1. Library Cards Registration Policies
Library cards are free to residents of the city of Hot Springs. Non-residents will be charged $10.00 for an individual card and $20.00 for a family card. Cards expire one year from date issued.
Children, age five and under, will use the card of their parent or guardian.
Children 6-17 years of age need to have a parent or guardian present when applying for a card; the parent or guardian is the responsible adult for the child and accepts responsibility for the child’s use of the card.
NOTE: Unless requested by the responsible adult, Children 6-17 years of age can check out any library materials. The child’s responsible adult can sign a form requesting that the child only be allowed to check out juvenile material.
Patrons 18 and over may apply for their own card.
Family cards can be obtained for immediate family members, including parent or guardian and children 6-17.
Current photo identification is required to receive a library card and one of the following:
- Utility bill with current physical address
- Checkbook with current physical address
- Piece of mail with typed address to the applicant at current physical address
The patron is responsible for everything checked out on the card. Overdue, damaged or lost items will be billed accordingly.
Patrons need to bring their library card on each visit to the Library to check out materials and/or use a public access computer.
Patrons are responsible for notifying the Library of any change of name, address, phone number or place of employment. This can be done at the circulation desk or by calling the Library.
Agency Cards
Agency library cards may be issued to agencies requesting borrowing privileges.
The application must be completed and the card signed by an agency representative. Agencies will then assume all borrower responsibilities for this card.
Agencies will be defined as, but not limited to, care homes, retirement homes, daycares, schools, and group/foster homes.
Agency cards are covered by the same Library Policies as individual cards.
Lost and Forgotten Cards
Lost or stolen library cards must be reported to the circulation desk immediately or by calling the Library at (605) 745-3151.
Replacement cards are $2.00 each.
Limitation or Denial of Service
The use of the library may be limited or denied for due cause such as failure to return books or pay fines, destruction of library property, or objectionable or disruptive conduct in the library.
2. Circulation
A valid library card in good standing is required to check out library materials. An account in good standing has fees less than $10.00 owed to the library and has a current address and contact information.
An account with fees in excess of $10.00 will have borrowing privileges blocked.
Borrower Responsibilities
Library patrons are responsible for all materials borrowed on their card and are asked to return in a timely manner. Library patrons are responsible for the payment of fines or charged incurred for materials that have checked out on their cards.
A child and the responsible adult associated with a child’s card cannot check out materials if the child’s fines are in excess of $10.00.
Library patrons must present their library card each time they borrow materials or use the internet computers.
Loan Periods
| Material | Loan Period |
| Books | 3 weeks |
| Audio Books | 3 weeks |
| Magazines | 1 week |
| DVDs | 1 week |
| 7-Day Books | 1 Week |
| Story Bags | 1 Week |
| Renewals | Same as original loan period, items can be renewed once |
| DVD Renewals | Not Renewable |
| Current Magazines | Not available for checkout |
| Reference Materials | Not available for checkout |
| Heritage Room Collection | Not available for checkout |
Overdue Fees
Materials must be returned on or before the due date. The library will attempt to send courtesy reminders to valid email addresses when items are due. If items are not returned within 30-days, a notice will be sent via regular mail. If an item is returned in good condition before a replacement is purchased, the replacement fee will be removed from the patron’s account.
If items are not returned by 60-days, a bill for the replacement cost of the item will be issued to the patron. Please note that patrons are responsible for knowing the due dates of their materials. Failure to receive a reminder or mailed notice does not alter the due date or replacement fee.
| Material | Overdue Fee |
| Books | 25¢ Per Day |
| Audio Books | 25¢ Per Day |
| Magazines | 25¢ Per Day |
| DVDs | $1.00 Per Day |
| 7-Day Books | 25¢ Per Day |
| Story Bags | $1.00 Per Day |
Damaged Materials
Patrons are responsible for the return of any items in the same condition as originally loaned. It is recognized that some library materials may age rapidly with repeated use and that some deterioration and damage in use is unavoidable. In general, such normal wear and tear will incur no penalty or fee.
When damage exceeds normal wear and tear, the patron will be responsible for the repair or replacement cost at the library’s discretion. In the case of damaged items, the library user will be held responsible for the cost of repair. If items are damaged beyond repair, the library user will be held responsible for the replacement cost.
Lost Materials
Items will be considered lost after being overdue for more than 60-days, or when the library is notified by a patron that an item is lost. Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of any lost items. If a replacement has been purchased for an overdue or lost item, the library user is responsible for the replacement cost even if the item is later returned.
Replacement Materials
The Library will not normally accept a replacement copy of an item purchased by the patron. To help ensure timely replacement, and that the item is in the correct format, the correct edition, or version, and of acceptable condition, the library will purchase replacements and add the replacement fees to the patron’s account.
Refunds
Once a replacement copy of a lost, damaged, or unreturned item has been ordered, the library user will be responsible for the replacement fee even if the original item is returned. The Library does not provide refunds once fees or replacement costs have been paid.
Additional Fees
| Material | Fee |
| Interlibrary Loan | $5.00 Per Title |
| Computer Printed B&W Copy | 25¢ Per Page |
| Computer Printed Color Copy | 50¢ Per Page |
| Replacement Library Card | $2.00 Per Card |
| FAX Service | $1.00 Per Page |
Material Returns
Materials are returned to the outside drop box slots, there is one slot designated for books and a second for audio visual.
Renewals
Materials other than DVDs may be renewed.
Items on Hold may not be renewed.
Materials may be renewed one time. To renew an item you may:
- Bring it to the circulation desk
- Call the Library at 605-745-3151
- Go to the library website https://www.hotspringspubliclibrary.com/ and create an account. From that account, you can view the catalog, renew items, and place holds.
If there is a fine or your account is expired, you will not be able to renew the material.
Holds
Items may be placed on hold:
- Request at the circulation desk
- Call the Library at 605-745-3151
- Go to the library website https://www.hotspringspubliclibrary.com/ and create an account. From that account, you can view the catalog, renew items, and place holds.
If there is a fine or your account is expired, you will not be able to place a hold.
DVDs may not be reserved.
Items are held for 7 days after the patron has been notified.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary loans are available at a charge of $5.00 per title.
A patron requesting interlibrary loan services must be a Hot Springs Public Library cardholder in good standing.
The patron must fill out the Interlibrary Loan Request Form and payment will be made at the time the material is received at the Hot Springs Public Library.
The lending library determines the loan period.
Interlibrary loan materials will not be renewed. You can request renewals, in advance, but the lending Library has final approval.
The lending library determines fees for materials, which are lost or damaged.
The material will be labeled with the return date to the Hot Springs Public Library.
Reference Materials
Materials designated as Reference Materials do not circulate but may be used in the Library. A coin operated copy machine is available for making copies.
3. Confidentiality Policy
Library users need to feel confident that the information about the books they read, materials and services they use, and questions they ask will remain private to the extent possible.
The policy of the Hot Springs Public Library is to protect the privacy of those who use the library. Staff members and volunteers shall protect information about library patrons, their requests for information and materials, the online sites and resources they access, and their loan transactions. Such information will not be transmitted to individuals or to any private or public agency without an order from a court or as otherwise required by law.
As specified in South Dakota Codified Law 14-2-51:
All public library records containing personally identifiable information are confidential. Any information contained in public library records may not be released except by court order or upon request of a parent of a child who is under eighteen years of age. As used in this section, “personally identifiable” means any information a library maintains that would identify a patron. Acts by library officers or employees in maintaining a check out system are not violations of this section.
In the event that any library employee is served with a court order to provide information prohibited by this policy, that employee shall immediately inform the Library Director who shall in turn consult with the Board of Trustees and may seek legal advice before complying with the order.
4. Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions 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 specific 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 makes a request for, or 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 to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.
5. Patron Code of Conduct
Rules of Conduct
The Library is intended to be an inviting, comfortable, clean, and safe place for activities such as reading, selecting materials, studying, writing, using computers, and attending Library authorized programs and meetings.
Library users are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of everyone to use the Library. All patrons are expected to behave in a civil, respectful manner to staff, peers, and other library patrons.
- These rules are intended to ensure that all Library users may enjoy good service in pleasant surroundings.
- Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and police officers are authorized to enforce these rules. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules and policies could result in removal from the premises and exclusion from the Library for the remainder of the day, a period of one day to one year, or an arrest or prosecution. Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers and other equipment. A “no trespass” notice will be issued in cases of criminal offense.
Conduct not allowed on Library property:
- Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, local, or other applicable law or Library policy;
- Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request;
- Abusive behavior/obscene language directed at other patrons or staff;
- Leaving children under the age of five (5) years unattended;
- Carrying dangerous weapons of any type, unless otherwise authorized by law;
- Being under the influence of alcohol/ drugs, and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/ drugs;
- Verbally, physically, or sexually threatening or harassing other users, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, loitering, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure;
- Selling and/or soliciting for money or items/services on Library property without permission;
- Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of property, furniture, or equipment in the Library or on Library grounds;
- Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours, or camping on Library grounds;
- Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things;
- Creating disruptive noises such as loud talking, screaming, or banging on equipment or furniture;
- Group activities which are disruptive to the Library environment;
- Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others;
- Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others;
- Using restrooms for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
- Littering;
- Not cleaning up after oneself including putting materials away or taking items with you as appropriate. Spaces should be left clean and tidy and ready for use by other library users;
- Smoking, chewing, and other tobacco use in Library;
- Being inappropriately dressed, without a shirt, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment;
- Leaving packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal items unattended. Leaving items unattended is done so at the owner’s own risk. The Library will not assume any responsibility for patrons’ personal property for theft, damage or loss. These unattended items are subject to immediate confiscation;
- Using wheeled devices in the Library including skateboards, skates, bikes, scooters (except for baby strollers and ADA-assistive devices; e.g., wheelchairs);
- Lying down or sleeping in the Library;
- Blocking aisles, exits, or entrances, or
- Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals necessary for disabilities, into the Library, except as authorized by the Library Director.
Based upon the circumstances of each incident, Library Staff may elect to impose any of the following restrictions upon the offender:
- Offender restricted from using a part of the facility/equipment/service for the remainder of current day;
- Offender directed to leave the Library for between one (1) and four (4) weeks;
- Offender escorted out of Library by law enforcement with no admission for one (1) month;
- Offender banned for amount of time determined by Library director or city manager up to one year, and
- Extreme incident: Offender removed by law enforcement with no further admittance to library until further action is decided by Library director or city manager or law enforcement. Options may include permanent ban from Library.
If the patron is a minor, a parent will be notified of the disciplinary action.
Unattended Children
Children are welcome in the Library, however, parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, safety, and supervision of their children at all times while in the Library and on Library property.
An adult must accompany children under the age of 10.
The Library Staff is not responsible for the safety, care, or supervision of children of any age at any time whether in the Library or on Library property.
Should it be determined that a child has been left at the Library without a ride or assistance home at closing time, every attempt will be made to contact an adult or family member. Staff members are not permitted to remain after hours with an unattended child nor give him/her a ride home.
If an adult or family member cannot be reached, the Hot Springs Police will be called to escort the child home or keep the child until parents can be reached. Staff members will then remain with the child until the police have arrived.
The Library Director will be informed whenever this action becomes necessary. The Director will contact the child’s parent or guardian to explain the Library Policy and why the action was required.
Eating, Drinking, Smoking
Eating and drinking are not allowed in the Library.
Smoking is prohibited in the Library.
Dress Code
Shoes and suitable attire must be worn at all times.
Pets
Only service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed in the Library. All other pets are prohibited.
Cell Phones
Patrons should use cell phones in a manner that does not disturb others.
- Cell phones should be put on vibrate.
- Calls need to be received and made in the vestibule or outside.
6. Internet and Computer Use Policy
The Hot Springs Public Library provides computers and Internet access for research, educational, and social purposes.
The Internet is an unregulated global information resource. The Hot Springs Public Library has no control over information that can be accessed through the Internet and cannot guarantee the accuracy and/or authenticity of information accessed through this resource. Users who find information or subject matter that is erroneous, out-of-date, illegal and/or offensive should contact the original producer or distributor of that work directly. The Library offers wireless internet service which is open and unsecured.
Intellectual Freedom
The Library recognizes the right of individuals to determine what is most appropriate for their needs. Users should be aware that information accessed via the Internet may be controversial, inaccurate or dated. Because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Because of this access and because sites on the Internet change often, rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect users from information and images which they might find offensive or disturbing.
Filtering by Hot Springs Public Library
In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), all library computers are subject to filtering. The filter is set to screen out sites which may reasonably be construed as obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; or child pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or harmful to minors as defined in section 1703, Pub. L. 106-544.
Internet Access by Minors: Regulations and Restrictions
Hot Springs Public Library provides computer access to minors, including filtered access to the Internet. To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of Hot Springs Public Library’s online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by CIPA, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Parental Responsibilities
Hot Springs Public Library strongly suggests parents supervise their minor children’s Internet use since filtering software may not be able to filter all information that may be harmful to minors. Some parents may deem that certain unfiltered materials are also unsuitable for their minor children. Hot Springs Public Library also encourages parents to discuss the use of the Internet with their minor children in relation to family values and boundaries. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for the information accessed by their children. Under South Dakota law, parents or legal guardian are responsible for their children until the age of 18.
Internet Use – Library Rules
The same principles that guide the use of other Library resources apply to the use of the Internet. The Library expects patrons to use the Internet in a responsible manner respecting the rights of others and Library rules of behavior. Internet computers are located in public areas used by library patrons of all ages, backgrounds, sensitivities, and values. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and unacceptable use will result in suspension or cancellation of the privilege. The length of the suspension is at the discretion of the Library Staff.
Users may not engage in actions that include but are not limited to:
- Destroying, altering, preventing, or interfering with the configuration of the Library computers
- Violating copyright or software license agreements
- Sending, receiving, printing, or displaying text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene or pornographic
- Viewing any site that may create a disruptive environment for other library users or staff
- Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment
- Misrepresenting oneself, by access code, password, or signature
- Vandalizing the data of another user
- Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities
- Invading or violating another Library user’s privacy
- Violating Federal, State, or Local Law regulations
- any illegal, criminal, or unethical purposes
There may be an assessment of charges for damages, system restoration, or repair of Library computers.
Hot Springs Public Library reserves the right to disable or restrict access to any website that violates library/city rules or policies, disrupts library operations, disrupts its Internet or network connectivity, or causes damage to its computer hardware.
It is assumed that the use of the Library’s computers constitutes acceptance of the Policy.
Disclaimer
Hot Springs Public Library is not responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, or for any liability that may arise from a patron’s use of the library’s Internet services or information obtained through the Internet. Internet users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium. It is possible for third parties to obtain information regarding an individual user’s search activities. Users should be very cautious about providing personal information over the internet.
Hot Springs Public Library:
- Cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet and users who enter personal information do so at their own risk
- Is not responsible for work or information lost due to computer or system malfunction, computer session timeout, or failure to save information
- Is not responsible for misplaced or stolen equipment
- Is not responsible for controlling children’s Internet use
Additional Conditions of Use
Patrons using an internet guest pass are limited to one (1) hour of use on the Library computers per day. Patrons using their library card for internet access are limited to two (2) hours of use on the Library computers per day.
Assistance/Training
Library Staff is available to introduce Internet access and provide initial instruction on its use (not in-depth training). To ensure the equitable delivery of all library services, the amount of time staff has available to provide Internet instruction is limited.
7. Gifts
Gift materials are subject to the same selection principles that govern purchased materials.
The Library acknowledges the great importance of gifts and donations to the Library’s future development and growth. The Library welcomes gifts of money, library materials, furnishings, or real property. These gifts help enrich and improve the Library’s resources.
No gifts are accepted unless given to the Library without restriction. All gifts may be utilized, sold, or disposed of in the best interest of the Library. All donations are accepted only if the Library Director or the Library Board of Trustees determines that they can be utilized by, or benefit the Library.
The Library Board of Trustees on the advice of the Library Director shall make the decision as to the acceptance of furnishings and equipment. Among the criteria on which the decision shall be based is need, space, impact on staff time, and expense and frequency of maintenance.
The Library Board of Trustees shall make the decision as to the acceptance and location of gifts of landscaping items. The major criteria on which the decision shall be based is the appropriateness of the offered gifts to the landscaping plan for the building.
The Library Board of Trustees on the advice of the Library Director shall make the decision as to the acceptance and location of gifts of exterior ornamentation, sculpture and signage.
(The Board adopted the above statements on May 31, 2007)
8. Bulletin Boards
The Library will make space available for literature, either as handouts or posted notices, for non-profit organizations or governmental agencies engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities.
Permission to provide handouts or posted notices does not imply that the library endorses the aims, actions or policies of organization or agency. There may be no fund raising, promotion of fee-based products or services, or sales of items.
9. Meeting Room/Study Room Policies
The Hot Springs Public Library offers the use of its meeting rooms to further its role as a place to meet and interact in meaningful ways, to learn, stay informed, and to celebrate and enjoy diversity. The library’s meeting rooms are a community asset designed primarily for civic, cultural and educational activities. We encourage the use of our meeting rooms when not being used for library purposes.
Library Meeting rooms are made available on an equitable basis. Permission to use a library meeting room does not imply that the library endorses the aims, actions or policies of any group. There may be no fund raising, promotion of fee-based products or services, sales of items on the premises, or admission fee charged.
Room Reservations
Priority for the use of the library meeting rooms will be given in the following order:
- Library sponsored meetings and programs.
- Meetings and programs sponsored by groups and organizations affiliated with the library.
- Government departments, boards, commissions and elected bodies.
- Neighborhood and community-based groups and organizations from the Hot Springs area.
- Other groups serving the needs of the community.
Scheduling
The rooms are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.
To schedule a meeting room, an adult group representative can call or visit the Library.
Meetings will be held during regular scheduled hours of the Library. Meetings must end prior to closing.
Library administration shall have the right to cancel, re-schedule, or transfer meeting room locations or dates that conflict with library sponsored programs and/or special events. In such cases, the library will give at least 2 weeks advanced notice.
In the case of an unscheduled library closing due to weather or some other emergency, a group may reschedule another meeting time. The library will notify the contact person for an affected group as soon as possible after the library has decided to close.
Use of a meeting room will be subject to the approval of the Library Director.
Room Rules
Use of the meeting rooms is subject to the following rules:
- Leave the room in the same condition in which it was found. Please return any tables and chairs to the arrangement in which they were found.
- Groups/individuals are responsible for paying for the replacement or repair, at the library’s discretion, of lost, stolen or damaged equipment and furnishings.
- No smoking is allowed in the library building.
- Use or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
- Meetings must conclude, and the room be vacated no later than the normal closing time of the library on that day. PLEASE ALLOW TIME NEEDED FOR SETUP, CLEANUP AND RELATED ACTIVITES.
- Rooms shall be vacated promptly on schedule; others may be meeting after you.
- Adults are responsible for the supervision of their children while using the meeting rooms.
- Meetings or programs which, in the judgement of the Library Director, would interfere with the functions of the library or of patrons using the library will not be permitted. Meetings or programs which prove disruptive to library operations shall immediately conclude upon notifications to do so by library staff.
- If, in the opinion of the Library Director, the presence of a police officer is advisable, the group using the facilities will hire one (or more) at its own expense.
- The name, address and/or phone number of the Hot Springs Public Library may not be used as the official address or headquarters of organizations using meeting rooms. In issuing posters, press releases or other publicity, groups may not imply that their programs are sponsored, co-sponsored or approved by the Hot Springs Public Library.
Use of a room constitutes acceptance of the meeting room policy and rules.
The library reserves the right to grant, deny or revoke permission to use any room.
Violation of the rules of the meeting rooms may result in suspension of use of the rooms.
Indemnification
The City of Hot Springs, Hot Springs Public Library, its Board of Trustees, Library Director or employees assume no responsibility for the actions of or loss, theft, or damage of any property of any group, individual or organization using library facilities. Nor, any loss occasioned by the subsequent denial of any previously scheduled use of the room.
Except as otherwise prohibited by law, Library shall not be liable for any damage, either to person or property, sustained by any person not due directly to the act or omission of the Library. As such, Organization/Individual(s) shall indemnify and hold Library harmless against all liabilities, obligations, damages, penalties, claims, costs, expenses, and losses, including attorney’s fees, paid or as a result of or in connection with Organization’s/Individual(s) use or occupancy of the Room, during the term of the Agreement as a result (a) of any breach by Organization/Individual(s), Organization’s agent, contractors, employees, customers, invitees, licensees, of any covenant or condition of this Agreement required to be performed by the Organization/Individual(s) hereunder or (b) of any accident that may occur in or about the Library Building or improvements thereon caused by Organization/Individual(s) failure to comply with any governmental authority, or the carelessness, negligence or improper
conduct of the Organization/Individual(s), Organization’s agent, contractors, employees, customers, invitees or licensees. Library is hereby subrogated to all rights of Organization/Individual(s) against any other parties in connection with any such injury or damage. If any claim is initiated against Organization/Individual(s) or Library due to Organization’s actions associated in any manner with this leasehold, Organization shall give prompt notice to Library.
10. Collection Development Policy
A collection development policy provides structure and guidance for effective management of all aspects of a library’s collection. The policy directs Library staff in both general and specific responsibilities of working with the collection and establishes guidelines for the acquisition and management of information and services for the benefit of the patron.
The purposes of this policy are:
- To inform the public about the principles upon which library material selections are made.
- To guide the library staff in the selection, maintenance and distribution of materials.
Library Aims
The Hot Springs Public Library aims to provide service to all community members regardless of age, ancestry, color, economic level, education, gender identity and expression, human condition, national origin, occupation, philosophy, political affiliation, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation, or any other protected classes in state or federal law. It helps people to keep current with change in all areas, educate themselves continually, become better members of their communities, become socially and politically aware, be more capable in their literature and art, contribute to the overall expanse of knowledge, and stimulate their own personal and social well-being. All printed and non-print materials are selected by this library in accordance with these basic objectives.
Responsibility for Selection
As required by South Dakota State Law (14-2-42), the Hot Springs Public Library Board of Trustees delegates to the Library Director the authority and the responsibility for the selection of library materials. Responsibilities for actual selection may be delegated to appropriate staff members who discharge this obligation consistent with the Board’s adopted selection criteria.
In selecting materials, the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights guides the Library and the principles outlined in the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements of the American Library Association.
The Library attempts to meet the needs of the total community, recognizing that individual citizens may view some materials as controversial. It is the responsibility of the individual library user to select those materials that suit his/her taste. Supervising the use of library materials for a minor is the responsibility of the parent or guardian, not of the Library Staff.
Library materials are not marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and no materials are sequestered, except for the purpose of protecting them from injury or theft.
Criteria for Selection
Materials must be considered in terms of their own merit and intended audience. A variety of tools are considered prior to selection:
- Standard review sources
- Bibliographies
- Publisher’s catalogs
- Direct examination
- Patron requests
All selections must meet at least some of the following criteria for selection:
- Needs and interest of the Library’s users
- Value of the material for information, recreation, or education
- Contemporary significance or permanent value
- Accuracy
- Authoritativeness and credibility of author
- Relation of work to existing collection and balance of viewpoints expressed in the collection
- Price, format, ease of use
- Scarcity of information in subject area
- Availability of material elsewhere in the community
- Popular demand
- Artistic excellence
- Vitality and originality of thought
This criterion applies to materials for all ages and in all formats, to include print, audio, visual, and electronic resources.
Materials are judged based on the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context. No single criterion is used to justify a purchase; materials selectors consider all the criteria during the selection process.
Patron Recommendations
Requests for specific titles or subjects are subject to the same principles that govern other purchased materials. Every attempt will be made to accommodate patron wishes. Final responsibility rests with the Library Director.
Deselection of Materials
Deselection consists of removing items which are no longer suitable to the collection. The Hot Springs Public Library continually evaluates its collection to keep it current. Inventory and systematic review of materials in the library collection are essential to keeping abreast of growth and development in the collection, for the removal of outdated or useless materials, and provides space for new and pertinent items. To ensure a vital collection of continued value to the community, materials that have outlived their usefulness are withdrawn.
The benefits of deselection are more shelf space, time saved in looking for materials, identifying items that require mending, a more appealing collection, an enhanced reputation for the library in having a current collection. The same criteria will be used in the deselection process as are used in acquisition.
The decision to withdraw library materials will also be based on the following:
- Physical condition.
- Transition from obsolete to current formats.
- Obsolete, superseded edition.
- Use of the material as determined by last date of loan.
- Number of loans in the last five years.
- Accuracy and relevancy of the information.
- Availability of duplicate titles or subject matter.
To maintain a useful and attractive collection, materials may be repaired or rebound when they become badly worn or damaged.
Final responsibility for removal of these materials, and the manner of disposition rests with the Library Director. The Director may delegate this authority to Library Staff in their various areas of responsibility.
This policy is in compliance with South Dakota Codified Laws 14-2-49: “Any public library may discard over-duplicated, outdated, inappropriate, or worn library materials; provided, that such materials shall be marked clearly with the words: “Discarded, __________ public library” wherever the property label of such library appears. Such discarded materials may be given to other libraries or to nonprofit agencies, destroyed, offered for public sale, or traded to a vendor for future library material purchasing credits.”
Legal Responsibilities and Intellectual Freedom
The Hot Springs Public Library Board of Trustees affirms the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, the Freedom to View Statement, Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors and complies with South Dakota state law. The Library does not employ censorship in selection of materials, nor in access to materials. The Library believes that reading, listening to, and viewing library materials are individual, private matters. While one is free to select or reject materials for oneself, one may not restrict the freedom of others to read, view, or inquire. These statements are included as a part of this policy.
Children and the Library
Libraries must meet the diverse needs of everyone in the community, including children and teens. Children mature at different rates. They have different backgrounds and interests, and they have different reading levels and abilities. Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding what library items are appropriate for their children. The library encourages parents to help their children choose items that match their own family’s values. This policy reflects the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights which states that “a person’s right to use a library should not be abridged because of origin, age, background or views.”
Like adults, children and teenagers have the right to seek and receive the information that they choose. It is the right and responsibility of parents/guardians to guide their own family’s library use, while allowing other parents/guardians to do the same. Parents/guardians should discuss rules regarding library use with their children. If you are concerned they will not respect your wishes, it is the parents/guardian’s responsibility to visit the library with them.
Copyright
The Hot Springs Public Library abides by all current copyright legislation and does not take responsibility for the actions of individuals in their use of library materials.
Challenges and Controversial Material
In keeping with the Library Bill of Rights, this policy is guided by the following interpretation that has been adopted by the American Library Association; “Challenged materials which meet the criteria for selection in the materials selection policy of the Library should not be removed under any legal or extra-legal pressure.”
The Library Board of Trustees recognizes the right of individuals to question materials in the Library collection. Whenever a patron objects to the presence or absence of any library material, the complaint will be given hearing and consideration. All complaints to Staff Members will be referred to the Library Director who will discuss the matter with the complainant.
If not satisfied, the complainant will be given a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form to complete. The completed form will be given to the Library Director who will then meet with the Staff to evaluate the material in question.
The Library Director and Staff will consider whether the material meets the selection criteria outlined in this policy. A recommendation will be made to the Library Board of Trustees at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
The Board will then decide whether or not Library Policies have been followed and whether to add or withdraw the material in question.
Materials subject to complaint shall not be removed from use and circulation pending final action.
Material under court consideration will remain available to patrons until a final ruling is made.
American Library Association Resources
Library Bill of Rights:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/
Freedom to Read Statement:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement
Freedom to View Statement:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomviewstatement
Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors: