Wireless Policy Meeting Room Policy Tutoring Policy
Closing Policy Internet Use Policy Child Safety Policy
The Library Hotspot provides filtered wireless access for patrons using personal notebook or laptop computers equipped with a functioning wireless network connection.
The Trussville Public Library reserves the right to require individuals to discontinue the display of information and/or images which could cause a disturbance to others.
Dissemination or public display of obscene matter is a misdemeanor in Alabama. Section 3a-12-200.3 dissemination or public display of obscene matter containing visual reproduction of persons under 17 years of age involved in obscene acts is a class b felony in Alabama 13a-12-191.1. Violators will be reported to the local police department.
Board Approved, March 16, 2009. This policy may be revised at any time. General use instructions coming soon.
INTERNET ACCESS POLICY AND GUIDELINES
Trussville Public Library has fifteen Internet access computers that patrons may access with a library card. The Library does not monitor Internet use, has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Trussville Public Library complies with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) which requires the use of filtering software for adults, teens, and children. Adults, defined by the law as over the age of 17, may request an override of the filter in certain situations. Filtering software may not block all material users might find offensive. Parents are encouraged to supervise their child’s Internet sessions. The Internet is a continually evolving resource, and the information/links on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably.
Through electronic verification, all users must agree to the Trussville Public Library Computer/Internet guidelines. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in the loss of computer access privileges.
Ø Users are limited to 60 minutes if others are waiting.
Ø Use of the Trussville Public Library’s public access computers is restricted to software applications provided by the Library. All other use, including the use of personal software and software obtained via the Internet, is strictly prohibited.
Ø Files may be downloaded to a self-provided formatted diskette or flash drive. Downloading is strictly the user’s responsibility and the Library takes no responsibility for any loss of data incurred.
Ø Printouts may be made at a cost of 15 cents per page and are to be paid for and picked up at the print release station near the Circulation Desk.
Ø The use of the Trussville Public Library’s public access computer workstations for any illegal purposes is strictly prohibited. All laws regarding copyright and software license must be obeyed.
Users may not:
Send or display material that is inappropriate for viewing in a public environment.
Participate in chat rooms or some social networking sites that are blocked by the content filter.
Engage in any activity that is harassing, defamatory, or disruptive to others.
Invade the privacy of others.
Use the Internet in any manner inconsistent with the proper operation of the Library.
Internet users may encounter closed or delayed databases and resources. The Library has no control and accepts no responsibility for these delays.
Remember, by using our in-house Internet computers, you are agreeing to our access policy and guidelines.
Dissemination or public display of obscene matter is a misdemeanor in Alabama. Section 3a-12-200.3 dissemination or public display of obscene matter containing visual reproduction of persons under 17 years of age involved in obscene acts is a class b felony in Alabama 13a-12-191.1. Violators will be reported to the local police department.
Board Approved, March 16, 2009. This policy may be revised at any time.
Meeting Room Policy
The Trussville Public Library has one room to be used for meetings and programs. The primary purpose of this room is to provide appropriate space for library meetings and programs. When chairs are set up in rows, the room seats twenty people comfortably, with a maximum of thirty people. A group larger than thirty would be very crowded. Chairs are provided, and there are several tables that may be also be used. Normally, there are three to four small tables in the room, which each will seat four people. The library sometimes uses this room for storage, so potential users should be aware that boxes or library equipment may be stored there. Those who are interested in reserving the room should feel free to view the room prior to reserving it.
When the room is not in use by library staff members, it may be reserved for public use by approved groups. All reservation requests must be approved by the Library Director or the Director’s Assistant prior to use. The room may be reserved for the following situations, during normal hours of library operation:
Educational meetings other than one-on-one tutoring
Cultural meetings
Charitable meetings
Intellectual meetings
Other non-profit meeting purposes
Test proctoring by appointment
The room may not be used for:
Any purpose that interferes with the regular operation of the library
Programs involving sales, advertising, solicitation or promotion of commercial products or services
Personal, company or family parties or similar activities
Any illegal activities
Rules and Policies:
Disclaimer:
Permission to use the meeting room does not constitute endorsement of the users’ policies, presentation or viewpoints by Trussville Public Library or the City of Trussville.
This policy complies with the American Library Association’s guidelines on meeting room use.
http://ala8.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/interpretations/meetingrooms.htm
Adopted by the Trussville Library Board of Trustees, 2008.
Tutor Policy
Trussville Public Library
TUTOR POLICY
Trussville Public Library believes that tutoring is an activity in line with the Library’s role as an educational support center in the community.
Use of the Library for tutoring is allowed within these guidelines:
Ø Tutors should meet their students in the Library lobby.
Ø Only one student may be tutored at any time.
Ø Students being tutored are expected to follow all Library house rules.
Ø It is preferred that the parent remain in the Library while the student is being tutored. The Library assumes no responsibility for children left unattended.
Ø Tutors are responsible for students under 18 years of age while on Library property until released to a parent/guardian or to authorized transportation.
Ø Tutors working with students at the end of Library hours are asked to leave the Library fifteen minutes before closing.
Ø Tutors will be required to sign a copy of this policy that will remain on file with the Library Director.
Tutor Hours and Areas:
Ø Tutors may use the back tables of the children’s area designated for tutors at any time during Library hours. This area is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ø Use of all other areas in the Library for tutors is restricted to Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. and anytime during Library hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ø There are no restrictions on hours or areas during the summer although Library programs and events take precedence for space.
Board approved: 10-20-08
If you have any questions, please contact our Library Director, Emily Tish.
Closing Policy
Memo
To: All school administrators and parents of Trussville City Schools students
From: Debbie Waid, Library Board Chair, Trussville Public Library
Date: May 23, 2008
Re: Severe Weather Policy
Trussville Public Library Adopts Severe Weather Policy
The Trussville Public Library’s Board of Trustees recently approved a new policy to help its staff and patrons handle severe weather events and other emergency closings. A summary of the policy is included in this memo. To read the entire policy, please visit the library’s reference desk.
The ultimate goal is to protect both employees and patrons from severe weather. Severe weather can take many forms including, but not limited to, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, ice storms, and snow. Due to several factors, the Trussville Public Library is in a unique situation, particularly concerning thunderstorms and tornados:
1) The library is one of the few city departments that regularly has numerous members of
the general public in its building.
2) The library is housed in a building that is composed almost entirely of glass.
3) The library regularly has children in the building who are here without their parents or guardians.
4) In 2003, a representative from the Trussville Fire Department surveyed the library and determined that there was no safe place in the building in the event of a tornado.
To prevent children from being in an unsafe environment, if the Trussville City Schools make the decision to close early for severe weather in the form of a tornado, thunderstorm, or the like, the library will also close at that time. On days that such closings occur, the director or staff member in charge will notify all Trussville schools that the library is closing also. The schools will be asked to make an announcement to this effect over their public address system and remind the children not to walk here after school. Similarly, if severe weather, or its threat, is occurring around 3:00 p.m. when schools are regularly dismissing, staff will likewise notify the schools and ask them to make an announcement encouraging children not to walk here. If the schools close early due to the threat of snow/ice, the library director or person in charge will use his/her own judgment concerning closing the library, based on the probability of children being stuck here at closing, the likely condition of the roads at closing, and the visibility needed for staff to drive home. The library will re-open at the discretion of the director or person in charge. Most likely this will mean opening the next day.
When closing early, staff will place appropriate signs on the doors, as well as empty and lock the outside return. If feasible, staff will post a message on the library blog and/or web site (www.trussvillelibrary.com) to let the public know of this change in hours.
As the library’s unattended children’s policy states, “neither the library nor its staff shall assume responsibility for keeping the unattended child within the library building, nor shall they assume responsibility for the safety of a child once he/she leaves the library… Under no condition should a library employee provide transportation for a child.” The police should be notified of any child left at closing.
If you have questions about any of the information contained in this memo, please call the library at 655-2022. Click here to read the policy in its entirety.
Trussville Public Library
CHILD SAFETY POLICY
General Information
Children are always welcome at the Trussville Public Library. We are glad your children are here. The Library staff strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment for people of all ages. Trussville Public Library encourages you to make visits to our Library a family affair. Bring your child to the Library to help choose books, use the computers, or attend a program. In this way, your child’s visit to our Library will be a positive experience.
The Library staff is here to serve you. However, Library staff cannot assume the responsibility of a child’s care. The behavior and welfare of children are the responsibility of the parents, guardians or caregivers accompanying the child to the Library and they must work with Library staff to provide a pleasant and safe environment for all patrons.
Our Library staff is pleased to help children use our facility for:
1. finding materials for school work and recreational reading.
2. providing an environment that encourages study and intellectual curiosity.
3. providing programs that inform and enrich.
The safety of children left alone in the Library is a serious concern of our staff. Library facilities are not licensed or designated to provide basic child care needs and we are not a babysitting service. It is impossible for the Library staff to guarantee the safety of an unattended child. The Library is a public building and is not safe for young children to be left alone.
The Trussville Public Library Board of Trustees has established the following policy in order to maintain an environment of safety and to maintain an atmosphere where reading and study can be encouraged:
Unattended Children
Children 7 years of age and younger shall at all times be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult (parent, guardian, other caregiver, age 18 years or older) while in the Library. Children 7 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult when in the restroom, entryway and children’s area.
Children ages 8 – 10 must have a responsible adult present in the Library. Older children and adolescents who come to the Library without a parent, guardian or caregiver are welcome for appropriate use of the Library, such as homework or reading. Children 11 years of age and older may use the Library unattended provided they are able to maintain appropriate Library behavior.
Teachers, daycare providers, or other youth leaders may not leave groups of unattended students in the library, regardless of the age of the students.
Disruptive behavior that is unacceptable in the Library includes, but is not limited to:
1. Running, chasing inside or on sidewalks and entryways adjoining the Library.
2. Rollerblades, skates, skateboards, shoes with rollers
3. Shouting, loud conversations, arguments, foul language.
4. Throwing anything.
5. Bullying or bothering patrons.
6. Consuming food or drinks.
7. Vandalizing Library property or facilities.
8. Refusing to follow Library house rules.
If necessary the Library reserves the right to summon the police.
Unattended Children at Closing Time
Unattended children must know how to contact a parent or guardian. Trussville Public Library does not have a public phone and Library staff are not responsible for calling parents.
Parents must pick up their children no later than 10 minutes before closing time.
Parents, guardians and caregivers should be aware of the Library’s hours and are expected to make advanced arrangements to pick up their children prior to closing.
If a child is unattended at the time of closing, an attempt to reach the parent or legal guardian shall be made. If the attempt to contact the parent or legal guardian fails, the Trussville Police Department shall be called to take responsibility for the child. Two Library staff members will remain with the child inside the Library entrance until law enforcement officials arrive. A note will be placed on the door notifying the parent or legal guardian that the child is in the care of local law enforcement officials. Staff will not transport children home or to any other destination under any circumstances.
Closings Due to Inclement Weather and Emergencies
The Trussville Public Library may close due to emergencies because of inclement weather, power outages, etc. If the Trussville City Schools close because of inclement weather, the Library will also close. No child may be sent to the Library if the schools close early due to emergencies. When the Library closes because of inclement weather or an emergency, and school is still in session, schools will be notified and an announcement that the Library is closed will be requested.
Trussville Public Library hopes that all children in our community will have the opportunity to develop a life-long love of reading by visiting our Library. Parents, guardians and care-givers are our partners in providing a safe environment for children.
Board approved: 10-20-08