BRPL Policies

Mission: Bringing people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.

Vision: The Library is the community’s source for information, inspiration and connection.

Values: Welcoming Everyone, Strengthening Connections, Championing Literacy, Upholding Intellectual Freedom, Collaboration, Innovation, Making a difference

The Bowman Regional Public Library is dedicated to enriching the library experience of its patrons by:

• Enhancing community appreciation of the arts.

• Presenting a variety of works by artists as well as exhibitions of an educational and/or historical significance.

• Providing opportunities for library visitors to encounter original artwork and increase their visual literacy.

• Helping local and regional artists to expand their public exposure.

Exhibits should complement the mission of the Bowman Regional Public Library.  The library reserves the right to use its display areas at any time for its own display needs.

The Library Director is responsible for selecting temporary displays based on the library’s needs and appropriateness to the display space available. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.

Exhibits vary in duration depending on the space involved and local demand.  We remind potential artists that many members of the public, including children and families, use Bowman Regional Public Library; the Library Director reserves the right to determine what work is appropriate for each space.

Proposals are accepted throughout the year. Decisions made by the Library Director are final.

Criteria for Selection

General criteria for selecting library displays are listed below. An item need not meet all of the criteria in order to be acceptable.

• Artistic merit

• Contemporary significance, popular interest or permanent value

• Prominence, authority and/or competence of artist

• Attention of critics and reviewers

• Potential for public interest

• Timeliness of material

• Relation to existing collections and exhibitions

• Statement of challenging, original or alternative point of view

• Authenticity of historical, regional or social setting

Insurance

The Bowman Regional Public Library does not hold insurance for artwork on exhibit and is not responsible for loss of or damage to any of the artists’ work.

Publicity

The Bowman Regional Public Library submits basic monthly press releases, website listings and social media postings. Artists may submit their own publicity to the press.

Artists may create and distribute their own postcards or invitations to receptions.

Sale of Artwork

The Bowman Regional Public Library will not engage in selling or negotiating for the sale of artwork on behalf of the artists; however, business cards, price lists, or contact information for the artists may be left at the gallery space.

Purpose

The purpose of the library’s circulation policy is to make the best possible use of the library’s collection by the greatest number of borrowers.

Registration 

All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid patron card to borrow library materials. Bowman Regional Public Library cards are available without charge to city of Bowman and Bowman county residents. No registration fee will be charged for those individuals who live, work, attend school or own property in Bowman County.  Individuals who do not meet one of these criteria may apply for a non resident library card.  Non-residents pay an annual fee of $25.00.

Library cards expire after two years. The card holder will be asked to update their contact information to renew their card.

Temporary patron card  

Residents who are living at hotels or other residences and/or waiting for new homes in the Library boundaries to be ready for occupancy, are eligible for a free library card. These patrons may check out two items at one time. Temporary cards expire after three (3) months.

Responsibilities of the Cardholder

Library cardholders are responsible for the timely return of all items borrowed, as well as all fees and other charges related to items borrowed with their library card and on their minor child’s card. This includes items borrowed by others with or without their consent unless they have previously reported the loss of their card to library staff. Materials should be returned to the library in the condition in which they were borrowed and cardholders will be responsible for paying for damaged materials.

It is also the responsibility of the cardholders to keep their patron records accurate and up-to-date. Changes of name, phone number, address and email address should be reported to library staff in a timely manner. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately. Cardholders continue to be responsible for the use of their cards until the library has been notified of the theft or loss.

Access to Materials

In accordance with North Dakota Century Code 40-38-07 and Article V of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, the Bowman Regional Public Library does not restrict access to any materials on the basis of a person’s gender, race, religion, nationality, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or age. Free and open access to the library and its holdings is essential to the role of the public library.

The Bowman Regional Public Library adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and makes every attempt to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities with regard to use of the library facility, access to library materials, and participation in library activities.

The library staff and trustees are charged with the responsibility of providing free and equal access to library materials and services to all eligible people. It is the policy of the Bowman Regional Public Library that parents and guardians, not the library staff or trustees, are responsible for monitoring and approving the selection of materials made by minor children. Parents or guardians who wish their children not to have access to certain materials should accompany or otherwise advise their children. The library staff and trustees cannot and do not act in loco parentis.

Loss of Privileges

A cardholder’s access to materials may be limited or blocked due to overdue materials and/or fees. A card will be blocked, and no service may be obtained with it, if the cardholder owes more than $50 in unpaid fees.

Loan periods

Books - 3 weeks/2 renewals

Books on CD - 3 weeks/2 renewals

DVDs - 1 week/2 renewals

Board Games - 1 week/2 renewals

Kits - 1 week/2 renewals

Book Club Kits - 6 weeks/No renewals

Reference - Does not circulate

The Library Director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand, such as for student projects, or materials added to the collection which are in a new format, e.g., DVDs as deemed necessary. 

A BRPL children’s card may check out up to 6 items. A BRPL Adult card may check out up to 20 items.

Renewals

Many materials may be renewed up to two times, as long as they have not been requested by another library user. Renewals may be placed in person, by phone, or via the Online Catalog. Cardholders with fines totaling $50 or more may not renew items.

Interlibrary loan materials are due the date indicated by the loaning library and are renewable at the lending library’s discretion.

Hold Requests

Library users with a card in good standing may place hold requests on library materials that are in use by others in person, by phone or online. Hold requests may be placed on most items in the Bowman Regional Public Library’s collection at no charge.

Requests will be met in the order in which they were placed. A notification will be sent via email (or regular mail if necessary) when a requested item is available. Cardholders will have ten days after the hold is filled to pick up the held item. When a patron fails to retrieve a requested item within ten days of notification of its arrival, the hold request will be void and the library will pass the item on to the next person on the request list or return the item to the shelf.

Fines and fees

No late fees will be assessed for overdue items. However, borrowers will be required to pay replacement costs for damaged, lost, or long-overdue items. Long-overdue items are those that have been overdue for 30 days or more.

Overdue notices are sent via email as a courtesy from the Bowman Regional Public Library. Failure to receive notices does not exempt cardholders from the responsibility of payment for damaged, lost or long-overdue library materials.

Library fees should be paid at the library facility. Cardholders may pay all or a portion of their fines and fees. A cardholder’s record will remain blocked or barred until the fee balance is paid down to $50.00 or less.

Lost/Damaged materials

Library cardholders will be held financially responsible for materials checked out on their card which are lost or damaged to the extent that they will not remain in the library’s collection. No charges will be assessed for normal wear and tear. For lost or damaged materials, cardholders will be required to reimburse the library for the cost of the item, as well as a nonrefundable $5.00 processing fee per item. After all applicable fees are paid, the library patron’s card will be cleared and once again be in good standing. For damaged materials, once all fees are paid, the patron may elect to keep the damaged item and will be allowed 30 days to pick it up after notification.

Items which are damaged but repairable may be assessed a materials fee at the discretion of the library staff. When the library is able to replace a part of a lost or damaged item (example - one disc of an audiobook), the patron will be assessed a charge based on the replacement fee rather than the purchase of the entire item.

If library items including furniture, books and other library materials, computers, tablets and technology are damaged so as to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for use, the patron must pay the replacement cost of the item.

Museum Pass Policy

Museum passes may be checked out by cardholders, age 18 and older, in good standing. Limit of one (1) pass per household. Passes are renewable if there is no waiting list. Passes must be returned at the BRPL Circulation Desk. Borrowers must adhere to guidelines for each instruction’s pass. 

Board Game Policy

Games must be checked out to an eligible adult borrower on their library card. Games may be checked out for play in the library or at home.

A patron may have no more than two (2) board games borrowed on their Library card at any one time. 

The loan period for board games is one week. Board games may be renewed up to two times if not on hold for another patron. 

Board games must be returned to the library circulation desk. Board games may not be returned in the book drop.

Borrowers are responsible for the safekeeping and return of all board game contents to the Library. The borrowing patron will be responsible for lost or damaged board games and accessories. They will be responsible for paying the actual replacement costs, as determined by the Library, up to and including the full cost of game replacement. The Library will not accept a replacement game in lieu of a lost or damaged board game unless the game is still in its original shrink wrap and has the same UPC code.

The board game is not considered returned until all items within the box/case have been returned to the library in working condition. If any pieces are missing upon return, the game will remain checked out to the patron until all pieces are returned. Item components not returned will be assessed a fee. Please report any damage or missing parts to the library staff.

The Library staff is not available for instruction. Detailed instructions are provided in the specific game box.

The Library of Things  

The Library of Things is an assortment of equipment, experiences, explore passes, and specialty items to check out. The collection provides diverse opportunities for lifelong learning, creativity, and engagement by providing the physical tools necessary to explore new areas of interest and learn new skills.

Eligible Card Holders

A valid BRPL library card with current address and no outstanding account balance above $5.00 is required to borrow from The Library of Things. Most items within The Library of Things require that the borrower must be 18 years of age or older and must sign a copy of The Library of Things Lending Agreement.

A valid government issued ID with picture and current address must be presented. If the address on the ID and the account do not match, you will be asked to validate your account by bringing proof of address.

Limitations on Borrowing

The maximum number of items allowed per library card is 3 items.

Return of Library Materials

The Library of Things items must be checked out and returned to the Circulation Desk of the Bowman Regional Public Library, with the exception of explore passes. Explore passes may be returned in the bookdrop.

The Library of Things items must be returned in the original library container, pouch, or bag.

Holds

Most items within The Library of Things are not eligible for holds. Each request for an item to be held will be handled case-by-case and the Library Director will have final discretion.

Loan Periods

Most items within The Library of Things are limited to a 7-day checkout.

There are no renewals allowed on any Library of Things items.   

Overdue Materials

All items within The Library of Things have an overdue due daily fine of $1.00, with the exception of the explore passes. Explore passes overdue fines will be assessed at $50.00 per day.  

Lost or Damaged Materials, Miscellaneous Fees

Due to the wide variety of items within The Library of Things, all replacement and damage costs will be left to the discretion of the Library staff and the Library Director. Factors such as current retail price, administrative and processing fees, staff time, item availability from vendors, standard costs for irreplaceable pieces, etc. will all be taken into consideration during the assessment.

Proper Use and Liability

The Bowman Regional Public Library is not responsible for injury, loss, or damage that may occur from use of an item from within The Library of Things. The responsibility to protect against loss or damage is the borrower’s. Patrons will be responsible for any damage to The Library of Things items while in their possession. 

Library staff will inspect and sanitize all items upon their return. 

Confidentiality 

As specified in North Dakota Century Code, §  40-38-12, " Any record maintained or received by a library receiving public funds, which provides a library patron's name or information sufficient to identify a patron together with the subject about which the patron requested information, is considered private and is excepted from the public records disclosure requirements of section 44-04-18. These records may be released when required pursuant to a court order or a subpoena.”

The Bowman Regional Public Library adheres strictly to all sections of this Statute regarding the protection of the confidentiality of its users. 

Collection Development Policy 

The Bowman Regional Public Library provides a collection that strives to balance viewpoints across a broad spectrum of opinions and subjects in formats suitable to a variety of learning and recreational interests and skills. Using selection practices that are flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the community, the library builds and maintains a collection for the general public while recognizing the needs of special population groups. Collection development at the Bowman Regional Public Library is founded on the principles of intellectual freedom, diversity and equal access for all.

This policy serves as a guide for the library staff in developing the collection of print, audio, technological and other materials intended to meet the community’s information, entertainment, and interpersonal wants and needs. The policy provides a basis for collection development, weeding and public objection to materials. Budget limitations necessitate the selection of materials relevant to these needs.

Responsibility for Selection 

Ultimate responsibility for the direction, purpose, and scope of collection development rests with the Library Director, under the authority of the Bowman Regional Public Library Board. The Director may delegate library collection development responsibilities to specific library staff members who more closely manage the wide range of services related to particular areas of the collection. All aspects of collection development are directed toward fulfilling the mission of the Bowman Regional Public Library.

The community has a role in shaping the library collection development through suggestions and feedback. Suggestions from members of the community concerning materials selection are welcome and each suggestion will be considered within the framework of this policy.

Materials selected for the library collection are intended to meet the current and future educational, informational, recreational, and cultural needs of the residents of the library’s service area. The emphasis will be on acquiring materials of wide-ranging interest to the general public within budgetary limitations. Materials unavailable at this Library but available through cooperative library networks will be borrowed upon request of the user.

Criteria for Selection of Physical and Digital Materials

Materials are evaluated according to one or more of the following criteria, however, an item need not meet all of these criteria to be included in the Library’s collection.

The main points considered in the selection of materials are: 

• Current and anticipated needs and interests of the community

• Group and individual social significance

• Format

• Price and/or availability of funds

• Importance of subject matter

• Contemporary significance

• Date of publication

• Relationship to existing collection

The Library will endeavor to provide a wide range of subjects, authors, and points of view. The inclusion of an item in the library collection in no way represents an endorsement of its contents. Library materials are not marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, nor are materials sequestered.

The Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some. It is the responsibility of each individual library user to determine which materials are most appropriate for their needs and consistent with their personal or family values. Although library users are free to reject for themselves materials of which they do not approve, they may not restrict the freedom of others to read what they chose. 

The Library encourages individual and parental oversight in the choice of materials, databases, or internet usage. Adult responsibility for children’s reading rests with parents or legal guardians. Materials selection for the adult collection is intended for mature readers, and will not be restricted by the possibility that children or young adults may obtain materials which their parents or legal guardians consider inappropriate.

Collection Maintenance

In addition to acquiring new materials, it is important to remove from the existing collection those items no longer deemed useful or relevant. This policy provides authority for the systematic and regular evaluation of the existing collection and subsequent withdrawal of worn, obsolete or infrequently used materials and supports the public’s right of access to an appealing and relevant collection.

The Library Director systematically reviews the collection with the goal of maintaining the quality and vitality of library resources. This process of collection analysis incorporates the use of output measures, circulation reports, and other statistical information for continuous collection evaluation.

Weeding Evaluation Criteria

Weeding in this context is defined as the process of evaluating a book to determine if it will be retained, relocated, or replaced. Selection of materials for discarding is based on the CREW method.

• Continuous

• Review

• Evaluation

• Weeding

This system uses the acronym, MUSTIE, to help evaluate an item for withdrawal:

• Misleading and/or factually inaccurate

• Ugly (worn out beyond mending or rebinding)

• Superseded by a new edition or a better source

• Trivial (of no discernible literary or scientific merit)

• Irrelevant to the needs and interest of your community

• Elsewhere (the material may be easily borrowed from another source)

Gifts and Donations 

Bowman Regional Public Library welcomes gifts of books and other materials. The Library reserves the right to keep, discard, sell, or make other appropriate disposal of any books or materials that are donated as determined by its mission and needs.

Future disposition of gifts  The Library cannot guarantee that any gift will be part of the collection or furnishings permanently. In the case of furniture that has been donated or sponsored as a memorial or special gift, the family who donated the item(s) will be contacted prior to disposal, loan or sale and given the option of first refusal.

Guiding Documents
American Library Association’s Bill of Rights

American Library Association’s Freedom to Read

American Library Association’s Freedom to View

Reconsideration of Library Materials Library users occasionally object to titles that have been selected for the collection. Individuals may request reconsideration of a selection decision by compiling a Request for Reconsideration form, available at the Circulation Desk. The inquiry will be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Bowman Regional Public Library Board. All decisions of the Bowman Regional Public Library Board will be final.

No works in question will be added to or removed from the collection or from the shelves and no changes in service or policy will be made while the above process is underway.

Because we cannot purchase every item, Interlibrary Loan (ILL) allows us to provide more items of interest to the community by borrowing from libraries in North Dakota and throughout the United States. ILL is available to library cardholders in good standing, at no charge.

Patrons are allowed up to five active ILL requests at one time. Active requests include items currently loaned as well as those in progress. Items not picked up within ten days will be returned to the lending library. If three consecutive items are not picked up, a patron’s ILL privilege will be paused for one month. Privileges may also be suspended if items are consistently overdue or sent to billing. 

Most items not currently owned by Bowman Regional Public Library and participating ODIN libraries may be requested through ILL. Every effort will be made to fulfill these requests, but some items may not be available.

Items requested through ILL can take longer to be fulfilled, possibly more than three weeks in some cases. Patrons will be notified by phone, mail or email when their items arrive, and they may be picked up at the Library Desk.

ILL due dates are set by the lending library. Requests for renewals must be made before the item’s due date, and the lending library must approve the request. Replacement costs for lost or damaged items are set by the lending library, and will be billed to the requesting patron. Refunds will not be issued.

The Bowman Regional Public Library provides access to the Internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the library's service area.

The Library offers Internet access on computer workstations as well as free wireless access (“Wi-Fi”). By using the Internet within the grounds of the Bowman Regional Public Library, you agree to comply with the Internet Use Policy.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET SAFETY

To help facilitate a safe and comfortable environment for all patrons using the Internet (both computer workstations & wi-fi), Bowman Regional Public Library follows the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) as well as the North Dakota Century Code 12.1-27.1 (NDCC 12.1-27.1).

FILTERING

The library is required by state and federal law to use filtering software designed to prevent access to material that is obscene or harmful to children.

Bowman Regional Public Library encourages individual judgment and/or parental involvement and oversight. While designed to restrict access to Internet content that may be inappropriate, filters may block sites which have legitimate value, as well as allowing some content through which parents might find objectionable.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES

You have the responsibility of using library resources in a respectful and courteous manner as described in our Patron Responsibilities and Conduct Policy.

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Invading the privacy of others

• Damaging computer equipment or software

• Engaging in any activity that disrupts the operations of the library 

• Any activity that violates local, state, or federal laws

The Library computer workstations are available in thirty (30) minute sessions on a first-come, first-served basis; each user is allowed one session--if there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of a session, the user can have another session, but once having had the service for 30 minutes the user must abandon use of the workstation if another patron requests use.

The library reserves the right to limit the use of the Internet for any reason. Users of the Library computers and the Internet do so at their own risk. The Library Board and its employees assume no responsibility for damages of any type arising from the use of the Internet in the library. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of library privileges and criminal prosecution.

The Bowman Regional Public Library and staff support the rights of all individuals to:

• Use the library without discrimination

• Receive friendly, respectful and professional service

• Have free and equal access to information

• Have a clean, comfortable and pleasant environment

• Use the library undisturbed without threat of harm, invasion of privacy, or interference

It is the patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect their individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be subject to the law. 

To ensure a clean, comfortable and safe environment:

1. Bring library materials back. Returning items in a timely manner and good condition will ensure all patrons can enjoy materials. Take care of materials, equipment and furniture within the library.

2. Your safety is important. Illegal substances or alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the library or on library grounds. Tobacco products may be used beyond twenty (20) feet of the library building as pursuant of NDCC 23-12-10. Intoxication resulting from alcohol or drugs is also prohibited in the library or on library grounds. For your safety, the ambulance may be called if you are found intoxicated or needing medical care.

To ensure you right to use the library disruption-free:

1. Be kind. 

2. Be comfortable. Shirt and shoes must be worn at all times. Follow public health safety protocols.

3. Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings to ensure safety for everyone navigating the library.

4. Be considerate of others when talking or using your cellphone.

5. Surveys conducted in the library or on library grounds need to be approved by the Library Director.

6. Library staff is here to help you and make your library experience enjoyable. Please listen and abide by their requests.

For the safety and comfort of  children:

1. Parents and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, supervision and safety of their children while visiting the library. Please keep a close eye on your children and ensure they are respectful of other library users. 

2. Children ages 12 and under can enjoy the library if they are supervised by a parent, guardian or caregiver. A caregiver must be 16 or older. Library staff must give their attention to all patrons, so children should not be left unattended.

Any illegal acts are prohibited in the library and will be reported to law enforcement authorities. Soliciting, selling, or begging is not permitted in the Library.

The Library Director or Director’s designee may deny library access or services to any patron violating the above guidelines. Patrons whose privileges have been denied may request a review by the Library Board.

Library visitors are asked to cooperate with the library staff who must interpret and apply this policy. The intention of these principles is to help promote excellence in library service for all patrons and ensure library visitors’ ability to freely use the Library in comfort.

Public comment periods are held when the public comment item appears on the monthly meeting agenda. The total time for the public comment period will be limited to 20 minutes.

Bowman County residents wishing to address the Library Board must sign in and will be recognized to speak in the order in which they registered. Signups must be completed prior to the meeting being called to order. The Library Board President will acknowledge and ask visitors to state their name and address.

Residents may comment on any library-related subject. Discussion of matters irrelevant to library business is not permitted. Each speaker will have three minutes to comment. Speakers may not speak a second time. The Board President may grant a request to address the Board during other portions of the meeting.

Speakers may not give their comment time to any other speaker in order to extend that individual’s time to comment.

The Library Board reserves the right to comment after a statement has been completed or to immediately move on to the next speaker.

A list of those who speak during the public comments portion of the meeting agenda will be included in the minutes.

Procedures for Public Comment Period:

To address the Library Board:

• Please sign in with your name and address prior to the meeting being called to order

• Stand when your name is called.

• State your name and address clearly for the record.

• Make your statement to the Library Board. You will have three minutes to speak. You will be notified when your time has elapsed.

• Be seated when you are finished or when you are informed that your time is up.

• Please keep your comments civil and polite.

Bulletin board materials may be submitted for posting by nonprofit organizations for civic, educational, or cultural purposes. Such organizations may submit literature publicizing a specific event. Limited space generally allows only short-term notices. The librarian must approve all postings and may prohibit postings which do not meet library standards. Library staff will place and remove postings promptly. 

Each item posted must be dated and signed. The library will not be responsible for returning materials.