Covington-Veedersburg Public Library
Policies
Access to Library Public Records Policy
(adopted 10/5/04)

In accordance with IC 5-14-3-3, any person may inspect and copy the public records of the Covington-Veedersburg Public Libraries (hereafter referred to as “the Libraries”) during the regular business hours of the Libraries, except as provided in IC 5-14-3-4. A request for inspection or copying must:
1.Identify with reasonable particularity the record being requested; and
2.Be in writing.
No request may be denied because the person making the request refuses to state the purpose of the request, unless such condition is required by other applicable statute.
The Libraries will not deny or interfere with the exercise of the right to inspect and copy public records. The Libraries shall either:
1.Provide the requested copies to the person making the request; or
2.Allow the person to make copies on the Libraries’ equipment or on the person's own equipment.  Copies will be at the person’s expense.
The Libraries will not:
1.Permit a person to inspect and copy through the use of enhanced access public records containing information owned by or entrusted to the Libraries; or
2.Permit a governmental entity to use an electronic device to inspect and copy public records containing information owned by or entrusted to the Libraries.
The Libraries shall make reasonable efforts to provide to a person making a request a copy of all disclosable data contained in the records on paper, disk, tape, drum, or any other method of electronic retrieval if the medium requested is compatible with the Libraries’ data storage system. This subsection does not apply to an electronic map (as defined by IC 5-14-3-2).
A person who receives information in electronic format may not use the information for commercial purposes. Such purposes include to sell, advertise, or solicit the purchase of merchandise, goods, or services, or sell, loan, give away, or otherwise deliver the information obtained by the request to any other person (as defined in IC 5-14-3-2) for these purposes. Use of information received electronically in connection with the preparation or publication of news, for nonprofit activities, or for academic research is not prohibited. A person who uses information in a manner contrary to these rules will be prohibited by the Libraries from obtaining a copy of any further data via electronic means.
Public Records Excepted from Disclosure
In accordance with IC 5-14-3-4(a), the following public records are excepted from public access and will not be disclosed by the Library, unless access to the records is specifically required by a state or federal statute or is ordered by a court under the rules of discovery. These excepted records include:
1.Those declared confidential by state statute.
2.Those declared confidential by rule adopted by the Libraries under specific authority to classify public records as confidential granted to the Libraries by statute.
3.Those required to be kept confidential by federal law.
4.Records containing trade secrets.
5.Confidential financial information obtained, upon request, from a person. However, this does not include information that is filed with or received by the Libraries pursuant to state statute.
6.Information concerning research, including actual research documents, conducted under the auspices of an institution of higher education, including information:
A.Concerning any negotiations made with respect to the research; and
B.Received from another party involved in the research.
7.Grade transcripts and license examination scores obtained as part of a licensure process.
8.Those declared confidential by or under rules adopted by the supreme court of Indiana.
9.Patient medical records and charts created by a provider, unless the patient gives written consent under IC 16-39.
In addition, the Libraries declares the following public records to be excepted from public disclosure in accordance with IC 5-14-3-4(b):
1.The work product of an attorney representing the Libraries.
2.Records that are of an advisory or deliberative nature, including material developed by a private contractor under a contract with the Libraries, records that are expressions of opinion or are of a speculative nature, and records that are communicated for the purpose of decision making.
3.Diaries, journals, or other personal notes serving as the functional equivalent of a diary or journal.
4.Personnel files of Library employees and files of applicants for Library employment, except for:
A.The name, compensation, job title, business address, business telephone number, job description, education and training background, previous work experience, or dates of first and last employment of present or former officers or employees of the Libraries;
B.Information relating to the status of any formal charges against the employee; and
C.Information concerning disciplinary actions in which final action has been taken and that resulted in the employee being disciplined or discharged.
However, all personnel file information shall be made available to the affected employee or his or her representative. This subdivision does not apply to disclosure of personnel information generally on all employees or for groups of employees without the request being particularized by employee name.
5.Administrative or technical information that would jeopardize a recordkeeping or security system.
6.Computer programs, computer codes, computer filing systems, and other software that are owned by the Libraries or entrusted to them.
7.Records specifically prepared for discussion or developed during discussion in an executive session under IC 5-14-1.5-6.1. However, this subdivision does not apply to that personnel information required to be available for inspection and copying under subdivision (4).
8.The identity of a donor of a gift made to the Libraries if:
A.The donor requires nondisclosure of his or her identity as a condition of making the gift; or
B.After the gift is made, the donor or a member of the donor's family requests nondisclosure.
9.Libraries or archival records:
A.That can be used to identify any patron of the Libraries; or
B.Deposited with or acquired by the Libraries upon a condition that the records be disclosed only:
i.To qualified researchers;
ii.After the passing of a period of years that is specified in the documents under which the deposit or acquisition is made; or
iii.After the death of persons specified at the time of the acquisition or deposit.


Disruptive Behavior Policy top

It is the policy of the Covington and Veedersburg Public Libraries to offer the full range of library service to all residents of the communities, regardless of age, sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion, or economic status.  It is the intent of the library to provide its services with a minimum of regulations and restrictions, adopting only those which are absolutely essential to the library's operation.
Library users have a right to assume that visits to the library will be free from harassment; free from physical discomfort and danger; free from psychological and emotional stress.
The library staff has basically the same rights. Each member of the staff should be able to do his/her work free of harassment, abuse, discomfort, and undue psychological stress.
The rights of both the public and the staff are sometimes violated by the attitudes and behavior of a very small minority of persons.
The libraries consider the following to be unacceptable behavior:
1.Loud conversation or laughter which is disturbing to other users.
2.Obscene or abusive language.
3.Smoking in the library building or outside the library doors.
4.Use of radios, CD players, cassette players, or MP3 players if not using headphones so that sound is not transmitted to others.
5.Willful destruction of or damage to any library property.
6.Blocking, or in any way interfering with, the free movement of any person or persons.
7.Bringing animals other than lead dogs into the building.
8.Consumption of illegal substances, being under the influence of illegal substances or the possession of such substances.
9.Removal of any library property or items for sale from the building without authorization through established lending procedures or purchase requirements.
10.Soliciting or selling of any kind, if disruptive to the normal use of the library.
11.Distribution of leaflets or posting of notices in areas not authorized for this purpose.
12.Use of library telephones by any person other than library personnel unless approved.
13.Consumption of food or beverages brought into the building without approval by the library staff.
14.Harassing behavior or other intimidating acts.
15.Engaging in disorderly conduct, committing a nuisance, or unreasonably disturbing and offending library users.
16.Carrying weapons of any sort or items that can be used to hurt another.


Adopted 12/2007 by the Covington-Veedersburg Public Library Board of Trustees


Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy top


The following guidelines describe the policies of the Covington-Veedersburg Public Library for use of computer data networks and the resources they access, including the Internet. Any person in good standing may register for access to the Library’s public computers and the library internet connection. Young people under the age of 18 must be registered in person by a parent or legal guardian. The library patron is responsible for proper use of the computer network, databases, and the Internet. The library patron using the network or the Internet should be aware of the risks posed by computer viruses and other destructive computer programs and should take steps to avoid allowing the Library’s computer network to be damaged by them. Patrons may not add to, delete, or alter the software on Library computers in any way.

Filtering of Internet Sites
In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, no one under the age of 18 is permitted to access computer sites, chat rooms or e-mail that contain obscene or sexually explicit material harmful to minors. Adults are not allowed to display such materials within view of minors. All Library computers have been set to filter out materials as outlined by CIPA. Be advised that Library Staff will disconnect a site that they find to be in violation of CIPA.

Use of Computers by Minors
The library strongly encourages parental supervision of children using the Internet, even with filtered access. No filtering system can be considered completely infallible due to the continuously evolving state of the Internet, and because we are aware that personal opinions regarding “offensive” material may vary. Parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting standards to follow when using media and information sources through the Internet or network, and conveying them to their children.

Legal Use
The library computer network and the Internet may be used by patrons for legal purposes only. Examples of illegal use include but are not limited to:
•Harassing, libeling, or slandering others
•Downloading programs, software, etc., which damage or result in disruption of the network
•Transmission of speech not protected by the First Amendment
•Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material
•Accessing material advocating or constituting child pornography or abuse, or displaying pornography to minors
•Use of the network or Internet to commit fraud or other crimes

Ethical Use
Network and Internet access must be used in accordance with Covington-Veedersburg Public Library policies. Examples of unacceptable use, some of which may also have legal consequences, include:
•Violation of network or computer system security
•Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, IP addresses, network properties, personal or library passwords, identification numbers, etc.
•Use of terminals in a manner which impedes the access of other patrons to the network, such as failing or refusing to observe time restrictions set by the library.

Violations
Violators of legal or ethical policies will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Violators can lose some or all library privileges. Persons making illegal use of the network or Internet may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. The Director is authorized by the Library’s Board of Trustees to suspend the Library privileges and/or suspend or terminate the Internet privileges of any patron who fails to adhere to the Library’s rules for acceptable use of the computers and the Internet connection. A patron may appeal the suspension or termination of Library and/or Internet privileges, but the suspension or termination will remain in effect until the appeal is heard by the Library Board of Trustees and a determination is made.

Limitation of Liability
It is impossible for the Library staff to monitor computer workstations every minute that the library is open. Therefore, patrons and the parents or guardians of minors must assume responsibility for acceptable use of the network, PCs and the Internet.

The library assumes no liability for use of credit cards by Library patrons using the Internet.

The library assumes no direct or indirect responsibility for any damages that may occur arising from the use by its patrons of its connection to the Internet. This includes such things as loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, service interruptions, or transfers or disclosure of user file information.

The library is not responsible for damage caused to a computer owned by the user or anyone else from computer viruses acquired through use of the Library’s Internet connection.

Library patrons are advised to be good information consumers and evaluate the various sources of information available for accuracy, timeliness, and credibility.

A patron signifies understanding of and the agreement to abide by the policies as outlined above by signing up for Internet and computer use at the Covington and/or Veedersburg Public Libraries.

Adopted 12/2007 by the Covington-Veedersburg Public Library Board of Trustees



MEETING ROOM POLICY top

The meeting room in the Covington Public Library can be used by the public; however, library functions always take precedence over all other meetings.

The meeting room can be used by:
1.Civic, community or educational organizations
a.The purpose of the meeting must be non-commercial, non-partisan and non-profit.
2.Religious groups for non-partisan and bi-partisan programs
a.The purpose of the meeting should be educational in nature.
3.Commercial, industrial or professional organizations for educational purposes
a.The purpose of the meeting should not involve the sale of goods or services.
4.Friends of the Library for fund-raising activities.

No admission fee may be charged for any meeting held in the room.  However, a fee may be charged to cover the actual costs of materials or supplies used during the meeting or workshop. An exception may be made for Friends of the Library fund-raising activities.

The meeting room is available at no charge during library hours. Special arrangements must be made at least one week in advance for any meeting which will not conclude prior to the closing of the library. The availability of the meeting room for extended hours is conditional upon the availability of a staff member to oversee security. A security fee of $10 will be charged for any meeting that will last past the regular closing time of the library. The security fee is to be submitted one week in advance of the meeting. The security fee is to be paid directly to the employee in charge of the meeting’s security. The meeting must begin during library hours and conclude by 9:00 p.m. Groups not paying the $10 security fee must have their meeting completed and the conference room in order by the closing time for the library. 

Reservations may be made in person or by telephone.  Reservations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

The person who signs up to use the meeting room is responsible for setting up chairs and tables in the meeting room and restoring the area to its original condition before leaving the building. 

Refreshments may be served.  The person accountable for the room will be held responsible for any damage to the room.

An adult must be in attendance whenever minors are present for meeting room use.

The Library is not responsible for personal belongings of persons attending meetings or for injuries incurred during non-library meetings.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the library, including the restrooms.  No alcohol is permitted on library property.

Adopted 12/2007   By the Covington-Veedersburg Public Library Board of Trustees