North Platte Public Library Policies
NOTE:
Policies are living documents and may be subject to change at any time. If you have questions, please reach out to the Library Director at library@ci.north-platte.ne.us or 308-535-8036 ext. 3321
Table of Contents
Types of Library Cards
Circulation Policies
Customer Conduct
Group Services
Information Services
Materials
About Library Cards
Library cards are available at the circulation desk during operating hours. The Library has several types of Borrower Registration Types. Residents of Lincoln County receive free library service. Nonresidents, living outside Lincoln County, are required to pay an annual fee for full library service.
People living outside Lincoln County who own property and pay property taxes in Lincoln County are entitled to free library service. Proof of current property tax payment is required at registration and upon account renewal after expiration.
All registered borrowers may receive up to two borrower cards for free. Registered borrowers requesting borrower card replacement will be charged the card replacement fee for each replaced card beyond the initial two cards. In order to checkout materials from the library, borrowers are required to provide either their North Platte Public Library card and/or a government, educational, or corporate issued photo identification that clearly states their name at every checkout session. Library staff are not allowed to checkout to borrowers based on personal knowledge of the individual. Photo identification and/or a North Platte Public Library card are required from everyone to checkout materials from the library. Staff may ask borrowers for photo identification to verify a library account at any time, even if a library card is presented.
Borrower Privacy Policy
Nebraska Statue 84-712.05 denotes records which may be withheld from the public including “records or portions of records kept by a publicly funded library which, when examined with or without other records, reveal the identity of any library patron using the library’s materials or services”.
North Platte Public Library relies upon all employees, volunteers, and advisory board members to keep library records and patron information confidential from any agency of federal, state or local government. Library records are defined as, but not limited to: library transactions, circulation records, personal information, or personnel information. The exception to this law is when federal, state or local law enforcement are pursuing civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or under legislative investigatory power. Any library employee receiving the issuance or enforcement of such process, order, or subpoena is directed to notify the designated library authority on duty at the time and the Library Director as soon as possible. The Library Director and/or the Information Systems Manager may contact the City Attorney and request from a court of competent jurisdiction that good cause has been shown for the process.
Registration Requirements
Library applications are available at the circulation desk during operating hours. The Library has several types of Borrower Registration Types. Residents of Lincoln County receive free library service. Nonresidents, living outside Lincoln County, are required to pay an annual fee for full library service.
All registered borrowers may receive up to two borrower cards for free. Registered borrowers requesting borrower card replacement will be charged card replacement fee for each card beyond the initial two cards.
In order to checkout materials from the library, borrowers are required to provide either their North Platte Public Library card and/or a government, educational, or corporate issued photo identification that clearly states their name at every checkout session. Library staff are not allowed to checkout to borrowers based on personal knowledge of who the individual is, photo identification and/or a North Platte Public Library card are required from everyone to checkout materials from the library. Staff may ask borrowers for photo identification to verify a library account at any time, even if a library card is presented.
Valid forms of ID that are required to complete an application for a Library Card is on of the following:
- Non-expired government issued photo identification with current address.
- Current signed form from ML&W, or similar utility company or governmental agency with current address and an employer, school, or government issued photo id. The letter or form must have been issued indicating service within the current 3 months.
- Parent or Guardian who is responsible for a minor obtaining a library card. The parent or guardian should be able to provide similar identification as if they were obtaining a card for themselves.
Those unable to provide verification of residency may still get a Library card by paying an annual (Non-Resident) or 3 month (Temporary) library usage fee.
Types of Library Cards
Adult Borrower Type
Adult (a) is anyone 18 years of age or older that has an address inside Lincoln County and registers to use the library. Proof of current address AND photo identification is required at application time. Proof of current address includes: government issued ID with a current address inside Lincoln County, pre-printed checkbook address inside Lincoln County, or letter issued within 30 days of application from government, educational, utility, residential, group, or temporary housing on corporate letterhead stating the borrower currently lives at a specific address inside Lincoln County. Photo identification includes: government issued photo ID, photo ID issued by an educational institution, photo ID issued by a corporation. Adults who cannot show proof of current address may obtain a library card as a Temporary Borrower or a Non-Resident Borrower type.
Youth (13-17 years) Borrower
Youth 13-17 years (y) are issued to young adults. These cards reflect similar privileges of a Child borrower card but statistically track circulation use differently in the system. Youth may apply for a library card with or without a parent/legal guardian present and must meet application requirements of an adult or those of a child borrower type. Youth are allowed access to the Technology Learning Center after a parent/legal guardian signs off on the access. Children are not allowed access to the Technology Learning Center.
Child Borrower Type
Child 0-12 years (c) is any child whose parent or legal guardian provides proof of current address which may include their library card. Parent/legal guardian must provide either a current North Platte Public Library card or, photo ID AND proof of address consistent with an Adult borrower type. A parent or legal guardian is required to sign the application form, accepting responsibility for fines accrued by any activity of the minor’s card. The child also is requested to sign the application indicating that they understand the responsibility of taking care of and returning library materials on time. The library does not issue cards to children who have not completed Kindergarten. Children are required to have their library card to checkout materials from the library or must have a parent/legal guardian with them to verify their identity.
Institution Borrower Type
Institution/ILL (inst) privileges are given to institutions and businesses that request a card making the institution responsible for account charges. These are most often given to schools and day care facilities. Institution cards are issued annually and require the institution to request the card on letterhead. The institution may request individual cards be issued to divisions, classes, teachers, etc in the letter. All of those individual cards are tied to the institution account. The Institution is required to track what individuals have Institutional Cards and to promptly notify the library of any lost cards or when an individual is no longer allowed to checkout on the Institution’s account.
Non-Resident Borrower Type
Non-Resident (nr) is for anyone who wishes to use the North Platte Public Library and lives outside Lincoln County. They are required to provide photo identification and proof of current address using the same documents as an adult borrower. Non-Resident cards expire annually and require an annual fee.
NebrasKard
NebrasKard (k) is a reciprocal borrowing program offered to libraries in Nebraska. A person requesting NebrasKard borrower type has a home library that participates in the NebrasKard program. The home library issues them a special card, a NebrasKard, which they present to us for use of North Platte Public Library. They complete the borrower application and must meet proof of current address and photo identification requirements by the same documents as an adult.
NebrasKard borrowers have a lower circulation privilege than Adult.
Temporary Borrower
Temporary (t) is the lowest circulation privilege offered by the library. Temporary cards can be issued to individuals who are unable to prove their current address and require a Temporary Borrower Fee. Government, education, or corporate photo identification is required to obtain a Temporary Card. The card expires in 3 months. This borrower type has minimal circulation privileges.
Internet Only Card
Internet Only (i) allows people visiting North Platte or frequent travelers through North Platte the opportunity to have a library card that does not allow item circulation but does provide access to the Technology Learning Center without the hassle of guest procedures. They may be allowed to carry up to a $1.00 balance for TLC printing, if needed. In order to obtain an Internet Only library card, individuals must present a government, educational, or corporate photo ID. Current address is still required, but does not require proof of the address and does not have to be within Lincoln County.
Circulation Policies
Account Limitations
The North Platte Public Library has established the maximum fines allowed before you lose check-out privileges. If your fines and fees reach the maximum listed, you will be unable to check out materials from the library.
| Type of Library Card | Maximum Fines |
| Child (0 – 12 years) | $ 5.00 |
| Youth (13 – 17 years) | $ 5.00 |
| Adult | $ 10.00 |
| Non-Resident | $ 10.00 |
| Internet Only | $ 1.00 |
| Institutional | $ 20.00 |
| Temporary | $ 2.00 |
| NebraskaKard | $ 10.00 |
Borrower Privacy Policy
Nebraska Statue 84-712.05 denotes records which may be withheld from the public including “records or portions of records kept by a publicly funded library which, when examined with or without other records, reveal the identity of any library patron using the library’s materials or services”.
North Platte Public Library relies upon all employees, volunteers, and advisory board members to keep library records and patron information confidential from any agency of federal, state or local government. Library records are defined as, but not limited to: library transactions, circulation records, personal information, or personnel information. The exception to this law is when federal, state or local law enforcement are pursuing civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or under legislative investigatory power. Any library employee receiving the issuance or enforcement of such process, order, or subpoena is directed to notify the designated library authority on duty at the time and the Library Director as soon as possible. The Library Director and/or the Information Systems Manager may contact the City Attorney and request from a court of competent jurisdiction that good cause has been shown for the process.
Claims Returned and Claims Never Had
Patrons occasionally claim they have returned an item, or that they never had an item checked out at all. North Platte Public Library handles both types of claims in the same way.
Items that have not already been renewed are renewed and the patron is asked to search for the item and Library staff will also search for the item. If the staff member handling the claim is not able to search for the item themselves, they are to leave a note with pertinent details for the circulation manager so that they may search for the item. Renewing the item buys both the library and the patron time to find the item in question. Patrons are allowed to have a maximum number of items on their account. See information under Borrower Types for details.
If the library finds the item, it is checked in exempt of fines. If the borrower and the library do not find the item, the claim is kept on their account for three (3) years after which time the link to the item is broken, the item goes to missing status, and the note on the borrower’s record involving the claim is put into their account history. In most cases, however, the items are either found or patrons are compelled to pay for the item.
Debt Collection
The North Platte Public Library contracts with Unique Management Services, Inc. (UMS) for debt collection. After the Library’s notifying procedures as outlined in the section Notices have been completed and the borrower’s account is over over the debt collect threshold, the account is submitted to UMS for collections. A collection service fee is charged when an account is sent to UMS for collections. The account will remain with UMS until the account is cleared, closed or credit reported. The process to get to credit reporting takes 120 – 151 days after UMS receives the account.
When an account is credit reported, if the borrower still has unreturned items, then a North Platte Police Department form letter is sent to the borrower. Seven (7) days after that letter is mailed, if there is no response from the borrower, then all account information will be released to the police for prosecution.
Loan Periods: Collection Codes & Item Types
Loan periods are tied to borrower, collection, and item types. The following table outlines all of the collections with their loan periods:
| Collection | Loan Period |
| Adult Audio CD Fiction | 21 days |
| Adult Audio CD Nonfiction (aacn) | 21 days |
| Adult Audio Fiction | 21 days |
| Adult Audio Nonfiction | 21 days |
| Adult DVD | 21 days |
| Adult DVD Series | 21 days |
| Adult Fiction | 21 days |
| Adult Large Print Fiction | 21 days |
| Adult Large Print Nonfiction | 21 days |
| Adult Nonfiction | 21 days |
| Adult Nebraska | 21 days |
| Adult Nebraska Reference | 0 days |
| Adult Oversize | 21 days |
| Adult Ready Reference | 0 days |
| Adult TLC Reference | 0 days |
| Adult Vertical File | 0 days |
| DAR Reference | 0 days |
| Junior Audio Fiction | 21 days |
| Junior Audio Nonfiction | 21 days |
| Junior Biography | 21 days |
| Junior Beginning Reader | 21 days |
| Junior DVD | 21 days |
| Junior Elementary Reader | 21 days |
| Junior Fiction | 21 days |
| Junior Media Pack | 21 days |
| Junior Nonfiction | 21 days |
| Junior Paperback | 21 days |
| Junior Picture Book | 21 days |
| Junior Reference | 0 days |
| Junior Scouting | 21 days |
| Junior Video | 21 days |
| Magazine Adult Archive | 0 days |
| Magazine Adult Circulating | 0 days |
| Magazine Junior Archive | 21 days |
| Magazine Junior Circulating | 21 days |
| Magazine YA Archive | 0 days |
| Magazine YA Circulating | 0 days |
| Rare Material | 0 days |
| Staff Area Reference | 0 days |
| YA Fiction | 21 days |
| YA Nonfiction | 21 days |
| YA Paperback | 21 days |
| YA Paperback Series | 21 days |
| YA DVD | 21 days |
| YA DVD Series | 21 days |
| YA Reference | 0 days |
Notices
First Notices are generated seven (7) days after an item becomes due to remind the borrower of the overdue items. The library waits seven (7) days to save postage costs since many materials are brought back during the time that a notice would cross in the mail.
Fourteen (14) days after the first notice, if the item is not brought back, the borrower receives a Final Notice, indicating that they will be charged for the cost of the item if the item is not returned. Most items have already reached their maximum fine amounts before the borrower receives a Final Notice.
Fourteen (14) days after the Final Notice is generated, the item goes to Lost Status and the borrower is charged for the item. If an account balance reaches $25.00, a billing notice is sent to the borrower. Lost Status items remain attached to the borrower record for three (3) years after which time the link to the borrower is lost and the item enters a Missing Status automatically.
Renewals
A renewal constitutes one additional loan period for that particular item type. Renewals can be made anytime by phone, in person, or online. The new date is calculated from the original due date; or if the item is already overdue, from the date the renewal request is made. Only one renewal is allowed per item, unless the item is being requested by another patron, then no renewals are allowed. If an item is overdue, renewing the item stops the late fee at the point the renewal was made, but late fees still apply for the time between the original due date and the renewal request.
Requests and Holds
Patrons may place item requests for materials we have in our collection. All requests for items in the collection remain for 365 days, meaning that if a request is not filled in that time frame it expires and the patron is notified that we were unable to fill the request. Requests are placed in a queue and are handled on a first asked, first received basis.
Once the item comes in and is made available for the person at the top of the queue, the item is said to be “on hold”. The item is placed on a calling shelf, and staff call the patron or the Circulation Manager mails a postcard if no phone number is available, to let them know that the item is on hold for them. We leave messages or continue calling until someone answers, noting each call made. Once staff provides the message to the machine, voice mail, or live person, the item is moved to the hold shelf. Hold time begins when the item is made available to the person, not when we actually make contact with them and leave them a message.
Items remain on the hold shelf for a period of seven (7) days. Expired holds are pulled by the Circulation Manager from the hold shelf and checked in, making it available for the shelving cart or the next person in the request queue.
Special Collections
North Platte Public Library houses the libraries and collections of the following organizations:
- North Platte Genealogical Society – Does not circulate
- Sioux Lookout Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution – Does not circulate
- Monday Musicale – Circulates only to members of that organization
In addition to these organizations, North Platte Public Library also maintains a special collection of materials considered rare or endangered by library staff. This collection is housed away from public areas and contains mostly locally published materials such as high school annuals, autographed copies of regionally famous authors including Mari Sandoz and Nelly Snyder Yost. Other items in this collection are first editions of relatively old materials and materials that cannot be repaired and are in poor condition. This collection is available to researchers through the circulation desk, but requires a name and phone number to use the material. The Rare Collection does not circulate.
Customer Conduct
Animals
Domesticated animals may be brought into the North Platte Public Library provided they are leashed and/or caged and are controllable by their owner. If at any time an animal causes disruptions including allergic reactions in library employees, volunteers or customers, the owner will be asked to leave with the animal. Wild animals are not allowed in the building unless properly contained and accompanied by a veterinarian certificate that clears the animal of diseases including rabies. Service animals are always allowed in the building.
Call the North Platte Animal Shelter at 308-535-6780, for assistance in dealing with wild or stray animals causing a problem or posing a danger to customers. If there is no answer, call the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789 and request animal control service.
Cell Phones & Pagers
Cell phone usage is strongly discouraged in the North Platte Public Library. Cell phone conversations and ring tones are disturbing to patrons and disrupt the traditional library study environment. Pagers and cell phones are requested to be turned off or silenced at the entrance and throughout the facility. Customers are requested to take and make cell phone calls outside the library facility.
Disturbing or Noisy Behavior
Staff must use their own judgment to determine when a customer is excessively noisy or acting in a disturbing manner. If staff is unsure what constitutes disturbing or noisy behavior, they should have a co-worker observe the behavior.
If an individual is under the age of 16, they are considered a minor in the library facility. Noisy or disturbing behavior may be exhibited by individuals or groups. Behavior that is disturbing to staff or patrons is not allowed.
If staff observes individual or group behavior that is disturbing or noisy they should inform a co-worker or team up with another staff member to go to that individual or group and explain that they are interfering with normal library operations. If the behavior persists the individual or group may be asked to leave the facility. Staff must complete an Incident Report Form at the time they request the disruptive individual or group to leave the facility. The Library Director will mail letters informing the individual and/or parent of the unacceptable behavior policy and the circumstances regarding the breach that led up to the individual or group being asked to leave.
When an individual or group has been asked to leave the facility and they refuse to do so, call the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789 or 911 from inside the library. If the situation appears immediately threatening, call 911 from inside the library.
Dress Code & Attire
The North Platte Public Library observes the common no shirt, no shoes, no service policy. Customers may be asked to leave the facility and change their clothes if they have defecated or urinated on themselves or have an excessive amount of any permanent or biological substance like grease, ink, oil, blood, etc. that can be transferred to other patrons, library furnishings, or equipment.
Eccentric Behavior
Eccentric behavior is not necessarily problem behavior unless it becomes aggressive, violent, or in other ways unsafe for patrons or the person exhibiting this behavior.
Eating, Drinking, and Smoking
Eating food is not permitted in the North Platte Public Library facility. Beverages are permitted, provided the liquid is in a lidded container. Staff may eat and drink in designated break areas. The Public may consume non-alcoholic beverages in the Meeting Room in compliance with Meeting Room Guidelines.
The North Platte Public Library is considered a governmental agency of the City of North Platte. Alcohol is prohibited on library premises.
North Platte Public Library is a smoke free facility; smoking is prohibited in the library.
Sleeping in the Library
Sleeping in the library is not allowed. Staff must use their own judgment to determine whether or not waking an individual is a potential danger. If staff decide to wake the patron, they should always team up with another staff member to awaken the individual. Staff are encouraged to call the police to wake individuals who appear to be under the influence of a behavior changing substance, or are perceived to potentially react violently when awakened. An ambulance should be called for any individuals that library staff are unable to wake or if the individual is not coherent to place and time upon awakening.
Smelly Customers & Possessions
While not an excuse for poor customer service or treatment, malodorous customers and possessions can be disruptive to staff and other customers. If homelessness or serious health issues are suspected, staff may consult with the customer or appropriate North Platte City, Lincoln County or State agencies to find a solution. Use of odor canceling sprays is encouraged to make the building more appealing to all. If allergic reaction to the spray is suspected, remove the person to fresh air as quickly as possible.
Substance Abuse
As a public facility, Library staff encounter people of all ages, backgrounds and health status. Drug behavior may include any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Substance odor on clothing or breath
- Inability to carry on normal conversation
- Unusual flare-ups or behavior outbreaks
- Unfocused eyes or difficulty focusing on an object, dilated or constricted pupils, no response to changes in light, floating eyes (following a moving object that isn’t there)
- Slurred speech, lack of facial expression, poor muscle control, rigid muscles, strange gait when walking
- Flushed skin, raw nostrils, track marks, nose bleeds, excessive licking of dry lips, dry mouth, excessive watering eyes and runny nose
- Distorted sense of time, sight, sound, touch, self perception, fear or terror
- Excessive restlessness/twitching/fidgeting, or excessive drowsiness/unconscious
- Possession of drug paraphernalia including: spoons, glass tubes, pipe-like objects,razor blades, mirrors, straws, needles, solvents, nitrous oxide containers, bottles labeled “incense” white or grey powder substances, and unlabeled bottles or pills.
When library staff suspect substance use by a customer, they should remain calm and firm when dealing with the customer. If substance use or drug paraphernalia is observed with any of the above signs and symptoms, library staff should report the behavior and observance to police by contacting them from a non-public area.
Unattended Children
Staff must use their own judgment to determine when or if an unattended child represents a problem situation. If a staff member feels that a child is abandoned, neglected, endangered or unsafe, the child should be immediately reunited with the parent, guardian, or caregiver. Staff should explain to the parent, guardian, or caregiver that you were concerned about the child’s safety and that children should not be left alone for their own protection and safety. If the child reacts suspiciously to a purported parent, guardian, or caregiver, staff should request ID from the parent, guardian, or caregiver or staff should remove the child to a safe location within the building and call the North Platte Police Department at 911 or 535-6789. If you feel the need to request ID from a parent, guardian, or caregiver, an Incident Report Form must be completed at the time ID is presented. If the police are notified of an actual, attempted, or suspected kidnapping, an Incident Report Form must be completed.
If the parent, guardian, or caregiver is not in the building, try to obtain the parent, guardian, or caregiver’s name and contact information. An Incident Report Form must be completed and staff should attempt to contact the responsible party. If the child is not picked up by a parent, guardian, or care giver within fifteen (15) minutes, staff should call North Platte Police Department at 535-6789 or 911.
When a child is reluctant to leave the library after staff has finished closing procedures, staff should make sure the child has called for a ride and that one is coming. If staff do not feel the child is in danger based on age, alone or with friends, the traffic or strangers hanging around the facility, or the weather outside, then staff may lock the child outside the library and leave the premises. If staff feel the child is in danger, they should wait with the child for 5-10 minutes. Staff should then call the parent or guardian and if no answer, wait another 5 minutes. If a ride has not appeared within 15 minutes after closing, call the North Platte Police Department at 535-6789, wait for the police to take custody of the child, lock the doors and leave. Under no circumstances should staff offer or provide rides to known or unknown individuals left at the facility after closing.
Vandalism
It is considered vandalism and illegal to knowingly write upon, deface, tear, cut, or destroy library materials, equipment, furnishings, or property. It is also considered illegal to tamper with computer equipment including hacking software, probing the network, removing peripherals, or pirating electronic content.
Verbal & Physical Abuse
Abusive behavior transcends angry behavior in that it incorporates personal attacks and/or causes people to experience an unacceptable level of discomfort. Patrons have the right to express anger to the library staff in writing, in person, or on the phone; they do not have the right to be abusive, nor does staff have the obligation to tolerate such behavior.
Staff should remain calm and should not become argumentative. Using reflective listening skills may be helpful to diffuse the situation. If the circumstances warrant, angry patrons may be directed to management for resolution. If the situation escalates to threats or physical violence an incident form must be completed by staff. Call the North Platte Police Department at 9911 or 535-6789 if physical violence occurs or when staff perceives their own or another customer’s personal safety is in danger.
Group Services
Exhibits & Displays
The Library allows interested individuals the opportunity to show off their collections and display artifacts in the library. Security of the exhibit or display is the responsibility of the owner. The schedule of exhibits and displays is kept by the Secretary. Most displays are covered under the Library’s insurance policy. The Library Director handles all inquiries about liability insurance. Event or specific show insurance coverage may be obtained providing the costs are borne by the owner of the exhibit. Complaints about the exhibit or display will be directed to the Library Director.
The Library staff decorates the facility for all major holidays and during some local events.
Public Notice Board
The Library has a public notice board for posting governmental or civic notices. Any other postings to the board should meet the criteria that the announcement benefits the community.
All postings should have the date posted on the upper right hand corner of the notice unless a specific deadline is readily visible. Generic notices without specific deadlines will be kept for a period of one (1) year. Library staff may remove announcements not current or meeting these guidelines at any time.
Facility Tours
North Platte Public Library offers tours for any interested group. A tour may consist of using the library catalog, how to checkout materials, resources and special collections available in the library, services of the library, and facility tours. The library offers organized and informal tours. The following is a list of organized tours offered by the library:
First Grade Tours: All parochial and public school first grade teachers are invited to bring their class to the library for a tour. A one hour tour is scheduled by the teacher at a time convenient for the class. The library tour provides an opportunity to inform first graders that they may apply for a library card in their own name and how to do it. They are told what materials they may check out and for how long, informed of library policies and programs and shown where materials are located. Students are advised as to library manners and check out procedures. Children view a short entertaining video and are read a picture book.
Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts: A tour similar to the first grade tour is adapted for the age of the scouts attending. If the scouts are older than first grade they are shown how to find materials using the library catalogs and given an item to look for as a challenge. Information is given about library programs that are age appropriate.
Home School Tour: This tour contains the same information as the first grade tour but is expanded. A walk through tour of the entire library is included. Older students and parents are shown the location of reference materials, the Technology Learning Center and the Young Adult area and told of programs provided by that department.
Meeting Room – Basic Information
The Library has a meeting room available for use by individuals and groups. Library events take priority when scheduling the use of the room. There is a cost for groups using the room that are not directly connected to the operations or affiliated organizations of the Library.
Groups and individuals requesting use of the meeting room fall into three (3) categories based on their use of the facility and are charged for the use of the room according to the category of use. “For Profit” meaning the group or individual requesting the use of the room expects to sell goods or services while using the room that results in a profit for them. “Not for Profit” meaning the group or individual booking the room intends to use the facility for civic, educational, or government purposes. “Social Purposes”is the final meeting room use type for individuals who are not affiliated with a for-profit or not-for-profit group. Social purpose examples include birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, and impromptu meetings of individuals. The Library Director will determine use status if there is a question about the category a group or individual fits into.
All groups and individuals who book the meeting room for use are required to complete a Meeting Room Reservation Form which will be kept on file for up to one (1) year.
Groups and individuals who use the meeting room are allowed to serve snack food and non-alcoholic beverages in the room during their meeting, provided all crumbs, spills and containers are cleaned up and placed in the trash can available in the room.
All groups and individuals are required to provide a Custodial Deposit with the Circulation Desk the day of but prior to the meeting. Upon completion of the meeting, the circulation desk is to be notified, a library staff member is required to view the room and if the room is placed back into a satisfactory condition (unless prior arrangements have been discussed about putting things away) then the library staff member is to initial and return the deposit to the group/individual by the close of business that day. Failure of a group/individual to pick up the deposit by the close of business results in a forfeiture of the deposit amount. Failure to return the room to a satisfactory condition, results in a forfeiture of the deposit. Failure to leave the facility by closing time requiring library staff to stay 5 minutes or longer, results in forfeiture of the Custodial Deposit.
Meeting Room Equipment
The following equipment is available in our Meeting Room:
- Television and VCR
- Overhead Projector
- Screen
- Podium
- Easel (no paper provided)
- Telephone jack
- 19 light-weight tables
- 50 plastic chairs
Meeting Room Fees
Non-Profit is defined as literacy oriented, 501(c)3, educational, governmental, and civic community groups.
There is no charge for library affiliated programs such as The Friends of the Library or the local Genealogy Society. All other groups will be charged according to the Rates & Fees approved by City Council.
Meeting Room Reservations
To schedule a meeting, you may contact the North Platte Public Library during normal business hours (308-535-8036). Library sponsored events have first priority for use of library facilities. Events may be scheduled up to three months in advance.
Information Services
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
The North Platte Public Library maintains a separate Internet Safety Policy protecting minors using Internet stations in the Technology Learning Center (TLC) and other areas of the library. You may follow the link below or request a copy of this policy from library staff at any time.
On November 25, 2002, a new Acceptable Use Policy went into effect. Many of the rules for accessing the Internet at the library have changed. To preview the new policy, you may follow the link below.
Internet Safety Policy: Effective November 2002
Justification:
Current laws require the library to address Internet access and safety for use by minors. The North Platte Public Library intends to enforce these policies through a technology protection measure. Technology protection measures are not foolproof, but lessen the chances of accessing, intentionally or accidentally, material that is considered offensive or harmful to minors. Minors are allowed access to all Internet stations in the building. These safety policies that are in effect for minors will therefore apply to all users. this policy meets Internet Safety Policy requirements of section 1732 of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) modifying Section 254(I) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 USC 254). This policy should be reviewed annually for amendments.
Policy:
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- It is the responsibility of the North Platte Public Library to help guide children and adults in the use and access of information. The Internet and World Wide Web allow access to all forms of information including those that are considered inappropriate for minors by community standards. Information about online and Internet safety for children, parents and care givers is available through the North Platte Public Library.
- The North Platte Public Library seeks to increase the safety and security of minors and all citizens when using electronic mail and other forms of direct electronic communications. All minors under the age of 18 must have a parental signature on file allowing access to the Internet in the Technology Learning Center (TLC). All children under the age of 13 are required to have a parent, guardian or care giver (18 or older) present while the child accesses the Internet in the TLC. Chat rooms, Instant Messaging Services, Internet-based games and online gambling, do no support the mission statement of the library and consume valuable bandwidth; and therefore are restricted for all users as a means of conservation.
- Unauthorized access, including hacking, and other unlawful activities are considered crimes. The use of the library’s computers to commit or aid in a crime or to access unlawful content and sites may be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. The North Platte Public Library will cooperate with local, state and federal authorities in the prosecution of crimes committed against, through or upon library equipment and resources. Installation of unlicensed software on library equipment is prohibited by copyright law.
- All users are responsible for their own information. The library encourages users to remember that it is possible for information provided in an electronic format to be used, disseminated, and disclosed without authorization. Minors should never provide any personally identifiable information, including real name, address, phone numbers, parent or school information, pictures, and other “clues” about who they are, over the Internet or in an online forum.
- The North Platte Public Library has implemented a technology protection measure (Internet filter) in addition to the parental signatures and parental presence rules outlined in this policy. The filter will help prevent accidental or intentional access in the various areas of the library as outlined in the attached “N2H2 Filtering Categories Chart”, which may be periodically updated to effectively carry out this policy. All computer users are required to acknowledge and be subjected to various levels of Internet filtering.
- North Platte Public Library staff may, at a users request and with justification, override the Internet filter on TLC stations only and allow full access to a site for up to 15 minutes. This will allow viewing of all sites that are being blocked, if the user requests access to the site for educational or informational purposes. Library staff may alternatively access the site from the TLC staff station and allow the user to get information from the site at that station.
Research Policy
Reference Services are handled on a first come, first serve basis. Priorities are given to in person requests, then telephone, with email or other delivery methods last. Priorities may also be given to requests with deadlines and requests from other city departments including the Mayor’s office. The North Platte Public Library receives requests in person, by telephone, by USPS or similar delivery service, and online through email received at library@northplattene.gov.
Proctoring Tests
The Library Director may agree to proctor tests for students. There is a proctoring fee for each test and when possible, the test taker utilizes the meeting room as a quiet and secluded area to take a test. Testing times are arranged by the Library Director and the student and may be contingent on Meeting Room availability. The Library Director or the Information Systems Manager may administer testing.
Materials
Acquisition & Donations of Material
The Library accepts donations of books, magazines, DVD’s, etc. Donated materials may be used to fill the collection or sold as part of fund-raising efforts by the Friends of the Library. Magazines are usually placed in the free material bin on the main floor of the Library.
A donation form is available for tax purposes, however, the Library does not assign a monetary amount to donations.
Distribution of Non-Library Materials & Information
Informational materials left in the stacks and on library property will disposed of by Library Staff upon discovery.
Individuals who actively solicit or distribute information on library property will be asked to stop this activity immediately. If they continue or it becomes a habit over a period of time, the police will be summoned and the individual removed from the library.
The Library is willing to distribute non-library materials from established organizations as a public information service. This includes military recruiters, local tourism organizations, and support organizations. The Library reserves the right to refuse distribution of profane, pornographic, or hatred materials. The material must be approved by the Library Director. Complaints about material distribution will be directed to the Library Director.
Reconsideration of Library Materials
Patrons must complete a Reconsideration of Materials Form when they request that materials be removed from the Library’s collections. The material is then reviewed by the library director and library advisory board.
The library does not censor material. The library makes an effort to build balanced collections that reflect the diverse perspectives in our community.