Policies

Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:29pm
  1. The mission of the Harris County Public Library System is to provide information and resources to enrich lives and strengthen communities through innovative services within and beyond our walls. Throughout its history, the Library has made information available in a variety of formats. The Library's computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from the Internet linked information networks from around the world -- with the Library's other resources, enhancing the Library's existing collection size and depth.

  2. The Library exercises discretion in the selection of materials for inclusion in its collection, including materials it makes available on the Internet. To help guide users to the best electronic content, the Library has created web pages designed for the general population, children, and teens. The Library’s staff is also available for assistance in using online resources.

Circulation Policy

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:17pm

Checkout

  • Customers must have a library card in order to check out materials
  • Children may not check out videos and DVDs.
  • Reference items may not be checked out.
  • Customers will be limited to 10 DVDs and 10 Videos on an adult library card at any one time.
  • Customers may have a total of 75 items checked out at any one time.

Loan Periods

  • Two weeks (14 days): Most books, magazines, audiocassettes, and CDs
  • One Week (7 days): Videos and DVDs

Renewal

Computer Use Policy

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 10:10am

HCPL provides computers for public use for access to the library catalog, a variety of software programs, and the Internet. At this time, the Library does not provide electronic mail accounts to the public.

Confidentiality of Library Records

Submitted by admin on Wed, 05/04/2011 - 2:41pm

The Texas Public Information Act provides that all information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental bodies, (except in those situations where the governmental body does not have either a right of access to or ownership of the information, pursuant to the law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business) is public information and available to the public during normal business hours of any governmental body.

The Texas Public Information Act, however, provides a list of exempted records, one of these being records of a library or library system, supported in whole or in part by public funds, that identify or serve to identify a person who requests, obtains, or uses a library material or service.

Copyright

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:22pm

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use". Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user: the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Display of Materials Policy

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:23pm

The policies and procedures for displaying informational brochures, flyers, pamphlets, posters or arts and crafts, are established herein.  Display of these items does not constitute an endorsement by the County or the Library.  The responsibility for implementing this policy and for displaying the above items rests with the individual librarian in charge of the building where the brochures are to be displayed. The Library Director retains final authority for implementing this policy.

I. Inside Library

Guidelines for Photo Permissions

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/21/2010 - 10:24am

Use the Release of Photograph and/or Name Form (en Español):

For Models: Use the form when taking a posed photo of a library customer. They are acting as a model and need to sign a photo permission form. Example: a family poses with their favorite books for a READ poster

For Close-ups: Use the form when you take a close-up picture of a library customer. Example: you take a close-up photo of a child singing at storytime because of the expression on that child’s face

Release of Photograph and/or Name Form Not Required:

Interlibrary Loan Policy

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:27pm

Online ILL Form - Requires an email address.

Interlibrary loan is the process a library uses to borrow materials for customers that are not owned by that local branch library or by the library system that local branch is a part of.   Materials borrowed from other libraries and library systems for local library customers do not fall under the same borrowing guidelines as locally owned materials would.  Varying check-out durations, fees for borrowing materials and special handling may apply.    

Library customers with a current Harris County Public Library card in good standing may place an interlibrary loan request after consultation with a librarian at their local branch library.  This consultation will determine whether or not interlibrary loan service (ILL) is the best method to assist that customer with their need for information or materials. 

Katy Meeting Room Policy

Submitted by admin on Thu, 05/21/2009 - 3:12pm

Online Application for Use of the Katy Meeting Room | Print Application for the Use of the Katy Meeting Room - This form must be submitted to the branch library at least one week in advance of the date requested. It is strongly recommended that you contact the branch before submitting an application to determine availability. Submitting a form does not guarantee that dates are available.

Library Program Policy

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:30pm

Harris County Public Library strives to give outstanding service to every child.  Our pledge is to make the best possible use of our resources to enrich the experience of all children whether they are accompanied by a parent or in the care of an unrelated individual when visiting our libraries.

Materials Selection Policy

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:32pm

Harris County Public Library has adopted the following policy in accordance with its Mission Statement:

Harris County Public Library provides information and resources to enrich lives and strengthen communities within and beyond our walls.

 

The Harris County Public Library Materials Selection Policy serves to guide librarians and inform the public regarding the principles on which library materials are selected and maintained.

 

Meeting Room Policy

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:34pm

Online Meeting Room Application | Print Application for the Use of the Meeting Room - This form must be submitted to the branch library at least one week in advance of the date requested. It is strongly recommended that you contact the branch before submitting an application to determine availability. Submitting a form does not guarantee that dates are available. Katy Branch Library Meeting Room Policy & Application

Problem Behavior Policy

Submitted by Grace Lillevig on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 3:35pm

A. Disruptive Behavior

Disruptive situations are defined as those behaviors exhibited by customers that interfere with other customers' rights to use the library.  It is the policy of the Harris County Public Library that staff members enforce library rules, policies and standards of behavior equitably among library customers.

Guidelines For Dealing with Problem Behavior