POLICIES

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EACH POLICY HEADING IN RED:

(1) COLLECTIION, (2) CIRCULALTION, (3) LIBRARY CARD, (4) PATRON BEHAVIOR POLICY, (5)UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY, (6) SEX OFFENDER POLICY, (7) ELECTRONIC RESOURCES POLICY, (8) MEETING ROOM POLICY, (9) FAQ ABOUT DONATIONS OF BOOKIS AND OTHER ITEMS, (10) HURRICANE RESPONSE POLICY

(Reviewed and adopted by the Library Board of Control on November 27, 2023)

1. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Purpose of the Collection:

The Evangeline Parish Library collects and provides access to information resources that support the public service programs and missions of the Library. The primary patrons are the residents of Evangeline Parish, although the Library also plays a role in a state network of libraries.

The Library strives to provide the tools and skills necessary to offer library patrons the greatest possible access, within budget constraints, to information resources within the Evangeline Parish Library System and from outside sources.

Purpose of the Collection Development Policy

This formal policy guides staff in making decisions about the selection, management, and preservation of library materials, and in allocating collection budgets. It also informs the public of the general principles that govern collection development at Evangeline and shows the Library’s commitment to the principles of free access to ideas and information and to providing collections that reflect a variety of viewpoints.

General Principles

The following are guiding principles of collection development for the Library. 

La. R.S. 25:225 ( C ) (2) (a) / 2023:

Community Standards for the population served by the library must be a part of the consideration when acquiring library material that will be accessible to a minor.

Diversity:

The Library provides a collection that balances viewpoints across a broad spectrum of opinion and subject matter in formats suitable to a variety of learning and recreational interests and skills.

Intellectual Freedom:

The Library supports the individual choice and judgment of its users in seeking information, and upholds the freedom of library users to read, view, and listen. Decisions to select or retain an item are based on the merits of each work or information source as it relates to the goals and coverage of the collection.

The Library considers the value of each item in its entirety and within the context of the collection, not on specific passages or sections in the item itself. Materials are not marked, labeled, or sequestered to show approval, disapproval, or judgment as to suitability of content for particular audiences. Materials are not excluded, removed, proscribed, or suppressed because of their creators’ origin, background, or views, or because they represent a particular aspect of life, frankness of expression, or controversial subject matter.

Inclusion of an item does not constitute endorsement of its content by the Library Board.  Selection of materials for adults is not constrained by possible exposure to children or young adults. Responsibility for children’s use of library collections rests with their parents, guardians, or caregivers.

Access:

The Library makes its collections available to all. Some library materials, however, may be subject to use limitations due to considerations of rarity, exceptional levels of demand, cost, physical condition, and permanent value of their information content.

Responsibility and Parameters for Collection Development

Ultimate responsibility for the materials selection policy lies with the Board of Control.  The Board of Control delegates to the Director the selection of materials and the development of the collection. The Director may further delegate this role to the Assistant Director and/or on occasion to other professional Library staff. Reputable library subscription services may also be used to develop portions of the collection.

The Director and Assistant Director will give appropriate consideration to the needs and interests of patrons of the Library. Consideration should always be given to the subject appropriateness and potential demand for materials within that area, as well as to whether other resources covering the same subject matter are already available within the

Evangeline Parish Library System

Because the Library Director must be able to answer to the Library Board and to the general public for actual selections made, he/she has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the Assistant Director or any other member of the Library staff.

The Library recognizes that it is impossible for a relatively small and rural public library system to provide a balanced comprehensive collection that is strong enough to fully meet all community needs. Thus, the Library supplements its resources with materials borrowed from other libraries through LoanShark. While the Library strives to serve its patrons’ needs both individually and expeditiously, this is not always possible with limited budgets.

In responding to individual requests, the Director must decide whether the requested item fits the Library’s mission and selection criteria, which are designed to make the Library’s collection of use to a sizable number of library users, rather than to just one or two patrons. It is a question of getting the most use of the Library’s limited funds and collection space. The Library, constrained by budgets and guided by professional training and citizen boards, will use its limited funds to serve the most people in the best way possible.

If Interlibrary Loan is chosen as the method of providing requested materials, the Library will pass along to the patron any photocopying costs or costs of materials obtained through Interlibrary Loan on the patron’s behalf and either not returned or returned damaged. The Library reserves the right to refuse Interlibrary Loan support on behalf of patrons who have previously failed to return Interlibrary Loan items or returned them in a damaged state.

The Library will operate within the provisions of United States copyright law. The Library will refuse to grant any patron request for an item that would cause the Library to operate outside the provisions of United States copyright law.

Audience and Roles

The Library must serve all ages and needs. Its collections will emphasize early literacy and other initiatives for young children, lifelong learning for adults on a wide variety of subjects such as consumer health, and recreational reading, listening, and viewing for all ages. Additionally, the Library will strive to enhance its Louisiana and Genealogy Collection. The Library will strive to present divergent points of view within the Collection, and to bring new patron groups into the Library as well.

The Library will not attempt to duplicate school libraries or maintain textbook collections, nor will it be required or expected to maintain multiple copies of books required for school assignments. Inclusion of any item in a special Library section such as “Accelerated Reader” is for the convenience of students only and does not in any way imply endorsement of the item’s content or any judgment/endorsement of the item’s suitability for any age or grade level of students. All grade levels indicated on items in “Accelerated Reader” sections are taken directly from lists submitted by school personnel. Any questions about these grade levels should be directed to appropriate school personnel, rather than to Library staff.

Context and Scope of Collection Development—Main Library and Branch Libraries

The Main Library in Ville Platte provides collections and services to both the Ville Platte area and to branch libraries throughout Evangeline Parish. Thus, the Main Library’s collection will be more comprehensive than that of the branch libraries served.

Branch library collections are developed primarily to serve users in the town or village where the specific branch is located, although these materials are available to users throughout the parish and to users outside the parish through Interlibrary Loan as well.

Generally, branch collections will be far less extensive than the Main Library collection.  Items will be rotated between collections as needed. The Library will buy additional copies of specific items for the branches only when greater access is deemed necessary and sufficient funding is available. Since buying multiple copies of an item reduces the funding available to buy other items, any request for additional copies must always be carefully weighed against other needs of the overall system. All requests for items for branch libraries will be evaluated according to the same selection criteria as items for the Main Library.

Collection Management—Selection Sources

Selection sources include, among others, user requests or recommendations, recommendations of other library professionals, publisher or vendor catalogs, advertisements, and published reviews.

Formats Collected

The Library may choose to provide some materials in one format (book, audio, video, electronic, etc.) but not in others due to space, budget, or other constraints.

Books will be generally purchased in hardcover editions because of their durability.  Trade paperbacks (large size paperbacks made with quality materials) are preferred in cases where the hardcover edition is expensive and the title would be either used infrequently or would be removed from the collection in a few years. Mass market paperbacks (smaller formats with cheaper materials) will be primarily limited to those titles published only in mass market paperback or else needed for multiple copies at a limited cost. Mass market paperback purchases will be limited to no more than five percent of each month’s book budget since these items are not long term collection items.  Where possible, mass market paperbacks will be obtained through donations or borrowed through Interlibrary Loan rather than purchased.

The Library will consider any format as it becomes available, weighing new media against the same considerations applied to traditional resources (i.e., demand, ease of use, accuracy, authority, support of Library programs–see selection criteria listed below).  Consideration will also be given to the ramifications new resources may have on space,

cost, workflow, and other limiting factors.

Selection Criteria

The Evangeline Parish Library does not sanction particular views, nor is the selection of any given item equivalent to an endorsement of the author’s viewpoint or work. Items are evaluated according to the following criteria. Note that an item need not meet all criteria to be selected, and that no single criterion can be applied to all materials. The Evangeline Parish Library does not sanction particular views, nor is the selection of any given item equivalent to an endorsement of the author’s viewpoint or work. Items are evaluated according to the following criteria. Note that an item need not meet all criteria to be selected, and that no single criterion can be applied to all materials.

Library considers all acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, in terms of one or more of the following:

1.      Level of material funding

2.      Library’s mission and service roles

3.      Informational and recreational needs of users, including patron requests which fall within the parameters of the current Collection Development Policy.

4.      Demand

5.      Current usefulness or interest

6.      Community needs surveys and assessments

7.      Authority, and accuracy

8.      Importance as a record of the times

9.      Relevance to the existing collection

10.    Space required relative to the value the item contributes to the collection

11.    The extent to which the item supplements, expands on, or supports the existing collection, rather than duplicates it

12.    Local significance of the author or creator of the work

13.    High standards of quality in content and format

14.    Price and availability

15.    Format, durability, and ease of use

16.    Suitability of format for subject and user’s needs

17.    Comprehensiveness of treatment, including breadth and depth

18.    Evaluation of the currency of the information contained, to the extent that is possible

19.    Representation of diverse points of view

20.    Representation of important movements, subjects, genres, or trends of local, regional, or national significance

21.    Recommendation through a professionally reputable subscription program of a quality publisher or through reputable reviews

22.    Support of library programs

23.    Electronic format criteria: ease of use of the product, accessibility to multiple users, access to needed equipment, reduction of space requirements over print products, reduction in number of copies of a print source when purchased for multiple locations.

LA. Act 436 / 2023 –

24.    Sexually Explicit Materials includes textual, visual, or audio materials or material accessed via any other medium that depict or describe sexual conduct. Sexual Conduct – any of the following:

            (a) Masturbation or lewd exhibition, actual, simulated, or animated, of the genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva, or female breast nipples;

            (b) Sadomasochistic abuse, meaning actual, simulated or animated, flagellation, or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments or in a costume that reveals the pubic hair, anus, vulva, genitals, or female breast nipples, or in the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restrained, on the part of one so clothed;

            (c) Actual, simulated, or animated touching, caressing, or fondling of, or other similar physical contact with a pubic area, anus, female breast nipple, covered or exposed, whether alone or between humans, animals, or a human and an animal, of the same or opposite sex, in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification;

            (d) Actual, simulated, or animated stimulation of a human genital organ by any device whether or not the device is designed, manufactured, or marketed for such purpose; or

            (e) Actual, simulated, or animated ultimate sexual acts, whether between human beings, animals, or an animal and a human being.

25. Community Standards for the population served by the library must be a part of the consideration when acquiring library material that will be accessible to a minor.

In addition to the criteria above, the Library in general will give collection priority to:

1.      print over non-print materials;

2.      general treatments over those which are specialized, scholarly, or primarily for professional use;

3.      breadth over depth—in general purchasing single copies of a wide range of titles rather than multiple copies of the same title, although multiple copies may be purchased when they are warranted by public demand or other special factors;

4.      single volume overviews over multi-volume works; and,

5.      works of broad popular appeal which meet the needs of the independent learner over textbooks or other materials which meet curriculum requirements of the formal student, 6) materials written in English over other languages; and

7.      unabridged editions over abridgments.

Gifts

Gift materials that enhance the collection according to the Selection Criteria above may be added to the collection. Not all gifts will be recommended for retention. If a gift is integrated into the collection, the Library reserves the right to decide the conditions of display, housing, access, and withdrawal of the material.

Evangeline Parish Library will not appraise gift materials for tax purposes. The Library will, upon request of the donor, provide a written receipt of the gifts indicating only the number of items and a general description of the materials.  Gift materials not added to the collection are not returned to the donor. Gifts not added to the collection may be given to the Friends of the Evangeline Parish Library for public sale, discarded, or disposed of in some other way.

Nothing will be sold, given away, or circulated that violates United States copyright law.  No proof copies of print materials, advance review copies of print or video materials, or privately videotaped copies of commercial programs will be sold, given away, or added to the collection.

The Library will not accept any conditional donations without express approval of the Library Board and the Police Jury. Collections of books will not be accepted with restrictions which necessitate special housing or which prevent integration of the gift into the general Library collection.

Collection Development for Children and Young Adults

The Library maintains separate Easy Reader (XF) collections consisting of picture books and of popular reading for very young readers. The collection for young children is designed to entertain, stimulate the imagination, develop reading ability, and enable children to learn about the world around them. Videos and audiotapes are also purchased.

In its juvenile (x sections) the Library maintains chapter books for children of school age.  In the juvenile non-fiction section, although textbooks are not collected, an effort is made to assemble materials that complement the general curriculum and homework needs of students through elementary, junior, and senior high school.

While many larger libraries have separate young adult collections for sixth through ninth grade and/or ninth through twelfth grade, due to space limitations the Evangeline Parish Library currently does not. Since the Library is unable to maintain a separate young adult collection to serve as a bridge to the adult collection, books in the juvenile section (x Fic and x non-fiction) cover a wide variety of ages, from elementary into and even through high school. Therefore, the Library stresses that not all juvenile (x) materials will be appropriate for all young readers because of the wide range of age groups and developmental stages covered by the juvenile collection. Some materials in the juvenile collection may be inappropriate in language or subject matter for younger children and for some teens. Parents are urged to discuss their children’s and teenagers’ selections with them. Responsibility for children’s and teenagers’ use of library collections rests with their parents, guardians, or caregivers. At no time will library staff act in loco parentis.

Collection Maintenance

Materials are withdrawn when they are judged to be dated, inaccurate, seldom used, in poor condition, or otherwise no longer appropriate. As demand declines, the Library selectively removes multiple copies, making exceptions for areas of special importance to the Library collection.

Withdrawn material is given to the Friends of the Evangeline Parish Library, except in special circumstances where the material is discarded (for example, out of date medical information) or where the material can be still used by another library, educational institution, or non-profit institution. Outdated materials with no remaining value are discarded.

An item that is damaged or lost is replaced if it is deemed still useful and is still available for purchase and if it has not been superseded by more recent work or by other items or formats that might better serve the same purpose.

Request for Reconsideration

Library users occasionally object to titles that have been selected for the collection.  Persons seeking the reconsideration of an item must be registered Library patrons with Evangeline Parish Library cards in good standing. They will be asked to complete a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources” (Appendix), which will be available at the circulation desk of the Main Library and every branch. The Library Director and Assistant Director, upon receipt of a completed form submitted by a registered patron, will review the item for inclusion in the collection in light of the Library’s overall objectives, its Collection Development Policy, the Library Bill of Rights, and American Library Association guidelines on intellectual freedom. The item may be placed in “Held” status during the evaluation in order to allow evaluators to have access to the item. No item under reconsideration will be withdrawn from the collection pending a decision.

(La R.R. 25:225 (C) (2) (d) / 2023

The procedure must allow a library patron to request the reconsideration of whether a library book should be included in a library collection assessable to minors. 

If the request for reconsideration involves an allegation that the library material meets the definition of sexually explicit material in La. R.S. 25:225 (B) (4), then the determination of whether the library material meets the definition must be made by the board of control in an open meeting.

The Library Director will notify the requestor in writing of the decision made. The requestor has the right to request that the decision be reevaluated at the next regular Library Board meeting. If the requestor requests Board reconsideration of the Library’s decision, the matter will be placed on the agenda for the next Library Board meeting. At this meeting, the Library Board will have the option of upholding the Library’s decision, reversing it, or referring the matter to a Reconsideration Committee consisting of three Library Board members, the Library Director, and the Library Assistant Director or another professional member of the Library staff. If a Reconsideration Committee is chosen, the Reconsideration Committee members will then each evaluate the item, check reviews of the item, and together make a committee recommendation to the full Library Board.

Decision of the Library Board will be final.

Revisions of the Policy

This statement of policy will be revised as times and circumstances require.

2. CIRCULATION POLICY

(Reviewed and adopted by the Library Board of Control on November 27, 2023)

Evangeline Parish Library Circulation Policy

Note: Age for Adult Library Card Revised October 2012 in Accordance with Library Board Decisions to Make “Adult” 18 and up (Library Board Meeting, Sept. 19, 2012)

Note: The Evangeline Parish Library upgraded to a new automated library system in February 2009. The following policy has been developed in connection with this upgrade:

LIBRARY CARDS:

• The library offers adult, juvenile, institution, and teacher cards. The first card is free, except for non-resident (out of parish address) cards, which are $3.
• Replacement cards are $3 for ALL card holders.
• Patrons wishing to receive a library card must fill out an application at the library. Adults are required to present a current photo ID (if ID is not current, a piece of U.S. mail showing current address or other satisfactory proof of residence is also required). Patrons must be 18 or older to receive a card without a parent or guardian’s written permission.
• Children younger than 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for the library card. If the card becomes lost, the child will be allowed to purchase a replacement child’s card without additional parental signature.
• R-rated DVD’s will not be checked out to children or on children’s library cards.
• Library cards from the Evangeline Parish Library are required to check out items, request items through Inter-Library Loan, or use the public access computers (for computer use some visitor pass exceptions apply). Cards are also necessary to access licensed databases through the library’s website, to place hold on items, or request or renew items online, etc.
• Each child who will be using the library on his or her own (children 12 and up) will need his or her own library card, with signed Internet permission if the child will be using computers at the library without the supervision of his or her parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are welcome to also get cards for younger children. We will issue library cards for children of any age, with the parents’ signed permission.
• Cards are valid for one year, after which time they must be renewed at the library or by phone. Renewal allows the library to update addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, etc.

LOST OR STOLEN CARDS SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE LIBRARY AT ONCE.  

PATRON WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEBTS INCURRED ON

 THE CARD BEFORE ITS LOSS WAS REPORTED.

When a card is reported as lost or stolen, the library staff will immediately place a permanent stop on the card so that the card can no longer be used. This stop cannot be reversed if the card is subsequently found.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

Except by order of a court of law or with signed written permission of the patron, the library staff cannot discuss a patron’s library account with anybody else. A child’s account may be discussed with his or her parent or legal guardian but not with siblings, teachers, etc. Please do not ask any staff member to break this rule — they cannot.

TIME LIMITS:

Books and most other items check out for 14 or 21 days, depending upon demand. Movies check out for 7 days. Boxed sets of television series without separate cases check out for 14 days. Please return popular items as soon as possible.

(Note of Warning: DVD’s are checked out with only one renewal allowed, and the fine for late DVD’s is sixty-five cents per day. If a disc is missing from a returned multiple DVD set, patron will be billed for the cost of replacing the entire set.)

IN LIBRARY USE ONLY:

Microfilms, reference books, pamphlets, and some other miscellaneous items are for use within the library only. Microfilm is available at the main library (Ville Platte) only.

DEPOSITS: No longer required as of 11/27/23.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ITEMS ALLOWED FOR CHECKOUT:

At any given time, a patron may have no more than 10 items checked out. In addition, different types of items have limits. These are as follows:

1.      Books: no more than 10 (3 renewals allowed if no one is waiting for the item)

2.      Audio Books: no more than five (5).  Three (3) renewals allowed if no one is waiting for the item)

3.      Magazines: no more than 10 (3 renewals allowed if no one is waiting for the item).

         *Note: the most current issue of each magazine is restricted to IN LIBRARY USE ONLY.

4.      DVD’s: no more than three (3) of each type (but only ONE DVD rather than three if it is a boxed set). This limit applies to families/households also.

A patron’s checkout ability will not be limited by the checkouts of other members of the patron’s household. However, families and households are asked to limit the whole household to three (3) DVD’s at a time. The size of our video collection is very limited, and for fairness to all patrons this restriction is necessary.

WARNING:  Parents, please be aware that library cards will no longer be linked together by family groups. This means that you will need to monitor carefully how many items each family member checks out. With the new system there is no specific item limit per household, with the exception of DVD’s. This could lead to more lost items and more costly fines, so please monitor the family’s library use.

• Teachers can apply for a special teacher’s card which will allow them to check out up to 20 books at a time. However, no one will be allowed to check out at the same time all the items the library may own on one particular topic.
• Parents who home school their children can also apply for a teacher’s card.
• Institutions (correctional centers, daycares, etc.) can apply for a special institutional card which will allow them to check out higher numbers of books than other patrons.

For more information about teacher and institutional limits, please contact the circulation manager, branch manager, or library director.

RENEWING ITEMS:

Items may be renewed in person, by phone, or online with your library card number and password. New due dates are from the date renewed, not the date the material was previously due. We recommend renewing one day prior to the due date in case there are problems. Items cannot be renewed once they are overdue.

BLOCKED RENEWALS:

Renewals will be blocked if:

1.      There are outstanding fees or fines on the card of $5 or more.

2.      The material is overdue.

3.      The library card has expired or will expire prior to the new due date.

4.      There is a request/reserve by other library patrons for the item.

5.      The item has exceeded the maximum number of renewal times. (Note: DVD’s are allowed only one renewal.)

MAXIMUM FINES:

The maximum fine per item will be $10, regardless of the type of item. Please note that this is per item, not per library card.

FINE SCHEDULE:

Books and most other items accrue fines at the rate of 10¢ per day. DVD’s accrue fines at the rate of 65¢ per day.

Failure to receive notifications that items are overdue does not relieve the borrower of the responsibility to pay the fines/fees. Borrowers are urged to keep their receipts and note the due dates on them.

LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS:

Items are billed at actual cost, plus a $2 processing fee and late fees. In cases where the actual cost is not available, the default cost is $15 per item, plus processing fee and late fees. When the lost item is paid for, the late fees will be waived.

*Note: Once a patron has paid for an item, it becomes the property of the patron. If the patron finds the lost item within 90 days after payment, the patron can return the item, and receive a refund for the cost, but not for the processing fee. After 90 days the patron will not be given a refund. Refunds are not granted if the returned item is not in satisfactory condition. Note that for DVD boxed sets for refund, all discs must be returned in satisfactory condition.

PATRON ACCOUNTS ONLINE:

Patrons can check their address information, see the items currently checked out and their due dates, view the fines/fees on their account, and see their current requests for items. They can request items online and renew items online. To do so, they will need their library card number and their password. The password will be set initially as the last four digits of the patron’s telephone number. The patron can then change the password online. For security, the patron should change the password promptly.

*Note: Patrons cannot place Interlibrary Loan requests online. Patrons also cannot pay fines and fees online.

REQUESTING AN ITEM:

Patrons can request an item and can indicate at which library branch they would like to pick up the item. The pickup branch will notify the patron when the item is available for pickup.

Some items cannot be requested. Patrons will not be able to request materials if any of the following situations apply:

1.      The patron already has placed a request on this same record. This rule prevents multiple duplicate requests.

2.      The patron owes $5 or more.

3.      The patron’s library card has expired.

4.      No requests are allowed for the particular item (item does not check out).

SETTING UP EMAIL NOTIFICATION:

Patrons who wish to be notified by email must ensure that an accurate and current email address for them is on file. Patrons also should ensure that their email provider is not treating emails from the library as spam and blocking the address. If a patron does not provide an email address, all notifications will be by phone or regular mail.

Library email addresses for the circulation system currently are as follows:

Main Library: [email protected]

Basile Branch: [email protected]

Chataignier Branch: [email protected]

Mamou Branch: [email protected]

Pine Prairie Prescott Branch: [email protected]

Turkey Creek Branch: [email protected]

Email notifications will typically come from the main library, but the patron’s home branch will receive a CC notice. Patrons can also contact their home branch directly by using the branch’s email address.

Failure to receive notifications that items are overdue or being billed as lost/not returned does not relieve the borrower of the responsibility to pay the fines/fees. Please keep your receipts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

This document is not exhaustive. For more information about any aspect of this circulation policy, please contact the library director or the circulation manager (337.363.1369), or contact the branch manager at the nearest branch of the Evangeline Parish Library. Some key points of this policy are summarized in the following table:

PATRON CATEGORIES AND RULES BY CATEGORY
Child	Adult	Teacher	Institution
Any age up to 18, present current photo ID or satisfactory replacements and have parent or guardian sign for card.	18 and up, present current photo ID or satisfactory replacements, sign for card.	Show proof of current position and identity and sign for card. *Note:  Homeschooling parents can also apply for a teacher card.	Sign interagency agreement.
First card free if a resident of parish, otherwise $3 charge.	Same	Same	Same
Replacement Cards – $3 *Note:  Report lost/stolen cards promptly – Responsible adult will be responsi9ble for any debts incurred on card before its loss was reported.	Same	Same	Same
Card expires after one year.  Do not throw away, call to update and renew card for another year.	Same	Same	Same
Parent or guardian must sign for card.	N/A	N/A	Agency Representative signs
Card needed for item check outs.	Same	Same	Same
Card needed for computer use (must have signed Internet permission and be seven (7) or order to use computer without parent or responsible adult).	Same as child, except no signed permission needed.	Same as adult	Same as adult
Card in good standing is not expired, does not have overdue items, and has less than $5 of outstanding fines.	Same	Same	Same
Card does not allow checkouts of R-rated movies.	Checkouts allowed	Checkouts allowed	TBD
Fine warning at $2 owed	Fine warning at $5	Same as adult	TBD
Blocked from computer use, checkouts, and placing requests when $5 or more owed.	Same	Same	TBD
Text Preparation Books ($12 deposit)	Same	Same	Same
Maximum 10 items out on card.	10 items max	20 items	50 items
Maximum 10 books out on card	10 books max	20 books	50 books
Maximum 5 audios out on card	5 audios max	5 audios max	TBD
Maximum 3 DVD’s out on card AND per family or household (1 if boxed set)	3 DVD’s Max (1 if boxed set)	3 DVD’s Max (1 if boxed set)
Maximum 10 magazines out on card (most current issue is in library use only)	10 magazines max	10 magazines max	TBD
Maximum fines charged per item is $10	Same	Same	TBD
No maximum charge per card	Same	Same	Same
Lost items charged cost of item plus $2 processing charge plus late fees	Same	Same	Same
Late fees waived if item is paid for as a lost or damaged item.	Same	Same	Same
Lost item charge refunded ONLY if item returned in satisfactory condition within 90 days of payment, processing fee not refunded.	Same	Same	Same
If no item cost is listed, default charge is $15 plus processing fee plus late fees.	Same	Same	Same
Account can be discussed only with the child or his/her parents or guardians, unless signed permission is given for somebody else to discuss – some legal exceptions apply.	Account can only be discussed with card holder, unless signed permission is given for somebody else to discuss – some legal exceptions apply.	Same as adult	Same as adult
Can set up online account and use it to review account, request items and specify pickup branch, renew items.	Same	Same	Same
Can set up reading history.	Same	Same	Same
Can set up email notifications.	Same	Same	Same
Cannot place Interlibrary Loans or pay fines and fees online.	Same	Same	Same
Not held responsible for accounts of others in household; borrowing limits and use privileges not affected by others’ accounts except for household limit on movies.  WARNING:  Parents or guardians are responsible for the accounts of all their children under 18.	Same	Same	N/A

3. LIBRARY CARD POLICY

(Reviewed and adopted by the Library Board of Control on November 27, 2023)

Note:  Picture identification required to obtain a library card.

Residents of Evangeline Parish: free for first card (replacement cards $3)

Also, first card free (replacement cards $3) for persons working, attending school, or owning property in Evangeline Parish, provided that the applicant shows acceptable proof as shown below (required in addition to picture ID, not in lieu of picture ID:

1.      Residency: Proof of address (on photo ID or bill)

2.      Employment (Employee ID card or pay stub)

3.      School attendance (School ID or report card)

4.      Property ownership (property tax bill)

Applicants who do not meet any of the four criteria above will not usually be granted a library card. However, as visitors they will be allowed to use library resources within the library.

For residents of adjacent parishes or of parishes within the Libraries Southwest Consortium, exceptions may apply.

No cards issued to anyone under age 18 without the signature of a parent or other responsible adult who by signing for the minor’s card agrees to be responsible for all charges (fines, lost item charges, etc.) incurred by the minor or anybody else in the use of the card.

Staff may ask for additional proof of age, and/or residency, etc.

in making library cards.

The enactment of La. Act 436 / 2023, has led to the following updates in our card system:

• Every cardholder from ages 0—17 must have a NEW registration card on file with the permission of a parent or guardian for RESTRICTED  or UNRESTRICTED access to any physical items in the library or digital content accessed with a library card.   See attached application.

•  You are the only person who is allowed to use your card for any library services.

• You are responsible for all materials checked out with that card.

(4)The library must maintain a list of digital content sources that are accessible to minors and contain sexually explicit material for check out so that parents or guardians can make an informed decision about whether to permit their child to check out digital content. La. R. S. 25:225 ( C ) (2) (d)

4. PATRON BEHAVIOR (UPDATED 2023)

Evangeline Parish Library Patron Behavior Policy

Approval/Revision History: Initial Approval 09/15/01,

Revised 07/01/03; 06/12/08; 08/29/11; 9/19/2012

INTRODUCTION

The Evangeline Parish Library is a public agency supported by the taxes of the citizens of the Parish. They have the right to expect an atmosphere conducive to study, reading, and other legitimate use of library materials and services.

The Board of Control makes the rules and regulations for the operation of the Library system under the auspices of Louisiana State Law (R.S. 25:211-223). One of the Board’s many duties is to establish written policy concerning matters of importance to the Library system.

The following rules of behavior have been drawn up to establish a secure, comfortable, and safe atmosphere for library patrons; to protect the rights of library staff; to conduct library business without interference, and to preserve library materials and facilities. The Library Board of Control and the Library reserve the right to enforce or amend the rules as deemed necessary.

RULES AND POLICIES

Any behavior that disrupts the orderly use of the Library impedes other patrons’ ability to study, read, and conduct research within the library, or that affects the staff’s ability to provide service is strictly prohibited. Those who disrupt the appropriate use and operation of the library will be asked to leave. All Staff have the right to determine when ANY behavior or condition has become disruptive, and they have the authority to ask patrons to leave. Police may be called if patrons do not comply.

The following is required to enter the Library:

1.      For Children Under 12: an accompanying adult who will maintain active supervision of the child in the library.

2.      Proper Dress: Shirts and shoes are required. No inappropriate clothing, including bathing suits or excessive showing of bare skin or underwear.

3.      Appropriate Hygiene: Offensive personal odor due to lack of personal cleanliness is not allowed.

In order to provide safety for patrons and staff and to protect the Library, the following items are not to be brought into any Library facilities:

1.      Weapons of any kind. (Any comment that indicates a patron has a weapon, even if made in jest, will result in immediate calling of the police).

2.      Snakes, birds, or others animals (except canine assistants for the handicapped or police dogs), unless the animals are part of an approved special program.

3.      Alcoholic beverages or drugs.

4.      Wheeled devices (except wheelchairs or strollers).

The following items are restricted:

1.      Food and nonalcoholic beverages may be consumed outside the building, but are not allowed in the building. Food and beverages are only allowed inside when they are part of an approved special event (refreshments at a children’s program, for example).

2.      NO tobacco products may be used within the building.

3.      Private radios and tape recorders may only be used with headphones.

4.      Cell phone use is to be kept quiet.

5.      Bicycles or skateboards cannot block steps, doorways, or ramps.

6.      For patrons’ own safety, all laptops, purses, cell phones, and other personal items must be kept with them at all times. Library and Staff will not be responsible for any personal items.

The following behaviors are not allowed within the Main Library or any of its branches:

1.      Disruptive behavior (i.e., disturbing the peace, boisterous behavior, fighting, whether real or pretend, throwing objects, etc.)

2.      Using obscene or abusive language.

3.      Solicitation of any kind (i.e., conducting a business within the library, buying and/or selling).

4.      Eating, drinking, or using any tobacco products.

5.      Improper use of library property (i.e., putting feet up on the furniture, moving furniture, banging on computer keyboards, etc.)

6.      Running, playing, climbing, lying on the floor.

7.      Remaining at computer stations after being told that time is expired.

8.      Intruding into the space of other computer stations and preventing their use by other patrons (taking up space and chairs designated for users of the other station, having more than two persons at a station)

9.      Disrupting or loud behavior at the computer stations.

10.    Failing to supervise or control children while at the computer stations or in any other area of the library.

11.    Shifting from one computer station to another without express permission of the staff.

12.    Remaining in the building after closing time.

13.    Harassment (i.e., staring, following people around, making gestures, etc.)

14.    Defacing or damaging any library property. (Vandalism, defacement, mutilation or abuse of library equipment, furnishings, materials)

15.    Sleeping.

16.    Washing, bathing, shaving, etc. in the restrooms.

17.    Verbal outbursts (cursing, insults, threats, etc.)

18.    Acting in any way that indicates intoxication from any substance.

19.    Physical assault or threats.

20.    Gambling.

21.    Loitering (aimless wandering or rambling around without any legitimate reason), or excessive socializing.

22.    Use of the computers or any other Library property for any illegal or harassing activity, or for any activity that becomes disruptive (see page 1 of policy and also items 5 through 7 above).

23.    Entering the staff work areas or other non-public areas unless accompanied by a library employee or through appropriate prior arrangements.

Staff will be polite but firm in requiring patrons to stop any of the behaviors above. If staff believes the situation warrants it, staff will fill out an Incident Report, including the patron’s name and other known information, and forward the report to the Director.

Staff may terminate computer sessions at any time, with or without prior warning, in response to disruptive patron behavior.

• If a patron refuses to leave the building (or any non-public area of the building) after being told by staff to leave, staff will call the police.
• If a patron exhibits hostile or erratic behavior, whether directed toward staff, other patrons, or anyone else, staff will call the police.
• If a patron attempts to harass or accost (i.e., approach in an overly aggressive or otherwise inappropriate way) another patron or staff member, staff will call the police.
• Staff will call the police if any behavior seems to be illegal or appears to put patrons or staff in danger.

STATE LAWS:

Specific laws governing the types of negative behavior listed above may be found in state and local codes. The following are typical (but not exclusive) of the legal coverage for negative behavior:

Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 14

Section 15          “Intoxication”

Section 22          “Defense of Others”

Section 35          “Simple Battery”

Section 38          “Simple Assault”

Section 43          “Simple Rape”

Section 43.1       “Sexual Battery”

Section 52          “Simple Arson”

Section 56          “Simple Criminal Damages to Property”

Section 59          “Criminal Mischief”

Section 62          “Simple Burglary”

Section 63.3       “Entry on or Remaining in Places. . . After Being Forbidden”

Section 65          “Simple robbery”

Section 65.1       “Purse Snatching”

Section 67          “Theft”

Section 69          “Illegal Possession of Stolen Things”

Section 71          “Issuing Worthless Checks”

Section 73.3       “Offenses against Computer Equipment or Supplies”

Section 81          “Indecent Behavior with Juveniles”

Section 89          “Crime against Nature”

Section 94          “Illegal use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities”

Section 103        “Disturbing the Peace”

Section 106        “Obscenity”

Section 107          “Vagrancy”

5. UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY (UPDATED JULY 2023)

Herein Appended as part of Patron Behavior Policy Introduction

The Evangeline Parish Library Board of Control makes the rules and regulations for the operation of the Library system under the auspices of Louisiana State Law (R.S. 25:211-223).

One of the Board’s many duties is to establish written policy concerning matters of importance to the Library system.

The following Unattended Children Policy has been part of the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy for years (most recently affirmed 8/29/2011).  It is set forth here separately to emphasize its importance and hereby amended for clarity and to incorporate the entire library premises as well as the library facilities.

FOR THEIR SAFETY, CHILDREN UNDER 12 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.

To enter the library or to enter anywhere on the library premises, including the parking lot, children under 12 MUST have an accompanying adult who will and does maintain active supervision of the child in the library and on the library premises. ADULT IS DEFINED AS SOMEONE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE.

Staff may call the police if children 11 years of age or younger are left unattended at any time and a parent or guardian cannot be located. At closing time staff may, at their discretion, choose to wait 15 minutes before calling the police to pick up the child and locate the parent or guardian.

Parents or guardians who leave their young children unattended in the library or on the premises at any time may lose their own library privileges.

ALL CHILDREN UNDER 12 MUST REMAIN UNDER VOICE AND VISUAL SUPERVISION OF

THE ADULT WHO IS ACCOMPANYING THEM AT ALL TIMES WITHIN THE LIBRARY OR ON THE LIBRARY PREMISES.

All children under seven (7) CANNOT be in the computer area or at a computer station without an adult staying at the same computer with them and directly supervising them on the computer. For older children 7 through 11, the adult must stay close enough to visually observe the child and be able to come assist the child if help is needed, or to correct the child’s behavior if necessary. All aspects of the Patron Behavior Policy apply to children as well as adults.

Parents or guardians who leave children under age 12 unattended in the Library at any time ARE subject to losing all Library privileges.  Police may be called for unattended children.

6. SEX OFFENDER POLICY

Evangeline Parish Library Sex Offender Policy UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023

In accordance with its by-laws, the Library Board of Control of Evangeline Parish has adopted on this 19th day of September, 2012, the following policy for the purpose of:

1.      Compliance with the statutory mandates set forth in La. R.S. 14:91.2

2.      Protecting children from contact with persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under13 years of age.

Policy:

1.      Effective January 1, 2013, persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under the age of 13 (referred to as “sex offenders /13” for the purposes of this policy) are restricted in their access to public library property, as follows:

         a.   One-Room Branches: No sex offenders /13 are allowed at any time in any one-room branch of the library system (currently Chataignier and Turkey Creek Branches).

         b.   Children’s Areas: No sex offenders /13 shall be physically present in any area of any library branch that is designated as a “children’s area” or “young reader’s area.”

         c.   Peak Children’s Hours: No sex offender /13 shall be physically present on public library property during peak hours of children’s use of the library. Peak hours are defined as follows for the individual branches:

               1.)     Basile Branch: During the school year, 3 to 5 p.m. and from one half hour before to one half hour after any scheduled children’s program (program notice posted on the door of the branch and on the library’s website). During the summer months of June and July, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday and all day on Thursday due to Summer Reading activities.

               2.)     Mamou Branch: During the school year, 3 to 5 p.m. and from one half hour before to one half hour after any scheduled children’s program (program notice posted on the door of the branch and on the library’s website). During the summer months of June and July, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and all day on Wednesday due to Summer Reading activities.

               3.)     Pine Prairie Branch: During the school year, no admittance after 3 p.m. any day, and from one half hour before to one half hour after any scheduled children’s program (program notice posted on the door of the branch and on the library’s website). During the summer months of June and July, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and all day on Wednesday due to Summer Reading activities.

               4.)     Ville Platte Branch/Main Library: During the school year, from 3 to 7 p.m. all weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays, plus from one half hour before to one half hour after any scheduled children’s program (program notice posted on the door of the branch and on the library’s website). During the summer months of June and July, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays 10 to 12 a.m. and all day on Tuesday due to Summer Reading activities.

         d.   Computer Use, Public Access Computers: No sex offender /13 shall use any public access computer that is in close proximity to a children’s area of a library or that is not clearly visible from the library’s circulation desk.

         e.     Library Wireless Use, Patron-Owned Equipment: No sex offender /13 shall utilize the library wireless access in any area that is not clearly visible from the library’s circulation desk.

         f.     Loitering within 1,000 feet—No sex offender /13 shall loiter within 1,000 feet of public library property.

         g.     Employment—No sex offender/13 shall apply for, work for, or otherwise provide services to a library branch as an employee, contractor, sub-contractor, or volunteer.

2.      Alternate Forms of Access: Alternative channels of access to public library resources in the library include:

         a.   Access to Other Branches: See listings above in hours to find branches that are available on different days or hours.

         b.   Surrogate Checkout: Asurrogate, with the card owner’s written permission, may check out library materials from any of the Evangeline Parish Library’s facilities on the sex offender /13’s card on behalf of the card owner.

3.      Exceptions: Exceptions to these restrictions are:

         a.   Police Station/Courthouse/Polling Station/Health Unit: There shall be no violation of this policy if the sex offender /13 is reporting to a police station, courthouse, polling station, or health unit, provided that the sex offender /13 does not enter any area that is solely under the library’s control.

         b.   With Special Permission: There shall be no violation of this policy if the sex offender /13 has requested and has been granted written permission to be physically present on public library property from the library director or his/her designee (e.g. the library branch manager), and the sex offender/13 complies with any special restrictions contained within the permission.

4.      Library Director: The Library Director shall be responsible for developing and implementing administrative and management procedures in furtherance of the policies stated herein. Recommended procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:

         a.   Background Checks: Implement procedures to provide that library employees, contractors, sub-contractors, and volunteers who will interact with children or will be required to work in the restricted areas may be subject to criminal background checks.

         b.   Configuration: To the extent possible, each library branch shall be arranged in a manner to ensure that areas devoted to children and young readers may be easily supervised by library staff, and such areas are segregated from other library resources and facilities.

         c.   Notice: Implement procedures to ensure adequate public notice of each library branch’s times and dates of peak children’s hours and children’s programming. Adequate notice may include posting such information in a prominent location near the library’s entrance and on the library’s website.

         d.   Surrogate: Implement procedures to allow sex offenders/13 to authorize a surrogate to check out library materials using the sex offender’s library card.

         e.   Enforcement: Implement procedures to update policies, where necessary, and enforce policies regarding unattended children.

5.      The Library Director and members of the public are invited to make recommendations to the Library Board of Control to improve this policy or suggest legislative changes that will allow public libraries to more effectively achieve the public purposes set forth here. Those recommendations, along with any supporting documentation, should be submitted annually to the Library Board of Control by or before September 30, Attention: President, Library Board of Control.

         Authority Note: Act 693 of the 2012 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature amended and re-enacted R.S. 14.91.2. The effective date of the Act is January 1, 2013.

7. ELECTRONIC RESOURCES POLICY

Policies for Use of Electronic Resources UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023

These policies, when adopted, supersede all previous Electronic Resources Policies of the Evangeline Parish Library. They may be amended by the Library Board of Control at any time, with due notice and in appropriate open Board meeting.

In accordance with its by-laws, the Library Board of Control of Evangeline Parish has adopted on this 29th day of November 2012 the following policies:

I.       Internet Safety Policy

II.      Electronic Resources Acceptable Use Policy

III.     Social Media Policy

These policies are to be reviewed and revised if necessary at least annually.

These policies are hereby enacted for the purposes of:

1.      Continued compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA), Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (“NCIPA), and The Protecting Children in the 21^st Century Act.

2.      Ensuring consistent, fair, and uniform access to the electronic resources of the library.

3.      Protecting the public’s investment in the electronic resources of the library from harmful or damaging use and from unlawful or inappropriate use.

I. Internet Safety Policy for Evangeline Parish Library

Introduction

It is the policy of Evangeline Parish Library to: a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

Definitions

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act*

Access to Inappropriate Material

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Evangeline Parish Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: a) unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities; and b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring

All members of the Evangeline Parish Library staff may educate, supervise, and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21^st Century Act.

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or library branch managers or designated representatives.

Adoption

This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Evangeline Parish Library Board of Control at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on Nov. 29, 2012, revision of policy adopted at public meeting Sept. 19, 2012 (Month, Day, Year).

*CIPA Definitions of Terms:

Minor

The term “minor” means any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years.

Technology Protection Measure

The term “technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:

1.      Obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;

2.      Child Pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or

3.      Harmful to minors.

Harmful to Minors

The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:

1.      Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;

2.      Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and

3.      Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.

Sexual Act; Sexual Contact

The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.

II.  Electronic Resources Acceptable Use Policy

for Evangeline Parish Library

Introduction

Access to the Evangeline Parish Library’s electronic resources is a privilege, not a right. All users are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and information purposes for which they are provided, and to follow the Library’s rules and regulations.

Use of the Evangeline Parish Library’s electronic resources constitutes agreement with all the requirements below, as well as the Library’s Internet Safety Policy above, and the Terms of Service of each individual third-party service. If a user does not agree to these terms, they are not to use the services.

Failure to adhere to network policies and rules may subject users to warning, usage restrictions or termination, disciplinary actions, or legal proceedings.

Acceptable Use

The Evangeline Parish Library provides free public computer use and wireless access to help meet the changing information needs of the parish community. Internet access is one component of the Library’s goal to meet the informational and educational needs of library users involved in both formal and informal learning activities.

The Library’s computer resources are also available to assist businesses and job-seekers, to help users find and utilize government resources, and for the overall purposes of education, information, research, or recreation.

Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable, and suitable to their needs. The Library cannot warrant the safety or accuracy of information.

The Library encourages and supports use of the databases provided through the Library’s website and the State Library. More information is available about them at the circulation desk. These include resources for students, family researchers, jobseekers, and more.

Since due to space limitations there are NO separate adult computer areas in any of the libraries of the Evangeline Parish Library system, ALL patrons, both adults as well as minors, may be required to limit their computer use to use appropriate in a family setting. Blocking material that is deemed suitable only for adults helps ensure that the environment at all the facilities in the Evangeline Parish Library System is consistent with the Library’s mission of providing learning and research opportunities for individuals of all ages.

Branch managers, at their discretion, may mark some computers as reserved for specific activity at specified times (for example school or college homework from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Anyone who uses such a designated computer during the reserved time is hereby agreeing to use it ONLY for the specified use. Any other use may be terminated by staff, without prior warning.

Session Termination

Users can be required to terminate a computer session at any time, with or without prior warning, for inappropriate use or for violation of the Patron Behavior Policy or the Unattended

Children Policy

Both documents are available online at the library’s website and also at each library branch’s circulation desk.

Users may not disturb or disrupt other users of the library or impede the functioning of the library and the work of library staff.

Unattended Children and Public Computer Use

No child under the age of 7 will be allowed to use or sit at a public access computer without having an adult (at least age 18) on the SAME computer with him or her, actively supervising him or her.

Children ages 7 through 11 can use a public access computer alone ONLY if an adult (at least age 18) supervises the child by remaining within visual and voice command range of the child AND actively supervises the child. Library staff cannot act in loco parentis.

Children age 12 and up can be in the library without an adult and use a public access computer on their own. They are expected to follow all Library rules and regulations and will be held accountable if they fail to do so.

Use of Other’s Library Cards to Gain Access

Each user is required to have an Evangeline Parish Library card in good standing or be a valid out of parish visitor.

Each user is REQUIRED to use his or her OWN library card. Guest passes will be issued to out of parish users only.

Violation of this requirement may result in immediate termination of the user’s computer session.

Time Limits and Time Extensions (Note: Test taking at the public computers is NOT recommended or supported)!

Library administration may set time limits for use of resources. These may be changed as necessary.

Time extensions may or may not be granted. If granted, the amount of extended time may be determined on a case by case basis at the discretion of staff. Users are expected to notify staff PRIOR TO USE if they expect to require extra time, and state approximately how much extra time will be needed.

The system shuts down 15 minutes before closing time. No exceptions. Information will be lost at this point and CANNOT BE RETRIEVED.

Behavior in Computer Area

All patrons, including children, will be required to behave in accordance with the Patron Behavior Policy in ALL areas of the library, including the computer areas.

ANY activity on the computer or in its vicinity that disrupts and impedes the functioning of the library or the appropriate use of the library by other library users may be terminated by library staff at any time, with or without prior warning to the user.

No use that involves audio is allowed without headphones or ear buds, and the sound must not be audible to others near the computer.

Unacceptable Use of the Library’s Computers

The following are unacceptable uses:

•     Disruptive behavior in the vicinity of workstations

•     Destruction of, or damage to, equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users

•     Interference with or disruption of network users, services, or equipment

•     Unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications

•     Violation of computer system security or integrity

• Using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the Library’s networks

•     Propagation of computer worms or viruses

•     Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others

•     Violation of software license agreements

•     Violation of copyright laws

•     Violation of network usage policies and regulations

•     Falsification of one’s age to gain access to Internet sites

•     Distribution of unsolicited advertising

•     Violation of another user’s privacy

•     Viewing sexually explicit material

•     Using library resources to harass, bully, or intimidate others

•     Failure to accept time limits or pay printing charges

•     Violation of federal, state, or local laws.

Unacceptable Use of Any Social Media Site Accessed through the Library’s Computers or Wireless Network.

Library resources must not be used to post any of the following to any site:

•     Obscene or racist content

•     Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language

•     Potentially libelous statements

•     Private, personal information published without consent

•     Commercial promotions or spam

•     Organized political activity

•     Copyrighted materials (articles, videos, audio, etc.) that the poster does not have permission to reproduce or distribute

•     Content that installs viruses, worms, malware, Trojans, etc.

•     Photos or other images that fall in any of the above categories

For more information on Social Media, see the separate Social Media Policy immediately following this policy.

The same restrictions to social media postings also apply to any other form of communication (email, etc.) done through the Library’s electronic resources or network.

Organizational Responsibility and Privacy: Disclaimers

–        The Evangeline Parish Library does not warrant network functionality or accuracy of information.

–        The Library does not warrant the effectiveness of Internet filtering.

–        The privacy of system users is limited. Any use, for any purpose, is at the user’s own risk.

–        The Library shall have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library’s Internet service or for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, the filtering software, or for its circumvention by users.

–        The Library is not responsible for damage to user’s equipment or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the Library’s computers.

–        Responsibility for possible copyright infringement lies solely with the user, and the Library disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting there from.

Current System Blocks

The Internet is constantly changing, and blocks may be removed or added as necessary. The filter is set to monitor and block recognized:

•     Copyright infringement

•     Computer Hacking

•     Spyware/Adware

•     Malware

•     Phishing

•     Adult Themes

•     Pornography

•     Gambling

•     Shareware Download

•     Peer to Peer

Other sites may be blocked if they impede the functioning of the Library system for any reason.

Due to the lack of separate children’s computer areas in the relatively small libraries of the system, content deemed suitable only for adults may be blocked and remain blocked so that the library may maintain an environment appropriate for all ages, and can continue to provide educational opportunities for all ages.

Internet Sites Possibly Blocked in Error

It is the responsibility of the user, if a site appears to be blocked in error, to promptly notify the staff at the circulation desk if the user needs the site unblocked. If the user disagrees with the staff decision (i.e. to unblock or not to unblock), the user has the right to appeal the decision to the Library Director. If unsatisfied with the Director’s response, the user then has the right to appeal the decision to the Library Board.

Users should be aware that some sites which appear appropriate are actual malware or “phishing” sites which the filter recognizes as such. The filter may recognize a danger that the user cannot. (For example, one article about a celebrity may be blocked because it is a malware or spyware trap, while other articles on the same person are not.)

Staff Monitoring and Consequences of Violating the Computer Use Policy

Library staff may at their discretion visually monitor use of computers for violations of this policy. Violators may lose their library privileges. They may also be subject to criminal prosecution or other legal action

Adoption

This Electronic Resources Acceptable Use Policy was adopted by the Evangeline Parish Library Board of Control at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on Nov. 29, 2012, revision of policy adopted Sept. 19, 2012 (Month, Day, Year).

III. Social Media Policy for Evangeline Parish Library

Statement of Purpose

The Evangeline Parish Library defines social networking media as any Internet based service that allows individuals and/or groups to communicate with other individuals and groups who share a common service such as, but not limited to, Twitter and Facebook. The Evangeline Parish Library will use social media as a tool to share information on matters pertaining to the library such as programming and upcoming events.

Employee Selection for Social Media

At least two employees will be selected to be responsible for maintaining a social network presence on behalf of the library. These employees will be responsible for presenting information and sharing feedback on library related services and events in an effort to promote the library.

Creation and Deletion of Official Library Sites

Staff wanting to create an official profile for the library on any social networking media must first seek approval from the Library Director.

Due to the transient nature of social networking media, there may come a time when it is no longer in the library’s best interest to maintain a profile on a particular site. If an employee responsible for maintaining a site believes that the library should delete its presence, he or she should discuss the matter with the Library Director and any other staff member the Director may choose. If it is so decided, the library’s presence will be removed from the site.

Staff Guidelines for Posting

The employees selected by the Director to maintain the library’s presence on social media sites will have primary responsibility for posting information and will have administrative access to the sites. Staff members should include a slash followed by their initials at the end of any post made on behalf of the library in order to identify who wrote the post. While the staff members chosen to maintain the library’s social networking presence are responsible for making official posts on behalf of the library, all staff members are encouraged to read and participate in postings.

Posts may include information about:

•     Library events and closings

•     Library services

•     Links to relevant articles

•     Solicitation of feedback

•     Announcements of additions to the collection

•     Any other information deemed appropriate for such sites

All postings should be non-political and the language should be positive. Staff will be required to check facts, present balanced views, acknowledge and correct errors, and check spelling and grammar before posting. Library employees handle confidential information from our patrons. The restrictions that employees observe in the performance of their day-to-day duties also apply to their use of social media.

All portions of the Public Feedback section below apply to all staff postings as well.

Library employees are subject to disciplinary action for violating this policy.

Public Feedback

Comments, posts, and messages are welcome on Evangeline Parish Library’s social networking sites. While the library recognizes and respects differences in opinion, all such interactions will be regularly monitored and reviewed for content and relevancy (before publishing when possible).

All postings which contain any of the following will be removed and the poster barred from posting any subsequent messages to library social networking sites:

•     Obscene or racist content

•     Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language

•     Potentially libelous statements

•     Private, personal information published without consent

•     Comments totally unrelated to the content of the forum

•     Hyperlinks to material that is not directly related to the discussion

•     Commercial promotions or spam

•     Organized political activity

•     Copyrighted materials (articles, videos, audio, etc.) that the poster does not have permission to reproduce or distribute

•     Content that installs viruses, worms, malware, Trojans, etc.

•     Photos or other images that fall in any of the above categories

In addition, the Evangeline Parish Library reserves the right to edit or modify any postings or comments for space or content, while retaining the intent of the original post.

The library further reserves the right to delete any postings or comments. The library shall also be granted the right to reproduce comments, posts and messages in other public venues. Identifying information, other than first name, will be removed unless prior approval is granted by the user.

The Evangeline Parish Library assumes no liability regarding any event or interaction that takes place by any participant in any Library-sponsored social networking service, and does not endorse or review content outside the “pages” created by Evangeline Parish Library staff.

By posting content, the user agrees to indemnify Evangeline Parish Library and its board and employees from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages and costs (including attorney’s fees) incurred by a user which arises out of or are related to the posted content.

Participation in Evangeline Parish Library social networking services constitutes agreement with all Library polices, including its Internet Safety Policy and Electronic Resources Acceptable Use Policy, and the Terms of Service of each individual third-party service. If a user does not agree to these terms, they are not to use the services. The role and utility of social networking sites will be evaluated periodically by library staff, and may be terminated at any time without notice to subscribers. The Library Board of Control will be notified immediately by letter containing an explanation of the termination of such services.

Adoption

This Social Media Policy was adopted by the Evangeline Parish Library Board of Control at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on Nov. 29, 2012, unchanged from Social Media Policy adopted Sept. 19, 2012 (Month, Day, Year).

8. MEETING ROOM POLICY ADOPTED JULY 15, 2024

Meeting Room Policy and Guidelines

Updated 1/14/2025

The Main library in Ville Platte now has a room designed to meet the needs of individuals and organization who express a desire to reserve a private space. When not needed for library purposes, the Meeting Room may be reserved free of charge by community-based organizations, groups, or clubs of a civic, business, cultural, educational, professional, religious, political, or recreational nature, as well as parish departments, subject to room availability and adherence to meeting room policy and guidelines. Such use of a meeting room must take place in a responsible manner, without undue cost the Evangeline Parish Library, and without undue interference with library activities.

Persons requesting meeting room space must have a valid, full-privileges library card in good standing from the Evangeline Parish Public Library. Organizations must make an application in accordance with the guidelines outlined in this policy.

The fact that the Evangeline Parish Library and Library Board of Control have authorized a group to meet in the library does not constitute endorsement or sponsorship of the organization or the views expressed by the group as a whole or by individual participants in the meeting.

GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC USE OF LIBRARY MEETING ROOMS

• Maximum capacity is 12 people per reservation.
• All meetings must be held within the regular library hours of operation. Meetings must be concluded and the room cleaned up (if applicable) and the room vacated 15 minutes before closing time.
• All activities of the group must be confined to the meeting room.
• The Evangeline Parish Library is a designated smoke-free facility.  Smoking or Vaping is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces within the library and is also prohibited within twenty-five feet of any library entrance.
• Groups are responsible for ensuring that attendance does not exceed the maximum occupancy of 12.
• Standard fire code regulations prohibit any open flames, burning candles, and flammable, combustible, and hazardous materials in the library.
• Meeting rooms are not available for commercial use (the selling, trading, or promotion of products or services is not allowed) or one on one type settings with adults and children such as counseling or tutoring services.
• No admission fee can be charged or solicited in advance of the meeting.
• Groups are not allowed to campaign, rally, raise funds, accept monetary donations, collections, or dues, or solicit support at the library.
• Meeting rooms may not be booked for personal events such as showers, birthday parties, wedding receptions, campaign kick-off events, etc.
• Groups are not allowed to use the rooms for any program or activity that would violate public performance rights.
• Any group using a meeting room is expected to conduct its proceedings in a quiet, orderly manner so as not to disrupt normal library functions and service. Individuals are subject to the library’s Patron Behavior Policy.
• The library reserves the right to refuse future bookings to groups that consistently fail to appear on scheduled meeting dates or do not abide by meeting room guidelines or the library’s Patron Behavior Policy.
• Groups reserving the meeting room shall not imply library endorsement or sponsorship of their objectives, views, or event in promotion or invitation.

RESERVATION GIDELINES

• Public meeting rooms may be scheduled up to two months in advance.  Organizations should make an application in accordance with the directions and guidelines outlined in this policy at least 7 days in advance of the date of use.
• When applying for the use of the room, the purpose of the event and expected attendance must be clearly stated. Maximum attendance is 12.
• A request for meeting space must be filled out for each instance of reserving the space.  The person requesting the space for a group or organization must have a valid full-service library card from the Evangeline Parish Library.
• No group/organization may reserve the library meeting room more than 12 times in a calendar year. 
• Meeting rooms may be reserved by patrons 18 years or older. Youth organizations using the meeting room must have and adult sponsor present at all times.
• If a group cancels the uses of a meeting room, the contact person must notify the library 24 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting.  Failure to do so may result in the loss of current or future reservations.

PUBLICITY GUIDELINES

• The name, address or phone number of Evangeline Parish Library may not be used as the official address or headquarters of any organization except those affiliated with the library. 
• The use of the meeting room by a non-library group shall not be published in any way as to imply library sponsorship of the group’s activities.
• The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the Evangeline Parish Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies and beliefs.  Advertisements for meetings held in the library may not be displayed in such a manner as to suggest library sponsorship.

FOOD AND DRINK GUIDELINES

• Groups and individuals may have snacks, drinks, and light meals (sandwiches, boxed lunches and such) in the meeting room. A small refrigerator and coffee machine are available and may be utilized. Consumable items such as coffee, cups, napkins, and condiments are not provided by the library and must be provided by the group or individual reserving the room.
• For catered or delivered meals, the group scheduling the room is responsible for arranging for delivery and pick-up of food and equipment.
• Groups and individuals with food or drink in the meeting room are responsible for cleanup, including:
  • Wiping down counters and tabletops
  • Disposing of trash in receptacles
  • Removing debris from floors.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on library property.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

• Arrangements for tables and chairs must be made at the time of booking. Library staff is not available on site for changing room arrangements.
• Those who wish to use the library’s Smart TV and White Board must note such at the time of scheduling and provide their own laptop and technical support. Wireless Internet access is available and free of charge.
• Groups or individuals misusing library equipment will be restricted from future use of the equipment and will be held responsible for any damages to or theft of library property.
• The library is not responsible for equipment, supplies, or other items owned by groups or individuals and used in the library.
• The library does not provide storage space for individuals or organizations.
• If an emergency requires closing the library, every effort will be made to notify the contact person for the group or an officer of the organization.
• If a question is raised as to any group’s use of the meeting Room, the Evangeline Parish library Board of Control shall be the final authority.
• Security Cameras are in use at all times throughout the library and in this meeting room.

EVANGELINE PARISH LIBRARY

MEETING ROOM APPPLICATION   

Updated 1/2025

Note: A Valid Evangeline Parish Library Card is Required

Please provide the following information with your meeting room reservation application:

Name of Individual ___________________________ Phone # ______________________

            Type of meeting:

1. Legal / Deposition
2. Planning
3. Other ______________________________________

Organization ____________________________         

1. Support Group                   
2. Community Group
3. Civic Association
4. Industry Education
5. Senior Educational
6. Other______________________________________

Date of the Meeting ______________________________

 Actual Start Time __________ Anticipated length of meeting______  (Time not to exceed 2 hrs)

Are you having food?  Yes ___   No____

Will you need any of the following?:

            Smart TV _______     White Board _________   Other _______

Special Request: 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

APPROVED:     YES _________    NO_____________   STAFF INITIALS _______

9. FAQ – DONATIONS OF BOOKS AND OTHER ITEMS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DONATIONS – UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023

OF OTHER BOOKS OR OTHER TIMES TO THE LIBRARY

1. Can I get my donations back at some point in the future if the Library is not using them?

Sorry, no.  We do not track donations in a way that would make that possible, and many items are given to other non-profit organizations in the Parish or sold through Friends of the Library book sales to support Library activities and the purchase of new books.

• Do you add donated encyclopedias to the collection?

Not unless they are less than three years old and in excellent condition and there is space in the library collection to hold them.  However, we welcome them for sale through the Friends of the Library book sale in the fall.

• Do you add donated textbooks to the collection?

No, but we sometimes donate them to other organizations.  We also put them in our Friends book sales.

4.      Are there items you cannot use, either in sales or in the collection?

         We cannot use books with heavily yellowed pages, mold, cigarette burns, water damage, cockroach evidence, mice droppings, missing or torn pages, or pages marked over with drawings, obscenities, etc.  We examine donations for these problems and discard these items promptly.

5.      If I donate a group of books together, will they stay together?

         This will depend on the needs of the Library.  Some of the books may be put in sales, some may be added to the collection at the main library, and some put in other branches.  We have a main library and five branches.

6.      Can I get a valuation of my donated items for tax purposes?

         We cannot put a value on them.  However, if when you donate them, you ask for a receipt for the number of items and types of items donated, we will be happy to supply it.         

7.      When do you put donation name plates on books?

         We do this when the item is in memory or in honor of someone and has been bought new especially for this purpose.  We may also do this with corporate donations where the Library selects the books and the corporation or other organization provides the nameplates.

8.      How long do the items that are added typically stay in the collection?

         It’s hard to say, but probably an average of five years.  Some items get lost or damaged in the first year, while others such as legal or medical items are withdrawn automatically after five years.  Other items may stay in reference for 15 years or more.

9.      Are all items that are added to the collection cataloged where their status can be seen in the catalog?

         No.  Many paperbacks are not cataloged.

10.     Can I see in the online catalog which specific items I donated that were added to the collection?

         Our cataloging software is not set up for that.  We hope someday to have more advanced software that will allow the cataloger to put in more information and to make donor name a searchable field.

11.     What is the most important thing you believe about donated items?

         They are very much appreciated and useful to the Library regardless of whether the items become part of the Library collection or not.  We are deeply grateful that people care about their Library and are willing to donate to help it.

10. HURRICANE RESPONSE POLICY

Emergency Hurricane Response Policy UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023

This policy arose out of the events and problems of the 2005 hurricane season and is designed to try to smooth operations during future hurricane seasons. The goals are to reduce stress, limit liability exposure for the Library Board, staff, and volunteers, improve employee morale, and improve work flow in emergency conditions.

Additional goals are to reduce conflict between the needs of regular patrons, hurricane evacuees and staff, and to increase sustainability of operations.

It establishes timelines for response, tiers of response, chains of command and communication, and policies on overtime, leave, and other factors.

For more information on the background for creation of this policy, see detailed Hurricane Presentation given to the Library Board on May 9, 2006, a copy of which is attached as Appendix B to this document. (Appendix A is being reserved for legal disclaimers. See below.)

Limits of Policy

This document does not deal with specifics of tactical plans and procedures, which will be the responsibility of the library director and staff.

Any disclaimers proposed for this policy will be submitted for review and approval by the Library’s legal counsel before being attached as part of policy (as Appendix A).

Priorities

In a hurricane or other emergency situation, the formal order of priorities shall be as follows:

Priority 1:      Protect staff and patrons (general public) in buildings at the time of a disaster.

Priority 2:      Protect library facilities and equipment and preserve operating data.

Priority 3:      Respond to staff needs during a storm and its aftermath.

Priority 4:      Respond to needs of evacuees and the general public after the storm has passed.

Needs will vary greatly depending upon whether the storm hits Evangeline Parish or an adjacent area.

Before the Storm Timeline

The order of events will be:

1.      Maintain a state of readiness as much as possible before hurricane season and throughout it. Library director attend parish emergency planning sessions, be on the emergency planning mailing list, and be the single point of contact for the Library for the 911 coordinator in the event of an emergency. Keep Library Board informed.

2.      Review all supplies, contact numbers, etc. as soon as hurricane approaches the Gulf of Mexico. Begin all final emergency preparations, hold all necessary meetings, and make system deliveries. Brief the Library Board.

3.      Close the system to the general public no later than when a storm is potentially 36 hours away from landfall. Staff then make final system preparations uninterrupted. These include telephone tree plans and determination of who will assess the situation at each branch following the storm (based on current staff availability).

4.      Allow staff to evacuate where recommended.

5.      Secure and leave all facilities when storm is potentially no later than 24 hours away from landfall in order to allow staff to make preparations with their families.

6.      Make backup tapes and notify authorities and KVPI and Gazette before closing facilities.

After the Storm Timeline

1.      All staff report in on phone tree and state if they will need to use liberal leave policy (when the system can operate but they cannot return to work).

2.      Staff designated to check branches check as soon as feasible (even if not a normal work day) and report results to library director.

3.      Library director confer with branch managers, assistant director, disaster coordinator, and other key staff to make a plan for feasible hours and services for each branch based on branch’s condition and available staff.

4.      Library director then notify library board president (who will notify rest of board) and police jury president of what facilities and staff are available.

Tiered Response Plan

In consultation with the library director, the police jury president and library board president will discuss the feasibility of each of the following tiered responses:

Level 1:     Run normally insofar as possible (minimal change in operating days, hours, and staffing).  Also, minimal change in services offered.

Level 2:     Increase hours and days of operation at 1 to 2 key facilities and change service mix to emphasize evacuee needs. (If necessary, temporarily discontinue some regular services of a less time sensitive nature such as genealogy help.  Sharply limit homework help, “normal” computer use, etc.)

Level 3:     Increase hours and days of operation at 3 facilities, change service mix to emphasize evacuee needs. (If necessary, stop homework help and other basic services temporarily. Deny routine computer use or limit to one 10 minute email check per day for those not affected by the hurricane.)

Level 4:     Increase hours and days of operation at 4 facilities. (If necessary, not only stop homework help and other basic services temporarily but also temporarily close 2 branches.)

After decision is reached by police jury president and library board president as to tier of response needed, library director will inform parish 911 coordinator of what facilities will be available and when.

If decision will impact regular operations, library director will also notify Gazette, KVPI, and have designated staff notify each parish school (if ability to help students with research and computer access for students will be affected).

The system will strive to use staff volunteers (for pay) before requiring anybody to work additional hours or days. Staff may be reassigned temporarily to other branches at the director’s discretion. Leave may be frozen only if the police jury president declares an actual state of emergency.

Duration of Tiered Response and Decisions Whether to Move Up or Down Tiers

Time limits for tiered responses will be as follows:

Level 1:                 No time limits needed, as this is the level of regular operations.

Level 2:                 No more than 2 weeks of operation at this level without formal recommitment by library board president and police jury president.

Levels 3 and 4: No more than one (1) week of operation at these levels without formal recommitment by library board president and police jury president.

It is the library director’s responsibility to notify the board president and police jury president if something happens to affect the level of tiered response feasible.

This policy acknowledges the following limitations:

1.      Responding at higher and higher tiers may or may not be possible.

2.      If possible, it may not be sustainable beyond a short period of time.

3.      Responding at higher and higher tiers may require:

• Closing smaller branches
• Consolidating staff at larger branches
• Requiring staff to work hours and days not normally worked, at locations not normally worked
• Reducing or even temporarily eliminating some services to regular patrons. (See above.)

It will be the Library Director’s obligation to make the library board president and police jury president aware of any adverse effects of the decision.

It will be the library board president’s obligation to keep the rest of the board fully informed on what is happening and why.

Alternate Situation, Based on Immediate Local Demand

If staff working a particular branch see an immediate need to run more hours and/or days and have a plan to propose, they shall contact the library director immediately before contacting anybody else (except the branch manager, if they work at a branch).

Director can approve the staff-generated grassroots plan and allow implementation without consulting the police jury president and library board ONLY if:

• It’s a last minute emergency.
• The director has not been able to contact the police jury president or library board president (or vice president if she is away).
• The library will have sufficient funds in its operating budget to cover the extended hours (without reducing the amount for other budget items) if the police jury does not elect to cover them.
• There is sufficient security and reliable volunteer help at the facility to allow for one week of operations at this level without damage to the system’s budget or the staff’s morale.

Director will still be obligated to inform the library board president and police jury president as soon as feasible.

Chain of Command and Communications

All directives to the library director to move to Level 2 or higher response will come directly from the library board president or from the police jury president and will be documented in the library’s records.

All directives to the library director to recommit to a Level 2 or higher response after its time limit is up will come directly from the library board president or from the police jury president and will be documented in the library’s records.

The library board president will be the director’s point of contact with the board during the crisis and in its aftermath.

The board president will keep the other board members informed.

The library director will coordinate staff. Members of the library board will not direct them, come to them to ask them to “brainstorm” alternatives, etc. or impose hour changes, etc. upon them.

Staff will not bypass the director to coordinate directly with the library board or police jurors, including the board president and police jury president.

Other board members will not bypass the board president.

The library director will be the library’s official point of contact with the parish’s 911 coordinator and will disseminate information to the Gazette and KVPI.

Leave Protections for Library Staff (and disclaimers)

If no part of the library system is operational, staff will be paid for their normal hours worked for as long as is feasible. Staff must continue to call in each day and make their location and contact information known to the director.

If parts of the system are operational, staff may have to take liberal leave if they cannot work where the system is open.

Leave will be frozen and staff ordered to report extra hours and days only if police jury president declares a state of emergency.

If leave is frozen, already approved leave may be carried over to the next year if necessary, even if the carryover amount exceeds the usual maximum carryover.

Attempts to accommodate frozen leave at other times will be made, but specific leave date choices cannot be guaranteed, because of the very limited number of staff and the high demand for leave in the last quarter of the year with Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Financial Obligations for Tiered Responses at Levels 2 and Above

Increasing service levels will require written agreement from the police jury president that:

1.      Police jury agrees to pay overtime (any time beyond employee’s regular schedule) and time and a half (any time beyond 40 hours per week) as needed out of funds other than the library funds. Comp. time will not be offered as a replacement in this case.

2.      Police jury agrees to pay excess copy charges incurred during time of emergency out of funds other than the library funds.

3.      Police jury agrees to pay cost of any temporary hires out of funds other than the library funds.

4.      Police jury provides security if needed for a branch to operate safely.

5.      Police jury provides emergency repairs if needed for a branch to operate safely.

6.      Police jury will pay these even if they do not get reimbursement from State or Federal funds.

Special Aid to Evacuees and Others

A disclaimer will be developed with the Library Board’s legal advisor for evacuees to sign before receiving help that goes beyond the usual scope of the library’s activities and involves issues of helping evacuees input sensitive personal and financial data into computers. The library board, staff, and library volunteers need protection against potential liability and cannot be held responsible for any data decisions, errors, or omissions. Except for any actual criminal activity on their part (which would result in dismissal and probable legal action), they must be protected against any complaints arising from data being seen or overheard or later accessed on the same computer and then misused by others who happen to be in the library. They also must be held blameless if the evacuee does not receive the level of financial aid desired or is audited

after filing a claim at the library and has to repay all or part of any financial aid received.

These disclaimers will become Appendix A to this policy.

Procedures will be developed to make computer input more efficient and less stressful.  Developing these will be the responsibility of the library director and staff. Written forms for this will be submitted to the library’s legal advisor for review.

Volunteers and Temporary Hires or Substitutes

It will be the library director’s responsibility to ensure that staff and volunteers and any temporary hires or substitutes receive emergency briefing on panic buttons, data confidentiality, basic first aid, securing buildings, appropriate behavior to avoid liability, and work flow plan for work stations at the facility. The planned briefing items will also be submitted to the library’s legal advisor for review.

Conclusion

This is a preliminary policy and may be amended or revised as necessary.