Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library | about ~ circulation

Welcome to the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Circulation Policy

Approved This policy governs borrowing and using library materials and participation in library activities. By applying for a library account the customer agrees to abide by all library policies and procedures.

Eligible Borrowers

Generally, persons eligible to borrow and use library materials and services include the following:

a. Residents of the library district;

b. Non-residents of the library district who pay ad valorem property taxes within the library district;

c. Residents of the area included within the Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS).

d. Students and staff of any accredited educational institution within the library district while they maintain student or staff status; and

e. State legislators and their immediate families.
Non-residents of the library district not listed above may be permitted to borrow and use library materials and services as prescribed by the library board of trustees.
Eligible borrowers and users of library materials and services under age 18 are required to provide the name and address of a responsible adult at the time of making application for a library account.

Borrowing of Materials

To ensure the most equitable use of library resources, the library administration will establish guidelines to implement this policy including but not limited to borrowing periods, limiting the number of items that may be borrowed, time limits on the use of library computers, use of borrowers’ library accounts, and charges for loss or damage to library materials, equipment and facilities. Customers under 17 years of age are not allowed to request or borrow R-rated films without the presence of a parent or guardian to provide permission.
Misuse of library accounts by not returning or damaging library materials may result in the loss of access privileges.
Customer registration and circulation records are exempt from the Kansas Open Records Law (K.S.A. 45-221 (23)). All customer account information will be used only for legitimate library purposes. Disclosure will be limited to the individual account holder and in the case of minors, the responsible adult listed on the account. Any other release of information will be limited to those situations required by law.

Responsibility of Customers

Customers are expected to responsibly manage their library accounts. Customers are responsible for all items checked out on their account.
In the case of lost cards, customers will be held responsible for all items checked out on their account up until the time the card is reported lost.
Library privileges may be denied to customers who fail to abide by the rules and regulations of the library.

Approved: October 16, 2003

Revised: July 20, 2006

Board of Trustees

Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

Circulation Guidelines
7/19/2006

Obtaining a Library Account

Applicants must show identification indicating name and address. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, a rental agreement, a student ID, vehicle registration, or other similar forms. A piece of mail may be used to verify address as long as another form of ID is presented to verify name. If the applicant is able to prove name but cannot prove address, two print items may be borrowed and to verify the address information a card will be sent to the mailing address.

Children, unlike adults, may not have access to common forms of ID. Therefore, they may be allowed to complete an account application without presenting name verification. They must indicate the name of a responsible adult. A card will be mailed to them to verify address. They will be limited to two print items until the card is received.

In the event that a card is needed for purposes other than borrowing, for example to access library computers, customers will be required to provide name and address information sufficient to allow for the creation of an account without borrowing privileges.

Accessing a Library Account

The library issues cards to eligible applicants to identify them as eligible users. Each card holder should present the card assigned only to them at the time of any transaction.

The use of the library card helps insure accuracy in the access of library accounts. Therefore, all customers are expected to use that card in completing transactions. In an emergency it is possible to substitute ID (picture ID is preferable) in lieu of the card. In these situations the customer will be limited to two (2) items at check out until they produce the library card.

Children without ID should be able to answer questions about their address, birth date, etc. to prove identity. Children will be limited to two (2) items until they produce the library card.

Using a Library Account

Customers are expected to return materials in good condition within the established loan periods. All matters about charges should be referred to the Circulation Department for resolution. Lost charges will be waived on items returned in good condition within six months of the original date due. Refunds will be given for items that are returned in good condition within six months of the original date due.

Customers may keep damaged items for which full replacement charges have been paid although the library reserves the right to dispose of damaged items within a reasonable time.

Material lost or damaged due to extraordinary events such as a house fire, tornado, or flood will be excused. Billing information will be provided for insurance purposes where applicable. Theft does not exempt the borrower from payment for the loss of library materials.

The library may forgive charges against a customer account in unusual circumstances not covered above.

The library assumes no liability for loss or damage to user’s equipment or injury from use of library owned materials.

The library reserves the right to employ a collection agency in cases of unresolved charges.

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