

The following fine rates shall apply:

Books (Hardback and softcover [paperback], cataloged and uncataloged): $0.10 per day per item up to a maximum of $1.00 per item.

Circulating Reference/Reference: $0.10 per day per item up to a maximum of $1.00 per item.

Magazines: $0.10 per day per item up to a maximum of $1.00 per item.

DVD/Videos: $0.50 per day per item up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.

Study Guides: $1.00 per day per item up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.

BCD/BOT: $0.50 per day per item up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.

Music CDs: $0.50 per day per item up to a maximum of $5.00 per item.

Laptops: $10.00 per day per item up to a maximum of $100.00 per item.

Fines shall not be charged Saturdays and Sundays and for any holiday days when the library is not open for regular business.

SUBJECT: Identification Needed When 3 - 321 Applying For a Library Card Updated: 9/13/12 Approved: 9/19/12

Identification Needed When Applying For a Library Card

Patron must present a copy of Driver’s License/ID and Proof of Residence (i.e. utility/cable/telephone bill, voter registration, or bank statement) in order to establish residence in Concordia Parish, and to have on file the correct mailing address and residence address.

Adult cards will be issued to patrons 17 years and older. Juvenile cards will be issued to patrons under 16 years of age whose parents will sign for the card and be responsible for materials checked out.

If registrations are turned in incomplete (missing copy of proof of residence, driver’s license/ID, etc.), the registrations will be discarded after a 30 day period.

SUBJECT: Lost Materials Charge 3 - 324 Revised: 11/13/09 Approved: 11/19/09 Revised: 9/13/12 Re-Approved: 9/19/12

Lost Materials Charge

A patron who has lost or destroyed an item belonging to the library or had it lost or destroyed while in his/her charge, whether inside or outside of the library will be required to pay the full price of the item plus $2.00 processing fee.

If no price is shown on the computer, consult the Administrative Librarian. An average cost is as follows:

$25.00 per book

$30.00 per BCD/BOT

$15.00 per DVD/Video

$12.00 per Music CD

If the item is returned within a six (6) month period from the date of payment for the lost item, then the patron will receive a refund of the funds and then will be charged the overdue fine. After six (6) months, there are no refunds.

SUBJECT: Patron Complaint 3 - 305 Approved: 7/16/03 Updated: 9/7/12 Re-Approved: 9/19/12

Patron Complaints

No patron complaint will be ignored. Be courteous, but make no commitments with regard to the resolution of any complaint.

The complaint should be directed to the Administrative Librarian directly.

The Board of Control shall be notified of challenges to materials in the collection and of complaints about library policies, facilities, or staff.

A file shall be maintained of all complaint forms turned in to the Administrative Librarian.

SUBJECT: Responsibility for Library 3 - 320 Card Use/Use of the Card Revised: 11/13/09 Approved: 11/19/09 Revised: 9/7/12 Re-Approved: 9/19/12

Responsibility For Library Card Use/Use of the Card by other than Owner

A patron is responsible for all material checked out from the library using a card issued in his/her name (whether by self, friend, family member or stranger).

Lost library cards must be reported immediately for card cancellation and to prevent charges against that card by other than the assigned cardholder.

A patron will not be responsible for material checked out on a card that has been reported missing if the report is recorded before the date the material was checked out.

SUBJECT: Sex Offender Policy 3 – 339 Approved: 9/19/2012

Sex Offender Regulation/Policy

In accordance with the Library’s By-laws ,the Library Governing Board of Concordia Parish Library has adopted on this 19th day of September 2012 the following regulation/policy for the purpose of:

Compliance with the statutory mandates set forth in La. R.S. 14:91.2

Protecting children from contact with persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under 13 years of age

Regulation:

Effective January 1, 2013, persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under the age of 13 (referred to as “sex offenders” for purposes of this policy/regulation) are restricted in their access to public library property, as follows:

Children’s Areas – No sex offender shall be physically present in any area of the library designated as a “children’s area” or “young readers’ area”

Peak Children’s Hours – No sex offender shall be physically present on public library property during peak hours of children’s use of the library.

During the school year, peak hours are defined as_3 pm to 6 pm.

During the summer, peak hours are defined as 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Peak hours of children’s use also include hours during which children’s programs are scheduled. A schedule will be posted on-line and at the circulation desk of the library branch.

Loitering within 1,000 feet – No sex offender shall loiter within 1,000 feet of public library property.

Employment - No sex offender shall apply for, work for, or otherwise provide services to a library branch as an employee, contractor, sub-contractor, or volunteer

SUBJECT: Circulation Limits 3 – 317
Revised: 9/7/12 Approved: 9/19/12

SUBJECT: Circulation Period 3 - 316
Revised: 11/12/09 Approved: 11/19/09
Revised: 9/7/12 Approved: 9/19/12

SUBJECT: Use of Computers 3-327
Revised: 9/7/12 Approved: 7/16/03
Re-Approved: 9/19/12

SUBJECT: Dress Code for Public 3 – 337
Updated Approval: 5/24/10

SUBJECT: Eligibility for Borrowing/ 3 – 315
Geographical Service Area
Approved: 9/19/12 Updated: 9/7/12

SUBJECT: Fines for Overdue Materials 3 - 322
Revised: 9/13/12 Approved: 9/19/12

SUBJECT: Identification Needed When 3 - 321
Applying For a Library Card
Updated: 9/13/12 Approved: 9/19/12

SUBJECT: Lost Materials Charge 3 - 324
Revised: 11/13/09 Approved: 11/19/09
Revised: 9/13/12 Re-Approved: 9/19/12

SUBJECT: Patron Complaint 3 - 305
Approved: 7/16/03
Updated: 9/7/12 Re-Approved: 9/19/12

SUBJECT: Responsibility for Library 3 - 320
Card Use/Use of the Card
Revised: 11/13/09 Approved: 11/19/09
Revised: 9/7/12 Re-Approved: 9/19/12

SUBJECT: Sex Offender Policy 3 – 339
Approved: 9/19/2012

Authority Note
Act 693 of the 2012 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature amended and re-enacted R.S. 14.91.2. The effective date of the Act is January 1, 2013.