Policies and Procedures

To assure that all library patrons have an equal and fair opportunity to explore the contents of the libraries and make full use of the library facilities and resources, the following policies and procedures are applicable in the Noblesville and Fishers libraries:

• Behavior in the Library
• Computer Usage
• Services
• Materials
• Collection Development

Noise in the Library

While we (the Library Board of Trustees) accept quiet conversation, we do not believe that it is necessary for persons to yell, scream, cry loudly, or hold loud conversations in order to enjoy the services offered by the library. We also ask that all cell phones and beepers be turned off while in the library. Staff members are hereby authorized to issue verbal or written warnings to persons being disruptive on library property. If the offender or his or her caregiver refuse to cooperate, he will be asked to leave as quickly and quietly as possible. Acting abusively with verbal or physical threat or failing to cooperate with the staff will result in immediate suspension of the library privileges of the offender. Any person whose library privileges have been revoked under this policy must appear before the Library Board to request reinstatement of privileges.

A full copy of this policy is available upon request.

Abusive Patrons

The Hamilton East Public Library's Board of Trustees and Administration state unequivocally that any manner of abuse of employees or others by patrons will not be tolerated. Vulgar language or threatening behavior will not be tolerated and may result in suspension of library privileges and/or eviction from the library. Reinstatement of library privileges will be at the discretion of the Library Board.

Unattended Children

Please do not leave children unattended even in the Youth Services Department. Children up to age seven (7) must have a responsible caregiver, age sixteen (16) or older on the premises. If the child is five (5) or under, the caregiver is asked to remain with the child.

Viewing Inappropriate Internet Sites

The viewing of objectionable Internet sites in the public environment of the library is not appropriate. Those viewing objectionable sites will be asked to stop doing so. If the patron fails to respond to the request, he or she will not be allowed to use the computers for the remainder of the day. If the patron is again viewing objectionable sites on another day, the patron will lose his or her library privileges for one month and have to appeal to the Library Board of Trustees in person, to have his or her library privileges reinstated.

Computer Use

1. To use this service, you need to have a valid library card if you are our patron, or a valid picture ID if you are just visiting. The public computer lab is located on the second floor in the Noblesville Library and on the lower level of the Fishers Library.
2. Users must be at least five (5) years old.
3. Users must acknowledge that they agree to abide by all the rules set forth in this policy by signing the appropriate line on the library card application or addendum.
4. Children under eighteen (18) must have a parent or guardian's signature on file to use the public computers and/or have access to the Internet.
5. There is a one (1) hour limit for computer use if another patron is waiting, and a 2 hour daily time limit. An electronic waiting list is available if all the computers are in use. Computer usage is on a First-Come First-Served basis, therefore no reservations are allowed for particular time slots.
6. Printers linked to public access computers are located behind the service desk. The clerk on duty will assist you in retrieving your printouts. Black and white prints cost 15¢ per page and color prints cost 75¢ per page. Money must be deposited into the patrons account PRIOR to printing and the patrons are responsible for payment of all prints made.
7. Staff can provide only limited assistance with basic start up procedures. The staff will not give instructions on use of Internet or any software. Word processing, desktop publishing, Internet and basic computer classes are offered periodically free of charge at both library locations.
8. The library does not offer e-mail accounts. However, users may use the software on the library computers to access their own e-mail accounts. Each user must know the correct settings for their mail server. The library staff is unable to assist users in downloading personal e-mail.

Hardware and Software Use

1. The viewing of objectionable material is strictly prohibited. Please remember to be considerate of those around you and refrain from viewing materials which may be considered offensive to others.
2. Users may not change, add, or delete any data in the public computers. Users must store their data on their own media and may not alter any program or the operating system.
3. Users may bring in their own headphones or check out a pair from the service desk. Headphones and USB drives are the only patron owned hardware that may be connected to the computers.
4. It is highly recommended that users save their work before trying to print.
5. Do not send items to the printer more than one time. If the item doesn't print the first time, contact the staff member at the service desk for assistance. You will be charged for all prints you make.
6. Copyright laws must be adhered to strictly. No copying of software is permitted.
7. Manuals and guidebooks for programs are accessible through the Reference desk.
8. For courtesy of the other patrons using the computer lab, headphones must be used for programs that utilize sound.
9. Computer privileges may be suspended for one (1) year for any user found in violation of this policy. Users found tampering with or playing in the operating system, altering hardware or attempting in any way to cause harm to library equipment, or trying to bring inconvenience to other users will have all computer privileges revoked and will be charged for any damage. Reinstatement of revoked privileges will be only at the discretion of the Library Director.

Internet Use

1. Patrons under the age of eighteen (18) must have a parent's or guardian's signature on file to use the Internet stations.
2. There is a one (1) hour time limit per session, if another person is waiting to use the computer. There is also a two (2) hour daily limit.
3. You may download files to floppy disk, CD Rom, or USB drive which must be provided by the cardholder. Pre-formatted disks can be purchased at the cashier station at either library. No downloading to the hard drive is allowed.
4. By using this service, the user agrees to abide by these rules as well as the pertinent portions of the library's Computer Use Policy.

Inter-library Loans

If an item is not in the HEPL collection, it may be requested from another library through an inter-library loan. There is a small charge for this service to help defray postal and handling costs. The loaning library may also assess fees. Inter-library loans are available only to patrons holding resident or fee-paying library cards.

Public Library Access Card (PLAC)

Public Library Access Card (PLAC) holders may obtain an HEPL card that allows them to check out all circulating library materials or access the Internet. PLAC holders may not use the public computers, typewriters or other audio-visual equipment. They may only participate in children's and adult's programs which do not require pre-registration.

Materials Delivery to Homebound Residents

Materials delivery is available to any patron, who due to long term illness or infirmity, is not able to travel to either library location. Deliveries are free, available on a bi-weekly basis, and must be arranged through the Outreach Department.

Materials Delivery and Programming in Local Daycare, PreSchool and Senior Facilities

Free materials delivery and on-site programming is available to any local children's or senior's facility within the HEPL taxing district. Any group requesting delivery or programming must contact the Outreach Department to register and arrange for scheduling.

Meeting Rooms

The meeting rooms are available for qualifying non-profit groups that have by-laws and are holding a meeting for their members only. If a qualifying group wishes to hold a meeting that will be open to the general public, it must be a joint library/group program and, as such, will be governed by the following guidelines, as well as those stipulations set out in the Adult Programming Policy. Group meetings that are advertised to the general public that are not co-sponsored by the Library will not be permitted. The meeting rooms are available Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and Sunday between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Under no circumstance may any organization reserve the meeting room more than twelve (12) times per calendar year. The meeting rooms shall be available on a first come, first served basis. All reservations for meeting rooms must be made through the Outreach Department. Patrons requesting a meeting room reservation must fill out a request form and provide a $30 deposit. A full copy of the Meeting Room Policy and Procedures is available upon request.

Programming

The library provides a variety of programs to encourage greater participation in culture, art, education and the pursuit of information. The Library views programming as a means of highlighting local talent and expertise, as well as providing a forum for presentation of new ideas. Under no circumstances will any program be allowed to serve as a platform for generating income for any sponsoring group or individual, except funds to support the Library. Fees for programming events may be charged only to reimburse the program presenters for the cost of materials provided to attendees.

Public Notice Bulletin Boards

Bulletin board postings are accepted when space allows and are available to any local non-profit organization wishing to publicize civic, educational or cultural events.

1. Library information is a priority for Public Notice bulletin boards.
2. Material must be submitted to the Outreach Department Head for posting. (S)he shall determine whether the material falls within guidelines.
3. No political campaign or ballot related literature will be posted.
4. Postings shall not exceed 58 inches around the perimeter in size.
5. Removal of any posted material is done through the Outreach Department.
6. The Library Director and Board of Trustees reserve the right to approve or disapprove any material submitted for display on library premises.

Displays and Exhibits

1. Exhibit space is made available for public use at the discretion of the Outreach Department Head. Library sponsored or co-sponsored exhibits take precedence over other exhibits at all times.
2. Normal exhibit duration time shall be one calendar month. Booking may be made up to 12 months in advance with the Outreach Department.
3. Display items must be of such size, composition and weight that they will not necessitate alterations to or cause damage to the exhibit cases or area.
4. The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the library are displayed at the owner's risk.

A full copy of this policy is available upon request.

Computer Classes

The Hamilton East Public Library offers free computer classes to the public. Classes are held in the Computer Labs at the Noblesville and Fishers Libraries. Registration is highly recommended, although walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Scheduled classes have priority over individual access.

Parental Consent for Youth to Access the Internet or Check Out Videos, DVDs and CD-ROM Software

You have the option of giving consent for your child under eighteen (18) to access the Internet through library computers and check out videocassettes, DVDs and CD-ROM software. This includes both fiction (feature films) and non-fiction videos, DVDs and CD-ROMS. It also entitles your child to select from both the juvenile and adult collections. There is a line on your child's library card application that grants these privileges. In signing, you agree to the following:

1. I give permission for my child to use the library computers to access the Internet and/or check out videotapes, DVDs and CD-ROMS.
2. I will take full responsibility for his or her selection of web-sites, videotapes, DVDs and CD-ROMS.
3. I will take full responsibility for the timely return of the video tapes, DVDs and CD-ROMS and for any fines assessed for late return or damage.
4. I understand that this consent is given by signing the appropriate line on my child's library card application form and that this application may be kept on file at the Hamilton East Public Library.
5. This consent will remain in effect unless I notify the library, in writing, that I wish to withdraw my consent. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

Overdue Materials

An overdue notice will be mailed or e-mailed to a borrower when an item is at least fourteen (14) days overdue. If an item reaches twenty-eight (28) days overdue, a letter will be sent to the borrower stating the amount due to the library, as the full replacement costs of the item. (Equal to the discounted cost to replace the items, the cost of materials to process the items and a $10.00 administration fee).

Lost or Damaged Materials

In the event an item is lost or damaged, the responsible card holder will be required to pay for the cost of replacement, as well as any assessed processing and administrative fees. Patrons may not purchase replacement materials for the library. If a lost item is found within thirty (30) days after it was reported as lost, the borrower may be eligible for a refund of the replacement costs of the material already paid to the library (minus the processing and administration fees).

Reserving Materials

Adult and Youth Reference staff will place "holds" on books, audiocassettes, CDs, DVDs, videos, CD-ROMs, and magazines, that are not on the shelf. This service is offered at no charge, and the library will contact you, by mail or phone, when the item is available. Materials will be held for a maximum of three days.

Renewals

Two renewals are allowed on most print items, audiocassettes and non-fiction videos. These renewals can be made by phone, on-line, or in person. You do not have to bring the items with you for renewal. There is no renewal on feature films/entertainment videos, adult or juvenile. A print item may not be renewed more than two times, or if another patron has placed a "hold" on it.

A chart showing checkout periods and fines for all our circulating materials is here.

Our full Collection Development Policy is here