MISSION STATEMENT

 The mission of the Miami Public Library is:

• to serve the community of Miami and surrounding area with an appropriate emphasis on both children and adults;

• to meet the needs of the public as a high-interest materials library and to serve as a knowledge center;

• to keep the staff well-trained and service-oriented; thus meeting the educational, informational, historical, and recreational needs of the community and making lifelong learning opportunities available to all.

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LIBRARY OPERATING POLICIES

 These policies, which have been adopted by the Miami Public Library Board of Trustees, govern the day-to-day operating procedures of the library.

LIBRARY HOURS

 The library is open the following hours:

9:00a.m. – 8:00p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday

9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday

1:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Sunday

The library closes on the following holidays and some Saturdays and/or Sundays directly before or after holidays:

 New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving and the day following, and Christmas Eve and Christmas. 

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CIRCULATION POLICY

 Borrower Registration: 

Anyone residing in Ottawa County can be issued a library card free, valid for three years.  Individuals residing outside of Ottawa County are charged $5.00 for a card, valid for one year.  Children 5 years of age or who are enrolled in kindergarten may be issued a library card; those under 18 must have the application signed by a parent or guardian.  Temporary cards may be issued to temporary residents and NEO students whose permanent address is outside of Ottawa County upon a refundable deposit of $10.00. Receipt must be presented for refund.  A supervisor must have a library card and will be responsible for books checked out by residents of group housing.  $2.00 is charged for a lost card, expired or not.  Lost fee cards are replaced with same expiration date as lost card and at no charge. 

Procedure:

An application card must be completed.  Information required is name, address, telephone number, and place of employment.  A local reference not living at the same address as the applicant is required.  If applicant has no telephone, two references with telephones will be required.  If applicant has no place of employment, two references with telephones will be required.  A retired person is only required to list one reference.  A person who is unemployed due to disability, retirement, or is on SSI, is only required to list one.

Applicants without a driver’s license or current I.D. card with address must present two pieces of identification bearing the same address as the application card.  A post card may be mailed to applicants who have insufficient identification; presentation of the post card will be considered one proof of address.  All materials checked out on the borrower’s card and all fines accruing on such materials are the responsibility of that person unless the library has been notified in advance that the card has been lost or stolen. Cards will not be issued 15 minutes prior to closing.

 Circulation:

  7-day loan period – new fiction, DVDs & videotapes

 14-day loan period – all other materials

Newspapers and current issues of adult periodicals are not checked out, but all children’s periodicals check out. 

All materials except videos and DVDs may be renewed twice except for those for which there is a waiting list.

Videotapes are limited to four from the Children’s Dept. (any combination of two entertaining, two educational, or two holiday) and four from the Adult Dept. (any combination of two entertaining, two educational, or two Spanish).  A patron must be at least 17 years of age to check out a R-rated video.

Books and microfilm not in our collection may be obtained through Interlibrary Loan for patrons possessing a valid library card.  A fee of $1.00 per item to offset postage costs will be collected at the time patron picks up each book or microfilm order.  In addition, microfilm patrons will be charged any fee charged by the lending library.  Fines for overdue Interlibrary Loan materials will be the same as those for materials belonging to the Miami Public Library.

The library collection is open to all.  Parents who wish to restrict their children’s reading material must accompany the child to the library. 

Circulation records are confidential; however, patrons should be aware that due to recent legislation (See below - Section 215 of the federal USA Patriot Act, Public Law 107-56), confidentiality may be compromised. 

          Section 215: Access to Records Under

          Foreign Intelligence Security Act

Allows an FBI agent to obtain a search warrant for "any tangible thing," which can include books, records, papers, floppy disks, data tapes, and computers with hard drives.

Permits the FBI to compel production of library circulation records, Internet use records, and registration information stored in any medium. 

Does not require the agent to demonstrate "probable cause," the existence of specific facts to support the belief that a crime has been committed or that the items sought are evidence of a crime.  Instead, the agent only needs to claim that he believes that the records he  wants may be related to an ongoing investigation related to terrorism or intelligence activities, a very low legal standard.

Libraries or librarians served with such a search warrant issued under FISA rules may not disclose, under penalty of law, the existence of the warrant or the fact that records were produced as a result of the warrant.  A patron cannot be told that his or her records were given to the FBI or that he or she is the subject of an FBI investigation. 

Overrides state library confidentiality laws protecting library records.

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OVERDUE MATERIALS

Patrons with overdue materials are notified three times at one-week intervals beginning one week after the due date.  A letter on Police Department stationery and signed by the Chief of Police is sent approximately one month after materials are due.  If materials are not returned, the borrower may be sued in Small Claims Court and assessed the cost of the materials plus court fee.  Borrowing privileges may be suspended for two years for persons who receive two police letters.

State law makes theft or destruction of library materials a crime.  Any person shall be guilty, upon conviction, of library theft who willfully:

1) Removes or attempts to remove any library materials from the premises of a library facility without authority; or 2) Mutilates, destroys, alters or otherwise damages, in whole or in part, any library materials; or 3) Fails to return any library materials which have been lent to said person by the library facility, within seven days after demand has been made for the return of the materials.  Punishment for conviction of library theft shall be restitution and/or a fine of up to $10,000.  (21 O.S. Sec. 1739, 1981, as amended)

Fines are $.05 per day per item, up to a maximum of $.50 for periodicals and $1.00 for other items, except videotapes and DVDs.  The fine for each overdue videotape or DVD is $.50 per day with a maximum fine of $5.00 per tape.  In all other cases, the maximum fine charged for any one overdue incident, regardless of the number of items, will be $5.00.  Patrons with fines of $2.00 or more will have borrowing privileges suspended until debt is paid. 

During National Library Week no fines are assessed, nor are any questions asked on materials that are returned in good condition, regardless of how long the materials have been overdue.

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LOST MATERIALS 

Any materials lost or damaged beyond repair must be paid for at replacement cost.  If no cover price is available, lost children’s and teen paperbacks cost $3.00 and all other mass market paperbacks $6.00.  Hardcover books will be assessed at replacement cost.  Lost magazines cost $4.00.  Lost cassettes or CDs are $8.00 each. If lost materials are found and returned in good condition within six months, a refund will be given.  Patron must have dated receipt and will be expected to pay any fines.  Patron with debt outstanding on lost or damaged book will have borrowing privileges suspended until debt is paid. 

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GIFT POLICY 

A memorial gift is acknowledged by a card sent to the family of the person in whose memory the gift was given.  If the donor wishes a book purchased, a book plate is affixed inside the memorial book designating for whom the memorial is made, and by whom.  If a memorial donation is made to the Library Trust Fund, the names of the donor and person memorialized are entered into a permanent record book and, for gifts of $100 or more, added to the memorial wall plaque.

The minimum donation when the donor wishes the library to purchase a book is $25.00 or list price.  Gift books must be of a general nature and of value to the collection as a whole and must meet the criteria of the library's Materials Selection Policy.

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DONATION POLICY

Donated items will be accepted by the Miami Public Library with the understanding that they may or may not be added to the collection.  Items added to the collection must meet the library's Materials Selection Policy.  Donated books and equipment become library property and are subject to library policy.  Items which are not placed in the collection may be placed in the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale.  The library cannot make appraisals on donated items; however, if the donor wishes to take a tax deduction, a letter will be provided which lists the number of books or items donated.  The donor may estimate the value of the item donated, but the library will not retain records of value claimed.

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VOLUNTEER POLICY 

The purpose of the Miami Public Library Volunteer Program is to offer individuals the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the quality of community life through serving as volunteers in various capacities in our library and to enable the library to provide services and service enhancements that could not be provided without volunteers.   

Volunteers must complete a volunteer application form available at the library.  Volunteers under age 18 must have an approval form signed by a parent or legal guardian.  The library has opportunities for volunteers in several different areas of service.  Each area has its own specific requirements.  Applicants will be interviewed by the supervisor of the area in which they wish to volunteer as noted on their application form.  A request for an interview or acceptance of a volunteer will depend on the need for volunteers at the time.     

Volunteers must receive orientation and training in the specific area of service to which they have applied prior to beginning service.  Volunteers work under the supervision of library staff and are evaluated on a periodic basis.  Volunteers who do not perform in accordance with acceptable library standards are either assigned to alternate jobs or advised that their services cannot be used by the library.  Volunteers agree to a working partnership with library staff and this partnership shall be based on mutual respect.  Volunteers agree to follow library policies and procedures as outlined during orientation.

Volunteers shall receive regular recognition for their services, an accounting of volunteer time as reported by either the volunteer or the supervisor, and the right to list the library as a reference, if desired.

The Miami Public Library is not able to provide any medical, health, accident, worker's compensation or other legal benefits for any volunteer.

Nothing in this policy shall be deemed to create a contract between the volunteer and the Miami Public Library. Both the volunteer and the Miami Public Library have the right to terminate the volunteer's association with the Library at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.

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MEETING ROOM POLICY 

The meeting room may be reserved in compliance with the following regulations:

1. Use of the meeting room is free of charge and available during the hours the library is open.

2.  A contact name and telephone number is taken and the meeting date and time entered on the calendar.

3.  The meeting room can only be used by not-for-profit groups.

4.  A small kitchen with microwave oven, refrigerator, and sink is adjacent to the meeting room.

5.  Users of the meeting room are asked to help maintain its cleanliness.

6.  Groups may reserve the room for continuous use for no more than three months at a time.  At the end of the three-month period, such a group may reserve for another three months if another group has not asked for the room on those dates.  This use may not be daily.

7.  Any meetings that would be disruptive to the use of the library are prohibited.

8.  Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the library.

9.  Final decision rests with the Library Board as to use of the meeting room.

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GENEALOGY DEPARTMENT

The Genealogy Dep. is staffed during the following hours:                  

**Saturday and Sunday by appointment only.

Patrons may use the genealogy department during the hours above or when a volunteer is available.  Volunteers must be scheduled by the Genealogy Department staff.

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POLICY ON UNATTENDED CHILDREN

Library staff cannot assume responsibility for children left unattended in the library.  For safety reasons and the child’s protection, children under age 10 will not be left unattended in the library at any time, except for library-supervised activities.  If a child is still on library premises when the library closes for the day, an attempt will be made to contact a parent or guardian.  If a parent or guardian has not been located within twenty minutes, the Miami Police Department will be contacted.  A police officer will take the unattended child to the police station and a J.S.U. worker will be contacted to come and pick up the child.

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PATRON BEHAVIOR AND LIBRARY USAGE

In order to protect all library users’ right of access to library facilities, to insure the safety of patrons and staff, and to protect library resources and facilities from damage, reasonable restrictions and appropriate safeguards to library access are outlined below.

We ask for your cooperation in maintaining an atmosphere that is conducive to study and to pleasant use of the library.  Persons using the library for purposes other than those for which the library was established may be asked to leave.

The following prohibited activities, conduct, and conditions are for the protection and comfort of library visitors and staff:

1.    Eating, drinking, smoking, or possession or consumption of a controlled or restricted drug or substance or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

2.    Carrying a weapon into the library unless authorized by law.

3.    Bringing in animals except those needed to assist a patron with a disability or animals used in a library program.

4.    Misusing the restrooms (using them as a laundry or bathing facility).

5.    Mutilating and/or stealing library materials or other library property.

6.    Talking in a loud or abusive voice or engaging in other disruptive conduct.

 7.   Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with the library personnel’s performance of their duties.

 8.   Entering non-public areas of the library without proper authorization.

 9.   Improper attire (shirt and shoes are required).

10.  Backpacks or large bags may be searched for security reasons if the staff feels it is necessary.

11.  All other offenses which are subject to prosecution under criminal or civil code of law. 

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INTERNET POLICY 

By using a public Internet workstation at the Miami Public Library, you agree to the following guidelines:

1. Computer workstation usage is limited to 60 minutes per day per patron.  A valid library card is required to access our computers.  Guest passes are available for visitors out of town wishing to use our computers.

2.  It is not possible for the library staff to control specific information that may be located on the Internet.  Just as libraries do not endorse the viewpoints of written material in their collections, we do not do so for electronic information.  Selection policies that serve to govern a library’s purchase of written materials may not apply to material accessed electronically.

3.  U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair  use.”  Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.  Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use. 

4.  The Miami Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children.  It is the responsibility of the user (or the parent, guardian, or caregiver) to determine what is appropriate.

5.   Library staff is available to assist you only very briefly in the use of the Internet.  Children age 5 and under must be personally assisted by an adult at all times. 

6.   There is a charge for printing.  Color copies are $.25 each, and black text copies are $.10 each.

7.   Use of workstations for chat rooms is not permitted.

8.   Patrons will not be permitted to access material that may be considered offensive to other patrons or to the library staff.

9.   Persons using this equipment agree not to make any changes to setup or configuration or the software or hardware.

10.  If you wish to save your work, you may purchase a disk from the library for $.50.  You cannot use a disk brought from outside the library.

11.  Misuse or abuse of this computer or Internet access will result in suspension of Internet access privileges and/or possible legal action.

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MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY 

The cornerstone of library service is the book collection.  Providing a vital book collection—one which has meaning for the public served—requires continuous attention; it means retaining the best of the old and selecting the best of the new.  Obsolete titles must be withdrawn; worn books must be replaced; materials to meet special needs must be obtained; duplicate titles must be ordered as needed—these are the elements that contribute to a lively and meaningful book collection.

This policy governs the selection and maintenance of the Miami Public Library’s collection of not only books, but periodicals, pamphlets, newspapers, audio and video materials, or any other materials owned by the library.  The library recognizes its responsibilities to collect such materials, to organize and make available its resources, and to give guidance in the use and interpretation of its collection.

  Objectives: 

To facilitate informal self-education of all people in the community.

To enrich and further develop the subjects on which individuals are undertaking formal education.

To meet the informational needs of all.

To support the educational, civic, and cultural activities of groups and organizations

To encourage enjoyable leisure time reading

Community Factors: 

The Miami Public Library serves a variety of people from a fairly large geographic area.  Our collection must be broad in subject, comprehensive in viewpoint, and have wide latitude in reading levels.  We also cooperate with other libraries to supplement our book collection.  We use the Oklahoma Union Catalog for interlibrary loans and First Search and EBSCO databases.  We collaborate with the public schools, as well as the NEO A&M Junior College Library and the Miami Tribal Library.

Book Selection Policies and Procedures:

Ultimate responsibility for book selection rests with the Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board.  It is considered desirable to insure maximum participation by staff members in the reviewing process.  Wide reading of books is encouraged, since an informed staff contributes immeasurably to intelligent use of the book collection.

The book selection policy is intended to implement the general objectives of the library.  The purpose of the selection process is to obtain expertly selected books and other materials to further the library program of giving information, reference assistance, and help to those engaged in educational pursuits, as well as to provide general home reading.  In general the library’s policy is to purchase the best books that satisfy the clientele of the library within budget limitations.

Points considered in book selection are literary, educational, informational, and recreational value; authority and effectiveness of presentation; qualities conducive to critical thought and understanding; and available funds and space.  Contemporary and popular authors are included, as well as those who have demonstrated enduring worth.  Titles are selected on the basis of content as a whole and without regard to the political opinions or purposes of the publisher.  In the case of controversial questions, variety and balance of opinion are sought whenever available.

The criteria for all fields include:

• Permanent or timely value

• Accurate/authoritative information                

• Clear presentation and readability;

• Literary quality and/or Social significance

Elimination of the deliberately distorted, sensational or offensive (regarding issues religion, sex, racial prejudice, political ideologies, etc.)

Presentation of both sides of controversial issues (abortion, evolution, gun control, etc.).

Balance of special group interests with general demand inclusion of books of doubtful value occasionally for their timeliness (campaign biographies, flying saucers, popular fiction).  Format and price may be deciding factors 

Children and Young Adults: 

The aim of book selection for children is to choose the best new books and replace and duplicate older titles that have proved their worth.  We include books for recreational reading, inspirational books of lasting value, and books of information covering a wide range of knowledge that will satisfy the child’s natural curiosity and widen his interests.  The aim with children and young adults is to contribute to the development of well-rounded citizens of their own country and the world.  To this end, readable adult titles are selected that are keyed to young people’s needs and interests, as well as books that will tend to open up new interests in cultural, economic and social fields.  Titles written specifically for young adults are included in the collection.  All books are purchased in the hope that they will lead to continued reading in adult fields on as high a level as possible for each individual.

Book Selection Aids:

It is impossible to read every book for the library before purchase.  The staff, therefore, makes use of selection aids such as basic and current general lists, special bibliographies, and book reviewing journals.  No one publication is relied upon exclusively and the critical opinions of reviewers are checked against each other.

Weeding:

The library periodically discards worn or outdated materials, duplicate copies, or materials no longer of interest.

Controversial Issues:

The public library asserts its right and duty to keep on its shelves a representative selection of books on all subjects of interest to its readers and not prohibited by law, including books on all sides of controversial questions.  Books on any subject, if published by reputable publishers and sold without restriction in bookstores, are properly admitted to the public library.  The public library has no right to emphasize one subject at the expense of another, or one side of a subject without regard to the other side.  It must carry the important books on all sides of all subjects.

Special Aspects of Book Selection:

The library recognizes that some materials may be controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons.  The presence of a particular work does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, or of any theory, idea, or policy contained therein. 

Questions concerning this policy, or complaints and comments on a specific book should be taken up with the Library Director.  A form (see pg. 14) will be provided for the patron to list objections to a particular book or other library material.  In the event such a complaint cannot be satisfactorily resolved between the patron and the director, the patron should apply to the Library Board.  The book or other material in question will be kept on the library shelves and available for check-out until a final determination is made.

Donated Items:

All gift items must meet the criteria of the library’s Materials Selection Policy.  The library cannot make appraisals on gift materials.  Donated books and equipment become library property and are subject to this policy.

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