1Bulletin Boards, Displays & Exhibits
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The use by individuals or organizations of the Library’s facilities for displays and/or exhibits, other than those which pertain to the Library, is a privilege.
There will be designated areas for bulletin boards, displays and exhibits in each library and division. Announcements, posters, flyers and exhibits will be arranged in these areas only.
Bulletin Boards
One of the important roles of the public library is to serve as a source of information for community programs, events and services. Each library will have a bulletin board for community announcements located in a designated central area.
The following guidelines will assure that announcements submitted for posting will be given fair consideration and ample time and that the bulletin board will be kept current and attractive.
- The Library will post notices of educational, cultural and recreational events or services which are sponsored by non-profit organizations. It is not the purpose of the bulletin board to advertise commercial endeavors unless they are specifically related to the Library program. Announcements to be posted must be cleared and dated by a division head or a branch head.
- Posted materials shall be no larger that 8 ½” X 14” in size.
- The Library will distribute single copies of announcements to other library branches in the system.
- The Library will determine the length of time announcements will be displayed based on space available. Notices will be posted no longer than three weeks. Items will be marked with the date to be taken down.
- The Library will provide limited display space for multiple copies of announcements and brochures from non-profit organizations. Materials to be displayed must be cleared and dated by a division or branch head.
- Materials, flyers or posters which advocate the election or defeat of a candidate for public office, or which advocate an affirmative or negative vote for or against any proposition, whether political or otherwise, will NOT be posted.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, possible damage, theft, or return of any item displayed on the bulletin board.
Displays and Exhibits
Exhibits are valuable in making patrons aware of the vast resources of the Library and the community. The following guidelines will assure the quality, variety, objectivity, and safety of displays and exhibits:
Non-Commercial Displays
The Library welcomes non-commercial displays of collections of art and other materials of general interest to the community. However, the Library does not advertise commercial endeavors unless specifically related to the goals of the Library.
Displays and Exhibits
Displays or exhibits should incorporate books or materials from the Library collection which relate to the objects in the display whenever possible. Local artists and craftsmen are encouraged to exhibit their works. Exhibits must be scheduled in advance with the Head of Circulation at the Main Library, or with the Branch Head of the library which will be hosting the display. Each exhibitor is requested to provide a 9”x12” poster identifying the exhibit and the exhibitor: example, Louisiana Swamp Scenes, by John Smith. Biographical information and the list of works with prices will be available at the Library Information Desk, if provided by the artist. Staff members may not handle the sale of materials.
Review by the Director
All works are subject to review by the Director. No artisan, organization or individual shall be permitted to place in the Library any box, receptacle, or canister which solicits donations.
Safety of Displays and Responsibility of Exhibitors
The Library does not assume responsibility, protection, or damage of any item displayed or exhibited. All items are placed in the Library at the exhibit owner’s risk. Exhibitors are encouraged to make their own arrangements for insurance protection if they feel that it is needed for the items they display.
This policy replaces and supersedes the policy issued on August 1, 1993.
Revised June 26, 2007.
3Exam Proctoring
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The Library may proctor exams for residents of East Baton Rouge Parish who are registered library cardholders in good standing, subject to availability of authorized staff and facility space.
The Library does not charge fees for this service but greatly appreciates donations in support of the Library's collections and services.
The Library reserves the right to cancel a reservation for an exam if the staff or the facility is needed for library purposes. If an individual’s reservation is canceled, they will be notified at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting, if at all possible.
A minimum of one week's advance notice is required before any test will be proctored. All test-taking requirements, including technical requirements, must be received from the issuing educational institution before any tests are taken.
Because of the technical difficulties involved in administering online tests, the Library will not proctor such exams at this time. The Reference and Information Services Division maintains a list of possible proctoring sites for patrons.
Revised on May 27, 2010.
4Internet Access
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In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, information, recreational and educational needs of the diverse Baton Rouge community. It is within this context that the East Baton Rouge Parish Library offers access to the Internet and its multitude of resources.
Access to the Internet is compatible with the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View Statements of the American Library Association and with the Mission Statement of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. However, Internet resources are not subject to the same selection criteria that the Library uses for other materials. In addition, Internet sites or access points change rapidly and unpredictably.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is responsible only for data on those pages pertaining specifically to the Library. The Library is not responsible for the availability or content of any external sites linked to these pages. The accuracy and currency of information from local community organizations, governmental agencies and all other Internet sites is the complete responsibility of the originating agency.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its connection to the Internet.
Staff Assistance
Library staff will assist patrons in accessing and using the Internet. Although the staff cannot provide in-depth training, they will answer questions and as time allows help users locate and use resources on the Internet.
Responsibilities of Patrons
The Internet provides access to a tremendous amount of important and authoritative information assembled by government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and individuals. However, some sources on the Internet provide inappropriate, inaccurate, incomplete and out-of-date information. The user must be a good information consumer, questioning the source and the validity of the information he finds.
Users are hereby notified that they are responsible for the access points they reach and for the information they receive. All Public Computers are monitored by staff. Any time that a patron engages in activities which are prohibited by the Internet Access Policy or in disruptive behavior, his computer session will be terminated; he might lose his computer privileges.
Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the Library's computers. PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO SUPERVISE THEIR CHILDREN'S INTERNET SESSIONS.
It is the responsibility of all users of electronic resources to respect intellectual property rights. Copyright restrictions may exist for individual electronic resources. Patrons may make copies only if allowable by copyright laws or licensed software agreements.
Patrons must use computers for acceptable purposes. Any use of the Internet computers or terminals for illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes or in support of such activities is prohibited. The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access to online services.
Illegal acts may subject violators to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
Research and the Internet
Patrons should remember that the Internet is simply one among a number of information sources. The World Wide Web does not make libraries and their resources out of date. Think about the information you need and then decide what the most appropriate source will be. Specific information can often be found in books, periodicals, and other information sources available in the Library. If you need a simple fact, it might be faster to look it up in an encyclopedia, almanac or other source.
E-Mail, Chatrooms, Commercial Uses
The Library permits access to e-mail, chat rooms and e-commerce sites on computers available to adults and teens 12 and older. Children's computers will be unable to access these services. Children under twelve may use the adult computers if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Wireless Internet Access
Free wireless Internet access is available at selected library locations. You will need a notebook/laptop computer or wireless device with 802.11b or 802.11g wireless networking. If you are not sure if your notebook/laptop computer or other device has this functionality, please check with the manufacturer or supplier of your equipment.
Wireless Limitations and Disclaimers:
- You may encounter some “dead” spots in a library where wireless reception may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the Internet or staying online please move to a different location within the library. The wireless Internet access we offer is filtered. By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Internet Access Policy. This policy states the limitations of Internet access, your responsibilities for using that access, and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses.
- The Library’s wireless network is not secure. Information sent to and from your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.
- Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be made that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s wireless access.
Non-Library Hardware and Software
Patrons may not attach other hardware (laptops, CD-Rom drives, printers, etc.) to the Library's public computers or library connections and may not install their own software.
Downloading
Files cannot be saved to the Computer's hard drive. However, downloading information to a 3.5 floppy diskette or a flash drive is allowed.
Filtering
In accordance with Section 54.520 ( c ), Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47 Telecommunications, the Library is required by the FCC to install filters on its public computers, as the default setting. This is to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This enforces a policy of Internet safety that includes monitoring the online activities of minors and the operation of a technology protection measure, in order to protect against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or deemed harmful to minors. Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors are prohibited. Adults, aged 17 and older, can request that Library staff temporarily disable the filter on a public computer. This will allow unfiltered access for that specific computer session.
Additionally, the Library filters access to proxy sites, hacking sites, and illegal download sites. The Library also restricts access to high-bandwidth sites.
Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others. The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access to online services.
Virus Warning
Although the library uses a program which checks for viruses there is no guarantee that diskettes will be protected. It is possible that downloaded software from the Internet may contain a virus. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is not responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, or for any liability that may arise from saving or downloading files to a diskette.
Reserving Computers
Internet access computers and terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All Internet work sessions, including printing, must be finished 15 minutes before closing time. Specific guidelines for scheduling and use of computers are available at all libraries.
Printing
Patrons who are residents of East Baton Rouge Parish may print up to 20 pages free of charge. Additional pages will cost 10 cents each. All other patrons will be charged 10 cents per printed page.
This policy statement replaces and supersedes the policy issued on January 5, 2006, December 28, 2006, September 20, 2007 and December 29, 2008.
Revised November 5, 2009.
6Parking at the Libraries after Dark
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After the Library is closed and the lights have been turned out, patrons may not park in any of the Library parking lots at night. Library parking lots may not be used after dark at night for outdoor meetings of groups and get-togethers. All library patrons may come into the Library during the time it is open.
Created March 18, 2004.
7Patron Library Cards
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Registration for an East Baton Rouge Parish Library card is free. The following requirements must be met:
Adult Library Card
Adults are eligible for an adult library card.
- Adults are responsible for all materials checked out on their card and the fines, damages and losses that result while the materials are checked out to them.
- Residents of East Baton Rouge Parish must show an official picture I.D. and proof of address.
- Residents of other parishes, who own property in East Baton Rouge Parish, must show an official picture I.D., proof of address, and proof of property ownership in this parish.
- Residents of reciprocating, neighboring parishes must show an official picture I.D., proof of address, and a form signed by the librarian in their home parish showing that they are in good standing with that library.
Child's Library Card
- Children up to age 11 are eligible for a Child’s Card.
- Children are not held responsible for overdue library materials. The parent or guardian will be held responsible for the full cost of lost or damaged materials. Library materials more than 60 days overdue will be considered lost. A Child’s Card may be used to checkout materials from the Children’s Collection.
- Children may receive a library card when the parent determines the child is ready. There is no minimum age requirement.
- Children may register using the parent’s I.D. with the same requirements as an adult card. The parent must sign with or for the child.
Tween Library Card
- Children age 12-14 are eligible for a Tween Card.
- A parent or guardian must accept responsibility for overdue fines and lost/damaged materials. Tween Cards may be used to check out materials from the Teen and Children’s Collections.
- At age 12 or in the sixth grade a child who has never had a card or who has a child card with no charges on it, may register for a Tween Card.
- Children may register using the parent’s I.D. with the same requirements as an adult card. The parent must sign with the child.
Teen Library Card
- Teens age 15 - 18 are eligible for a Teen Card.
- Parents of Teens will be held responsible for over due fines and lost/damaged materials. A Teen card can be used to check out materials from the entire library collection.
- At age 15, a teen who has never had a library card, or a teen who has a Child or Tween card with no fines or charges may get a Teen Card.
- A teen must show picture I.D. and proof of East Baton Rouge Parish address or have a parent use his identification.
- A teen who lives out of parish must have a form signed by the librarian in his parish of residence showing he is in good standing.
As a courtesy the library provides “computer use only” cards for in-parish and out-of-parish users. In all other instances consult the Circulation librarian.
This policy replaces and supersedes the Children’s Library Card Policy of November 29, 1994 and June 29, 2007.
Revised on December 29, 2008.
8Patron Use of Computers
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There are public access computers available for use by patrons at each of the East Baton Rouge Parish libraries. The following guidelines have been developed to provide the many patrons of the library easy and equitable access to the library computers which are available for their use.
- The computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If a specific computer is not in use, the patron can use that computer by entering his library card number on the initial screen. If all computers are in use, patrons can use PC Reservation to reserve the next available computer.
- Computers are available for a period of up to 1 hour. If no other patrons are in the queue to use the next available computer, PC Reservation will give users the option to extend their time.
- Only 8 ½” x 11” and 8 ½” x 14” white paper supplied by the Library may be used in the printers.
- Files cannot be saved to any of the library’s computer hard drives. However, downloading and saving information to a 3.5 floppy diskette or a flash drive is allowed.
- If there are problems with the hardware, software or printers, patrons should ask Library staff members for assistance.
- No more than two persons at a time will be allowed at one computer.
- When a computer session is complete, PC Reservation will log the computer out.
- Each patron who uses the library computers must read and accept the Library’s Internet Access Policy and agree to abide by the guidelines governing the use of the computers.
- Any time that a patron engages in activities which are prohibited by the Library’s Internet Access Policy or in disruptive behavior, his computer session will be terminated; and patrons may lose computer privileges.
- All computer sessions, including printing, must be completed 15 minutes before the Library closing time. PC Reservation will automatically log out all computers at this time.
- Patrons who are residents of East Baton Rouge Parish may print up to 20 pages of black and white prints free of charge. Additional pages will cost 10 cents each. All other patrons will be charged 10 cents per printed page.
- Patrons may bring in their own laptop computers or other wireless devices. However, wireless access is not available at all library locations at all times. Patrons are requested to ensure that electrical cords are not hazardous to other patrons.
A note about personal computer use in the Library:
The Library's policies on appropriate and acceptable use of computers and the Internet apply not only to library computers but also to personal laptop computers or other wireless devices used on Library property.
Electronic devices can only be used with earphones at a volume level that cannot be heard by other patrons and staff.
Patrons must use computers for acceptable purposes. Any use of personal or Library computers inside the Library for illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes or in support of such activities is prohibited. The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access to the Library or online services.
It is the responsibility of all users of electronic resources to respect intellectual property rights. Copyright restrictions may exist for individual electronic resources. Patrons may make copies only if allowable by copyright laws or licensed software agreements. Illegal acts may subject violators to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
- Computers can only be reserved on-site on a “next available” basis. Specific computers may not be requested. The Library does provide ADA –compliant computers for patrons with special needs.
This policy statement replaces and supersedes the policy issued on February 22, 2002, August 14, 2006, June 27, 2007 and December 19, 2008.
Revised on September 9, 2009.
9Public Programming
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The presentation of programs for the public is an important aspect of the Library goal of providing information and enrichment to the patrons of the Library. Programs are planned for people of all ages – from preschool storytimes, special activities for school age children and young adults, to enriching programs for adults and the elderly. The Library provides a diverse range of programs, including lectures on literary and historic topics, hands-on workshops on crafts and cooking, and presentations on special interests and needs of members of the community.
The Library’s programs and workshops serve several functions. The Library benefits greatly from these activities. People attending these programs broaden their interests, learn new skills, interact with other people, enjoy entertainment, discover new areas of interest, and find that the Library is filled with information on a tremendous range of subjects – in the form of books, magazines, videos, CD’s and recorded books. The programs open doors for a tremendous diversity of people; the Library, its staff and its collections support their interests and provide them with unending opportunities for new interests, knowledge, and skills.
Library Meeting Rooms
All library locations include meeting rooms. The purpose of the rooms is to provide space for library programs. When the rooms are not being used for library programming, they are made available to community-based, non-profit organizations for meetings of the groups.
Planning and Presenting Programs
Library staff members at all levels and in all locations devote many hours to developing programs and to making the public aware of library activities.
Listed below are some of the criteria staff members should consider when planning programs for any age group.
- The subject of the program should reflect an interest of people in the community.
- The level of the presentation should be suitable to the anticipated audience.
- There should be a wide diversity of programs at each library and throughout the Library system.
- Guest speakers must be carefully selected by Library staff for their knowledge of the subject and their ability to convey information to those in attendance.
Programs Presented by Other Organizations or Institutions
Occasionally we have persons who are involved with commercial organizations, particular schools, or institutions, and persons who represent a special interest, who seek to present information to the public at the Library about their organization, its services, or the issues with which it deals. Although this information may be of value or interest, the underlying purpose of these programs is to gain community recognition of their institution and its services, or for the person himself.
Those who sometimes want to make presentations at the Library include attorneys, members of religious organizations, agents of health care groups, investment brokers, realtors, individuals selling cosmetics, and insurance representatives.
The Library does not allow a representative of such an organization or an individual to arrange such activities or to use the Library or its meeting rooms to present such information to the public.
For further details on the use of the Library meeting rooms, see the Library’s Meeting Room Policy.
Guidelines for Library Staff involved in Planning Library Programs
Each Library should plan programs to meet the needs of the patrons of that Library.
Any activities or programs presented at the Library must be planned by the Library. Those presenting programs must be invited to participate by the Library. The Library staff member should include a number of persons representing various aspects or points of view on the topic, such as a professionals or specialists who provide services in this area, and community members who have been involved with the issue.
Any staff member who wishes to present a program must submit a description of the program that is being suggested to the Branch Librarian. If the Branch Librarian feels that the program meets the Library guidelines and is appropriate for the community served, the Branch Head should submit the information about the program to the Head of Adult Services, Teen/Young Adult Services, Children’s Services, or Reference Services. This information should be submitted to the appropriate Division Head on the Program Planning Approval Form.
If approved by the Division Head, the Branch Librarian should proceed with plans for the program.
This policy was revised on June 26, 2007.
10Rules of Behavior for Patrons
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The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is a public agency supported by the taxes of the citizens of the parish, and they have the right to expect an atmosphere conducive to study, reading, and the legitimate use of library materials and services. To foster such an environment, patrons must act in a considerate and appropriate manner.
Any behavior that disrupts the orderly use of the library or that affects the staff’s ability to provide service is strictly prohibited. Disruptive behavior is defined as any loud, boisterous, or profane behavior which is inappropriate in an institution established to promote quiet study and the use of library materials.
The following rules have been adopted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board of Control. Library supervisors and staff have been authorized to enforce these regulations and to require patrons who do not comply to leave the library premises.
- No guns, knives, or other weapons are permitted on library premises.
- Eating and drinking are not permitted in library facilities unless part of a planned reception or for meeting room use.
- Smoking is not permitted in libraries, in library restrooms, or within 25 feet of a library entrance. Smoking is prohibited within Independence Park.
- The use of chewing tobacco or snuff is not permitted in library facilities.
- Loud, abusive, or vulgar language that is disturbing to patrons and staff will not be tolerated.
- Physical, verbal, or sexual harassment of library patrons or staff will not be tolerated.
- Thievery, vandalism, and fighting will be reported to the police.
- Soliciting, panhandling, and proselytizing will not be permitted.
- Persons appearing to be intoxicated or on drugs will be required to leave.
- Exhibitionism (indecent exposure) and voyeurism (peeping) will be reported to the police.
- Moving furniture, sitting on tables, carrels or bookstacks, and putting feet on furniture are not permitted.
- Bathing, shaving, and washing clothes are not permitted in library restrooms.
- Running, exercising, and lying on the floor are not permitted.
- Gambling is not permitted in library facilities.
- Only four people are allowed at each table, and excessive socializing is not permitted.
- Seating at each study carrel is limited to one person.
- Shoes and shirts must be worn in all library facilities.
- Electronic devices can only be used with earphones at a volume level that cannot be heard by other patrons and staff.
In order to provide safety for patrons and staff and to protect the library, the following items are not to be brought into library facilities:
- Weapons of any kind.
- Bedrolls or blankets, plastic trash bags, shopping carts, and large boxes.
- Snakes, birds, or other animals (except service and assistance animals) unless part of a special program.
- Alcoholic beverages or drugs.
- Food or drink unless part of a planned activity.
- Skateboards, skates, scooters, and bicycles.
Violation of these rules may result in the suspension of library privileges.
This policy statement replaces and supercedes the policy issued on November 3, 1998.
This policy was revised on December 29, 2008.
Revised on September 9, 2009.
11Safety for Children
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The East Baton Rouge Parish Library welcomes the use of its facilities and services by children of all ages. Many services and programs are offered to make the Library enticing to children, to encourage them to visit the Library and to develop a love of books, reading and libraries.
Young children are not safe when left unattended in the Library. The staff cannot know if the children are leaving the building with parents or strangers.
The safety and welfare of young children left alone in the Library is a serious concern of the Library Board of Control and the administration. Young children who are left without supervision may become bored, tired, hungry or frightened. They may become disruptive to the many people who use the Library as a place conducive to study and reading.
For the protection and well-being of children who enjoy our libraries and to prevent undue disruption of normal library activities, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board of Control has adopted the following rules. Library supervisors and staff have been authorized to enforce these regulations, effective immediately.
- Children age eight and younger may not be left unattended in a branch or division of the Library. A responsible person – an adult or mature adolescent at least 12 years old – must accompany them. Responsible parties not attending a Library program with children eight and younger must remain in the Library.
- Parents, guardians and assigned chaperones/childcare providers are responsible for their children’s behavior while in the Library; and must remain within physical reach of the child at all times.
- Children age nine and older may use the Library unattended, but must abide by all policies and procedures adopted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library concerning behavior, conduct and demeanor.
- Staff members are not allowed to assume responsibility for any child in the absence of an adult, even for a very short time.
This policy statement replaces and supercedes "Policy on Unattended Children" dated October 29, 2003.
Revised on August 10, 2006.