Library Policy

1. Library programs will generally be free and open to the public, except as noted below.

2. The Library may cosponsor programs with other organizations. Policy restrictions on library programming shall apply to programs held on library premises.

3. Staff plans library programs and makes them available to the community as a whole, but some programs, such as tours, may be given to designated groups on request.

4. There are several types of Library programs:
a. General programs and regularly offered classes are free and open to the public
b. Advance ticketed programs are special events with limited seating
c. Ongoing program series or classes may restrict participation and may be limited in enrollment. Examples include story hour series, summer reading program, book discussion groups and similar groups.
d. Private programs for library meetings or library support groups may include invitation-only attendance, an admission charge, or fundraising, with approval of the Director.
e. Public programs planned for library fundraising may include an admission charge, in exceptional cases and with approval of the director.
f. The Library may provide group tours or Library orientations on request. Some aspects of these programs may be planned jointly with the requesting group.

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Rules of Conduct Policy

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees that patrons of the Menominee Tribal/County Library have the right to use Library materials and services without being unduly disturbed or impeded by other library users, and that patrons and staff have the right to a secure and congenial environment.

Rules:
1. Due to the proximity of the Library building to the Menominee Indian School District grounds, consumption of alcoholic beverages or any illegal drug substance is not permitted on Library property.

2. Any behavior that disrupts or hinders public use of the Library is prohibited on Library property. This includes, but is not limited to, loud or boisterous behavior, verbal or physical harassment, drunkenness, running, and fighting.

3. Seating at Library tables, carrels and chairs is limited to the number of persons for whom the furniture was designed. In some cases children may share chairs as long as it is done in an orderly manner.

4. Smoking or chewing tobacco is not permitted in the Library. Public eating is permitted only when specifically approved as part of a program in Library meeting rooms.

5. Bicycles are not permitted in any Library public area or entryway. Roller-skating and skateboarding are not permitted in the Library. Wagons and strollers may not be left obstructing a corridor, hallway, aisle, entry or exit.

6. Selling products or services, or soliciting donations, is not permitted in the Library, except as part of a Library sponsored program or a Menominee Tribal program.

7. Latex balloons are not permitted in the library at any time, because of their potential to cause severe allergic reactions in some people and possible suffocation of children.

8. Taking surveys, circulating petitions, distributing leaflets, and other similar activities are permitted in the Library only when authorized by the Library Administration.

9. Animals, except those used to aid persons with disabilities, are not permitted in the Library, except as part of a Library-sponsored program. Animals may not be left unattended on Library grounds.

10. Parents or other legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of the minor children in the Library.

11. The violation of federal or state laws or local ordinances will not be permitted on Library property. Theft, vandalism and mutilation of Library property are criminal offenses and may be prosecuted. The Library reserves the right to inspect all bags, briefcases, backpacks, and other such items when the staff has reason to believe this rule has been violated. The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.

12. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the loss of Library use privileges.

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Unattended Children Policy

Purpose: The Menominee Tribal/County Library welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities and services. In an effort to ensure the safety and well being of the children and maintain an atmosphere of constructive library use, the following policy regarding appropriate use of the library by children and their caregivers is adopted.

Policy:
Responsibility for the welfare and the behavior of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or an assigned chaperone. Though staff will always respond with care and concern, they cannot assume responsibility for children's safety and comfort when they are unattended. Staff may need to contact authorities such as the Police either to assist with the enforcement of discipline in the library or to ensure the safety of an unattended child.

Young children under the age of 6 should be attended and adequately supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver that is a responsible person of at least fourteen years of age. Older children may use the library unattended provided they are able to maintain proper library behavior.

The librarian has the right to bar a child from activities due to repeated offenses of inappropriate behavior if necessary.

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Material Selection Policy

Purpose: The Menominee Tribal/County Library selects materials and develops collections in many different formats to provide Menominee Reservation/County residents with a wide range of informational, recreational and educational resources that are easily accessible and cost-efficient. The library will acquire materials reflecting the full diversity of topics to the public.

Policy:
1. One objective of the Menominee Tribal/County Library is to select, organize, preserve and make freely available materials that help individuals and groups in the, community to:
a. pursue continuing education
b. develop their creative capacities
c. become more responsible members of the community
d. understand their cultural heritage and that of others
e. become more capable in their occupations
f. use their leisure time creatively
g. obtain needed information

2. To achieve these ends, the library provides materials and services to residents of all ages. It seeks to direct and stimulate lifelong learning by offering a carefully selected collection of materials and skilled professional guidance in their use.

3. In its selection of materials, the Menominee Tribal/County Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, as adopted by the American Library Association.

4. The library will challenge censorship of any materials in order to provide complete and accurate information on all sides of an issue, and to foster a climate of intellectual freedom for area residents.

5. The final responsibility for material selection lies with the Library Director. Professional members of the staff share the responsibility for initial selection of materials. Recommendations from the public are welcomed.

6. Challenges regarding specific materials will be reviewed upon written request. A form for this purpose may be requested from any professional librarian.

7. The Library will not promote specific beliefs or views, but will provide enough suitable material to enable the public to make informed and intelligent decisions.

8. Materials judged to be of lasting value would be added to the collection. Those materials meeting present and anticipated user interests may also be provided. Materials listed in standard public library indices will generally be acquired.

9. Selection of materials may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to the following:
a. budgetary considerations
b. physical limitations of the library building
c. suitability of the format and construction
d. availability of specialized materials in other local libraries
e. availability of material through interlibrary loan
f. the need for added materials in subject areas
g. the special needs of library patrons for materials in accessible formats

10. The library welcomes gifts of materials, with the understanding that they will be evaluated using the same criteria as those applied to purchased materials. If the gifts do not meet these criteria, the library reserves the right to dispose of them as it sees fit. All gifts of library materials are subject to the Library's Gifts Policy.

11. The library collection will be kept attractive and current by a continual program of repairing, discarding or replacing worn and outdated materials.

12. As needed, Library staff may write plans for the development of specific collections. These plans may outline selection and acquisition procedures, reviewing tools, and maintenance of the specific collection. All such plans shall be in compliance with and responsive to the philosophy of this policy.

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Circulation Policy

Purpose: A core service of the library is the loan of materials to individuals in the community The library does this by maintaining a database of registered borrowers and giving patrons in good standing access to the collections of the Menominee Tribal/County Library. In providing borrowing privileges, the library promotes use of materials, ensures the rights of borrowers and protects the interests of the community.

Policy:
1. The Menominee Tribal/County Library is committed to the philosophy of a statewide borrower's card. All residents of the state of Wisconsin are eligible for a library card.

2. All library circulation records are confidential under Wisconsin Statute 43.30.

3. The library participates in the OWLSnet shared automation network and works cooperatively with other OWLSnet libraries to maintain borrowers' records and lend materials. Only patrons registered at an OWLSnet library are eligible to borrow materials.

4. Library staff will require those applying for library cards to present identification sufficient to establish their place of residence. There shall be no charge for issuing or renewing a card.

5. Patrons applying for library cards will sign a responsibility statement, which reads as follows:
"I accept responsibility for library materials borrowed with the library card issued to me until I report the card lost or stolen. I agree to pay fines for materials returned to the library after their due date and to reimburse the library for materials that are lost, damaged, or stolen."
*The library will require that a parent or guardian must sign the application form for their minor child.
*Parents or guardians are responsible for their minor children's use of library material, including payment of any fees or charges incurred by their children.
*Each family shall have the right and responsibility of setting standards for their own children; standards applied to their child shall not be imposed on anyone else's child.
*The Menominee Tribal/County Library will not assert the rights of a minor child over the rights of that child's parents/guardians. The library will comply with a parent or guardian's written request restricting their minor child's access to specific collections at checkout.

6. The library staff shall set loan periods and limits on the number of materials, which can be borrowed and borrowing periods for various collections, appropriate for the proper use of materials.

7. The library may charge a fee or recover costs for the following situations:
* Borrowing without presenting a library card
*Lost library card replacement
*Items returned overdue
*Damaged items
*Replacement of items damaged or not returned
*Postage and materials for notice
*Photocopies/document delivery/faxing/printing

8. Library staff may deny borrowing privileges to cardholders:
* Not presenting their card or other identification
* With a significant number of overdue materials not yet returned
* With significant fines or bills for material not returned

9. The library reserves the right to take measures up to and including legal action to recover materials not returned. Menominee Indian Tribe Reserve Material Any material which is deemed by the Library Administrator as being cataloged under Menominee Reserve is not to be lent for use outside of the Menominee Reservation Boundaries. The Library Administrator has the right to restrict lending of this material within Reservation Boundaries.

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Reference & Reader's Advisory Policy

Purpose:
The Library provides Reference and Reader's Advisory service to help people find information, select library materials and use library and other information resources. Staff responds to varied information needs using the library collections to the fullest extent possible and identifying sources beyond the library whenever necessary. Staff uses professional judgment to assess needs and provides information; assistance or instructions appropriate to individual requests.

Policy:
1. Staff replies to all requests for information and will accept questions:
*In person
*Over the phone
*By fax
*Through the mail
*Via e-mail

2. Although all requests for assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, priority will be given to in-person inquiries over other kinds of inquiries in event of a tie.

3. Reference transactions are confidential under Wisconsin Statute 43.30

4. In providing information, especially in the subject areas of law, medicine and human biology, consumer information, personal finance/tax information, staff will use professional judgment while avoiding personal interpretation and recommendations.

5. Staff does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, sexual preference or disability in the provision of reference services.

6. Staff may set reasonable limits on the amount of time and level of response given to patron requests for information. Simple requests for information can usually be answered fully. More complex questions may require that patrons participate in finding needed information, with staff providing guidance and assistance. Patrons doing in-depth research or needing extensive individual reading guidance should expect to receive professional assistance, direction and library instruction, but will be expected to conduct the actual research themselves.

7. The reference interview is a vital part of reference or reader's advisory transactions. Because telephone, fax, e-mail and mail do not allow face to face interaction and follow-up, misinterpretation is always a possibility. Therefore, only brief definitions or descriptions can be read over the telephone or sent via mail, e-mail or fax. Sources are always quoted verbatim without interpretation.

8. In order to ensure equitable access, staff may impose reasonable limits on the use of resources and facilities such as study rooms, the Internet and other computer workstations.

9. Reference materials are circulated only under special circumstances and are subject to the approval of designated authorized staff. Patrons who check out reference books must be cardholders in good standing with OWLSnet. Reference materials are loaned for the shortest time possible.

10. Reference and Reader's Advisory service complies with copyright and other applicable restrictions in the use of library materials.

11. Reference and Reader's Advisory service is provided in a manner consistent with the Library Bill of Rights and The American Library Association Code of Ethics. (1995)

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Meeting Room Policy

Purpose:
The meeting room is available for use by community groups for presentation of informational, educational, or recreational meetings and programs in keeping with the mission of the Menominee Tribal/County Library.

Policy:
1. Meeting room facilities will be made available on equitable bases, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Meetings are scheduled on first come - first serve basis.

2. Rooms may be used for:
* Meetings which are open to the public.
* Public lectures, panel discussions, film and slide presentations, group discussions, workshops, and other similar functions;
* Organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, governmental or charitable activities.

3. Rooms may not be used for:
* Any purpose which may interfere with the regular operation of the library;
* Programs involving the sale, advertising, solicitation or promotion of commercial products or services;
* Personal, company, or family parties.

4. No single group, unless authorized by the Administrator, may have more than three meetings reserved in advance.

5. No admission fee, registration fee, nor donations may be sought from meeting attendees.

6. The library Administrator will set the fee or make the decision to waive the fee for meeting room use.

7. Users agree to abide by all regulations of the library relating to the use of the facilities and accept responsibility for all damages caused to the building and/or equipment beyond normal wear.

8. Users of the meeting rooms will follow the guidelines regarding meeting room use. These guidelines will be made available to all those users booking the rooms and posted on the sign immediately outside the meeting rooms.

9. Use of the library meeting rooms does not imply endorsement by the library staff or Trustees of the viewpoints presented.

10. Users are obligated to furnish any information to the librarian regarding meeting room purposes.

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Internet Policy

Purpose:
The Library Board establishes this Internet policy to ensure appropriate use of Internet resources within the Library.

Policy:
1. The Library provides workstations for free public access to the Internet as in informational, educational and recreational resource.

2. The Library expects that all use of electronic information resources such as the Internet will be responsible and ethical, consistent with the purpose for which these resources are provided. This includes:
* Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only; not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
* Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user, by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
* Further respecting the privacy of others using public access workstations at Menominee Tribal/County Library by not interfering with their use.
* Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data
* Not sending, receiving, or displaying, text or graphics which may reasonably be construed by Library staff as offensive to the public
* Not making unauthorized changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware

3. The Menominee Tribal/County Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. Subject to the above restrictions, it is the responsibility of the user (or the parent, guardian or caregiver) to determine what is appropriate. Library staff assumes that children and young adults under the age of 18 who are unattended in the Library have parental permission to use Library resources, including the Internet. It is not possible for library staff to control specific information people may locate on the Internet.

4. Just as libraries do not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of written material in their collections, they do not do so for electronic information. Selection policies that serve to govern a library's purchase of written materials may not apply to material accessed electronically.

5. The Library staff may impose restrictions, such as time limits, on the use of Library equipment. While respecting individual users' right to privacy, 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 they observe any behavior that they judge to be in conflict with this policy. Misuse or abuse of Library computers of Internet access may result in suspension of Library privileges.

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Gifts Policy

Purpose:
The Menominee Tribal/County Library believes that private initiative has an important role in extending and enriching the services of the library. The Library Board established this policy to set guidelines for accepting gifts.

1) Conditions under which gifts will be accepted:
*Gifts for the library should be of such nature that usage of them falls within the Mission Statement of the Library
*Gifts should be viewed as an addition or supplement to, not a reduction of, the operating budget of the library
*Staff will routinely determine if gifts are acceptable under this policy. The Board will routinely vote approval on grants from various sources. Gifts resulting in ongoing costs to the institution such as staffing or special maintenance will require special Board approval for acceptance
*Gifts should be complete and may be refused if the expenditure of library funds is necessary to make the gift item usable
*Gifts of cash, real property, stocks, trusts, etc. will be accepted. Such resources may be used to purchase materials in keeping with the library's collection development plan, or to provide services in keeping with the library's mission. The purchase of specifically identified titles with such funds cannot be guaranteed, nor does the donor have the right of approval of titles before purchase. However, donors are encouraged to recommend subject areas.
*Depending on the wishes of the donors, some donations may be referred to the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Chairman's Office.
*Gifts of art objects, personal property, etc. will be accepted if such items have a use in the library. If an item can not be used, the library reserves the right to sell the item and use the proceeds of the sale for purposes in keeping with the library's Mission Statement. Books will also be accepted with the understanding that the material may not be added to the collection according to the Material Selection Policy.

2) Disposal of Gifts:
The library reserves the right at all times to dispose of any gift without notification to the donor, if in the judgment of the staff, such item no longer serves the purposes of the library.

3) Recognition of Gifts:
Library bookplates will be placed in any library materials purchased with gift finds, format permitting. Programs and services made possible by gift funds will include recognition of such benefactors in their supporting literature. Recognition of gifts may be made through the library's newsletter, major donations may also be announced in the local newspaper.

4) Solicitation of gifts:
The library will develop appropriate methods for the solicitation of gifts

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Menominee Tribal/County Library
W2760 Chief Little Wave Rd.
P.O. Box 1090
Keshena, WI 54135
Phone 715-799-5212 FAX 715-799-6516