This document summarizes several key library policies and guidelines, including policies around library cards, intellectual freedom, gifts, and materials reconsideration. It outlines who can get a library card, what a card provides access to, and identification requirements. The document also discusses the Michigan Library Privacy Act and exceptions for sharing patron information with parents. It provides guidance for library staff on handling patron concerns or unacceptable behavior, emphasizing listening skills and clearly communicating options or next steps.

1. KDL Policies, Service Guidelines, & Michigan Law

2. Focus on: FIVE “Ws” for: Library Cards Michigan Library Privacy Act Intellectual Freedom And some of the “Hows”…

3. Exciting?

4. Policies = Rules Always approved by KDL Board of Directors Sometimes set by membership in Lakeland Library Cooperative, i.e. Borrower Registration Policy

5. Library Card Policy Who can get one?

6. Library Card Policy Why need ID to get a library card?

7. Library Card Policy What does one get you?

8. Library Card Policy When can you use it?

9. Library Card Policy Where can you use it?

10. JUVENILE Library Card Policy Co-signed by a parent or legal guardian … … responsibility to supervise choice, return, or replacement of library material & use of Internet

11. “But I live in Grand Rapids…” Intersection of GRPL, LLC, & KDL Policies

12. ILL/Reciprocal Return Policy Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

13. Gifts Policy Unconditional and non-returnable May be disposed of at the staff’s discretion No monetary appraisal is made of material donated

14. Intellectual Freedom Policy Based on ALA Library Bill of Rights Approved by KDL Board

15. Intellectual Freedom Policy …assures equal access to all library resources by patrons ... Patrons are free to select or reject for themselves any item in the collection. Individual or group prejudice about a particular item or type of material in the collection may not preclude its use by others. Parents or legal guardians have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children to library resources. Parents or legal guardians who do not want their children to have access to certain library services, materials, or facilities should so advise their children. Librarians cannot assume the role of parents or the functions of parental authority in the private relationship between parent and child.

16. Intellectual Freedom Policy Equal Access Patron Responsibility May not limit access for others Parents or legal guardians have the right and the responsibility to restrict their child’s access to library resources

17. DANGER Jessamine County Public Library

20. In light of:

21. patron’s concern,

22. acquisition policy, and

23. professional reviewsDirector replies in writing within 30 days

24. Laws Rules imposed by legislature Penalties can be assessed

25. Michigan Library Privacy Act Act 455 of 1982 (excerpt) Unless ordered by a court …, a library or an employee or agent of a library shall not release or disclose a library record or portion of a library record to a person without the written consent of the person liable for payment …

27. Record Retention

29. What “trumps” the Privacy Act? US Patriot Act

30. Service Guidelines

32. Ask clarifying questions

33. Rephrase what the person said

36. Three-Point Formula for Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior

37. … works with Humans, not dogs Make a statement of support Label the problem behavior State Your Response

38. For Example “I understand that you are angry about these overdue fines.” [Statement of support] “Please do not use inappropriate language.” [Label the problem behavior] “If you continue to raise your voice, I will have to ask you to leave the library.” [State Your Response]

39. Surprise! Some people will not be satisfied with being heard and being given options. If a patron becomes abusive or refuses to end a discussion, you may say, “I think it best if someone else speaks with you now. My supervisor is _________________________.”

41. Give them your supervisor’s information

43. What is a library card? Why can’t we let spouses pick up each other’s holds? What form do we have for concerns about the collection?

44. How can parents find out what their children have checked out? What Needs do people have when they are upset?

45. Special Thanks Rhondapalooza For permission to use Mystical Krewe of Barkus Parade photographs from New Orleans