1. New Cardholders:
A. Complete a registration form and provide identification. Primary identification to be used is identification with a picture (preferably a Driver’s License) which has the individual’s current address. If the address information on the picture ID is not current, then another form of identification must be present which verifies the individual’s current address (i.e. a piece of mail or bill). Individuals who do not possess a valid picture ID must present two documents that verify current address.
B. There is a three-month probation period for new users as follows: No renewals. Checkout limit of three total items. Only 3 holds. 1 overdue item will result in the patron being blocked from using the card. Accrual of fines totaling $5 or more will result in the patron being blocked from using the card.
C. Children 18 and under must apply with a parent or guardian and that adult’s signature is required on their registration form.
D. Library cards will be given a one-year expiration date to keep records and personal information current.
Overall Policy:
A. Users must present their library card to check out materials.
B. There is an overall limit of 30 items at one time on a library card.
C. New-release books are loaned for 14 days, all other regular books are loaned for 28 days. DVDs are loaned for one week and all other material is at the discretion of the library staff.
3. Renewal Policy:
A. All books may be renewed two times if there are no holds, with the exception of new release books which may be renewed once if there is no waiting list. DVDs may be renewed twice, with the exception of new DVDs which may be renewed only once.
B. Renewals are not allowed for items on hold.
C. The library encourages users to renew their own materials using the Online Catalog, otherwise renewals may be done over the phone during regular library hours.
D. Renewals cannot be made on overdue items until the fine has been paid.
4. Overdues and Fines:
A. Users are fined 10 cents per day for each overdue book with a grace period of 1 day. For DVDs, users are fined 1 dollar per day with no grace period allowed. A maximum fine of 5 dollars per item is charged.
B. Library users will lose borrowing privileges when unpaid fines exceed 15 dollars.
C. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if user has five or more overdue items, and will not be restored until such materials are either returned, paid for, or fines have been paid.
D. Overdue materials that have reached maximum fine of 5 dollars may not be renewed until the fine is paid in full.
E. In extenuating circumstances, a donation can be made in lieu of the fine.
5. Damaged Materials:
A. If a book or other material is damaged beyond repair, the borrower is required to pay the billed amount.
B. Until the damaged item is paid for, the user may not borrow any items.
6. Confidentiality:
Library records that are deemed confidential are covered by New York State Law signed in June 13, 1988 (I CPLR 4509). These records are related to the circulation of library materials that contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, collage and university libraries and library systems, of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, inter-library loan transactions, reference queries, requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records. These records shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed upon the request or consent of the user or pursuant to a court order or where otherwise required by statue. The Morristown Public Library adheres strictly to all sections of this Statue regarding the protection of the confidentiality of its users.
7. Interlibrary Loan
Morristown Public Library recognizes the importance of interlibrary loan to provide materials of specialized interest to supplement the local collection. The cost of ILL must be considered in determining those items appropriate to request. In general, patrons should not request: – Mass market paperbacks. – Best sellers (while on list of less than 3 months old). – Ephemeral materials (paperbacks, CDs, and magazines). – Items likely to be requested again. – College texts or other direct curriculum support materials. In general, patrons should request: – Out-of-print items. – Expensive items (20 dollars or more in value). – Highly specialized materials with little local continuing interest. – Fiction and hardbound materials if they seem appropriate to these guidelines. Borrowing from other libraries: The Morristown Public Library will make every effort to borrow material, mainly books, from other New York libraries or out-of-state libraries if not available in New York. Patrons will pay any expenses incurred in ILL, except return postage, which will be paid by the Morristown Public Library. Expense may be as follows:
1. Book charges – some out-of-state libraries charge 5 dollars to 10 dollars for ILL books, otherwise they will not lend items out-of-state. (There is no book charge on in-state books.)
2. Copying expenses.
3. Postage – if the borrowing library must pay postage both ways.
4. Overdue costs-patron will be assessed these costs.
5. Replacement costs – items not returned shall be billed to patron as billed by lending library. This may include processing costs as well as replacement cost of item.
6. Special handling costs-some libraries request their materials be returned in special ways and these costs will be passed on to the patron.
7. Any other charges-patrons will be asked to pay other charges such as damage to materials. Patrons using ILL services must have a Morristown Public Library card and be in good standing. Number of items: Generally, patrons are limited to 12 ILL requests or holds except under special circumstances to be approved by the Director. Loaning to other libraries: The Morristown Public Library will loan materials in accordance with ALA Guidelines.
Adopted June 6th, 2016 by the Morristown Public Library Board of Trustees.