Code of Conduct at JSDCL
The Jane Stern Dorado Community Library welcomes everyone to use the materials and facilities of the library. Our clients are encouraged to enjoy the atmosphere, surroundings, collection, and computerized resources. The library staff will be glad to assist you in finding the appropriate materials and in answering your questions. To ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the library in a safe and hospitable environment, visitors are asked always to be mindful of others and to observe the following rules:

• Computers in the Library may not be used to threaten or harass others, nor may they be used in anyway that disrupts normal library operations, nor may they be used to create, view, store, transmit, or publicly display pornographic (as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court), obscene, defaming, slanderous, harassing, or offensive data (including sound, video, text, and graphics data). Library clients must abide by the procedure established by the Library governing access to these computers.


• Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.


• Children age 10 and under must be in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with a parent, guardian, or caregiver* at all times while in the library. Responsibility for children using the library rests with parents, guardians, or caregivers*, not with library staff. The Jane Stern Dorado Community library is not responsible for children left unattended in the library.*Caregivers must be at least 16 years of age.


• Animals are not allowed in the library, with the exception of assistance animals.
  No food of any kind may be brought into the library. There is no smoking permitted inside or in the doorway areas of the library. All alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the building and on library property, unless served in conjunction with an approved library activity.


• Rollerblades, rollerskates, or skateboards may not be worn or used anywhere on library premises.


• No audio equipment may be played without using headphones or other devices to insure that other library clients are not disturbed.


• Running, disruptive game-playing, loud conversation, loud cell phone use, rough-housing, fighting, intoxication, substance abuse, exhibitionism, sexual acts, or any other conduct which disrupts library operations is prohibited.


• No weapon of any kind may be brought into the library except those authorized by law.


• No one may threaten, harm, endanger, or harass staff, volunteers, or clients in any manner. Inappropriate touching, repeated derogatory comments and questions that are personal in nature and directed to staff and other clients are considered to be harassment.


• No library item may be removed from the library without proper checkout.


• Clients may not enter any area of the library marked “Staff Only” without permission. Violators may be subject to arrest for trespassing.


• The library restrooms may not be used for bathing, brushing of teeth, shaving, or washing clothes.


• Posting of commercial advertising for the sale of products or services is prohibited. Selling, soliciting, or distributing materials is prohibited. Flyers, brochures, and similar materials of an educational, cultural, and recreational nature may be placed in the lobby brochure rack or on the bulletin board in accordance with posted rules.


• Gathering of signatures for petitions or conducting surveys will be accommodated allowed only with the explicit permission of library personnel.


• Library equipment must be used properly in accordance with posted instructions. Clients must comply with directions from staff members for the proper use of equipment.


• Damage or destruction of library property or the personal property of staff, volunteers, or clients is prohibited. In addition to loss of library privileges, violators may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.


• Any person violating these rules may be required to leave the library premises. Severe or persistent violations may result in revocation of library privileges and permanent exclusion from the library. Persons violating any local, state, or federal law may be subject to immediate arrest and prosecution by law enforcement agencies.


• Note: The United States Court of Appeals decision -- Kreimer vs. Bureau of Police for the Town of Morristown, 1992 -- found that a public library is a “limited public forum” created for the specific purpose of providing public access to materials. Further, the library may draft rules of behavior that ensure that the library is used for the general purpose for which it is intended.
  

Membership and Library Cards Policy
A valid Jane Stern Dorado Community Library (JSDCL) Card is required to check out materials from the Library, use the wireless network, and to register for Library programs. However, no library card is needed to use materials in the Library or to attend Library activities. Library cards will be issued to applicants according to the following categories and terms:

Members:
Student $1
Residents of Dorado $5
Non-Dorado Residents $7

1. Library cards expire after a period of one year, and may be renewed upon payment and presentation of valid identification.


2. Library cards can be issued to adult applicants 18 years of age and older. Library cards can also be issued to juvenile applicants under 18 years of age if requested and signed for by a parent or legal guardian, with presentation of valid identification.


3. A valid identification is required for library card registration or renewal.


4. Members are responsible for any policy violations, fines or damages to library equipment or to materials borrowed with their cards.


5. Lost or damaged cards may be replaced for a charge of $1.00. Be sure to report lost or stolen cards promptly to avoid unauthorized use.

Circulation Services Policy at JSDCL
Valid Library members can borrow circulation materials. Library card applications are available at the front desk. Please refer to the Membership and Library Card Policy.

Library cards with a “good” status allow members to borrow and renew materials, place holds, and access databases remotely. Books may be borrowed for a period of 14 days and can be renewed for additional 14 day periods. Books may be renewed up to 3 times, if no one is waiting for the book. The maximum number of books out for a member is 4 for adults, and 2 for juveniles.

Videos and other circulation items from the non-reference audiovisual collection can be borrowed for 7 days. Audiovisual materials may be renewed once (if there is no waiting list). A $5 deposit is needed for each item. This deposit will be returned when the material is returned.

Library members are encouraged to return materials on time. Damage, loss or late return of materials will result in fines or other charges. Late materials are subject to a fine of 5 cents per day. Library fines stop accumulating when the materials are returned or when the maximum fine limit of $5.00 per item is reached, which $5.00. Your Library card is changed to “delinquent” status if you have $8 or more in unpaid fines, overdue items, or lost items. Delinquent accounts cannot access our databases from home, and cannot borrow, renew, or place holds on materials.

Lost or stolen cards should be promptly reported to avoid unauthorized use.


Computing Resources Policy at JSDCL

• Computing resources include all computers, related equipment, software, data, and local area networks for which the Library is responsible, as well as networks throughout the world to which the Library provides computer access. Users are responsible for legal, moral, and ethical conduct in the use of computing resources. The Library reserves the right to limit use of computers based on overall demand.


• Public use computers are available on a first come/first served basis when no class is in session. Check the posted schedule of computer class times. Normally there is no time limit on use. However, during times of heavy demand library staff may request clients to limit their time on the computers to allow others access. Also, clients using computers for purely recreational activities may be asked to yield their computers to allow them to be used for academic and research projects and related communication and information access activities.


• During periods of high demand, clients are asked to wait in line at the reference desk to insure fair and orderly access to the computers as they become available. Clients waiting in line have priority over clients who may have been waiting in other parts of the building.


• Clients may not reserve a computer or prevent other clients from using an unoccupied computer station.


• If a client leaves a computer unattended for five minutes or more, library staff will consider that computer to be vacated and may assign it to another user. Personal belongings left at the computer will be removed and kept at the nearest service desk.


• Clients should report any computer malfunctions to the nearest library staff member. Under no circumstances may a client place an “out of order” sign on any library computer.
  

Volunteer Policy at JSDCL
Library volunteers support, enrich, and enhance the Library's services and programs.
New volunteers will be asked to fill out an application form in order to learn about the volunteer’s interests and experience. The Library will make every effort to match volunteers to their interests and available jobs.

Because both staff and volunteers represent the Library to the public, both are expected to adhere to similar standards of conduct in regard to working with the public.