Policies

Approved by the Library Board 2003
Reviewed and Approved by the Library Board November 2020

Circulation

• Books and audio books are checked out for 3 weeks

• Overdue notices are sent by text (if we have a mobile number)

• Magazines are checked out for 8 days

• DVD’s are checked out for 4 days. Limit 4 movies at a time per card.

• All items may be renewed. Renewals my be made in person or by phone or email or online by logging into your account before items are due. Renewals are allowed as long as the item is not on hold for someone else.

Fines

No fines are assessed on overdue items.

Lost or Damaged Items

Lost or damaged library materials must be replaced with the same book, magazine, or dvd OR the replacement cost of each item paid.
No refunds for payment of lost items
Customers will not be able to check out more materials until lost/damaged items are paid for.

Library Cards

Any adult who is a resident of Watonga or Blaine County may apply for a library card. Applicant must provide proof of a local address (valid ID must be presented) and a phone number.

Any child who is a resident of Watonga or Blaine County and is 6 years old may apply for a card with a parent’s approval. Children 16 years and older may apply for a library card without the approval of a parent. Digital Only cards may be issued to students without parental consent in order to facilitate demonstrations and use of Ok Virtual library resources and other databases.

Library customers must have their library card with them in order to check out library materials.

Out-of-County cards may be issued for a one time, nonrefundable fee of $25.00. Customers who work in Watonga or Blaine county may have the fee waived.

Any patron who loses their plastic card will not be able to check out library materials until the card is replaced. A charge of $3.00 will be made for a replacement card.

Using the Internet

Modified for wireless access & adopted by the WPL Board February 2010
Revised and approved by Library Board January 2021

The Watonga Public Library will utilize technology to serve as a bridge providing access to information and not otherwise available at the local level through Interlibrary Loan and Internet access.

Overview

The Internet is a valuable source of information that can lead to economic development and improved quality of life, especially in rural communities.

However, since the Internet is an unregulated medium, the library cannot be responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of information obtained from the Internet.  Watonga Public Library Board and Staff believe that Internet access is an important resource that should be available to the public even though some of the ideas and values expressed on the Internet may not be consistent with those of our local community or individuals of the community.

Therefore, Watonga Public Library requests that anyone who wishes to utilize Internet access at the library agrees to the following conditions:

Examples of unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following:

• Downloading or printing of copyrighted or illegal material including movies, books, music, and any other copyrighted material

• Any activity that violates the Watonga Public Library Personal Conduct policy

• Harassment of other library users or staff by any means

• Destruction or damage of equipment or other library property  

• Any illegal activity as defined by federal or state statute.

• Minors (any one under the age of 18) also agree to the following rules:

Never give anyone personal information such as address, phone number, etc.

Never agree to meet anyone you have met online

Never send a photo or other personal information to anyone you do not know.

Due to requirements under Federal Law, Internet access at the Watonga Public Library will be filtered.  The intent of the filter is to protect adults and minors from a) visual depictions that are obscene, b) child pornography, and c) that which is considered harmful to minors (with respect to use of the computers with Internet access).

The library will abide by the requirements set forth in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.  Therefore, we will use specific technology to:

1. restrict access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet

2. provide for the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail and other forms of electronic communication

3. protect against unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking”, and other unlawful activities by minors online

4. restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors

IMPORTANT!  The presence of filtering software does not guarantee that ALL offensive sites will be blocked.  Parents are encouraged to talk to minors about Internet Safety.  The user will not hold the library or the City of Watonga responsible for the content or availability of material on the Internet.  A parent who are concerned about their children’s activity online should monitor the child’s Internet session.

 Any questions regarding the filter or this policy should be directed to the Library Director.

The staff is trained and willing to help you.  Please ask for help as needed.  We are here to help you and to provide a service to the community.

Watonga is a small rural community located 72 miles Northwest of Oklahoma City. Watonga is the county seat for Blaine County. The library is primarily supported by the tax base of the city of Watonga, however, in an attempt to serve all citizens within the city’s trade area and to comply with State Aid regulations, the library provides service free of charge to all citizens of Blaine County.

The Watonga Public Library works in cooperation with the local K-12 schools and the Chisholm Trail Technology Center to provide educational opportunities for all ages. Many area citizens are also enrolled at Redlands Community College or SWOSU at Weatherford. The library attempts to help these students as much as possible at the local level by providing access to information, research assistance and technology.

Mission

The Watonga Public Library places major emphasis on educational functions recognizing the importance of basic materials of permanent value and timely materials on current issues. The Watonga Public Library will provide free public access to books and materials, classes and events, and online resources which enhance self-directed education, research assistance and instruction, and instructive and enlightening experience for all ages thereby improving quality of life for the community of Watonga and the citizens of Blaine County. The library will serve as a bridge providing access to information and services not otherwise available at the local level through Interlibrary Loan and Internet access.

Primary Roles

• High Speed Broadband Access

• Preschool Learning Center/Early Literacy

• Research and Education Center

• Events and Classes for All Ages

Responsibility

The Watonga Public Library Board acts in an advisory capacity and shall supervise the operation of the library subject to the approval of the city council and the mayor. Responsibility for day to day operation, including collection development, is delegated to the library staff. The library director has the final responsibility for selection of all materials to be incorporated into the library’s collection. The library director is designated to perform these duties which guide the application of policy in day to day decisions and is deemed qualified by education and training. The director may delegate selection and acquisition tasks to other staff as he/she deems necessary for the efficient operation of the library.

Selection Criteria

In general, materials acquired by the library, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the standards listed below. However, an item need not meet all of the criteria in order to be acceptable. Materials are evaluated on the significance of the entire work rather than individual parts. When judging the quality of materials, several standards and combinations of standards may be used. The following principals will guide selection:

• Contemporary significance or permanent value

• Community interest

• Accuracy of content

• Reputation and/or authority of the author, editor, illustrator, or publisher

• Literary merit

• Relation to existing collection and to other materials on the subject

• Price, availability, and demand

• Format and ease of use

• Scarcity of information in the subject area

• Availability of material in other libraries

• Attention of critics, reviewers, media, and public

Regarding Format

The following are the primary formats which the library will purchase. This list is not necessarily inclusive.

• Books, Ebooks, and Audiobooks
  Nonfiction and fiction
  Large Print
  Children, Young Adult and Adult

• Newspapers and periodicals–print and downloadable
  Provide current information to supplement books
  Entertainment or recreational use
  Retain 1-3 months of back issues of monthly magazines

• DVD
  Emphasis will be on classic films, movies based on books, award winning films and children’s titles

• Audio books—cd and downloadable audio

• Computer software & online electronic format

• Microfilm and digital collections

• Watonga Republican Newspaper

• Blaine County Census

Databases

Online access will be provided to databases that the Oklahoma Department of Libraries purchases and makes available statewide.

Oklahoma Digital Prairie is the entrance to online services and resources that help find books, articles, web content and other useful information.
Digital Prairie is a production of the Oklahoma Library Technology Network, and is funded with state and federal funds by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. Federal funds are provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

In addition to the Digital Prairie, the Library provides databases to assist with Homework and Research, Genealogy, and online access to ebooks, magazines, and audio through the Oklahoma Virtual Library. Links to these resources will be provided on the library web site.

Method of Selection

Selection aids which may be used by the staff include retrospective and current lists of recommendations, specialized bibliographies, standard current review media such as Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal. Materials are purchased only after professional review.

Other Considerations

Due to the size of the library’s service area, generally, only one copy of each item will be purchased, however, ebook format may be available and may duplicate some titles. The staff will maintain a reserve list for popular items.

Decisions will be made regarding paperback versus hardback or ebook by the staff considering projected usage, long-term appeal, and availability.
Decisions regarding replacement of lost or damaged items will be made on a case by case basis. The patron will be charged the replacement cost for the item regardless of the decision to replace.

Due to local interest, books about local history and Native American history will be a high priority for purchase.

Deselection

To maintain the effectiveness of the library’s total collection, the library staff will attempt to systematically remove materials judged to be dated, inaccurate, seldom used, in poor condition, or otherwise no longer appropriate. The library staff does not automatically replace all materials withdrawn because of loss, damage, or wear. Need for replacement is weighed with regard to several factors including number of duplicate copies, existence of adequate coverage of a field, similar material in the collection, later or more authoritative materials as well as current demand for the particular subject or title.

Gifts

Gifts of materials are accepted with the understanding that they must meet the Selection Criteria and will be evaluated according to the library’s needs. Gifts of money and materials cannot be accepted when the donor specifies that the books are to be kept together or placed in a special location. Gifts may either be assigned to the library collections, offered for sale to the public by the Friends of the Library, or discarded. The library does not appraise gifts for income tax purposes, although an acknowledgement of the donation may be given. All gift materials will be processed and located in the appropriate collection of the library. Gifts of money and materials are accepted with the understanding that the library staff will evaluate materials using the same Selection Criteria utilized for purchased materials and that the library director will make the final determination with regard to the gift.

Reconsideration

Patrons requesting that material in the collection be reconsidered may complete a “Request for Reconsideration of a Book”. (Appendix A–please request in person at the library) The inquiry will be placed on the agenda at the next regular meeting of the Watonga Public Library Board. The decision of the Board will be based on this Selection policy after due consideration of the report of the library director and the patron’s inquiry.

The library recognizes that some materials may be controversial and that any given item may offend some patron. Selection or retention of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval of any group of patrons, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their content, and no library material will be sequestered, except to protect it from theft. Responsibility for the reading of children rests with the parent or legal guardian.

Freedom to Read

Watonga Public Library does not promote particular beliefs or views. The library provides resources for various opinions that apply to important, complex, and controversial questions including possibly unpopular or unorthodox positions. The Watonga Public Library supports the Intellectual Freedom statements promulgated by the American Library Association, and these beliefs serve as a basis for this policy.

Revision of this Policy

This policy and all other library policies are reviewed every two to four years. Policies are evaluated and approved by the Watonga Public Library Board.

Reviewed and Approved by the Library Board February 2021

The library’s meeting room is available for public use free of charge for classes, meetings, and events of educational, cultural, and civic purposes.  The following conditions apply:

1. Library programs, related activities, and elections will be given priority should conflicts occur. No outside groups may schedule the meeting room during the 6 weeks of Summer Reading events and classes.

2. Requests for use should be made to the office of the librarian during regular library hours.

3. A group may not reserve the room for more than 2 days in any month. 

4. All activities in the meeting room will have no admission fees charged or special donations collected.  Exceptions will be made for Friends of the Library and other fundraising for the benefit of the library.  For-profit entities may reserve the room for a fee of $25.00 per day.

5. A refundable $200.00 security deposit will be required of all groups if a key is issued.  Deposit will be waived for Library Programs, Friends of the Library events and elections. The deposit will be refunded upon inspection of the room and return of the key.  The entire deposit will be forfeited if damage has occurred, if key is not returned in the book drop immediately after use, or if rules are violated.  Any exempted group who causes damage to City property or does not return a key as instructed, will be required to pay a deposit before using the room again.  The room will be left clean.  Take trash to dumpster outside.

6. The librarian reserves the right to refuse access to any group who leaves the room in unacceptable condition or if the key is not returned as directed.

7. No firearms, alcohol, drugs, gambling or pets allowed.  Exceptions are made for service animals.

8. No showers or birthday parties.

9. I have read this agreement and understand the terms.

Signed_____________________________________________________________

Printed Name________________________________________________________

Group/Organization___________________________________________________

Telephone________________________Address____________________________

Date of Use_______________________________________Rental Paid_________

Deposit paid_______________________Deposit Returned____________________

Key Issued______________________Key Returned_________________________

Policy on Personal Conduct
Reviewed and Approved by the Library Board

In order to maintain a safe and comfortable environment, and protect the rights of library users, the following rules have been established:

The following activities are not allowed in the Library:

• Eating, drinking, smoking and other tobacco products (Eating and drinking are allowed in the meeting room with permission)

• Any illegal or dangerous activity including but not limited to:
  Carrying a weapon unless authorized by law
  Consumption of or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs

• Unruly or offensive behavior

• Abuse or destruction of library property

• Harassment of others, including customers and staff

• Misusing the restrooms

• Talking in a loud or abusive voice or making or receiving cell phone calls in a disruptive manner

• Entering non-public areas of the library without proper authorization

• Improper attire (shirt and shoes are required)

• Pets (except service animals)

• Interfering in any way with another person’s use of the library or with the staff in the performance of their duties

We ask for your cooperation in maintaining an atmosphere that is pleasant for everyone.

The Watonga Public Library is providing WiFi Hotspots as a means to provide patrons in our community with high speed internet access. With this program, students can use the internet for help with homework, employees can travel with reliable internet access to meetings, and patrons can have home access to the Internet. Range of signal is approximately 30 feet.

A Hotspot can connect up to ten devices. WPL is not responsible for any liability, damages or expense resulting from use or misuse of the device, connection of the device to other electronic devices, or data loss resulting from use of device. Wireless security is not implied. The user acknowledges and accepts all risks associated with the use of the wireless data device. There is no warranty, express or otherwise.

Checking Out:

1. Only current library cardholders in good standing may borrow a Hotspot device. The borrower must be at least 18 years old and must present a valid id to verify age and identity.

2. The checkout limit is one Hotspot device per household at any given time.

3. The Library Staff reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who abuses equipment, returns a Hotspot device more than 3 days late or who returns a Hotspot device in the book drop.

4. Library staff will verify that the Hotspot device is in good working order at the time of checkout.

5. The patron will need to complete a “Hotspot Device Agreement” prior to checkout, acknowledging financial responsibility for lost or damaged equipment.

6. Hotspot devices check out for one week and are NOT renewable if there is a waiting list.  Renewals MUST be made in person by the customer who signed the Hotspot agreement.

7. After 3 days overdue, the Hotspot device will be turned off and patron account will be blocked until device is returned.

8. Once a Hotspot device is checked out, it becomes the responsibility of the patron until returned to library staff.

9. The customer must have a signed Acceptable Use Policy agreement on file.

Checking In:

Hotspot devices must be returned directly to a staff member at the circulation desk, and not placed in the outside book drop.

1. Library staff will check in the Hotspot device

2. Verify the Hotspot device is in operating condition

3. Do a visual check to ensure that the following items are returned in good condition:

*Hotspot device

*power adapter (2 pieces)

*container

Recharge Hotspot device if necessary

 Fees and Liabilities:

1. $5.00 fee for returning a Hotspot device in the book drop

2. Late fines are accessed at the rate of $5 per day. There is no grace period for Hotspot devices.

3. Patron is responsible for the full replacement cost if the Hotspot device or any parts are lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise not returned.

4. If any technical problems are encountered, the Hotspot device should be returned to the Library as soon as possible.

Approved by Library Board November 2022.

Watonga Public Library

Library Card Policy

Approved by the Library Board 2003

Reviewed and Approved by the Library Board November 2020

CIRCULATION

• Books and audio books are checked out for 3 weeks

• Overdue notices are sent by text (if we have a mobile number)

• Magazines are checked out for 8 days

• DVD’s are checked out for 4 days. Limit 2 movies at a time per library card

• All items may be renewed.  Renewals may be made in person or by phone or email or online by logging into your account before items are due. Renewals are allowed as long as the item is not on hold for someone else.

 FINES

       No fines are assessed on overdue items.

LOST OR DAMAGED BOOKS, MAGAZINES, OR TAPES

• Lost or damaged library materials must be replaced with the same book, magazine, or dvd OR the replacement cost of each item paid.

• No refunds for payment of lost items if the item is returned later.

• Customers will not be able to check out more materials until lost/damaged items are paid for.

LIBRARY CARDS

• Any adult who is a resident of Watonga or Blaine County may apply for a library card.  Applicant must provide proof of a local address (valid ID must be presented) and a phone number.

• Any child who is a resident of Watonga or Blaine County and is 6 years old may apply for a card with a parent’s approval.  Children 16 years and older may apply for a library card without the approval of a parent. Digital Only cards may be issued to students without parental consent in order to facilitate demonstrations and use of Ok Virtual library resources and other databases.

• Library customers must have their library card with them in order to check out library materials

• Out-of-County cards may be issued for a one time, nonrefundable fee of $25.00.  Customers who work in Watonga or Blaine county may have the fee waived.

• Any patron who loses their plastic card will not be able to check out library materials until the card is replaced.  A charge of $3.00 will be made for a replacement card.

Reviewed and approved by Library Board November 2020

REQUEST FROM OTHER LIBRARIES

Due to changes in Oklahoma Department of Libraries Interlibrary Loan policy (ILL), Watonga Public Library will no longer be required to fill requests from other libraries.

REQUESTS TO OTHER LIBRARIES FOR OUR PATRONS

Patrons who wish to borrow materials through ILL should be eligible to check out books from our library and his or her card must be in good standing.  A patron who has not had a library card long enough to have established a record will need to have clearance from the Library Director in order to receive ILL privileges.

A limit of 12 interlibrary loan requests per year per library card will be provided without charge.  If a customer requests more than 12 ILLs in 12 months, the customer will be asked to pay postage to return the item to the lending library.  Library customers may request 1 or 2 interlibrary loans at a time and may not request additional loans until one or both of the initial loans are returned on time or after an approved renewal.

In the event that a book borrowed from another library is lost or destroyed or otherwise cannot be returned, the borrowing patron will pay the retail price of the book plus an administrative fee of $5.00.  In the event that a book is out of print, the library owning the book will determine the cost of the book.  The borrowing patron is responsible for any costs assessed by the lending library.

Records will be kept of how many ILLs the library sends and receives.

Records of all ILL activity will be kept and reported to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries as part of the annual report.