Library Policies

The Buchanan County Public Library provides 3D printing for the public on a limited basis. Printing is done by scheduling printing time through the library’s Maker Space. Before time can be scheduled the patron will need to attend a library program that demonstrates the 3D printer, Book-a-Librarian for a one-hour demonstration of the 3D printer, or complete an online Niche Academy training for the equipment and present that certificate to the Maker Space staff.

Terms of Use and Copyright

BCPL reserves the right to halt, delete, or disallow the creation of items that are: Unsafe, harmful, or dangerous and could pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others. Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment. In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, trademark protection, or not covered under Fair Use.

BCPL is not responsible for patron’s property, including digital property. While staff will aim to ensure prints come out correctly, we cannot be held responsible for unsuccessful prints.

Cost of 3D printing

BCPL supplies filament for 3D prints, at the cost of $.20 per gram. If your print requires supports or rafts to print correctly, the additional weight will be calculated into your final cost. Patrons who wish to use their own filament will need to discuss this with a Maker Space staff member.

To use the 3D printer:

Step: 1. Design your model for printing using a computer-aided design (CAD) software program. There are numerous open source and free software options to render your digital model including Tinkercad, OpenSCAD, and Sketchup. Users will need to submit their file in .STL file format in order for library staff to convert the file to one that the 3D printer will read. If you do not wish to design your own 3D object, there are sources to find models already designed that you may print or alter and then print. Three of these resources are Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, and Yeggi.

Step: 2. The library will schedule only one 3D print per day per person or entity. Items printed from the library 3D printer not picked up within two weeks will become the property of the library. Items must be picked up by the individual who printed them. Legal guardians may pick up items for minors. If you have several files to print, please submit each of these separately by filling out a separate 3D Printing Request Form for each print. All submissions are subject to approval based on scheduling and availability.

Step: 3. Arrive a few minutes early for your Maker Space appointment. Late arrival may mean that the appointment will be rescheduled.

Step: 4. Sign a waiver agreeing to be responsible for your use of the equipment and acknowledging that the Buchanan County Public Library is not responsible for the quality of your project. Users may see imperfections in their prints. You can clean up some of these with fine sand paper or other tools. Support material is often needed if the design has large overhangs. Staff will not be responsible for removing any supporting material for the user.

Step: 5. Start and complete your project.

The Buchanan County Public Library maintains a web calendar in order to keep our patrons up to date on events, programs, and classes at the library. We will be using the calendar subscription lists to keep in touch with patrons through email. Patrons can subscribe and unsubscribe as they desire within the calendar software. We are expanding the opportunity for community members to post their own events in our calendar under the following guidelines:

1. All library events, programs, and activities will be listed in both the public calendar and the staff information calendar as appropriate.
2. Calendar submissions will be reviewed on Monday and Thursday. The Director, the Public Services staff, the Library Administrative Assistant, and appropriate part time staff will approve community submissions as needed on those days. The library Systems Administrator will act as tech support.
3. Community submissions must include name of event, location, time, description of event, and contact information of responsible party. Those submitting event should include an appropriate photograph, graphic, or other item that can appear with the event as well as suggestion of event category. Those submitting events are responsible for the accuracy of the submission.
4. Noncommercial community events will be considered first with the library having the right not to approve any event.
5. Events may fall onto more than one listing category. Library staff has the right (not the obligation) to post to any listing or not to post based on common sense understanding of the nature of any event.
6. Calendar subscribers are subscribing to the Library subscription list. Their information falls under the library’s privacy guidelines and is not available to those submitting events to our calendar.
7. All calendar events are subject to change and the Library is not responsible for non-library event changes. Community members who do not update their events may lose posting privileges.
8. Calendar event categories include:
   1. All
   2. Arts and Cultural Events
   3. Buchanan County Public Library Event
   4. Civic Organization Events
   5. Community Resource Events
   6. Government Event
   7. Sports and Recreation Events
   8. Library Staff

Introduction

It is the goal of the Buchanan County Public Library to meet the intellectual, practical, leisure and other library needs of the citizens of Buchanan County. In keeping with this goal, the Buchanan County Public Library provides Internet access to library patrons.

The Buchanan County Public Library does not control the information available on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. While the staff will assist patrons in accessing the Internet, and will provide pointers to resources which have been judged reliable, users are encouraged to be critical consumers and to evaluate information carefully.

Notice to Patrons

The possession and distribution of obscene materials (see Code of Virginia, Section 18.2-374 et seq.) and child pornography (see Code of Virginia, Section 18.2-374 et seq.) are both illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Buchanan County Public Library also prohibits library terminals from being used to access materials deemed harmful to minors (see Code of Virginia, Section 18.2-390 et seq.). All library patrons are hereby notified that no library terminal shall be used to access such illegal or prohibited materials.

In compliance with Code of Virginia, Section 42.2-36.1, the Buchanan County Public Library filters all computers with access to the Internet.

Patron Responsibilities

By signing in to use the Internet at the Buchanan County Public Library, the patron agrees to abide by the terms of this policy. If these terms are not obeyed, then the patron may lose his or her Internet privileges. If a patron has excessive library fines, then his or her privileges may be suspended until all fines are paid.

Access and Use

• To use the Internet at the Buchanan County Public Library, a patron must provide proper identification and sign in at the circulation desk.
• Any person over age 8 may sign in to use the internet.
• Children under age 8 may not use library computers unless under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, teacher, or adult child care provider who has signed up.
• Sessions are limited to one 30-minute block per day. A patron may be issued a second block if no one is waiting for Internet access.
• Patrons may print electronic files or copy them.
• There is a charge of 20 cents per page for 8.5 x 11 in. sheets. Additional charges may apply for other sizes, types, or settings.

Rights of Patrons

The library staff will treat the contents of electronic files as private and confidential. Any inspection of electronic files and any action based upon such inspection will be governed by applicable Federal and Virginia laws, as well as the Buchanan County Public Library policies.

Unauthorized Use

Unauthorized use of the Buchanan County Public Library Internet computer(s) may result in loss of Internet privileges. The following are prohibited:

• Using BCPL computer(s) as a staging ground to hack other BCPL computers or other systems via the Internet.
• Using any BCPL computer for illegal or criminal purposes.
• Attempting to crash computer or network systems by removing system file(s), introducing computer viruses, or modifying any files or settings.
• Changing BIOS, computer, or operating systems settings in any way that affects system operability or causes the system to become unusable or unstable.
• Reading or attempting to read another person’s electronic mail or other personal or protected files.
• Installing personal software on BCPL computers.
• E-mail: Modifying system e-mail settings to allow for the sending and receiving of computer based e-mail. Web based e-mail is allowed.

Any person making unauthorized use of computers in violation of laws including, but not limited to, the Privacy Protection Act of 1974, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, the Computer Virus Eradication Act of 1989, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, the Virginia Computer Crimes Act, and the Electronic Communication Privacy Act may be prosecuted.

Wireless access on a patron’s own devise is subject to an additional Wireless policy.

Adopted by Buchanan County Public Library Board – August 15, 2000

Updated by Buchanan County Public Library Board – December 19, 2005; May 14, 2007; November 16, 2009; October 18, 2010; Feb 27, 2012; Reviewed January 12, 2015

The Buchanan County Public Library ILS blocks patron accounts when fines reach $10.00. Patrons may use the library wireless, read materials inside the library, use photocopy and fax services, and attend programs or events; however charged items will not renew, no new check outs are allowed, and the patron is prohibited from using library internet stations. If the patron is unable to pay the amount owed in full, the patron may establish a payment plan. A payment plan gives patrons an opportunity to put their account back in good standing when circumstances such as illness, car trouble, bad weather, or the cost of a damaged item creates fines and fees beyond their ability to pay at one time. A payment plan will only be established at the discretion of the Director in the following circumstances:

1. All items outstanding are returned in good condition or charged items are deleted and the cost added to the payment plan total.
2. 1st payment of 20% of the total is made when the payment plan is established.
3. Any previous payment plan was cleared in timely fashion at least 12 months before current request.
4. Patron is otherwise in good standing. Patrons with history of nonpayment, seriously delinquent charges such as fines over $50 not paid within five years, more than two previous payment plans, disputed damaged items, or disruptive behavior will not be eligible for a payment plan.

Payment plans follow these guidelines:

1. Payments large enough to clear fine in one year must be made each month by the date plan established.
2. No new damaged item charges or late fees can be added to the plan. The creation of additional charges cancels the payment plan and the total owed is due before the card can be restored.
3. While covered by a payment plan, patron may use library computers and electronic resources; renew items charged to his or her card with same limits as other patrons; and check out up to five items with reduced privilege limits.
4. Once payment plan is ended, patron’s record status is updated and may check out with standard limits and privileges.

Standard borrowing limits are a total of 20 items per in state card with these restrictions:

• Maximum of 5 DVDs or BluRays
• Maximum of 2 DVD Series titles
• Maximum of 2 Cricut cartridges
• Maximum of 2 video games

Out of state cards are limited to a total of 5 items with a 50 % of cost deposit. The deposit will be refunded if items are returned on time and in good condition. Those card holders living in the adjacent counties of Pike, KY and McDowell, WV will have this limit removed after three months if they have established a good patron record during that time period.

A good patron record consists of following library regulations and procedures, such as returning items undamaged and on time. If items are late, all fines must be cleared at time of return or within one month of return. If items are damaged or lost, items shall be paid for promptly. The Library Director shall have the authority to abate the fees for lost or damaged items if it occurs less than twice in a five (5) year period.

While under a payment plan, a patron shall have a reduced borrowing limit. This limit will be reviewed at the end of the plan. At the library director’s discretion, a poor patron record may result in a reduced borrowing limit of 5 items with these restrictions:

• Maximum of 2 video products
• Maximum of 1 Cricut cartridge
• Maximum of 1 video game

This limit may be removed once a good record is reestablished. Good patron status will take five years to reestablish.

In order to provide an atmosphere conducive to the appropriate use of its service and facilities, the Buchanan County Public Library requires the public to comply with the following rules and regulations.

1. Improper conduct is prohibited. The following forms of conduct shall be considered improper:
2. Disorderly or disruptive conduct.
3. Obscene or abusive language or acts.
4. Presence in the library or on the library grounds while under the influence of any intoxicant, narcotic or similar substance.
5. Use of any intoxicant, narcotic or similar substance on the library premises.
6. Gambling.
7. Smoking, use of tobacco products, use of e cigarette or personal vaporizer.
8. Mutilating, defacing, or damaging any library property.
9. The consumption of food or beverages within the library is prohibited without prior permission of library authorities and is permitted only in areas designated by those authorities.
10. All library materials must be charged out and returned in accordance with established procedures prior to removal from the library.
11. All briefcases, oversize handbags, carryalls, luggage, packages, overcoats, and shopping bags are subject to inspection by library staff when the library’s security alarm is triggered by a patron leaving the premises.
12. Library staff may request anyone to provide proper identification while on library property.
13. Attire and shoes appropriate for a public place must be worn.
14. Animals, other than accepted service animals, are not permitted in library buildings.

Failure to comply with any of the above rules and regulations will result in being asked to leave and may result in suspension of library privileges.

In-state, adult Buchanan County Public Library cardholders in good standing may check out a wireless hot spot from the library for a 7-day period. Hot spots are limited to one per cardholder with no renewals. There is a 24-hour wait period before the same cardholder may check out another hot spot. After one week, the hot spot stops working. If the hot spot device is not returned within 14 days or is damaged the patron is liable for a $125.00 replacement fee. Hot spots are circulated with a case containing a hot spot, charging cord, and directions. All items carry an appropriate replacement fee, which will be determined based on current charges for these items.

*Library hot spots are wireless devices that allow the user to connect to the Verizon cell network. They cannot connect reliably in areas that receive less than a two bar signal.* These hot spots are designed for educational, employment, and informational purposes and comply with the Child Internet Protection Act, which limits access to information and images that they deem inappropriate for children. YouTube, Facebook, streaming services, and unfiltered email will be blocked. If you need access to these services, please call the library to discuss options. By using this service, you are agreeing to abide by all Buchanan County Public Library Internet Policies including our acceptable use policy. No library connection may be used for illegal or obscene purposes.

These devices can be used to download ebooks and audiobooks, search the internet, update personal equipment, apply for jobs and upload medical device information. Visit the library’s website at http://bcplnet.org and click on Digital Library for information resources, ebooks, audiobooks and much more.

We assume no responsibility for the security, data files, or safety of equipment or information. The wireless network is not secure. Anyone with a wireless device and the appropriate software may be able to capture your information.

The Buchanan County Public Library offers interlibrary loan service under these guidelines:

1. The item being requested is not available at the Buchanan County Public Library in any format. If it is available, library staff will make every reasonable effort to provide that item in a useable fashion.
2. We will make up to 12 requests per calendar year for each patron as long as that patron is in good standing.
3. Borrowing institutes are allowed up to 12 loans per year as long as they maintain good partner standing.
4. Loans to institutions outside our contract area may be limited due to financial considerations.
5. We do not loan videos, local history materials, materials that do not normally circulate, items in our collection less than one year, or items in high demand by our patrons. We also reserve the right to not loan an item that is part of a series.
6. We will make and fulfill requests according to standard practices in place when requests are made. See Procedure Manual.
7. Associated costs other than those set by our institutional contracts will be collected from the borrowing party.
8. Any patron or borrowing institute who does not pick up items or return items on time will not be eligible for future loans.
9. If a patron or borrowing institute returns a damaged item, fees for that item or items will be assessed.

The Buchanan County Public Library offers meeting space to nonprofit, civic, and community groups at no cost with the following provisions:

1. The meeting is open to the public.
2. No fee is charged to attend.
3. It is scheduled by a representative of the group who agrees to be responsible for any damage done to the meeting space, furniture, or equipment.
4. Correct contact information is provided by the group representative.
5. Any request for equipment such as a laptop, projector, etc. or furniture arrangement is made no less than 24 hours before the meeting.
6. Library programs and work issues take priority over outside groups.
7. Food or drinks of any kind are not permitted without prior arrangement with Library Administration.
8. Space assignment will be based on availability, group size and group needs.
9. Requests for space may be made no more than three months in advance to allow other groups equal opportunity to schedule.
10. All scheduling is done through the Library Administrative Assistant or Director.
11. The Library Administrative Assistant or Director must be notified as soon as possible if the meeting is cancelled.
12. The Director may cancel a reservation due to schedule changes or an emergency. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the group representative as soon as possible.

If space is available, other space assignments may be considered on a case by case basis. The following are the most commonly accepted requests:

1. Classes or meetings that promote economic or community development.
2. Study groups.
3. Zoom or other web based meetings.
4. Private meetings between Buchanan County citizens for personal business reasons.
5. Space will not be scheduled for private parties, profit making ventures, or for those under 18 without adult sponsorship and supervision.

The Buchanan County Public Library Memory Lab provides, space, tools, and skill instruction to enable patrons to engage and preserve the history of their lives and community. The Lab will facilitate lifelong learning, promote digital citizenship, and assist in local history preservation. Library staff will be instructors and facilitators. The equipment is designed to be self-service with minimal staff supervision. No child under 8 will be scheduled for equipment use. Children 8 up to 15 must have a parent or guardian present. The following services/equipment will be available:

• LP/EP/SP (Phonographic Records)
• Audio Cassette
• 3.5″ Floppy
• Photos/Slides
• VHS/DVD

*Patron supplies own storage device which includes external hard drive, USB flash drive, DVD/CD, SD card, or could storage*

To use the Memory Lab:

1. Attend a library program that demonstrates the Memory Lab, Book-a-Librarian for a one-hour demonstration of the Memory Lab, or complete an online Niche Academy training for the equipment and present that certificate to the Memory Lab staff.
2. Schedule time with the Memory Lab. All projects occur in real time and the patron is required to be present. For example, a one hour VHS tape transfer to digital will require a 3-hour block of time to complete.
3. Arrive a few minutes early for your Memory Lab appointment. Late arrival may mean that the appointment will be rescheduled.
4. Sign a waiver agreeing to be responsible for your use of the equipment and acknowledging that the Buchanan County Public Library is not responsible for the quality of your project. We reserve the right to inspect and disallow any item the patron wishes to convert due to suitability and condition.
5. Start and complete your project.

The Buchanan County Public Library sets overdue fines and fees to encourage responsibility and to recover costs for services not used by all patrons. They are set at cost recovery and not in an attempt to generate profit. As costs increase, fees may rise. The following list is illustrative and does not include all fines or fees.

• Overdue book, magazine, cd $.05 per day max $5.00
• DVD, Cricut, or Video Game $1.00 per day max $10.00
• Replacement Library card 1-2 $1.00
• 3-5 replacement cards $3.00
• 6 or more replacement cards $5.00

If an item is lost or damaged beyond use, the patron will be charged what the acquisitions person set as the cost when the item was added to the library collection or a reasonable replacement fee as determined by the Director plus processing fees and any accumulated fines. If an item is repairable to an acceptable level, the Director may charge a reasonable repair fee.

Other fees:

• Photocopies 8×11 $.20 sheet one side
• Lamination 8×11 $1.00
• Faxes $.50 per page

Free wireless access is available at the Buchanan County Public Library. No phone jack or plug is needed. Simply turn on your laptop, notebook, or other wireless device equipped with 802.11b or 802.11g wireless networking. Our public access network connection should appear in your available network list. If it does not, move to another location in the library or check at the Circulation Desk for information on hot spot locations. Not all areas of the library property may have a signal at all times.

If your device does not have wireless networking, check with the device manufacturer as there may be options available. The BCPL provides no technical support for patron’s equipment.

We assume no responsibility for the security, data files, or safety of equipment or information. The wireless network is not secure. Anyone with a wireless device and the appropriate software may be able to capture your information.

Wireless access is filtered; however, no filter is infallible. By using this service, you are agreeing to abide by all Buchanan County Public Library Internet Policies including our acceptable use policy. No library connection may be used for illegal or obscene purposes.

Materials added to the Buchanan County Public Library collection are carefully considered and added under the following guidelines according to standard library practices and the Library Bill of Rights (Section 8.1).

1. Material supports the library’s mission.
2. Provides balance to the collection by offering differing viewpoints.
3. Fulfills demand for high interest material.
4. Assists in preserving Buchanan County history and culture for future generations.

If an item in our collection is challenged, we will carefully consider the challenge. To aid us in making a fully informed decision, we require the person making the challenge to complete the Reconsideration of Library Material form (Section 7.16). Due to the many considerations involved, this process may take up to 6 weeks to complete. Once a final determination is made, the person presenting the challenge will be informed of whatever action is taken and the reason behind that action.

We filter access to the internet under laws governing internet access in libraries, material harmful to minors, obscenity, and other reasons stated in our Internet Policy. We will also block sites known to damage computer systems. If a patron attempts to visit certain sites, that patron may receive a blocked site message or a blank screen. If he or she feels that the site should be allowed, we will carefully consider the challenge.

To aid us in making a fully informed decision, we require the person making the challenge to complete the Reconsideration of Website Viewing form (Section 7.17). Due to the many considerations involved, this process may take up to 6 weeks to complete. Once a final determination is made, the person presenting the challenge will be informed of whatever action is taken and the reason behind that action.

All visitors to the Buchanan County Public Library are asked to abide by the Library Code of Conduct (Section 4.2). They are also expected to abide by our policies and procedures and all Virginia and United States laws. If a person on library property is actively breaking a law, is violent or abusive, or refuses to leave when requested by library staff, the Director or the next in Decision chain will call the appropriate authorities. Once the situation is under control, the Library Board Chair or Board member will be updated. Persons asked to leave property or escorted off property by authorities will not be permitted to return to the library or library property until that person attends a Library Board of Trustees meeting to present his or her case. The Board will determine whether the individual will be allowed to return to the library or library property.

A patron who is denied internet access because of internet policy violations may present his or her case at a Library Board of Trustees meeting. The Library Board will carefully examine documentation and other records of violation and make a determination on whether or not to allow future access.

Goal: To gather and maintain a well balanced, useful, and attractive library collection with attention to circulating and non-circulating material of all formats and access levels.

Objectives:

• Survey all areas of the collection within a 5-year period.
• Weed poorly utilized, unattractive, unusable, and out of date materials.
• Purchase materials to balance the collection.
• Update electronic records and perform inventory control tasks.

The schedule for Nonfiction goes as follows:

• Every year in August: Reference
• Every year in October: Magazines & Periodicals
• Every year:
  
  • Nonfiction 100’s-Computers
  • Nonfiction 300’s-Current Events
  • Nonfiction 600’s-Medical
• Every 2 years:
  
  • Nonfiction 500’s-Science
  • Nonfiction 930’s—Travel
  • Audio Books
  • Music
• Every 3 years:
  
  • Nonfiction 900’s—History
  • Genealogy
• Every 4 years:
  
  • Nonfiction 400’s—Language
  • Nonfiction 700’s-Art
  • Software
• Every 5 years
  
  • Nonfiction 200’s—Religion
  • Nonfiction 800’s—Literature
  • Video/DVD

The Schedule for Fiction goes as follows:

• Every year in March & September:
  • Paperbacks
• Every year:
  
  • Large Print
  • Short Stories
  • YP
• Every 2 years:
  
  • A-E
  • F-J
  • J A-M
• Every 3 years:
  
  • K-O
  • J N-Z
• Every 4 years:
  
  • P-T
  • E A-M
• Every 5 years:
  
  • U-Z
  • E N-Z

If time or space become an issue, additional weeding may be done at times other than those listed.