Policies

• Behavior Policy
• Unattended Child Policy
• Internet Use and Safety Policy
• Meeting Room Policy
• Meeting Room Policy Letter
• Display/Exhibits Policy
• Interlibrary Loan

Ashland Public Library Behavior Policy

This policy was established for the benefit and security of library users, staff and library property. Inappropriate behavior will result in a verbal warning; if it continues, the offender must leave for the day. Repeat instances of inappropriate behavior will result in further loss of library privileges. Inappropriate library behavior includes any misconduct that hinders use of the library or its resources or that places library members and users or staff at risk. Such misconduct might include, but is not limited to behaviors listed below.

Ashland Public Library Unattended Child Policy

An Unattended Child is

• One who is unable to care for himself or herself
• One who needs close supervision, even if a parent or caregiver is elsewhere in the building
• One who is not picked up at closing time

If a child is unable to leave the library without an adult he/she should not be in the library without an adult.

 All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency. If a child is left at the library after closing, and an adult caregiver cannot be reached, the Ashland Police Department will be called for assistance. 

The Trustees of the Ashland Public Library are concerned for the well being of this community's children, and must affirm that the library staff does not take the place of parents or act as caregiver or babysitter, and cannot be responsible for problems resulting from children left unattended.  The Trustees and employees will not be held responsible for incidents, accidents or other liability arising from the actions of unattended children.

Ashland Public Library Internet Use and Safety Policy

The Ashland Public Library provides free public access to the Internet, a medium that offers a wealth of educational, recreational, and cultural information for Library users.  Because the Internet is a vast, unregulated medium, the Library cannot control and is not responsible for the content or accuracy of information accessed of the Internet, including the information contained in electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communication.

The Library uses technology protection measures to block access to some Internet sites that may be harmful or inappropriate for minors.  Since technology protection measures are not completely effective or efficient, further restrictions of a minor's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.  Users in all areas of the Library may not use Internet sessions in a manner that is deliberately offensive or creates a hostile or intimidating environment.  Library staff reserves the right to prohibit displaying material that in in their judgment is inappropriate for viewing in this public area.

To address issues of safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communication, parents and legal guardians should urge minors to follow basic safety guidelines: never give out personal information (name, address, phone number, etc.) never arrange via a computer to meet someone, and never respond to messages that are threatening or suggestive, remembering that people online may not be who they say they are. 

While accessing the Internet at the Library, users must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws.  Users may not attempt in any way to alter, damage, or sabotage computer hardware or software (practices known as hacking) and will be financially responsible for any malicious damage to hardware or software.  The Library is not liable for any damage to a customer's disk or computer that may occur from use of the Internet at the Library; not is the Library responsible for any liability that may occur as a result of the disclosure of financial or other personal information while access the Internet at the Library. 

The Library does not release information on the use of the Internet by Library users except as required by law.  The Library may limit the amount of time of individual user sessions on the Internet and may charge a fee for printing from the Internet.  Failure to comply with this policy may result in loss of access.  Illegal acts may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Approved by Board of Trustees, December 2006

Ashland Public Library Meeting Room Policy

Purpose:  The primary purpose of library meeting rooms is to provide facilities for library use and library-related activities.  Library meeting rooms are also available during regular library business hours to educational, cultural, civic, social, political, religious, professional or other non-profit organizations or to volunteer tutors as part of a non-profit program. The needs of the Library, the Friends of the Ashland Public Library, the Ashland Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, adult education classes like GED/ABLE and any other library-associated organization will take precedence. Library functions have the right to pre-empt scheduled meetings.  Advance notice will be given in this event. The library makes no endorsement, express or implied, of any non-library event or activity held in the meeting rooms. 

Limitations:  Meeting rooms are not available to non-library groups or individuals for the promotion or sales of services or products, fundraising, conducting classes for profit, or private social functions. Meetings are open to the public.  All non-library groups using the meeting rooms cannot charge fees, solicit funds or take collections.  Groups using meeting rooms shall conclude their meeting 30 minutes prior to the library’s closing time.  (The library may permit presenters at library-sponsored events to sell merchandise related to their programs.  The library will grant this permission either to reduce the cost of the program to the library or to raise funds for the Friends of the Ashland Public Library.  Likewise, a library-sponsored program may have a registration charge to defray or reduce the cost of the program to the library.)

Applications:  The Board of Trustees encourages fair usage of the library's meeting rooms by various community groups with diverse interests.  A representative of a requesting group should complete and sign an application prior to the meeting date.  A group using a meeting room more than once for the same purpose need only complete an application annually; a copy of the completed form will be kept on file.  A meeting room may be reserved up to 12 months in advance of the meeting date, and a group may have up to 12 meetings scheduled at any time.  The director or his/her designee must approve all applications. 

Responsibilities:  The signer of the application, who must be an adult 21 or older, is responsible for the orderly conduct of the group, and in the event of any damage to library property and/or equipment, that individual will be liable. The contact person is also responsible for filling out the meeting room attendance forms posted in each meeting room and also for signing in at the circulation desk the day of the meeting.  Noncompliance with requirements could jeopardize future use.  Those using meeting rooms must adhere to the library’s Policy for Public Behavior on Library Property and not exceed the Fire Marshall’s room capacity limits of 100 for the large meeting room, 35 for the small meeting room and 10 for the conference room.  All groups must have one person in attendance 21 years of age or older.  Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Cancellations:   If a cancellation becomes necessary, the group should notify the library as soon as possible, at least 24 hours in advance.  No fees will be returned if this provision is not met.  Groups or individuals who do not notify the library of a cancellation could lose future meeting room privileges.  Also, the library reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any meeting. 

Refreshments:  Refreshments may be served only in the large meeting room for a $5.00 fee, paid in advance.  Users will be billed for any cleaning costs or damages.  Groups using the kitchen facilities in the large meeting room must supply their utensils, dishes, coffee urns, table covers, or other necessities.  Refreshments are restricted to the large meeting room and are not permitted in other parts of the library except during library-sponsored events.  Non-library groups may not serve refreshments in the small meeting room or the conference room. 

Set-Up and Clean-Up:  The library will provide a standard set-up (tables and chairs) for all groups.  Groups are responsible for arranging the chairs, tables and other equipment to meet their own needs.  Following room usage, groups must return the room to its original state. A movie screen is available in the large meeting room; limited AV equipment is available for a fee and users are liable for any damage to equipment, which must be requested prior to the meeting room use.

Publicity:  Any publicity being released to the media for events occurring in library meeting rooms must be approved by the library director.  Use of the meeting rooms by any organization should not be publicized in any way that implies sponsorship by the library.

Liability:  The library board and staff do not assume any liability for groups or individuals attending any meeting or program held in the library.  Groups using the meeting rooms are financially responsible for any damage or injury arising from use of the meeting room.  Groups also agree to hold harmless the Ashland Public Library, its Staff and Board of Trustees and indemnify them for any claim, suit, judgment, cost, expense, or responsibility of any kind whatsoever arising from the use of the property, premises or facilities of the Ashland Public Library.

Board Approved August 12, 2010

November 2, 2006, Meeting Room Policy Letter

Ashland Public Library Displays/Exhibits Policy

Content: Ashland Public Library is please to provide space for displays of an educational, cultural, civic, or recreational nature.  Display space is not provided for commercial, political or religious purposes.  Ashland Public Library shall have the final decision on the content and arrangement of all displays/exhibits.

Liability: Ashland Public Library assumes no liability for items displayed or exhibited and the exhibitor agrees to hold harmless and fully indemnify the library in the event of damage or loss.

Application: Application is made on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please apply at the Circulation Desk; applications will be forwarded to the Director for consideration.  Exhibitors are to comply with dates specified for setting up and taking down of displays/exhibits.

Approved by Board of Trustees, June 1999 

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