Fort Scott Public Library Trustee Bylaws

Article I: Name and Authorization

This organization shall be called the Board of Trustees of the Fort Scott Public Library, existing by provision of K.S.A. 12-1222, with powers and duties as provided by K.S.A. 12-1225.

Article II: Members

The Board of Trustees, as provided by K.S.A. 12-1222, shall consist of seven members appointed for four-year terms by the mayor with the approval of the city council. The mayor shall serve as an ex officio member. No person who has served two consecutive four-year terms shall be eligible for further appointment until one year after the expiration of the second term.

Article III: Officers

The officers shall be a chairperson, a vice-chair, a secretary, and a treasurer, which shall have the powers normally associated with such offices. Officers shall serve a term of one year from the annual meeting at which they are elected. The Board shall also select a representative to the Board of the Southeast Kansas Library System.

The chairperson shall preside at meetings of the board, authorize calls for any special meetings, appoint any committees, and generally perform all duties associated with that office.
The vice-chair shall perform the duties and functions of the chair in the absence or disability of the chair.
The secretary shall keep a true and accurate record of all meetings of the board and perform such other duties as are generally associated with that office.
The treasurer shall be bonded as required by statute.

Article IV: Meetings

The regular meetings shall be held each month at the date and time prescribed by the Board. The May meeting shall be designated the annual meeting, for the purpose of the election of officers. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or upon the written request of a majority of board members. Five members shall constitute a quorum.

Article V: TrusteeDirectorStaff Relationships

The Board shall employ a Director who shall be the administrative officer under the direction and review of the Board. The Director shall be responsible for the employment and direction of the staff, for the operation of the library under the financial conditions set forth in the annual budget, and for such responsibilities as are delegated by the Board.

Article VI: Board Principles

The library board has authority only when acting as a Board legally in session. Board members as individuals do not exercise authority, and the board as a whole shall not be bound by any statement or action of an individual.

A board member shall withdraw from board discussion and votes on any matter in which the member or an immediate family member has a financial interest.

Article VII: Expenses

As provided in K.S.A. 12-1223, board members shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses in carrying out their duties as board members.

Article VIII: Amendments

These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the Board by a majority of those present, providing that such proposed amendment shall first be submitted at a regular meeting of the Board and sent to those not present.

Modified by and Adopted by the Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Public Library 9/15/92, Revised 9/13/2022

Fort Scott Public Library Ethics Statement

It is the policy of Fort Scott Public Library that its employees and board members uphold high standards of ethical and professional behavior. To that end, these employees and board members shall dedicate themselves to carrying out the mission of this organization and shall:

Recognize that the chief function of Fort Scott Public Library at all times is to serve the best interests of its community, fostering the great wealth of knowledge that has been handed down to us.
Serve with respect and consideration in carrying out the library’s mission and treat with respect and consideration all persons, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, maternity, marital or family status, disability, age or national origin and not engage in discrimination of any kind.
Hold paramount the welfare of the public in the performance of professional duties.
Resist censorship of library materials by groups or individuals and shall not be swayed by partisan interests, public pressure, or fear of criticism.
Respect the confidential nature of library business and not disclose such information to anyone and protect privileged information to which they have access.
Avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained due to access to privileged library information and distinguish clearly in actions and statements between personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the library, acknowledging and supporting the formal position of the Board even if in disagreement.

Approved by the Fort Scott Public Library Board of Trustees December 13, 2022.

Materials Selection Policy

Purpose:

Materials selection aims at maintaining a collection of materials for meeting the informational, reference, research, educational, and recreational needs of the community.

This policy guides the library staff and informs the public about the principles upon which selections are made. While a policy cannot replace the judgment of the library staff, stating goals and indicating boundaries will assist employees in choosing from the vast array of available materials. Additionally, this policy provides the procedures for public objection to materials held.

The words “book”, “library materials”, or other synonyms as they may occur in this policy have the widest possible meaning; hence it is implicit in this policy that every form of permanent records is to be included, whether printed or in manuscript; bound, unbound, or digital; photographed or otherwise reproduced. This includes, but is not limited to, books, periodicals, audio recordings, video recordings, and electronic media.

“Selection” refers to the decision that must be made to add a given book or item to the collection. It also refers to the decision that must be made whether to retain a book or item already in the collection. It does not refer to reader guidance.

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Public Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association as it concerns materials selection and library collections. The Library Bill of Rights is included as an appendix to the materials selection policy.

Responsibility for Selection:

The Library Director and those staff members to whom he/she delegates the responsibility are responsible for materials selection.

Suggestions from members of the community concerning materials are welcome. Each suggestion will be considered within the framework of this policy.

Unusual problems or deviation from the policy will be referred to the Director for resolution.

General Principles:

The public library is a forum for information and ideas. The following basic principles will guide its materials selections:

Library resources will be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community.
Materials will not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
The Library recognizes that many books are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selections will not be made based on any anticipated approval or disapproval but solely on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collections and to serving the interests of patrons. Materials are evaluated as a whole and not based on a particular passage or passages.
Materials will not be removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. Within reason, materials and information provided will present the various general points of view on current and historical issues.
Ultimate responsibility for children’s reading rests with parents or legal guardians. Materials selection for the adult collection is intended for mature readers and will not be restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials which their parents or legal guardians consider inappropriate. The Library will not seek to assume parental responsibility in this regard. The library does not serve in loco parentis.
Materials not available at this library but available through cooperative library networks will be borrowed upon the request of the user.
Textbooks or other curriculum-related materials are acquired only when they serve the general public.
The Library recognizes the purposes and resources of other libraries in the Fort Scott area, other members of the SEKnFind consortium, and the Southeast Kansas Library System and shall not needlessly duplicate their functions and materials. Selections will be made in light of cooperative collection development with other SEKnFind libraries, and Fort Scott Public Library may rely on these other libraries for materials on certain topics or in certain categories, rather than purchasing them for the Library’s own collection. To create better collections in SEKnFind as a whole, the Library may develop some collections in more depth than would be the case based strictly on local demand.

Specific Principles

Adult Materials:

Permanent value
Contemporary significance: i.e. attention of critics, reviewers, and the public
Popular interest
Widely regarded critical reputation of author
Comprehensiveness and depth of treatment
Clarity, accuracy, and logic of presentation
Reputation of publisher
Date of publication
Relationship to existing collection
Artistic merit
Insight and/or perspective into human and social conditions
Availability elsewhere in the community
Price
Available space
Availability of materials

Children’s and Young People’s Materials:

In addition to the criteria for adult materials, consideration is also given to the following:

Appropriate content
Appropriate vocabulary for the general age group
Determined value for stimulating the information, recreational, and cultural reading interest of children and youth

Gifts and Donations:

Gifts are always welcome. Donations of used books may be dropped off Monday – Wednesday from 9 am to noon and 2 to 6 pm, or at the discretion of library staff.

Acceptance shall be based on the following criteria:
• All such items must meet the same criteria listed under Specific Principles as purchased items.
• All items must be relatively clean and safe to handle.
• Donor restrictions on a gift or donation are unacceptable.
• Donations for the purchase of materials may be designated by general subject area.
• All donations become the property of the library and may not be reclaimed by the donor.
• Donations of materials which are not needed by the library will be used or converted in a way which best supports the library.
• The receipt of specific items will be acknowledged, but no statement of financial value for tax or other purposes will be made.
• All donations should be left at the library or mailed to the attention of the librarian.
Approved January 23, 1980; rev. 12/12/2023

Withdrawal of Obsolete Materials

Materials infrequently used and not of lasting value will be periodically withdrawn from the collections. Obsolete materials include outmoded books, superseded editions, superfluous duplicates, titles infrequently used or no longer of interest, titles no longer in demand, and worn-out or mutilated items. Such materials will be removed from circulation and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

Complaint Process

The Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of providing a method whereby opinions from the public regarding materials selection can be voiced. Therefore, it has established a procedure which will apply to all complaints including:

Those about materials represented in the collection
Those about materials not represented in the collection

To comply with this procedure, a complaint must be in writing and should be addressed to the attention of the Library Director. Complaints must include the following information:

Name, mailing address, and phone number of person making the complaint
Title and Author/Producer of material
Statement commenting on the material as a whole and specification of those matters of concern to the person making the complaint
Signature of person making the complaint

Upon receipt of a signed complaint the Library Director will:

Examine the material in question, the issues raised, and the circumstances involved.
Make a decision to remove or retain the material in question
Respond in writing to the complainant
Provide the complainant with a copy of this policy, and inform the individual of the availability of a Board hearing. If the complainant feel that the decision of the Director is not supported by this policy, the complainant may request a Library Board hearing by notifying the Director in writing. Following the hearing, the decision of the Board will be final.

Above all, the Library Board has as its concern the fairness of such a hearing to protect the rights of all persons who are involved.

Approved 10/17/2000; rev. 9/17/2019

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.

I. 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.

II. 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.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. 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 19, 1939. Amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; and January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council.

Events Room Policy

Fort Scott Public Library has an events room available for library events and programs. The event room may also be used for an event or program co-sponsored by the library and one or more other entities, at the discretion of library staff.The number of persons in the room may not exceed 49.

The events room may not be used for any unlawful purposes.

Use of the events room by an approved co-sponsor does not constitute library endorsement of the viewpoints expressed by participants in the programs.

No admission fee, registration fee, donation, or monetary solicitation of any sort may be sought from attendees. Fees may be charged only to cover the actual expense of materials/supplies used during a program. No products or services may be advertised, solicited or sold without the express permission of library administrative staff.

Literature may only be distributed to people attending the event and may not be distributed to other patrons of the library.

No group or organization using the events room will discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or handicapped status.

Programs must not interfere with regular library operations or cause a disturbance in the library.

Persons attending events who bring children requiring supervision should not leave such children unsupervised.

Library staff must have free access to the room at all times. The library retains the right to monitor all programs conducted on the premises to ensure compliance with these regulations.

No display, banners, charts, decorations, etc. may be attached to the walls or ceilings. No tacks, nails, or tape are to be placed on doors, walls, windows, or furniture.

The use of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, and alcohol is prohibited. No smoking is allowed anywhere in the building, including in the restrooms or up to 20 feet from the entrance of building.

No cooking may be done on the premises, and no flames are allowed. Food already prepared in slow cookers or roasters is allowed. The sink may be used for rinsing out coffee pots, pitchers, etc., but dishwashing should not be done.

Use of paints, foods, and other materials that have the potential to stain or damage library furniture must be approved by library staff.

The library opens at 9:00 a.m. Groups or persons may not enter the building until 9:00 a.m. All co-sponsored events must be held during the library’s regular business hours and are contingent on the library being open. Library staff will notify the contact person if the library closes due to adverse weather or other unexpected events.

All co-sponsored programs, including clean up, must end at least 15 minutes before closing.

The library is not liable for injuries to individuals or for damages to or the loss of personal or organizational property of groups using the events room.

Users of the events room must abide by all other library policies.

Infringement of any of the regulations stated in this, or any other, library policy will be grounds for denial of future use of the room.

Programs in progress that are observed to be in violation of this policy will be terminated immediately.

The Library Director is authorized to deny further use of the events room to groups who are disorderly or who disregard library regulations.

Requests for exemptions to this policy must be made in writing to the Library Board of Trustees.

If a question is raised as to the goals and activities of any group using the events room, the Library Board of Trustees shall be the final authority in granting or refusing permission for the use of the room.

Approved March 9, 2017; rev April 11, 2017; rev November 14, 2023

Patron Dress Code Policy

All patrons are expected to be fully dressed, including shoes and shirt, at all times while on library property. Visible or damp swimming suits left uncovered will not be considered to be appropriate attire. Library personnel will judge the appropriateness of attire.

Penalties:

Anyone not behaving within these guidelines will, after warning by library personnel, be asked to leave the premises for a specified amount of time. A person who persists in the disapproved conduct or who refuses to leave the building and grounds when requested will be subject to loss of library privileges.

Approved 6/20/06; rev. 8/22/06; rev 8/20/2019

Confidentiality of Library Records Policy

The Library is committed to protecting library users’ rights to privacy and confidentiality regarding information sought or received at the library.

Information regarding an individual’s use of the library shall be regarded as confidential.

Patron registration and circulation records which pertain to identifiable individuals are exempt from the Kansas Open Records Law (K.S.A. 45-221 (23)). All patron account information will be used only for legitimate operation of the Library. Such records shall not be made available to anyone other than the cardholder or those who have signed to accept responsibility for items checked out on the card, except pursuant to a court order.

No information regarding or including:

a patron’s name (or whether an individual is a registered borrower or has been a patron)
a patron’s address
a patron’s telephone number
the library’s circulation records and their contents
the library’s borrower records and their contents
the number or character of questions asked by a patron
the frequency or content of a patron’s visits to the library
a patron’s computer use records
or any other information supplied to the library, or gathered by it

shall be given, made available, or disclosed to any individual, corporation, institution, government agency, or other requester unless required to do so by law upon receipt of a valid court order or subpoena authorized under federal, state or local law.

This policy shall not be so construed as to prevent the library from pursuing the return of, or payment for, overdue, lost, or damaged library materials.

SEKnFind

As a member of SEKnFind, Fort Scott Public Library complies with policies adopted by SEKnFind, including the policy regarding confidentiality of library records.

SEKnFind Policies
Patron Confidentiality

Policy Statement: Patron confidentiality is paramount at all times for patron and circulation records pertaining to identifiable individuals, whether the patron is your library’s patron or not. No details will be shared with any person other than the patron himself regarding address, age, materials checked out or ordered, fines owed, computer use, or any other information from the patron record. The same is true of circulation history on an item.

Procedures: If patron information is requested by a member of the police force, no information is to be provided. Police should be informed that the administration of SEKnFind rests with the Southeast Kansas Library System (SEKLS), and police requests for information should be referred to the director of SEKLS, or if (s)he is not available, other SEKLS staff.

SEKnFind Confidentiality Policy

Records of patron registration and circulation which pertain to identifiable individuals shall be regarded as confidential. As permitted by K.S.A. 45-221 (a) (23), they are deemed to be not subject to disclosure under the Kansas Open Records Act. As the administrative authority for the SEKnFind service, SEKLS is the agency to whom such a subpoena, warrant or order should be submitted. No library participating in SEKnFind is authorized to disclose confidential records, but should refer all requests to SEKLS. Such records shall not be released except pursuant to a valid subpoena, warrant or court order in a court of competent jurisdiction. SEKLS shall have the right to object to a subpoena and ask it be quashed on a case by case basis as allowed by law.

Adopted by the Executive Board 8-5-16

This policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Public Library April 12, 2022

Mobile Hotspot Lending Policy

Mobile Hotspot Lending Policy and Agreement

The Fort Scott Public Library lends mobile wireless Hotspots to library patrons to provide internet access. A Hotspot kit consists of the mobile wireless Hotspot device itself as well as its charger and case. A Hotspot can provide internet access for multiple devices.

In order to borrow a Hotspot:

Patrons must be eighteen years of age or older.
The borrower must have a Fort Scott Public Library account in good standing.
Any charges on a borrower’s account must be paid before a Hotspot will be checked out.
At the time of checkout, the borrowing patron must present their library card and a government issued photo ID.
Upon checkout, library staff will confirm, in the presence of the borrowing patron, that all items are present in the Hotspot kit.
The patron must sign the Library’s Hotspot Agreement before a Hotspot can be checked out.
Hotspot agreements will be retained by the library only as long as deemed necessary by library personnel.
Only one Hotspot may be borrowed by a household at any one time.
Holds may be placed on Hotspots.
The loan period for the Hotspot is two weeks with no renewals.
Please DO NOT return in book drop. Hotspots must be returned directly to a Library Circulation Desk employee who will verify that all components of the Hotspot are accounted for before checking it in from the borrowing patron’s account.
Patrons returning Hotspots should remain at the Circulation Desk until library staff have inspected the Hotspot and checked it in.
Returning a Hotspot in the book drop will result in a $25.00 fee.

Overdue Hotspots and Replacement fees:

The Hotspot is considered overdue unless all of its components are returned to a library circulation desk during library operating hours on the due date.
The library will not remain open longer than its usual operating hours for a Hotspot to be returned.
In the event of an unscheduled closing of the library, the Hotspot will be considered due the next day that the library is open.
Overdue Hotspots will be turned off remotely and will be unable to connect to service.
Overdue charges are $1.00 for each day the Hotspot is late.
Overdue charges will accrue on days the library is scheduled not to be open.
After 30 days overdue, the Hotspot will be considered lost and the patron will be billed.
Patrons who experience any problems with the Hotspot should return it immediately to the library. Borrowers should not attempt to repair the device.
The borrowing patron will be responsible for lost or damaged Hotspots and accessories (includes theft thereof).
The cost to replace the Library Hotspot device, charging cable, and case is $100.00. This cost will not be pro-rated if portions of the Hotspot kit are returned.

Hotspot Service:

Internet service relies on cell tower technology and coverage. Service outside the continental United States is prohibited; any fees associated with use outside of this area will be the responsibility of the borrower. User experience can vary based on location.

Parents/guardians are responsible for the use of the Hotspot by minors. Unlawful use of the internet or use that violates the Library’s Computer and Internet Use policy is prohibited and may result in the loss of privileges. The Library is not responsible for personal information shared over the internet or for information or websites accessed. The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages, or expense resulting from the use of the Hotspot.

Patron information is not tracked by the library or the service provider.

Approved by the Fort Scott Public Library Board 06/08/2021

Overdue, Unreturned, Lost, or Damaged Items Policy

Overdue and Unreturned Items

Fort Scott Public Library does not charge overdue fines.

Any item not returned within 30 days of the due date is considered Unreturned, and an invoice will be mailed.

If items are not returned by the invoice due date, costs of the Unreturned items and a $5.00 processing fee will be charged to the account. Charges will not be adjusted for items returned after the invoice due date; these items will be held for one week and then will be considered donated to the library.

Overdue notices and invoices are sent as a courtesy. Patrons are responsible for all items on their accounts, regardless of receipt of notices. Notices are emailed to accounts providing the library with an email address when items are 2, 9, and 16 days late. Notices are mailed to all accounts when items are 23 days late.

Accounts with items more than 9 days overdue or with charges in excess of $10.00 will lose borrowing privileges. Additional steps may be taken to recover costs for Unreturned materials, including through the legal system.

This policy applies to all items checked out from Fort Scott Public Library, regardless of when the original transaction took place.

Lost or Damaged Items

Patrons may replace Lost or Damaged items that belong to Fort Scott Public Library with a new copy of the item. Edition number, bonus features, etc. must exactly match the item being replaced. A replacement of the same title, or material on the same subject of equal literary value, may be accepted in lieu of the monetary charge, at the discretion of the Director.

Borrowers assume responsibility for all items checked out on their cards. If items are Lost or Damaged beyond normal wear, the borrower will be charged. For damage which does not cause the library to discard the item, a minimum of $1.00 will be charged. Fees paid are for damage to Library property and do not constitute a purchase of the item.

Replacement cost will be charged for items either lost or damaged to the extent that the Library no longer chooses to keep them in the collection. If the item is no longer in print, the charge will be the greater of either the original cost of the item or:

$25.00 for hardback adult books
$20.00 for children’s hardback books
$15.00 for nonfiction paperbacks
$10.00 for fiction paperbacks
$25.00 for DVD/Blu Ray
$35.00 for audiobooks

The library will not reimburse patrons who find lost items after paying the library the replacement cost.

Approved 4/21/2015, rev 8/28/2018, rev. 10/16/2018, rev. 1/15/2019, rev. 4/16/2019

Inclement Weather | Library Staffing Policy

Three or more employees must be available to work in order for the library to be open full weekday hours. If two employees are available to work, the library will be open no more than five hours. If only one employee is available to work, the library will not be open.

The library may postpone opening, close early, or remain closed when conditions exist that may affect public safety. The primary factor of any decision made will be the safety of the staff and the library patrons. All decisions as to opening or closing will be made by the senior staff member on duty at the time.

While the senior staff member on duty is responsible for final decisions, the following may be taken into account:

Weather forecasts
School closings
Area library closings
Announcements from the City and County about public safety
Opinions of others experiencing the weather conditions
Updates on current conditions from patrons/staff not currently in the library

The staff member responsible for opening the library is responsible for determining if the library grounds are safe for opening. If the grounds are not safe, the library will remain closed until such time as staff have determined that the grounds are safe.

The library custodian is responsible for clearing the sidewalks and stairs. Library professional and clerical staff are not responsible for clearing library grounds of snow, ice, or other debris.

Announcements regarding library closings or changes to library hours will be posted at the library and will be made available on library social media and communicated to local media outlets.

Approved 12/16/2003; Revised 2/19/2019

Public Computers | Internet Access and Safety Policy

The purpose of this policy is to define computer and Internet services provided by the library and to restrict access to those materials which are child pornography, obscene, or harmful to minors.

The Fort Scott Public Library is committed to meeting the information needs of the people we serve by providing the greatest possible information access within the means of the library and within the limitations of policy and law.

The library is concerned for the safety and security of users who access online information. The library has no control over the content of the Internet and cannot be held responsible for what the user sees when using the Internet. The restricting of a minor’s access to the Internet beyond that required by this policy is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The safety and security of users’ access to the Internet requires those persons to be cautious, thoughtful, protective of personal information, and respectful of library policy and state and federal laws.

A user will not use a library computer:

to access or display information that is obscene or child pornography as defined by Kansas law
to access or display information that is harmful to minors
to participate in e-mail, chat-rooms, or instant messages that use information that is obscene as defined by Kansas law
to disclose, use or disseminate personal information that could threaten or create a vulnerability for a minor, for any other person, or for the library
to attempt to gain unauthorized access to any data, computer, or network
to distribute unsolicited advertising
to invade the privacy of others
to participate in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment
to engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory
to make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software
to use the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the Library’s tax-exempt status or its proper operation
for any illegal purpose

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. Fort Scott Public Library will not release information about the use of specific resources by members of the public except as required by law or as necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

The library shall use a DNS-based filter. Such filter shall be configured as nearly as possible to prevent access to materials that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors while allowing access to other information.

It is recognized that filters do not block all inappropriate sites or allow access to all legitimate sites. The filter will be disabled upon request by an adult, or for a minor to enable access for bona fide research and other lawful purposes. Computers must not be used to display sexually explicit images as defined by Kansas law, even when sites are not blocked by the filter or when the filter is disabled.

Patrons who encounter web sites which they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing web sites which they believe should not be blocked, may submit a complaint. This should be given in writing to the senior employee in charge and include the URL of the site in question and whether the request is to block or unblock it. Staff shall examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked. If the filter currently being used is a regional service, the information and recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate regional staff.

Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior which violate this policy shall also be submitted in writing to the senior staff person in charge, providing as much detail as possible.

The library shall inform patrons of the provisions of this policy, including the standards used and procedures for complaint, by making the policy available on the library’s web site.

Patrons may not load software on the computers. Files may not be saved to the hard disk, but may be saved to the patron’s own storage devices. Although reasonable precautions will be taken, the library does not guarantee the hard disks to be virus free and assumes no liability for virus infections if persons save files to their own disks.

Food is not allowed at the public computers. Drinks with lids are acceptable, but they should be placed where accidental spilling will not damage any computer equipment.

The use of tobacco products is not allowed in the library. This includes at the computer terminals.

Anyone using the public access computers is expected to behave in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to: rowdiness, excessive noise, and talking on cell phones.

In order to use a public computer, you will need your Fort Scott Public Library account log in information or a guest pass, available from the library employee at the downstairs circulation desk. You do not need to check in at the desk if you have your log in information.

Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a 60 minute time limit on computer use. Computer management software will be used to enforce this time limit by requiring patrons to log in to use the computers. Additional time may be added by request if the public Internet computers are not all occupied. Users attempting to circumvent the computer management system may have their computer privileges revoked.

Logging out and logging back in to a public computer or allowing time to expire and logging back in may be considered an attempt to circumvent the computer management system. When the system notifies you that time is running out, please ask the library employee at the downstairs circulation desk if an extension of time is possible.

You may use the library computers more than once per day. If necessary, staff will provide an additional guest pass.

The cost for all pages printed from public access computers is 10 cents per page, even if you provide your own paper. You must pay for all pages printed. Library staff do not have any control as to the content of printed pages. Please pay at the circulation desk. No printer access is provided on the wi-fi network.

No more than 2 people may be at any public access computer at one time.

The computer management software will shut down all public computers 15 minutes before closing.

Library staff members offer assistance with basic computer and internet procedures when possible but do not provide in-depth support for computer usage or technical issues.

Patrons may use their own laptops or other devices to use the library’s wi-fi network. The library does not provide technical assistance in configuring a patron’s device for wireless Internet. Electric outlets are available if needed. Please do not block walkways with cords.

Users of the library wi-fi must follow the same guidelines, where applicable, as for other Internet use. Therefore, sexually explicit images may not be displayed, and the network may not be used to send threatening, obscene, abusive or harassing messages, or for any illegal purposes.

Public wi-fi is not secure. Information sent to and from a patron laptop computer may be captured by someone else with a wireless device and appropriate software. The library assumes no responsibility for the safety of patron equipment or data resulting from connection to the library’s wireless access.

Violations of this policy may result in loss of access to computing resources at Fort Scott Public Library. Patrons who feel that their computer privileges have been unjustly terminated may ask to be placed on the agenda for a library board meeting and may discuss reinstatement of privileges with the library board.

10/15/02; rev 5/20/03; rev 01/18/05; 4/19/05, rev 9/09, rev 04/17/12; rev 11/17/2015. rev. 2/21/2017, rev. 4/16/2019, rev 2/8/2022

Mission Statement

The primary mission of the Fort Scott Public Library is to serve the informational and recreational needs of the Fort Scott community. It is also the mission of the Fort Scott Public Library to provide or support those services which develop cultural appreciation, increase personal knowledge and encourage educational excellence in today’s society, benefiting both the individual and the community at large.

(Adopted by FSPL Board 11/18/86)

Library Policies

FSPL Trustee Bylaws

FSPL Ethics Statement

Materials Selection

Events Room

Patron Dress Code

Confidentiality of Library Records

Mobile Hotspot Lending Agreement

Overdue, Unreturned, Lost, or Damaged Items

Inclement Weather | Library Staffing

Public Computers Internet Access & Safety