Library Policies

Please review and adhere to the following rules and policies to ensure your library continues to be a place everyone in our community can enjoy for study, entertainment, spending time with friends while making new ones, and learning new things.

The complete policy manual may be downloaded HERE:  ALCPL Policy Manual   [Adopted May 2024, Revised October 2024]

Individual policies are highlighted below.

Materials Selection and Reconsideration Process

Guidelines for selection and placement of materials in the Library’s collections and procedures for expressing concern over materials or their placement.

Materials Selection & Reconsideration Process

Rules of Conduct

Guidelines and expectations for respectful behavior.

Library Code of Conduct

Harassment

Abusive and Disrespectful Behavior

Loan Periods, Fines, and Lost Items
Abusive and Disrepectful Behavior

The Library does not tolerate verbal abuse towards its employees from any patron. An employee may request that a supervisor intervene when a patron is abusive or disrespectful, or the employee may defuse the situation themselves, including ending the contact.

If there is a concern over the possibility of physical violence, a supervisor should be contacted immediately.

When extreme conditions dictate, 911 may be called.

Employees should leave the area immediately when violence is imminent unless their duties require them to remain.

Employees must submit a written report to their supervisor about the incident as soon as possible.

The following types of behaviors cause a disruption in the workplace and are often unlawful:

  • Violent behavior – including the use of physical force, harassment, bullying or
  • Discriminatory behavior – including inappropriate remarks about or conduct related to a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or familial status.
  • Offensive behavior – that may include such actions as rudeness, yelling, angry outbursts, inappropriate humor, vulgar obscenities, name calling, disparaging language, or any other behavior regarded as offensive to a reasonable person based upon violent or discriminatory behavior as listed It is not possible to anticipate in this procedure every example of offensive behavior.

Library Response to Abusive and Disrespectful Behavior

Except in extreme cases such as violence, discriminatory behavior, or physical damage to the building, the Library Director will issue a warning letter to the patron reviewing the incident and possible repercussions for repeat incidents. The letter will be mailed to the patron and a copy kept in the Library. The patron will be required to sign the Library’s copy of the letter in acknowledgement that it was received.

The Library Director will notify the Board of Trustees of incidents of warnings and suspension of library privileges. It is not possible to anticipate every type of response required. Patrons have the right to formally request the Board of Trustees to reinstate library privileges or to change library policy.

[Adopted May 2024]

Computer Use and Internet Safety Policy

Athens Limestone County Public Library provides computer workstations, many with Internet access and wireless Internet access, to assist community residents of all ages with free and equal access to information which meets their individual needs.

The Internet provides a means to access information far beyond the Library’s own collections. However, the Internet is an unregulated medium. While most of the information accessed can be valuable and enlightening, the user may also find materials that are unreliable, personally offensive or illegal. Each user must take responsibility for his or her own activities while using the Internet, as well as all use by his or her minor children.

It is the policy of Athens-Limestone County Public Library to:

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

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).*

Access to Inappropriate Materials

Technology protection measures (“Internet Filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet access (as well as other forms of electronic communications) to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of all users, including minors, accessing the Library’s online computer network when using electronic mail or other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by CIPA, inappropriate network usage includes:

  • unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities;
  • unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors

Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of Library Staff to provide and maintain all computer workstations, including the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Staff will not monitor an individual patron’s Internet use, except for length of use and validating the identity of the user in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone and compliance with all appropriate regulations. The patron, or the parent of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times.

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or other staff designated by the Director.

The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session which disrupts library services or that involves user behavior which violates the Library’s policies.

Parents are responsible for their minor children’s use of all Library resources and facilities. As with all other Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and/or legal guardians, not Library Staff, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.) Parents concerned with content their children may encounter when using the Library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their own children’s Internet use.

Library Staff, with approval of the Director and within Board adopted Policy, will develop rules and procedures necessary to ensure fair and reasonable use of computer workstations, including those with Internet access.

Rules Governing Use

Computers may be used in 60 minutes time blocks with a maximum usage of 180 minutes per day. If no one is waiting when the hour is up, the time may be extended as

overall usage allows but not to exceed maximum time allotted. It is the patron’s responsibility to request an extension prior to their time expiring.

Print-outs are $.20 per page for black and white print. Color copies are $.50 per page. By confirming the number of pages printed, patrons agree to pay for all print-outs.

Use of Library computers is a privilege, not a right. Due to the limited resources available for provision of computers for public use and for public access to the Internet, the Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual may use workstations, as well as which files can be downloaded and in what manner. The public must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including laws governing the transmission and dissemination of information while accessing the Internet.

Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this policy are the following:

  • Harassment of other (This includes standing behind other users’ computers, asking when they will be finished, or requesting staff to log a patron off a computer.)
  • Invading privacy of
  • Using computers solely for profit.
  • Gambling on the
  • Making unauthorized entry into other computational, informational, or communication services or resources.
  • Damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or to other users, including adding, altering or deleting files on Library workstation hard drives or other Library computer equipment.
  • Violating software license agreements.
  • Violating computer system or network integrity, including attempts to bypass network security functions, obtain passwords, or alter the configuration of Library workstations in anyway.
  • Using the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the Library’s tax-exempt status or its proper operation.
  • Wasting finite resources (including printing without paying).
  • Accessing lewd or pornographic websites or
  • Using another patron’s library card.

Violations of Library Policy and/or Procedures will result in loss of computer access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

Disclaimers

While the Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the Library specifically disclaims any warrant as to the information’s accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose.

The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect, or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library’s Internet service.

Having installed and enforced the operation of filtering software in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Library will have no liability for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, the filtering software, or for its circumvention by users. [Filtering software is not foolproof. It diminishes the likelihood that searchers will inadvertently retrieve text or images that they may find offensive, but does not eliminate that possibility. Filters often block access to sites that users would consider both inoffensive and useful.]

Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus checking on their home computers. The Library is not responsible for damage to users’ disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library’s computers. As with other equipment or materials, library staff may reserve certain times to provide instruction or proctor tests.

Library staff will attempt to answer basic computing questions or assist users in finding information. Library staff will not complete personal forms or provide in-depth computer instruction outside a class/lab situation.

Adoption

This Computer Use and Safety Policy was adopted by the Athens-Limestone County Public Library Board of Trustees at a public meeting, following a public hearing held with advance notice, on May 4, 2004.

*CIPA Definitions under Federal Law:

“Minor” – any child or young person under the age of 18.

  1. “Technology Protection Measure” – a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are: “Obscene” as that term is defined in Section 1460, Title 18, United States Code (see below);
  2. “Child Pornography” as that term is defined in Section 2256, Title 18, United States Code (see below);
  3. “Harmful to Minors” means any picture, image graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
    1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
    2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
    3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.

“Sexual Act;” “Sexual Contact” as defined in Section 2246, Title 18, United States Code (see below).

CIPA Definitions

“Obscene” works are those “which, taken as a whole, appeal to the prurient interest in sex, which portray sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, and which, taken as a whole, do not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.”

“Child pornography” means any visual depiction, including any photograph, film,

video, picture, or computer or computer-generated image or picture, whether made

or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct,

where–

(A) the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct;

(B) such visual depiction is a digital image, computer image, or computer-generated image that is, or is indistinguishable from, that of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or

(C) such visual depiction has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

“Sexual act” means–

(A) contact between the penis and the vulva or the penis and the anus, and for purposes of this subparagraph contact involving the penis occurs upon penetration, however slight;

(B) contact between the mouth and the penis, the mouth and the vulva, or the mouth and the anus;

(C) the penetration, however slight, of the anal or genital opening of another by a hand or finger or by any object, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person; or

(D) the intentional touching, not through the clothing, of the genitalia of another person who has not attained the age of 16 years with an intent to abuse,

humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

“Sexual contact” means the intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

[Adopted May 2004, Rev. October 9, 2024]

Display of Materials

The Athens-Limestone County Public Library promotes access to information by encouraging the love of reading and enabling life-long learning. The Library will provide a responsive connection to the community’s needs, its collections, information technology, and diverse programming, by, in part, providing a variety of displays, both physical and virtual, that inform and enrich the lives of people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

Displays are used to highlight new materials, educate the public about the variety of subjects, genres, and formats offered, and to stimulate interest in the library collections, services, and resources. The Library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in library-initiated displays and exhibits, as well as offer displays and exhibits that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and information needs

Placement of materials on displays does not imply the Library’s endorsement of ideas, opinions, or viewpoints expressed therein.

As stated in library board policy, the Library Director must give advance approval of any materials recommended, displayed, or otherwise actively promoted to children or youth. The same standards and discretion shall be applied to such promotions and displays as are applied to the materials selection process (including but not limited to the rules regarding the restriction on materials that are sexually explicit, obscene, or harmful to minors).

The final responsibility for the display of library materials is held by the Library Director, but day-to-day responsibility is shared by professional and paraprofessional employees. The Director will ensure all displays follow this policy, and comply with State obscenity laws and Alabama Administrative Code 520-2-2.03. To further ensure compliance, displays in the Children’s and Young Adult areas of the Library will be placed within viewing range of security cameras.

Library staff will use the following criteria in making decisions about display topics, materials, and accompanying resources:

  • Format and style are suitable for intended audience (e.g. adult materials will not be included in displays in the children’s area).
  • Appropriateness to seasonal events, holidays, etc.
  • Community needs and interests
  • Relation to current events.
  • Historical, cultural or educational significance.
  • Relation to events in the community.
  • Relation to Library events and programming.
  • Representation of a genre, trend, or culture.
  • Relation to Library collections, resources exhibits, and programs.
  • Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events.
  • Availability of space.

In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing displays and exhibits and may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays and exhibits.

Staff will monitor displays on a daily basis to ensure adherence to the Display Policy; however, the Staff and Board of Trustees hold no responsibility for displays that are altered by members of the public. When such alterations are found, Staff will immediately inform the Director.

Alterations to a display include, but are not limited to:

  • Adding materials to a display.
  • Placement of Adult books in displays located in the Children’s and Young Adult areas of the Library.
  • Removal of materials that a person finds personally objectionable.

Any patron wishing to object to a Library display should follow the procedures outlined in the Materials Selection Reconsideration Policy on page 51 of this manual.

[Adopted October 2024]

Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Athens-Limestone County Public Library sexual harassment policy accepts the principle that all employees have the right to work in an environment free from any type of harassment.

The library prohibits unwelcome sexual advances, requests of sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.  You may not threaten or even imply that refusing or accepting sexual advances will affect another employee’s job or future career.

Other prohibited actions are disagreeable flirtations, advances, or propositions; verbal abuse involving sex or gender; explicit or degrading comments about another’s person; negative or biased treatment of an employee based on suspected sexual preference; and displaying suggestive materials.

It is best to avoid any conduct that can be considered offensive or abusive. Such activity will result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to:

  • The victim as well as the harasser may be a woman or a man. 

  • The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex. 

  • The harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, an agent of the employer, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or a non-employee. 

  • The victim does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected 
by the offensive conduct. 

  • Unlawful sexual harassment may occur without economic injury to or discharge
of the victim. The harasser’s conduct must be unwelcome. 
If you feel that you have been subjected to any form of sexual harassment, report it to either the Library Director or Library Board. They will discuss the situation with you and walk you through the grievance procedures. 
Anyone who is victim of sexual harassment has a right to file a grievance without threat of retaliation or adverse effects on his/her employment situation or status.

Other Forms of Harassment

Racial harassment, as well as harassment on the basis of religion, disability, or other protected status, is prohibited not only by the Library but also by various acts of Congress, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended.  Other types of harassment are prohibited by applicable law.  Violation of these acts may subject individuals to disciplinary action and may have legal consequences.

The Library encourages prompt reporting of such harassment and its prompt resolution through either informal or formal procedures.  Complaints should be reported to either the Library Director or the Library Board of Trustees.

[Adopted May 2024]

Library Code of Conduct

The library is a place for serious study, as well as a place for recreational reading and borrowing books.  All who come into the library are expected to respect the rights of others by moving and speaking quietly.

Smoking and other tobacco use, food and uncovered drinks, pets (except service animals), and use of audio equipment without ear pieces are not allowed in the library. 


Library management is not responsible for loss of personal property. The library is a public building and it is the patron’s responsibility to safeguard personal property at all times. 


Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to: running, loud noise, throwing objects, climbing on furniture, needless pulling of materials from shelves and abusing machinery.  Those in violation will be warned. Temporary eviction from library premises will result if inappropriate behavior continues. 


Disorderly conduct, fighting, harassment or any illegal activity will result in immediate suspension from the Library. 


Any child visiting the library who has not yet entered the seventh grade must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  Children under the age of seven must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a responsible adult.  For the purpose of the policy, a responsible adult is the child’s parent or another caregiver age eighteen or over. 


Children up to age 18 should not be left at the library past closing time.  It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to be aware of regular closing times and special holiday hours or closings.  If a child is left past closing time, two staff members will wait with the child until he/she is picked-up, or for a maximum of 30 minutes.  If no one comes for the child within 15 minutes past closing time, staff members will call the police for assistance.  Staff members should never transport children in their own cars or a library vehicle.

[Adopted May 2024]

Materials Selection

The Library’s objective in selecting materials for children is to build a collection that meets the informational, recreational, and cultural needs from the age of earliest word and picture awareness through the elementary and high school years.

Materials are included that have general appeal to the majority of children and young adults, as well as materials with qualities and content that make them valuable to children and young adults with special needs, talents, limitations, or interests.

Materials for the young adult collection are selected to meet the needs of patrons ages 16 through 18. Materials should be selected to support the intellectual, emotional, and social development of Young Adults to assist in the transition from childhood to adulthood. The selection criteria for Young Adult materials will follow the same process as Adult materials while ensuring age appropriate selections.

The Library will provide books for the actual and potential reader in a wide range of reading levels and a large variety of interests. The Library considers readability, popular appeal, and quality of writing.

For the purposes of this policy, the following have been defined: Juveniles are defined as minors ages 0-15 years old, Young Adults are defined as minors ages 16-18 years old, and Adults are 19 years and older. This policy will be further detailed in the Materials Selection Policy (page 37).

Media Relations: Filming and Photograpy in the Library

Media Relations Policy

In order to provide the most current and consistent information about the Library, all contact with news media will be carried out through the Director or Board President, although at times individuals occupying such positions may refer the media to specific staff members. The Board President is the spokesperson for the Athens Library Board of Trustees. All inquiries from reporters or other media persons should be reported immediately to the Director.

When asked by the public for information related to library business or policy, staff should respond in accordance with library guidelines regarding such requests and, in the case of doubt, should consult with the Director.

Employees who represent the Library as media spokespersons should avoid speculation on any topic and refrain from offering personal opinions about library policies or programs, even when asked to do so by a reporter.

Questions from the public regarding the general operations or direction of the Library should be referred to the Director. Inquiries related to the underlying principles of a policy that are open to interpretation from a political, constitutional, and/or legal perspective should be referred to the Director who may refer questions to the Board of Trustees.

Inquiries regarding the library budget should be referred to the Director, Business Manager, and/or Board of Trustees.

Newsgathering in the Library

Members of the media who wish to conduct newsgathering in the Library in any manner disruptive to, or interfering with, the operation of the Library or its use by other patrons or be inconsistent with its mission, must make themselves known to either the Director, or to the staff member in charge of the building in the Director’s absence.

Examples of behavior that can be disruptive, or interfere with, the operation of the Library or its use by other customers or be inconsistent with the Library’s mission, include (but are not limited to) interviewing at other than normal conversational voice level, photographing, video recording, or audio recording customers or staff. (See Photography or recording by members of the public or media below.)

Staff members witnessing members of the media engaged in such activity must inform them of the policy and ask that they request and gain permission from the Director before further conducting. This policy does not apply to a member of the media in his or her capacity as a customer using the Library’s resources.

Photography and Video or Audio Recording in The Library

Photography or Recording by the Library

Library staff has the right to photograph, film, and record library events and customers for promotional use. Visitors to the Library, or participants in any Library event being captured on film or by photograph, will be advised in advance, verbally or through signage, that their participation in the event acts as consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded, unless they otherwise clearly indicate to the contrary to library staff.

To ensure the privacy of all individuals, their images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent, or legal guardian.

The above policy applies only to open, public events. Closed events such as class visits would require releases and/or permissions from the supervisor of the visiting organization.

Photography or Recording by Members of the Public or the Media

While the Library is a public place, it is considered a “limited public forum” under federal law. Public libraries may reasonably restrict the exercise of free speech rights in their buildings, particularly when the conduct would be disruptive to, or interfere with, the other customers or staff or be inconsistent with the Library’s mission.

Subject to the preceding paragraph: photography and video or audio recording by visitors to the Library are generally permitted if it is strictly for personal use.

Photography and video or audio recording for commercial purposes are permitted only if the activity has been expressly approved by the Director. In order to ensure that such activity would not be disruptive to, or interfere with, the staff or patrons, or be inconsistent with the Library’s mission, all individuals proposing to engage in such commercial activities must request approval in writing and in advance.

All requests to use a library facility as a setting for photography, video or audio recording are to be referred to the Director of Library Services, who has the responsibility and authority to evaluate the requests and to monitor the

recording. Requests will be evaluated in terms of their impact on library operations and services. The Director will seek approval and plan with specific library departments and personnel in advance of the approved photography or recording.

In order to protect the rights of individual customers and to prevent disruptions, or interference with, staff or customers, or conduct inconsistent with the Library’s mission, photographing and video or audio recording on library property are restricted as follows:

  • Under no circumstances may the public or members of the media take photographs or record video or audio without the express permission of any library customer who would be included within the composition. In the case of minors, permission must come from the parent or legal guardian.
  • Media are subject to the provisions of the Code of Conduct policy and may not disturb the normal operations of the Library.
  • In the event of a critical incident or emergency requiring police or fire response, public and media access may be limited to allow emergency personnel to ensure safety and security.
  • The terms above apply to the media as well as to amateur photographers and audio/video creators.

[May 2024]

Photocopying Materials

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproduction of copyrighted material.  Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction.  One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user later uses a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

This institution reserves the right to refuse access to the photocopier if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

Procedures and Responsibilities

  • Payment must be made for all copies produced, except in the case of machine
    • Black and white photocopies cost $0.20 per
    • Color copies cost $0.50 per
  • The Library is not responsible for bad photocopies due to user
  • Users are any individuals who use a photocopier in the Athens-Limestone County Public Library.
  • Users should immediately report any machine errors after the first bad copy to the nearest staff member.
  • User Errors are mistakes made by individuals using the photocopier
  • Machine Errors are blemishes, lines, toner defects, or other mistakes caused by the photocopier.

[Adopted May 2024]

Privacy of Circulation Records

Pursuant to the Code of Alabama, 1975, sections §41-8-9 and §41-8-10, the use of public libraries is confidential. The registration records, circulation records, computer use records, and general use of the Athens-Limestone County Public Library are confidential regardless of source of inquiry and they shall not be made available to anyone except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized by law.

Patrons have the right to inspect their own circulation records. A provision in the Code of Alabama allows an exception for a parents’ right to access the circulation records of their minor children. Such access will always be granted.

Upon receipt of such process, order or subpoena, consultation shall be made with the legal officer of the Library to determine if such process, order or subpoena is in good 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, insistence shall be made that such defects be corrected before any records are released.

Any threats or unauthorized demands (i.e., those not supported by a process, order or subpoena), concerning circulation records or computer use records shall be reported to the Board of Trustees and appropriate legal authorities.

Any matter relating to the privacy of circulation records or computer use records which are not provided for in this statement are to be referred to the Director.

Patron use will be kept confidential. Generally speaking, Staff will not indicate to anyone, in person or over the phone, if a patron is or has been in the Library, although Staff have discretion to assist in situations involving minors and their parents/legal guardians.

[Adopted May 2024]

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