There is no charge to borrow materials from the Ritter Public Library, provided they are returned in good condition and on time.

You must present your library card to check out items. You may borrow 50 items (adult card) and 25 items (juvenile card) at a time.

Selected items may have a shorter or no loan period

Use of the Internet and Electronic Resources

The mission statement of the Ritter Public Library is to develop, provide and publicize a variety of informational, recreational and educational materials and services that support the needs of the entire community of Vermilion.

Use of the Internet is part of the Ritter Library’s mission to provide access to a variety of information. The Internet is not controlled or governed by any single entity; therefore, the library staff cannot guarantee accuracy, timeliness, usefulness or content of information found through this medium. As with other sources, patrons must evaluate the information themselves.

The Internet may not be used for any purpose which conflicts with the mission, values, policies or procedures of the Ritter Public Library or for illegal, unethical, or inappropriate purposes.

Individuals who violate this policy or its corresponding procedure will be denied use of the workstations and Internet access privileges.

Internet access at the library has not been a problem. It is one of our most popular services. The Internet computer stations are in constant use. Popularity, however, is no guarantee of quality or credibility.

Regulations for Use

Not all Internet sources provide accurate, factual, complete, or current information, and some may be offensive. As with all library materials, parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet. Adults will be given a copy of Child/Teen Safety on the Information Highway to review with their children. The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed over the Internet and is not responsible for its content. Any use of this information is done at the user’s own risk.

Since the information accessed and viewed over the Internet becomes a part of the Ritter Public Library once it enters the building, users must adhere to the following rules for use established by the Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees.

• Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in the loss of computer use and Internet access privileges. A parent or guardian will be notified when a minor loses his/her use of Internet privileges.
• Unauthorized copying of software files is illegal. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the printing of copyrighted material. The user of the public workstation is liable for any infringement.
• Users should not attempt to evade, disable, or “crack” passwords or other security provisions.
• Any activity in violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is prohibited. The user and/or parent or guardian is liable for any damage done to the hardware or software and any illegal or unethical acts performed through the system. Illegal activity involving the library’s Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
• All users must abide by the terms of this policy and procedure as well as the rules appropriate for Internet use.
• Transmitting or displaying threatening language, sexually explicit images or graphics which reasonably may be construed as obscene, profane or abusive are prohibited.
• Users may not change configurations or attempt to customize files.
• Users are not to turn off the computer or reboot the system. When finished, the applications should be closed and the display returned to the library’s homepage.

Parent/Gaurdian Responsibilities

As with all other materials borrowed from Ritter Public Library, parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding what library resources are appropriate for their minor children. Responsible adults as well as children bear the responsibility of using library resources properly. Children 8 and under must have an adult seated with them while using the workstations.

Access and Privacy Restrictions

Due to the popularity of the Internet, staff may set time restrictions to accommodate demand. Patrons’ privacy is not ensured due to location of terminals throughout the building. Users must present a valid library card to use the workstations. Use of the workstation is by appointment. Users may sign up for a time slot on a first come, first serve basis or register in advance. Users have up to 30 minutes if others are waiting.

Downloading

Software downloaded from the Internet may contain computer viruses. Users may use their own diskettes but must purchase a diskette from the library at a nominal cost. The library is not responsible for any damage to the user’s computer or any loss of data caused by importation of a virus.

Printing

Users may print information from the Internet. The cost is .10 cents (ten cents) per page for black and white, and .25 cents (twenty-five cents) per page for color. Copies must be picked up and paid for at the circulation desk.

Adopted by the RITTER PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
May 13, 1997
Revised March 2000
Revised November 2002
Revised April 2003

Ritter Public Library is committed to helping build a sense of community by offering free meeting room space to non-profit groups and organizations when the rooms are not being used for library activities. Provision of space does not constitute an endorsement by the library of any group or its activities. Programs for the public must be consistent with the informational, educational, recreational, civic or cultural purposes of the library, or of a charitable nature and must be non-solicitational. All meetings and programs must be free and open to the public. Meetings that promote, advertise, or lead (directly or indirectly) to the sale of products or services are not allowed. Meeting rooms may be used by political groups for regular meetings of an organizational nature. They may be used for public forums, debates, and candidates’ nights but not for self-promotion of any one candidate. The annex is not available to individuals for private parties such as birthdays, showers or receptions. Meeting rooms are not available for commercial or for-profit entities.

No admissions may be charged, products sold, or collections taken for events held on library premises except when sponsored by the Library, the Friends of the Library, or the Ritter Public Library Endowment Fund. Groups may charge a reasonable free to recover the cost of materials, handouts, craft-making supplies, refreshments, etc.

The library may on occasion, sponsor classes offering instruction in skills. Tuition fees to cover costs of supplies may be charged. The library also may allow the annex and community room to be used by local school systems or area colleges and universities. In such cases, tuition fees may be charged.

Reservations for use of the annex and community room are on a first-come basis to qualified groups. The meeting room shall be booked by an adult representative (21 yrs. or older) at least 24 hours in advance. Bookings will not be taken for dates more than 6 month in advance.

The name, address, or telephone number of the library may not be used as the contact address or headquarters of an organization.

The use of the annex by a non-library group shall not be publicized in such a way as to imply library sponsorship of the group’s activities unless the activity is co-sponsored by the library.

The Library reserves the right to change any meeting as needed. In addition, meeting spaces may be reassigned, and, in emergency situations, meetings may be cancelled.

Each group is responsible for setting up the room and restoring it to its original condition after the meeting. Groups may have access to the room ½ hour before the scheduled meeting time to allow for setup. Any problem or deficiency with the room must be reported prior to your group’s use. A form will be supplied for this purpose.

Only light refreshments will be permitted; the group serving them will be responsible for any clean up following the meeting. No alcoholic beverages of any type may be brought into, served, or consumed on the Library’s premises.

Adults must be present at a meeting and assume responsibility for children in their group. Children must not be left unattended in the library while their caregivers attend a meeting in the annex.

A key to the annex and a checklist will be provided to each groups’ person in charge, if the meeting is to run beyond normal library business hours. The checklist will detail the closing procedures for the annex and must be filled out an initialed by the in-charge person. Key and forms should be deposited in the book return located at the Ferry St. entrance.

The library is required to report statistics on the use of its meeting rooms. An attendance form will be made available to the group. At the end of its meeting, the person in charge is asked to fill in the form and leave it at the circulation desk. In the event that the meeting runs past library closing, the attendance form should be included wit the exit information and annex key in the book return located at the Ferry St. entrance.

Important (please note):

Failure to abide by these rules for meeting room use may be justification for denying the group future use of the rooms.

In addition to the sponsoring group, the adult representative of the group who signs the application agrees to assume responsibility for the group’s adherence to the rules and any damages to the facility or equipment which may occur as a result of the group’s use.

The library is not liable for injuries to people, damage to their property, or loss of property belonging to individuals or groups using the meeting rooms. Whenever personal injury or loss/damage to property occurs in connections with use of the meeting room, the incident must be reported immediately to a staff member and an incident report completed, or in the event the library is closed, a form for reporting injury will be provided and contact phone numbers listed for reporting.

Annex room occupancy limit: 136
Community room occupancy limit: 80
Attendance must not exceed room capacity.

A fee may be charged if the group’s use of the room has resulted in the need for repair to library furnishings or equipment or if excessive cleanup is required by library staff. Imposition of the fee will be at the discretion of the Director, and further use by the group may be denied.

Adopted by the Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees
October 8, 2002
Revised May 13, 2003

To maintain an atmosphere appropriate for work, study and enjoyment for all library users and staff, the following policy on behavior in the Ritter Public Library and on library property has been established. The policy will be courteously, but firmly, enforced by library staff or police.

Appropriate library activities include: browsing for materials, reading, thinking, quiet conversation, homework, writing reports and researching. If library games, puzzles, computers or audiovisual equipment are available, they are to be used quietly, so as not to disturb others. Group study up to four at one table and quiet tutoring of one or two students are permitted. Group study by, or tutoring of, more than 4 students at one time, or any other group work which creates enough noise to disrupt other patrons, must be conducted in the meeting room, following meeting room policies and procedures.

Inappropriate activities include: eating, drinking, running, throwing, loud or abusive talking, moving furniture, putting feet on furniture, sleeping, loitering, gambling, inappropriate public displays of affection, proselytizing, soliciting, selling, distributing leaflets, use of tobacco products and any other activities which disrupt the library. Any illegal activities, including vandalism, will not be tolerated.

Disruptive behavior is defined as noisy, boisterous or acting-out behavior which is inappropriate in a setting where business is being conducted. This behavior may represent a physical danger to people or property, or may interfere with the legitimate library business of other users or staff.

Patrons who are behaving inappropriately or disruptively will be warned that the behavior must stop. If the behavior is not immediately corrected, the person will be told to leave the premises. For serious violations, patrons may be asked to leave even if they correct the problem. Anyone who does not leave after being told to do so will be considered a trespasser and will be treated accordingly, including involving the police. Habitual abusers of library rules may be banned from the premises for a period ranging from one day to three months. A minor (anyone under 18 years of age) who creates chronic problems may be required, for up to three months, to bring a responsible adult who will remain with him or her in the library.

April 11, 1995

The use of cell phones and other audible devices is acceptable if it does not disturb others. Library staff reserves the right to ask any patron to discontinue using the cell phone or other audible device if it appears that it is interfering with the enjoyment of the other patrons using any library facilities.

The Ritter Public Library prohibits concealed weapons on its premises under the auspices of Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.126(B) (9). Individuals with concealed weapon permits do not have permission, by virtue of those permits, to bring concealed weapons/firearms onto the premises of the library. Any individual violating this policy is subject to prosecution for a violation of O.R.C. Section 2923.22, criminal trespass which is a misdemeanor in the fourth degree, punishable by 30 days in jail and/or a fine of $250.00. Any individual who is found to possess firearms or concealed weapons will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In addition, anyone found to have violated this policy shall no longer have library privileges.

The library will post a notice, under the auspices of O.R.C. Section 2923.1212, in a prominent location which informs the users and invitees of the library that O.R.C. 2923.126 prohibits concealed weapons. That notice shall state:

Notice:

The Board of Trustees of Ritter Public Library have enacted by resolution a prohibition on the carrying of concealed weapons upon the premises owned, leased or otherwise occupied by the library unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.126. No person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance onto these premises.
Any individual convicted of a violation of the Board’s resolution shall be guilty of a fourth degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by 30 days in jail and/or a fine of $250.00 in accordance with O.R.C. 2911.21.

Adopted by the Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees
February 10, 2004

The following is adopted as policy by the Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees in accordance with state and federal law.

All information contained in a customer record is confidential information and may only be released under the following limited circumstances:

• A library record or customer information pertaining to a minor child when requested, in writing, by the parent, custodian, or guardian of the minor child; or
• In accordance with a properly issued subpoena, search warrant, or other order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or
• To a law enforcement officer who is acting in the scope of the officer’s law enforcement duties and who is investigating a matter involving public safety in exigent circumstances which do not permit the officer to obtain a search warrant or other order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or
• The customer, other than a minor child or an incompetent adult, requests such records; or the customer, other than a minor child or an incompetent adult, executes a written signed release for such records to specifically name other individuals or corporations or government entities; or
• The library needs to release the records for administrative purposes, including the establishment, maintenance, or transfer of the library records management system; or records that document improper use of the Internet at the library, provided that patron identifying information is removed.

When library personnel are served with a subpoena, search warrant, or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction, they should immediately notify the Director. The Director will notify the Erie County Prosecutor’s Office for legal assistance in these cases.
Customers may release their own library records and the records of minor children under their legal custody and control. A form is available should the need arise for a record’s release.

The Library will comply with the U.S. Patriot’s Act of 2001, if a request is made under that Act and after consultation with the Erie County Prosecutor’s Office.

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

• Custodian - a person who has legal custody of a child or a public children’s agency or private child placing agency that has permanent, temporary, or legal custody of a child. Custodian is not a foster parent.
• Library Record - is a record in any form, written, verbal, or electronic, that is maintained by the library and contains any of the following types of non-evaluative, identifying information:

1. Information the library requires an individual to provide to determine eligibility for services; or
2. Information that identifies an individual as having requested or obtained specific material or materials on a specific subject; or
3. Information provided by an individual to assist a staff member to answer a specific question or provide information on a specific question.

• Customer Information - is any personal identifiable information about an individual who has used any library service or borrowed any library materials. Non-specific age or gender information is not considered customer information.
• Exigent Circumstance - those circumstances which are so urgent that a law enforcement officer must chose public safety over the rights granted by Ohio statute to an individual.
• Guardian - a person, association, or corporation that is granted authority by a probate court pursuant to Chapter 2111 of the Ohio Revised Code to exercise parental rights over a child to the extent provided in the court’s order and subject to the residual parental rights of the child’s parents.
• Internet - is the international computer network of both federal and nonfederal interoperable packet switched data networks, including the graphical sub network called the World Wide Web.
• Minor Child - anyone under the age of eighteen (18) years.
• Incompetent Adult - any person who is so mentally impaired as a result of a mental or physical illness or disability, or metal retardation, or as a result of chronic substance abuse, that the person is incapable of taking proper care of the person’s self or property or fails to provide for the person’s family or other persons for whom the person is charged by law to provide, and for whom the state has appointed a guardian through a county probate court.

This policy will be strictly enforced. Any questions of staff concerning the implementation of the policy should be addressed to the Director.

Adopted by:
The Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees
October 14, 2003

Interlibrary loan service allows patrons to borrow library materials not available within the Clevnet system. Requests can take several weeks to be delivered, with no guarantee of being filled. Lending libraries have their own loan regulations and lending periods, to which borrowing patrons are subject, and most Interlibrary loan material cannot be renewed. Each request costs $2.00, which covers handling and delivery fees and must be paid when the item is picked up. Overdue items will accrue the lending library’s fines, in addition to a $1.00 a day fine from Ritter Public Library.

In 2004, the Ritter Public Library became a contributing partner to the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center Obituary Index. The library provides obituaries to the master index with entries from the Vermilion News and Vermilion Photojournal. After obtaining information from the master index, individuals may request copies of the full obituaries. The charge for a complete copy of an obituary is $2.50 per obituary (not per person, as some people may have duplicate obituaries).

Staff will provide copies as soon as possible. Turnaround time depends on the amount of requests this master web obituary service generates.

Researchers may visit the Ritter Public Library in person and obtain copies of the obituaries for $.10 per page when they do their own searching.

Adopted by the Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees
June 8, 2004

Overview

The Ritter Public Library makes services and a variety of materials in various formats available to all persons on an equal basis.

The library promotes the use of new technologies throughout the library when doing so supports the library’s mission, provides greater opportunities for the public to access information and entertainment material, and is cost effective.

To provide for equitable availability and circulation of materials, the library has established the following policies regarding borrowing eligibility, length of loan for various materials, limits on the number of items that can be borrowed, renewals, reserves, interlibrary loans, overdue and lost materials charges and damage and replacement assessments.

The library utilizes the automated circulation component of the Cleveland Public Library (ClevNet) to maintain, monitor and report circulation statistics, generate overdue notices and final bills, and provide a series of ongoing lists for purposes of replacing lost titles.

Borrower Cards

Borrower cards are issued free of charge to individuals who are Ohio residents or who pay property taxes. Companies, agencies and organizations, which are located in Ohio, are also eligible cardholders. To receive a card, you must apply in person and present proof of current address, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. The cardholder (individual or corporation), or parent or guardian for those under 18, is responsible for all use of the card. Lost or stolen cards should be reported to the library as soon as possible. There will be a charge for replacement of lost cards.

Borrowers are expected to bring their card with them any time they wish to borrow materials and must present their card to use equipment (including computers) and software in the building.

Loan Policy

There is no charge to borrow materials from the Ritter Public Library, provided they are returned in good condition and on time. You must show your library card to check out items. You may borrow: 99 items (adult card) and 25 items (juvenile card) at a time.

Damage and Replacement Charges

Borrowers are responsible for all materials checked out, and are liable for any damages beyond normal wear and tear, which may occur to library materials. Fees assessed for damaged materials may include minor repair to the item or packaging, rebinding of books or actual item replacement if extent of the damage is such that the item cannot be repaired. The head of circulation evaluates damaged materials, determines appropriate repair or replacement and notifies the borrower. All damage charges are attached to the borrower’s record until paid.

Reserves and Interlibrary Loans

Reserves may be placed on books, books on tape, and CDs. Patrons may request a total of ten items on reserve at one time. An item not available through ClevNet may be borrowed through interlibrary loan. There may be charges involved, which the patron will pay for at the time the material is checked out at the library. This includes census microfilm as well.

Adopted by:
The Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees
March 14, 2000

Behavior and Conduct in the Library

To maintain an atmosphere appropriate for work, study and enjoyment for all library users and staff, the following policy on behavior in the Ritter Public Library and on library property has been established. The policy will be courteously, but firmly, enforced by library staff or police.

Appropriate library activities include: browsing for materials, reading, thinking, quiet conversation, homework, writing reports and researching. If library games, puzzles, computers or audiovisual equipment are available, they are to be used quietly, so as not to disturb others. Group study up to four at one table and quiet tutoring of one or two students are permitted. Group study by, or tutoring of, more than 4 students at one time, or any other group work which creates enough noise to disrupt other patrons, must be conducted in the meeting room, following meeting room policies and procedures.

Inappropriate activities include: eating, drinking, running, throwing, loud or abusive talking, moving furniture, putting feet on furniture, sleeping, loitering, gambling, inappropriate public displays of affection, proselytizing, soliciting, selling, distributing leaflets, use of tobacco products and any other activities which disrupt the library. Any illegal activities, including vandalism, will not be tolerated.

Disruptive behavior is defined as noisy, boisterous or acting-out behavior which is inappropriate in a setting where business is being conducted. This behavior may represent a physical danger to people or property, or may interfere with the legitimate library business of other users or staff.

Patrons who are behaving inappropriately or disruptively will be warned that the behavior must stop. If the behavior is not immediately corrected, the person will be told to leave the premises. For serious violations, patrons may be asked to leave even if they correct the problem. Anyone who does not leave after being told to do so will be considered a trespasser and will be treated accordingly, including involving the police. Habitual abusers of library rules may be banned from the premises for a period ranging from one day to three months. A minor (anyone under 18 years of age) who creates chronic problems may be required, for up to three months, to bring a responsible adult who will remain with him or her in the library.

Youth Safety

The library welcomes youth to use its facilities and services. Responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children using the library rests with the parent, guardian, or assigned caregiver. The library staff cannot accept responsibility or supervision for unattended children or for youth once they are picked up or leave the grounds of the library. No public place, including the library can guarantee the safety of children. This policy is meant to clarify the limited role the library staff may exercise in the supervision of youth.

The Board wishes the public to have free and liberal use of library services. However, staff cannot take on the role of a parent in the protection and supervision of youth. That responsibility is lodged by law with the appropriate parent, guardian or caregiver and will not be assumed by the library, its agents or staff.

Unattended Children under age 8

Children under the age of 8 years may not be left unattended by an adult in any part of the library. If children under the age of 8 years are found to be without an adult caregiver, parent or guardian, library staff will attempt to contact the parent, caregiver or guardian first. If unsuccessful, library staff is required by library policy to notify the Vermilion Police Department to come and take the child into their care.

During story times or other programs, adults who do not attend the program with the child must remain in the building and stay in the children’s area until the end of the program, or until reunited with their child.

Unattended children under age 12

Children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old are permitted to be in the library during normal business hours without the immediate presence of a parent, guardian or caregiver. However the library will not accept responsibility for the safety of these children who are left unattended. If children who fall within these age groups are in the library at closing, they will be permitted to call a parent, guardian, or caregiver from library phones to arrange for pickup, 10 minutes before closing. If the parent, guardian, or caregiver does not arrive within 10 minutes to pick the child, library staff is required to notify the Vermilion Police Department.

Over age 1

Children over the age of 12 years are considered capable of arranging their own transportation and will be required to honor the library’s hours of business. Staff cannot assume responsibility for unattended youth while they either wait outside for transportation or leave the property.

Procedure for staff in cases where youth are left unattended

If children under the age of 8 years are found to be without an adult caregiver, parent or guardian library staff will attempt to contact the parent, caregiver or guardian first. If unsuccessful, library staff are required by library policy to notify the Vermilion Police Department.

If children who are between the ages of 8 and 12 years of age are in the library at closing, they will be permitted to call a parent, guardian or caregiver from the library phones to arrange for pickup. If the parent, guardian or caregiver does not arrive within 10 minutes to pick up the child, the library staff is required to notify the Vermilion Police Department.

If the library closes, and the child has been turned over to the Vermilion Police Department, staff will post a notice on the Liberty Ave. entrance, which states the address and phone number of the VERMILION POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Staff is required to complete an Incident Report in cases where a child is left unattended and staff notifies the Vermilion Police Department. Staff is also required to complete an Incident Report when a youth violates library policies to the extent where removal of the youth is required.

During regular business hours, if library staff determines that any child is not behaving properly; staff will request a parent, guardian or caregiver to remove the child from the library. If the parent, guardian, or caregiver cannot be located immediately, the library staff is required to notify the Vermilion Police Department. The library reserves the right to deny access to library services to any child who violates library rules.

Amended and Adopted by:
The Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees
April 8, 2003