Circulation Policy

Bedford Public Library Policy

Subject: Circulation - Loan Periods, Renewals, Fines, Fees, Interlibrary Loan, Registration	Last Updated: 12/12/2012 Effective Date: 12/12/2012
Category: Circulation and Information Service Policies	Supercedes: 8/05/2011

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System protects each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.

Residents of Bedford City and County who have obtained a library card may borrow Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) materials; e-readers are available for loan to adult BPLS patrons. Non-residents may be issued a library card based on reciprocal fees charged by the library located within their area of residence. The materials are checked out for specific loan periods and may be returned to any library within the system. Library materials may be renewed for an additional loan period if not reserved for another patron.

Materials not returned by the due date are subject to a fine charge of ten (10) cents per day per item. The maximum fine for overdue materials is ten (10) dollars per item and five (5) dollars per magazine. A five (5) dollar fine will be charged if an item marked "do not return in book drop" is returned in the book drop.

Items not available in the BPLS collection may be available through interlibrary loan from another library. Applicable postage or borrower’s fees will be charged to the patron and must be paid when the patron picks up the book. Fines for interlibrary loan items are one (1) dollar per day per item, with maximum fine of forty (40) dollars.

Records of patrons, who owe five (5) dollars or more in fines and/or have received a second overdue notice, may be sent to the Virginia State Tax Set-Off Debt program for collection through state tax refunds or lottery winnings. Library Administration may refer patrons to a collection agency if their account reaches a predetermined, significant amount.

Library patrons will temporarily lose their borrowing privileges if a second notice for overdue materials has been issued or if an overdue fine or damage fee of at least five (5) dollars has accumulated. If a library patron under the age of 18 temporarily loses their borrowing privileges as a result of overdue materials or accumulated fines in excess of five (5) dollars, the responsible party who signed the registration card on behalf of the minor will also lose their borrowing privileges. Borrowing privileges will be restored when materials are returned and/or fines and fees paid.

II. APPLICABILITY

All library users

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide the citizens of Bedford City and County with educational, recreational, and informational materials.

IV. PROCEDURES

Residents of Bedford City and County may obtain a library card by completing a registration form in the presence of a staff member and presenting identification with current address.
By applying for and accepting a BPLS library card, the patron agrees to comply with the rules of the library and to pay applicable fines and/or fees that may be incurred for damages or losses of library materials.
By applying for and accepting a library card for persons under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian accepts responsibility for the minor’s use of the library and agrees to pay fines and/or fees incurred for misuse of library materials.
Non-residents will be issued library cards based on reciprocal fees charged by the library located within their area of residence. Residency will be verified by Driver's License and other established means of address verification.
Library cards are issued for two (2) years and must be renewed.
Library cards may be denied those patrons with a past record of abuse of library privileges.
Lost library cards should be reported immediately.
Non-residents will be issued library cards based on reciprical fees charged by the library located within their area of residence. Residency will be verified by Driver's License and other established means of address verification.
General circulating material may be checked out for four (4) weeks and one (1) four (4) week renewal.
New Books may be checked out for two (2) weeks and one two (2) week renewal.
E-readers may be checked out for two (2) weeks and one (1) two (2) week renewal. Due to limited quantity, e-readers are limited to one (1) per BPLS adult patron.
Videos may be checked out for fourteen (14) days and one (1) fourteen (14) day renewal.
Due to limited quantity, DVD formatted materials are limited to six (6) per patron and may be checked out for two (2) weeks and one (1) renewal.
Current issues of periodicals do not circulate until the next issue is available to the public. Periodicals, other than the current issue, may be checked out for four (4) weeks.
Books in high demand at a specific time, such as seasonal, holiday, or those in demand for school projects, may be subject to limitations on loan period, number borrowed and renewals.
Materials designated REFERENCE and NON-CIRCULATING may not be taken from the library.
Materials may be renewed at any library location in person, by telephone or through the library’s online catalog.
Any circulating item listed in the library system catalog may be placed on hold.
New materials on order may be placed on hold.
To place an item on hold, the patron must have a valid library card and must give full name, address, and phone number.
The patron will be notified when the item is available for pickup.
Patrons may place only one hold per title. Exceptions may be made for teachers requesting multiple copies for educational purposes.
Patrons who do not pick up materials being held for them or who do not notify the library that they no longer need held materials may lose the privilege of placing holds.
Patrons caught intentionally trying to remove library materials from the building without first checking them out will be asked to give their name, address, phone number and proof of identification. (Benefit of the doubt is given to patrons who may have mixed items with other items properly checked out and who stop immediately upon being checked.)

The information will be entered into the patron’s record for future referral in the event a second unauthorized attempt to remove materials is made.
If the patron refuses to comply, the police will be called, and the patron will be asked to remain in the building until they arrive.

In the event of a second attempt to intentionally remove library materials from the building without first checking them out, the police will be called immediately and the patron will be asked to remain in the building until they arrive.
Patrons who indicate that there is an error relating to materials charged to their card may declare the materials "claims not checked out" or "claims returned." Library staff will make every effort to follow-up in locating the material. If the materials are not located, staff will place a comment on the patron's record indicating the claim, date, and total value of the materials not located. No more than one incident of a declaration of error may be current on a library patron's record. Department/Library managers will determine when an error has been resolved.
Retail cost will be charged for materials that are lost or damaged beyond repair for library use.

V. DEFINITIONS

Intentionally trying to remove library materials from the building is defined as concealing materials under clothing, in pockets, brief cases, purses or bags, or defacing materials in an attempt to remove them from the library.