Circulation Policy

McIntosh Memorial Library

Circulation Policy

1. A. Registration
   1. All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid local or system patron card to borrow library materials. 
   2. Patrons must fill out an application form to register for a new library card.  The following statement will be printed on the registration form for the patron’s information and acceptance:

(a)   I agree to be responsible for all items borrowed with the library card issued in the above name, including items borrowed with it by others with or without my consent unless I have previously reported the loss of my card.  I promise to comply with all library rules and policies both present and future, and to give prompt notice of change of address or loss of library card.

1. Identification is required to register for a library card.  Applicants must provide identification in the form of a driver’s license, student ID, state ID, passport or recent piece of non personal mail.
2. Applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a card can be issued.  This parental signature is required for children who are renewing cards.  Or acquiring replacement cards.  Applicants under the age of 18 must also sign the application below the parental signature.
3. Materials cannot be checked out until a library card is issued.
4. In order to renew a library card, patrons may be asked to produce identification and must clear all outstanding fines and bills.

1. B. Lost or Forgotten Cards
   1. If a patron loses his/her library card, he should notify the library as soon as possible and request a replacement.
   2. All patrons, are required to present their library cards, passport, state issued ID, student ID or drivers license to check out items.
   3. Patrons without a library card or proper id such as a state issued ID, student ID, or passport cards will be denied the privilege of checking out materials until they present their card or proper identification at the library.
   4. There is no charge for a replacement card.  A new patron registration card shall be filled out to obtain a replacement.

1. C. Loan Periods
   1. Books may be checked out for a three week period with up to three renewals of three additional weeks if the material is not requested by another patron.
   2. Generally reference books do not circulate. 
   3. Interlibrary loans are due the date indicated by the lending library.
   4. Current issues of periodicals circulate.
   5. Non-current periodicals may be checked out for one week from the Adult Department and three weeks from the Children’s Department.
   6. Audio books owned by the library may be checked out for 3 weeks.
   7. VHS Tapes and DVD’s may be checked out for 1 week.
   8. The Director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand, such as for student projects, or materials added to the collection which are in a new format, e.g. computer software.

1. D. Return of Materials
   1. Books owned by the McIntosh Memorial Library may be returned at any library in the state of WI.  The patron is responsible for the book until it is returned.

1. E. Reserves
   1. Reserves may be placed by patrons either in person, over the phone, or online.  Patrons will be notified by a mailer, telephone or e-mail when the materials are available.  The reserve item will be held for 7 days.

1. F. Fines and Charges
   1. Fines

a).  Fines will be charged for overdue library materials according to a schedule set by the Library Board of Trustees.  Currently the fines are:

1.  5 cents per day/item for periodicals

2.  10 cents per day/item for books

3.  50 cents per day/item for videotapes and DVD’s

4.  10 cents per day for Audio books

5.  Maximum fine accrued per item will be $20.00

b). No fines will accrue on Sundays, Holidays, or days the library is closed.

c).Any fines of over $10.00, overdue items or lost materials must be cleared from the borrower’s records before checkout privileges are restored.

d). While the library makes every effort to notify patrons with overdue  materials, it is under no obligation to do so.  All overdue notices are a courtesy not a patron right.

e). All materials are provided with a date due slip for patron use.

1. 2. Lost Materials

a).  Charges for lost materials are based upon the cost of repair, rebinding or replacement for in print items.  If the materials are out-of print the price assessed for each item will be an average cost based upon current pricing for materials in that category.  In addition a processing fee of $5.00/item will be charged to cover the cost of reordering, book jackets, preparation of cataloging, refilling and reentering on the database, postage for notices….

b). Fines will accrue until the item is paid for, and then the fine amount is also to be paid.  This is to ensure timely response to notices, and to have resources available to the community.  Once an item is paid for, no refunds will be given.

1. G. Damaged Materials
   1. If materials are damaged so as to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost.
   2. Audiovisual materials returned with damage (case, broke tape…) will be assessed the replacement cost for the damaged item.  (If it not possible to replace individual tapes, then full replacement cost for the set will be charged.)
   3. The patron will receive the damaged material (if they so desire) when they have paid in full for the material.  If the library determines the book can be rebound, the patron will be charged for rebinding of the item-they will not receive the item.   If an irreplaceable item can be used but not circulated the patron will be charged for the loss of use.  (75% of cost)

1. H. Confidentiality
   1. The relevant Wisconsin laws concerning the confidentiality of library records are Wisconsin Statues Section 43.30 and the Wisconsin Personal Information Practices Act (sections 19.62 to 19.80).

Under Section 43.30, library records which indicate the identity of any individual who borrows or uses the library’s documents or other materials, resources or services may be only be disclosed:

(1)   With the consent of the individual library user, or

(2)   By court order, or

(3)   To custodial parents or guardians of children under the age of 16, or

(4)   To persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the library or library system, or

(5)   To other libraries (under certain circumstances) for interlibrary loan purposed [see ss. 43.30 (2) and (3).

1. The McIntosh Memorial Library adheres strictly to all sections of this Statute regarding the protection of the confidentiality of its users.

Adopted: 5/9/09

Revised: 6/16/11

Adopted w/revisions: 6/20/11