JOHNSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

POLICY, PERSONNEL, AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

Revised and updated August 14, 2007

Notice that in the case of any discrepancy between this, on the web version, and the physical version of this manual, the physical manual shall hold precedent.

Each item on the Table of Contents is a link, clicking on it will take you directly to that section of the Policy Manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY STATEMENTS: II. FINANCIAL POLICIES III. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS IV. PATRON SERVICE POLICIES V. PERSONNEL POLICIES: VI. APPENDIX:

I. BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY STATEMENTS:

BYLAWS:

Article I GENERAL PROVISIONS:
Section 1: These bylaws are intended to set out the duties of the officers of the board of library trustees, provide procedures by which meetings of the board are to be conducted, set out methods by which the business of the board of library trustees is to be carried on, to specify the powers and duties of the librarian, and to provide other general rules relating to the government of the board of library trustees.
Section 2: These rules are supplementary to the provisions of the statutes of the state of Illinois as they relate to the procedures of boards of library trustees.
Section 3: Any member who has any interest of a personal nature in a matter before the board shall not vote thereon and shall remove himself from any meeting or hearing at which said matter is under consideration.
Section 4: The office of the board shall be located at the Johnsburg Public Library District building at 3000 North Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg, Il 60050.
Article II OFFICERS AND DUTIES:
Section 1: The officers of the board of library trustees shall be a president, a vice-president, secretary and treasurer.
Section 2: The term of each member of the board of library trustees shall commence on the effective first day of the term to which he or she is elected and continue to the effective first day of the term of his or her successor, unless state law shall hereafter otherwise provide.
Section 3: The board of library trustees shall elect the president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer from among its members. Each of the said officers shall be elected at the regular May meeting, and shall serve for a term of two years. If a vacancy occurs in any of the said offices of the board, the vacancy shall be filled by the board for the balance of the term.
Section 4: The president shall supervise the affairs of the board of library trustees. He or she shall preside at all meetings of the board, and shall appoint such committees and subcommittees as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the board. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and subcommittees so appointed.
Section 5: The vice-president shall preside at meetings of the board in the absence of the president.
Section 6: The secretary shall make certain there is a written record and permanent minutes of the board’s proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon every question, or if absent or failing to vote, indicating that fact; shall keep records of all official actions of the board; shall provide for and conduct the correspondence of the board; shall file the said minutes and shall be the custodian of the files of the board and its records.
Section 7: The treasurer shall review and recommend for approval by the board all payment vouchers for purchases of books, payroll expenses, and other expenses for the library. The Treasurer, director, and president shall be authorized to sign checks drawn on funds deposited to the credit of the board. In the absence of the treasurer, or his or her inability to serve, the president may perform the duties of the treasurer and may sign checks or payment vouchers drawn on funds deposited to the credit of the board. The president, treasurer, and director who are authorized to sign checks or payment vouchers drawn on funds deposited to the credit of the board, shall give a bond to be approved by the board of the library trustees in the amount of not less than $10,000.
Article III MINUTES
Section 1: Regular meetings of the board shall be held once a month. The calendar for meetings will be set prior to the beginning of each fiscal year.
Section 2: The date, place, or time of a particular meeting may be changed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the trustees present and voting at the regular meeting prior to the meeting affected.
Section 3: A special meeting of the board may be held at any time at the call of any two member of the board. No special meeting shall be held unless written notice of the time and place thereof shall be given to all trustees at least 24 hours in advance of the said special meeting.
Section 4: All meetings of the board shall be open to the public, and be conducted in accordance with Illinois statute.
Section 5: Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the deliberations of the board of library trustees, except when such rules are in conflict with any of the rules provided herein.
Section 6: A quorum of the board shall consist of four members.
Section 7: The rules of order, other than such rules as may be prescribed by statute, may be suspended at any time by the consent of a majority of the members present at any meeting.
Section 8: An agenda for each regular meeting of the board of library trustees shall be prepared by the library director preceding such meeting. Board members and others who which to have items included on the agenda for a regular meeting shall submit such items to the library director one week prior to such regular meeting.
Section 9: Within 10 days after the beginning of each calendar year, the secretary of the board shall give public notice of the schedule of regular meetings of the board for the ensuing calendar year, setting the regular dates, times, and places of such meetings, by posting a copy of the notice in at least two conspicuous places in the library. Whenever any regular or special meeting of the board is changed, public notice of such rescheduled regular meeting or special meeting shall be given at least 48 hours before such meeting by posting public notice in at least two conspicuous places in the library. Such public notice of a reconvened meeting need not be given when the announcement of the time and place of the reconvened meeting has been made at original meeting and there has been no change in the agenda for such meeting.
Section 10: Whenever a local newspaper of general circulation or a local radio or television station has filed an annual request with the secretary of the board for notice of the regular and special meetings of the board, and has provided the secretary of the board with an address within the township of McHenry at which such notice may be given, then a copy of the notice of any rescheduled regular or special meetings shall be mailed to such local newspaper of general circulation or local radio or television station.
Article IV COMMITTEES AND SYSTEM REPRESENTATIVE
Section 1: The following shall be the standing committees of the board: Budget and Policy.
Section 2: Ad hoc committees of the board may be created from time to time as the board may decide and direct.
Section 3: All standing and special committees shall be appointed by the president unless the board shall otherwise direct.
Section 4: Members of standing committees shall serve for a term of two years.
ARTICLE V - PROCEDURES
Section 1: The order of business at all regular meetings of the board shall be as follows:
  1. Roll call and declaration of quorum.
  2. Presentation of minutes of previous meeting.
  3. Financial reports.
  4. Committee reports
  5. Unfinished business.
  6. New business.
  7. Director’s report.
  8. Public input.
  9. Board input
  10. Adjournment.
Section 2: No vote or action of the board of library trustees shall be rescinded at any special meeting of the board unless there be present at such special meeting as many members of the board of library trustees as were present at the meeting when such vote or action was taken.
ARTICLE VI – LIBRARY DIRECTOR
The library director shall administer the policies adopted by the board of trustees. Among his or her duties and responsibilities shall be the direction and supervision of staff members in the performance of their duties. The library director shall submit to the board monthly reports on the operation of the library and shall recommend to the board such policies and procedures as in the opinion of the library director will promote the efficiency of the library in its service to the people of the Johnsburg Public Library District. The library director may expend not to exceed $500.00 without the prior approval of the board provided the said expenditure is authorized by the annual budget adopted by the board and such expenditure will not make the total expenditures in any budget account in excess of the amount authorized for that account pursuant to the annual budget.
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
Section 1: The bylaws may be amended by an affirmative vote of five of the members of the board of library trustees.
Section 2: A proposed amendment of these bylaws shall be presented in writing at a regular or special meeting preceding the meeting at which the vote is taken.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LIBRARY BOARD:
  1. Employ a competent and qualified library director.
  2. Determine and adopt written policies to govern the operation and program of the library.
  3. Determine the purposes of the library and secure adequate funds to carry on the library’s program.
  4. Know the program and needs of the library in relation to the community and keep abreast of standards and library trends.
  5. Establish, support, and participate in a planned public relations program.
  6. Assist in the preparation of the annual budget.
  7. Local and state laws; actively support library legislation in the state and nation.
  8. Establish among the library policies those dealing with book and material selection.
  9. Attend all board meetings and see that accurate records are kept on file at the library.
  10. Attend regional, state, and national trustee meetings and workshops, and affiliate with the appropriate professional organizations.
  11. Be aware of the services of the state library, PALS and system services.
  12. Report regularly to the general public.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR:
  1. Act as technical advisor to the board; recommend needed policies for board action; recommend employment of all personnel and supervise their work.
  2. Be responsible for hiring and dismissal, disciplining and promotion of all library personnel.
  3. Carry out the policies of the library as adopted by the board.
  4. Suggest and carry out plans for extending the library’s services and facilities.
  5. Prepare regular reports embodying the library’s current progress and future needs; cooperate with the board to plan and carry out the library program.
  6. Maintain an active program of public relations.
  7. Prepare an annual budget for the library in consultation with the board and give a current report of expenditures against the budget at each meeting.
  8. Know local and state laws; actively support library legislation in the state and nation.
  9. Have overall responsibility for selection, acquisition, processing and maintenance of all library materials.
  10. Attend all board meetings other than in which his/her own salary or tenure are under discussion; may serve as secretary to the board.
  11. Affiliate with local, state and national professional organizations and attend professional meetings and workshops.
  12. Make use of the services and consultants of the state library and PALS system services.
  13. Report regularly to the library trustees and general public.
Go back to the Table of Contents

CONTESTS AND PRIZES POLICY:

Johnsburg Public Library employees, board members and their immediate families are not eligible to win any library contest or prize with a dollar value of $10.00 or over.
Go back to the Table of Contents

COOPERATIVE UNDERTAKINGS:

The Board of Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library District will seek to cooperate with the Prairie Area Library System, any library, or any other agency, in services, programs, or undertakings of mutual benefit to all parties concerned. Proper legal safeguards and contracts will be required where appropriate, and all such cooperatives will be subject to periodic review.
The Johnsburg Public Library will be an active participant in the Prairie Area Library System, a cooperative library system in the state of Illinois. State law calls for free exchange privileges with all other libraries included in the Prairie Area Library System. The Johnsburg Public Library agrees with and subscribes to this policy of strengthening services and resources.
Borrowing privileges will be extended to any person holding a valid library card from any other library of the Prairie Area Library System and any library participating in the Illinois Inter-system Reciprocal Borrowing Covenant (IIRBC) of which Johnsburg Public Library is a member.
Go back to the Table of Contents

DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS LIBRARY MATERIALS:

Library property (i.e., print and non-print materials, equipment, supplies, and/or any personal property) which in the judgment of the Library Director is no longer necessary or useful for library purposes, may be disposed of in the following manner:
  1. Books and non-print materials from the library’s collection, or gift materials, may be discarded, sold, or, upon the approval of the Board of Library Trustees, be given to local philanthropic, educational, cultural, government, or other not-for-profit organizations.
  2. Any other personal property having an individual current value of less than $100 may, at the discretion of the Library Director, be discarded, turned in on new equipment, or made available for sale.
  3. In the case of individual surplus items having current value of more than $100 but less than $1,000, the Board may authorize a trade-in of such items on new equipment or sale of such items in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois Library Act.
  4. No favoritism shall be shown to members of the Board of Library Trustees or members of their immediate families who make bids on or purchase any library item declared surplus.
  5. Any personal property having a unit value of more than $1,000 but less than $2,500 will be displayed at the Library and a public notice of its availability, the date, and terms of the proposed sale shall be posted.
Go back to the Table of Contents

EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES POLICY:

Relatives of library board members may not be employed at the library. (Relatives are defined as grandparents, parents, spouse, brothers, sisters and children). Neither shall more than one family member be employed at the library at the same time.
Go back to the Table of Contents

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY:

The Board of Library Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library looks upon the establishment of the Friends of the Johnsburg Public Library as a worthwhile community endeavor which will benefit the library.
Complete advance information regarding all Friends of the Library projects shall be provided to the Library Director and the Board of Library Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library. The Board of Library Trustees acknowledges that it does not supervise the activities of the Friends of the Library, but the Board reserves the right not to participate in any Friends projects in which the Board does not believe the best interest of the Library is being served.
The Board of Library Trustees acknowledges that the Friends of the Library is an organization separate and apart from the Johnsburg Public Library, and that the Friends of the Library has its own Board and its own goals and purposes.
Friends of the Johnsburg Public Library is distinct and separate from the Library, and neither the Friends of the Library as an organization nor any member or participant thereof may assume any liability or take or authorize any act on behalf of the Johnsburg Public Library.
Because Friends of the Johnsburg Public Library is an organization comprised solely of volunteers distinct and separate from Library personnel, no Library personnel shall perform any duty or take any act on behalf of the Friends of the Library, except Library staff members may act in an advisory capacity for Friends activities.
Operating expenses of the Johnsburg Public Library are provided through allocation of tax monies which are audited by an independent auditor. Friends funds and Library funds shall not be commingled or integrated, except that gifts from Friends may be accepted by the Library, whereupon said gifts shall become solely the funds of the Library but shall be expended for the specific purpose for which the gift or donation has been made by the Friends. In the event the Johnsburg Public Library becomes the custodian of any Friends funds, those funds shall be kept as separate “funds" for audit and bookkeeping purposes.
Complete advance information regarding all Friends of the Johnsburg Public Library public relations programs on behalf of the Johnsburg Public Library shall be provided to the Library Director and the Board of Library Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library. The Board of Library Trustees acknowledges that it does not supervise the public relations programs of the Friends of the Library, but the Board reserves the right not to participate in any public relations project or program in which the Board does not believe the best interest of the Library is being served. Public relations programs adopted by Friends shall not be part of the budget of or funded by the Johnsburg Public Library.
Go back to the Table of Contents

GIFTS AND DONATIONS:

Materials: The Johnsburg Public Library accepts donations of books, audiovisual material, furniture, equipment, or any other materials for the development of the library. The library reserves the right to make the final decision as to which donated materials will be used by the library and which will not. All materials which may be used in the library collection shall be reviewed using the same selection criteria which are used for new materials. The Library Director shall make the decision concerning all such donations of materials.
Money: Donations of money or real estate are welcomed by the Johnsburg Public Library. If the donor desires such donations to be used for a specific purpose, the library will make every effort to comply with the donor’s wishes. However the library must reserve the right to reject a specific request if the request does not meet with the short and long range development goals of the Johnsburg Public Library.
Memorial Donations: Anyone wishing to donate books or money to buy books in memory of someone is welcome to do so. In the event of money donations the library will purchase books according to the donor’s wishes, or at the library’s discretion if the donor has no specific purchase in mind. All memorial materials will have a memorial gift plate inserted which will show the donor’s name and person in whom memory it is donated. Such memorial donations shall be subject to established selection criteria. A permanent log of memorial donations will be kept.
Permanent Donations: Any donations that are to be a permanent installation in the ground or on the building should be presented to the library board for approval. This will ensure all projects will fit with future goals for the library.
Use of Gifts: All gifts are accepted with the understanding that it may someday be necessary that they be withdrawn from the library’s collection in accordance with the Withdrawal of Materials policy. All donors are to be informed that the library cannot commit itself to perpetually house a donation. Of course, no donation will be disposed of in a careless manner and every donor can be assured that the library will respect his donation and house it as long as feasible. An attempt will be made to contact the donor upon removal.
Receipt for Donations: The library cannot assess the value of a donation of materials. It will, however, issue the donor a receipt acknowledging the number of items donated (see Appendix). It will then be the donor’s responsibility to determine the value of the donation.
Go back to the Table of Contents

INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE:

Section 1. The Johnsburg Public Library shall indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Library) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Library, or who is or was serving at the request of the Library as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines,and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Library, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Library, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that the person had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 2. The Library shall indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending, or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Library to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such a person is or was a trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Library, or is or was serving at the request of the Library as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Library, provided that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his or her duty to the Library, unless, and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought, shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper.
Section 3. To the extent that a trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Library has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in Sections (1) and (2) of this Policy, or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expense (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.
Section 4. Any indemnification under Section (1) and (2) of this Policy (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Library only as authorized in the specific case, upon a determination that indemnification of the trustee, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections (1) and (2) of this Policy. Such determination shall be made (i) by the Board of Library Trustees by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of trustees who were not parties to such action, suit, or proceeding, or (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested trustees so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
Section 5. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by the Library in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit, or proceeding as authorized by the Board of Library Trustees in the specific case, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the trustee, officer, employee, or agent to repay such amount, unless it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is entitled to be indemnified by the Library as authorized in this Policy.
Section 6. The indemnification provided by this Policy shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any agreement, vote of disinterested trustees, or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a trustee, officer, employee, or agent, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators or such a person.
Section 7. The Library may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Library, or who is or was serving at the request of the Library as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Library would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Policy.
Section 8. For the purposes of this Policy, references to "the Library" shall include, in addition to the surviving Library, any merging Library (including any Library having merged with a merging Library) absorbed in a merger which, if the separate existence had continued, would have had the power and authority to indemnify its trustee, officers, employee, or agents, so that any person who was a trustee, officer, employee, or agent of such merging Library, or was serving at the request of such merging Library as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Policy with respect to the surviving Library as such person would have with respect to such merging Library if its separate existence had continued.
[ABSTRACT OF THIS POLICY: ASSETS OF THE LIBRARY ARE AVAILABLE TO LIBRARY TRUSTEES AND EMPLOYEES TO PROTECT THEM FROM THEIR OWN ACTIONS. IT ALSO PERMITS THE LIBRARY TO PURCHASE INSURANCE.]

Go back to the Table of Contents

INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS POLICY:

[A copy of this Policy shall be available to the public at the Library's administrative offices.]
PURPOSE AND SCOPE. The purpose of this policy statement is to outline the responsibilities, general objectives, and specific guidelines for management of public funds by the Johnsburg Public Library. Its scope is all public funds of the Library.
RESPONSIBILITIES. All investment policies and procedures of the Johnsburg Public Library will be in accordance with Illinois Law. The authority of the Library Board of Library Trustees to control and invest public funds is defined in the Illinois Public Funds Investment Act and the investments permitted are described therein. Administration and execution of these policies are the responsibility of the Treasurer who is hereby designated as the "chief investment officer" of the Library acting under the authority of the Library Board of Library Trustees.
DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY. Management and administrative responsibility for the investment program is hereby delegated to the Chief Investment Officer. The Chief Investment Officer, and by designation, the Library Director, is responsible for establishing internal controls and written procedures for the operation of the investment program.
"PRUDENT PERSON" STANDARD. All Library investment activities shall use a "prudent person" standard of care. This standard shall be applied in the context of managing an overall portfolio and specifies that investments shall be made with judgment and care, under circumstances then prevailing, which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the probable safety of their capital, as well as the probable income to be derived. Investment officers, acting in accordance with this Policy and the written procedures of the Library, and exercising due diligence, shall be relieved of personal responsibility for a security's credit risk or market price/value changes, provided deviations from expectations are reported in a timely fashion and appropriate action is taken to control adverse developments.
OBJECTIVES. In selecting financial institutions and investment instruments to be used, the following general objectives should be considered in the priority listed:
GUIDELINES. The following guidelines should be used to meet the general investment objectives:
A) Legality and Safety:
  1. Investments will be made only in securities guaranteed by the U.S. government, or in FDIC insured institutions including SAIF of the FDIC. Deposit accounts in banks or savings and loan institutions will not exceed the amount insured by FDIC coverage [unless adequately collateralized pursuant to Regulations of the Federal Reserve regarding custody and safekeeping of collateral].
  2. Authorized investments include and will primarily consist of: Certificates of Deposit, Treasury Bills and other securities guaranteed by the U.S. Government, participation in the State of Illinois Public Treasurer's Investment Pool, and any other investments allowed under State law that satisfy the investment objectives of the library district.
B) Liquidity:
  1. In general, investments should be managed to meet liquidity needs for the current month plus one month (based on forecasted needs) and any reasonably anticipated special needs.
C) Yield - Return on investment:
  1. Within the constraints on Illinois law, considerations of safety, and this investment policy, every effort should be made to maximize return on investments made. All available funds will be placed in investments or kept in interest bearing deposit accounts.
D) Simplicity of management:
  1. The time required by library administrative staff to manage investments shall be kept to a minimum.
REPORTING. Investments, fund balances and the status of such accounts will be reported at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Library Board and at least quarterly include information regarding securities in the portfolio by class or type, book value, income earned, and market value as of the report date. At least annually, the Chief Investment Officer shall review this Policy for any needed modifications and report to the Board on the investment portfolio, its effectiveness in meeting the Library's need for safety, liquidity, rate of return, diversification and general performance. These reports will be available to the general public upon request.
INTERNAL CONTROLS. In addition to these guidelines, the Chief Investment Officer shall establish a system of internal controls and written operational procedures designed to prevent loss, theft or misuse of funds.
AUTHORIZED FINANCIAL DEALERS AND INSTITUTIONS. Any investment advisors, money managers and financial institutions shall be considered and authorized only by the action of the Board of Library Trustees upon the recommendation of the Chief Investment Officer. The Chief Investment Officer will maintain a list of financial dealers and institutions authorized to provide investment services.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. Officers and employees involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business activities that might conflict with the proper execution and management of this investment program, or that could impair their ability to make impartial decisions, or that could give the appearance of impropriety.
Go back to the Table of Contents

MATERIAL SELECTION POLICY:

The Johnsburg Public Library District serves a rural population of approximately 12,000 residents and offers materials, services, and programs for patrons of all ages. Serving a community with a school district noted for excellence, the library maintains close contact with the school community in providing services and activities for the student population. Because of the community’s heavy emphasis on education, the library’s primary role is that of a Formal Education Support Center. Secondary roles for the library are that of a Preschoolers’ Door to Learning and Popular Materials Library.
The Johnsburg Public Library District provides materials and services to help patrons obtain information meeting their educational, recreational, informational, and personal needs. Special emphasis is placed on assisting students of all ages in meeting education objectives. The library encourages young children’s interests and appreciation for reading and learning, as well as providing recreational and leisure materials for patrons of all ages.
The Board of Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library District accepts and endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement of the American Library Association (see Appendix).
The purpose of the library materials selection policy is to guide librarians and to inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made. “Selection" refers to the procedures and decisions by which books and other materials are added to or retained in the collection. It does not refer to reader guidance. A policy cannot replace the judgement of librarians, but goals and guidelines will assist in choosing from the vast array of available materials. The Children’s Librarian shall be responsible for the selection of children’s materials in all formats and the Director/Librarian shall be responsible for the selection of all other library materials. The ultimate responsibility for the selection of all library materials does however rest with the Library Director who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Board of Trustees.
The Johnsburg Public Library sets as its major goals in materials selection: the advancement of knowledge, the education and enlightenment of the people of the district, the provision of recreational reading, and the development of multi-media resources. Library materials, in all formats, are selected on the basis of the following criteria:
  1. Reputation of the author, artist, or production company.
  2. Importance of the subject matter to the collection.
  3. Scarcity of material on the subject.
  4. Timeliness or permanence of the material.
  5. Appearance of the titles in special bibliographies or indexes.
  6. Authoritativeness.
  7. Reputation and standing of the publisher or distributor.
  8. Availability of the material from other sources.
  9. Price.
  10. That the material supports the collection development goals of the library.
Suggestions from patrons for books and other library collection purposes will be given serious consideration. However, all such requests will be subject to the same selection criteria which are applied to all new materials purchased.
Since the library is a tax-supported institution, any citizen has the right to question the inclusion or exclusion of any title in the library‘s collection. The library provides a form on which opinions regarding the material in question can be stated and which will insure serious consideration of any request for removal or restriction of any item on the library’s shelves (see Appendix). However, until such an examination has been made, and a decision reached by the Library Director, no such removal or restriction shall take place. Since all political, religious, and social opinions should be represented in a public library, no group or individual will be permitted to impose a partisan emphasis upon the library’s collection. Frankness of language, a widespread and contemporary phenomenon, will never, in itself, be considered sufficient justification to remove or restrict library materials. Each book, or other item, just as each human being, must be judged on its own individual merit. Citizens unwilling to accept the Library Director’s decision may appeal to the Board of Trustees.

Go back to the Table of Contents

MEETING AND TELEPHONE CONFERENCING:

The Board of Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library believes it is in the best interest of its residents and taxpayers that the fullest participation and attendance in all Board meetings be achieved whenever possible and may, on occasion, find it necessary or advantageous to conduct the business of the library by telephone or video conferencing; and
The Appellate Court of Illinois has ruled that the use of telephone conferencing for meeting attendance, voting and quorum requirements, at least in some governmental meetings, is permissible so long as the conduct of the meeting is in accordance with the Open Meetings Act: and
The Board when needed will use the capabilities of telephone or video conferencing for its meetings with the following provisions.

1. All pertinent provisions of the Open Meetings Act must be complied with including specifically the proper notice of any regular or special meeting; the proper record keeping or minutes of each meeting; the appropriate agenda preparation for each meeting which, in addition, shall be posted along with the notice of the meeting; and any use of closed sessions shall be in compliance with the provisions of the Act.

2. The location of the meeting included on the notice shall be included with a suitable speaker-phone system for telephone conferencing or adequate microphone for video conferencing in order that the public audience, the Board members in attendance and any staffer guests will be able to hear any input, vote or discussion of the teleconference, and that any other location where the Board conducts regular business shall have similar speaker-phone and microphone capabilities for use by Board members, staffer public audience to attend at that location, if requested at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

3. That sufficient security and identification procedures be employed, either at the outset of any meeting or at any time during the meeting as appropriate, to ensure that any and all Board members attending for quorum or voting purposes are in fact an authorized Board member with the right to speak and vote.

4. As soon as it becomes apparent to the Board that a meeting will require telephone conferencing, all subsequent notices of the meeting shall indicate that one or more Board members will, or may be attending by telephone connection or video conference connection; and the location or locations where such equipment will be available shall be noted thereon. In the event that the notice of the meeting has already been disseminated and posted, a follow-up notice indicating the above shall be placed as soon as possible. In the event any news media have filed the annual request for notice of meetings, they shall receive an updated notice in the same manner as given to all members of the Board.

5. All Board members attending meetings by telephone conference shall be counted for quorum purposes and entitled to vote as if they were personally and physically present at the meeting site so long as the telephone connection exists.

6. This policy shall not be construed to mean that teleconferencing or video conferencing shall be regularly used or used at every meeting of the Board, but shall be used only as necessary to allow the participation of Board members who are unable to attend in person due to circumstances beyond their control.

Go back to the Table of Contents

MEETING DATE:

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library District will be held at the library at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, except August, which will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Go back to the Table of Contents

MINUTES OF CLOSED MEETING:


Form to be as follows:
JOHNSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
DATE: TIME:
PLACE OF MEETING:
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
VOTE ON CLOSING: MEMBERS AYE:
MEMBERS NAY:
NON-MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
APPLICABLE STATUTORY SECTION:
[See reverse for numbers; include any applicable ones.] __________________
SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSED:
[Description of all matters proposed, discussed, or decided.]
RECORD OF ANY VOTE TAKEN: [No final action may be taken in closed session.]
Specify movants and record tallies:
___________________________
Secretary
EXCEPTIONS PERMITTING CLOSED SESSIONS:*
Citation to
Section

2(c)(1) The appointment, employment compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity.
2(c)(2) Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.
2(c)(3) The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance, or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance.
2(c)(4) Evidence or testimony presented in open hearing, or in closed hearing where specifically authorized by law, to a quasi-adjudicative body, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, provided that the body prepares and makes available for public inspection a written decision setting forth its determinative reasoning.
2(c)(5) The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body.
2(c)(6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.
2(c)(7) The sale or purchase of securities, investments, or investment contracts.
2(c)(8) Emergency security procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to actual danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, or public property, provided that a description of the actual danger shall be made a part of the motion to close the meeting.
2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
2(c)(12) The establishment of reserves or settlement of claims as provided in the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, if otherwise the disposition of a claim or potential claim might be prejudiced, or the review or discus¬sion of claims, loss, or risk management information, records, data, advice, or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the public body or any intergovernmental risk management association or self insurance pool of which the public body is a member.
2(c)(15) Professional ethics or performance when considered by an advisory body, appointed to advise a licensing or regulatory agency on matters germane to the advisory body's field of competence.
2(c)(16) Self evaluation, practices, and procedures or professional ethics, when meeting with a representative of a statewide association of which the public body is a member.
2(c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06 of the Open Meetings Act.

The exceptions listed are those applicable to public libraries in the words of the statute. Other exceptions may apply to other forms of governmental bodies. Although stricken by statutory amendment, we believe a constitutional exception continues to exist permitting closed session to consult with an attorney on privileged matters.

Go back to the Table of Contents


MISSION STATEMENT:

The Johnsburg Public Library District provides materials and services to help patrons obtain information meeting their Education, recreational, informational, and personal needs. Special emphasis is placed on assisting students of all ages in meeting education objectives. The library encourages young children’s interests and appreciation for reading and learning, as well as providing recreational and leisure materials for patrons of all ages.
Primary role of the Johnsburg Public Library District is that of a Formal Education Support Center, with secondary roles being a Preschoolers’ Door to Learning and a Popular Materials Library.
In order to fulfill these roles, the library’s main objectives shall be:
  1. To select, organize, and make accessible to the people of the district, printed and other materials which will contribute to the dissemination of knowledge, to formal education and to informal self-education, to the profitable and pleasurable use of leisure time, and to the general enrichment of life.
  2. To include in the collection all appropriate media through which ideas or experiences are transmitted for furthering understanding of the present, knowledge of the past, and designed for the needs of accepted standards of quality and value, representing different points of view and styles of writing, and following the policy of the Freedom to Read statement of the American Library Association, which has been adopted as a guide by the Board of Library Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library District.
  3. To further enlarge the usefulness of the library by providing reader’s advisory, information and reference service, by making known the library’s resources through various activities within and outside the library.
  4. To provide adequate and efficient physical facilities where books and other materials may be used and enjoyed, in a pleasant and comfortable environment conductive to their use.
  5. To be closely identified, as an institution and in terms of staff involvement, with the education, cultural, and civic life of the community.
Go back to the Table of Contents

MODEL LIBRARY PERSONNEL RECORDS POLICY, INCLUDING USE OF THE PERSONNEL RECORDS REQUEST FORM:

  1. A personnel file shall be established for each employee. The file shall contain all current and future references to the following materials:
    • Application for employment
    • Time sheets with sick day and vacation records
    • Letters of reference
    • Letters of recommendation and commendation
    • Disposed disciplinary proceedings, if any
  2. Access to the employee’s personnel records shall be according to the following guidelines:
    • The employee must fill out and submit the Personnel Records Request Form.
    • The employer shall grant at least two inspection requests by an employee in a calendar year when requests are made at a reasonable interval, unless otherwise provided in a collective bargaining agreement.
    • The designee will provide the employee the opportunity for inspection within seven working days after the request, or if the employer can reasonably show such deadline cannot be met, the employer shall have an additional seven days.
    • The employee will inspect the personnel record at the employer’s administrative office during normal working hours or at another time mutually convenient to the employer and employee.
    • Inspection of records will be done under the supervision of an administrative staff member.
    • Should the employee demonstrate his or her inability to inspect his or her personnel records in person, the employer will mail a copy of the specified records upon request.
    • The employee may copy material maintained in his or her personnel record. Payment for copying shall be based on actual costs.
    • The employee may not remove any part of his or her record from the file and may not remove any part of the record from the administrative office.
    • Should the employee be involved in a current grievance proceeding against the employer, the employee may designate in writing a representative who has authority to inspect the records under the same rights as the employee.
    • If the employee disagrees with any information contained in the record, a removal or correction of that information may be mutually agreed upon by the employer and employee. If an agreement cannot be reached, the employee may submit a written statement explaining his or her position. The employer will attach the employee’s statement to the disputed portion of the record, and the statement will be included whenever that record is released to a third party. Inclusion of any written statement attached to the disputed record in a personnel file without any further comment or action by the employer will not imply or create any presumption that the employer agrees with the statement’s contents.
    • The employer shall not gather or keep a record in an employee’s personnel file of an employee’s associations, political activities, publications, communications, or nonemployment activities, unless the employee submits the information or authorizes the employer in writing to keep such records; providing, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the employer from gathering or keeping records concerning activities that occur on the employer’s premises or during the employee’s working hours which interfere with the performance of the employee’s duties or the duties or activities of other employees, regardless of when and where occurring, which constitute criminal conduct or may reasonably be expected to harm the employer’s property, operations, processes, or programs, or could, by the employee’s actions, cause the employer financial liability.
    • When the employer receives a written request for personnel records from a third party, the employer shall review the requested records and, before releasing them, delete disciplinary reports, letters of reprimand, or other records of disciplinary actions which are more than four years old, unless the release is ordered to a party in a legal action or proceeding.
Before the employer divulges disciplinary reports, letters of reprimand, or records of other disciplinary action which are less than four years old to a third party, to a party who is party of the employer’s organization, or to a party who is part of a labor organization representing the employee, the employer will provide the employee with written notice. The notice shall be mailed to the employee’s last known address and will be mailed on or before the day the information is divulged to any of the aforementioned parties. No notice is required if the employee has specifically waived written notice as part of a written, signed employment application with another employer, the disclosure is ordered to a party in a legal action or arbitration, or information is requested by a government agency as a result of a claim or complaint by an employee, or as a result of a criminal investigation by such agency.

The right of an employee or employee’s representative to inspect personnel records does not extend to:

  1. Letters of reference for that employee
  2. Any portion of a test document, except that the employee may see a cumulative total test score for either a section of or the entire test document.
  3. Materials relating to the employer’s staff planning, such as matters relating to the employer’s development, expansion, closing, or operational goals, where the materials relate to or affect more than one employee, provided, however, that this exception does not apply if such materials are, have been, or are intended to be used by the employer in determining an individual’s qualifications for employment, promotion, transfer, or additional compensation, or in determining an individual’s discharge or discipline.
  4. Information of a personal nature about a person other than an employee if disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the other person’s privacy.
  5. Records relevant to any other pending claim between the employer and employee which may be discovered in a judicial proceeding.
  6. Investigatory or security records maintained by the employer to investigate criminal conduct by an employee or other activity by the employee which could reasonably be expected to harm the employer’s property, operations, process, or programs, or could by the employee’s activity cause the employer financial liability, unless and until the employer takes adverse personnel action based on information in such records.
Go back to the Table of Contents

PURCHASING POLICY:

PURCHASING POLICY (Bids/Quotations)

I. Purchases of the District are governed by the State of Illinois statutes. It is the policy of the Library Board of Trustees to, in addition to any statutory requirements, use the most responsible business practices in its purchases. It is the policy that all purchases, contracts, and expenditure of funds shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder considering conformity with specifications, terms of delivery, quality, and serviceability. However, bidding is not required in the following cases:

The staff, as required by board directive, shall seek bids (or quotations if bids are not specifically required) from the widest possible array of contractors, suppliers, and material men that time permits. This practice will produce the most competitive offers and terms available from the widest number of interested firms or individuals.


II. The district will utilize a system of solicitation lists of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the firms or individuals who have expressed an interest in being notified as to particular types of contracts, equipment, supplies, or materials which the District seeks to purchase. The staff will add to each list of those expressing an interest, any firm or individual doing business which the staff determines should be added to such list. The staff may remove a firm or individual from a list for cause, with Board approval, or the firm or individual may request its removal.

The firms or individuals on any such lists will be solicited directly by the staff to bid or quote on appropriate purchases, in addition to the requirements of advertising or other public notification mandated. The District shall, when advisable, publicize its system of lists so that any inter¬ested person or firm can ask to be added to the appropriate listing.

The inclusion of a firm or individual on a solicitation list shall not constitute any prequalification for bidding or release in any fashion the firm or individual from meeting any and all requirements set out in a particular contract, bid, quotation, or proposal. This system of solicitation lists is solely for purposes of supplementing the advertisement or notification requirements otherwise used, in order to avoid even the appearance of favoritism or lack of fair competition in the District's purchases.

III. No commitment for expenditures of District monies, except from the petty cash fund, shall be made without [authorization] [a purchase order] issued according to the following conditions:


A. l0,000 or More

All expenditures of $10,000 or more shall be made only with prior Board approval in the manner prescribed by State law and Board rules and regulations. Advertisements for sealed bids or requests for proposals will be properly handled through the public media. Sealed bids, based on authorized specifications, or requests for proposals shall be received at a public bid opening and include all costs for labor and materials, Bid Bond, Performance Bond, and Certificate of Insurance. Bids will then be tabulated and submitted to the Board along with staff's recommendation for action. Formal contracts with appropriate signatures for both Board and Contractor are required.

B. Less than $l0,000 - More Than $1,500

All expenditures of less than $10,000, but more than $1,500, shall be made only with prior Board approval. Staff shall obtain at least three (3) formal written quotations with the Contractor's signature applied and Performance Bond to be submitted to the Board. Administrative staff will also submit a recommendation for Board action.

C. Less than $l,500 - More Than $500

All expenditures of less than $1,500, but more than $500, for approved budget line items, can be made only at the discretion of the Library Director upon review of at least three (3) documented quotations received either in written form by the Contractor or by telephone, as submitted to the Library Director. Immediately following the preliminary purchasing decision, the Director shall notify the Board of the intended purchase in writing and the Director shall, except in cases of bona fide emergencies, wait seven (7) days before completing the purchase or committing thereto. During that period, any Board member who wishes to review the proposed purchase may call a special Board meeting by notifying the Board President and Director. The Board meeting is to review the proposed purchase with a view to completing it or rejecting it. In the event a special meeting is set, the Director shall not complete the purchase until after the Board meeting is conducted and then only in furtherance of the Board action on the purchase, if any.

D. Less than $500 - More Than $250

Expenditures of less than $500, but more than $250, for approved budget line items, can be made at the discretion of the Library Director. The Director shall be responsible for monitoring and adhering to pertinent budget and obtaining proper quotations and shall notify the Board at its next meeting of the purchase.

E. Less than $250 - More Than $1

Expenditures of less than $250, but more than $1, for either approved budget line items or budget contingency items can be made at the discretion of the Library Director without bids or quotations.

F. Emergency Expenditures

1) Emergency expenditures over $500 can only be made with the written approval of the Library Director and Board President and approved by three-fourths (3/4) majority of the members of the Board. The initial Board inquiry may be by phone, which is then to be ratified at the next Board meeting.
2) Emergency expenditures under $500 can only be made with the written approval of the Library Director and Board President. No Board poll is required, but the emergency purchase should be reported at the next meeting of the Board.

JOHNSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

IN REF: Purchasing Policy (Bids/Quotations)

SUBJECT: BID OPENING PROCEDURE
  1. The author or designer of the bid package shall provide appropriate tabulation forms.
  2. At the appointed hour, the architect or the District's representative shall declare the bidding closed and determine the following:
    • Were all addenda, if required by the bid specifications, received? (List addenda by number and identify.)
    • Does anyone present desire any clarification of plans, specifications, or bid documents?
    • Was anyone denied the right to bid?
    • Are there any objections to proceeding with opening of bids?
  3. Should there be cause, the bidder may at this point change or withdraw his/her bid. In the event of objection to opening of bids, the District's representative will note the name of the objector(s) and the reason for objection. The matter will then be referred to the District legal counsel who will decide on procedure as follows:
    • Attempt to satisfy the objection.
    • Secure complete information as to objection and proceed with opening the bids under protest, for later disposition by proper authority.
    • Postpone the bid opening to a later date to allow sufficient time for the objection to be justified.
    • Rule the objection as informal and proceed with opening of bids.
  4. The bids shall be read aloud to the assembled group in the following order:
    • name of bidder;
    • license number of bidder, if required;
    • bid security and amount, if certified check;
    • Fair Employment Compliance, if required;
    • base bid;
    • alternate bid, if any;
    • unit price (only if they may influence determination of low bidder, or if requested);
    • completion (or delivery) date;
    • any other pertinent information.
  5. Upon conclusion of opening and recording bids, thank all participants.
  6. State apparent low bidder, subject to review and analysis by staff.
  7. Give date staff recommendation will be made to the Library District Board of Trustees.
  8. Remember, only the Board can reject, waive technicalities, or award bid. Staff only recommends!

Go back to the Table of Contents

RECORDS TO BE RETAINED:

The Johnsburg Public Library retains records in accordance with directives from the Local Records Unit/Record Management Section/Illinois State Archives/Springfield, IL 62756. (217.782.7075)
Go back to the Table of Contents

ROUTINE BANKING PROCEDURES:

The library director of the Johnsburg Public Library is authorized to make deposits into appropriate library accounts. Such deposits include, but are not limited to, the deposit of accumulated fees and fines, gifts, donations, grants, and tax receipts.
The library director of the Johnsburg Public Library is authorized to transfer funds from one library account to another library account for payment of monthly library bills which have been approved by the board of trustees.
The library director of the Johnsburg Public Library is not authorized to sign checks or receive cash from library accounts except when the board of trustees authorizes such action through the approval of checks to reimburse petty cash.
Go back to the Table of Contents

SEXUAL HARRASSMENT POLICY:

The Johnsburg Public Library District reaffirms the principle that its employees have a right to be free from sex discrimination in the form of sexual harassment by any other employee. When the authority and power inherent in supervisor/subordinate relationships, whether overtly, implicitly, or through misinterpretation, are abused in this way, there is potentially great damage to individual employees, to the person complained of, and to the employment climate of the Johnsburg Public Library District. Sexual Harassment is against our policy and is a violation of Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the Illinois Human Rights Act.
DEFINITION: Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances or requests the sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.
EXAMPLES: The following are examples and should not be construed as encompassing all the conduct or actions which might constitute sexual harassment.
  1. Sexually oriented gestures, noises, remarks, jokes or comments about a person’s sexuality or sexual experience directed at or made in the presence of any employee who indicates or has indicated in any way that such conduct in his or her presence is unwelcome.
  2. Preferential treatment or promises of preferential treatment to an employee for submitting to sexual conduct, including soliciting or attempting to solicit any employee to engage in sexual activity for compensation or reward.
  3. Subjecting, or threats of subjecting, an employee to unwelcome sexual attention or conduct or intentionally making performance of the employee’s job more difficult because of the employee’s sex.
PROCEDURE: Any employee who believes he or she has been sexually harassed may obtain redress through the established grievance procedure. Complaints about sexual harassment will be responded to promptly and equitably. Employees seeking redress or information concerning sexual harassment should contact the Library Director. The right to confidentiality of all employees will be respected in both informal and formal procedures, insofar as possible. The Johnsburg Public Library District policy expressly prohibits retaliation against employees for bringing complaints of sexual harassment. An employee found to be guilty of sexual harassment is subject to disciplinary action for violation of the Johnsburg Public Library District policy, consistent with existing procedures.
LEGAL RECOURSE: An employee who believes he or she has been sexually harassed may obtain redress by filing, within 180 days after the alleged sexual harassment, with the Department of Human Rights a written charge with sufficient details to apprise any party properly concerned as to time, place and facts surrounding the alleged sexual harassment. The Department of Human Rights shall then investigate the charge to determine if there is substantial evidence to believe that the alleged sexual harassment has been committed. A formal complaint may then be filed by the Department of Human Rights and a hearing on that complaint may be held before the Human Rights Commission.
Go back to the Table of Contents

VOLUNTEERS:

The Johnsburg Public Library recognizes and appreciates the hard work and unique talents the volunteers of the community offer to the Johnsburg Public Library throughout the year. The Johnsburg Public Library also recognizes the risk of injury which can be a part of every activity. For that reason, the board of trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library carries the necessary insurance coverage to provide insurance to volunteers who are injured while performing a task assigned by the library director or board of trustees as part of a formal program of volunteerism. This coverage is provided to the same level as accidental injury coverage is provided to employees of the library.
Go back to the Table of Contents

WITHDRAWAL OF MATERIALS:

The Johnsburg Public Library is not a library of historical record, except in the area of local history. To ensure a vital collection of continued value to the community, books and other materials which have outlived their usefulness are withdrawn.
Go back to the Table of Contents

II. FINANCIAL POLICIES

AUTHORITY TO SPEND:

The library director may expend not to exceed $500.00 without the prior approval of the board provided the said expenditure is authorized by the annual budget adopted by the board and such expenditure will not make the total expenditures in any budget account in excess of the amount authorized for that account pursuant to the annual budget.
The Johnsburg Public Library may spend in excess of $10,000.00 only after completing the formal bid process as described in Illinois Law.
Emergency expenditures over $500 can only be made with the written approval of the Library Director and Board President and approved by three-fourths (3/4) majority of the members of the Board, so long as the amount does not exceed the threshold requiring a formal bidding process. The initial Board inquiry may be by phone, which is then to be ratified at the next Board meeting.
Go back to the Table of Contents

BUDGET AND FINANCE POLICY:

The Johnsburg Public Library has a board-approved written budget. This budget is developed annually as a cooperative process between the board’s finance committee, the library director, and additional staff members with responsibility for budgetary elements. Each year, the board of trustees determines if the library’s revenues are adequate to meet the needs of the community. If the revenues are not adequate to meet the needs of the community, the board of trustees takes action to increase the library’s revenue.
The Johnsburg Public Library spends a minimum of 12% of its operating budget on materials for patrons. Materials include books, audiovisual materials, periodicals, telecommunication costs for reference services, fees for online information services, and CD-ROM products. Costs related to the installation and maintenance of a LAN or a shared or standalone bibliographic database are not included.
On a monthly basis, the library director presents written reports on library operations to the board of trustees. These reports include such areas as finance, library usage, matters of personnel, collection development, and programming in addition to any other relevant and pertinent information.
The library maintains adequate records of library operations in a manner easily understood by the public as well as the board of trustees and library director. This record of library operations is presented at each board of trustees monthly meeting and clearly indicates the financial position of the library. In addition to the general financial position of the library, this record clearly indicates the current position of each budgetary line item including budgeted amount, receipts, monthly and year to date expenditures, and remaining budget.
Go back to the Table of Contents

III. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN:

Adopted at the July 8, 1997, Library Board Meeting.
With the close proximity of the Fire/Rescue Station across the street, staff should not attempt to provide emergency care. Call 911.
Go back to the Table of Contents

CIRCULATION:


CIRCULATION – LENGTH OF LOANS:
New Adult Books: New adult books will circulate for 2 weeks.
Other books: Other books circulate for a period of 4 weeks. There is no limit to the number of books that may be borrowed, except in the case of a school assignment alert where the number of books and the length of circulation will be limited. During one month before a holiday, the books for that holiday will circulate for one week only and the number of books may be limited.
Magazines and Pamphlets: These materials circulate for a period of 3 weeks.
Aduiobooks/Music CDs: These materials circulate for a period of 3 weeks.
Videotapes/DVDs: These materials circulate for a period of one week.
Interlibrary Loan Material: These materials circulate for a period of 4 weeks.
Renewals: Library materials that have not been requested by another patron may be renewed for another circulation period, either at the library or by phone. A-V and interlibrary loan materials may not be renewed.

CIRCULATION - FEES AND FINES:
The Johnsburg Public Library has established, in addition to the schedule for lost or damaged items, the following schedule of fines for overdue materials as well as fees for other services provided by the Johnsburg Public Library.
Overdue materials:
There are no grace periods on library materials returned late.
All library materials must be returned to the library on or before the marked date due. Patrons returning materials late will be fined at the rates indicated below:
Books, Audiobooks, Music CDs: Fines will be assessed at a rate of 20 (twenty) cents per day per item figured from the original due date. Days that the library is closed will not be counted.
Magazines and Pamphlets: Will be fined at 20 (twenty) cents per day figured from the original date due.
Videotapes/DVDs: Will be fined at $1.50 per day per movie figured from the original date due.
Interlibrary Loan Items: Will be fined at the rate of 20 (twenty) cents per day per item figured from the original date due. Most out-of-state items require a fee to be paid to the lender for postage and handling. The Johnsburg Public Library will make all attempts to acquire requested items from Illinois libraries. If an item is only available out-of-state, the patron will be notified first that they must pay the necessary fee.
Limit of Fines: There shall be a limit on fines of $5.00 per item, except for videos, which will have a limit of $10.00 per videotape or DVD.
COLLECTION AGENCY:
Patrons with items 5 weeks (35 days) or more overdue and existing fines having a total combined value of $25 or more are turned over to the library’s collection agency. A $10 collection agency fee will be assessed on the patron’s library card.
Circulation - Lost and/or Damaged Library Materials:
Every patron is fully responsible for the repair or replacement cost of all library materials checked out on his/her card. In the case of children under the age of 18, it is the parents’ responsibility to pay for lost or damaged items. A lost or irrepairable library item is paid for by a charge equal to the current replacement cost and a processing charge of $5.00. The patron may then keep the damaged book that was paid for. The replacement fee for a lost library card is $2.00. If a damaged library item is repairable, the charge for repairs will be determined by the Library Director. The cost of repair or replacement of interlibrary loan materials shall be determined by the library which owns the materials. If a lost and paid book is later recovered by the patron within 3 months, they shall be refunded the replacement cost that was paid, but NOT the $5.00 processing fee.
LOSS OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES:
All library card privileges will be suspended if:
  1. A patron has materials that are more than 30 days overdue.
  2. A patron has unpaid fines totaling more than $3.00, or any overdue fines which are unpaid after 30 days.
  3. A patron has unpaid fees, for lost or damaged library materials, which are more than $3.00 or have been unpaid for more than 30 days.
CIRCULATION – RESERVES:
Patrons may reserve materials which are not immediately available for patron use, but are in the collection of the Johnsburg Public Library. When the reserved materials are available to the patron who has placed the reserve, the library will notify the patron via phone. The specific title of the material will not be stated to anyone other than the library patron who placed the reserve. If the patron is not available by phone, a message will be left. The date of the message will be noted and the material will be held for the patron for a period of one week. If additional patrons are waiting for the material, the next patron on the list will be called and notified of the availability of the item, and the same procedure will be followed. If no additional patrons are waiting for the material, the material will be placed back into general circulation. In no circumstance will the library leave more than one message regarding a hold on a specific item. Relay of the message to the appropriate person in the household, and prompt retrieval of the material, are the responsibilities of the patron.
Go back to the Table of Contents

CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS:

It is the policy of the Johnsburg Public Library to ensure the privacy of patrons and users of Library services. Library records are confidential.
Library records are for the sole purpose of protecting public property. Library records are not to be used directly or indirectly to identify the types of materials used by patrons.
No person shall publish or make any information contained in such records available to the public unless:
  1. required to do so under a court order; or
  2. The information is requested by a sworn law enforcement officer who represents that it is impractical to secure a court order as a result of an emergency where the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that there is an imminent danger of physical harm. The information requested without a court order may not include the disclosure of registration or circulation records that would indicate materials borrowed, resources reviewed, or services used at the library. The requesting law enforcement officer must sign a form acknowledging the receipt of the information (see Appendix for “Officer’s Request for Confidential Library Information”).
Other than the situation mentioned above, no information will be provided to any law enforcement official without a subpoena or search warrant. If served with a subpoena, since it is not immediately enforceable, the library director will confer with legal counsel before determining the proper response. If served with a search warrant, see the “Search Warrant Policy” found in the “Personnel Policies” section of the Policy, Personnel, and Procedure Manual.
Go back to the Table of Contents

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY:

The possession, sale, or use of a controlled substance other that a drug prescribed by a physician is detrimental to the health of the employees, to their job performance, and to the reputation of the Johnsburg Public Library.
Any employee found to be selling or distributing unauthorized drugs will be immediately terminated. In other cases of drug abuse, management will consider the employee’s work record and his/her willingness to undergo treatment before a decision is made.
Go back to the Table of Contents

ETHICS ORDINANCE:

WHEREAS, the Illinois General Assembly has enacted the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (Public Act 93-615, effective November 19, 2003, as amended by Public Act 93-617, effective December 9, 2003), which is a comprehensive revision of State statutes regulating ethical conduct, political activities and the solicitation and acceptance of gifts by State officials and employees; and
WHEREAS, the Act requires all units of local government and school districts, within six months after the effective date of Public Act 93-615, to adopt ordinances or resolutions regulating the political activities of, and the solicitation and acceptance of gifts by, the officers and employees of such units "in a manner no less restrictive" than the provisions of the Act;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Library Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library District as follows:
SECTION 1: The Ordinances of the Johnsburg Public Library District are hereby amended by the addition of the following provisions:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS

Section 1-1. For purposes of this ordinance, the following terms shall be given these definitions:


"Campaign for elective office" means any activity in furtherance of an effort to influence the selection, nomination, election, or appointment of any individual to any federal, State, or local public office or office in a political organization, or the selection, nomination, or election of Presidential or Vice-Presidential electors, but does not include activities (i) relating to the support or opposition of any executive, legislative, or administrative action, (ii) relating to collective bargaining, or (iii) that are otherwise in furtherance of the person's official duties.
"Candidate" means a person who has filed nominating papers or petitions for nomination or election to an elected office, or who has been appointed to fill a vacancy in nomination, and who remains eligible for placement on the ballot at a regular election, as defined in section 1-3 of the Election Code (10 ILCS 5/1-3).
"Collective bargaining" has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 3 of the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act (5 ILCS 315/3).
“Compensated time" means, with respect to an employee, any time worked by or credited to the employee that counts toward any minimum work time requirement imposed as a condition of his or her employment, but for purposes of this Ordinance, does not include any designated holidays, vacation periods, personal time, compensatory time off or any period when the employee is on a leave of absence. With respect to officers or employees whose hours are not fixed, "compensated time" includes any period of time when the officer is on premises under the control of the employer and any other time when the officer or employee is executing his or her official duties, regardless of location.
"Compensatory time off" means authorized time off earned by or awarded to an employee to compensate in whole or in part for time worked in excess of the minimum work time required of that employee as a condition of his or her employment.
"Contribution" has the same meaning as that term is defined in section 9-1.4 of the Election Code (10 ILCS 5/9-1.4).
"Employee" means a person employed by the Johnsburg Public Library District, whether on a full-time or part-time basis or pursuant to a contract, whose duties are subject to the direction and control of an employer with regard to the material details of how the work is to be performed, but does not include an independent contractor.
"Employer" means the Johnsburg Public Library District.
"Gift" means any gratuity, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance, or other tangible or intangible item having monetary value including, but not limited to: cash, food and drink, and honoraria for speaking engagements related to or attributable to government employment or the official position of an officer or employee.
"Leave of absence" means any period during which an employee does not receive (i) compensation for employment, (ii) service credit towards pension benefits, and (iii) health insurance benefits paid for by the employer.
"Officer" means a person who holds, by election or appointment, an office created by statute or ordinance, regardless of whether the officer is compensated for service in his or her official capacity.
"Political activity" means any activity in support of or in connection with any campaign for elective office or any political organization, but does not include activities (i) relating to the support or opposition of any executive, legislative, or administrative action, (ii) relating to collective bargaining, or (iii) that are otherwise in furtherance of the person's official duties.
"Political organization" means a party, committee, association, fund, or other organization (whether or not incorporated) that is required to file a statement of organization with the State Board of Elections or a county clerk under Section 9-3 of the Election Code (10 ILCS 5/9-3), but only with regard to those activities that require filing with the State Board of Elections or a county clerk.
"Prohibited political activity" means:
  1. Preparing for, organizing, or participating in any political meeting, political rally, political demonstration, or other political event.
  2. Soliciting contributions, including but not limited to the purchase of, selling, distributing, or receiving payment for tickets for any political fundraiser, political meeting, or other political event.
  3. Soliciting, planning the solicitation of, or preparing any document or report regarding anything of value intended as a campaign contribution.
  4. Planning, conducting, or participating in a public opinion poll in connection with a campaign for elective office or on behalf of a political organization for political purposes or for or against any referendum question.
  5. Surveying or gathering information from potential or actual voters in an election to determine probable vote outcome in connection with a campaign for elective office or on behalf of a political organization for political purposes or for or against any referendum question.
  6. Assisting at the polls on election day on behalf of any political organization or candidate for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
  7. Soliciting votes on behalf of a candidate for elective office or a political organization or for or against any referendum question or helping in an effort to get voters to the polls.
  8. Initiating for circulation, preparing, circulating, reviewing, or filing any petition on behalf of a candidate for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
  9. Making contributions on behalf of any candidate for elective office in that capacity or in connection with a campaign for elective office.
  10. Preparing or reviewing responses to candidate questionnaires.
  11. Distributing, preparing for distribution, or mailing campaign literature, campaign signs, or other campaign material on behalf of any candidate for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
  12. Campaigning for any elective office or for or against any referendum question.
  13. Managing or working on a campaign for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
  14. Serving as a delegate, alternate, or proxy to a political party convention.
  15. Participating in any recount or challenge to the outcome of any election.
"Prohibited source" means any person or entity who:
  1. is seeking official action (i) by an officer or (ii) by an employee, or by the officer or another employee directing that employee;
  2. does business or seeks to do business (i) with the officer or (ii) with an employee, or with the officer or another employee directing that employee;
  3. conducts activities regulated (i) by the officer or (ii) by an employee, or by the officer or another employee directing that employee; or
  4. has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or non-performance of the official duties of the officer or employee.
ARTICLE II
PROHIBITED POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
(a) No officer or employee shall intentionally perform any prohibited political activity during any compensated time, as defined herein. No officer or employee shall intentionally use any property or resources of the Johnsburg Public Library District in connection with any prohibited political activity.
(b) At no time shall any officer or employee intentionally require any other officer or employee to perform any prohibited political activity (i) as part of that officer or employee's duties, (ii) as a condition of employment, or (iii) during any compensated time off (such as holidays, vacation or personal time off).
(c) No officer or employee shall be required at any time to participate in any prohibited political activity in consideration for that officer or employee being awarded additional compensation or any benefit, whether in the form of a salary adjustment, bonus, compensatory time off, continued employment or otherwise, nor shall any officer or employee be awarded additional compensation or any benefit in consideration for his or her participation in any prohibited political activity.
(d) Nothing in this Section prohibits activities that are permissible for an officer or employee to engage in as part of his or her official duties, or activities that are undertaken by an officer or employee on a voluntary basis which are not prohibited by this Ordinance.
(e) No person either (i) in a position that is subject to recognized merit principles of public employment or (ii) in a position the salary for which is paid in whole or in part by federal funds and that is subject to the Federal Standards for a Merit System of Personnel Administration applicable to grant-in-aid programs, shall be denied or deprived of employment or tenure solely because he or she is a member or an officer of a political committee, of a political party, or of a political organization or club.
ARTICLE III
GIFT BAN
Section 1. Except as permitted by this Article, no officer or employee, and no spouse of or immediate family member living with any officer or employee (collectively referred to herein as "recipients"), shall intentionally solicit or accept any gift from any prohibited source, as defined herein, or which is otherwise prohibited by law or ordinance. No prohibited source shall intentionally offer or make a gift that violates this Section.
Section 2. Exceptions. Section 1 is not applicable to the following:
  1. Opportunities, benefits, and services that are available on the same conditions as for the general public.
  2. Anything for which the officer or employee, or his or her spouse or immediate family member, pays the fair market value.
  3. Any (i) contribution that is lawfully made under the Election Code or (ii) activities associated with a fundraising event in support of a political organization or candidate.
  4. Educational materials and missions.
  5. Travel expenses for a meeting to discuss business.
  6. A gift from a relative, meaning those people related to the individual as father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, great aunt, great uncle, first cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister, and including the father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother of the individual's spouse and the individual's fiancé or fiancee.
  7. Anything provided by an individual on the basis of a personal friendship unless the recipient has reason to believe that, under the circumstances, the gift was provided because of the official position or employment of the recipient or his or her spouse or immediate family member and not because of the personal friendship. In determining whether a gift is provided on the basis of personal friendship, the recipient shall consider the circumstances under which the gift was offered, such as: (i) the history of the relationship between the individual giving the gift and the recipient of the gift, including any previous exchange of gifts between those individuals; (ii) whether to the actual knowledge of the recipient the individual who gave the gift personally paid for the gift or sought a tax deduction or business reimbursement for the gift; and (iii) whether to the actual knowledge of the recipient the individual who gave the gift also at the same time gave the same or similar gifts to other officers or employees, or their spouses or immediate family members.
  8. Food or refreshments not exceeding $75 per person in value on a single calendar day; provided that the food or refreshments are (i) consumed on the premises from which they were purchased or prepared or (ii) catered. For the purposes of this Section, "catered" means food or refreshments that are purchased ready to consume which are delivered by any means.
  9. Food, refreshments, lodging, transportation, and other benefits resulting from outside business or employment activities (or outside activities that are not connected to the official duties of an officer or employee), if the benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of the official position or employment of the officer or employee, and are customarily provided to others in similar circumstances.
  10. Intra-governmental and inter-governmental gifts. For the purpose of this Act, "intra-governmental gift" means any gift given to an officer or employee from another officer or employee, and "inter-governmental gift" means any gift given to an officer or employee by an officer or employee of another governmental entity.
  11. Bequests, inheritances, and other transfers at death.
  12. Any item or items from any one prohibited source during any calendar year having a cumulative total value of less than $100.
Each of the exceptions listed in this Section is mutually exclusive and independent of every other.
Section 3. Disposition of gifts. An officer or employee, his or her spouse or an immediate family member living with the officer or employee, does not violate this Ordinance if the recipient promptly takes reasonable action to return a gift from a prohibited source to its source or gives the gift or an amount equal to its value to an appropriate charity that is exempt from income taxation under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now or hereafter amended, renumbered, or succeeded.
ARTICLE IV
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and posting according to law.
PASSED by the Board of Library Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library District, McHenry County, Illinois on the 11th day of May 2004.
Go back to the Table of Contents

SERVICES TO PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES:

The Johnsburg Public Library offers the same services to patrons with disabilities as to all other segments of the population. In addition to those services, the Johnsburg Public Library acts as facilitator between the patron and Services to the Blind and Physically Handicapped, offers home delivery to patrons with disabilities which prevent them from coming to the library, and welcomes service animals in the library.
Go back to the Table of Contents

IV. PATRON SERVICE POLICIES

BORROWING POLICY:

The Johnsburg Public Library is a tax-supported public library. This means that people residing within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Johnsburg Public Library pay taxes to support the library. Those people who live within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Johnsburg Public Library need pay no additional fee to be eligible to receive their first library card.
As a resident card holder, the borrower identified on the valid borrower’s card may physically take his or her library card to another library to borrow materials. Those materials are the responsibility of the individual who borrows them, and are subject to all of the fines, rules, and regulations of the lending library. Often libraries limit the borrowing privileges of reciprocal borrowers, and it is best to establish local rules and procedures before making your selections.
Individuals residing beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of the Johnsburg Public Library and not within the boundaries of another Illinois public library, and owning no property within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Johnsburg Public Library, may purchase a non-resident library card at the closest participating Illinois public library. The Johnsburg Public Library honors all valid Illinois public library cards, whether they are resident or non-resident cards. The Johnsburg Public Library non-resident card fee shall be determined annually. (Policy updated 3/16/06)
District Residents: A free, three year Johnsburg Public Library card is issued to any resident, or persons who own real estate or rent within the boundaries of the Johnsburg Public Library District. A valid library card must be presented by patrons in order to check out library materials. There is a fee of $2.00 to replace damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen library cards.
Reciprocal Borrowers: Any person who presents a valid library card from an Illinois reciprocal library may use that card to check out all materials from the Johnsburg Public Library. Reciprocal card holders shall abide by all rules and regulations of the Johnsburg Public Library.
Age Requirements: Anyone age 5 and over may apply for his/her own library card subject to the above conditions. All persons, age 17 and under, who apply for a library card must have the application form signed by a parent or guardian before they may receive a library card. This library subscribes to the policy that parents are responsible for the materials which their children read and this library will not actively restrict or censor materials which children check out.
Go back to the Table of Contents

Computer Usage Policy:

At the Johnsburg Public Library, you will find computer stations set aside for online catalog search only, stations that have both the Internet and Microsoft Office products, and one station that is solely for word processing.

By using any computer of the Johnsburg Public Library patrons agree to these terms. These include:

  1. Library staff cannot provide in-depth training. Staff will provide assistance as time and the expertise of the individual staff members permit.
  2. In order to discourage unruly or noisy behavior, staff may limit the number of users at any single workstation at any given time.
  3. There is a one-hour time limit on all workstations, unless no one else is waiting for one.
  4. In no way will a patron use a library computer to break any laws. Patrons will not use library computers to transmit any material in violation of any federal or provincial statute or regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, violating copyrights, using computers to buy or sell illegal items, or creating slanderous or libelous material.
  5. Patrons should not save files onto library stations. Computer hard drives are set to delete saved information each day. The Johnsburg Public Library is not responsible for the loss of any file that may have been saved on a public station. Disks are available for purchase for 50¢ if files need to be saved.
  6. The library accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of personal property incurred as a result of the use of library workstations. This includes but is not limited to damage to users’ disks or personal equipment.
  7. Patrons must use computers for designated use only. Any attempt to break into the library’s computer network, any deliberate attempt to alter software or hardware configurations, or any attempt to cause degradation of system performance or any other ‘hacking’ of library equipment will result in the ban of the patron from library computer stations. The Library Director will decide the length of the ban depending on the severity of the offense.
  8. Wireless Internet access is available at the library. Patrons should be aware that wireless access is less secure than wired access. The library cannot assure the safety of your personal data when you use either our wireless or wired access. The library assumes no responsibility for any problems or damage that may be inflicted on any equipment by using or attempting to connect to the wireless network.

Policy updated 6-13-06

Go back to the Table of Contents

CONDUCT OF PATRONS POLICY:

Library patrons of all ages have a right to expect that the library will be quiet and safe enough for reading and study. The following regulations are authorized by the Public Library District Act, Sections 1004-11, Chapter 81, Illinois Revised Statutes:
  1. A patron of any age who is talking loudly enough to disturb other patrons, or engaging in any activity which disturbs or harasses other patrons or staff, or is damaging library materials or facilities, will be asked to display his library card or other form of identification and to desist from such activity immediately.
  2. If, following such a request, the patron refuses to comply, or responds to the request in an abusive fashion, he will be required to leave the library premises immediately for the balance of that calendar day. If he fails to do so, the police will be summoned.
  3. Upon a third offense, the patron may be required to surrender his library card or may be barred from the library premises for a period not less than three months, or both.
  4. Such instances involving minors will be reported in writing to the parent or guardian.
  5. Persons wishing to appeal such action may do so upon written request to the director.
Go back to the Table of Contents

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY - STAFF HANDBOOK:

Patron Requests:

A patron must present either their barcode number or their patron ID number, either in person or on the telephone, before any information will be given concerning:
When speaking to a family member and not to the patron, information about the material should be restricted as to information that does not reveal the content.

Sample:

If information is requested by a person other than the patron, the staff should state that they are only permitted to discuss specific information with the patron.

Patron Information:

Address, phone numbers, or any other personal information from a patron's record may not be given out without direct consent of the Library Director.
Go back to the Table of Contents

COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS:

The copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) govern the reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance, and public display of protected material.
Under certain conditions, public libraries are authorized to lend, lease, or rent copies of computer programs and video or sound recordings to patrons for nonprofit purposes. Any person who makes an unauthorized copy or adaptation of a computer program or video or sound recording or redistributes the loaned copy or publicly performs or displays the computer program or video or sound recording, except as permitted by Title 17 of the United States Code, may be liable for copyright infringement.
This institution reserves the right to refuse to fulfill a loan request if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the request would likely lead to violation of the copyright law.
Go back to the Table of Contents

DISCIPLINE POLICY:

To insure that all patrons may have considerate use of the Johnsburg Public Library, appropriate behavior is expected. Violation of any of the following rules will result in a warning and/or expulsion from the property. Whenever necessary, police will be contacted. The Director and supervisory staff have authority to carry out all powers of this policy.
  1. No loud talking or boisterous behavior (running, excessive seat changing, etc.).
  2. No food or drink may be consumed in the library (except with prior approval of the Library Board of Library Trustees).
  3. No smoking indoors.
  4. No destruction or mutilation of library property.
  5. No parking bicycles or other vehicles in a manner that blocks or hinders entry to the library.
  6. No conduct which is disruptive to the operation of the library or threatening to patrons, staff, or library property.
Go back to the Table of Contents

DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITS:

Bulletin boards are provided in the library only for the posting of announcements of a general nature which describes an event or activity of public interest to a substantial number of persons in the community. No announcements of a strictly personal nature will be posted. No commercial advertisements may be posted.
Flyers, brochures, pamphlets, etc., accepted for placing on library counters must meet the same criteria set forth above. In no case will library employees participate in the distribution of any but library generated publications.
No poster display, exhibit, pamphlet, brochure, leaflet, or booklet shall be exhibited, displayed, or placed in the library for distribution without permission from the director.
No outside organization or individual shall be permitted to display or exhibit any materials which advocate the election or defeat of a candidate for public office or which advocates an affirmative or negative vote, for or against any proposition, whether political or otherwise.
Exhibit areas are provided within the library. Such areas are subject to the above criteria and are assigned on a first come basis, depending on space requirements of the exhibit. Arrangements for displays should be made in advance with the director. The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the library are done so at the owner’s risk. The display release form (see appendix) must be signed by the individual or organization and the library director.
Go back to the Table of Contents

FAX USAGE :

Fax/Transmission:

Criteria for fax use for patron information:

  1. Use fax when reference request or other library business needs to be answered more quickly than mailed or van delivered copies would allow. There is no fee for this usage when initiated by library staff member.
  2. If request does not meet above criteria or is for non-library related business, use fax when patron is willing to pay cost. Costs for domestic calls is $1.00 per page. Costs for international calls are determined using current rates. A cover sheet is excluded from the per page fee. (policy updated 4/12/05)

Fax/Receiving:

$1.00 per page. The Johnsburg Public Library assumes no responsibility of notification of the receipt of a fax for an individual. The fax will be held by the library for one week and then discarded if not picked up. No effort to notify the individual of the arrival of the fax will be made.

Go back to the Table of Contents

HOURS OF OPERATION:

The library will be open the following times, twelve months a year.

Monday 8:30 a.m. -  9:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. -  9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. -  9:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m. -  9:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. -  5:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. -  5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. during the school year.

The library will be closed on Sundays from Memorial Day through the 2nd Sunday in September (Saufen und Spiel), as well as Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day. Staff working these Sunday hours will get paid at time and a half. (Revised 12/13/05)

The library will close those holidays during the year approved by the Board of Trustees. The library may close for special circumstances or during an emergency. The following days are considered holidays:

Jan 1, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Dec. 31.

Go back to the Table of Contents

INTERNET POLICY

(Policy revised 6/8/04, 6/13/06):

Internet access is available on selected public terminals for all users of the Johnsburg Public Library. Access to the Internet is compatible with the library's endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and with its collection development policy. The library makes this service available as part of its mission to inform, educate, entertain and provide cultural enrichment to people of all ages throughout its service area.
The Johnsburg Public Library uses Internet filters to protect children from pornographic or extremely obscene images as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). No filtering solution is 100% effective. The Johnsburg Public Library makes no claims that every pornographic site or image will be filtered, although the library has made a good faith effort to attempt to do this with its filters. The library’s filters may be turned off at individual stations at the request of any patron age 18 and older, as long as the request is for accessing information that is not considered illegal. The Johnsburg Public Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Information may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date, controversial or even offensive to some people.
Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. Staff will assist users as time permits.
Children age 17 and under must have a signed parental permission form on file before using the Internet. AS WITH ALL LIBRARY MATERIALS, PARENTS OR GUARDIANS, NOT LIBRARY STAFF. ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPERVISING INTERNET USE BY THEIR CHILDREN.
Internet may NOT be used for chat rooms.
Users may not add, delete, or modify the equipment or programs in any way. Library users must comply with all local, state and federal laws while using Internet. Users found to have violated any laws (including, but not limited to, those concerning copyright, fraud, privacy or obscenity) will have their computer privileges revoked. Internet users who choose to conduct fee-based services while using the library's Internet are responsible for any charges that they incur.
The library charges 10 cents a page for printing in black and white from all computer workstations. Color pages are available for $1.00 per page.
Patrons may access the Internet for no more than one hour each day, unless no one else is waiting for a terminal. Usage is available on a first come-first served basis.
The library may deny or withhold computer/Internet privileges for infractions of these policies.
Go back to the Table of Contents

MEETING ROOM POLICY:

The Board of Trustees of the Johnsburg Public Library District offers the use of the library's meeting room to non-profit groups for educational, cultural, and civic purposes free of charge, provided such meetings are open to the general public. For-profit groups may use the room upon payment of $50 per meeting. The library and the Board of Trustees do not support any position taken by any group by virtue of allowing a group to use the public meeting room.

1. Permission to use the library's public meeting room will be based on the following considerations:

2. Any of the above conditions may be waived by the Library Director in consultation with the Board of Trustee