Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Use of Computers Code: 3-327

Section: Service Policies

1. 1. a. Use of Computers

       

      1. Public computers are available for usage in all branches of the Livingston Parish Library.

      2. All users should be familiar with the Electronic Access Policy. Copies of the policy are available at the circulation desk and are displayed at the computer login.

      3. Patrons wishing to use public computers will be required to sign-on via the library’s automated computer reservation and print management system.

      4. Computers may be assigned for 1 hour with possible 30-minute extensions if time slots are available. In the event that there is a waiting list for computers, the users who have exceeded their 1-hour session limit will be required to end their session. They may re-sign up for another session and will be placed at the end of the queue.

      5. If a computer station remains idle for fifteen minutes, the session will be automatically ended and a patron will have to reserve another workstation.

      6. Livingston Parish Library cardholders can credit their print account at a maximum of

         $10.00. No refunds will be issued once the deposit has been made. The fund will remain available indefinitely. Patrons are encouraged to keep a receipt of cash deposit.

      7. Non-residential visitors who do not have a library card can purchase a Guest Access card for $1; $0.70 will be available on the card and can be used for printing and copying.

         1. Guest Access cardholders will be granted a 1-hour session with a possible one 30 minute extension.

         2. Cash refunds will not be issued for a guest access card with a balance.

      8. Patrons with a library account balance exceeding $10 will not be able to use public computers (effective January 1, 2015).

      9. The use of personal CD/DVD’s and USB drives will be allowed on the Library computers unless their usage becomes a risk to the computer system, at which time their use will

         be disallowed.

      10. While the use of portable/mobile devices connected to the public computers is allowed, the staff will not provide technical assistance with digital cameras, portable scanners, portable printers, and other devices. Please note, not all of the electronic devices may be able to interface with the public computers. The library bears no liability for electronic devices connected to the public computers and any damage that may potentially result from such use.

      11. All computer sessions, including printing and saving of work, must be completed 15 minutes before the library closes.

3-327b. Printing

Printing of information is allowed, but at $0.10 per black & white page, and $0.25 per page for color copies and within Copyright Law guidelines.

1. 1. c. 3-D Printing

       

      • Only one request can be submitted at a time.

      • Jobs that require the printing of many components may drop in the queue position.

      • Prints are handed over AS IS. If your print requires rafts or support structures, you will be responsible for removing these.

      • The cost is $0.05 per gram of material used. This includes rafts and support structures. A

        $1 surcharge will be applied to each printed model in addition to the per gram cost. Payments must be made with cash or credit card when you pick up your print.

      • The colors available may change without notice, and we cannot guarantee that your selected color will be available. In the event that your chosen color is out of stock, we will contact you to choose another color.

      • Staff review and prepare all project files, so please submit appropriate objects. No guns, gun parts, weapons of any kind, or salacious objects.

      • We will do our best to complete your model within 7-10 business days, but if demand for the printer is high, wait times may be longer.

      • If an item is not printing correctly, the library will make two attempts to print. If it fails to print correctly on the second try, you will be notified and asked to modify your design.

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Interlibrary Loan Code: 3-332

Section: Service Policies

Interlibrary Loan

Definition:

Interlibrary loan is the process by which a library lends another library an item on behalf of the borrowing library’s patron.

Purpose:

Interlibrary loan (ILL) services shall be offered to the patrons of the Livingston Parish Library as an extension of its regular services. The Library will use this service to supplement its own resources and extend the materials available to its users. The Library will participate, to the best of its ability and the availability of funding, in cooperative interlibrary loan efforts that are developed in Louisiana to benefit the patrons and citizens of Livingston Parish.

Borrowing:

Filling out a request form does not guarantee the requested material will be loaned. Different libraries have different policies about when they will or will not loan out. For this reason not all requests have equal possibility of being filled.

No charges shall be required for the provision of interlibrary loan services except the following:

1. All photocopies received as a result of a request shall be charged to the patron at the price charged by the lending library or agency.

2. Genealogical material in print and microfilm formats shall be charged to the patron at the price charged by the loaning library or agency.

3. Any material lost or destroyed by the patron shall be charged to the patron at the price charged by the loaning library or agency.

4. Postage may be charged to the patron for excessive materials.

5. Any deposit required by the lending library or agency, for materials, will be required by the Library as well.

Renewal of ILL and Transferred Books:

The Library will adhere to all restrictions placed on materials by the lending institution. The Library will renew items subject to the approval of the lending institution. Due dates for the materials will also be determined by the lending institution. Branch staff will renew ILL books for patrons on the Livingston Parish Library’s automated system. The Branch staff must, then, contact the ILL Librarian for renewal request approval. The ILL Librarian will be responsible for obtaining approvals from the lending institution for renewal requests. He/She must be contacted for renewal requests as soon as the request is made by the patron. The ILL Librarian will call the patron if the renewal is NOT approved by the lending institution.

Patrons must be in good standing with the Library in order to request items. Only three requests per patron may be made at one time.

Lending:

The Library will make available for interlibrary loan all materials except: reference materials, new fiction, material in high demand locally, entire issues of periodicals (photocopies will be made of individual articles only in accordance with copyright regulations), new books, genealogical material, audio material, books on tape/CD, and videos. (Exceptions may be granted by the Administrative Librarian in some instances.) Materials are due four weeks after they are checked out. Two renewals may be granted. The Library may charge for photocopies.

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Circulation Services

Code: 3-315

Section: Service Policies

3-315.a Library Cards

Any individual wishing to borrow materials from the Livingston Parish Library must present a valid Livingston Parish Library card at the time of check-out.   To obtain a library card, an individual must meet the qualifications of their determined borrower type.  The library offers a variety of borrower types to meet the needs of individuals wishing to utilize the library’s services.  These borrower types and eligibility requirements are listed below.

General Requirements:

• There is no charge for the initial (first) library card issued.
• In order to ensure maximum privacy of each patron’s account and to protect patron accounts from unauthorized use, a picture of an account holder will be added to the library’s automation system.
• All borrower types, except staff, must fill out a “Library Card Application” form when applying for a library card.
• A fee of $1.00 is charged for a replacement card in the event the card is damaged, lost, or stolen.
  • The replacement fee can be waived under the following conditions:
    • The damage occurred as part of an act of nature (house fire, tornado, flood, hurricane, etc.) and proof is provided (insurance claim, police/fire report, etc.).
    • The card is stolen as part of a reported theft and a copy of the police report, newspaper clipping, or other official source documenting the theft is provided.
    • Damage due to long term use, for example older cards which are severely faded or cracked.
    • Patron code changes. Example: Teen borrower changes to Adult borrower.

1. Adult (A) – For parish residents aged 18 and above living in Livingston Parish (residents) or citizens who own a property in Livingston Parish.  Requirements for an adult library card are as follows:
   1. A Louisiana driver’s license bearing the individual’s current mailing address OR
   2. Other valid picture identification (Louisiana I.D., school I.D., etc.) showing current mailing address.
      1. If this identification does not list a mailing address, any of the following forms of I.D. are acceptable
         1. Checkbook with current mailing address
         2. Mail with date cancellation showing mailing address
         3. Receipt for payment of rent or utility charges within parish
         4. Lease agreement showing current address in parish
   3. Citizens who reside outside of Livingston Parish but own property in the parish, a copy of the most recent tax bill along with a valid driver’s license must be presented.

2. Teen (T) – For minors aged 13 to 17 living in Livingston Parish. Requirements for a teen library card are as follows:
   1. Parent, legal guardian, or other responsible party (aged 18 or above) must sign for the card with the understanding that they are responsible for materials borrowed.  Any damaged or lost materials becomes the fiscal responsibility of the minor’s signee.
   2. A responsible party must have a library card account in good standing.
   3. Teen library card patrons may show a valid form of ID when registering; however, this does not negate the requirements listed in 2a. of this section.
      1. Aged 15-17:  Louisiana driver’s license bearing the individual’s current mailing address OR
      2. Other valid picture identification (Louisiana I.D., school I.D., etc.) showing current mailing address.
      3. Aged 14 and below: Parent, legal guardian, or other responsible party (aged 18 or above) must present identification as listed in 3-315.a #1 proving status as a current Livingston Parish resident.
   4. The responsible party must fill out a Materials Restriction Form as outlined in 3-315.b to set the desired access level for Library collections and electronic resources.
       
3. Juvenile (J) – For minors aged 12 or younger living in Livingston Parish.   Requirements for a juvenile library card are as follows:
   1. Parent, legal guardian, or other responsible party (aged 18 or above) must present identification as listed in 3-315.a #1 proving status as a current Livingston Parish resident.
   2. Parent, legal guardian, or other responsible party (aged 18 or above) must sign for the card with the understanding that they are responsible for materials borrowed.  Any damaged or lost materials becomes the fiscal responsibility of the minor’s signee.
   3. A responsible party must have a library card account in good standing.
   4. The responsible party must fill out a Materials Restriction Form as outlined in 3-315.b to set the desired access level for Library collections and electronic resources.

4. Educator (E) – For teachers, school librarians, and other individuals working within the education field in Livingston Parish.   Requirements for an educator library card are as follows:
   1. Individuals must present proof of employment (i.e. check stub or I.D.) at a school within Livingston Parish.
   2. Parents who homeschool children must present their approved Home Study application, as approved by the State of Louisiana.

5. Reciprocal Borrower – For individuals, adults and minors, who reside in neighboring parishes: East Baton Rouge, Ascension, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa and St. Helena.  Requirements for a reciprocal library card are as follows:
   1. For Adults and minors aged 18 and above
      1. Individuals must present identification as listed in 3-315.a #1 showing a current mailing address in their home parish  AND
      2. Individuals must provide a “Patron in Good Standing” form completed and signed by the Louisiana parish library system that serves the individual’s home mailing address.  A “Patron in Good Standing” form can be obtained from any location of the Livingston Parish Library. 
         1. If the individual’s home library system offers a similar document, this document may be submitted in place of the “Patron in Good Standing” form if completed and signed by the individual’s home library.
   2. For minors aged 17 and below
      1. Parent, legal guardian, or other responsible party must present identification as listed in 3-315.a #1 showing a current mailing address in their home parish  AND
      2. Parent, legal guardian, or other responsible party must present a “Patron in Good Standing” form bearing the minor’s name meeting the requirements detailed in 3-315.a #4ii
      3. Parent or legal guardian must sign for the card with the understanding that they are responsible for materials borrowed.  Any damaged or lost materials becomes the fiscal responsibility of the minor’s signee.

6. Louisiana Resident – For adults and minors who have a current Louisiana address but do not (a) live or own property in Livingston Parish and/or (b) do not live in a neighboring parish as defined in the Reciprocal Borrower definition (see #5).

Louisiana Resident library card can be used for one year from the day of issuance. It can be purchased for thirty-five dollars ($35.00) if the conditions below are met.

Requirements for a Louisiana Resident library card are as follows:

1. For Adults and minors aged 18 and above
   1. Individuals must present identification as listed in 3-315.a #1 showing a current mailing address in their home parish  AND
   2. Individuals must provide a “Patron in Good Standing” form completed and signed by the Louisiana parish library system that serves the individual’s home mailing address.  A “Patron in Good Standing” form can be obtained from any location of the Livingston Parish Library. 
      1. If the individual’s home library system offers a similar document, this document may be submitted in place of the “Patron in Good Standing” form if completed and signed by the individual’s home library.
2. For minors aged 17 and below
   1. Parent, legal guardian, or other responsible party must present identification as listed in 3-315.a #1 showing a current mailing address in their home parish  AND
   2. Parent, legal guardian, or other responsible party must present a “Patron in Good Standing” form bearing the minor’s name meeting the requirements detailed in 3-315.a #4ii
   3. Parent or legal guardian must sign for the card with the understanding that they are responsible for materials borrowed.  Any damaged or lost materials becomes the fiscal responsibility of the minor’s signee.

7. Out-of-State (OS) – For adults and minors who do not live within Louisiana but temporarily reside within Livingston Parish for a portion of the calendar year.  Requirements for an out-of-state library card are as follows:
   1. For adults aged 18 and above
      1. Individual must present a valid driver’s license within the United States or other valid picture identification  AND
      2. Individual must present proof of temporary residence within Livingston Parish.  Proof of temporary residence can include:
         1. A signed lease agreement or other legal document listing a residence within Livingston Parish
         2. A piece of mail addressed to and received by the individual at an address within Livingston Parish.
      3. For minors aged 17 and below
         1. Parent or legal guardian must meet the criteria listed in 3-315.a #5i and #5ii.
         2. Parent or legal guardian must sign for the card with the understanding that they are responsible for materials borrowed.  Any damaged or lost materials becomes the fiscal responsibility of the minor’s signee.
   2. If an individual is not able to produce proof of temporary residence and wishes to borrow materials from the Livingston Parish Library, a one-year library card can be purchased for forty ($40.00).
   3. For individuals who live out of country but reside part of the year in the parish, please consult with Library Administration.

8. Senior Citizen - For adults aged 60 or older who meet the criteria for an adult library card. 

9. Staff – For employees of the Livingston Parish Library system.  Library Administration or the Branch Manager assigns this designation at the time of the individual’s employment with the library system.
10. Facility Use Card (FAC) – For Livingston Parish organizations that Livingston Parish Library works with on a formal basis.  Requirements for an facility use card are as follows:
    1. The facility must have a Livingston Parish address.
    2. The facility’s fiscal manager, or individual who is fiscally responsible for the facility, must agree to and assign the Facility Use Agreement.
    3. The signed agreement will be in effect for one year from the date it was signed. 
       1. Agreements must be resigned each year to maintain their validity.

The use of a library card by any of the above mentioned borrower types signifies the cardholder’s agreement to the circulation terms set forth in this policy.  The cardholder assumes responsibility for the good care of library materials in their possession.  The cardholder is fiscally responsible for any damage to or loss of library materials while the materials are checked out to their library card. Any other borrower types created are for administrative use only.

3-315.b  Library Cards and the Rights of Parents

The Livingston Parish Library as an institution (nor the staff as individuals) does not and cannot act in place of the parent or legal guardian in the selection of library materials for minors visiting the library.  It is up to the parent or legal guardian of minor library card holders to set the guidelines and instruct their children as to the limits of what is acceptable to read and study for that particular individual.

In order for the Library to provide caregivers with additional tools to make the best and most informed decisions for their minor children, all responsible parties for Juvenile and Teen cards must fill out and sign a Materials Restriction Form to set their desired access level for Library collections and electronic resources. A new Materials Restriction Form must be filled out to change their minor child’s access level upon request or whenever a child moves from the Juvenile card age range to Teen.

Materials Restriction Form:

• Print Materials Restriction
  • Responsible parties have three levels of restriction for print collections.
    • No Restriction – no restriction to print materials.
    • Juvenile Restriction – changes the account type to Restricted Juvenile and prohibits check-out of items from the teen (YA) and adult collections as well as access to the following databases and digital media:
      • Hoopla, Comics Plus, Kanopy, CreativeBug, JobNow, VetNow, Overdrive/Libby
    • Teen Restriction – changes the account type to Restricted Teen and prohibits check-out of items from the adult collections as well as access to the following databases and digital media:
      • Hoopla, Comics Plus, Kanopy, CreativeBug, JobNow, VetNow, Overdrive/Libby
• Digital Materials and Resources Restriction
  • Responsible parties have two levels of restriction for electronic resources.
    • No Restriction – no restriction to digital materials and resources.
    • Restricted Card – patron is issued a new card starting with an 889 prefix that prohibits access to the following library databases and digital media:
      • Hoopla, Comics Plus, Kanopy, CreativeBug, JobNow, VetNow, Overdrive/Libby, CloudLibrary

3-315.c  Confidentiality of Library Records

1. As directed in La. Revised Statute RS 44:13, the circulation records of the Livingston Parish Library and other records identifying the names of users and material used by them are and shall be confidential.
2. Records will not be made available to any agency of federal, state or local government, or to any group or individual, for whatever purpose except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized by law.
3. Immediately upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena a consultation will be held with legal counsel to determine if said item is in good form, and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance.
4. If said process, order or subpoena is not in good form, it shall be refused until such time as it is put in proper form.
5. Any threats or unauthorized demands (i.e., those not supported by a process, order or subpoena) concerning circulation or other library records shall be reported immediately to the Board of Control and the District Attorney.
6. Any employee found to have violated this policy of privacy of records shall be liable to immediate dismissal from employment.
7. Any request for library records of any kind but especially circulation of material to/by a patron shall be referred to the Administrative Librarian immediately or in his/her absence to the Assistant Librarian.

3-315.d  Library Card Expiration and Renewal

To update our records and verify the validity of borrower information, library cards expire and must be renewed by reapplying for a card. The borrower keeps the physical library card originally issued.

Library cards expire five (5) years from the date of issuance for all borrower types and are renewed for additional five (5) year terms unless specified otherwise.

1. In-Person Renewals

Cards can be renewed in person at any library location. To renew a card in person, the patron must meet the following requirements.

1. The patron's account does not have a balance that exceeds the fine and fees limits detailed in 3-315.j #3.
2. The patron’s account does not have 2 or more overdue items on their account.
3. The patron continues to meet all requirements for a Livingston Parish Library card based on their borrower type as detailed in 3-315.a Library Cards #1 – 9.

2. Online Renewals

Patrons can request a library card renewal via an online form on the library's website.

1. The patron meets the requirements of In-Person Renewals listed above.
2. The patron understands that an online renewal limits the use of their card to the library's eCollection.
3. Online card renewals are for one-year (12 months) term.
4. Patrons can continue to check out physical materials once they visit a library location to verify mailing address and contacting information, completing the In-Person renewal process.

Staff borrower status is in effect as long as the individual is employed by the Livingston Parish Library system and has no expiration date. In the event employment is terminated, the individual’s record is reverted to the appropriate borrower type with the corresponding renewal time.

3-315.e  Lost or Stolen Library Cards

Lost or stolen library cards must be reported immediately for card cancellation and to prevent charges against the card by an individual other than the assigned cardholder.

A patron will not be responsible for material checked out on a card that has been reported missing if the report is recorded before the date the material was checked out.

Each time a library card has to be replaced, the previously held library card number becomes invalid for further use and must be destroyed if found.

3-315.f Circulation Periods and Limitations

1. For all borrower types:
   1. Reference materials do not circulate outside of the library building and are limited to in- library use only.
   2. Microfilm materials do not circulate outside of the library building and are limited to in- library use only. A driver’s license is required as collateral and shall be kept with circulation desk staff for the time of checkout.
   3. Returned materials that have reached their renewal limit must be returned to circulation for a 48-hour period before they may be checked out by another member of the previous borrowing household.
   4. All borrower types have a limit of two overdue materials on the account. An automatic block is placed on the account when two or more materials have an overdue status. Additional materials cannot be checked out until the overdue materials are returned to the library.
   5. Holds are allowed on all material types unless otherwise noted.
   6. See 3-315.g Renewal of Library Materials for specifics on renewal allowances and limitations.

2. Periods and Limitations by Borrower Type

Adult and Staff Borrower Types

Total Items: 40 items

The total number of items allowed is a combination of all library material types based on the chart below.

Teen and Juvenile Borrower Types

Total Items: 40 items

The total number of items allowed is a combination of all library material types based on the chart below.

Teen and Juvenile borrower types may not check out the following material types: eReaders, hotspots, culture passes, laptops, and video game mature.

Reciprocal and Louisiana Resident Borrower Types

Total Items: 20 items

The total number of items allowed is a combination of all library material types based on the chart below.

Reciprocal and Louisiana Resident borrower types may not check out the following material types: eReaders, mobile hotspots, laptops, culture passes, and school assignment.

Educator and Senior Citizen Borrower Type

Total Items: 40 items

The total number of items allowed is a combination of all library material types based on the chart below.

Out-of-State Borrower Type

Total Items: 3 items

Out-of-state borrower types may not check out the following material types: eReaders, learning kits, mobile hotspots, laptops, culture passes, and school assignment.

The total number of items allowed is a combination of all library material types based on the chart below.

Facility Use Borrower Type

Total Items: 50 items

Facility Use borrower types are not allowed to check-out the following material types: eReaders, school assignment, video games, mobile hotspots, headphones, culture passes, and laptops.

The total number of items allowed is a combination of all library material types based on the chart below.

Discovery Mobile Checkouts (Bookmobile)

Total Items: 20 items

• For Adult, Staff, Educator, Senior Citizen, Juvenile, and Teen borrower types: The total number of items allowed in a combination of all library material types based on the chart below.
• For Out-of-state, Reciprocal, Louisiana Resident, and Facility Use Cards: Follow the limitations listed for that borrower type.
• For parish school students visiting the Discovery Mobile during regularly scheduled school visits using either a regular library card or an LPPS card are limited to 3 items, per policy 3-316.

3-315.g Renewal of Library Materials

1. Library cardholders may renew library materials in the event the borrower needs the materials for a longer period of time.
2. Library materials may only be renewed if no other library cardholder in the system has requested the material due back to the library.  A library item will not be renewed if there is a request on the item.
3. All cardholders may renew library items up to 2 times after the initial checkout period expires, with the following exceptions:
   1. All launchpads, learning kits, and video games are limited to 1 renewal.
   2. Non-circulating materials, mobile hotspots, headphones, cultural passes and lucky day collections may not be renewed.
4. The renewal period is equal to the checkout period length for all materials.

Renewal length and number of renewals are determined by a patron’s borrower type. The periods and limitations of renewals are defined in section D of this policy: Circulation Periods and Limitations (3-315.f).

3-315.h Requesting Library Materials

A request, or hold, is a way for a library card holder to reserve library materials currently checked out to another cardholder. Once the library materials are returned, the item is held for a period of seven (7) days for the requesting patron.

Reference materials may not be placed on hold by patrons. For reference materials, a patron may request that material located at a branch be transferred for their temporary use at a preferred branch. Reference materials may be transferred for a limited period of time. Periods longer than 30 days must be approved by Administration.

Holds are placed into the library system in the order in which they are received on a first come, first served basis. No escalation of priority is allowed, unless approved by Library Administration.

3-315.i Fines for Overdue Materials

1. Livingston Parish Library does not assess overdue fines on collection items.
2. Renewal of borrowed items must follow the renewal policy as stated in Renewal of Library Materials (3-315.e).
3. Library cardholders whose accounts meet the criteria defined for a circulation block are not allowed to renew library materials until the block is resolved. Blocks are defined in 3-315.j Circulation Blocks.

3-315.j  Circulation Blocks

Library cardholders may be blocked from borrowing further materials if any of the following conditions are met.

1. Library card is expired – A patron must renew his library card as detailed in 3-315.d. Library Card Expiration and Renewal.
2. Excessive fines and fees
   1. Patrons with outstanding fines exceeding $10.00 will be asked to pay the amount owed in full or to pay the amount sufficient enough to lower the amount owed to $10.00 or less.  Only upon payment will they be able to check out books from the library.
   2. Patrons with outstanding fees for lost or damaged items will be asked to return the items and/or pay the money owed to the library before they can check out, if the amount exceeds $10.00.
   3. Installment Payment Plan will be offered to patrons in order to reduce their outstanding fines gradually and in the most affordable way.
   4. Patrons with outstanding fines exceeding $10 cannot be designated as authorized users on other patrons’ accounts.

3-315.k  Returning Borrowed Materials

1. Materials borrowed from the Livingston Parish Library must be returned by their due date.  See Circulation Periods and Limitations (3-315.f) for details.
2. Materials borrowed from the Livingston Parish Library may be returned to any of the system’s library locations.
3. A book drop at the entrance of the library is available for convenience in returning library materials.  Use of the book drop does not cancel overdue fines.

Amended on November 16, 2021; Amended on July 18, 2023

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Limits of Library Privileges

Code: 4-402

Section: Facility Policies and Procedures

4-402.a General Limitations

1. Use of the library by all the citizens of Livingston Parish is assured and assumed. However, some limits must be in place to guarantee the control of public property.

2. Any citizen or visitor to the parish may enter any branch during normal business hours of each branch and browse or read on the premises. In order to have circulation privileges, a citizen must register as a borrower and obtain a library card per the Circulation Services policy, 3-315.

3. Overdue fines and fees will be charged for any item held beyond the date due. Restrictions may be placed on the patron’s borrowing privileges if overdue fines and fees exceed $10.00 per the Circulation Periods and Limitations section of the Circulation Services Policy (3-315.f).

4. Patrons having overdue materials and/or fines and fees should be notified about their overdue materials.

5. Patrons with account balance exceeding $10.00 will not be allowed to use public computers.

4-402.b Disruptive Behavior

1. The Library is a place of study and contemplative use. Quiet will be maintained to the best staff’s ability and the cooperation of the public.

2. Disruptive behavior will not be permitted or tolerated. Persons who interrupt the environment of the library will be asked to leave or be ejected if necessary. The Civil authorities (Sheriff’s Office) will be called if necessary.

3. Examples of disruptive behavior are:

   1. Loud noise, such as talk, laughter, screaming and yelling (this includes disruptive behavior of children).

   2. Running in the open areas and stacks.

   3. Use of profane and/or vulgar language.

   4. Harassment of library patrons or staff as detailed in 4-402.g.

   5. Destruction or theft of library property or the private property of anyone in the library or on the library grounds.

   6. Use of the library study or reading areas for a social gathering.

   7. The parents or accompanying adults of children displaying disruptive behavior will be asked to correct the behavior or take the child/children outside.

4-402.c Sleeping in the Library

The library is not an appropriate place to sleep or nap. Persons found sleeping in the library will be wakened and asked to resume regular activity or leave. (Exceptions may be made for the elderly, and the very young who are accompanying an adult library user.)

4-402.d Use of Tobacco

The use of cigars, cigarettes, snuff or chewing tobacco or any other tobacco product is not permitted in the library public areas (i.e., reading areas, stacks, entry ways, foyer, seating areas, restrooms, or any other area open to the public) or in the offices. The use of tobacco is limited to the exterior of the building.

4-402.e Chewing Gum, Candy, Food and Drinks

The consumption of food, candy and chewing gum is not permitted in the library, with exceptions for Library sponsored functions or special permission. Patrons can bring drinks inside the building as long as they are capped. Drinks are not allowed near electronic equipment such as copiers, faxes, computers, etc. Persons entering with any food items will be asked to take them outside.

4-402.f Loitering

Persons having no business to conduct at the library will not be permitted to linger either inside or outside the library. If he/she/they exhibit threatening behavior, the Sheriff’s Office will be called immediately.

4-402.g Harassment of Library Employees or Other Library Patrons

The Livingston Parish Library intends to provide a place where all individuals wishing to utilize the library’s services can do so in a pleasant, healthful, comfortable environment free from intimidation, hostility, or other offenses that might interfere with the enjoyment of the library. Harassment of any sort – verbal, physical, visual – will not be tolerated.

Harassment can take many forms. It may be, but is not limited to: words, signs, jokes, pranks, intimidation, physical contact, or violence. Harassment is not necessarily sexual in nature. Sexually harassing conduct may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature.

Any report of a patron engaging in such behavior will be duly investigated by Library Administration and reported to the proper authorities. Such behavior can result in restriction of library privileges or potential banning from the library’s premises as detailed in the Problem Patron policy (4-405).

Revised: February 10, 2011

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Lost and Damaged Materials

Code: 3-324

Section: Service Policies

Per 3-315 Circulation Services, Section A, library cardholders are “fiscally responsible for any damage to or loss of library materials while the materials are checked out to their library card.” This fiscally responsibility applies to any library material that meets the definition of a lost or damaged material while checked out to the patron’s library card, whether that loss occurs inside or outside of the library.

Definitions

Damaged materials – Any material damaged while checked out to a patron where the damage is extensive enough to warrant removal from the collection and/or the material is deemed beyond repair. Examples of such damage include, but are not limited to, the following types of damage:

• Water, heat, smoke, fire, and/or mold damage

• Chewed, broken, torn, or otherwise damaged covers, pages, cases, discs, etc. of library materials

• Excessive writing, highlighting, or marking on library materials

• Malicious disfigurement of the physical item

• Malodorous items (pervasive, strong odors)

Lost Materials – Any material checked out by a patron but not returned within 135 days of the expiration of the due date for the original check out or last renewal, whichever is later.

Replacement Cost – The replacement cost for lost or damaged materials is set by the library based on the original purchase price of the library material plus a four dollar ($4) processing fee. This replacement cost does not depreciate as the material ages within the library’s collection.

Multi-part Item - Library materials comprised of 2 or more parts per library item record (item barcode number). Examples include, but are not limited to, books with accompanying audiobooks or program discs, audiobook sets, multi-part DVD sets, and multi-disc sets.

Determining the State of Damaged Material

In the event of damage to Library Materials, a determination is made if the item can be repaired. If an item can be repaired, or part of an item replaced, the borrower is obligated to pay for the price of the repair or replacement part. This amount should not exceed the amount of the replacement cost of the material.

The Circulation Desk Assistant will be authorized to make initial determinations of the state of materials returned to the library for obvious damage. If there is some question about the extent of the damage, or

if the item is able to be repaired, then the following persons are consulted: a) Circulation Desk Supervisor, b) Branch Supervisor, c) Assistant Librarian, and e) Administrative Librarian.

Fees for Lost and Damaged Materials

Library cardholders are fiscally responsible for library materials that are checked out to their library card and that meet the definition of damaged or lost materials. Payment will consist of the replacement cost as recorded in the item’s record within the library’s computer system.

No book or item will be accepted as replacement in lieu of money, unless approval by the Administrative Librarian or Assistant Librarian.

For Interlibrary Loan items or if no price is shown on the computer, consult the Administrative Librarian or Assistant Librarian.

The patron should make every effort to find the library item before it is paid for. Once the library item is paid for, no refunds will be given.

Fees for Partially Damaged or Lost Materials

1. Missing parts of multi-part items

   1. In the event a patron fails to return a part of a multi-part item, the Livingston Parish Library will notify the patron. If initial contact is not successful, the library will attempt to contact the borrower for no more than 2 months from the date the item has been returned.

   2. Multi-part items returned missing a part will not be checked in and removed from the patron’s account. Until all parts of the multi-part item are returned the item is still considered checked out by the patron.

   3. If the missing part is not returned within 2 months and the item is deemed in need of replacement, the borrower’s account is charged as determined below.

      1. For items where the missing part can be reordered, the borrower will be charged the price of the replacement part. This charge will not exceed the original purchase price of the item.

      2. For items where the whole item must be reordered to obtain a complete set, the borrower will be charged the replacement cost of the borrowed material.

2. Fees for repair or replacement supplies

   1. Replacement a lost or damaged cases for audiobooks and disc cases: $4

   2. Damaged books that can be repaired through rebinding: $7

   3. DVD security tab: 50 cents

Materials Lost or Damaged due to Theft or Act of Nature

Fees for library materials lost, damaged, or destroyed due to theft or act of nature will be fully forgiven and waived from the patron’s account if accompanied by an insurance, fire, police, or other official report documenting the lost, damage, or destruction of the borrowed materials.

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Minors/Children in the Library

Code: 4-404

Section: Facility Policies and Procedures

Minors/Children in the Library

The Board and the staff welcome children into the library to study, and to browse through the fiction and picture book collections to begin to learn of the joy of books and reading.  The Board recognizes the importance of reading skills in the future of the child and the importance of recreational reading to the quality of life for all the citizens of the parish.  However, the Board does not place upon the staff of the library the role of “babysitter” or caretaker for unsupervised children.

The library defines caregiver as legal guardian, sibling of majority age, or other adult appointed by the parents.

The library defines majority age as 18 years old. (According to Acts 1987, No. 125, §1, eff. Jan. 1. 1988 of LA Civil Code 29, majority is attained upon reaching the age of eighteen years.)

1. The Library as an institution and the staff individually are not and shall not be responsible for the welfare of children left unsupervised in the library for any extended period of time.
2. Children will not be paged for telephone calls except in cases of emergency.
3. Children under the age of thirteen (13) years must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.  The Library as an institution and the staff as individuals do not assume the role of parent or caretaker, nor childcare provider for minor children.
4. Parents or caregivers shall supervise minor children while they are in the public areas of the library.
5. Parents or caregivers are responsible for the actions of all minors on library property regardless of whether parent or legal guardian is present.
6. Minor children who remain at the library at the close of the business day will be allowed to call their parents/home to arrange transportation prior to building’s closing.
7. If children remain in or outside the library near the close of the public service day, the civil authorities (Sheriff’s Office @ (225) 686-2241) shall be notified immediately and said children shall be remanded into their custody. Two or more staff members should remain until a deputy arrives. No staff member shall escort minors off the premises under any circumstances.

Amended on July 18, 2023.

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Electronic Resources Access Policy 

Code: 3-328

Section: Service Policies

Livingston Parish Library provides resources in a wide variety of formats to meet the informational, educational, recreational and cultural needs of the diverse, multicultural community it serves. The Internet is an integral part of the resources available to assist library users in finding the information they need.

User Responsibility

• Online resources contain a wealth of valuable information. However, users should be aware that some information might be inaccurate, outdated, and/or offensive.
• Parents, not the library, are responsible for the use of these resources by their children, regardless of age.
• The library is not responsible for any damages that may result from transmitting personal information (social security number, debit/credit card information, name, address, etc.) via electronic networks.

Acceptable Uses

Library patrons are encouraged to use public workstations for the following purposes:

• Research and educational information
• Unstructured navigation (“surfing”) of the Internet to locate sites of interest and to hone usage skills
• Printing from full text databases

Internet Safety Policy to Protect Minors

• The safety and security of minors when using email, chat rooms, social networking sites, forums or other forms of direct electronic communications is the responsibility of parent/guardian.

• Unauthorized access to Library systems, computers and network, individuals’ computers, devices, and networks or other entities’ systems, computers, and networks, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful online activities by minors and all others, is forbidden.
• As federally mandated, unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors are forbidden.
• Filters designed to restrict access to materials harmful to minors have been installed, but may not filter everything at all times.

Prohibited Uses

Patrons and staff may not use the workstations in the following situations:

• Illegal, unauthorized, unethical or commercial purposes.
• Manipulation of internal hardware and/or software.
• Transmission or downloading of any material in violation of state or federal laws.
• Copying, downloading, or distributing of any material in violation of copyright law.
• Sending, receiving, or viewing any material that may be reasonably construed as obscene or pornographic in accordance with Louisiana laws and CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act).
• Unauthorized access to Library systems, computers and network, individuals’ computers, devices, and networks or other entities’ systems, computers, and networks, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful online activities is forbidden. Prohibited uses will result in the loss of workstation privileges. Perpetrators of malicious damage to the system will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Limitations

Filter: In accordance with Children’s Internet Protection Act, web content filtering has been enabled on the library’s network.

Time: Initial sign-up time is one hour with possible thirty-minute extensions on available time slots.

Age:  Because of the high costs and delicate nature of complex electronic and mechanical equipment, children under the age of thirteen (13) will be required to have a parent or adult guardian present when using the workstation.

Fines: Patrons with an account balance exceeding $10.00 will not be allowed to access public computers.

Parental Supervision: Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s computers.

Financial Responsibility

The library reserves the right to seek monetary recovery for the cost of replacement and/or repair of any equipment destroyed or damaged through the intentional or negligent act of any user.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Compliance

Livingston Parish Library complies with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act by addressing the five key requirements:

• Prohibits access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet
• Protects the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications
• Prohibits unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online
• Prohibits unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
• Incorporates measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors

The Library restricts access by minors to inappropriate matter with the use of web content filtering software. All Children and Teen computers access the Internet through a security gateway that cannot be bypassed.

The safety and security of young patrons when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications and unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities is addressed by insuring that minors are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when using library computers, allowed to use computers in designated areas for children and teen, and supervised by library staff.

Livingston Parish Library is committed to user confidentiality. The confidentiality of library records is a core part of library ethics and Livingston Parish Library follows the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association.

Under Louisiana Law, LA R.S. 44 Chapter 13, library patrons are guaranteed privacy and confidentiality of their library activities including records sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, and include database search records, reference interviews, circulation records, interlibrary loan transactions, registration records, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.

Livingston Parish Library does not sell, lease, or otherwise distribute or disclose patron name, email address, postal address, telephone number, or other personal information to outside parties.

The Internet is a continually evolving resource and the information and links on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably. The library cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on the Internet. Users should carefully evaluate the information they find when using this resource.

Amended on February 19, 2019; Amended on July 18, 2023.

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Meeting Room Policy

Code: 4-407

Section: Facility Policies and Procedures

The Livingston Parish Library Board of Control has set forth the following rules and regulations for the use of the library meeting rooms for non-library programs and events. This policy is to be read and agreed upon by anyone/any group applying for reservation of any meeting room in the system before the applications will be accepted. Failure to uphold library policies or a violation of applicable local/state/federal laws may result in either termination or suspension of meeting room privileges.

All meetings shall follow and adhere to the La. Const. Art 11, Sec. 4, and La. R.S. 18:1465.

Meeting Room Capacity

Public Use of Library Meeting Rooms

• The primary purpose of the meeting rooms is to provide space for activities and programs related to the Library's mission, vision, and purpose. When not required for library purposes, the rooms may be scheduled free-of-charge by non-profit community organizations and parish governmental agencies, subject to the approval.

   

• Persons requesting meeting room space must have a library card with the Livingston Parish Library.

   

• Use of the meeting rooms by various organizations and groups does not constitute endorsement, by the Livingston Parish Library and the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control, of the policies, views, or beliefs expressed by a group as a whole or by individual participants in the meetings.

   

• Livingston Parish Library programs and sponsored events have priority in the use of meeting room space. The library reserves the right to reschedule previously approved meeting room reservations to accommodate library-sponsored programs and events. In

the event the library must reschedule a confirmed meeting room reservation, the library will give a 1 week (5 business days) notice of such to the scheduled group.

• Use of library meeting rooms are limited to the following uses by the general public:

  • Governmental activities

  • Non-profit or not-for-profit groups, organizations, or individuals (with proof of non- profit status)

  • Individual citizens (or groups of citizens) which have a non-business/not-for-profit nature.

     

• All meetings must be free and open to the general public.

   

• No solicitation may take place during the group’s use of a meeting room. Special permission must be sought for the following.

  • Classes or programs that require a small fee to cover supply expenses (but NOT payment for speaker, etc.)

  • Classes or programs which require advanced registration due to limited availability (however registration MUST be open to the general public)

  • Authors/book signings not sponsored by Livingston Parish Library

     

• Programs or classes should not be such that noise, traffic, etc. interfere with patrons or normal Branch operation.

   

• Program attendance shall not exceed maximum allowed occupancy number as set by the order of the Fire Marshal.

  • The library reserves the right to bar additional people from entering the meeting room if it discovers a group has exceeded maximum capacity.

  • The library reserves the right to immediately stop a program if the maximum allowed occupancy is exceeded and proves hazardous.

  • The library reserves the right to bar a group from use of the meeting room for gross or repeated violation of the public occupancy code.

     

• Livingston Parish Library provides meeting room furniture for public meeting room use. However, the number of tables and chairs provided may or may not accommodate the maximum allowed occupancy number for the meeting room.

  • Groups expecting larger audiences may need to provide additional furniture if needed.

  • No furniture, equipment, or other supplies, needed for a group’s events may be left or stored at the library before or after an approved event. If a group leaves any such materials at the library, the library bears no responsibility for said materials and bears no liability should anything be lost, stolen, or damaged.

  • If additional furniture is needed, the group should coordinate with the branch manager to bring additional furniture to the meeting room that least disrupts the library’s operation.

     

• The Library has the right to cancel the use of the meeting rooms by any group or organization that fail to follow the Library’s rules and regulations.

  Important Meeting Room Procedures

   

  All groups using the Library Meeting Rooms must follow the policies and procedures that apply to all Library activities. Groups that use the meeting rooms occasionally have speakers at their meetings. These speakers must abide by the same restrictions that are required for Library programs.

  Groups and individuals attending a meeting in a Library Meeting Room may conduct routine business such as dues collections and exchanging business cards. However, groups and individuals may not conduct sales, solicit donations, or solicit signatures or survey responses within the public service areas of the library and its environs.

  Organizations and speakers are not allowed to distribute business cards or information about themselves, their businesses, and their products in public service areas of the library and its environs. Printed information may be placed on a table in the meeting room where anyone who might be interested can pick up the information.

  Contact Person for your Group

   

  When requesting the use of a meeting, your organization must provide the Library with the name of one person who will serve as liaison to the Library. All information from the Library will be sent to that person. It is important that we have accurate information on each contact person listed, in case of an unforeseen event or closure of the Library. Please notify the Library immediately if the liaison or the contacts of your group change.

  Reserving Library Meeting Rooms

   

  Only the liaison of your organization listed on your group’s application is allowed to reserve library meeting rooms. Committees and other groups are allowed to meet, even if officers may not be present. However, only the designated individuals will be allowed to reserve rooms.

  Signing in for Use of the Meeting Rooms

   

  Groups that are meeting at the Library are required to sign in before their meetings and sign out at the end of the meetings. Forms are available at the Circulation Desk. The representative of the group will be asked to sign his name, give the time the group came and left, and the total number of people in attendance.

  Publicity on Meetings Held at the Library

   

  Groups must notify the Library if they are having a speaker that they are advertising in the newspaper, on radio or television, or through posted announcements. The group liaison should discuss the program with the Head of the Branch Library where the group will meet.

  Copies of all publicity that your organization sends to the print, radio, or television media about any meetings to be held at the Library should be sent to:

  Public Relations Livingston Parish Library PO Box 397

  Livingston, LA 70754

   

  Groups Allowed to Use the Rooms

   

  During the operating hours of the Library, if not needed for library purposes, the rooms may be reserved free-of-charge by community-based civic, corporate, cultural, educational, professional, political, recreational and religious organizations, alumni planning groups, and organizations sponsoring public hearings, as well as agencies of the city-parish government, subject to approval.

  Groups or individuals who wish to reserve a room for private, social, commercial, or promotional use may contact Library Administration to request the use of library facilities; such use is limited to specific locations and circumstances and rental fees will be assessed.

  Such non-traditional use will be decided on a case-by-case basis and will depend on the Library's capacity to manage the event as well as how closely the event parallels the Library's mission.

  Process to Reconcile Issues Relating to Non-Profit Status Determination

   

  Determination of Non-Profit Status: In the event of a question as to the Non-Profit Status of a group wishing to meet in the Library, the group will be asked to provide Library administration with a copy of their Letter of Determination as sent by the IRS.

  Groups Not Allowed to Use the Meeting Rooms

   

  Library meeting rooms are not available to out-of-parish groups. However, use of meeting rooms on an occasional basis for informational meetings for the general public may be scheduled by agencies of the State or Federal Government, statewide organizations, or out-of- parish groups.

  Groups should still complete a meeting room application.

   

  Reserving Meeting Rooms and Times of Operation

   

  • Meetings must be held during Library hours, but may not be scheduled within the first and last half hour of the branch’s regular hours of operation. Meeting rooms should be clear of all individuals 30 minutes prior to Branch closing.

     

  • The requested amount of time for an approved meeting includes set-up and take-down time needed before and after the meeting. Take-down/wrap-up should begin at least 30 minutes prior to Branch closing and sooner if necessary to complete all take down and housekeeping tasks.

     

  • Meeting rooms may be reserved by adults only. Youth organizations must have an adult sponsor. An adult is defined as an individual aged 18 years or older.

    

     

  • If a group cancels the use of a meeting room, the contact person must notify the library 24 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. Failure to do so may result in loss of room privileges.

     

  • The library reserves the right to block large amounts of time at peak times to ensure meeting rooms are available for library events.

     

  • Nothing may be affixed to the walls, by any means, of the meeting rooms. Cost of repair/replacement due to damages caused by not following this rule will be charged to the applicant.

     

  • The Library will not be responsible for loss or damage to any equipment not belonging to the Library.

   

  Application for Meeting Room Use

   

• Meeting rooms may only be booked by individuals 18 years or older and who hold a Livingston Parish Library card, with library account in good standing.

  • Any youth activities must be applied for and attended to by an adult (18 years or older).

  • The individual submitting the meeting room reservation request for youth activities must be present during the activity at all times.

     

• Eligible groups or individuals who wish to use a library meeting room must submit a meeting room reservation. The reservation must be submitted by the person(s) responsible for the meeting. Signature(s) on the application constitutes agreement to the rules as set forth by the library system.

   

• All meeting room reservation requests must be made a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the date needed.

   

• A meeting may not be booked more than 6 months prior to the date of the meeting.

   

• Once a meeting room reservation has been submitted, the library has 5 days to review the reservation request to ensure that the proposed meeting meets the rules and regulations set forth in this policy. The library will contact the responsible party and respond if the request has been approved or denied.

   

• Meeting rooms will not be considered as booked until the completed reservation request is reviewed and approved.

Responsibilities of Organizations Using the Meeting Rooms

The applicant organization is responsible for discipline and reasonable care of the meeting rooms, furnishings, and kitchens (where available), and is financially responsible for damages to facilities, equipment or contents. Groups are responsible for setting up the meeting rooms for their own use.

• Meetings will be scheduled to allow time for setup and take down. Library furniture, special equipment, audiovisual and public address equipment and systems must be scheduled in advance.

• The organization must leave the meeting rooms in an orderly condition. The organization must remove any clutter and trash caused by its activities. Trash containers and/or trash bags will be made available.

• Light refreshments are allowed with prior permission from the Branch Manager. Only light refreshments may be served, such as cookies, sandwiches, sack lunches, coffee, tea and soft drinks; however, because of problems with permanent carpet stains, groups are not allowed to serve beverages that may stain the carpet.

• Applicant organization/group is responsible for cleanup.

• Failure to observe these requirements may result in loss of meeting room privileges.

• All components of an event, including set-up and take-down, must take place within the time limit booked for the event.

• Groups approved to use the meeting room are responsible for set-up and take- down of the room.

• Upon take-down, the meeting room must be restored to the same orderly fashion as before the meeting’s set-up. Timeliness is key as there may be back-to-back meeting scheduled.

• The Library’s address and/or telephone number may not be listed by any applicant for the organization’s/group’s usage.

• Alcoholic beverages, drugs, any illegal substances are STRICTLY prohibited on Library grounds.

• Smoking is prohibited anywhere on library property.

Additional Information

• Free wireless access to the Internet is available at all library locations. However, the Library cannot ensure that you will be able to make a wireless connection.

• The Library does not provide storage space for individuals or organizations.

• The Library must not be used as the official address or headquarters of any group or organization.

• It is the intent of these policies to prohibit any one group or organization from dominating the use of the meeting rooms. Generally, no more than one meeting per week will be scheduled for any individual group.

• If an emergency requires closing the Library, every effort will be made to notify a contact person for the group. When the Library reopens, reservations will be honored as scheduled.

   

  Fee Schedule for Non-Tradition Use of Library Meeting Rooms

   

  Non-Traditional Use by Non-Profits:

   

  Use of Library Meeting Rooms for traditional meetings and events scheduled by Non-Profit groups during regular Library hours is free. The Library reserves the right to charge a non-profit a $50 per hour fee for set-up time, as well $50 per hour for any necessary clean-up time.

  Non-Traditional Use by Individuals, Social or Commercial Groups:

   

  The Library may, upon occasion, allow very limited use of Meeting Rooms for commercial use and ticketed events taking place during regular Library Hours. Groups or individuals will be charged the following fees for use of a library meeting room.

• $50 per hour for the actual event

• $25 minimum at ½ hour increment for set-up, if requested

• $25 minimum at a ½ hour increment for clean-up

• Private and social events such as weddings, graduations, reunions, and parties are NOT APPROVED.

   

  Commercial Events approved for occasional bookings:

   

• Informational seminars to promote a product or business

• Training meetings for staff of a commercial business

• Depositions

• Job fairs

• Sales expos

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Study Room Policy Code: 4-408

Section: Facility Policies and Procedures

There are two study rooms available in the adult collection area of the Main Branch of the Livingston Parish Library. The rooms are available during normal library hours for use by patrons who require a quiet atmosphere in which to pursue individual study, as well as to contain the noise of small group discussions. The study rooms can be used by up to 4 people. Scheduling and registration is done by library staff at the adult reference service desk. Requests for study rooms should be conducted in person.

1. First priority in scheduling the use of study rooms is reserved for library programs and services.

    

2. Study rooms are scheduled daily on a first come, first serve basis.

    

3. No advance reservations are allowed, and usage is limited to two (2) hours per day if no one is waiting for a room. If no one is waiting and the time is extended, the person or group must forfeit the room if/when another individual or group wants to use it. Staff will explain the forfeiture provision in advance of the extension or if users ask in advance if the time can be extended.

    

4. The rooms are available at all other times during regular library hours for individuals and/or small groups to use for studying and conferencing. Rooms cannot be used as a primary meeting place for groups or individuals or a place to conduct business. Rooms cannot be used for tutoring or any other activities for which fees are charged in advance, off site, or on site.

    

5. Individuals requesting a study room must be at least 14 years of age and possess a valid Livingston Parish Library card. The individual initiating the request must be present during the period of usage. Library card will be held during the use of the study room.

    

6. Any study room left unattended for more than 15 minutes of the requested time will be considered cancelled and available for use by others. Items left unattended will be considered lost and placed in the library's Lost and Found located at the Checkout desk.

    

7. No fees are charged for the use of these rooms, but at least one of the users must have a valid Livingston Parish library card.

    

8. The library is not responsible for accidents, injury, loss or damage to the private property of individuals or organizations, including laptops, purses, and wallets.

Users Responsibilities

1. The responsible user will be held financially responsible for any damage to the group study room or furniture.

2. The room must be left in clean and neat condition.

    

3. Users may not move tables and chairs into or remove them from a study room. No items shall be taped or tacked to painted walls or windows.

    

4. Groups who are noisy or unruly will be asked to leave.

    

5. Eating and drinking are not permitted except for bottled water.

    

6. Property should not be left unattended in the room and the Library is not responsible if the door is left unlocked by the group.

    

7. Users must observe the library's Rules of Conduct (see policies 4-402, 4-403).

    

8. Failure to follow this policy may result in denial of future use. Users are also responsible for any damages in the rooms. They are expected to leave rooms in neat condition with all scrap paper or any sort of debris removed and discarded in the trash.

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Tutoring Policy Code: 4-409

Section: Facility Policies and Procedures

The Library premises are available for the use of members of the public to meet their needs in accessing information and for quiet enjoyment of library materials and equipment. As part of its educational mission, the library permits tutoring on the premises in accordance with this policy.

The Library does not sponsor, recommend, or assume liability or responsibility for the work and/or activities of tutors who use available library space. All arrangements must be made between the tutor, student and parents.

Tutors are expected to observe the following guidelines when tutoring in the library:

• Library staff is happy to assist tutors and their students, just as they assist any patron of the Library. However, the Library staff must be available to all people who come into the Library for help and should not be relied upon to deliver messages, or to find a tutor.

   

• Tutors are responsible for the behavior of the student during the session. It is preferred that the parent remain in the Library while a child under the age of 12 is being tutored. The Library assumes no responsibility for children left unattended. The Library's Order and Quiet Policy and Minors/Children in the Library Policy apply to everyone.

   

• Library space is not to be used as a classroom or place of business for tutors to work from but as a safe and quiet workspace for students to receive instruction. Tutor belongings or use of space should not interfere with easy access through the library by other library users.

   

• The magazine reading area is a quiet area and should not be used for tutoring sessions. Teen areas should not be used by tutors during after-school hours, as it is a space reserved for teen study and soft conversations. Study rooms should not be used for tutoring sessions.

   

• Conversations or instruction should not be loud enough to distract other library users.

   

• Cell phone use is restricted to the lobbies and vestibules. Library phones may not be used to schedule and reschedule sessions.

   

• Tables can neither be reserved, nor can the expectation be made that others will be asked to move to accommodate a tutoring session.

   

• Tutors and students must bring their own supplies.

Approved November 12, 2014

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Display of Items in the Library Code: 4-410

Section: Facility Policies and Procedures

Distribution of Materials within the Library and the Posting of Announcements

It is the policy of the Livingston Parish Library, as part of its information mission and as a public service, to provide access to community information by providing space for the free distribution of handouts and the public posting of flyers, notices, and posters.

Limited space is available at each library location for handouts and postings. Therefore, use of this space is governed as follows:

1. Top priority is given to brochures, handouts, posters, and like materials produced by the Library as advertisement and/or dissemination of information about services, programs, or events sponsored by the Library.

2. Non-profit or non-commercial materials produced by parish organizations who are engaged in the cultural, educational, intellectual, or charitable activities of the parish.

3. Materials produced by parish government bodies that advertise and/or promote services for parish residents and are of a non-partisan, non-political nature.

4. Materials and informational products of the Livingston Parish School Board that disseminate information for the general public.

In order to facilitate the fair and equitable use of this space, the following conditions will apply to any group that wishes to submit materials for public display at the Library:

1. Entities wishing to provide materials for public distribution or hang posters/signs for community display must submit the materials for approval to the Branch Manager of the Livingston Parish Library location at which the entity wishes to display the materials.

2. Materials must meet the requirements of this policy to be displayed. Approval for display will be given by the Branch Manager and/or Library Director before items are made available to the public.

3. Materials should be submitted in a timely enough manner to work through the approval process.

4. Materials are displayed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

5. The library reserves the right to determine the length of time material may be displayed. Dated materials may be removed and discarded from display within one week of the date’s passing. Non-dated materials may be removed and discarded after 2 weeks of its initial posting, at the discretion of the library.

6. The library reserves the right to refuse to display materials if the material is larger than 8.5 x 11” and space is limited and/or the content violates this policy.

    

   Commercial announcements, advocacy messages, endorsements of any political candidate or party, personal notices, “for sale” or “for hire” notices, any commercial or advertising notices, flyers, promotional packages, ads, product samples, coupons, business cards, or any other materials with a commercial or for-profit is prohibited and will not be approved for display.

   Furthermore, anything defamatory, slanderous, or illegal in nature will not be accepted or displayed at the library.

    

   Only library staff may place materials on display once approved. Any materials found on display or left for free distribution that have not been approved by the Library will be removed and discarded.

    

   The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of materials posted or placed for free distribution. As well, the library cannot be responsible for the return of any posted materials.

    

   The library reserves the right to refuse to display materials. Submitting display materials for review does not constitute approval.

    

   The library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints, beliefs, or activities of any organization or event that is publicized on the community bulletin board.

    

   Community Bulletin Boards

   One of the important roles of the public library is to serve as a source of information for community programs, events and services. Each library will have a bulletin board for community announcements located in a designated central area. The following guidelines will assure that announcements submitted for posting will be given fair consideration and ample time and that the bulletin board will be kept current and attractive:

   • The Library will post notices of educational, cultural and recreational events or services which are sponsored by non-profit organizations. It is not the purpose of the bulletin board to advertise commercial endeavors unless they are specifically related to the Library program. Exceptions may be made to promote community events, non- political/non-profit fundraising initiatives. Announcements to be posted must be cleared and dated by a branch manager.

   • Posted materials shall be no larger than 8 ½” X 14” in size.

   • The Library will single accept a single copy of announcement.

   • The Library will determine the length of time announcements will be displayed based on space available.

• Notices will be posted no longer than three weeks. Items will be marked with the date to be taken down.

• Materials, flyers or posters which advocate the election or defeat of a candidate for public office, or which advocate an affirmative or negative vote for or against any proposition, whether political or otherwise, will NOT be posted.

• The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, possible damage, theft, or return of any item displayed on the bulletin board.

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Display of Items in the Library Code: 4-411

Section: Facility Policies and Procedures

Display of Items in the Library (Art, Artifacts, Memorabilia, Ephemera, etc.)

1. Displays in the library shall be developed and prepared by library staff under the direction/approval of the Administrative Librarian. Displays will highlight activities or events of local, regional, or national interest.

    

2. The Administrative Librarian shall have final authority to approve or reject any display in the Library.

    

3. Displays from outside the Library may be accepted for display if the display falls into the needs of the Library for displays or for items fitting into displays developed by the library staff.

    

4. No displays shall be accepted that present or advocate current political events or viewpoints, or present or advocate religious events or viewpoints.

    

5. Displays on controversial societal topics will not be accepted from any outside group. The Library has a responsibility to deliver ideas in a balanced and impartial manner. Therefore, printed material on these topics will be accepted to be placed in the vertical file. Material should be labeled as to the origin and source. This material must be submitted to the Administrative Librarian.

    

6. Displays are not to be presented or accepted for display that would constitute or insinuate endorsement by the Library or the government of Livingston Parish of ideas or subjects receiving heated debate or scrutiny in the public forum. Displays can educate, inform or entertain, but should not create controversy.

    

7. The length of time any material is on display will be determined by the Administrative Librarian or person(s) that have been so delegated by the Administrative Librarian to make that decision.

Subject: Challenged Materials
Code: 3-306
Section: Service Policies

Challenged Materials

1. It is understood that it will be impossible to please every patron of the library at every hour of the day, or with every decision that is made by the Board of Control, or by the Administrative Librarian or by the staff.  It is also recognized as the right of every patron to express his/her concerns and complaints about the Library and to have these taken seriously when preformed in accordance with appropriate public conduct and through proper channels.

2. There shall be a form (Citizen’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Material Form, Code: 3-309a) to be given to patrons wishing to register a complaint about any material in the Library.  There will also be a form (Registration of User Complaint Form, Code: 3-309b) to be given to any patron wishing to register a complaint in regard to any policy or program of the Library or any member on staff at the Library.  There will also be a form (Citizen’s Request for Appeal of Reconsideration Form, Code: 3-309c) to be given to a patron wishing to appeal Library decisions made regarding a previous reconsideration directly to the Library Board of Control at one of its regular meeting. The original copy of each form completed will be directed to the Administrative Librarian, with a copy retained at the branch where it was completed.

3. No patron complaint will be ignored.  Be courteous, but make no commitments with regards to the resolution of any complaint.

4. If possible, complaints should be addressed by the supervising staff member at a branch if it concerns that branch, with a follow-up memorandum to the Administrative Librarian detailing actions taken.  If the complaint concerns a policy or the collection, then the complaint form should be directed to the Administrative Librarian directly.  In the absence of the Administrative Librarian, the complaint should be directed to the Assistant Librarian.

5. The Board of Control shall be notified of challenges to material in the collection and appeals of previous decisions.

6. A file shall be maintained of all complaint forms and/or copies of any written correspondence that are turned in to the staff.

Amended on July 18, 2023.

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Harassment Policy

Code: 5-568

Section: Personnel Policies and Procedures

The Library emphasizes to all employees that sexual harassment is prohibited behavior.  Depending on the circumstances, verified violations of this policy will result in corrective action up to and including discharge. Library employees are required to undertake an annual Harassment Training as outlined in 2-226.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: 

Sexual harassment includes unsolicited, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, gender-based harassment or conduct, and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature when:

            (1)        submission to such advances, requests or conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a condition of employment;

            (2)        submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions; or

            (3)        such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating a hostile or offensive work environment.

This includes unsolicited verbal statements, vulgar or obscene photographs, drawings, jokes, texts, email messages, or comments, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual or gender-based nature which is unwelcome.  Any supervisor or other employee who uses implicit or explicit coercive sexual behavior to control, influence or affect the career, salary, job or working environment of an employee is engaging in sexual harassment.

OTHER HARASSMENT:

This policy applies equally to harassment, which violates the Library’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.  This includes harassment based on an employee’s race, color, religion, national origin, disability, or other class protected by law. 

The library considers discriminatory harassment to be a form of employee misconduct and considers this type of misconduct to be a serious offense which will not be tolerated.  Allegations of discriminatory harassment will be investigated thoroughly and if substantiated, will be met with appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action commensurate with the seriousness of the offense(s), and in accordance with state and federal law.

An employee who feels this policy is being violated has the right and the responsibility to report the situation so the Library can address the issue. 

The Library provides these methods for reporting:

If you reasonably believe that anyone's attentions, actions or statements violate this policy or such activity makes your working situation uncomfortable, advise your Branch Manager, Human Resources, Assistant Director or the Library Director.  The recipient of the complaint shall report the matter for appropriate inquiry. 

All managerial and supervisory personnel shall be responsible for enforcing this policy and shall have particular responsibility for ensuring that the work environment under their supervision is free from discriminatory harassment and its effects.  Failure of a manager or supervisor to comply with this responsibility may result in disciplinary action.

All managerial and supervisory personnel who receive discriminatory harassment complaints will be responsible for immediately forwarding such complaints to Human Resources.

The Library will address all complaints.  This may involve an investigation including interviews with the complaining employee, any witnesses, and the individual or individuals accused of violating this policy.  Every effort will be made to keep the complaint confidential and only those with a need to know will be informed about the complaint.  The individuals involved in the complaint will be notified of the results of the investigation or the complaint’s resolution. 

If a violation of this policy is determined to have occurred, the Library will take steps to promptly correct the situation.  Violations of this policy may result in corrective or disciplinary action up to and including discharge.  No employee will be subjected to discrimination or retaliation for making a complaint or reporting a possible violation of this policy. Disciplinary action up to and including discharge may result if it is determined that a claim of sexual harassment was intentionally false.

References: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC Sec. 2000e, 29 CFR 1604.11; La. R.S. 42:342, et seq.

Amended on September 22, 2020; Amended on July 18, 2023.

Livingston Parish Library

Subject: Donations, Gifts, and Endowments Code: 3-310

Section: Service Policies

Donations, Gifts, and Endowments

1. The Administrative Librarian is authorized to accept gifts, donations, and endowments to the library.

    

2. No determination of the value of any item donated will be made by any staff member. The donor cannot be furnished with value or price information or estimates.

    

3. The Library cannot provide tax receipts for donations. However, a letter stating the quantity of items donated can be given.

    

4. Once a book, magazine, cash, set of books or any other item or group of items is given over to the Library, it may not be returned. It becomes the unconditional property of the Library.

    

5. All gifts are subject to the library acquisition criteria.

    

6. The Librarian may not accept any item (property, cash or group of items) for the Library that has any condition or conditions attached to it.

    

7. No one on the staff of the Library (or any family member) may accept a gift or gifts to himself/herself (with the exception of small food items for immediate consumption by the staff and only in presence of the donor), in accordance with LS RS 42:1111a.

    

8. Endowments may be established for a particular purpose (such as the Smythe Fund, which has capital, the interest of which goes to the purchase of new books).

    

9. When a gift is made to the library, a receipt will be given, upon request from the donor, to the presenter of the gift, which will clearly state that the gift is accepted with no conditions and will not be returned at any date in the future.

    

10. The Administrative Librarian may accept memorial gifts to purchase books in memory of a deceased person. Memorial gifts should be made in cash to the library. The Librarian will then select the book based upon the amount of the gift and the needs of the Library with secondary consideration of the talents or interest of the deceased.

Subject: Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement
Code: 3-312
Section: Service Policies

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
   
• Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
   
• A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
   

• 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 June 18, 1948, by the ALA Council; amended February 2, 1961; January 23, 1980; inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996.