Our Library Policies

Library Card Policy
Library Operations
Library Collection Development
Community Relations
Personnel Policy
Volunteer Policy
Technology Policy
Library Affiliations
Unattended Children Policy
Computer Policy

In-Library Use Equipment Policy
Friends of the Library
Sex Offenders Against Minors
Emergency & Unexpected Closures
Library Conduct Policy
Bylaws

Library Card Policy

Who can get a library card, how to apply, and how to use your library card.

Library Operations

Date of Original Approval – Unknown

Library Collection Development

Date approved – unknown

Community Relations

Date approved – unknown

Personnel Policy

Date approved:  3/13/08

Volunteer Policy

Technology Policy

Library Affiliations

Unattended Children Policy

Date approved – unknown

Reviewed – 5/94, 10/98, 6/99, 1/05, 4/10/08, 5/14/12, 2/10/2014

Revised – 5/94, 10/98, 6/99, 1/13/05

VIII. UNATTENDED CHILD POLICY

A. The Library will strive to provide the best possible library service to children in an atmosphere where all children feel welcome, safe and comfortable with the staff and other patrons in the library. However, the Library has other roles, as well as space and staff limitations, and is not equipped for childcare or babysitting. Therefore, children shall not be left at the Library for an extended period of time.

If an unattended child is being disruptive, is habitually left unattended for extended periods of time or is deemed at risk of coming to harm, an effort will be made to locate the responsible parent, guardian or caregiver. If necessary, appropriate law enforcement or child protective authorities will be notified to take custody of the child.

 B. Children under eight (8) years of age shall be attended and supervised by an adult or mature adolescent unless a child is attending a library program planned for that age group.

C. Children attending special library programs are the sole responsibility of parent, guardian or caregiver before and after the program.

 D. For the safety of the child left unattended in the Wellman-Scofield Public Library at closing, appropriate law enforcement authorities will be contacted to take custody of the child. Staff will wait 15 minutes after closing before this measure is taken.

      The staff will use the following procedures when dealing with a lost or unattended child:

1. Staff will attempt to locate the child’s parent, guardian or caregiver.
2. If the parent, guardian or caregiver cannot be located, the proper authorities will be notified.
3. Under no circumstances will the staff take the child out of the building.
4. An incident report will be filled out and kept on record at the Wellman-Scofield Public Library.

 E. The Wellman-Scofield Public Library Board of Trustees and staff respect the privacy of all library patrons. We will intervene only when a staff member deems that the safety and well being of a child is threatened.

Computer Policy

The library has public computers with Internet access.

Date approved: 2/11/02
Reviewed: 12/05, 1/06, 3/08, 12/11, 10/12, 6/10/13, 4/8/2019, 02/10/2020
Revised: 3/02, 1/06, 12/11, 10/12, 6/10/13, 02/20/2020

X. COMPUTER & INTERNET USAGE

DISCLAIMER:
A. The Wellman-Scofield Public Library participates and complies with all sections and
disclaimers within Code of Iowa Chapter 728.X, dealing with Obscenity & Pornography, and
bases internet usage policies accordingly.
B. The Wellman-Scofield Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the
information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.
C. The Wellman-Scofield Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or
responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its
electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.
D. The Library’s mission does not include censoring patron’s access to materials or protect
patrons from information they may find offensive. However, as the Library is not able to
exercise the same selection criteria to Internet resources that it applies to materials held in
its collections, the Library may provide hardware and software mechanisms (“filters”) to
restrict access to specific sources determined by Library staff to be inconsistent with its
mission and collection development policies.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

1. The Wellman-Scofield Public Library’s purpose of public access to the Internet is to further
   support the community’s informational, learning, cultural, and recreational needs.
2. As the Wellman-Scofield Public Library’s computers are in public view of patrons of all ages,
   internet users are asked to use discretion when accessing the Internet. It shall be the
   responsibility of the Internet user to protect the public from viewing materials on the screen that
   may be offensive or inappropriate to others. Failure to do so may result in loss of Wellman-
   Scofield Public Library Internet privileges.
3. Internet users may not send, display, or receive text or graphics that may reasonably be
   construed as obscene or offensive. They may not send, receive, or display text or graphics that
   are legally denied by state or federal law as obscene or involve child pornography. Any usage
   of chat rooms is prohibited within the library premises. Any action that violates state, local,
   or federal law will be prosecuted. The user will lose Wellman-Scofield Public Library
   Internet privilege.
4. Certain information on the internet is not free. A user is NOT allowed to request this
   information. If a user does and the Wellman-Scofield Public Library is charged, the user will
   pay for all costs incurred.
5. Patrons using library computers should be knowledgeable in basic computer operation. Only
   minimal instruction, as time permits, can be offered by Wellman-Scofield Public Library staff.
   Exploring the Internet is the best way to become proficient in its use.
6. Patrons are advised to remember that they will often find specific information they need right
   here in the Wellman-Scofield Public Library, in our books, periodicals, CD-ROM databases, etc.

RULES AND PROCEDURES:

1. Misuse of library computers (including Internet access), may result in loss of computer
   privileges, with the length of suspension to be determined by the Wellman-Scofield Public
   Library Board of Trustees and staff. The Wellman-Scofield Public Library staff reserves the
   right to immediately suspend a person’s use of the computer if problems (such as excessive
   noise, hardware or software malfunctions) occur. Patrons are asked to alert the Librarian to any
   technical difficulties, computer freeze-ups, etc.
2. Computers can be checked out up to the last 10 minutes before closing each day. Computer
   use is limited to 1 hour sessions, unless prior consent is given by library personnel for
   extended usage. A computer session may be automatically extended if no other patron is
   waiting, but will then end if another patron wishes computer time.
3. Computer sessions may be reserved in person or via telephone up to one day in advance, in
   one hour increments. Patrons arriving late for a reserved hourly session will forfeit the unused
   portion of their reserved time, but may extend their session if no other patron is waiting.
4. No telecommunications or other fees may be charged to the Wellman-Scofield Public Library.
5. No food or drink is allowed in the computer area.
6. Computer users will be held responsible for damage to equipment or library materials, and will
   billed for repair or replacement cost caused by their misuse or failure to follow these guidelines.
   Parents/guardians will be notified if the damage is caused by minors.
7. Only the Wellman-Scofield Public Library’s software may be used on the computers. Software
   is not to be downloaded (or installed) on the Wellman-Scofield Public Library computers.
   Patrons may suggest certain software be installed by library staff, but Wellman-Scofield has
   every right to deny such suggestions. Users may make NO CONFIGURATION CHANGES to
   the computers.
8. The use of Wellman-Scofield computers requires patrons to abide by accepted rules of network
   and library etiquette. Users should conduct themselves as follows:
   a. Be polite and respect library staff and any patron with the library.
   b. Respect the privacy of others by not watching other patrons as they type in passwords
   or read email.
   c. Use appropriate (not abusive, demeaning or vulgar) language.
   d. Know that your computer monitor may be viewed by other patrons, and that viewing of
   pornographic or obscene programs or websites may be offensive to other library
   patrons and will not be tolerated.
9. Within the copyright law, patrons may download or print information. Applications or files may
   not be saved to the hard drives. They may be saved to a disk or USB flash-drive only.The
   Wellman-Scofield Public Library is not responsible for any damage to a person’s disk or
   computer, loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from Patron’s use of the Wellman-
   Scofield Public Library computer.
10. Patrons are warned that the Wellman-Scofield Public Library does not guarantee virus
    protection. Any download from the Internet may contain a virus.
11. To access e-mail, the user must obtain an individual address through such options as Hotmail,
    Excite, etc. To send or receive, user may then log on through the webmail address the service
    provider indicates.
12. There may be no more than one (1) person at a computer unless said patron is a child
    accompanied by an adult, or two (2) for an educational or work related research project, and
    only if given prior permission by library staff.
13. The Wellman-Scofield Public Library Staff will provide as much assistance as time allows.
14. Wireless may be provided, free of charge, to library patrons. Due to security and
    bandwidth concerns, library staff may restrict wireless from external access through the
    implementation of a frequently changed password available by request to in-library
    wireless users.
15. As it is difficult to anticipate all future problems of Internet and computer use issues, the
    Wellman-Scofield Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to adjust above guidelines as
    needed. This policy is subject to change without notice.

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In-Library Use Equipment Policy

1. Wellman Library cardholder in good standing may check out a (1) tablet or (1) laptop for use within the library. By checking out a device, the cardholder is assuming responsibility for damaged equipment and understanding the policies for its use. If any equipment is damaged while in your possession, you will be responsible for the cost of the repairs, not to exceed the replacement cost of that item. The library will not accept replacement devices or accessories purchased by the borrower.  Failure to pay any amount owed will be considered an outstanding debt to the Wellman Scofield Public Library and will be added as a fee to the borrower’s library card.  The patron will be barred from borrowing devices until the fee has been paid.
2. Replacement costs vary according to the type and model of hardware, and we reserve the right to purchase an equal or similar model in case of discontinuation.

HP ProBook 440 G4- CoreI3 7100U/2.4 GHz – Win 10 Home 64 bit-4 GB RAM @$599.99

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1” 16 GB @ $299.99

1. Given the expense of the equipment, the library requires photo identification and a Wellman-Scofield library card for equipment that is borrowed.
2. Children up to the age of 14 may check out a tablet and be accompanied by a responsible parent or legal guardian who has a library account in good standing and has signed an In-library Equipment Use Agreement.
3. Users ages 18 and over must sign an In-library equipment use agreement form prior to checking out a laptop or tablet for the first time. No equipment will be checked out to a patron until this form has been signed.
4. Under no circumstances should a laptop or tablet be left unattended in the library. If for any reason, a borrower has to leave the library while the laptop/tablet is still checked out, the device will be left at the Circulation desk until it can be used again (including using the restroom).
5. Devices checked out within the library are not to be taken outside of the library. The Washington County Sheriff will be called immediately if a laptop/tablet is removed from the building without permission.
6. The library staff reserves the right to terminate a person’s use of the library’s equipment if the patron is known to have caused problems such as disruptive behavior, abuse of equipment, or habitually turning equipment in late. Any damage will be assessed on an individual basis by the Library Director and Board of Trustees.
7. Devices and any accessories must be returned to the Library Staff member at the circulation desk at least ½ hour before closing time. Devices left unattended or given to another person to use remain the responsibility of the borrower.
8. No saving to the hard drive of any library laptop. No downloading of any games or apps are permitted. It is the responsibility of the user to bring a data storage device compatible with the computers or utilize cloud storage.
9. The Wellman Scofield Public Library takes no responsibility for any loss or damage to patrons’ data or media due to hardware, software, electrical surge or failure, or any other cause while the patron is using library computer equipment.
10. The library holds no responsibility for the privacy of data patrons enter onto devices. The library’s wireless network is open.
11. Use of the Internet on a library device implies agreement with the Wellman-Scofield Public Library Internet Use Agreement.
12. The staff will assist with basic device usage questions but is not available on a regular basis for extensive training of users. Users are expected to have a working knowledge of the electronics devices and programs.

Unacceptable use of electronic devices:

• Leaving device unattended in the library at any time
• Allowing more than one user to be on the same laptop at one time or allowing users who have not signed an In-Library Equipment Use Agreement
• Taking a device out of the library building or into a restricted area of the library (e.g. restroom)
• Saving to the hard drive, downloading games or apps
• Installing software from outside the library onto the laptop/tablet
• Not following the library’s Internet Use Policy
• Handling a laptop or tablet in a manner that can lead to damage or equipment (e.g. dropping the device onto a hard surface, pushing on the screen of the device, downloading potentially hazardous files)

The library reserves the right to update and change this policy at any time without notice.  It is the responsibility of the user to read and accept the current version of the policy. Violation of the In-Library Equipment Use Policy may result in the following consequences:

A. First offense – termination of session and loss of device privileges for one day.

1. Second offense –Denial of device privileges for one month
2. Third offense – Potential denial of all device privileges, contingent upon approval of Library Director.

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Sex Offenders Against Minors

Date approved – 10/1/09

Reviewed – 9/10/12

Revised –

XII(1). SEX OFFENDERS AGAINST MINORS

 In accordance with Chapter 692A of Subtitle 1 of Title 16 of the Code of Iowa, the Board of Trustees prohibits a sex offender (defined as a person who is required to be registered in the Iowa Sex Offender Registry) who has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor from being present upon the real property of Wellman-Scofield Public Library without the written permission of the Library Director, nor to loiter within (300) three hundred feet of the real property boundary of said public library.

 Suspicious persons or persons who appear to be “loitering” will be reported to the police to be checked out and investigated.

 The Library Director may only give written permission as the result of a vote at a meeting of the Board of Trustees at which a quorum is present.

 Patrons qualifying as Sex Offenders must complete an application and submit a copy of their annual risk assessment documents issued by the Iowa Department of Corrections for review by the Board of Trustees.  Patron access decision shall be partially based upon a Sex Offender’s rating, but these documents shall not, in and of themselves, assure library access. The issuance of a library card to individuals who have been convicted of a sex offense involving a minor does not grant those individuals permission to enter the library or to be present on library property. Individuals convicted of a sex offense against a minor must follow proper library procedures and policies to request and obtain written permission to be on library property, regardless of whether or not they possess a valid library card.

 Persons barred from library property under the law remain entitled to library service. It is the responsibility of the library user to arrange for a courier to select, check out, and return materials to the library through possession of the library user’s card.

 Persons barred from library property under the law will not be served by the library’s homebound delivery service.

 Legal status will be verified utilizing both the National and Iowa Sex Offender Registries on all patrons, employees, potential employees, and volunteers who are or will be on library property.

 Violations of this policy will be immediately reported to law enforcement.

XII-2-. Sex Offenders Against Minors Access Application

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Emergency & Unexpected Closures

Date approved  03/09/15

Reviewed 03/09/15

Revised

                                                XIII.   Unexpected &  Weather-related closings

It is the policy of the Wellman-Scofield Public Library to recognize that, on occasion, inclement weather or other conditions may prevent the library from opening, delay opening or close ahead of schedule.  The primary factor of any decision made will be the safety of staff and library patrons.  However, maximum effort will be made to maintain regular library operating hours.

Library patrons already in the facility will be notified immediately when schedule changes are made.  Once a decision has been made to close the library, the Director shall notify the necessary media outlets (KCII, website, KCRG and/or phone message)  to broadcast the closing to the general public.

Other times, the library may need to take safety measures to protect staff and the public. In the event of a Severe weather/Tornado Watch issued by the National Weather Service, library employees will be mindful of the potential for deterioration of weather conditions and be prepared to evacuate themselves and patrons to a safe area of the facility. (Preferably the basement of City Hall)

In the event of a Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service, library employees will:

1. Evacuate themselves and patrons to designated safe areas.  No library services will be provided during the duration of the warning period.
2.  Library staff will strongly encourage the public to remain at the library and take cover in the designated areas for their safety.
3. If possible, flashlights and personal cell phones should be taken to the designated safe area.  The basement of City Hall is the preferred area, but as a last resort, the Library restroom could be used as there are no windows or outside wall.
4. Once in the designated safety area, staff and patrons will stay in those areas until the Warning expires.

XIV. Confidentiality Policy

The Wellman-Scofield Public Library supports the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS as adopted by the
American Library Association Council January 23, 1996, and the FREEDOM TO READ statement
as adopted by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee, June 30, 2004, both
of which are included and intended to be a part of this policy statement.
Confidentiality of library records is central to intellectual freedom and directly related to the ability of citizens to use library materials and pursue information without fear of intimidation. The purpose of this policy is to explain how the Wellman-Scofield Public Library will respond to requests for information about library users.

1. Library circulation records and other records identifying specific users are confidential in nature. Confidentiality extends to information sought or received, materials
   consulted, borrowed, or acquired including Internet and electronic resource search
   records, reference interviewed and transactions, interlibrary loan records, and other
   personally identifiable uses of library materials or services. However, persons attending
   library programs or public meetings may be videotaped or photographed as audience
   members.
2. The lawful custodian of the records is the Library Director. Only the Library Director and
   authorized library staff shall have access to patron records without the consent of a
   library cardholder.
3. Possession of a valid library card (or card number in a phone or email request) shall be
   interpreted as consent to use it unless the card has been reported lost or stolen, or
   there is reason to believe that consent has not been given.
4. The library will release information to the parent or guardian of a minor child for the
   purpose of recovering overdue materials and settling accounts for lost, late or damaged
   material, and for other matters related to the recovery of material or charges incurred
   by minor children for which a parent or guardian may be considered liable. However,
   information will not be provided to the parent or guardian who is merely attempting to
   determine what library materials a minor child is using.
5. The library staff will not reveal library circulation records and other records identifying
   specific users unless required by law.
6. Circumstances which may require the library to release the information include the
   following:
   a. Requests made in accord with the USA Patriot Act
   i. A law enforcement official presents a valid legal subpoena seeking the information pursuant to an investigation of a particular person or organization suspected of committing a crime

ii. The library receives a Warrant for the information issued under the USA
Patriot Act (which includes amendments to the Foreign Intelligence
Surveillance Act and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act).
iii. The library receives a National Security Letter seeking the information pursuant to the USA Patriot Act.
iv. The library receives a valid court order requiring the library to
release registration, circulation or other records protected under the
Iowa Code and the information is not sought in conjunction with a
criminal or juvenile justice investigation.

1. The following notice shall be posted in the library to make people aware of the
   provisions of the USA Patriot Act and how the act may potentially affect people who use
   the library resources:
   ATTENTION: Under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT ACT (Public Law 107-56), records of all books and materials you borrow from this library, and of Internet sites you visit on library computers, may be obtained by federal agents. This law prohibits the library staff from informing you if federal agents have obtained records.
   Procedures
2. The library staff member receiving a request to examine or obtain information relating to
   registration records or circulation records or other records identifying the names of library users, shall immediately refer the request to the Library Director without discussing with the
   the person making the request what user information may or may not be available, or what the library can or cannot do.
3. If the Library Director is not available the staff member shall inform the requestor when the
   Director will be available and request a delay until the Director will be available. If pressed to act sooner, the staff member shall attempt to contact the Director immediately. If the Director cannot be reached, the highest ranking person on duty is responsible for enforcing the library’s confidentiality policy until the Library Director can be contacted.
4. The Library Director shall take personal responsibility for handling the request as soon as possible. If the request is from a law enforcement officer the officer must have a subpoena, a
   court order, a warrant issued under the USA Patriot Act, or a National Security Letter (NSL)
   issued under the USA Patriot Act to receive the requested records. If the officer does not have
   a proper subpoena, court order, warrant, or NSL compelling the production of records, the
   Library Director shall refuse to provide the information requested.
5. If the request is made pursuant to the USA Patriot Act, the Library Director may not discuss the request with anyone other than legal counsel as required by the Act. In order to protect the library and its patrons in this circumstance, the Director is authorized to obtain legal
   counsel regarding the request.
6. Any problems relating to the privacy of circulation and other records identifying the names of library users which are not provided for above shall be referred to the Director.

References

The confidentiality policy of the Wellman-Scofield Public Library is based on the First and Fourth
Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, the Iowa Code, and professional ethics. First
Amendment: “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech…”
Fourth Amendment: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and
effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants
shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly
describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Code of Iowa 22.7 “Examination of Public Records (Open Records)”
“22.7 confidential records. The following public records shall be kept confidential, unless
otherwise ordered by a court, by the lawful custodian of the records, or by another person duly
authorized to release such information…:
The records of a library which, by themselves or when examined with other public records,
would reveal the identity of the library patron checking out or requesting an item or information from the library. The records shall be released to a criminal or juvenile justice agency only pursuant to an investigation of a particular person or organization suspected of committing a known crime. The records shall be released only upon a judicial determination
that a rational connection exists between the requested release of information and a legitimate end and that the need for the information is cogent and compelling.
Communications not required by law, rule, procedure, or contract that are made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of government, to
the extent that the government body receiving those communications from such persons
outside of government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from
making them to that government body if they were available for general public examination.”
Code of Ethics of the American Library Association:
Professional Ethics: “We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or
transmitted.” (Source: Code of Ethics of the American Library Association)

The Freedom to Read
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions
apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read. Most attempts at suppression rest on a
denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what other think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression. These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and
the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials. Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference. Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious
thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections. We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures towards conformity present the danger of limiting the
range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend.
We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings. The freedom to read is guaranteed by the
Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
We, therefore, affirm these propositions:

1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or

considered dangerous by the majority. Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested.
Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept which challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.

1. Publishers, librarians and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated. Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong
   that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
2. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen,
   whatever they may have to say.
3. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression. To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters, values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised which will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
4. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous. The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposed that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them
5. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information. It is inevitable in the give and takes of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a
6. free society, individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.

1. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a
   “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one. The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support.
   We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of
   enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the
   comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a
   democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.
   (This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers. Adopted June 25, 1953; revised January 28, 1972, January 16, 1991, July 12, 2000, June 30, 2004, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee.)
   The Freedom to View
   The freedom to view, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore these principles are affirmed:
2. To provide the broadest access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.
3. To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials.
4. To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
5. To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video, or other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of
   the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content.
6. To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public’s freedom to
   view.
   This statement was originally drafted by the Freedom to View Committee of the American Film and Video Association (formerly the Educational Film Library Association) and was adopted by the AFVA Board of Directors in February 1979. This statement was updated and approved by the AFVA Board of Directors in 1989.
   Endorsed January 10, 1990, by the ALA Council
   Library Bill of Rights
   We support the American Library Association in its affirmation that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services:
7. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
8. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
9. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
10. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
11. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
12. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
    (Adopted by ALA June 18, 1948. Amended February 2,1961 and January 23, 1980, inclusion of
    “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996 by the ALA Council.)

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Library Conduct

Date approved-unknown

Reviewed-5/94. 10/98, 6/99, 12/02, 1/05, 4/10/08, 3/12/12, 4/13/15

Revised-5/94, 10/98, 6/99, 12/02, 1/13/05, 4/13/15

VII. LIBRARY CONDUCT POLICY

The Wellman-Scofield Public Library is used by all members of the public.  Patrons are expected to use the library for its intended purposes and to observe the rights of other patrons and staff. The director and supervisory library staff have the authority to determine when behavior is inappropriate and the responsibility for enforcing discipline within the library.

No person shall engage in any conduct that disturbs or interferes with the legitimate use of the library, including, but not restricted to the following:

• Any behavior that endangers safety or health.
• Violation of any local, state or federal law.
• Vandalism or deliberate destruction of library material.
• Theft of library material or of property belonging to others.
• Use of abusive language to other patrons or library staff.
• Willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening another person.
• Consume or possess alcoholic beverages, or use or possess controlled substances on library grounds or be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances in a manner that causes a public disturbance.
• Solicit funds or panhandle.
• Interfere with others’ use of the Library through poor bodily hygiene that is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance.
• Willfully expose patrons and staff to offensive images or language.
• Interfere with the Library’s right to maintain a clean, pleasant and safe facility.

Response to inappropriate behaviors should be immediate and follow the procedures described:

• Verbal Warning: with the statement that the persons will be asked to behave in an appropriate manner.  In the case of a child, a verbal warning will be given again with the advice that the parent/guardian will be notified.  For children under the age of eight(8) accompanied by a parent or caregiver, the staff person in charge will ask the parent or caregiver to restrain the child’s behavior or leave the Library.
• Expulsion: If the disruptive behavior continues, library staff will request the person to leave the library.  In the case of a child, the parent/guardian will be contacted.
• Calling Police: The police will be called if a patron clearly poses a danger to himself or others, if a patron deliberately violates the law, or if a patron refuses to cooperate after being asked to leave the library and its property.

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Bylaws

Date approved – unknown

Reviewed – 5/94, 4/98, 12/08/05, 7/10/08, 11/09/11

Revised – 5/94, 4/98, 12/08/05, 7/10/08, 11/09/11

Wellman Scofield Public Library
BY-LAWS

I.  LIBRARY BOARD (see also City of Wellman Ordinance No. 4-3)
A.  Membership

1.    All Trustees must be residents of the City of Wellman except for the rural representative who must be resident of Washington County.  All Trustees must be over the age of eighteen.
2.     The Board of Trustees consists of five resident members and two rural members.
3.     Resident Trustees are appointed by the mayor with the approval of the City Council.  Nonresident Trustees are appointed by the mayor with the approval of the County Board of Supervisors.
4.    Appointment to the Board shall be for a six-year term except to fill a vacancy.  Each term shall commence on the date of the first meeting following appointment.  Terms shall begin and end with the opening and closure of the fiscal year.
5.     Appointments shall be made every two years.  Terms shall be staggered so that no more than four Trustees are new at any one time.
6.    Tenure shall be limited to two successive six-year terms, with reappointment permissible following a two-year period of non-service.  If a Trustee completes someone else’s unexpired term, three or more years shall be construed as one term for tenure purposes.
7.    The position of any Trustee shall be vacant if he or she resigns, moves away, or is absent from three consecutive Board meetings except in case of illness or temporary absence from the community.  Vacancies on the Board shall be filled according to   I.A.3., and the new Trustee shall complete the unexpired term.
8.    A Trustee shall receive no remuneration for serving as a library trustee.

B.  The general powers and duties of the Wellman-Scofield Public Library Board are outlined in Ordinance No. 4-3, City of Wellman, Iowa.

C.  The Board shall exercise its powers and duties by:

1.    Employing a competent and qualified librarian; abiding by the guidelines set forth by the Equal Opportunity Act of 1972.

2.    Cooperating with the librarian in determining and adopting written policies to govern the operation and program of the library including personnel policies, and policies governing the selection of library material, supplies, and equipment.

3.    Reporting to and cooperating with other public officials, boards, and the community as a whole to support a public relations program for the library.

4.    Assisting in the preparation of, and seeking adequate support for, the annual budget.

5.    Developing long-range goals for the library, and working toward their achievement.
II.  OFFICERS

A.  The officers of the Board shall consist of a President, a Vice- President, and a Secretary.  Their terms of office will be for two years.  Officers shall be elected every other year in odd-numbered years at the Annual Meeting in July and will hold office until their successors are elected and installed.  Officers may hold office for only two consecutive terms.

B.  Duties of officers are:

1.    President – preside at all meetings, appoint committees and perform such duties prescribed by law, or which usually pertain to the office.
2.    Vice-President – perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President.
3.    Secretary – record and maintain official records of the Board.

III.  MEETINGS

A.  Regular meetings shall be held every month, the date, time and place to be determined by the Board.

B.  The Annual Meeting will be held in July each year.  At this meeting (during odd-numbered years), the Board shall elect a President, Vice-President, and a Secretary.  In addition, at this same meeting (or the next), one or more members of the Board shall be appointed to work with the Librarian in the following areas:

1. Budget
2. Policies
3. Materials Selection
4. Maintenance
5. Technology
6. Long Range Planning
7. Historian (reporter)

C.  Every three years at the February meeting, the Board shall review the policies and bylaws of the Wellman-Scofield Public Library, and update said policies as needed.

D.  At the November meeting, the Board shall annually evaluate the Librarian and make any recommendations that the Board deems advisable.

E.  Special meetings may be held at any time at the call of the President or Secretary, or at the call of any two Trustees, provided that notice thereof be given to all Trustees at least 24 hours in advance of the special meeting.

F.  A quorum for the lawful transaction of business shall consist of one over half the full membership of the Board.

G.  Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern in the parliamentary procedures of the Board.

H.  An agenda for Board meetings shall be prepared by the Librarian in cooperation with the President of the Board.

I.  All regular meetings shall follow the following general agenda.  The public shall have the opportunity to address the Board when new business is discussed.
1.  Call to Order
2.  Roll Call
3.  Reading and approval of minutes of the previous meeting
4.  Correspondence and communications
5.  Financial report and approval of expenditures
6.  Report of the Librarian
7.  Committee reports
8.  Unfinished business
9.  New business
10.  Adjournment
IV.  COMMITTEES

A.  The President shall appoint committees of one or more members each for such specific purposes as the business of the Board may require.  Each committee shall be considered to be discharged of responsibility upon completion of the purpose for which it was appointed after the final report is made to the Board.
B.  All committees shall make a progress report to the Board at each of the meetings unless the said committee has been inactive.
C.  No committee will have other than advisory powers unless by suitable action of the board it is granted specific power to act.
D.  Standing committees include: Budget; Policies; Materials Selection; Maintenance; Technology; Long Range Planning; and a Reporter.
V.  LIBRARIAN
A.  The Librarian shall be the executive director of the policies adopted by the board.  Among those duties are:
1.    To select the library materials, books, magazines, pamphlets, etc.
2.    To maintain and operate the physical plant.
3.     To inform the Board continually and completely regarding the finances, public services, personnel, collection, and other developments, changes, and problems of the library.
4.    To attend all Board meetings.
5.     To draft proposed budget for use by the Budget Committee and Board of Trustees.
6.     To prepare an annual report for the City Council, the State of Iowa and the regional library service area.
7.     To issue notice and prepare the agenda for Board meetings in conjunction with the Board President.
8.      To carry out any other duties assigned by the Board of Trustees.

VI.  AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

A.  Amendments to these Bylaws may be adopted at any regular meeting of the Board, provided that notice of proposed amendments be given to all members of the board in advance of the meeting.

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