Beauregard Parish Library District Sign

Policies

Act 693 Compliance Policy

The Beauregard Parish Library Board of Control has adopted on this 7 day of November 2012 the following policy for the purpose of:

1. Compliance with the statutory mandates set forth in La. R.S. 14:91.2.
2. Protecting children from contact with persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under 13 years of age.

Policy

I. Effective January 1, 2013, persons who have been convicted of sex offenses where the victim was under the age of 13 (referred to as “sex offenders” for purposes of this policy/regulation) are restricted in their access to public library property, as follows:
a. Children’s Areas – No sex offender shall be physically present in any area of the library designated as a “children’s area,” or “teen’s area,” or “YA (Young Adult) area.”
b. Peak Children’s / “Tweens’” Hours – No sex offender shall be physically present on public library property during peak hours of children’s or “tweens’” use of the library.
i. During the school year, peak hours are defined as 3 pm to 5:30 pm, Monday – Friday.
ii. During the local schools’ summer break, peak hours are defined as 10 am to 3:30 pm.
iii. Peak hours of children’s and tweens’ use also include hours during which children’s or tweens’ programs are scheduled. Scheduled programs will be listed in either the Library’s monthly printed calendar or on the Library’s online calendar of events, or both.
c. Loitering within 1,000 feet – No sex offender shall loiter within 1,000 feet of public library property.
d. Employment – No sex offender shall apply for, work for, or otherwise provide services to a library branch as an employee, contractor, subcontractor, or volunteer.

II. Exceptions to these restrictions are:
a. Police station/courthouse/polling station – There shall be no violation of this regulation if the sex offender is reporting to a police station, courthouse, or polling station that is within the restricted area.
b. With special permission – There shall be no violation of this regulation if the sex offender has requested and has been granted written permission to be physically present on public library property from the library director or her designee, and the sex offender complies with any special restrictions contained within the permission.

III. The Library Director shall be responsible for developing and implementing administrative and management procedures in furtherance of the policies stated herein. Recommended procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Background checks – Implement procedures to provide that library employees, contractors, subcontractors, and volunteers who will interact with children or will be required to work in the restricted areas may be subject to criminal background checks.
b. Configuration – To the extent possible, each library branch shall be arranged in a manner to ensure that areas devoted to children and young readers may be easily supervised by library staff, and such areas are segregated from other library resources and facilities.
c. Notice – Implement procedures to ensure adequate public notice of each library branch’s times and dates of peak children’s hours and children’s programming. Adequate notice may include posting such information in a prominent location near the library’s entrance and on the library’s website.
d. Enforcement – Implement procedures to update policies, where necessary, and enforce policies regarding unattended children.

IV. The Library Director and members of the public are invited to make recommendations to the Library Board to improve this regulation or suggest legislative changes that will allow public libraries to more effectively achieve the public purposes set forth herein.

The effective date of the Act is January 1, 2013.

Download The Act 693 Compliance Policy

Behavior Policy

Rules Governing The Use Of The Library

Please enjoy the use of the library and respect its use by others.

We want the library to be a comfortable, relaxed, and hassle-free place. We cannot enforce absolute quiet – but at the same time we want to provide an atmosphere conducive to study or reading by the majority of our users.

If you have questions or a complaint, ask any staff at our service desks.

Please co-operate with the staff, they ask you to modify your behavior. The staff has the approval of the Library Board of Control to ask users who are disrupting the use of the library for others to leave and to for the necessary help in removing those who persist in disruptive behavior.

— Approved By The Library Board Of Control

Operational Policies – Problem Situations

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to identify those situations that the Board considers disruptive to the intended purpose and usage of the Library or dangerous to staff or users and therefore cannot be allowed to continue.

Specific procedures for handling these situations are in the Branch Procedure Manual, listed under Emergency Procedures.

It goes without saying that any written policy will not meet the needs of the situation 100% of the time. However, it is hoped that this policy is sufficiently inclusive to meet the needs of the staff the majority of the time. Staff are encouraged to follow the procedures in the Branch Procedure Manual unless the supervisor indicates otherwise or unless the particular situation requires an alternative response. Staff are reminded that the Director and Associate Director can be called anytime the need arises.

Definitions

Non-Disruptive Behavior

Some library users may act strangely or be a source of concern or irritation to the staff and/or public, but their behavior does not constitute problem behavior. Examples include sleepers, the person wearing three coats in the summer or mismatched shoes, someone whose body or clothing is so dirty that it is unpleasant to be near, ritual touchers or people who exhibit other compulsive behavior or speech, and the simply lonely watchers and talkers. The Library is seen as “safe” and often is sought by people who have difficulty in interpersonal or social situations.

Although it may be strange or eccentric, this behavior does not usually disrupt the functioning of the Library and no action is required on the part of the staff.

HOWEVER, if any of the above situations creates a disruptive or dangerous situation, treat the behavior as defined in the Problem Behavior section.

Problem (Disruptive) Behavior

Problem Behavior is defined as any behavior that is disruptive, malicious, or dangerous to the patron or to other patrons and staff.

In addition, some of this behavior may be illegal and should be reported to the proper law enforcement authorities.

This behavior is not permitted in the Library or on Library premises. This policy permits Library staff to ask the person causing the disruption to leave, to call for assistance in having the person removed from the Library premises, and to call law enforcement officers.

This behavior would include, but not be limited to:

One whose behavior is disrupting or is potentially dangerous to self or others, whether due to using alcohol or drugs to such an extent that judgment is affected, or to causes not readily known.

Armed, aggressive and/or physically threatening behavior.

Assault – actual physical attack involving patrons and/or staff.

Child abuse – the sustaining of physical injury by a child as a result of cruel or inhumane treatment or as a result of a malicious act by any parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a child under circumstances that indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened.

Child neglect – passive, negative treatment on the part of a parent or custodian including not feeding, not clothing, inadequate shelter, etc.

Child unattended – young child unable to care for self left in Library unattended or any child not picked up at closing time. This is considered a form of child neglect and will be reported to Child Protection Agencies.

Download The Behavior Policy

Confidentiality And Privacy Policy

E-Government / Computer Policy

If a patron needs assistance on the computer, the library staff will be happy to assist in the basic use of the computer. Basic use means computer functions that do not involve any of the patron’s confidential private information. In order to protect the patron’s confidential private information, the staff is prohibited from assisting the patron if that assistance involves that information. Examples of such prohibited assistance include but
are not limited to filling out forms, applications, etc. Beauregard Parish Library has no duty to provide assistance which involves the patron’s confidential private information and disclaims any liability for failure to do so.

— Adopted By The Beauregard Parish Library Board Of Control
November 17, 2010

Filming And Photography Policy

FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

The Beauregard Parish Library (the Library) has a significant interest in maintaining an environment that allows patrons to freely access library information and resources. This requires the Library to maintain policies that protect the privacy of its patrons and staff and ensures their freedom from harassment, intimidation, and threats to their well-being and safety. As a limited public forum, the Library exercises its right and obligation to provide appropriate safeguards against such behavior by creating and enforcing policies relating to the time, location, and manner of any recordings though not the content thereof.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Non-Commercial Photography

Permission is not required for noncommercial photography and videography in most public areas of the library building. Photography and videos are not permitted in bathrooms, meeting rooms or study carrels that are reserved or in-use by others, and staff-only areas. No specialized equipment other than the camera may be used. This includes but is not limited to tripods and lighting rings.

Persons taking photographs and videos shall not (i) compromise a patron or staff member’s right to privacy, ii) video or photograph any person without their prior consent, (iii) harass, intimidate, or threaten any person, or interfere with the utilization of library services and resources of any patron or staff member, or (iv) block library aisles, walkways, doors, or exits.

Persons taking photographs and videos of publicly available collections in the library are solely responsible for obtaining consent or other permission when photographing or videoing copyrighted materials. Likewise, they are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary releases and permissions required by law from persons who can be identified in any photograph or video.

Persons taking photographs and videos in the library are also required to comply with other relevant policies, including but not limited to our Behavior Policy.

Commercial Photography

Commercial photography is not permitted on library grounds without written permission from the Library Director at least 2 weeks in advance. Commercial photography or filming includes but is not limited to using the library as a set or backdrop for portraiture, model, or product photography. Any commercial photographer obtaining permission to film or photograph on library property must adhere to all other requirements expressed in this policy.

EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOS

Taking non-commercial photographs and videos on library grounds outside the building does not require permission from the library. However, the activity shall not impede egress or ingress of patrons nor staff to or from the building.

LIBRARY PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOS & RECORDING 

The Library may take photos, videos, and audio recordings at the library and during library events to use in its publicity materials and on its website and social media sites. The Library reserves the right to document its services and the public’s use of the library building and grounds. These photographs, videos, and audio recordings may be copied, displayed, televised and published (including on any library website or social media site). Any individual that does not wish the Library to use a photograph or video of them or their child should inform a library staff member prior to or while such photographs or videos are being taken.

LIBRARY BOARD MEETINGS

Pursuant to the Louisiana Open Meetings Act, any person may record the proceedings of the Library Board and other meetings required by the Act to be open to the public. Recordings may be made by tape, film, or other means and shall not disrupt the meeting or create a safety hazard.

LIABILITY

Persons involved in taking photographs or videos are solely liable for any injuries to persons or property that result from their activities on library property. They also have sole responsibility for obtaining all necessary releases and permissions required by law from persons who can be identified in any photograph or video or for copyrighted materials. The Library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases or permissions.

COMPLIANCE

As with all policies, the Library reserves the right to have its staff ask any individual or group violating this policy to cease taking photographs or videos. Continued violation will result in removal from library premises.

Adopted May 2, 2022

Download The Filming And Photography Policy

Harassment Prevention Policy

Unlawful Harassment

The Beauregard Parish Library is committed to maintaining a positive working environment free of unlawful harassment and which is sensitive to the diversity of its employees. In doing so, the Library prohibits sexual harassment and harassment because of age, race, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, sickle cell trait, protected genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct that has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Actions based on an individual’s race, color, national origin, disability, sickle cell trait, protected genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated. Prohibited behavior includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Written form such as cartoons, email, posters, drawings, or photographs
  • Verbal conduct such as epithets, derogatory comments, slurs, or jokes
  • Physical conduct such as assault, or blocking an individual’s movements

This policy applies to all employees including managers, supervisors, coworkers, and non-employees such as patrons, visitors, vendors, consultants, etc.

Sexual Harassment

All employees are responsible for assuring that the workplace is free from sexual harassment. Because of the library’s strong disapproval of offensive or inappropriate sexual behavior at work, all employees must avoid any action or conduct which could be viewed as sexual harassment, including, but not limited to:

  • Unwelcome sexual advances
  • Requests for sexual acts or favors
  • Granting or denying job benefits based on receptivity to sexual advances
  • Other verbal or physical conduct of a sexually harassing nature that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

Any employee who has a complaint of sexual harassment at work by anyone, including supervisors, co-workers, or visitors (patrons, vendors, etc.) must bring the problem to the attention of their Supervisor, Director, or the Human Resources Coordinator.

Any supervisor, upon hearing a complaint of sexual harassment, shall notify the Human Resources Coordinator at once of the complaint.

All complaints will be promptly and carefully investigated by the administration, and all employees are assured they will be free of any and all reprisal or retaliation from filing such complaints.

An administrative investigation will include interviews with all relevant persons, including the complainant, the accused, and other potential witnesses. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, the record as a whole and the totality of the circumstances, such as the nature of sexual advances and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred, will be examined. A determination of appropriate action will be made from the facts, on a case-by-case basis. All employees should be aware that all inquiries, complaints, and investigations are treated confidentially. Information is revealed strictly on a need to know basis. However, the identity of the complainant is usually revealed to the accused and witnesses. All individuals contacted in connection with a complaint will be counseled that retaliatory actions will not be tolerated.

The administration will apprise the complainant and the accused of the investigation’s outcome at the conclusion of its investigation, with appropriate emphasis on the rights of all involved. If the investigation reveals that the complaint appears to be valid, immediate and appropriate corrective action, up to and including dismissal, will be taken to stop the harassment and prevent its recurrence. If the validity of the complaint cannot be determined, immediate and appropriate action will be taken to assure all parties are reacquainted with the sexual harassment policy and to avoid sexual harassment in the future.

Any finding may, with the consent of the Board and if placed on the Board meeting agenda, be appealed to the Beauregard Parish Library Board of Control by contacting the Board President as outlined in this policy. If a harassment complaint involves the director, then a written request should be made to the President of the Board of Control to establish a committee to investigate the complaint. Prevention is the best tool for the elimination of sexual harassment. The library board and the administration express strong disapproval of any acts that can be construed as an act of sexual harassment of any library employee or member of the public using the library. (This includes inappropriate jokes, displays of posters, etc.)

Procedure:

  1. All reports of sexually inappropriate behavior will ultimately be reported to the Human Resources Coordinator (H.R.) who generally will direct the investigative process with the knowledge of the Director. Management personnel on a need to know capacity will be apprised of the complaint.
  2. H.R. and administration (or the Board of Control’s designated committee, when applicable) will investigate all complaints. “Informal” complaints or requests to withhold investigation (unless or until a future occurrence) will be treated the same as a formal complaint and investigated immediately.
  3. To prevent further occurrences or to preserve the integrity of the investigation, temporary reassignment, transfers, forced leave or other personnel actions may be utilized.
  4. The investigation will be thorough and include interviews with the complainant, the accused, witnesses and other individuals possessing relevant information. Records, logs, reports, photos, emails, or other documentation pertinent to the complaint will be reviewed.
  5. The investigative process will be memorialized, thus requiring that all involved prepare written statements or provide verbal statements that will be recorded.
  6. Persons called upon to participate in the investigation are required to answer all questions truthfully and cooperatively. Employees do not have the option of remaining silent or declining to be involved, and failure to cooperate may constitute grounds for employee discharge, including dismissal or termination.
  7. The investigative process will be conducted expeditiously and professionally, with appropriate emphasis on the rights of all involved.
  8. To the extent allowed by law, the investigative process will be conducted in a confidential manner, with only those in a need-to-know position involved.
  9. Upon completion of the investigation, H.R. will apprise management of the outcome and recommendations for resolution, which the director will decide. The complainant and accused will be apprised of the outcome of the investigation, with appropriate emphasis on the rights of all involved.
  10. The decision of the Director shall be final unless reversed by the Board of Control. Employees who discuss a Library administrative decision with a Library Board member without following the prescribed procedure could possibly be considered as insubordinate and may be subject to disciplinary actions including dismissal and termination.

Adopted 6 February 2019

Hotspot Checkout Policy

Hotspot Checkout Agreement

In this agreement, “we”, “us”, and “our” means the Library. “You” and “your” means the patron / user of the Library. The “property” is a Hotspot owned by the Library.

Terms: You will comply at all times with the Beauregard Parish Library’s Hotspot Checkout Agreement, incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof for all purposes. Any failure to comply may terminate your rights of possession effective immediately and the Library may repossess the property.

Title: Legal title to the property is in the Library and shall at all times remain in the Library. Your right of possession and use is limited to and conditioned upon your full and complete compliance with this Agreement.

Loss Or Damage: If the property is damaged, lost, stolen, or not returned you will be assessed fees and charges up to $90.49 in addition to any applicable overdue fines. Loss or theft of the property or damage due to fire must be reported to the Library by the next day after the occurrence to avoid overdue fines.

Repossession: If you do not fully comply with all terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to the timely return of the property, the Library shall be entitled to declare you in default and come to your place of residence, or other location of the property, to take possession of the property.

Term Of Agreement: Your right to use and possession of the property terminates no later than the last day of the checkout period, unless terminated earlier by the Library.

Appropriation: Failure to return the property in a timely manner and the continued use of it without the Library’s consent may be considered unlawful appropriation of the Library’s property.

Hotspot Circulation Summary

Hotspot Borrowers Must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Have a valid government-issued picture ID with current address, and show this ID at checkout.
  • Have a valid Beauregard Parish Library card or LSW card in good standing for at least 3 months with a successful checkout and return, and show this card at checkout.
  • Agree to the terms of checkout by signing and initialing key points on the Hotspot Checkout Agreement.

Hotspot Checkout Agreement Review

Borrowers: Please read this entire document carefully and initial each of the lines below:

  • Hotspots may not be used for any illegal purposes.
  • Hotspots are checked out for a period of 7 days. The borrower is eligible to check out another Hotspot 7 days after the last Hotspot check-in.
  • Hotspots can be checked in or out during open hours from 9:00 AM until 30 minutes before closing.
  • Hotspots may not be renewed under any circumstance. If the Hotspot is not returned on time, an overdue fee of $5 per day will be assessed to the borrower, and there will be a time limit until you can check out another Hotspot. If the property is not returned within 5 days of the due date, the device will be reported to law enforcement as stolen, and full replacement fees will be assessed to the borrower in addition to the overdue fees. If the property is later returned in good condition & in full working order, replacement fees may be waived, but overdue fees will still stand.
  • Hotspots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, they cannot be reserved or “held”.
  • Hotspot borrowers bear the responsibility for damage to the Hotspot and accessories due to neglect, abuse, loss, or physical damage.
  • Each borrower and family may only check out 1 Hotspot at a time, this means 1 Hotspot per cardholder and per address.
  • If a Hotspot is stolen, the borrower is responsible for any overdue fines accrued before the theft is reported to the Library and substantiated with a police report. The Beauregard Parish Library may contact the borrower for further information and / or to collect the replacement fee.
  • Failure to adhere to any portion of the Hotspot Checkout Agreement will result in the patron’s Hotspot checkout privileges being permanently revoked.

 Hotspot Inventory Checklist

To be completed by staff & signed by borrower, if there is damage, please note it & contact IT.

Inventory

Cost

Checkout

Check-In

Hotspot

$79.99

Hotspot case

$10.50

Hotspot manual & security tape

$2.00

Hotspot charger & USB cable

$14.99

Physical damage

$25.00

Hotspot powers on successfully

Patron signature

Staff initials

Download The Hotspot Checkout Agreement

Laptop Checkout Policy

Chromebook Checkout Agreement

In this agreement, “we”, “us”, and “our” means the Library. “You” and “your” means the patron / user of the Library. The “property” is a Chromebook owned by the Library.

Terms: You will comply at all times with the Beauregard Parish Library’s Chromebook Checkout Agreement, incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof for all purposes. Any failure to comply may terminate your rights of possession effective immediately and the Library may repossess the property.

Title: Legal title to the property is in the Library and shall at all times remain in the Library. Your right of possession and use is limited to and conditioned upon your full and complete compliance with this Agreement.

Loss Or Damage: If the property is damaged, lost, stolen, or not returned, you will be assessed fees and charges up to $485. Loss or theft of the property or damage due to fire must be reported to the Library by the next day after the occurrence.

Repossession: If you do not fully comply with all terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to the timely return of the property, the Library shall be entitled to declare you in default and come to your place of residence, or other location of the property, to take possession of the property.

Term Of Agreement: Your right to use and possession of the property terminates not later than the last day of the checkout period, unless terminated earlier by the Library.

Appropriation: Failure to return the property in a timely manner and the continued use of it without the Library’s consent may be considered unlawful appropriation of the Library’s property.

Chromebook Circulation Summary

Chromebook borrowers must:

  • Be 18 years or older.

  • Have a valid government-issued picture ID with current address, and show this ID at checkout.

  • Have a valid Beauregard Parish Library card or LSW card in good standing for at least 3 months with a successful checkout and return, and show this card at checkout.

  • Agree to the terms of checkout by signing and initialing key points on the Chromebook Checkout Agreement.

Chromebook Checkout Agreement Review

Borrowers: Please read this entire document carefully and initial each of the lines below:

  • Chromebooks may not be used for any illegal purposes.

  • Chromebooks are checked out for a period of 7 days. The borrower is eligible to check out another Chromebook 7 days after the last Chromebook check-in.

  • Chromebooks may only be checked in or out during open hours, ending 30 minutes before closing time.

  • Chromebooks may not be renewed under any circumstance. If the Chromebook is not returned on time, an overdue fee of $10 per day will be assessed to the borrower.

  • Chromebooks are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, they cannot be reserved or “held”.

  • Chromebook borrowers bear the responsibility for damage to the Chromebook and accessories due to neglect, abuse, loss, or physical damage.

  • Each borrower and family may only check out 1 Chromebook at a time, this means 1 Chromebook per cardholder and per address.

  • If a Chromebook is stolen, the borrower is responsible for any overdue fines accrued before the theft is reported to the library and substantiated with a police report.

  • Failure to adhere to any portion of the Chromebook Checkout Agreement will result in the patron’s Chromebook checkout privileges being permanently revoked.

Chromebook Inventory Checklist

To be completed by staff & signed by the borrower, if there is damage, please refer to the Damage Log.

Inventory

Cost

Checkout

Check-In

Chromebook

$320 (Lenovo 14e)

$400 (Lenovo 14e Gen 2)

Chromebook case

$20.00

Chromebook guide & manual

$5.00

Chromebook power adapter & cord

$60.00

Physical damage

$25.00

Chromebook boots successfully

Patron signature

Staff initials

Download The Laptop Checkout Agreement

Meeting Room Policy

 Meeting Facilities Policy

The Beauregard Parish (Public) Library makes available its meeting facilities in keeping with the Library’s goal of providing information and services that promote lifelong learning and/or enhance a love of reading to enrich Beauregard Parish residents’ quality of life. 

The Beauregard Parish Library Board of Control has adopted the Library Bill of Rights and this meeting room policy reflects Article 6 which states, “Libraries which make exhibit space and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of beliefs or affiliations of individual groups requesting their use.” As such, meeting room use does not imply the Beauregard Parish Library’s endorsement or support of any ideas expressed in the meeting nor of any goals, objectives, or ideologies of the person or organization using the library facilities. 

If any question is raised about the goals or activities of any organization, group, or individual requesting use of the Library’s meeting room, the Library Board shall be the final authority in granting or denying permission for use of the room. 

What facilities are available? 

Branches do not have meeting facilities. The following are / will be available at the Library’s DeRidder headquarters: 

Meeting room (occupancy maximum: 50 or 33 with tables) 

Small conference room 

3 Study corrals (anticipated availability: 2011) 

The meeting room is the only facility available for reservation; all others are used on a first-come, first-serve basis during open hours. 

Who is eligible to use the meeting room? 

  • Government agencies
  • Other not-for-profit groups in need of specific library services
  • Groups where a library employee is acting as presenter
  • Partner agencies 

Proposed addition: 

  • Organizational members of Friends of the Library
  • Individual / Family members of Friends of the Library, where the meeting attendees number more than 3 but less than 10.
  • Beauregard Parish educational, civic, and/or cultural clubs and organizations 

General Rules: 

  • Library events may preempt any other scheduled activities.
  • There is no charge for using the meeting room during open hours. When applicable, however, fees may apply for setup and cleaning charges, etc.
  • Admission must be open to the public and free of any and all charges.
  • The meeting room may not be used for personal or social gatherings such as birthday parties, dances, showers, etc., nor may it be used for religious services or political rallies, caucuses, or campaigns for specific partisan issues or candidates. HOWEVER, religious study groups and political forums are permitted.
  • The meeting room must be restored to its original condition and the premises vacated prior to the library’s closing time. Requests for after-hours use must be made explicitly at least 2 weeks in advance of the program, and fees may be charged.
  • Solicitation, money-raising activities and/or sales are not allowed. The Library and the Friends of the Library reserve the right to hold sales relevant to the Library.
  • Any group composed of minors (under eighteen years of age) must have an adult chaperone attending the meeting. This person must also sign the meeting room application form.
  • Children must be supervised by an adult at all times, even if that adult is attending a meeting or program, Library staff may attend or observe any meeting or program at any time.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for losses or damages suffered due to meeting room use by the applicant, its guests, members, or participants.
  • Meeting attendees must not disrupt other library services, block entrances/exits of building or restroom facilities 

Scheduling and Advertising:

All applications must be made in writing (see Meeting Room Form) and must be made no less than 7 days in advance of the program. Application for after-hours usage of the meeting room must be made no less than 2 weeks in advance of the program. Reservations can be applied for up to 2 months in advance. 

To ensure that no one group monopolizes the meeting room schedule, no one group may hold more than 6 meetings in the Library’s meeting room in any 6 months. 

The applicant must sign an agreement for use and replacement of any damaged items before the usage of the meeting room shall be allowed. The Library, in its discretion, may cancel or propose changes to the meeting room schedule at any time. 

All advertisements, flyers, press releases, etc. must clearly state the organizational sponsorship as well as stating that the meeting is not sponsored by the Beauregard Parish Library. Exceptions to this will be made in certain instances where the Library is acting as a sponsor or partner. 

The Library Board expects that any group using the Library’s meeting room will act in compliance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide for their meeting and materials to be handed out at their meeting to have a variety of accessible formats in response to any request. All advertisements and public notices, regardless of format, should include a statement regarding the availability of accommodations. 

Sample statement: “If you need an interpreter, materials in alternative formats or other accommodations to access this meeting or program, please contact (name of person/organization) no later than one week in advance of the scheduled meeting date.” 

Technology, Equipment, and Supplies: 

The Library will provide: 

  • trash bin(s) with liner 
  • tables and chairs 
  • podium
  • one easel

The Library cannot provide refreshments, cleaning supplies or catering services. Select other equipment may be available upon request. The applicant is responsible for setting up a pre-meeting time to come in and try out personal and/or Library equipment to ensure compatibility. The applicant is also responsible for setting up, operating and properly putting away all equipment including personal and Library owned. Any damages to Library equipment are the responsibility of the applicant.

Wireless Technology in the Meeting Room: 

The Library provides data line and wireless access. These resources are shared by patrons throughout the building – including the meeting room. The Library provides a high-speed line and multiple access points to boost the signal, but capacity issues may arise if a large number of users all access these systems at once. While we monitor our systems closely, we cannot guarantee wireless compatibility or uninterrupted wireless service when groups are using the meeting rooms. 

Setup and Cleanup: 

Applicants are welcome to rearrange meeting room furniture to suit their needs, with library staff approval and following these guidelines: 

  • Exits must be clear at all times 
  • Aisles must be kept clear of clutter. At least one aisle measuring no less than 3 ft. wide should be available for traffic to reach the exits. 
  • Decorations must be approved by the Library prior to installation, and no decorations shall be affixed to any walls. 

Applicants are responsible for setup and breakdown. Help with this may be requested no less than 7 days in advance of the program and may be granted based upon staff availability. 

Meeting rooms must be left in the same condition as found. Applicants are responsible for cleaning up any spills. Any damages must be reported promptly to library staff. Replacement of any damaged items or furniture shall be the responsibility of the applicant. 

Light refreshments (coffee, soda, water, juice, cookies, fruit tray, etc.) ONLY are allowed with prior Library approval. The Library will not provide refreshments. 

Forbidden items: 

Smoking, alcoholic beverages, weapons, open flames, burning incense, and lit candles are not allowed. 

Adopted by Beauregard Parish Library Board of Control on June 2, 2010.

Download The Meeting Room Policy

Outreach Policy

The Beauregard Parish Public Library, as part of its mission to enhance the lives of community members, will participate in outreach programs. Outreach programs are defined as events, presentations, meetings, and conventions designed and/or sponsored by library staff members and representatives of approved cooperating agencies at locations outside of library facilities. Approved cooperating agencies include governmental, civic, and cultural organizations as well as non-profit organizations with needs specifically met by the library’s outreach programs. Organizations that do not fall under the umbrella of approved cooperating agencies will be provided with library materials specific to their needs in lieu of staff participation.

Adopted by Beauregard Parish Library Board of Control, May 2, 2012.

PROCEDURAL NOTES:

Requests for library staff attendance at non-library-sponsored events must be submitted in writing and received at least two weeks prior to the event date in order to provide time for approval review and preparation of materials. Requests must include specific information regarding the date, location, and duration of the event as well as the organization’s expectations of the library staff participant(s).

Privacy Policy

The Library considers all circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users with specific materials, all registration, overdue, and delinquent records and all other use of the library including reference, interlibrary loan, and reader services to be confidential in nature. This concept is elementary to the provision of quality library service in a free society. All policies and procedures adopted by the library must comply with the policy of user confidentiality.

Information will not be released to non-staff members from the registration, circulation, or other non-public files of the Library. Requests for information will be filled only with information given in public reference sources such as the telephone directory or the city directory. Staff are allowed to use non-public files for library related procedures and only in compliance with written library policy and procedure.

 Non-public library records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or investigative power. Upon receipt of such process, order of subpoena, the Library’s officers will consult with their legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance. If the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, they will insist that such defects be cured.

*** END POLICY ***

Additional Information From The Beauregard Parish Library:

Reference

Your reference questions are confidential and private between you and our staff, regardless of how we receive the question (phone, email, or in-person). Multiple members of staff may be involved in providing your answers, but we will not share your name, contact info, or identifiable question(s) unnecessarily with anyone outside our staff without your explicit permission.

Reading History

The Library does not keep a record of your borrowing activities after items are returned unless the item(s) is late, damaged, or lost. In all of these cases, the circulation record is deleted after any applicable charges have been settled.

Confidentiality of Patron Records Information will not be released to non-staff members from the registration, circulation, or other non-public files of the Library. See policy above for further details.

E-Learning & 3rd Party Vendors

Library vendors have their own privacy policies. Check individual associated sites (Overdrive, TumbleBooks, Tutor.com, Universal Class, et cetera) for more information on specific providers’ privacy policies. Sites may or may not be HTTPS.

Newsletters

Some newsletters, such as Dear Reader’s online book clubs, are provided through 3rd party vendors. Please visit their respective privacy policies for more information.

More About Privacy

If you’d like to learn more about online privacy, check out the Virtual Privacy Lab from the San José Public Library.

Helpful Publications From the Federal Trade Commission:

Data Breaches

Identity Theft

Online Safety

If you prefer printed copies of these FTC publications, please contact our library. We often have copies on-hand and will always be willing to order more.

Public Participation Policy

The Beauregard Parish Library encourages citizens to appear and present to the Board any matter relative to the improvement of the Library. This policy provides for an individual citizen or a group of citizens to be heard on a specific agenda item as listed on the official Board and/or Committee agenda. Presentations to the Board/Committee shall be allowed in accordance with the following guidelines: 

  1. A citizen who wishes to speak on a specific agenda item before a vote is taken shall contact the Library Director at least twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting. The request shall include the specific item or items they wish to speak on. 
  2. If a group of citizens are to be represented, one individual shall be selected in advance to serve as a spokesperson and shall be named with that request. 
  3. The person/spokesperson’s name and topic shall be given to the President/Chairman prior to the meeting. 
  4. Only discussion relevant to a specific agenda item upon which a vote shall be taken shall be allowed. Presentations shall be brief, yet include all pertinent facts and information concerning the agenda item. Presentations shall be limited to three (3) minutes, unless the time limit is waived by the Committee Chairman or Board President. 
  5. At the beginning of a presentation, the presenter is required to state his or her name, address, and the group, if any, that he or she is representing. 
  6. Persons appearing before the board are encouraged to provide a written copy of their presentation, and any additional information, for study and consideration by the Board and staff. 
  7. Speakers may offer objective criticism of library policy, administrative procedures and programs, but the Board will not /shall not hear charges or complaints against individual employees or elected officials in an open meeting. All such charges and complaints must be presented to the Library Director and Board in writing, signed by the complainant. The President or Committee Chair will immediately bring this to the attention of any speaker who does not adhere to this guideline. 
  8. In the event that the Board should add an item to its agenda after the Board meeting begins, the President or Committee Chairman shall orally request of the audience whether anyone in attendance would like to speak on the added agenda item. 

The Library vests in the Board President or presiding officer, the prerogative to determine whether or not a given speaker is acting within the guidelines of this policy, and full authority to invoke termination of the remarks of any person. 

Persons appearing before the Board are reminded, as a point of information, that, although requests may be directed to the Board, action and answers to many questions may be deferred pending Board and/or staff study and for consideration by the Beauregard Parish Library. 

Adopted: Feb 6 2019

Social Media Public Policy

Definitions

Social media/networking, for the purposes of this policy, is defined as any electronic service that allows users to create or join online communities sharing ideas, messages, pictures, videos, and other content. Examples include but are not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

“Posting” or “post” is the creation of any link, picture, text, video, or other content written, shared, or placed on any social media platforms.

Public Behavior on Beauregard Parish Library Social Media / Networking Forums

Any comments or posts made by the public on Beauregard Parish Library’s social media accounts are not the opinions nor views of the Beauregard Parish Library (the Library).

The Library assumes no liability regarding any interaction that takes place among participants in any social media forum. The Library does not endorse nor review content outside the forums by the Library staff under the guidance of the Library Director. Participation in the Library’s social media/networking forums constitutes agreement with all Library policies, including this Social Media Policy and acceptable use of the Internet, as well as the Terms of Service of each individual third-party service.

Just as patrons must follow rules of behavior in the Library’s physical buildings, so must patrons follow rules of behavior when interacting with the Library’s social media accounts. The Library reserves the right to remove users’ posts wholly or in part if library staff deems the information to be any of the following:

  1. Obscene or pornographic
  2. Abusive, hateful, threatening, profane, or violent
  3. Violating any local, state, or federal law
  4. Advertisements or Spam
  5. Containing privileged or proprietary information
  6. Violating any policy of the Library

Posts removed for these reasons shall be archived. Repeated violations may result in an individual or group’s blockage from commenting, posting, or otherwise interacting with the Library’s social media account(s).

The Library will periodically evaluate its online presence and social media accounts, which may be discontinued at any time.

Adopted by Beauregard Parish Library Board of Control, August 3, 2020

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