BYLAWS – WINFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Winfield Public Library is dedicated to providing opportunities and an environment for life-long learning. The Library maintains an open, unbiased environment and upholds the public’s right of access to information.

Board of Directors

The organization having control of the Library shall consist of a Board of Directors.

Membership

The Board of Directors shall consist of seven members. The mayor of the City of Winfield is ex-officio voting member of the Board.

Appointment

Members of the Board of Directors shall be appointed by the official head of the City of Winfield, with the approval of the governing body (K.S.A. 12-1222).

Officers

At the May meeting the Board of Directors shall elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and a Secretary/Treasurer with the option to separate the role of Secretary/Treasurer at the Board’s discretion who shall hold office for one year or until their replacements are elected and qualified.

1. It shall be the duty of the Chairman to:
   1. Preside at all meetings of the Board.
   2. Appoint all standing committees subject to the confirmation of the Board.
   3. Serve as ex-officio member of all committees.
2. In the absence or disability of the Chairman, the duties of the office shall devolve upon the Vice-Chairman.
3. The Secretary shall keep a correct record of the transactions of the Board and attend to any correspondence.
4. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Library, including the accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses. Books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection of any Director.

The Treasurer shall deposit all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Library with such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. He or she shall disburse the funds of the corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors; shall render to the Directors whenever they request it an account of all his or her transactions as Treasurer, and of the financial condition of the library, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors these bylaws. He or she shall be bonded if required by the Board of Directors, or the Commission of the City of Winfield, Kansas. The cost of said bond shall be borne by the Library.

• 1. Each bill and salary claim allowed by the Board shall be marked by the Director with the name of the budget account to which it is chargeable and be presented to the Treasurer. An order drawn on the Treasurer shows the name of the payee, the amount of the check required, the nature of the expenditures, and the name of the budget account to which the same is properly chargeable. The Director shall perform such duties as shall from time to time be directed by the Board.
  2. The library board delegates the director the authority for the pre-approval of – library bill payments.
  3. The Director shall, as necessary, bank all funds received by her on accounts, fines and from any other source whatsoever, in the name of the Treasurer.
  4. Functions – All bills, including an itemized list of salary claims, shall be presented to, and allowed or rejected by the Director. The Board shall approve the annual budget and the Board shall establish all policy and oversee the general function of the Library.

Meetings

The regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held monthly, the time to be decided upon by the Board of Directors, but the Board may meet on its own adjournment. Special meetings may be called by the Secretary upon request of the Chairman or two other members of the Board. At special meetings, so called, any business may be transacted that would be lawful at a regular meeting.

Quorum

Four Directors shall constitute a quorum.

The Order of Business

at regular meetings of the Board shall be as follows:

1. Reading of minutes of previous meeting.
2. Approval of Treasurer’s and Librarian’s report.
3. Allowance of bills.
4. Old Business.
5. New Business

Committees

Special committees shall be appointed by the Chairman when necessary. The Chairman of the Board shall be an ex-officio member of each committee. Each committee shall report at any time requested by the Board.

Amendments

Amendments to these bylaws may be made by a majority vote at any regular meeting of the Board, provided the amendments(s) has been presented in writing at the previous meeting.

Policies

Board/Director Responsibilities & Relationship

The Boards’ Role

1. The Board is responsible for maintaining compliance with Kansas Statutes and Winfield City Ordinances pertaining to libraries.
2. The Board is responsible for conducting the Library’s business on a regularly determined basis in open meetings with the Director in attendance.
3. The Board is responsible for hiring a professional Director, setting the Director’s salary, evaluating on a regular basis, and removing the Director, if necessary.
4. Individual trustees are responsible for regular attendance at board meetings and for acquiring knowledge of the principles of trusteeship as related to libraries. Since participation by each member is crucial to the proper functioning of the Board, members missing three consecutive monthly meetings shall forfeit membership and the President shall request a replacement from the City Commission.
5. The Board adheres to the Statement of Ethics for Library Trustees (see appendix) as endorsed by the Boards of Directors of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association.

The Director’s Role

1. The Director implements Board policy.
2. The Director is responsible for the daily management of the Library, for implementing and maintaining professional standards of Directorship and proposing program and service plans to the Board.
3. The Director hires, trains, and manages Library staff. The Director works with the Board Treasurer and the Library’s bookkeeping service in handling the Library’s finances.
4. The Director adheres to the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association as expressed in the Statement of Professional Ethics. (appendix)

Board/Director Relationship

1. The Board seeks to hire a competent and qualified Director to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, which includes authority to manage the library on a daily basis, the hiring of staff, implementation of policies and regular reporting to the Board on the progress of the Library in its goal to serve the community in the best possible way.
2. The Board is composed of individual trustees chosen to represent the community in pursuing the goal of excellent library service. The Board works with the Director in planning, developing policies and adopting programs. It works as a Board and as individual trustees in implementing the Library’s plans and programs cooperatively with the staff and community. The Board is responsible for proper operation of the Library; it does not serve as management in the daily operation.

Service

Hours of Operation

9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday

9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday

Approved Closings

New Years’ Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Easter

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veteran’s Day

Thanksgiving Day

The Friday after Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

New Years’ Eve – 1:00 p.m.

• The Library may also close one day each year for a staff in-service training or field day.
• The Library will close for inclement weather or when there is untreated ice in the parking lots.

The Library provides service by means of its collection of materials, the assistance of its staff, and by providing access to materials and information in other libraries through Interlibrary Loan, and the SCKLS and Kansas State Library Reference Departments and through programs, exhibits and special initiatives.

Winfield Public Library joins the wider library community in statements of the American Library Association including:

ALA Library Bill of Rights

ALA Freedom to Read Statement

ALA Free Access to Libraries for Minors

ALA Meeting Rooms

ALA Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards

Eligibility for Service

Library service is available free of charge to all inhabitants of the City of Winfield. Library service is available free of charge to residents of the twelve-county South Central Kansas Library System service area who have verification of their address and is available free of charge as a courtesy to other non-residents who have verification of their address

The Library will issue cards, with a legal guardian’s or foster parent’s signature on the application, to wards of a legal guardian or to foster children in a foster parent’s care. The guardian or foster parent will remain legally responsible for lost, damaged, or overdue items checked out on that card until such time as the guardian or foster parent notifies Library staff that the person is no longer in their care and the Library card should be cancelled.

Library Cards

To check out library materials an individual must be a registered borrower of the Winfield Public Library. All residents of the City of Winfield and of the twelve-county South Central Kansas Library System service area who have verification of their address are eligible for a free library card. Library cards are free of charge as a courtesy to other non-residents who have verification of their address. All items borrowed are the responsibility of the individual to whom the card is issued.

Library Cards for Minors under 14:

Minor (under age 14) registrations must be signed by any adult (age 18 or older) willing to assume legal responsibility for library resources. Upon request from the legal guardian, the library will delete the account. Signatures indicate an acceptance of responsibility for:

• the minor’s use of all library resources including access to the Internet;

• supervision of the minor’s choice of materials;

• return of all materials when due;

• all losses and damages to materials and equipment borrowed.

When a minor patron turns 14 years of age, he/she assumes responsibility for the library account bearing his/her name.

Non-Verified

Applicants who are unable to provide proof of residency can have access to library services with a Non-Verified Card. This card does not require ID or proof of residency. A limit of two physical items may be checked out on this card, with unlimited digital resource use and full use of the library computers. Non Verified cards will expire after one year and full privilege cards may be obtained with proof of residency. Upon request, the library will mail a postcard to a provided address which can be returned to the library to verify the card.

All patrons must have a current Library card in order to utilize digital services, access the computers, borrow materials from the Winfield Public Library or to request interlibrary loans.

The following information is needed:

• Name
• Current Address – verification of address is necessary before full borrowing privileges are granted. Verification of address may be any of the following:
  • Driver’s license
  • Military ID
  • Printed checks
  • Addressed mail
  • Telephone Directory
  • Winfield City Directory

• Permanent Address – required if different from LOCAL address.
• Telephone Number(s) – telephone numbers are requested, if available but not required
• Email – email address is requested, if available but not required.
• Birth Date – requested but not required.
• Responsible Adult Signature – required for those ages 13 and below

By completing the registration an individual is issued a card, free of charge, to use when checking out library materials or using PC or Internet services.

By completing the registration, the individual or custodial parent/legal guardian for those 14 and under agrees to abide by Library rules, pay any fines or damages to Library materials and is responsible for all items checked out on his/her card.

It is the responsibility of the registered borrower to notify the Library should the Library card be lost or stolen. When notified, the Library will cancel the card to prevent its use by any unauthorized person. Unless the Library is notified of a missing or stolen card, the library user may be responsible for items borrowed on the card.

Library cards will expire yearly. The patron will be notified through their preferred communication method and renewal must be initiated by the patron through library communication avenues: text, phone, email, online account, or in-person. After 3 years of non-renewal of a card in good standing, the library card and all associated data will be deleted permanently. Expired library cards with long overdue materials will be deleted after 10 years.

Borrowers Rights & Responsibilities

Confidentiality

All circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users with specific materials are confidential in nature and shall not be made available to any person nor to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the Board’s officers will consult with

legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper legal form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance; if the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, they will insist that such defects be corrected.

Library User Code of Conduct

The Library Code of Conduct and any subsequent consequences are valid for all Library sponsored programs held on or off Library premises.

Patron Behavior

It is incumbent upon the library to provide a suitable environment in which patrons of all ages can enjoy and benefit from the resources offered. Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building.

Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and shall not harass, annoy, or intimidate others through noisy, boisterous, or threatening activities; or by behaving in any other manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons.

Disruptive behavior is any action which infringes on the privileges of others using the library or which damages library property. In the case of children, parents are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library, whether or not the parents are present.

Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following actions:

1. Loud conversation, yelling, shrieking, or other disturbing noise.

2. Sitting or climbing on tables or shelves.

3. Loitering with no intent to use library services.

4. Playing personal audio equipment at a level which disturbs others.

5. Using cell phones or other personal communication devices in areas other

than the lobby or meeting room.

6. Wearing swimsuits or other inappropriate clothing.

7. Smoking or the use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

Dress/ Hygiene

Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the building without a shirt or other covering of their upper bodies or without shoes or other footwear. Patrons whose personal hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.

Process for Removal and Appeal

• Violators will receive a warning and an opportunity to cease.
• Repeat violations may result in suspension of Library privileges.
• Appeal requests may be made in writing to the Library Director.
• Further appeals may be made to the Library Board

Personal Items

All personal items are the responsibility of the library user. Library users should keep personal items with them at all times as staff are not responsible for unattended items.

Staff will not hold personal items such as purses, coats, backpacks, brief cases, laptop computers, etc., for a library user, either while the user is at the Library or needs to leave the Library premises.

Children in the Library

The Library welcomes and encourages children to explore the Library and make use of Library services.

Parents are responsible for their child’s proper behavior in the Library and for monitoring their child’s behavior. With reasonable exceptions, children are expected to abide by the same rules that apply to adults in the Library.

Children or young adults who are in the Library alone and violate the Library User Code of Conduct will be asked to leave.

If the child or teen is unable to go home alone, Staff will attempt to locate the parents to come pick them up.

If staff is unable to locate a parent, Staff members will notify the Youth Services Librarian and/or Youth Services Library Assistant, the Director, or Person-in-Charge who will be responsible for the situation and who is authorized to call the police or 911 if the situation warrants.

Unattended Children

The Library is open for use to the general public and Library Staff cannot be responsible for the safety of children.

Children under the age of seven (7) must be attended by a parent or other responsible caregiver age thirteen (13) or older at all times while in the Library.

When a child under the age of seven (7) is attending a Library program, the parent or responsible caregiver is to remain on the Library property.

Should it come to the attention of the Staff that a young child has been left alone, Staff will attempt to locate the parent/guardian or caregiver.

If the parent/guardian or caregiver cannot be located, Staff members will notify the Youth Services Coordinator and/or Youth Services Library Assistant, the Director, or Person-in-Charge who will be responsible for the situation and who is authorized to call the police or 911 if the situation warrants.

Unattended Children or Young Adults at Closing

If children or young adults under the age of 16 are left unattended at closing, staff will:

Ask the child or young adult to call a responsible person for a ride home.

At least two Staff members will remain with the child or young adult after the Library closes and until the situation is resolved.

At fifteen (15) minutes after closing, if the parent/guardian or caregiver cannot be reached and has not come, the police or 911 will be notified and be requested to take charge.

• Staff will post a note on the outside doors for the parent/guardian or responsible party informing them where their child can be found.
• Staff will not drive an unattended child or young adult home.

Weapons

No person shall engage in any conduct that violates federal/state statutes or local ordinances or that creates a safety threat to other people, including but not restricted to the following:

• Bringing an explosive or dangerous biological or chemical agent into the Library
• Bringing guns, knives or other weapons into the Library in any manner other than as allowed by local ordinance or state statute

Service Animals

The Winfield Public Library welcomes service animals and animals invited for special library sponsored programs to enter the Library building. “Service animal” is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as any service dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Service animal is limited to the animals defined under the ADA and does not include any other species of animal, wild or domestic, trained or untrained. Service animal does not include an animal used or relied upon for crime deterrence, emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship.

Library staff has the right to ask the animal’s handler (1) Is this a service animal and (2) what is the animals function for them. The handler is not required to provide documentation about the service animal or to prove a disability. Service animals are not required to be licensed or certified, or to be identified by a special harness or collar. Service animals must be on a leash or harness at all times, unless the use of a leash or harness interferes with the animal’s effective performance of its task. If the animal cannot be leashed or harnessed, it must be under the handler’s control via voice, signals or other effective means at all times. The animal’s handler is solely responsible for the supervision and care of the service animal and must be in full control of the animal at all times. Therefore, owners must keep the service animal directly with them at all times.

The Library retains discretion to exclude or remove a service animal from Library property if:

• The service animal is out of control and/or the service animal’s handler does not effectively control the service animal’s behavior.
• The service animal is not housebroken or creates an unsanitary condition.
• The service animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by reasonable modifications.
• Permitting the service animal would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program or activity.

The animal’s handler will be responsible for any damage to Library or personal property and any injuries to individuals caused by the service animal. Anyone using a service animal on Library property will hold the Library harmless and indemnify the Library from any such damages.

Collection Management Policy

Purpose

The Collection Management Policy serves as a guide for the selection and retention of materials for the Winfield Public Library and is used by the library staff in the selection of materials but also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection. The Collection Management Policy is designed to support the library’s mission to support everyone in their enjoyment of reading and the pursuit of lifelong learning through equitable access to information through books, programs, and resources.

Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs.

The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Winfield Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy.

The Collections Management Policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.

Responsibility

The Library Board delegates to the library director the authority and responsibility for selection and management of all print, non-print, and electronic materials within the framework of this policy.  This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.

Accessibility of Materials

All materials selected under the guidelines of this policy are available to the public in circulating or non-circulating collections, within the rules governing the use of such materials.

Requirements for responsible use may be applied to certain materials and equipment.

Special labeling and shelving of materials may be used for some collections but is not used for the purpose of restricting access.

Library materials representing a wide range of interests and reading levels are selected to meet the needs of the patrons. The responsibility of choosing from this range of materials rests with the user. Responsibility for selecting materials and the use of the library by children rests with their parents or legal guardians.

Selection of Materials Guidelines

The library service area of the Winfield Public Library is made up of people of all age groups, educational abilities and interests; therefore, it is the policy of the Winfield Public Library to select materials for its collection for all types and levels of library users to fulfill its mission to support enjoyment of reading and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

The selection and acquisition of materials is based on three factors:

• the community
• the individual merit of each item
• the library; its existing collections, budget and services

Community Factors

There are two prime factors that have direct bearing upon the selection of materials: the people themselves and other institutions where materials are available for public use.

The People

In selecting materials for the Winfield Public Library, the library must first consider the people it serves and the general aspects of the community. Winfield presents contrasts of taste, opinion, and education which reflects a need to develop diverse collections in both content and form. Notable population trends include a growing aging demographic and a higher than state average percentage of persons with a disability. Additional community preferences for library materials are obtained from library workers engaged in community outreach, patron usage data, and community data.

Other Libraries & Institutions

There are several partner libraries and organizations that house and provide materials for the public which allow the public library to avoid expensive duplication of materials if one of the cooperating institutions can supply the item.

• • Interlibrary Loan services: supply materials not available in our library through a four-state borrowing and transit agreement.
  • Southwestern College: reciprocal borrowing agreement in place; also allow for public access.
  • Cowley County Historical Society & Museum holds an extensive local history and genealogical archive open to the public for use in the Museum.
  • USD 465 Public School Libraries: reciprocal borrowing can take place to support the learning needs of the community.
  • State Library of Kansas: provides extensive e-collections including databases, books, and media for use by all Kansas residents.

Selection Criteria

Materials are selected in accordance with one or more of the following guidelines:

General Criteria:

• Present and potential relevance to community needs
• Suitability of physical form for library use
• Suitability of subject and style for intended audience
• Cost
• Importance as a document of the times
• Relation to the existing collection and to other materials on the subject
• Attention by critics and reviewers
• Potential user appeal
• Requests by library patrons

Content Criteria:

• Authority
• Comprehensiveness and depth of treatment
• Skill, competence, and purpose of the author
• Reputation and significance of the author
• Objectivity
• Consideration of the work as a whole
• Clarity
• Currency
• Technical quality
• Representation of diverse points of view
• Representation of important movements, genres, or trends
• Vitality and originality
• Artistic presentation and/or experimentation
• Sustained interest
• Relevance and use of the information
• Effective characterization
• Authenticity of history or social setting

Special Considerations for Electronic Information Sources:

• Ease of use of the product
• Availability of the information to multiple simultaneous users
• Equipment needed to provide access to the information
• Technical support and training
• Availability of the physical space needed to house and store the information or equipment
• Availability of full text

Reviews are a major source of information about new materials. The primary source(s) of reviews are Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Goodreads for adult materials and Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, Horn Book, and the Children’s Bulletin for youth materials.

The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title which is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and books discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.

Local Author Collection

To support and foster access to local talent, Winfield Public Library will maintain a Local Author Collection. The mission of the Local Author Collection is to continually improve library service to the public by providing free access to books by local authors, enriching the community with books and music created by local authors and musicians, and promoting individual achievements in authorship. This collection features donated books and music from local authors and artists. Because these materials might be independently published or published by a small press, they are not typically reviewed in sources used by selectors for our library. Therefore, the Winfield Public Library is not applying the same collection development policy for these materials. Furthermore, the Library does not accept responsibility for the content of the materials appearing in this collection. The library does not accept unpublished materials, unbound typescripts, eBooks, or other digital content in this collection.
Items included in the Local Author Collection must meet the following guidelines:

• At least one copy of the material must be donated to WPL with donated materials becoming property of WPL and subject to WPL’s collection management policy, including disposal.
• Material content must be consistent with the library standards.

Regardless of genre, all items in this collection will be labeled as “LOCAL” and include the name of the author or musician/band.

To donate materials for this collection, please complete the “Local Author Submission Form” and include it with the donated item(s).

Gifts

The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information the director can dispose of them. The same criteria of selection which are applied to purchased materials are applied to gifts. Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the physical book. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of a patron if the request meets the criteria established by the Board. It is desirable for gifts of or for specific titles to be offered after consultation with the library director. Book selection will be made by the library if no specific book is requested. The Winfield Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.

By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor. 

Balanced Collection

A balanced collection attempts to represent all sides of controversial issues as far as availability of materials, space, and budget allow. Selection is based upon criteria stated in this policy. The race, religion, nationality, or political views of an author or creator; offensive language; depictions or descriptions of violence or sexually explicit activity; controversial content of an item; or endorsement or disapproval by an individual or group in the community does not cause an item automatically to be included or excluded from the library’s collection.

Items generally excluded from selection include:

• Textbooks, workbooks, and curriculum-related work, unless they are considered useful to the general reader as an introduction to a subject and their presentation is superior to other sources. 
• Academic, scholarly, or technical materials that are traditionally carried by academic or special libraries. 
• Self-published materials, unless they meet the selection criteria set out above. 

Removal & Replacement of Materials

In order to maintain a vital collection that meets the needs of our community, examination of materials is an ongoing process. An item may be removed when it is

• Obsolete or outdated.
• Worn beyond use.
• Damaged.
• No longer circulating or used for reference purposes.
• One of many copies of a formerly popular title.

A removed item may be replaced with another copy of the same title or another work on the same subject. 

Disposal of Surplus Property

An up-to-date, attractive, and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the library director and is authorized by the Board of Trustees.

Withdrawn materials may be offered to the Friends of the Winfield Public Library for their book-sale, local non-profit organizations in the community, given to other libraries, recycled, or disposed of properly.

Reconsideration of Library Materials Procedure

The Library Bill of Rights is adopted as part of the Collection Management Policy, which states in part

“Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation … Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”

The library serves people from all walks of life with a variety of viewpoints and tastes. Materials are chosen to meet these diverse needs and are guided by this Collection Management Policy.

If a Library patron objects to a particular book or item, a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form may be submitted to the Director. The Director considers the patron’s objection(s) and offers the appropriate defense of the material within 4 weeks. If the patron wishes to pursue the matter further, Board members are made aware and consideration of the Request is placed on the next regularly scheduled meeting agenda.

Circulation Policy

Loan Periods:

The standard loan period for materials is three (3) weeks.

Exceptions are:

Adventure Kits – loan for a period of 7 days.

Interlibrary Loan Materials – due dates are given by the lending library and will vary.

Renewals:

Items may be renewed up to three times by patron or through auto-renew with the understanding that if it is requested by another patron it will be recalled and the patron will return it promptly. A notice detailing auto-renewal or loan end will be sent to the library patron two days before the item is due.

Renewal of Interlibrary Loan items requires permission from the owning library. It is given consideration on an individual basis.

Overdue/Return Notices:

Overdue reminders are sent on the following schedule:

Reminder letter: All items at three (3) days overdue

Letters notifying patrons that borrowing privileges have been rescinded until all overdue items are returned are sent at 14 days overdue.

Return of the overdue items automatically and immediately reinstates borrowing privileges. (Letter and procedure in appendix)

Restrictions:

Library service is predicated on the sharing of community resources. Patrons who abuse their check out privileges for damage or non-return of materials will have their cards restricted until settlement of their account.

New patrons are limited to borrowing two physical items during their initial checkout. Upon the return of these items, standard borrowing privileges apply. Cardholders with unverified addresses may borrow up to two physical items until their address is verified and their account status is updated.

Long Overdue/Lost/Damaged Item Charge:

If items are specified as lost by the patron, non-returned after being long overdue (8 weeks or more) or the item is damaged beyond repair, the library will apply a replacement charge to the patrons account. This charge will include the cost of the book and processing. Until payment or return of the item, the patron will be restricted from borrowing any physical items.

After 10 years of inactive status with outstanding charges on account, the patron record will be removed from the system and overdue charge will be forgiven.

Interlibrary Loans: When an item received through interlibrary loan is long overdue or damaged, Winfield Public Library will reimburse the lender library at their designated cost. The cost will be applied the patrons account and the account will be restricted from borrowing any physical items.

In the case of charges being applied as a minor, the minor card will be restricted to one item at a time until the account is settled. Restrictions will not be extended to related family members. At the age of 18, the charges will be cleared.

Fines:

WPL is a fine free library and does not charge late fees for overdue items.

Technology & Public Use Policy

The Library provides computer services to card holders in good standing, in accord with its goal to enrich the community by connecting people to the world of ideas, information, and imagination to support their work, education, personal growth, and enjoyment. These electronic resources and services meet the cultural, educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community.

Definition:

For the purpose of this policy, all computers, laptops and handheld devices available for use by the public are defined as “Public Access Computers.”

Disclaimers:

The Internet is a global computing network that provides access to a wide range of educational, reference and recreational resources, many of which are not available in print. The Internet does not fall under the control or governance of any single agency, government or organization, and therefore the Library can make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, content, nature or quality of information obtained through the Internet. Further, the Library does not endorse viewpoints presented on the Internet.

A library home page has been established, which includes a variety of destinations (links) and search tools. These links have been selected by library staff as a service to help the user navigate the internet. Selections are made solely in accordance with expected future utility to library users. Selection as a link implies no endorsement by the library as to content of a web site, and users must be aware that content of external links may and will change without our knowledge.

In no event shall the Library have any liability for damages of any kind arising from its connection to the Internet. Users of the Library’s computers and Internet access, wireless internet access, including, in the case of minors, their parents or guardians, agree to assume full liability (legal, financial or otherwise) for actions.

The Library is not responsible for the theft of personal computers or other devices, personal property loss or damage.

The Library reserves the right to terminate a computer session or network access that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the library’s policies.

Security:

The Library endeavors to protect the privacy and confidentiality of library users. Internet users should be advised, however, that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic transactions and files could become public.

Please note; the Library’s wireless network (WiFi) is an open network, and therefore not a secure network. Information sent to or from a wireless device can be intercepted by anyone else with a wireless device and appropriate software, within the range of the Library’s wireless access point. The Library also cannot guarantee the safety of computer communication across its wireless network. The Winfield Public Library assumes no responsibility for the configurations, security or files on a patron’s laptop or wireless device resulting from connecting to the library’s network.

Patrons must be responsible for protecting their privacy and the confidentiality of their information.

Disclosures:

Internet access in the Library allows access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the scope of the Library’s collections, selection criteria and collection development policy. Some of the Internet material may be controversial. Court decisions over the years have interpreted the Library to be a “limited public forum” and, as such, the Library may not discriminate against constitutionally protected content or viewpoints.

The exception to the “limited public forum” doctrine is the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). (see Internet Safety Policy).

The Library’s computers are also subject to access by law enforcement authorities, acting through federal or state law. The Library will cooperate in the prosecution of violations arising out of use of its computers for illegal purposes and activities.

Guidelines for Use:

Library users may not perform the following actions and Library staff shall intercede when these policies are violated.

Persons using library-supplied Public Access Computers or wireless internet services may not:

• Use these services in a way that violates local, state or federal law. Illegal acts involving Library resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal officials.
• Electronic gambling via the Library’s computers is strictly prohibited by this policy.
• Post, transmit, access, or display obscene and/or illegal material. This includes sending, receiving, or displaying inappropriate materials, defined as text or graphics.
• Use the services for illegal or criminal purpose.
• Use the services to harass or defame others.
• Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
• Use sounds or visuals which may be disruptive to others.
• Violate another Library user’s privacy.
• Share computer account numbers, passwords and other types of authorization that are assigned to individual users.

Persons using library-supplied Public Access Computers may not:

• Attempt to change any pre-established system configurations.
• Install or download any software onto the computer hard drive or BIOS.
• Damage computer equipment or software.

Further Guidelines for Use:

• Communication services such as email, instant messaging, and social networking sites are only available as internet services. The library does not provide accounts or storage for these services.
• Patrons may save data to their own flash drives. They may not save to the hard drives of library computers. If a working copy of a document is left on a library computer, there should be no expectation that that document or file will be available at a future session.

User Responsibilities

All users of public computers or wireless Internet shall:

• Sign up for only one computer at a time.
• Report any loss or theft of their library card immediately.
• Observe the legal protections provided by copyright and license law, and computer abuse laws.
• Observe posted time limits and regulations.
• Close all programs, log off and leave the workstation immediately at the end of their allotted time.
• Limit computer usage to a maximum of two people per computer station.
• Assume full responsibility for filing electronic forms.
• Report equipment problems promptly to Library staff.

Computer Reservations

Computers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be reserved at a sign-up station if all machines are in use. Laptop computers and handheld devices cannot be reserved.

Library staff will protect patron privacy by not giving out information about account numbers, and patrons may not use someone else’s library card for computer use.

In order to provide accessible services to our patrons, adults are able to use public computers in Adult service areas only. In some library locations, computers are also designated specifically for preschool (ages 2-5), elementary (ages 6-12), or teen (ages 13-18) use.Staff may also take other measures to manage sessions. Users shall abide by queue management procedures implemented by the Library staff.

Laptop computers and handheld devices:

Laptop computers are available on a first come, first serve basis to card holders, in good standing. They cannot be reserved and must be used within the library building with the exception of Chrome books which must be used on library property and will checkout for the patron for 90 minutes. Removal constitutes theft and will be prosecuted. Users must sign a usage agreement prior to use and are responsible for theft or any damage incurred while the device is checked out to them.

Ereaders

Ereaders are available on a first come, first serve basis to card holders, in good standing, for a period of three weeks with one renewal. They cannot be reserved.

Time Limits

In order to provide equitable patron access, computer usage is limited to a finite number of sessions per day. All computer sessions, regardless of length, count towards the session number total. Session limits may vary by location and by type of workstation.

Computers will be shut down a designated number of minutes before the Library closes. The Library is not responsible for the loss of any information or data that may occur as a result of shutdown procedures.

Printing and supplies

Printing is available for a per page fee from most computer workstations, and patrons are responsible for full payment for any printing done at the Library.

Minors and Technology Use:

As with all library resources, the library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians to determine and monitor their children’s use of technology. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for the information accessed by their children on the Internet and are encouraged to discuss its usage in relation to their family values and to provide guidance and boundaries for their children.

Children under the age of eight must be supervised by their parent/guardians in the children’s area. Parents/guardians must stay at the computer with their young children (under 5) or those with little computer experience.

Staff Assistance

Staff assistance is available to provide some instruction or, as time permits, to locate information for patrons. At this time, the Library cannot guarantee that a trained staff member will be available at all times for assistance. Staff can provide information about training sessions along with suggestions of books, magazines and other materials.

Enforcement:

Noncompliance with the Library’s policies and regulations that govern technology use may result in the loss of privilege of use. (Updated 1/19/21 to include Chrome books and ereaders.)

Internet Safety Policy

Introduction:

Public access to the Internet and online services have become an integral part of the Winfield Public Library’s programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act, as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding online computer use of Internet accessible computers.

The purpose of the Internet Safety Policy of the Library is to implement and enforce technology protection measures to: ensure that no minor has access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene; and ensure that no person has access to visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene while using a public access computer. 

Developed under the direction of the Board of the Winfield Public Library, this Internet Safety Policy was discussed and adopted during an open meeting of the Library Board on Feb.16, 2016. This policy supersedes all previous Internet Safety Policy statements of the Winfield Public Library and is effective on Feb. 17, 2016.

This policy document will be reviewed by the Winfield Public Library Board at least every three years.

Legal Requirements:

The Winfield Public Library Internet Safety Policy complies with the applicable requirements of subsection (b) and L. 2013, ch. 98, sec. 1, and amendments thereto, commonly known as the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.

The Library has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure or other process that blocks or filters online access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene as defined in L. 2013, ch. 98, sec.1.

Supervision and Monitoring:

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled only for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Winfield Public Library staff to make reasonable efforts to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Patrons who encounter web sites which they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing web sites which they believe should not be blocked may submit a complaint. This should be given in writing to the library director in charge and include the URL of the site in question and whether the request is to block or unblock it. Staff shall examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked. If the technology protection measure being used is a regional service, the information and recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate regional staff.

Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior which violate this policy shall also be submitted in writing to the library director in charge, providing as much detail as possible.

The library shall inform patrons of the provisions of this policy, including the standards used

and procedures for complaint, by making the policy available on the library’s web site and in print at the circulation desk.

Library Board Chairperson Library Director

Erica Lann-Teubner Patty Wagner

The effective date of the last review of this policy is: 1/18/22

Adoption Date – CIPA: 7/16/13

First Review Date: 2/16/16

Second review date: 1/15/19

Third review date: 1/18/22

Fourth review date: 1/14/2025

Social Networking Policy

In keeping with the Winfield Public Library’s mission to “providing opportunities and an environment for life-long learning” the Library participates in various “social software” applications whereby library staff and community members can interact through virtual (internet) communication. These resources, summarized below, allow all members of the community access to the resources of the Winfield Public Library without mandating a visit to the physical library. The Winfield Public Library regards online social software applications in the same way as its other information resources in accordance with its mission of serving Winfield’s needs for informational, educational, cultural and recreational pursuits.

Social software is defined as any website or application which allows users to share information. Social software can include, but is not limited to, blogging, instant messaging, social networking sites, and wikis. Many social networking sites allow users of those sites to become a “friend”, “fan” or otherwise associate their own “profiles” or virtual presences with the Library’s profile on these sites. Examples of such sites are Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, and various blogging sites like Blogger and WordPress. As with more traditional resources, the Library does not act in place of or in the absence of a parent and is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor’s use of this resource.

The Library does not collect, maintain or otherwise use the personal information stored on any third party site in any way other than to communicate with users on that site, unless granted permission by users for Library contact outside the site. The purpose for contact outside the site may include program promotion, volunteer opportunities, reference help, or other similar activities. Users may remove themselves at any time from the Library’s “friends” or “fan” lists, or request that the Library remove them. Users should be aware that third party websites have their own privacy policies and should proceed accordingly.

Comments, posts, and messages are welcome on Winfield Public Library social networking sites. While the WPL 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

-Plagiarized or copy-written material

-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

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

In addition, the Winfield Public 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 shall also be granted the right to reproduce comments, posts, and messages in other public venues. For example, a response to a YouTube book review may be quoted in a newspaper or on the library website. Identifying information, other than first name, will be removed unless prior approval is granted by the user.

The Winfield Public 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 Winfield Public Library staff. Participation in Winfield Public Library social networking services implies agreement with all Library policies, including its Social Networking Policy and Internet 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 provided.

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.

Facility Use Policy

Meeting Rooms

The meeting rooms at the Winfield Public Library are available for cultural, educational or civic purposes to non-profit organizations located in the Winfield community.

Meeting Rooms are made available without regard to the political, religious or social views of the groups meeting therein. The Winfield Public Library, by granting permission for the use of its Meeting Rooms, does not imply endorsement of the room’s user(s) or of the user(s) beliefs, methods or goals.

The meeting rooms are not available for commercial purposes, or for private, personal social gatherings. For the purpose of this policy, “commercial” means the exchange, buying, selling or promotion of services with the intent of financial gain. Political meetings are acceptable for the discussion of issues but not for fundraising, party caucuses or meetings closed to the public.

Activities that are either illegal, not suitable to the library’s physical facilities, present a clear and present danger to the welfare of participants, attendees, library staff and patrons or that materially interfere with the function, purpose and mission of the library are prohibited.

Reservations

Library sponsored programs and Library-related groups, e.g. The Friends of the Winfield Public Library or the WPL Foundation shall always receive first priority in scheduling. The Library retains the right to pre-empt scheduled meetings for special Library programming events. Appropriate notice will be given. The Library Director or the Library Board reserves the right to review any or all requests for the use of the Library’s meeting rooms.

Application for the use of the meeting rooms must be made in advance. Reservations may be scheduled six months in advance. Groups are encouraged to notify the library at least two days in advance if any cancellation is necessary. The individual requesting the room whose name appears in the reservation as the contact person assumes all legal and financial responsibility for any damage that might occur to library meeting rooms, and/or equipment. Cleaning costs may also be incurred if the room is not cleaned up by the group and returned to its original condition.

Attendance at meetings may not exceed the maximum number of people certified by the fire department.

Groups normally are limited to once per month use of Library meeting rooms except for Library-sponsored programs. Exceptions may be considered if, e.g., the group’s Board needs to meet separately from the general body meeting of the group and there is a room available.

General Guidelines

All group meetings held at the Winfield Public Library must be open to the general public. Exceptions, such as the lawful administrative meetings of the library staff and the lawful executive sessions of the Library Board, must comply with both the letter and spirit of the federal and state Freedom of Information laws.

Groups using the meeting rooms agree to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing the meeting and materials in accessible format in response to a request.

Groups or organizations using the meeting rooms may not charge an admission fee, sell materials, goods or services, or solicit donations. Exceptions are Library and Library-related activities and organizations. All fundraising activities, with the exception of those of the Library or Library related organizations such as The Friends of the Library and the WPL Library Foundation, are strictly prohibited.

Organizations may collect dues but cannot make payment of dues a requirement for attendance.

Meetings must be held during the hours the library is open, should adjourn before the library closes, and should not interfere with the normal operation of the Library.

The Winfield Public Library shall not be used by any non-Library sanctioned group or individual for a mailing address, a mail drop, a telephone answering service, or a business office.

Any publicity distributed by scheduled groups must clearly state the sponsoring group’s name with an address and phone number for contacts. Winfield Public Library should be included only as the location for the event. Any attempt to portray Winfield Public Library as sponsor or co-sponsor of the event will void the meeting room scheduling agreement.

Groups of persons under eighteen must have accompanied by a responsible adult over 21 years of age, present during the entire meeting.

The Library is not responsible for items left on the premises.

Technology/Equipment

The following equipment is available for public use with advance arrangement.

• Laptop computers
• Projection unit
• Sound system
• Podium
• Easels
• Users of library-owned equipment are expected to meet with Library staff for instructional use of the equipment prior to the day the equipment has been reserved.
• Wireless Internet access is available in the public meeting spaces. Individuals, groups, or organizations may use their own laptops and/or projection unit.

Misuse and/or damage to library equipment may result in repair and/or replacement charges.

Non-library owned equipment or materials may not be stored on the premises.

Use and Care of the Facility

Groups are responsible for setting up and taking down tables and chairs or any physical change in the layout of the room; this includes cleaning up the kitchen (if available), the emptying of trash receptacles, vacuuming of the carpet if needed, and the return of the room to its original configuration upon arrival.

Groups may serve light refreshments but cooking or serving meals is prohibited except with permission of the Director. Groups are responsible for providing all paper goods, food, serving dishes and utensils. No alcoholic beverages may be served. The Library is a smoke-free environment.

Study Rooms

It is the mission of the Winfield Public Library to provide the resources and opportunities for life-long learning. To support this mission, The Winfield Public Library provides two study rooms for individual quiet work and study, free tutoring, and for small groups to work together.

The study rooms may not be used for recreational use or purely social gatherings.

To promote the accessibility of study rooms to a wide variety of users, the Library may limit the number or length of study room reservations during any time period for any applicant. The Library also reserves the right to place additional limitations on the use of the study room due to demand.

Use of the Library’s study room does not constitute the Winfield Public Library’s endorsement of viewpoints expressed by the room’s occupants. Advertisements or announcements implying such endorsement are not permitted.

The rooms shall be not be used in any way that interferes with regular library services and operations, or which causes a threat to the safety of library employees, patrons or property. The library staff reserves the right to enter into the room at any time to ensure that policies are being followed.

All persons using the study rooms must comply with this policy and the Patron Behavior Policy. Users are expected to follow these behavior standards. Failure to abide by library policies may result in denial of future use of the study room.

Guidelines for Use for the Study Rooms

• No fee may be charged, no collection may be taken and no purchase may be required.
• The room is available for use only during regular service hours on days the Library is open and must be vacated 15 minutes before closing.
• .

Reservations

• The Study Room is available on a first come, first serve basis.
• A valid Winfield Public Library card is required for use, with a valid ID. Users will check in at the circulation desk upon arrival and before departure.
• A time slot is three hours in length. A patron may request the time be extended up to in one hour increments if the room is available.
• A reservation will be cancelled within 15 minutes of a no-show. Repeated unused reservations may result in denial of study room use.
• If the room is unoccupied more than 15 minutes it will be considered to be abandoned and made available to others as needed.
• Reserved rooms are not transferrable to others. The person who reserves the room must remain in the room throughout use.
• The library reserves the right to request that an individual or group change an approved reservation to another date when a study room is necessary for a library-sponsored activity.
• In the event of an emergency closing of the library, all study room reservations are automatically cancelled. Library staff will attempt to inform the contact person of the closing. Study room users may also call the library or visit the library web site for closing announcements.

Expectations

• Alcohol and tobacco are not allowed on the premises.
• The room is not sound proof, discussions should take place at a quiet conversational level.
• Laptops, personal computers, cell phones and other electronic devices may be used, provided the volume controls on such devices are adjusted so as not to disturb others in the Library.
• Individuals or groups that are noisy or unruly will be asked to leave.
• Users may not move table and chairs into or out of the study rooms.
• Personal articles are the responsibility of the user.
• The individual who secures the room is accountable for the actions of guests and for adherence to all guidelines set forth in this policy and other applicable library policies.
• The room must be left in a clean and orderly condition. Failure to leave the room in its original condition may result in a cleaning fee.
• Applicant and his/her organization agree to pay for damages to the study room or to Library property resulting from study room use.

All individuals, organizations or groups shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Winfield Public Library and City of Winfield, its officers, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, suits, actions of any kind, arising and resulting and accruing from any negligent act, omission or error of the organization or group resulting in or relating to personal injuries or property damage arising from the organization/group/individual’s use of the Library study room. 

Adopted by Library Board on 9-21-04, amended 3-20-07, 3-22-2016

Public Posting

Signs and notices posted and distributed by outside groups must conform to the Public Posting Policy. (See appendix). Adopted 6/17/08.

Purchasing

The Director will have the responsibility for making the necessary purchases for the daily operation of the Library. Consultation will be made with the Board on all major purchases involving equipment and furnishings.

Specifications will be used and bids will be sought for major purchases but quality and adaptability, as well as price, will be considered in accepting a bid.

Gifts

Memorabilia collections, personal items and plaques are discouraged. Final approval rests with the Board.

Gift of Books

Donations of books or other materials shall be accepted and placed in the collection if relevant and in good physical condition. The Director retains the right to dispose of any books donated to the Library which are not in the Library’s interest to keep.

Receipts for donations of books or materials acknowledge only the receipt of the material and does not attempt to set a price.

Memorials

Memorial designations are determined in consultation by the Director and members of the deceased’s family. Additions to the book and audio-visual collections are encouraged as the Library’s highest priority followed by equipment which the Board and Director have identified.

Sponsorship

Winfield Public Library (WPL) encourages businesses and other community organizations to support Library programs that deliver positive community outcomes, including:

• early literacy skills (from birth to five years);
• education and out-of-school programs;
• access to digital technologies;
• 21^st century skills (digital/technology literacy);
• employment and entrepreneurship;
• citizenship and assimilation;
• civic and cultural engagement;
• lifelong-learning;
• outreach to special populations, and more.

Our goal in developing program sponsors is to build reciprocal relationships that further the Library’s mission and provide mutual benefits to the Library and our sponsors. That said, sponsorships must not undermine the integrity of the non-commercial, non-political public space that the Library provides. The following guidelines have been established to ensure that WPL’s program sponsorship arrangements advance WPL’s mission and strategic goals, retain the Library’s independence, serve the mutual interests of both organizations, and comply with all legal requirements.

Definition of Program Sponsorship

For the purpose of these guidelines, “program sponsorship” means a contribution from a business or community organization (cash, products, coupons and/or in-kind services) that is provided as a donation to support specific WPL programs, activities or events.

Winfield Public Library Foundation as Agent

Solicitations for program sponsorships may be coordinated through the Winfield Library Foundation (WPLF). Cash and in-kind contributions may qualify for tax deductions through the Foundation’s 501(c)(3) status. Tax receipts are not issued for funds, products or in-kind services made directly to the Library.

Consistency with WPL Mission

Sponsorship agreements will be entered into with organizations whose strength and reputation have been evaluated. Only organizations deemed appropriate and compatible with the mission, goals, programs and policies of WPL will be considered for potential sponsorships. WPL reserves the right to decline at will sponsorship opportunities with businesses or organizations whose products, services or business are deemed to be inconsistent with WPL’s mission. In addition, WPL may decline sponsorship opportunities that do not support specific Library needs.

Review and Approval

Any proposed program sponsorship will be vetted by the WPL’s Executive Director and the Library Foundation Director (if not the same), to ensure that the arrangements are consistent with WPL’s mission and goals, and that any potential conflicts of interest are disclosed and addressed. All sponsorship agreements valued in excess of $5,000 must also be approved by the WPL Board of Trustees. Each program sponsor must agree that the Library’s Executive Director or his/her designee will review and approve all marketing materials prepared by the program sponsor bearing WPL’s name, logo, and/or other identifying information prior to publication or dissemination.

Written Agreement

All sponsorships in excess of $5,000 will be formalized in a written agreement between the program sponsor and WPLF. The agreement will document the terms, conditions, and purposes of the financial support, define duration and terms of termination of the sponsorship and identify whether any payments from the sponsor are for advertising.

Exclusivity

Generally, sponsorship agreements may not require exclusively and no agreement shall limit the Library from entering into any other sponsorship agreement. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Foundation Director, with approval from the Library Executive Director, when individuals or organizations wish to underwrite the total cost of a major program or event.

No Free Advertising or Return Benefit

Sponsors making a contribution to support WPL’s mission are not entitled to receive free advertising (as that term is defined by the Internal Revenue Code [IRC] or Internal Revenue Service [IRS] rules and regulations) or other substantial return benefits from WPL.

Acknowledgments

Consistent with federal tax laws, WPL may publicly acknowledge the sponsor’s support in program materials, library signage, patron communications and Library activities and events. Such acknowledgments may identify and describe the entity’s products or product lines in neutral terms and may include the sponsor’s name, logo, slogan, locations, telephone numbers, or website addresses as long as such acknowledgments do not include (a) comparative or qualitative descriptions of the company’s products, services, or facilities; (b) price information or other indications of savings or value associated with the company’s products or services; (c) a call to action; (d) an endorsement; or (e) an inducement to buy, sell, or use the sponsor’s product or service. Any acknowledgments of sponsorships will be created, or subject to prior review and approval, by WPL. Each corporate/community sponsor must agree that WPL will review and approve all marketing materials prepared by the sponsor bearing WPLS’s name, logo, and/or other identifying information prior to publication or dissemination.

Menu of Possible Sponsorship Acknowledgements

WPL may, in its sole discretion, provide acknowledgments of a sponsor’s contributions; however, sponsors are not entitled to such acknowledgments as a condition of their contributions. Each sponsorship agreement may include but would not be limited to acknowledgement via the following elements:

• Program Banners/Signage
• Program Collateral (fliers, bookmarks, posters, programs, web presence, etc.)
• Program Promotions (advertising, digital signs, giveaways)
• Mention in program press releases and library communications (eNews, blog, -social media, etc.)
• Recognition during the program

No Commercial Influence

The Library has sole authority and accountability for planning Library programs and events. Neither the Library Foundation, nor program sponsors may influence the selection of materials, programs or services, nor require explicit endorsement of products and services.

No Breech of Privacy

The Library will ensure the confidentiality of user records by not selling or providing access to patron records to any sponsor/partners.

No Endorsement

WPL does not endorse corporate/community sponsors, their policies, products, or services, nor imply that WPL will exert any influence to advance the sponsor’s interests outside the particulars of the arrangements made for the sponsored event or activity. The following language will be included in any written agreement with the corporate sponsor: “WPL’s name, logo and/or identifying information may not be used in a manner by the corporate sponsor that would express or imply WPL’s endorsement of the sponsoring organization or its products, services or policies.”

No Contingent Payments

WPL will not enter into any arrangements with program sponsors where the amount of payment by the sponsor is contingent upon attendance at an event or any other measures of public exposure.

Special Events

WPL may ask the sponsor for suggestions to enhance the experience for the sponsor; however, WPL retains final rights of review and approval of all content and speakers at any sponsored activity or event.

Termination

WPL reserves the right to terminate any corporate/community sponsorship at will. In the event of any such termination, WPL will relinquish the sponsor’s contribution and return any unused funds. In such cases, program sponsors may not use WPL’s name without the written approval of WPL.

Oversight

WPL’s Senior Management Team is responsible for conforming to the Library Board of Trustees Directives and Policies when establishing the principles and guidelines governing WPL’s relationships with partners/sponsors. The Winfield Public Library Foundation may collaborate with designated Library staff to solicit and secure sponsorship arrangements, as needed.

Memberships in Professional and Community Organizations

Winfield Public Library budgets for and provides limited public funds to support library employees and board members memberships in professional and community organizations.  The following guidelines will be used in determining whether a request is eligible for use of public funds.

Winfield Public Library may allow at Library cost, its employees and board members to join professional and community organizations that develop and improve professional skills and that provide access to grants and other community resources.  Memberships must provide a direct and essential benefit to the Library which is related to the activities, purpose and mission of the Library. Funds may not be used for direct donations or event sponsorships.

Use of public funds to reimburse or directly pay for employees or board members memberships is available if the membership relates to the employee’s current job or board member’s organizational role. Employee memberships shall be limited and under the review of the director. Membership shall be for non-partisan organizations only and not be used for membership in politically based organizations.  Examples of professional and community organizations include but are not limited to:  Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), American Library Association (ALA), Kansas Library Association (KLA), Winfield Chamber of Commerce, and Winfield Rotary Club.

Outreach

The Library may participate in outreach efforts to promote use of library resources outside of the physical walls at the Library Director’s discretion. The Library’s outreach efforts are focused on promoting library use and increasing awareness of library resources.

The following criteria will be used to determine outreach event eligibility:

• An invitation to attend is received at least 6 weeks prior to the event or the event has been identified by full-time library staff as a targeted outreach event at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
• The organizing agency has given approval for library participation
• The library can appropriately staff the event
• The event aligns with the library code of ethics

Priority will be given to events that:

• Align with library’s mission
• Reach underserved members of the community
• Are sponsored or organized by groups/institutions in which the library has an existing partnership

Book Mobile (Book Bike)

The Winfield Public Library may utilize the book bike to outreach to the community through informal (non-event focused) routes and stops. Bike stops may be determined by the library staff with consideration given to safety of route and prioritizing underserved populations. The library staff will send the trip itinerary in advance to the director for approval and provide a copy to the front desk. All stops will have advance approval by the organization/entity who has authority over the location.

Priority will be given to locations that provide library access to underserved populations.

Book Bike stop requests from the community shall be sent to the Library Director. Consideration will be given to population reached, safety to, from, and at the location, and staff availability.

The Book Bike may only be ridden by library employees or designated volunteers who have a signed liability release form on file.

Winfield Public Library Trust

A Trust is needed to encourage and accept large donations and to plan for long-range spending needs. Also, state statute allows for a portion of each annual budget to be saved for needs which are out of the range of the annual budget. The formation of a Trust provides a conduit for these monies and will be a vehicle for publicizing the Library’s needs.

Appendix

Public Library Trustee Ethics Statement

Public library Trustees are accountable for the resources of the library as well as to see that the library provides the best possible service to its community. Every Trustee makes a personal commitment to contribute the time and energy to faithfully carry out his/her duties and responsibilities effectively and with absolute truth, honor and integrity.

1. Trustees shall respect the opinions of their colleagues and not be critical or disrespectful when they disagree or oppose a viewpoint different than their own.
2. Trustees shall comply with all the laws, rules and regulations that apply to them and to their library.
3. Trustees, in fulfilling their responsibilities, shall not be swayed by partisan interests, public pressure or fear of criticism.
4. Trustees shall not engage in discrimination of any kind and shall uphold library patrons’ rights to privacy in the use of library resources.
5. Trustees must distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the library, acknowledging and supporting the formal position of the Board even if they disagree.
6. Trustees must respect the confidential nature of library business and not disclose such information to anyone. Trustees must also be aware of and in compliance with Freedom of Information laws
7. Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained as a result of their position or access to privileged library information, for either themselves or others.
8. A Trustee shall immediately disqualify him/herself whenever the appearance of or a conflict of interest exists.
9. Trustees shall not use their position to gain unwarranted privileges or advantages for themselves or others from the library or from those who do business with the library.
10. Trustees shall not interfere with the management responsibilities of the director or the supervision of library staff.
11. Trustees shall support the efforts of librarians in resisting censorship of library materials by groups or individuals.

American Library Association – United for Libraries

American Library Association Code of Ethics

1. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
3. We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
4. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
5. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
7. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
8. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
9. We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.

Adopted at the 1939 Midwinter Meeting by the ALA Council; amended June 30, 1981; June 28, 1995; January 22, 2008; and June 29, 2021.

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948.

Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980,

inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996,

by the ALA Council.

The Freedom to Read Statement

The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.

Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.

These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.

Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.

Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.

We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.

The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.

We therefore affirm these propositions:

It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.

Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.

Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated.

Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.

It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.

No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.

There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.

To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.

It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.

The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.

It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.

It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.

It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one.

The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support.

We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.

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This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers.

Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28, 1972; January 16, 1991; July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004.

A Joint Statement by:

American Library Association

Association of American Publishers

Subsequently endorsed by:

American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression

The Association of American University Presses, Inc.

The Children’s Book Council

Freedom to Read Foundation

National Association of College Stores

National Coalition Against Censorship

National Council of Teachers of English

The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression

Free Access to Libraries for Minors

Library policies and procedures which effectively deny minors equal access to all library resources available to other users violate the Library Bill of Rights. The American Library Association opposes all attempts to restrict access to library services, materials, and facilities based on the age of library users.

Article V of the Library Bill of Rights states, “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” The “right to use a library” includes free access to, and unrestricted use of, all the services, materials, and facilities the library has to offer. Every restriction on access to, and use of, library resources, based solely on the chronological age, educational level, or legal emancipation of users violates Article V.

Libraries are charged with the mission of developing resources to meet the diverse information needs and interests of the communities they serve. Services, materials, and facilities which fulfill the needs and interests of library users at different stages in their personal development are a necessary part of library resources. The needs and interests of each library user, and resources appropriate to meet those needs and interests, must be determined on an individual basis. Librarians cannot predict what resources will best fulfill the needs and interests of any individual user based on a single criterion such as chronological age, level of education, or legal emancipation.

The selection and development of library resources should not be diluted because of minors having the same access to library resources as adult users. Institutional self-censorship diminishes the credibility of the library in the community, and restricts access for all library users.

Librarians and governing bodies should not resort to age restrictions on access to library resources in an effort to avoid actual or anticipated objections from parents or anyone else. The mission, goals, and objectives of libraries do not authorize librarians or governing bodies to assume, abrogate, or overrule the rights and responsibilities of parents or legal guardians. Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that parents – and only parents – have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children – and only their children – to library resources. Parents or legal guardians who do not want their children to have access to certain library services, materials or facilities, should so advise their children. Librarians and governing bodies cannot assume the role of parents or the functions of parental authority in the private relationship between parent and child. Librarians and governing bodies have a public and professional obligation to provide equal access to all library resources for all library users.

Librarians have a professional commitment to ensure that all members of the community they serve have free and equal access to the entire range of library resources regardless of content, approach, format, or amount of detail. This principle of library service applies equally to all users, minors as well as adults. Librarians and governing bodies must uphold this principle in order to provide adequate and effective service to minors.

Adopted June 30, 1972; amended July 1, 1981; July 3, 1991, by the ALA Council.

Meeting Rooms

Many libraries provide meeting rooms for individuals and groups as part of a program of service. Article VI of the Library Bill of Rights states that such facilities should be made available to the public served by the given library “on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”

Libraries maintaining meeting room facilities should develop and publish policy statements governing use. These statements can properly define time, place, or manner of use; such qualifications should not pertain to the content of a meeting or to the beliefs or affiliations of the sponsors. These statements should be made available in any commonly used language within the community served.

If meeting rooms in libraries supported by public funds are made available to the general public for non-library sponsored events, the library may not exclude any group based on the subject matter to be discussed or based on the ideas that the group advocates. For example, if a library allows charities and sports clubs to discuss their activities in library meeting rooms, then the library should not exclude partisan political or religious groups from discussing their activities in the same facilities. If a library opens its meeting rooms to a wide variety of civic organizations, then the library may not deny access to a religious organization. Libraries may wish to post a permanent notice near the meeting room stating that the library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of meetings or meeting room users.

Written policies for meeting room use should be stated in inclusive rather than exclusive terms. For example, a policy that the library’s facilities are open “to organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, or charitable activities” is an inclusive statement of the limited uses to which the facilities may be put. This defined limitation would permit religious groups to use the facilities because they engage in intellectual activities, but would exclude most commercial uses of the facility.

A publicly supported library may limit use of its meeting rooms to strictly “library-related” activities, provided that the limitation is clearly circumscribed and is viewpoint neutral.

Written policies may include limitations on frequency of use, and whether or not meetings held in library meeting rooms must be open to the public. If state and local laws permit private as well as public sessions of meetings in libraries, libraries may choose to offer both options. The same standard should be applicable to all.

If meetings are open to the public, libraries should include in their meeting room policy statement a section which addresses admission fees. If admission fees are permitted, libraries shall seek to make it possible that these fees do not limit access to individuals who may be unable to pay, but who wish to attend the meeting. Article V of the Library Bill of Rights states that “a person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” It is inconsistent with Article V to restrict indirectly access to library meeting rooms based on an individual’s or group’s ability to pay for that access.

Adopted July 2, 1991, by the ALA Council.

Exhibit Spaces & Bulletin Boards

An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

Libraries often provide exhibit spaces and bulletin boards. The uses made of these spaces should conform to the Library Bill of Rights: Article I states, “Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.” Article II states, “Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” Article VI maintains that exhibit space should be made available “on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”

In developing library exhibits, staff members should endeavor to present a broad spectrum of opinion and a variety of viewpoints. Libraries should not shrink from developing exhibits because of controversial content or because of the beliefs or affiliations of those whose work is represented. Just as libraries do not endorse the viewpoints of those whose works are represented in their collections, libraries also do not endorse the beliefs or viewpoints of topics which may be the subject of library exhibits.

Exhibit areas often are made available for use by community groups. Libraries should formulate a written policy for the use of these exhibit areas to assure that space is provided on an equitable basis to all groups which request it.

Written policies for exhibit space use should be stated in inclusive rather than exclusive terms. For example, a policy that the library’s exhibit space is open “to organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, or charitable activities” is an inclusive statement of the limited uses of the exhibit space. This defined limitation would permit religious groups to use the exhibit space because they engage in intellectual activities, but would exclude most commercial uses of the exhibit space.

A publicly supported library may limit use of its exhibit space to strictly “library-related” activities, provided that the limitation is clearly circumscribed and is viewpoint neutral.

Libraries may include in this policy rules regarding the time, place, and manner of use of the exhibit space, so long as the rules are content-neutral and are applied in the same manner to all groups wishing to use the space. A library may wish to limit access to exhibit space to groups within the community served by the library. This practice is acceptable provided that the same rules and regulations apply to everyone, and that exclusion is not made on the basis of the doctrinal, religious, or political beliefs of the potential users.

The library should not censor or remove an exhibit because some members of the community may disagree with its content. Those who object to the content of any exhibit held at the library should be able to submit their complaint and/or their own exhibit proposal to be judged according to the policies established by the library.

Libraries may wish to post a permanent notice near the exhibit area stating that the library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of exhibits or exhibitors.

Libraries which make bulletin boards available to public groups for posting notices of public interest should develop criteria for the use of these spaces based on the same considerations as those outlined above. Libraries may wish to develop criteria regarding the size of material to be displayed, the length of time materials may remain on the bulletin board, the frequency with which material may be posted for the same group, and the geographic area from which notices will be accepted.

Adopted July 2, 1991, by the ALA Council.

Public Posting Policy

Introduction

The purpose of the public bulletin board and the information rack at the Winfield Public Library is to make available information regarding cultural, recreational, educational, and human services programs and events in the community, which are available/open to the public at large. Distribution or posting information does not imply endorsement by the library of the ideas, issues, or events promoted by those materials.

Procedures for Posting and Placing Material for Distribution

Persons wanting a sign posted or material placed in the information rack should bring it to the Circulation Desk and leave it for approval. All approved signs will be stamped and dated by the Public Relations Coordinator for posting by Library staff. Immediate posting is not always possible. Items usually are not posted more than two weeks before an event. Materials posted or left for free distribution without approval from the Library will be discarded.

Items that become dated will be removed from the bulletin boards. For example, posters announcing meetings will be removed after the meeting. Other items will be removed after thirty days, unless space is available, and the item is considered to be of general interest. Items directly concerned with the library will be displayed as long as appropriate. Non-dated public service announcements from government agencies or nonprofit agencies may be posted if space permits. The Library reserves the right to provide space on a long-term basis for announcements which give specific help to visitors or residents on a continuing basis, such as bus schedules, crisis services, etc.

Appearance of Materials

Material to be posted should not exceed 11″ x 17″ in size. When the bulletin board becomes crowded, preference will be given to items that do not exceed 8 ½ by 11″. No box, receptacle, or canister may be part of any posting.

The Library accepts a maximum of 25 copies of informational leaflets for distribution to the public in the literature display rack. The maximum size for leaflets is 8 ½ by 11 inches. The library assumes no responsibility for informing community groups when the supply of materials has been exhausted.

Content and Purpose of Materials

Postings about events for which a charge is made must indicate that charge on the poster. The sponsoring agency must be identified on the poster and an address or telephone number given.

Unacceptable Materials

The list of items that will not be posted or distributed includes, but is not limited to:

• Business advertisements
• Personal notices, such as lost and found notices
• Products sold for profit
• Garage or other sale signs
• Services such as baby sitting for which fees are charged
• Signs soliciting donations
• Campaign literature
• Signs larger than 11″ x 17″
• Legal notices
• Private instructional courses

Printed literature posted must not violate legal and respectable boundaries.

Review Process

Users may appeal in writing any decision of the Library under this Public Posting Policy to the Director of the Library within ten days.