Library Policies

Mission Statement

The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library strives to be the learning crossroads of our community and the place to visit for lifelong interest in the discovery of ideas, the joy of reading, and the power of information. Community needs drive our services as we seek to improve the quality of life for all citizens of our community in concert with organizations in and beyond Bee County. We take a personal interest in ensuring that a full range of materials and services are provided in an inviting, convenient, and responsive manner. We especially recognize our responsibility to serve as an instrument for children to explore the world through reading and learn the value of libraries.

Requirements for a Library Card

Resident

A Library card is issued FREE to any BEE COUNTY resident with proper ID and proof of residency. Library cards issued to children 17 years or under must be obtained by a parent or legal guardian who will take responsibility for any/all library obligations. Minors (children under the age 18) renewing their library cards must have their responsible party present to validate current phone number and address on their account. Resident lost card replacement cost $2.00.

A resident is defined as anyone who resides within the county limits or is included in any of the following categories: (1) Temporary Garza prison worker (ID required) residing on prison property; (2) Temporary residents residing within the County limits for six (6) consecutive weeks or more; (3) Students currently enrolled at Coastal Bend College (student ID required); and (4) Non-residents who own real property within the county limits.

As proof of residence, the Library accepts a valid Texas driver’s license or Texas ID, utility or telephone bills, voter registration card, county property tax statement, or a personalized check. Library Staff may substitute alternate proof on a case per case basis.

All library cards must be signed before use as a binding agreement of Library policy and use

Library cards are valid for one (1) year. When the account nears expiration, the patron should stop by the Library with ID described above to renew. Staff will verify residence and update the borrower record to reflect any changes. Any balance pending on the account must be paid prior to renewal.

Non-Resident

For an annual fee of $5.00 per adult and $5.00 per child, non-residents may obtain a library card with the same borrower privileges as residents. Non-residents temporarily residing in the county six (6) weeks or more are regarded as residents with the same privileges as residents and are not required to pay nonresident fee. Non-resident replacement card costs $2.00.

A library card is available to all non-resident minors through age 17. A Parent or legal guardian must sign and assume full responsibility for the library card. Responsibility includes all fees or fines incurred on the card. Each minor non-resident annual card cost $5.00. Minor non-resident replacement card cost $2.00.

All library cards must be signed before use.

Library cards will expire on an annual basis. When the account nears expiration, the patron should stop by the Library with ID and annual fee of $5.00, as described above, to renew. Staff will verify residence and update the borrower record to reflect any changes. Any balance pending on the account must be paid prior to renewal.

Educational Institution Borrower/Teacher Card

Each teacher must have a personal resident library card and must show proof of employment as a teacher or daycare worker.

The Teacher Card is to be used for classroom related materials only that are used in the classroom; no bestsellers, current fiction, etc. Cardholders may borrow up to 15 items at a time for a two (2) month loan period. Teachers may request extended loan periods for special projects. Three (3) Interlibrary Loan classroom items may be requested FREE of charge every month.

Teachers will be responsible for all lost or damaged items issued on card. All cards must be renewed every August with proof of employment as stated above. Teacher Cards expire every year at the end of the school term.

Cardholders must follow library policies as appropriate.

Borrowing Items

Library Cards must be presented for every patron each time materials are checked out.

Items may be renewed in person and/or by telephone (361-362-4901).

Fines are assigned to items renewed after the original due date.

Videos and other audio visual materials must be returned in person at the Circulation Desk.

Books may be subject to limits during peak subject request.

Items may not be renewed if another patron has placed a hold on the title.

New Books may not be renewed.

Reference books, newspapers, and magazines do not circulate.

Item	Limit	Length	Renewal
Books	5 total	3 weeks	one
Audiobooks	3 per card	3 weeks	one
Multimedia	3 per card	3 weeks	one
DVD/CD	3 per card	1 week	one
Paperbacks	15 per card	3 weeks	one
New books	3 per card	2 weeks	none
eBooks	5 per card	3 weeks	subject to availability

Holds

Items placed on hold online or in person will be held for five (5) business days. At the end of the five (5) day period, library items are placed back on the shelf. Due to high demand, best sellers cannot be placed on hold.

If a patron does not have their library card, the Library will hold their items for 5 business days. At the end of the five (5) day period, library items are placed back on the shelf.

Inter-Library Loan (ILL) Policy

Interlibrary Loan is a service whereby a user of one library can borrow library materials that are owned by another library.

Joe Barnhart Bee County Library users who are in good standing and have a $0.00 balance are eligible to borrow through the Interlibrary Loan Program. Patrons may receive up to three (3) FREE ILL materials per month. Additional ILL materials requested during the same month will be charged $1.00 for each item.

Once a request is submitted, the process can take up to six weeks. Library staff will place a telephone call to the contact number provided on the request form. Connection with an individual or answering machine will serve as a legitimate notification. A postcard will be mailed if we don’t have a response by phone, machine, or person is hearing impaired.

ILL materials must be picked-up by the due date or materials will be returned. If a patron does not pick up their requested and received ILL item, they will lose ILL borrowing privileges.

Late fees corresponding to in-house circulating items will be applied. Excessive late fees (exceeding $5.00) and loss of item(s) will result in suspension of ILL privileges.

Texshare Card

The TexShare Card is a statewide library card that lets you borrow books and other physical materials from more than 500 libraries across the state!

Bee County Resident
A TexShare Card gives you additional borrowing privileges at many participating public and academic libraries in the state of Texas. Applicants for TexShare cards from the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library must have a library account clear of fines and overdue fees. Your TexShare Card must be renewed annually. Ask at the circulation desk for more information.

Non-Resident (Texshare Visitors)
TexShare card holders share all borrowing privileges as residents and are subject to the same policies as resident patrons with one exception. TexShare cardholders are not eligible for interlibrary loan through the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library and are referred to their “home” library for this service. A limit of 3 items. No renewals. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if bills are unpaid (fines, lost or damaged). Non-Circulating Items: Reference, genealogy, and periodicals.

Fines and Fees

Books and CDs that are returned after the due date are assessed a charge of $.10 per item per calendar day that the library is open. Films (DVDs) are assessed a charge of $.50 per item per calendar day that the library is open. You must notify the library within 24 hours of check out if you find any damages, or you will be charged maintenance costs. If items are returned damaged or dirty, charges will apply.

The maximum fine is one-half the cost of the overdue item. Maintenance fees, processing fees and overdue charges are non-refundable.

Patrons have 30 days to pay overdue fines once they have been notified in person; after 30 days their account will be blocked until the fines are resolved. A patron will lose library privileges if the account balance of any associated account exceeds $5 and/or overdue items have not been returned. Patrons will receive two written notifications regarding overdue status. The third notice will be referred to the County Attorney for action.

Items will be considered “lost” after 90 days of due date, or upon receipt of returned overdue notice; the account balance will then only reflect the purchase price of each item plus $5 processing fee.

Items returned within six months of being paid may have the cost of the item refunded if the original receipt is presented.

Parents/guardians are responsible for the overdue fines on associated accounts of the minors under their care.

The Library will decide whether damaged items will be cleaned, repaired, or replaced.

Maintenance Fees are determined on a case by case basis. All DVDs returned dirty (e.g. heavy smudges, food particles, etc.) will be charged $2.00 for cleaning. Books returned with damaged book jackets (plastic covers) will be charged a $3.00 maintenance fee. Books returned with strong odor (e.g. smoke, perfume, etc.) will be charge a $5.00 deodorizing fee.

Details of overdue items and associated charges may only be discussed with the account holder or individual designated in writing by the account holder.

The only authority of determining overdue status is the circulation computer.

Replacement Fees
Audiobook case (multiple) $9.00
Compact disc jewel case $1.50
Compact disc jewel case (double) $2.50
Rebinding of a book $10.00
Barcode $1.00
Digital Id tag $1.50
Spine label $1.00
Media Bag $5.00

Maintenance Fees
DVD cleaning $2.00
Book jacket cleaning/replacing $3.00
Book deodorizing $5.00

Replacement Fees

If the exact cost to replace an item is not listed in library records, the following default charges apply:

Media Type	Default Cost	Maximum Overdue
Hardback book	$25.00	$12.50
Paperback book	$5.00	$2.50
Interlibrary Loan	What the library is charged.	What the library is charged.
Compact disc	$20.00 (per disc)	$10.00 (per disc)
DVDs	20.00 (per disc)	$10.00 (per disc)
Multimedia Item	$50.00	$25.00
Processing Fee	$5.00

Multimedia items include books with compact discs or computer disks. If one portion of the multimedia is lost the entire item is lost. Example: if a book is returned without its accompanying compact disc then the entire item is declared lost and the patron is responsible for the replacement cost of the entire item.

Printing/Copying
It is the patron’s responsibility to pay for any pages they print/copy. Current printing rates are $.25 for black and white, $.50 for color pages per printed side. T-Shirt Iron-on Wax Paper and Transparencies are not accepted in the Printer. Note: This service will shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.

Faxing
It is $1.50 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page after the first. Fax cover sheets are provided for FREE at the reference desk and do not count towards the fax total. Each distinct number dialed constitutes a separate fax. It is $.50 per page for received faxes. Incoming faxes may be sent to 361-358-8694. Note: This service will shut down 30 minutes prior to closing.

Homework Center
Staffed with our Learning Resource Specialist, the Homework Center offers access to a variety of online resources and discounted printing for school projects and papers. We also help students of all ages locate research information. Open Monday-Saturday throughout the year. Students attending school in Bee County have access to the Homework Center and its services. Students attending school outside of Bee County must have a library card in good standing before using the Homework Center. All students must sign the “Homework Sign-In” binder prior to using the homework center. Each student receives 20 FREE black and white pages and 1 FREE color page each day. After the free page limit has been reached, students will be charged $0.10 per page for black & white copies and $0.25 per page for color copies. Note: This service will shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.

Lost/Stolen Items
Patrons may declare an item lost at any time, thereby accepting the replacement cost and service charge.
For a lost or defaced item, the price of the item at time of purchase is charged plus a processing fee of $5.00.

If items were stolen, a copy of a police report must be provided to the Library Director to dismiss lost fees.

No substitutions will be accepted in lieu of lost or damaged materials.

Behavior Policy

In order to provide for the safety and welfare of all patrons and staff, and to protect library resources and facilities, certain rules of conduct and levels of responsibility must be followed on The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library premises. The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library includes the main building, the parking lot (main property lot and across the street), and the lawn

Anyone violating the behavior policy will be asked to stop and/or to leave. If the behavior continues, the staff will ask the individual to leave the library. Failure to leave will result in staff calling the police for assistance and the offender will be subject to arrest and/or be issued a criminal trespass warrant.

Dress Code/Hygiene
The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library observes the “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” policy. In addition, patrons will not be permitted to wear inappropriate, suggestive, vulgar, or excessively revealing clothing not conducive to community standards. Clothing with grease, ink, oil, blood, etc., which can be transferred to other patrons, library furnishings or equipment will not be permitted in the library. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises.
Use of tobacco products on library premises.
Soliciting of staff or patrons.
Behavior which is offensive to others using the library.
Inappropriate or sexually suggestive topics.
Loud talking or other noisy distractions.
Running on library premises.
Horseplay on library premises.
Defacing furniture and fixtures of the library.
Food and drink. (Food or drink is only permitted in assigned areas during specific events.)
Profanity.
Sleeping.
Cell phone use. (Cell phone conversations may only occur outside of the library.)

Open/Conceal Handgun
“Pursuant to section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by holder of a license to carry a concealed handgun) a person licensed under subchapter H, Chapter 411, government code (Concealed handgun law), may not enter this property with a Concealed handgun.”

“Pursuant to section 30.07, penal code (trespass by license with an openly carried handgun) a person licensed under subchapter H, Chapter 411, government code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with an openly carried handgun.”

Children’s Safety at the Library
In order to provide for the safety and welfare of all patrons and staff, and to protect library resources and facilities, certain rules of conduct and levels of responsibility must be followed on The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library premises. The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library includes the main building, the parking lot (main property lot and across the street) and the lawn.

Children 8 years and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or assigned caregiver. The parent/ caregiver must be in the immediate vicinity and in visual contact with the child. The assigned caregiver must be a responsible person and must carry emergency contact information.
Children under 18 and older than 9 may be left unattended in the library for only two hours per day. The library may notify the Police regarding any child left beyond the two hours.
Children under 8 may attend programs exceeding 2 hours, however the parent/caregiver is expected to remain in the library building and immediately rejoin the child at the end of the program.
Parents/caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of library materials and equipment.
Children using computers must use their OWN library card for access.
Children using computers must follow the Computer Use Policy.
The library may notify the Police regarding any child 8 years old and under left unattended. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with library staff.
Children, who do not follow the Library policies, will be asked to leave the library and a block may be placed on their library account. If the child refuses to leave, the police may be called.

Computer/Internet Access

Internet users should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library is not responsible for information on the internet nor can the library protect user from information that is controversial, unreliable, personally offensive, or illegal under U.S. law.

Computer users will observe generally accepted “community standards” in their selection of websites to access. All public access computers are filtered. This is in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Patrons must have their library card, in good standing, in their possession to use computers. All patrons must have complete and clear library accounts including associated accounts (no blocks – i.e. overdue charges over $5.00, returned check/credit charges, missing information, etc.). If a patron forgets or temporarily misplace their library card, three (3) courtesy logins are available per library account. Additional courtesy log-ins will be charge $1.00 per use until a replacement card can be purchased. Replacement cards cost $2.00. Library workstation time usage is limited to 2 hours per card. Computer printing rates are $.25 for black and white, $.50 for color pages per printed side. Note: This service will shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.

Guest Pass
Anyone over the age of 18 may use the computer 3 times a month for 2 hours per day with state identification. After three (3) courtesy guest log-ins, patrons will be charge $1.00 per use until a non-resident card ($5.00) or a replacement card can be purchased.

PATRONS MAY NOT USE COMPUTERS TO:

Operate a business or commercial activity.
Patron may not use another patron’s access to the computers. If they do, both the patron using the computer and the patron whose card is being used will be temporarily suspended from using the computer. First offense=individual/family accounts BLOCKED for 3 days. Second offense=individual/family accounts BLOCKED for one (1) week. Third Offense=individual/family accounts BLOCKED for one (1) month.
Patrons must be seated when using the computer. They may not lean over another patron who is using the computer.
The Library staff cannot set up electronic mail accounts. If a patron wishes to use this resource, they are responsible for accessing and creating their account independently.
Gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks.
Obstruct other people’s work on the network.
Access content violating community standards
Attempt to cause the system performance to be degraded.
Attempt to alter or damage computer equipment or software.
Perpetrate any illegal or criminal purpose.
Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
Install or download any software.
Use unapproved devices to download software or save programs.
Use of electronic information networks for any purpose that result in the harassment of other users.
Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the Library computer equipment, software, or network security procedures.
Use of electronic information networks in any way that violates a Federal or State or local law.
Unauthorized duplication of copy protected software or violation of software license agreements.
Violation of system security.

Violations will result in loss of computer use privileges and/or banning from the library premises. Unlawful activities will be referred to appropriate legal authorities.

CHILDREN’S USE

All public access computers are filtered in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Parents/guardians of children under 18 years of age must declare explicit permission for their child to use access the internet. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children’s use of equipment and should monitor their children’s selection of viewing material.

Children 8 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while using the Library’s computers. Children must be seated when using the computer. They may not lean over another child who is using the computer

Study Rooms

Study Rooms are for 2-Hour use only and may be reserved in advance. Please ask at the Reference desk for use and/or additional time. Study Rooms are intended for individuals conducting research, writing term papers, preparing resumes and other similar activities where personal information should be kept from public view. Study Rooms may also be used by parents with small children and small groups working together on projects. Study Rooms are NOT to be used for viewing videos, playing games, or routine web browsing.

Please refrain from eating and drinking in study rooms.

Lights must remain on when occupied at all times.

Those failing to comply with this policy will be asked to leave the Study Rooms.

Note: This service will shut down 15 minutes prior to closing.

Dougherty Multipurpose Room

The Dougherty Multipurpose Room in the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library is a facility used for many functions – film programs, children’s special programs, computer classes, homework center, and teleconferencing. The room is used primarily for library purposes related to cultural and educational activities.

Community educational and cultural organizations may be permitted to use the room for programs (similar in nature to those offered) by the library. Permission to use the room may be given under the following terms and conditions:

The Dougherty Room will be reserved on a “first come, first served” basis.
Any organization or group using the room must adhere to the library’s posted hours of operation.
Any organization or group using the room will be responsible for any damages to the room. Nothing should be attached to any wall of the room.

COPYRIGHT
U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction of distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems or any consequences thereof.

POLICY CHANGES
The Library reserves the right to update and change this policy at any time without notice.

3D Printer Policy

PURPOSE

The Library desires to offer community access to new and emerging technologies such as 3D printers to inspire a new interest in design and help the community to bring their ideas to life. This policy establishes how and under what circumstances the public may use the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library’s 3D printer.

RESTRICTIONS

The Library’s 3D printer may be used only for lawful purposes. Users will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printers to create material that is:

Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others, or is otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment. (Such use may also violate the terms of use of the manufacturer.)
Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.
In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printer will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.

Supervision of the use of the 3D printer by Library staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgment, of any unapparent final use of the 3D product, and the Library specifically disclaims any knowledge thereof.

SCHEDULING AND SUBMITTING

Patrons are expected to take a free 3D printing orientation prior to use. Patrons may register by contacting staff on the second floor.
It is the responsibility of the requesting patron to design their own creation and prepare it for printing in .X3G file format. Library staff is available for construction or assistance only.
The design must be applicable for printing with ABS or PLA filament.
Patrons must schedule print time with library staff.
Patrons are not required to stay for the duration of a print job if it is expected to take an hour or longer. Patrons are responsible, however, for coming to the library to retrieve and pay for their objects once completed.
Printing priority is based on a first-come, first served basis. Priority will be given to library programs or activities.
Patrons may submit only one file at a time for printing. Files containing more than one object are permitted. Customers may not schedule consecutive print times. However, if time permits and no one is scheduled, more than one file may be submitted.
No printing will be scheduled one-hour prior to closing.

COMPLETED PRINTS

Except in cases of mechanical failure, objects failing to fully print, errors in the print process, or other factors not in a customer’s control, customers are expected to pay for completed objects and may not demand a new print in place of the original due to dissatisfaction with color, scale, quality, design, required support material, or other options pre-selected by the customer.
Objects unclaimed after 7 days may be discarded or recycled and/or become the property of the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library.

PRINTING PRICE:

3D Printer use up to 1-hour-$1.00
Additional hours-$1.00 per hour

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

3D print objects must be smaller than 230 x 150mm (8.8 x 5.9 inch)
3D print objects are printed using fused deposition modeling (FDM) with ABS and PLA thermoplastic filament in a single staff-selected color
3D print objects are printed by staff using a QiDi Technology Dual Extruder 3D Printer.

DESIGN MODEL WEBSITES:

Thingiverse
YouMagine
My Mini Factory
MakerBot

METHODS TO CREATE DESIGN MODEL

Use 3D design software programs – many are available from the Internet and are free.

Tinkercad – drop-and-drag solid modeling for beginners
SketchUp – good for architecture, interior design
Sculptris – digital sculpting “from clay”
Blender – advanced modeling for animation, art
FreeCAD – parametric modeling, good for engineering
OpenSCAD – script-based modeling, good for machine parts

Disclaimer: This Policy and Procedure may change at any time. While the library staff make every effort to oversee the use of the equipment in the printing of an object, the use of the printed object upon completion is not under the direction or control of the Library staff. The Joe Barnhart Bee County Library is not responsible for any object created with use of the 3D printer, including any harm or injury incurred as a result of any usage of the 3D printer or the object which is printed.