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Library Policies

List of Policies

1.Library Operations

 

Borrower eligibility

 

A. The library will serve all residents of the community and the public library system area. Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; or sexual orientation.

 

B. The use of the library may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return library materials or to pay penalties, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises.

 

Patron Responsibilities and Conduct

 

It is a patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the library and from the use of the library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be subject to the law.

 

Cell Phone Policy

 

The Tripoli Public Library has not banned the use of cell phones, we only ask that cell phone users turn off their audible ringers while in the building and that they conduct their phone conversations in areas where they are least likely to disturb others.   

 

Unattended Children

 

The Tripoli Public Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library.

 

Therefore, it is library policy that all children under age eight (8) must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library. Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.

 

Disruptive children

 

Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion.

 

However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that he/she must settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.

 

Equipment Use Policy

 

Computers are available to patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. Instructions for operating hardware are displayed near the computer. There is no charge for use of the computer; however, in order to make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a time limit for usage has been imposed. That time limit is 30 minutes. Library staff is available for general assistance in using the computer. However, staff are not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs. Tutorial manuals will be provided when available.

 

A printer is available. Printer paper will cost $ .15 per sheet and must be paid for at the conclusion of the session.

 

A photocopy machine is available to patrons who wish to copy materials at the rate of $.15 per page. Copy machine users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the copy machine user.

 

Fines and fees

 

There is a fine for overdue materials. A first notice is sent after the material is due. If the material is not returned within a designated period, a bill will be sent for the material with the cost of replacement of the material and a service charge. There are no fines on ILL's. Fines on $1.00 and $2.00 movies are $1.00 per day overdue.

 

There is a $2.00 fee to check out new movies and DVDs. These are the videos that contain "No Markings."

If the Video/DVD is marked with : a purple dot or says "FREE" then there is no fee. The video is FREE.

If there is an “S”, it is a dollar ($1.00) special rental for 2 Days. 

 

The library also offers a special "week" checkout for new releases. The fee for a seven day checkout is $8.00. 

 

Patrons who have been sent an overdue notice shall be denied all borrowing privileges until those overdue materials are returned or paid for if lost and/or damaged.

 

 

Example of overdue letter:

Tripoli Public Library

101 Fourth Ave., S.W.

P.O. Box 430

Tripoli, IA  50676

 

October 10, 2019

 

Anybody

address.

Town, Iowa  12345                                         

                                                           

Dear :

 

Our records indicate the following items are checked out of the library in your name:

 

Date due                      Title of book                                         Replacement Cost

                                                                                                           

           

           

You may wish to pay the replacement cost for the above items.  It so, you should remit the above amount and make payment to the Tripoli Public Library.

 

Failure to return severely overdue material violates the Iowa Law section (Iowa Code Nos. 714.1, 714.5, and 716.1) which state that continued retention of past due library materials is a misdemeanor and the person willfully failing to return them to the library is subject to such penalties as may be decreed by county magistrate courts.

 

Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Tripoli Public Library

Library Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Access

Tripoli Public Library participates in Open Access. Over 600 libraries participate in the State Library's Open Access program which serves as a statewide "library card."   Open Access enables users from a participating library to check out and return materials at other participating libraries.  As a result, Iowans have greater access to more library resources, more choices in library service and the convenience of using a library where they work, shop or visit.

Registration

 

All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid local patron card to borrow library materials.

 

Patrons must fill out an application form to register for a new library card. They must also present 2 valid forms of their current address in order to receive a new library card account.  An example would be: any utility bill.

Also the following statement will be printed on the registration form for the patron's information and acceptance:

 

 I agree to obey all the rules and regulations of the Tripoli Public Library and to pay promptly all fines charged against me for the injury or loss of library items.

 

 

Library Card

Identification is required to obtain a library card. A driver's license or student ID is preferred, however, any other official ID may also be acceptable. Two pieces of mail validating the patron's address will also be required to obtain a library card. 

 

Applicants under 10 years of age (or fifth grade equivalent) must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a new card can be issued. This parental signature is not required for children who are renewing cards.

Materials cannot be checked out until a library card is issued.

All library cards expire after three years. In order to renew a library card, patrons must produce identification and must clear all outstanding fines and bills.

 

Lost or forgotten cards

 

If a patron loses his/her library card, he should notify the library as soon as possible and request a replacement.

All patrons, adult and juvenile, are encouraged to bring their library cards with them if they intend to check out items.

 

Loan periods

1.      Two (2) weeks for books, compact disks, and books on tape.

2.      Generally, reference books do not circulate. Upon request, some reference materials may be checked out overnight.

3.      Interlibrary loans are due the date indicated by the lending library.

4.      Books may be renewed once if there is not a waiting list for the title.

5.      Periodicals may be checked out for one week and may be renewed. Current issues of periodicals do circulate.

6.      One week for cake pans, puppets, catalogs, puzzles, and comic books.

7.      Two (2) days for new DVDs.

The director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand, such as for student projects, or materials added to the collection which are in a new format, e.g., computer software.

 

There is a limit of 10 items a patron can borrow at one time, with one exception -- two items on a subject is the limit for a known school assignment or otherwise approved by the director.

 

Renewals and reserves

 

Renewals and reserves may be placed by patrons either in person, over the phone, or by email. Patrons will be notified by telephone when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a reserve or for interlibrary loan services.

 

Lost or Damaged materials

 

If materials are lost or damaged, so as to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost. The patrons who damage and pay for materials owned by the library will be allowed to have those materials once payment has been received, if they so choose.

A notice of these charges will be sent to the borrower; a sample of the damaged notice follows:

 

 

 

Tripoli Public Library

101 4th Ave. SW

Tripoli, Iowa 50676

 

 

Dear____________________________

 

At the time a library patron borrows materials from the public library collection, the patron assumes the responsibility for the care and timely return of the materials. Recently {insert appropriate sentence}

 

the library was informed that the materials checked out on your library card were determined lost

or: 

materials checked out on your library card were returned to the library damaged beyond the point of being usable in the library's collection.

 

 The titles and costs of these materials are listed below:

____________________________         $___________

Your assistance in clearing this matter promptly will be appreciated and will be necessary in order to retain your borrowing privileges.

Thank you in advance for your prompt response to this matter.

Sincerely,

 

 

            Director

Tripoli Public Library

 

Confidentiality of records

 

The confidentiality policy of the Tripoli Public Library is based on the First and Fourth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, the Iowa Code, and professional ethics.  

 

First Amendment:  Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech...

 

Fourth Amendment:  The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

 

Code of Iowa 22.7 "Examination of Public Records (Open Records)"

 

22.7 Confidential records.

The following public records shall be kept confidential, unless otherwise ordered by a court, by the lawful custodian of the records, or by another person duly authorized to release such information...:

 

13. The records of a library which, by themselves or when examined with other public records, would reveal the identity of the library patron checking out or requesting an item or information from the library. The records shall be released to a criminal or juvenile justice agency only pursuant to an investigation of a particular person or organization suspected of committing a known crime. The records shall be released only upon a judicial determination that a rational connection exists between the requested release of information and a legitimate end and that the need for the information is cogent and compelling.

 

18.  Communications not required by law, rule, procedure, or contract that are made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of government, to the extent that the government body receiving those communications from such persons outside of government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to that government body if they were available for general public examination.

 

Professional Ethics: “We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.”  (Source: Code of Ethics of the American Library Association)

 

Section B.  Confidentiality Policy

 

Confidentiality is essential to protect the exercise of First and Fourth Amendment rights.  In accordance with First and Fourth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, the Iowa Code and professional ethics, the Board of Trustees of the Tripoli Public Library respects the privacy of users and recognizes its responsibility to protect their privacy. 

 

 1.  The library will not reveal the identities of individual users nor reveal the information sources or services they consult unless required by law.  Confidentiality extends to information sought or received and materials consulted, borrowed or acquired. Confidentiality includes database search records, reference interviews, interlibrary loan records, computer use records, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities or services.

 

 2.  The library will hold confidential the names of card holders and their registration information and not provide access for private, public or commercial use.

 

3.  The lawful custodian of the records is the Director of the Library.

 

4.  The library will not release registration, circulation or other records protected under the Iowa Code unless it is required by law to release the information.  Circumstances which may require the library to release the information include the following:

 

A.     A criminal or juvenile justice agency is seeking the information in pursuant to an investigation of a particular person or organization suspected of committing a known crime AND the criminal or juvenile justice agency presents the library Director with a court order demonstrating that there has been a judicial determination that a rational connection exists between the requested release of information and a legitimate end and that the need for the information is cogent and compelling.

 

B.     The library receives a Warrant for the information issued under the USA Patriot Act (which includes amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act).

 

C.     The library receives a National Security Letter seeking the information pursuant to the USA Patriot Act.

 

D.     The library receives a valid court order requiring the library to release registration, circulation or other records protected under the Iowa Code and the information is not sought in conjunction with a criminal or juvenile justice investigation.

 

Section C.  Procedures for enforcing the policy on confidentiality of library records.

 

1.  The library staff member receiving a request to examine or obtain information relating to registration records or circulation records or other records identifying the names of library users, shall immediately refer the requestor to the Director, the official custodian of the records. 

 

(To prevent any misunderstanding, the staff member should avoid discussing with the person making the request what user information may or may not be available, or what the library can or cannot do.) 

 

If the library Director is not available (such as during evenings or weekends or away on business) inform the requestor when the Director will be available.  If pressed to act sooner, contact the Director immediately whether the director is away on business or at home.  In the event the director cannot be reached, the highest ranking person on duty is responsible for working with the requestor.

 

2.  The library director shall meet with the requestor of the information.  If the requestor is a law enforcement officer the officer must have a court order, a warrant issued under the USA Patriot Act, or a National Security Letter (NSL) issued under the USA Patriot Act to receive the requested records.  If the officer does not have a proper court order, warrant, or NSL compelling the production of records, the library director shall refuse to provide the information.  The library director may explain the confidentiality policy and the state's confidentiality law, and inform the agent or officer that users' records are not available except when a proper court order in good form has been presented to the library.

 

3.  If the records requested cover registration, circulation or other records protected under the Iowa Code, and the director is uncertain about whether the order, or subpoena presented to the library director is sufficient to require release of the records, the library director may immediately consult with legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is sufficient to require release of the records. 

 

4.  If any written request, process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or does not otherwise appear to be sufficient to support releasing the records, the library director shall insist that such defects be cured before any records are released.

 

5.  If the library director or the director in consultation with library’s attorney, determine that the order, warrant, or NSL, is sufficient and compels the release of the records, the library director shall release the records.

 

6.  If the request is made pursuant to the USA Patriot Act, the library director is authorized to obtain legal counsel regarding the request.  As required by the USA Patriot Act, the library director may not discuss the request with anyone other than legal counsel.

 

7.  If the requestor is not a law enforcement officer and has not presented any type of court or administrative order requiring release of the requested information, the library director shall refuse to provide the requested records.  The library director may explain the confidentiality policy and the state's confidentiality law.

 

8.  The library director is authorized to take legal action (such as moving to quash a subpoena) to resist releasing requested registration, circulation or other records protected under the Iowa Code if the library director and the library’s legal counsel deems such action to be appropriate.

 

9.  Any threats or unauthorized demands (i.e. those not supported by a written request, process, order, or subpoena) concerning circulation and other records identifying the names of library users shall be reported to the director.

 

10.  Any problems relating to the privacy of circulation and other records identifying the names of library users which are not provided for above shall be referred to the director.

 

 

Interlibrary Loan

 

Because of limited budget and space, the library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of this library's collection.

 

In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Tripoli Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network, and to make an effort to have its current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.

Access Plus

The Tripoli Public Library also participates in Access Plus. Access Plus is a book sharing subsidy program which gives Iowans equal access to library resources by supporting library resource sharing.  Participating libraries agree to loan their materials to other libraries for use by their customers.  About 185,000 interlibrary loans are made annually through the program.  

There is no fee for this service.

 

Reference Service Policy

 

The Tripoli Public Library:

  • will provide information in the form of short answers to specific questions and guidance in locating material for patrons who appear in person, call on the telephone, or request information through correspondence, or email;
  • will assist patrons in the use of the library and teach basic research methodology, when appropriate (this includes providing help in developing a research strategy and advice on whether a trip to the library would be worthwhile for individuals who telephone);
  • will provide bibliographic verification of items both in the library and not owned by the library and will assist patrons in obtaining materials through interlibrary loan, when appropriate;
  • may refer library users to other agencies and libraries in pursuit of needed information;
  • may use not only the library's resources in printed form, but consult appropriate digital resources as well as the regional resource library and other agencies by telephone in pursuit of "ready reference" information.

 

 

Services of the Library

 

The library provides materials and resources for information, entertainment, intellectual development, and enrichment of the people of the community. The library should endeavor to:

  1. Select, organize, and make available necessary books and materials.
  2. Provide guidance and assistance to patrons.
  3. Sponsor and implement programs, exhibits, displays, book lists, etc., which would appeal to children and adults.
  4. Cooperate with other community agencies and organizations.
  5. Secure information beyond its own resources when requested. (Using interlibrary loan and other resource sharing methods provided through the system and state.)
  6. Lend to other libraries upon request.
  7. Develop and provide services to patrons with special needs.
  8. Maintain a balance in its services to various age groups.
  9. Cooperate with, but not perform the functions of, school or other institutional libraries.
  10. Provide service during hours which best meet the needs of the community, including evening and weekend hours.
  11. Regularly review library services being offered.
  12. Use media and other public relations mechanisms to promote the full range of available library services.

 

Library Hours

The library is open:

Monday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tuesday 9:30 am -1:00 p.m.

Wednesday 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Friday 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

 

Programming Policy

A "program" is a planned interaction between the library staff and the program participants for the purpose of promoting library materials, facilities, or services, as well as offering the community an informational, entertaining, or cultural experience.

 

Programming includes such activities as story times, films and activities on no-school days, summer library program for children, speakers for young adults, and book or author discussion groups for adults.

 

The board, in conjunction with the library director, will establish a budget and goals for programming to facilitate the effective implementation of this service.

 

Holiday closings

 

The library complies with the Code of the City of Tripoli.

 

Displays and Exhibits Policy

 

As an educational and cultural institution, the Tripoli Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community. Displays of handiwork, historical material, nature study, or any other material deemed of general interest may be exhibited. The director shall accept or reject material offered for display based on its suitability and availability.

 

The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection, and no liability for possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the library are there at the owner's risk.

 

Areas available to the public for displays and exhibits are the glass exhibit case, designated book shelves, and the general bulletin board. A release must be signed by the exhibitor before any artifact can be placed in the library. An example of the release follows:

 

 

Tripoli Public Library Display and Exhibit Release

 

I, the undersigned, hereby lend the following works of art or other material to the Tripoli Public Library for exhibit purposes only. In consideration of the privilege of exhibiting them in the library, I hereby release the Tripoli Public Library from responsibility for loss, damage, or destruction while they are in the possession of the library.

 

Exhibition to be held in the __________________________________
 

During___________________________________________________
 

Description of materials loaned_______________________________

 

Signature__________________________________Date________________
 

Address__________________________________Telephone_____________

 

 

Public Notice Bulletin Board Policy

 

Bulletin board materials may be submitted for posting by nonprofit organizations for civic, educational, or cultural purposes. Such organizations may submit literature publicizing a specific event. Limited space generally allows only short-term notices. The director must approve all postings and may prohibit postings which do not meet library standards. Library staff will place and remove postings promptly.

 

Each item posted must be dated and signed. A request for return of items, along with name and telephone number of person to be contacted, should be printed on the back of each article. Unless such arrangements are specified, items must be picked up the day following the date of the publicized event if the owners want them returned. Otherwise, the library will not be responsible for returning materials.

 

 

2. Collection Development

 

Collection Development Policy

 

The purpose of the Tripoli 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.

 

Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs.

 

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 Tripoli 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 Tripoli 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

1.      The main points considered in the selection of materials are:

o        a. individual merit of each item

o        b. popular appeal/demand

o        c. suitability of material for the clientele

o        d. existing library holdings

o        e. budget

2.      Reviews are a major source of information about new materials. The primary sources of reviews are award winning book lists, and best seller ratings.

3.      The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title which is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and books discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.

Intellectual Freedom

The Tripoli Public Library supports the Freedom to Read, Freedom to View and the Library Bill of Rights

Gifts and Donations

 

The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information the director can dispose of them as he/she sees fit. The same criteria of selection which are applied to purchased materials are applied to gifts. Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of a patron if the request meets the criteria established by the Board. It is desirable for gifts of or for specific titles to be offered after consultation with the library director. Book selection will be made by the director if no specific book is requested. The Tripoli Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.

 

By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor. Also see Code of the City of Tripoli Chapter 21 in reference to gifts.

 

Weeding

 

An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the library director and is authorized by the Board of Trustees. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.

 

Potential Problems or Challenges

 

The Tripoli Public Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy.

 

Responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

 

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.

 

Challenged Materials

 

Although materials are carefully selected, there can arise differences of opinion regarding suitable materials. Patrons requesting that material be withdrawn from or restricted within the collection may complete a "Statement of Concern About Library Resources" form which is available in the library. The inquiry will be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Tripoli Public Library Board of Trustees.

 

Form: Statement of Concern About Library Resources

 

 

Tripoli Public Library

STATEMENT OF CONCERN ABOUT LIBRARY RESOURCES

 

 

Name________________________Date_____________

 

Address______________________Phone___________

 

City_________________________State______ZIP_______

 

Resource on which you are commenting:

_____Book

_____Audio-visual Resource

_____Magazine

_____Content of Library Program

_____Newspaper

_____Other

 

Title:_________________________________________

 

Author/Publisher or Producer/Date:___________________

  1. What brought this resource to your attention?
  2. To what do you object? Please be as specific as possible.
  3. Have you read or listened or viewed the entire content? If not, what parts?
  4. What do you feel the effect of the material might be?
  5. For what age group would you recommend this material?
  6. In its place, what material of equal or better quality would you recommend?
  7. What do you want the library to do with this material?
  8. Additional comments:

 

3.  Personnel

 

The Tripoli Public Library follows the personnel procedures and benefits policies outlined in the “Personnel Policy Manual for the City of Tripoli.

 

Volunteers and Friends

 

The Library Board encourages individuals and groups to volunteer their time and efforts in the service of the Tripoli Public Library. In appreciation of volunteer services, the library acknowledges the need to organize volunteer activities and provide for appropriate recognition befitting the benefit to the library and the communities it serves.

 

The library will host an annual recognition of all volunteers in April. This may include a listing of volunteer names in a newspaper release, a certificate of appreciation, and the addition of a book to the collection in each volunteer's name.

 

Public Relations Policy

 

A. Public relations goals of the Tripoli Public Library are:

·         to promote a good understanding of the library's objectives and services among governing officials, civic leaders, and the general public;

·         to promote active participation in the varied services offered by the library to people of all ages.

B. The Board recognizes that public relations involves every person who has connection with the library. The Board urges its own members and every staff member to realize that he or she represents the library in every public contact. Good service supports good public relations.

 

C. The director will be expected to make presentations and to participate in community activities to promote library services. A reasonable amount of library time will be allowed for preparation and speaking. Materials to be used by press, radio, or television will be approved by the director.

 

D. The board will establish a publications budget to cover costs related to printing, publication, supplies, and miscellaneous needs related to the public relations effort.

 

 

 

 

 

Disasters Policy

 

Fire

 

Do not panic, but do not under-estimate the potential danger to customers or staff represented by a fire. At the first indication of smoke or flame, investigate the situation to determine location and extent of the fire. If the fire can obviously be contained and extinguished quickly and safely by staff, proceed to do so. However, if there is any doubt about whether the fire can be controlled, immediately call 911 or the fire department and then clear the building.

The time to think about fires is before they happen. Familiarize yourself with the type, location, and application of the fire extinguisher(s) in the building. Orient all staff and volunteers to this information.

 

Health emergencies

 

Staff members should exercise caution when administering first aid of even a minor nature because of the safety of the injured individual and the potential liability of the staff member. Without specialized training it is not advisable for staff to undertake more than keeping the sick or injured patron comfortable and protected from needless disturbance until medical help can be obtained. Since each case is unique, staff members should use their own judgement to do what is prudent and reasonable.

 

The Rescue Squad/Police (911) should be called immediately in the event of any serious problem.

 

No medication, including aspirin, should ever be dispensed to the public.

 

Bomb threats

 

Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask the caller to repeat the message and try to write down every word spoken by the person.

If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, ASK FOR THIS INFORMATION.

 

Pay particular attention to peculiar background noises such as motors running, background music and any other sounds which may indicate where the location from which the call is originating.

 

Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited), accents and speech impediments.

 

Immediately after the caller hangs up, call the police. Clear the building. The police will handle the actual bomb search.

 

Snow storms and severe weather

 

The library will follow the recommendation and actions of the city between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closing during other days and hours will be at the discretion of the library director.

 

Memberships and State Agencies

 

The Tripoli Public library is a member of the Iowa Library Association, and the American Library Association. The library is under the jurisdiction of the Northeast Iowa Library Service Area and the State Library of Iowa.

 

Revision of Library Policies

 

The preceding statements of Tripoli Public Library's policies shall be subject to review and needed revision at least every three years by the library Board. Individual policies will be reviewed or added as needed.

 

These policies supercede any and all other adopted policies.

 

Adopted: September, 2004 / Reviewed 2008 / Reviewed 2012 / Reviewed 9/2014 / Reviewed 3/2016 / Reviewed 12/2018, Reviewed 1/2021