Internet Use
     Circulation
     Confidentiality of Library Records
     Rules of Behavior
      Library Cards
      Test Proctoring Policy
      Library Study Room Guidelines
       Library Community Meeting Room Policy

Internet Use Policy:

The Calabasas Public Library offers unfiltered access to the Internet as one of its services. The Internet provides a means of accessing information through hundreds of millions of web sites all over the world. This is an ever-changing array of information and resources representing the largest exercise of free expression in human history.

Library users utilizing Library workstations are advised of the following:

1. The Internet is a useful, but unregulated network of resources. It may provide access to information that may be offensive or disturbing to some individuals, as well as access to information that may be factually incorrect and/or illegal.

2. Our staff does not monitor usage of the Internet. Parents and guardians have the right and responsibility to monitor their child’s use of Library resources, including the Internet. If you have concerns about your children’s use of Internet, please establish your family’s expectations about Internet use and participate with your children in their use of the Library’s computers.

3. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available through the Internet. The Library is not responsible for the accuracy, currency or quality of any Internet resources found.

4. You are responsible for any direct or indirect damages that you may suffer from your use of Internet services.

5. You are responsible for any commercial transactions made through use of the Internet access workstation.

6. You are responsible for any losses or damage sustained by the Library as a result of your use of Internet access.

7. Library users are NOT authorized to install their own software or store personal files on Library computers.

8. The Library’s electronic resources may be used only purposes which are legal and consistent with the Library’s mission. Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to:

a. Harassment of other library or computer users or staff, or unauthorized access to files, data or passwords of others;
b. Libeling or slandering of others;
c. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communication;
d. Unauthorized copying of copyright protected material;
e. Violations, or attempts to violate computer systems, security and/or software license agreement;
f. Intentional exposure to other individuals of material or images which children (or their parents) may find personally unsuitable;
g. Incurring any costs to the Library.

9. The Library reserves the right to limit computer use to ensure reasonable and equitable access for other users.

10. Members of the public shall not use the Internet in any way that violates federal or state laws or regulations. Nor shall they use the Internet in a manner that disrupts, harasses, or annoys others, or violates their rights.

11. The Library reserves the right to review patterns of use of the Library Internet access workstations in order to assess conformity with the standards described in this policy.

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Circulation

Renewals
Most materials in the collection may be renewed one time.
Materials may be renewed over the phone by selecting Circulation Desk Ext 2.
DO NOT LEAVE A MESSAGE.
Materials can be renewed provided there are NO holds. Materials overdue by 5 days cannot be renewed. Please remember that VIDEOS, DVDs, MAGAZINES and ENCYCLOPEDIAS are NOT RENEWABLE.

Fines
Fines are charged for overdue materials at the rate of 25 cents per item per day, except for videos and DVDs. Videos and DVDs have an overdue fine rate of $1 a day. The maximum fine for overdue materials should never exceed the cost of the materials.
MATERIALS MAY NOT BE CHECKED OUT IF THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING FINE.

Lost or Damaged Materials
PATRONS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING LOST OR DAMAGED MATERIALS.

Holds
Items in the library collection that are checked out may be placed on hold in the library or online at http://www.CityofCalabasas.com (click on the library link). Patrons will be called when the materials become available. Items will be held for 5 days after the phone call except VIDEOS & DVDs which will be held for 2 days. ONLY THE PATRON REQUESTING THE HOLD MAY PICK UP THE MATERIAL.

Interlibrary Loan
Items not owned by the library may be requested through Interlibrary Loan. There may be a charge for photocopying or postage. Patrons will be advised of any charge before the order is placed.
THERE MAY BE AN $80 CHARGE FOR LOST ILL MATERIALS. Patrons will be called when the material arrives. ONLY THE PATRON REQUESTING THE ILL MAY PICK UP THE MATERIAL.

Library Card Use
LIBRARY CARDS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE. There is a $2.00 charge for replacement cards.

When the library is closed, books and videos may be returned in the outside book drop located at the desk (north side) of the building.

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Confidentiality of Library Records

California State law (Government Code, Title I, Division 7, Chapter 3.5, Sections 6254 (j) and 6267) protects the confidentiality of library patrons. Library staff will always operate in a manner that conforms to the requirements of the law in the handling of patron records and accounts. According to this statute, library staff may not release information to any other party regarding any item borrowed by any other person, including information released to a parent or legal guardian regarding what items their child has checked out.

As permitted by the above-cited statute, library staff may release information on a borrower's account to a third party if the borrower has provided a written notice allowing the third party access to the borrower’s account information. A borrower may authorize another party to pick up and check out materials by sending his or her library card along with the written request or notice with the third party.

Demographic information may be gathered in order to plan library services. This information is used anonymously and is not disclosed in any way that would identify the person registering. All information provided on the registration form is protected by the statute cited above.

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City of Calabasas Library Rules of Behavior:

The City of Calabasas Library seeks to provide quality library service to all patrons. The following rules of behavior are for the comfort and protection of all those using the Calabasas Library. We ask your cooperation in helping us provide as safe and pleasant environment. The following are not permitted in the library:

1. Exhibiting loud or disruptive behavior that disturbs library activities.

2. Interfering with another person’s use of library or with library personnel’s performance of duties

3. Displaying physical threats to library patrons or staff.

4. Abusing or misusing library furnishings, equipment or material, including jumping on furniture and banging on computers.

5. Running, skateboarding, or skating in the library

6. Using vulgar or abusive language directed at library patrons or staff.

7. Soliciting, lobbying, circulating petitions, displaying or disturbing literature not authorized by library staff.

8. Leaving children under the age of eight unattended at the library.

9. Eating outside the community meeting room.

10. Misusing the restrooms, including shaving, bathing or laundering clothes.

11. Changing baby diapers outside the restrooms.

12. Entering areas designated for use by library staff without permission.

13. Operating audio equipment at a high volume.

14. Using cell phones.

15. Possessing or using weapons of any kind.

16. Bringing in animals, except for those aiding persons with disabilities.

17. Engaging in theft and vandalism of library property.

18. Engaging in lewd behavior such as indecent exposure, sexual advances, voyeurism, etc.

19. Smoking, alcohol or drug use.

Violations of these rules will result in the following actions:

1. Patrons ignoring the rules of behavior for the first will be reminded verbally.

2. If they ignore the warning or breach these rules a second time, they will be asked to leave the library.

3. Upon the third violation of these rules, the patron’s library use privileges may be suspended.

4. If, at any time, a patron refuses to leave, becomes physically abusive, or commits a crime, the sheriff’s department will be called.

5. The rules will be enforced at the discretion of the Librarian.

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Library Cards:

Library cards can be issued to anyone who lives in the state of California.  To get a library card, patron must show a driver's license or other photo ID and proof of current address.  If current address is not on the ID we will accept the following:
       Current vehicle registration
       Checks
       Current rent receipt, rental agreement or mortgage papers.
       Recent (60 days) utility bill
       Current property tax bill
       Recent (60 days) imprinted statement, such as a MasterCard or Visa.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT P.O. BOXES

Fee for replacement card is $2.00

Remember:
Library cards are not transferable; only the person whose name is on the card is allowed to use it.

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Test Proctoring Policy:

The City of Calabasas Library will provide proctoring services for written tests and examinations for
library cardholders.  There is a $10.00 fee for Calabasas residents per test date; $5.00 for each additional test proctored the same day. There is a $50.00 fee for non-residents per test date; $5.00 for each additional test proctored the same day. The fee is payable by cash or check written to the City of Calabasas before the test may be taken.

Appointments for proctored exams must be arranged through the Reference Department and are scheduled only for times when the library is open and sufficient staff is available.  Examinations, instructions, and return information must be mailed directly to the Library by the administering institution in order for Library staff to certify an examination.  The Library may not incur any costs for administering or returning the tests. Return postage must be provided

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City of Calabasas Library Study Room Guidelines:

• The small study room is available for use by small groups or individuals for research, reading studying and learning.
• The study room is free of charge and available when the library is open.
• Use of the room may be preempted for library sponsored programs and activities.
• Those wishing to use the room must sign in at the circulation desk and present a photo id.
• Use of the room is limited to two hours if someone is waiting.
• Sign up for use of the room is taken in person only on a “first come, first serve” basis as it becomes available. A waiting list will be kept at the circulation desk if the room is occupied.
• Circulation staff should be notified when the user is vacating the room. The room must be vacated ten minutes prior to closing.
• All regular library rules of behavior must be followed. No food or drink is allowed.
• The room must be left clean and in its original condition.
• The library is not responsible for loss or damage to users’ belongings.
• Anyone failing to follow the guidelines will be asked to leave the room and may be denied future use of the room.

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Library Community Meeting Room Policy

The Calabasas City Library has a small meeting room that is available for community use during hours that the Library is open. The purpose of this policy is to provide equitable access to the Library Community Room for use by local community groups and organizations.

The following regulations shall apply:

1. The room is available for public meetings or for use by local community organizations and non-profit groups.

2. Use must be booked with Library staff at least a week but no more than sixty days prior to the scheduled event.

3. Groups may be limited to no more than two meetings per month.

4. All meetings must be open to the public, although attendance may be limited if the capacity of the room is exceeded.

5. Commercial use, the charging of fees for admission to meetings, sales presentations and promotions are prohibited with the exception of fund-raising events sponsored by the City of Calabasas or a City recognized Friends of the Library organization.

6. The room is available without charge or deposit.

7. The Library reserves the right to preempt any use of the room if necessary for Library programs, services, or operations.

8. Use of the room does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of any group of speaker by the Library or the City of Calabasas. Publicity for events held in this room should not state or imply that these events are being presented by the City or the Library unless such sponsorship or endorsement is confirmed in writing in advance by authorized City officials or library staff.

9. Meetings should be scheduled during normal Library hours and should end by the time that the Library closes.

10. Food and drink are permitted but should be limited to the meeting room space and not carried into the rest of the Library. The group is responsible for cleaning up afterwards to the satisfaction of Library staff. Kitchen facilities are not available.

11. Use of Library supplies is prohibited and Library staff services are not provided.

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City of Calabasas © 2008