Historic Carnegie Library of Ballinger

Library Policies

The following policies govern how we use our library.

Confidentiality

The Carnegie Library recognizes its circulation records and other records identifying the name of library users to be confidential in nature.  Our staff has been advised that all such records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power.  We are obligated to resist the issuance or enforcement of any such process, order, or subpoena until such time as a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.  This means that upon  receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the library's officers will consult with their legal counsel to determine if such process, order or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance; if the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, they will insist that such defects be cured.

INTERNET USE

A.  Eligibility and General Use

  • Internet access is granted by the librarian.  Patrons must have a signed Internet Access Agreement on file and check in at the main desk.
  • Use of the Internet stations is on a first come basis.  Patrons are limited to 30 minutes when someone is waiting.
  • Users must log off 15 minutes prior to library closing.
  • The equipment is not setup to take floppy disks.  'A' drive is not available.
  • Printing is available for a fee.

B.  USE BY MINORS (Under age 18)

  • The library must have on file a Parental Consent Form and an Internet Access Agreement for any patron under age 18.
  • Parents assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet and must be at the computer with children under age 12.  The library does not have the right or responsibility to act in the place of the parent.
  • All users under the age of 18 will be subject to filtered access.  Exceptions require parental signature.

C.  USER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Legal usage:  Computing resources may not be used for any illegal purposes.  Examples include, but are not limited to configurations, or files belonging to Carnegie Library, other users, or external networks.
  • Engaging in activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, slanderous, or harassing to others.
  • Intentional propagation of computer viruses.
  • Violation of copyright or communication laws.

     U.S. Copyright law (Title 17. U.S. Code.) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of coyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principals of 'fair use.'  The responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.  The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for such use.

D.  UNACCEPTABLE USAGES  includes but is not limited to:

  • Hacking
  • Use of computer communications facilities in ways that interfere with, or impede computer use by others.
  • Intentional violation of another patron's privacy.

E.  SANCTIONS:

  • Violations of the rules described above will result in the user losing library computer privileges for 30 days.  A 2nd occurrence will result in the loss of computer use privileges for 90 days.  A 3rd occurrence will result in the loss of computer use privileges for 1 year.
    • Illegal acts involving library-computing resources, in addition to the sanctions listed above may also be subjecct to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.  (The proceeding may be considered a misdemeanor or felony crime under Texas State law. - section 1. Title 7, Chapter 33, section 33.02a)
    • Users are financially responsible for any damage caused either directly or indirectly to any library equipment or software.
The Library reserves the right to terminate a patron's Internet/computer session at any time the library staff deems the use to be in conflict with the Library Internet Policy.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN POLICY

The Carnegie Library will lend materials, including books, photocopies of periodical articles, and photocopies of books and other printed sources in accordance with federal copyright law.  I order to ensure that local library users have access to the latest materials, the following items will not be available via interlibrary loan:

Books published within the last year

Items designated as "high demand"

Audio-visual materials (video recordings and sound recordings)

Reference material

Genealogical material

Bound or current issues of magazines and newspapers

Rare, archival. manuscript or fragile items.

All materials loaned via interlibrary loan will have a loan period of 21 days.  Materials not in demand can be renewed for an additional 21 days.

The Carnegie Library will borrow materials via interlibrary loan only for registered library patrons in good standing.  A maximum of 3 active interlibrary loan requests are allowed per library patron.  The Carnegie Library reserves the right to further limit the number of requests as circumstances dictate.  The Carnegie Library will not request the following categories of materials:

 Best-sellers or books published within the last year

Books priced over $50.00

Audio-Visual materials (video and sound recordings) Books that are frequently stolen (test preparation guides, automotive manuals, occult.)

The Carnegie Library never charges a fee for interlibrary loan requests.  If, however, the lending library charges a fee, this will be passed on to the borrower.  No request will be made before the borrower has the opportunity to accept or decline paying any appropriate charges.