Jackson County
Public Library

Our Mission: To help you Connect, Learn, and Grow

CIRCULATION POLICY

Evergreen Indiana Circulation Policy

Members of the Evergreen Indiana Library Consortium will operate under uniform circulation policies and procedures. This is a condition of participation in the consortium pursuant to the Evergreen Indiana Membership Agreement and the Evergreen Indiana Executive Committee.

The vision of the Evergreen Indiana Library Consortium includes as a fundamental tenet the ability of library patrons to see and borrow library materials from all participating Evergreen Indiana Libraries. This goal of maximum access for patrons is tempered by the nature of the materials themselves and the logistics of moving materials among the libraries. Member libraries have agreed that Evergreen Indiana membership will not relieve libraries of the responsibility for purchasing the materials needed to meet the demands of local patrons.

The Evergreen Indiana Circulation Policy is implemented by the Evergreen Indiana Circulation Procedures. The Evergreen Indiana Circulation Policy and the Evergreen Indiana Circulation Procedures represent the decisions of the Executive Committee. Some policies and procedures may remain under local control, varying with the specific situation of each library, library district or library system.

Evergreen Indiana Library Card

An Evergreen Indiana library card is required in order to check out materials at an Evergreen Indiana Library. A digital replica of the library card is also an appropriate form of identification for a patron to check out materials. Patrons of the Evergreen Indiana Consortium libraries presenting the Proper Identification are eligible to receive an Evergreen Indiana library card from their home library subject to certain limitations (see below, Loss of Privileges). An Evergreen Indiana library card is not transferable to another user.  Patrons of Indiana public libraries not participating in the Evergreen Indiana Consortium may receive a library card at an Evergreen Indiana library pursuant to reciprocal borrower and other agreements. Users from non-participating Indiana libraries will not have the same privileges as Evergreen Indiana patrons and such cards may be suspended at any time without notice.

How to Obtain an Evergreen Indiana Library Card
Residents of Indiana presenting Proper Identification (see below for definition of “Proper Identification”) that establishes that the individual resides in or pays real property taxes on property owned in the library’s service area (the “library district”) are eligible to receive an Evergreen Indiana “resident” library card.
Indiana residents not residing in a library district may be eligible to purchase or otherwise obtain an Evergreen Indiana Library card as a non-resident, PLAC, reciprocal borrower or township contract user subject to the laws and regulations covering these types of cards. Non-resident cards and PLAC cards are issued to those individuals residing outside the library district who purchase library cards with full access to library materials and services. All other card holders, temporary, student, computer usage and reciprocal borrower cards are given limited access to services and materials
Applicants for an Evergreen Indiana library card must present the required Proper Identification in person at the Evergreen Indiana library that will issue the library card (see below for definition of “Proper Identification”). Property owners who do not reside in Indiana will be required to show proof of real property ownership, such as a tax bill or deed.

Signing an Evergreen Indiana library card denotes acceptance of responsibility for all fines and fees and for payment for lost or damaged materials. Patrons are advised to contact their library to report a lost or stolen library card.

A parent or legal guardian showing Proper Identification may register a minor child for an Evergreen Indiana library card. Registering a minor child for an Evergreen Indiana library card denotes acceptance of responsibility for all fees, fines and payment for lost or damaged materials charged on such minor’s library card. Emancipated minors will be asked to present evidence of their status to void the necessity of the presence of a parent or guardian.
Registering a minor child for an Evergreen Indiana library card denotes an acknowledgement and understanding that Evergreen Indiana libraries own and circulate videos, dvds and unrated television series that may be geared toward a more mature audience and that a minor child will have access to materials for both adults and children and will be able to check out any of these materials. A parent or guardian may request a “limited access” card which prevents the user from checking out “r-rated” av materials.

Proper Identification must be presented to apply for an Evergreen Indiana library card. Proper Identification is one of the following:

• a valid Indiana Driver’s License which displays a current address;
• valid Indiana State ID which displays a current address; or
• a current government issued photo ID.

If the presented Proper Identification does not display a current address, the applicant must present one item from the Approved List in addition to the Indiana Driver’s License, Indiana State ID or other government issued photo ID presented as Proper Identification. The ID presented from the Approved List must include a current address.

Approved List of ID includes:

• valid voter registration card,
• valid current government issued ID (e.g., military ID, passport),
• bank statement issued within the last 60 days,
• utility bill issued within the last 60 days, or
• property tax receipt.

The charge for a replacement Evergreen Indiana library card is two dollars ($2.00). Proper Identification must be presented to obtain a replacement library card.

Patrons changing their home library designations will be asked to provide identification and proof of current address. Proof of current address may be satisfied by the presentation of Proper Identification and if necessary, one item from the Approved List of ID which displays a current address.

Resident and Outreach cards are valid for two years. Nonresident, Reciprocal Borrower, Temporary, PLAC and Student cards are valid for one year.
Borrowing Privileges
A patron must present a card in good standing to borrow materials.

In most cases, a maximum of 100 items may be charged simultaneously on an Evergreen Indiana library card. There is a maximum limit of 10 DVDs, 10 videos, 6 art and 1 gaming software items per Evergreen Indiana library card. The 100 item, 10 DVDs, 10 videos, 6 art and 1 gaming software limits are calculated at the consortium level and not at the library level.

If a patron forgets their Evergreen Indiana card, they should:

• Return to the library after retrieving their library card (in this instance, materials may be held for a limited time pending the patron’s return).
• Purchase a replacement library card for two dollars ($2). (See procedures above for issuing replacement library card.)

Loss of Privileges
A patron’s access to materials may be limited due to overdue materials or fines and fees. A patron’s card will be blocked, and no circulation services may be obtained with it if the patron has 15 or more overdue items, or owes $10 or more in unpaid fines and/or fees. Outreach patrons will not be blocked until they have 50 or more items overdue. The number of overdue materials and/or amount of fines/fees that will result in a patron being “blocked” is calculated at the consortium level and not at the library level. A patron’s card may be “blocked” if related group or family member cards are “blocked.” A patron may also be “barred” if circumstances warrant.

Renewals

Renewal requests may be made in person, online or by phone. Patrons may also renew their items via the OPAC “My Account” feature.

Certain categories of materials are not eligible for renewal. If a “HOLD” has been placed on an item, it may not be renewed.
Fines/Fees

To encourage the prompt return of materials, the Evergreen Indiana libraries have established a schedule of fines and fees as an encouragement for the timely return of materials by their due dates. Overdue materials incur fines of 25¢ per day per item with a $10.00 fine cap per item.

Overdue Notices

Overdue notices are sent as a courtesy from the Evergreen Indiana Libraries. Failure to receive notices does not exempt patrons from the responsibility for payment for library materials or overdue fines and fees.

Patrons who provide an email address will receive an email notice three days before their materials are due and an email notice on the day their materials are due.

Notices of overdue items will also be sent via email and U.S. First Class mail 14 and 28 days after the due date. A final notice, which declares the items “LOST” and assesses the replacement cost of the overdue materials and related costs, including collection costs and a $10.00 per item processing fee, will be sent via U.S. First Class mail 45 days after the due date.

Paying Fines/Fees
Evergreen Indiana library fines and fees shall be paid at the billing library. Patrons may pay all or a portion of overdue fines. A patron’s record will remain blocked or barred until the fines and fees are paid or the patron has resolved the matter with the particular library to restore his or her privileges. A patron may be (or remain) “blocked” if related group or family member cards are “blocked.”
Lost Items
A patron may inform library staff that an item is “LOST.” The price of the item and any outstanding fines and fees, plus a processing fee of $10.00 per item, will be assessed to the patron’s card. A patron is encouraged to notify the library that an item is “LOST” to stop the accruing of additional overdue fines.

Some Evergreen Indiana Libraries have contracted with third party vendors for collection services. If third party collection services are used, a fee for collection services will be added to the patron’s record.

Recovering Lost Items and Refunding Payment
No refund will be given to a patron for a “Lost” item for which a patron has paid. In addition, no fines/fees and third party collection fees will be refunded.

Holds and Intra-Evergreen Indiana Lending

Holds may be placed on most items in any Evergreen Indiana library (see list of exceptions below). Patrons will have one week after the hold is filled to pick up the held item. Some Evergreen Indiana libraries may impose a fee for failure to pick up a hold.

Patrons may have 20 unfilled holds in the system.
Evergreen Indiana does not allow holds to be placed on the following items by any patron:

• Reference materials
• Bestsellers with the no-hold designation

Evergreen Indiana does not allow Evergreen Indiana library patrons to place holds that would generate Intra-Evergreen Indiana loans on the following item categories:

• Art
• Bestsellers
• New Books
• CDs
• DVDs
• ILL
• Equipment
• Media
• Realia
• Reference
• Software
• Software -Gaming
• Talking Books
• Videocassettes

Although holds may not be placed on the above materials by a non-local patron, these items may be borrowed by any Evergreen Indiana library card holder. It is the responsibility of the patron to proceed to the owning library and check out the material. The patron may return such materials to any Evergreen Indiana library for transit to the owning library.

In addition, a library may place a six-month age protection on new items. This means that no holds generating Intra-Evergreen Indiana loans may be placed on new items until the owning library has held such item in its collection for six months. Local patrons may place holds on such items.

Patrons may place their own holds via the OPAC, and may select their pickup location and notification method. The software will refuse holds requests which do not conform to Evergreen Indiana policies. Patrons may choose any pickup location for holds.

Patrons whose Evergreen Indiana cards are “blocked” or “barred” will not be allowed to place holds until their card privileges are restored.

My Account
Library patrons will be given a PIN upon registering for an Evergreen Indiana library card. Evergreen Indiana policy indicates that PINs may only be given in person at an Evergreen Indiana Library, upon presentation of appropriate identification. PINs may not be obtained via telephone or email.
At their first use of the My Account feature of the OPAC, patrons will be prompted to change the PIN to a minimum 7-character password. Patrons may also choose to select a user name to use in place of the library card barcode when accessing My Account. User names must be unique within the Evergreen Indiana system. Patrons may change user name, password, and email address with My Account at any time.

Adopted by the Evergreen Indiana Executive Committee on: April 7, 2011

JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY CIRCULATION POLICY

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the library is to help the community connect, learn and grow.

ACCESS TO MATERIALS

The Jackson County Public Library does not restrict access to any materials in the collections on the basis of a person’s color, religion, national origin, socioeconomic status, sex, age, or place of residence. Free access to the total library is essential to full public library service for the whole community.

Some irreplaceable and/or expensive items may be kept in special shelving for security reasons. Arrangements may be made with library staff to view or copy material in compliance with library and copyright policies.

The library adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that assures equal access to all library facilities, activities, and programs. Every attempt will be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities.

Anyone wishing to use materials “in-house” may do so at any time and at no charge.

The library staff must not be expected to act in loco parentis by parents who wish to limit the material accessed by their own minor children. Parents who wish to limit their own children’s materials should accompany the children to the library to supervise the borrowing process. Parents/guardians should not rely on the library staff for such supervision.

IN-HOUSE EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSIBILITY AIDS

Electronic Magnifier (CCTV)

This machine is for use in enlarging printed material. To check for availability or assistance, see Seymour Library Information Services staff.

Microfilm Reader Printer/Microform Digital Scanner

These machines are available at the Seymour Library for customer use. See Information Services staff for assistance.

DVD/VHS Viewer

Headphones are available for customers with a valid library card or ID. See Seymour Library Information Services staff for assistance.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS

By Indiana law (IC 5-14-3-4(b)(16)(A), all records relating to library customers and their use of library materials and services are confidential. Library staff members are not authorized to disclose such records to a third party. However, the parent or guardian of an unemancipated minor age seventeen (17) or under may have access to the records of their child or ward.

The library specifically recognizes that its circulation records and other records linking the names of library users with specific materials are confidential in nature. No such records shall be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government, or to any individual not specifically authorized by the director, except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

BORROWERS

A borrower may hold only one valid Evergreen Indiana or Jackson County Public Library (non-residents only) card at a time and is responsible for all activity on that card. Customers are responsible for notifying the library staff of any lost or stolen library cards or changes in name, address, phone, email, or legal status.

Borrowers must present their library card when checking out materials.

Library District Residents

A free library card can be obtained by anyone who resides or owns property in the library district: city of Seymour, towns of Crothersville or Medora, or townships of Carr, Hamilton, Jackson, Owen, Pershing, Redding, Salt Creek, Vernon, or Washington. This card, which is good for two years, may be used at any Evergreen Indiana Library.

Since the guardian or parent of a Jackson County resident under age 18 who signs the registration is responsible for any overdue, lost, or damaged materials, parents whose personal or other children’s accounts are blocked may not obtain a library card for their child. The library may also block all children’s accounts of blocked parents or guardians.  

Non-Residents

A library card can be obtained by anyone who resides outside the library district. This card, which is good for one year, can only be used at a Jackson County Public Library location.  Non-residents of Evergreen Indiana library districts must obtain an Evergreen Indiana library card at their home library.  

Non-residents under age 18 as listed below can obtain a card with a parent or guardian signature on the library card registration. The parent or guardian accompanying the child must show one piece of photo identification bearing both name and current address or at least two pieces of identification, one with a photo and identification number and one with a current address. Since the guardian or parent who signs the registration is responsible for any overdue, lost, or damaged materials, parents whose personal or other children’s accounts are blocked may not obtain a library card for their child. The library may also block all children’s accounts of blocked parents or guardians.  

PLAC

The state of Indiana has instituted a Public Library Access Card (PLAC), which is required by some public

libraries for borrowers who live outside their districts. The PLAC fee is determined annually by the Indiana State Library and is valid for one year from date of purchase.

Fee Card

Non-residents who live outside Indiana or live in an area not directly served by a library (including most of Washington Co.) must purchase an annual $65 card that expires one year from date of purchase.

Individuals not living in a taxed library district who want to use other Indiana public libraries in addition to the Jackson County Public Library must purchase both a fee card and a PLAC.

Student/Teacher Card

Non-resident school students and teachers within the library district may obtain a free card, valid for one year, which entitles them to full local borrower privileges. Students or teachers must provide a letter from school administration on school letterhead.

Temporary Residents

To obtain a free local access only card, temporary residents must provide an id with a permanent address and a letter signed by an official at their place of employment that includes a job completion date. Children age 17 and under must also have parent/guardian signature. The card expires at the end of employment.  

LOAN PERIODS AND LIMITS

Customers may borrow library materials as follows:

Most books 21 days Music CD’s & Outreach Magazines 14 days

Bestsellers, Movies & Magazines  7 days

Equipment 72 hours

Customers under age 18 may check out equipment with parent signature.

Netbooks in-house up to 12 hours for age 18 and over

Interlibrary Loan Varies

Most reference materials, microforms, newspapers, current and archived issues of magazines, and most Local History Collection materials do not circulate. Reference material may, under exceptional circumstances, be checked out for a specific period and subject to immediate recall. Those loans are made only at the discretion of department managers.

Due dates for materials are printed on receipts issued at checkout. The receipt is the customer’s first notice of when materials are due.

Households may not exceed the following number of items:

Bestsellers  2 Videos & DVD’s 10 of each

CD-ROM’s  6 Equipment  2

Playaways     4 Netbooks  2

Limits may be set on the number of items borrowed for materials in high demand (e.g. holiday materials).

SPECIAL LOAN COLLECTIONS

Classroom Collections (August – May)

Teachers, home school and daycare providers may request a special selection of books from the local collection, which may be borrowed up to six weeks.

RENEWING MATERIALS

Equipment renewals require payment in person of additional equipment use fees. Renewal of Interlibrary Loan materials must be referred to Information Services before items are due.

RETURNING MATERIALS

Materials, excluding equipment and Interlibrary Loan, may be returned to any Evergreen Indiana library. Customers are held responsible for any item returned elsewhere (including other library systems), and library staff is not responsible for retrieving any improperly returned material.

Library material drops at each library are available for convenience in returning library materials during hours when the library is not open. Use of the drops does not cancel overdue fines. Materials returned in the drops before opening will be checked in as though returned the previous day. At the Crothersville and Medora libraries, materials such as videos, cassettes, CD’s, and DVD’s must be returned in the Video/Audio drops to avoid damage. Customers putting money in the book and video/audio drops will not have that money credited to their account. Customers must not leave materials outside the library if the drops are full. Non-library materials left in the drops are considered donations.

FINES AND FEES

Fine-Waiving Programs

The library will waive overdue fines for customers with accounts of $14.99 or less in overdue fines if those customers donate a designated item for each dollar owed in overdue fines. These semi-annual programs are not available to customers with lost or damaged material. The undamaged material must be returned before the fines can be waived. These programs are not available to customer accounts of over 60 days overdue, which have been turned over to the collection agency and have had the $10 service charge added to the account.

Fees

Equipment Use Fee $3.00/72 hours PLAC Varies annually

Fee Card $65.00 Collection Agency Service Charge $10.00

Insufficient Funds Charge $35.00 Laminating Charges $1.00/sheet

Photocopies $.10/side or $.25/side for color (Seymour & Crothersville only)

Fax (Crothersville & Medora only) $.10/page for incoming calls

$1.50/page for outgoing long distance calls

Lost/Damaged Materials Fees

The library assumes no liability whatsoever for equipment damage that could result from the use of borrowed audiovisual materials.

Borrowers are responsible for reporting damaged materials before check out or during the loan period. If materials are lost or returned damaged beyond repair, the customer will be charged the replacement cost of the material plus a processing fee of $10.00.

If an item is returned without accompanying material, a fee may be charged to the customer. If the item is determined to be unusable without the accompanying material, the full replacement cost of the item (plus lost material processing fee) will be charged.

Replacement prices for missing or damaged items:

DVD Case $2.00 Books on Tape or CD Case $6.00

Video Box $1.00 CD/CD-ROM Booklet $2.00

Library Card $2.00 AudioKit Bags $1.00

CD Jewel Case $2.00 CD-ROM binder    $2.00

RFID tags $4.00

Replacement prices for donated material are determined from the item or from the library’s materials vendor.

Fax

Fax service is available at the Crothersville and Medora libraries during library hours.

Incoming calls: $.10 per page

Outgoing local or toll-free calls: No charge

Outgoing long distance calls: $1.50 per page

Photocopies

The Seymour Library offers self-service photocopying in the lobby and upstairs and microfilm/microfiche copying in the Information Services department. The Crothersville Library also offers self-service photocopying.  The Medora Library staff will photocopy materials for customers at the checkout desk. Cost for photocopies is $.10 per side or $.25 per side for color copies (Seymour & Crothersville only).  

Laminating

The library offers laminating at the Crothersville and Medora libraries and at the Seymour checkout desk. Cost for laminating is $1.00 per item maximum 14 inches long.

Computer Printouts

Public computer printouts are $.10 for black ink and $.25 for color copies (Seymour only).

Payment of fines and fees

Payment of fines and fees must be made with United States currency, money order, or by a personal check made out to “Jackson County Public Library” for the exact amount owed. Customers writing checks must produce a valid ID and provide a current telephone number. Overpayment of an account cannot be credited to the account.

Insufficient funds

If a check is returned to the library due to insufficient funds, the library will send a letter notifying the

customer of the situation, and a $35 charge will be added to the customer’s account. If the customer has not taken care of the outstanding balance within 10 days, the information will submitted to small claims court.

Bankruptcy

In accordance with 11 U.S.C. 523 (a) (7), fines and other overdue charges for borrowers who file bankruptcy are not forgiven since the library is a government agency. The borrower must pay all fines and charges before they can use their library card again.

MATERIAL REQUESTS

Customers may request or recommend materials for the library collection. The library will decide whether the material is appropriate for the community’s needs.

Library staff will check the Evergreen Indiana catalog or use Interlibrary Loan to attempt to borrow from other libraries materials requested by customers and not available in or appropriate for the library collection. Interlibrary Loan service is available to resident library users with valid cards in good standing.

The library attempts to get as many items as possible at no charge for Interlibrary Loan customers (except passing on direct pre-approved costs).  

Loan periods, set by the lending library, will vary. Overdue charges for Interlibrary Loan materials are $.25 per day. Replacement charges and processing fees will vary according to the lending library. An additional $10 processing fee is added to the lending library replacement charges.

Approved October 19, 1999; Revised September 20, 2011

 

 

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