Lost or Damaged Items

Patrons are responsible for paying for all items lost or damaged. With approval of the Library Director, replacement of the item may be made with the same title or another suitable title in new condition. Parents are responsible for any overdue / damaged / lost items on their children's cards. 

$3 rewrap fee for sandy books 

DESTIN LIBRARY MATERIAL SELECTION AND COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Introduction 

Libraries serve a significant role in preserving the integrity and freedom inherent in the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. They provide a unique educational and societal role by protecting the rights of individuals in a democracy to access ideas, words, books, cultural media, and the arts. Accordingly, library collections must represent the diversity of people and ideas in our society. The context and basis for the Destin Library's Material Selection and Collection Development Policy (the "Policy") are shaped in part by the American Library Association's definition of Intellectual Freedom as "the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction." Furthermore, The American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement, attached hereto as Exhibits "A" and "B," respectively, are endorsed by the Destin Library and are integral parts of the Policy. The inclusion of an item in the Destin Library's collection does not constitute an endorsement of content by the Destin Library or the City of Destin. 

Objectives 

The purpose of the Policy is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time. Destin Library staff uses the Policy in the selection of materials and to acquaint the community with the principles of selection. The Policy will be reviewed and revised as needed. 

Responsibility for Selection

The ultimate responsibility for the selection of library materials rests with the library director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the City of Destin. Library staff may be tasked with selecting materials; however, the library director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.  

Criteria for Selection

1. The main points considered in the selection of materials are: 

a. individual merit of each item based on artistic worth, originality of work, the suitability of the content, and contribution to the Destin Library's collection 

b. meets the needs and interest of the community 

c. popular appeal and demand 

d. suitability or need of material for the community 

e. existing library holdings 

f. representation of diverse points of view 

g. the relevance of the information to immediate social conditions or issues

h. representation of important movements, subjects, genres, or trends 

i. material currency and accuracy, and j. constraints imposed by availability, space, budget, and format.

2. Reviews are a significant source of information about new materials. The primary sources of reviews used for collection development are Booklist, Library Journal, Kirkus, and other authoritative review sources. 

3. The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title that is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and books discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the whole work, not on a part taken out of context. 

4. No resource shall be excluded because of the race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, or the social, political, or religious views of the authors. 

5. Teen and young adult resources are selected to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of older children, generally defined as 12 to 18 years of age. In selecting resources for teens and young adults, consideration is given to information, diversity, incidents, and characterizations that reflect the adolescent experience and to highlight topics of interest and concern. Much contemporary teen and young adult material deals frankly with current social issues and may include controversial language. The value and impact of such content are examined as a whole because the significance of an entire work often transcends isolated words, phrases, or incidents. 

6. Children's resources are selected to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of children, generally defined as newborns to 12 years of age. In selecting materials for children, consideration is given to originality, accuracy, imagination, graphic design, vocabulary, content, diversity, and format to the age of the reader. 

Interlibrary Loan

Destin Library is a member of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative (OCPLC). The OCPLC consists of six city libraries, Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville, and Valparaiso, that share resources and materials, to provide information services to all in the Okaloosa County community. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) allows the Destin Library to obtain materials from libraries outside of the OCPLC network to meet a patron's needs. A patron may request an interlibrary loan whenever material is not available from any of the OCPLC member libraries. The ILL service is accessible to all patrons holding a valid adult OCPLC member library card in good standing. A patron can request two items at one time if the publication date is at least six months old. Due to demand, ILL requests for new materials may not be fulfilled. Some items may require a shipping fee, which the patron will be responsible for paying if the request is placed. Patrons are notified in advance of shipping charges. Due dates and renewals for ILL items are at the discretion of the lending library. Patrons who wish to request a renewal should contact the technical services librarian before the due date, but renewals are not guaranteed. All ILL materials must be picked up and returned to the Destin Library. ILL materials may take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to be received, and highly specialized materials may take longer. The lending library also sets the value of the item if it is lost or damaged, which could be several hundred dollars. Items borrowed via Interlibrary Loan are subject to recall at any time by the lender. 

Gifts and Donations

The Destin Library accepts gifts of books and other materials ("Donated Materials") with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. Acceptance of Donated Materials does not guarantee that the Donated Materials will be maintained for any length of time or added to the collection. If the Donated Materials are not desired for the collection, the library director may dispose of the Donated Materials as he/she sees fit. The same criteria of selection which are applied to purchased materials are used with gifts and donations. The Library has the right to discard any donations that are in poor physical condition (e.g., brittle paper, water or mildew damage, torn or missing pages). By law, the Library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor. Memorial books with suitable bookplates can be arranged for inclusion in the Destin Library's collection. Specific titles may be requested if the titles meet the criteria of the Policy and subject to the approval of the library director. 

Weeding

The Destin Library maintains a current, attractive, and useful collection through a continual weeding process. Materials that no longer meet the objectives of the Destin Library (including items that have become damaged or obsolete) will be systematically withdrawn according to the accepted professional practices described in the publication, CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions. The library director oversees this ongoing process of weeding. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials. 

Potential Problems or Challenges

The Destin Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the anticipated approval or disapproval of patrons but rather the principles stated in this Policy and its attached Exhibits, including providing equitable access of information, as it is key to having an informed populace. The Destin Library takes very seriously all concerns expressed by patrons and attempts to respond as quickly as possible. The Destin Library will consider patron concerns or objections to resources in its collections when they are submitted in writing on the Statement of Concern form. The library director will recommend to the Destin City Manager whether to keep the item in the collection in its current location, move it to a different location within the Library, or remove the item from the collection. The Destin City Manager shall have final decision-making authority on this matter. As a matter of policy, no challenged resource which conforms to this Policy shall be removed from the Destin Library except by order of a court of competent jurisdiction. The Destin Library supports all members of its community, having access to materials that celebrate and educate about their histories and their futures. The Destin Library is not responsible for the content of material read by minors. That responsibility rests with the minor's parents or legal guardians. The selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of minors. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft. 

Approved at the Regular City Council Meeting on May 18th 2020

City of Destin Library Public Access Computer and Internet Use Policy

Internet Access and Filtering

The Internet, a worldwide network, is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information. However, it is unregulated and also provides access to information that is inaccurate, illegal or that some may find offensive or disturbing. To provide a safe internet environment for all ages, filtering software is installed on the Library’s public access computers and Wi-Fi network. 

Acceptable Use Rules

1. Access: Patrons may access Library computers or Wi-Fi with their Library card or with a guest pass from the circulation desk. Free Wi-Fi access is also available. Ask a Library staff member for the password. 

2. Time Limits: Patrons may use public access computers for a maximum of 4 hours per day. If no one is waiting to use a computer, the time limit can be extended. Computers are automatically turned off 15 minutes before the library closes. 

3. Misuse: Patrons will not use Library computers or Wi-Fi to access, view, or send, obscene, offensive, sexually suggestive, pornographic, and or illegal materials. Patrons will not tamper with, modify, disable, or conduct any illegal activity with Library computer equipment, software and or Wi-Fi network. 

4. Consideration of other users: Patrons will not attempt to modify or access passwords or data of other Library patrons nor engage in activity that is disruptive or offensive. All Library computer users will abide by the Library’s Standards of Acceptable Library Behavior Policy. 

Minors Accessing the Internet

To allow students usage of internet resources and Wi-Fi, (filtered) Internet access computers are available to minor children ages 11 to 17. These computers will not require a parental permission slip. Children under the age of 11 require supervision of a parent or guardian to use internet access computers, and or Wi-Fi and will be held to the same rules as outlined in this policy. 

Parent/Legal Guardian Responsibility

Supervision of minors using the Internet rests solely with the parent(s) or guardian(s). The Library does not act in loco parentis (in place of parents), and Library staff is not responsible for what a minor may read or view on the Library’s public access computers. 

Library Responsibility

1. Confidentiality/Privacy: The Library protects your information as required by state and federal laws. 

2. Internet Filter: In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Library’s public computers and Wi-Fi are equipped with software that is designed to block access to sites containing visual depictions and/or information which may be construed to be obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors” as currently defined by Federal and State laws. Contact library staff for any conflicts with filtering restrictions. 

Enforcement of Policy

Library staff is authorized to take prompt action to address instances of inappropriate use of library computers. Failure to comply with this policy and its procedures can result in the loss of Library privileges, civil, and or criminal charges. 

Disclaimers

Internet filtering software is not perfect and may fail to block access to some illegal or objectionable material. Likewise, it may falsely block material that is appropriate for the public library. The Library is not liable for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library’s internet computers. The Library is not responsible for any damage incurred to users’ electronic devices while using the library’s Wi-Fi network. Patrons are advised to use anti-virus software while using any public access internet network and encouraged to use internet safety practices to protect their information. 

The information as follows details the Library meeting room policies and procedures.

 Meeting Room Policy

Meeting Room Use

1. The primary use of the Destin Library ("Library") meeting rooms is for the City of Destin ("City"), Library, and Library-sponsored activities. When not used, the Library makes meeting rooms available to groups and citizens in the community on a non-discriminatory basis. The rooms are available for programs, meetings, seminars, study groups, planning sessions, training programs, and related activities.  All events shall be free and open to members of the public.  
2. Library and City use of meeting rooms have priority. Room reservations do not guarantee that the room will be available and such reservations may be canceled. However, the City will endeavor to avoid cancellations, provide advance notice if they occur, and offer alternative meeting dates.
3. Meeting rooms are not intended to serve as a permanent public meeting location for any group.
4. Meeting rooms are not to be used for commercial activities, personal or private financial profit, or solicitation of business.
5. No party using a Meeting Room may charge an admission fee. Products or services may not be advertised, solicited, or sold on the property except by City departments or other organizations affiliated with the City or the Library.
6. Meeting rooms are not to be used for personal purposes such as family gatherings or parties.
7. Any group reserving a meeting room must have an adult (18 years or older), the parent, or legal guardian in the room with minors at all times. 
8. Exits must be left unobstructed at all times. 
9. The use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and firearms is generally prohibited.

City and Library Liability

1. Library meeting rooms are available as a public service, and granting permission to use a meeting room does not imply City endorsement of any group's aims, beliefs, speech, policies, meeting agendas, or activities. 
2. All groups/organizations shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Destin and their officers, agents, and employees from and against all claims suit action of any kind arising and resulting or accruing from any negligent act, omission, or error of the group/organization resulting in or relating to, injuries to the body, life, limb, or property sustained in, about or upon the City facilities thereto, or arising from the use of the premises.  

The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, religion, political views, social views, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or genetic/ health issues.

The City reserves the right to alter this policy without prior notice.

City of Destin Operating Instruction

This Operating Instruction (OI) establishes standard operating policies and procedures for the use of the Library's meeting room facilities.

1. General

• The Destin Library "Operational Policies and Procedures"  are hereby established to provide all groups and organizations fair access to well-maintained facilities. These procedures ensure the consistent application of reservations, regulations, and operations policies. They may only be amended by the City Manager. 

• The primary use of the Destin Library ("Library") meeting rooms is for the City of Destin ("City"), Library, and Library-sponsored activities. When not used, the Library makes meeting rooms available to groups and citizens on a non-discriminatory basis. The rooms will be available for programs, meetings, seminars, study groups, planning sessions, training programs, and related activities. All events shall be free and open to members of the public.

2. Reservations and Availability:  

• Library and City use of meeting rooms takes precedence over other reservations. Therefore, room reservations do not guarantee that the room will be available and such reservations may be canceled. However, the Library will endeavor to avoid cancellations, provide advance notice if they occur, and offer alternative meeting dates.
• Individuals reserving a meeting room must have an adult library card in good standing. In addition, the person who books the room must be present for the meeting and be responsible for setting up and cleaning up. 
• Meeting room usage is limited to twice a month per group to allow all groups a fair opportunity to use the meeting rooms.
• Meeting rooms are available for use for a two-hour time limit. Events that require extended time require the approval of the Library Director.
• The City and Library are not responsible for children left unattended while their parent or guardian is in a meeting. 
• The Library reserves the right to deny meeting room reservations if the meeting purpose does not fall within the meeting room policy.
• The Library monitors any meeting held in the facility to ensure compliance, and Library staff will always have free access to the meeting rooms. 
• Use of a meeting room will be terminated if the group or a group member is disruptive to Library services, patrons, and staff or damages the Library building, materials, exhibits, or furnishings.
• Meeting rooms are available during standard Library operating hours only. All meetings will conclude, and the meeting room furniture will be returned to the original location 15 minutes before closing (see attached diagram).
• Audiovisual equipment must be requested at the time of the reservation to guarantee equipment availability and setup. 

3. User Responsibilities

• Users are responsible for arranging the tables and chairs for their meetings. The library staff may not be available to assist in setting up the meeting room. 
• Users are responsible for returning furniture to proper locations, picking up trash, and leaving the meeting rooms in order. 

• Meeting room users should not disrupt the regular operation of the Library
• Users are not allowed to attach materials to walls, windows, doors, or furnishings. However, a dry-erase board or easel is available upon request. 
• The individual or group reserving the meeting room is responsible for all damage to the room and library equipment. 
• Drinks with lids are allowed in meeting and study rooms. Light refreshments are permitted in the Calhoun room with advanced notice. If a spill or accident occurs, notify Library staff immediately.

4. City and Library Liability 

• The City and the Library are not responsible for direct or indirect damages arising from using any resource in the meeting room, including electric outlets, audio/visual equipment, computers, heating/cooling systems, or other equipment or furnishings. 

• The City and the Library are not responsible for damaged, stolen, or lost property brought into or left in the room. 
• The City and the Library are not responsible for damages to vehicles in the parking lot.  
• Granting permission to use a meeting room does not imply Library endorsement of any group's aims, policies, or activities. Any representation regarding sponsorship by the Destin Library must be approved in advance by the library director.

Title XVIII: PUBLIC LANDS AND PROPERTY

Chapter 257: PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND STATE ARCHIVES

SECTION 261: Library registration and circulation records.

257.261 Library registration and circulation records.—