Policies
Patron Registration Policy
Residents and landowners of any member county or municipality of the Plum Creek Library System are eligible to receive a library card at no cost. The following groups are also eligible to receive cards:
- Children under the age of 16 may receive a card at no cost if the application is signed by a parent or legal guardian. Member libraries may choose to raise this age.
- Minnesota residents with a valid card from their home library living in an area that participates in the Minnesota Reciprocal Borrowing Compact may register and borrow at no cost. Residents of the Pioneerland and Traverse des Sioux regions may be issued a card without a card from their home library, depending upon local policy.
- South Dakota residents who attend the Pipestone school district or with children who attend the Pipestone school district may receive a card at no cost.
- Individuals and families may receive a non-resident card good for three years at a charge of $5. This includes residents of other states and residents of communities in Minnesota that do not participate in the Minnesota Reciprocal Borrowing Compact.
- Businesses, institutions, and organizations may receive a card under the same terms as individuals. The card application must be signed by the owner, president, treasurer, or other signatory eligible to take responsibility for the materials borrowed on the card.
Plum Creek Library System requires public libraries using its shared ILS to use the Plum Creek card application, which includes a Tennessen warning. Cards will not be issued to patrons who do not provide the information marked with an asterisk(*) on the application form.
- Identification must be a valid driver's license or state identification card, tribal identification card, passport, or immigration identification with a photograph.
- If the address on the identification is not current, proof of current address must be provided by showing a check, piece of business mail, or other item.
Library Card Renewals
Patrons must renew their cards every three years. Those with a name change must complete a new registration form and the old one must be destroyed. Twice a year, Plum Creek will purge all patron records that have no fines or fees and have been expired for three years.
Fines
Each library will determine whether to charge fines and set its own rates. Fines for overdue items are determined by the lending library’s circulation policies, regardless of which library owns the item.
If a library collects $5 or more in fines or fees at one time that were assessed by another library, it will forward the amount to the library that assessed them.
Overdue Materials
Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their cards. Each library is responsible for contacting all patrons with overdue materials a minimum of two times, regardless of who owns the materials:
- At 38 days, a library must contact the patron either via mail, email, phone call or text message.
- At 68 days, the library must mail a Legal/Bill notice, citing MN Statute 609.541 subdivision 3, which considers unreturned library materials a petty misdemeanor.
Although this policy only requires two contacts, Plum Creek encourages all libraries to leverage the ILS’s email program to contact patrons more often, including notice of upcoming return dates and after the one week grace period is up. If requested, the owning library may contact the lending library about overdue materials and ask what contacts have been made. The owning library may reach out to the patron to request that the material be returned after first contacting the lending library. The owning library will place a note in the patron record when they have contacted a patron.
The lending library will place a restriction in the patron’s record when an overdue or Legal/Bill notice letter is returned as undeliverable or a phone number has been disconnected.
Suspended borrowing privileges
Patrons may not borrow materials if:
- They have $5 or more in fines and fees.
- They have any item overdue for a week or more.
MNLink ILL Lost Materials
Costs associated with lost MNLink interlibrary loan materials (those borrowed from other regions) are first, the responsibility of the patron who borrowed the materials; second, the responsibility of the Plum Creek member library from which the materials were loaned; and ultimately, the responsibility of the Plum Creek Library System. If Plum Creek pays for an item, the library where the item was checked out will receive an invoice. If not paid within 60 days, Plum Creek will suspend borrowing privileges for the library and/or customer.
Approved by Advisory Council November 10, 2021
Approved by Governing Board December 29, 2021
Minnesota Statute 13.04 provides that individuals on whom data is stored by a government entity have the right to know what data is stored, how the data will be used, and what happens if the individual refuses to provide it.
Minnesota Statute 13.40 provides that patron records are private and that information linking a patron to materials requested or borrowed or with a subject about which the patron has requested information may not be disclosed without a court order except for library purposes.
Card applications will be kept by the library that accepts them, either in print or electronic format, until the patron record is deleted from the ILS. Libraries will keep the applications in a secure location or on a secure server if they are stored online.
Plum Creek Library System will delete records for patrons whose records in the ILS have been expired for at least three years. The records will be deleted at least once per year and a list of the deleted records will be sent to the library that entered the record so that the applications may be removed from storage and destroyed. Libraries will destroy the applications within 60 days of receipt of the list of deleted patron records.
Patrons may consent to permit libraries to use email addresses to communicate via email about programs, services, and fundraising efforts. Patrons that choose to take advantage of opt-in communication may unsubscribe at any time by contacting their local library.
Approved by Governing Board December 29, 2021
Libraries on the Plum Creek ILS will share their materials to the greatest extent possible, but they may create collections that are restricted to use at the library or to borrowing at the owning library. Such collections should be limited in size and number. Examples of such collections are local histories that are no longer available for purchase or a reference collection. Broader categories such as entire genres must be made available for lending to other libraries through the ILS. All materials must be available to fill holds immediately upon addition to the collection.
Each library must run its holds list and fill the holds on it each day the library is open. Holds will be filled using a "local holds filled first" feature in Koha: if a library owns an item, patrons choosing that library as their home library will have their holds filled before holds for patrons at other libraries regardless of their place in the hold queue.
Items with holds may not be renewed.
Approved by Advisory Council 2/9/22
Approved by Governing Board 2/17/22
Libraries are public spaces and those who use them do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Photographs may be taken during library programs and posted to websites maintained by Plum Creek Library System on behalf of a member library at that library’s request.
If a close-up photo is taken of one or two people, a photo permission form will be acquired by the library and a copy will be sent to Plum Creek Library System before the photo will be used. The permission form must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian for children under the age of 18. The library will use a permission form provided by Plum Creek Library System.
This policy only applies to webpages maintained by Plum Creek Library System.
Approved by the Advisory Council February 7, 2018
Approved by the Governing Board February 21, 2018
Data Practices Rights Advisory
("Tennessen Warning")
Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, library users must be informed of what private data is being collected, its uses and disposition (sometimes referred to as the “Tennessen warning”). By Minnesota law, information you provide in applying for a library card (other than your name) is private. Likewise, services you use, such as checking out materials and using the internet, are also private. This information is available only to you and to appropriate library personnel. You are not legally required to provide the information on the application, but you will not receive a library card if you choose not to provide the requested information. The personal information provided, including materials checked out, must be released pursuant to a court order or may be shared with another agency in pursuit of unreturned materials or excessive fines.
Aviso de los derechos respecto a las prácticas que rigen la información
(Aviso Tennessen)
Según la ley de prácticas que rigen la información en el estado de Minnesota, a los usuarios de la biblioteca se les debe informar en cuanto a la recopilación de información privada, sus usos y distribución (a lo que algunas veces nos referimos como “aviso Tennessen”). Según la ley del estado de Minnesota, la información que usted proporciona al solicitar una tarjeta para el uso de la biblioteca es privada (a excepción de su nombre). De igual manera, los servicios que usted utiliza, tales como sacar materiales prestados y utilizar la Internet, también son privados y esta información solo está disponible para usted y personal pertinente de la biblioteca. Usted no está legalmente obligado a proporcionar la información en la solicitud, pero si usted opta por no hacerlo, no recibirá la tarjeta para el uso de la biblioteca. La información personal proporcionada, incluyendo los materiales que se saquen prestados, se deben divulgar conforme a la orden judicial o se puede compartir con otra agencia en busca de materiales no devueltos o por multas excesivas.
DMCA Notifications of Claimed Infringement should be sent to:
Joel Sasse
Plum Creek Library System
PO Box 697
Worthington, MN 56187
507-376-5803 ext 2
jsasse@plumcreeklibrary.net
No PCLS trustee shall derive any personal financial gain or anything of substantial value, directly or indirectly, by reason of position on the PCLS board. Other than compensation, no employee may derive any personal financial gain or anything of substantial value by reason of employment by PCLS. PCLS trustees and employees may receive compensation for professional activities that advance the field of librarianship such as publications, presentations, and professional services. Professional activities that result in financial gain must be fully disclosed to the Board.
Each trustee and employee shall disclose any personal interest or the interests of immediate family members which may influence a matter pending before the Board. Trustees shall refrain from participating in any decision on such a matter.
No PCLS trustee or employee may solicit or accept from any person, directly or indirectly, anything of value if it could reasonably be expected to influence a PCLS trustee or employee’s official actions or judgment, or could reasonably be considered as a reward for any official action or inaction.
No PCLS employee may serve as a trustee of the Board or of a PCLS member library board.
Approved by PCLS Governing Board 2/16/22
Printable Conflict of Interest Policy for Board Members and Employees Policy
Each year the Director shall complete an evaluation of each employee within one month of their employment anniversary and report on the status of the employees to the Board of Trustees. Upon receipt of a successful evaluation, any regular full-time employees not at the top step of the pay scale for the position shall receive a step increase beginning with the first pay period following completion of at least one year of employment. Regular part-time employees will receive their first evaluation after one year of employment and completing their probation with 1040 hours of employment. The anniversary date for all employees will be set to the initial date of hire.
Approved by Governing Board 2/18/22
Outside employment is permitted for employees of PCLS as long as the employee’s work for PCLS is unaffected.
PCLS employees may not engage in outside employment that creates a conflict of interest with PCLS employment. For example, employees may not hold employment with a vendor conducting business with PCLS.
Outside work must not interfere with the employee’s normal working hours at PCLS and must not involve the use of PCLS equipment. PCLS employees may work for or contract with PCLS libraries with permission of the Director. In the case of the Director, outside work for or contract with PCLS libraries may be permitted with the permission of the Board.
Approved by PCLS Governing Board 2/16/22
Social Media Policy
PCLS’s social media accounts are created to engage member libraries and the community, promote services, and carry out the library system’s mission.
PCLS reserves the right to monitor content and remove messages or postings containing the following
- Comments containing hate language, vulgar, obscene, or libelous language
- Degrading content directed at others on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, socioeconomic status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or national origin
- Personal attacks against others
- Threatening or harassing postings
- False information
- Copyright violations
- Off topic comments
- Duplicated posts from the same individual
- Endorsements of specific products of services for advertising purposes.
PCLS staff is available to respond to comments and questions about this policy Monday through Friday during business hours.
Approved by Governing Board April 20, 2022
A Temporary Library Card from Plum Creek Library System is available to individuals who cannot provide address verification or are in temporary housing. Patrons with a Temporary Library Card may check out two physical items at a time and are limited to Books, Audio Materials, and DVDs. Temporary Library Cards may also be used to access library Internet computers and have full access to all online collections owned by PCLS. Temporary Library Cards expire after 90 days and can be renewed in person.
Approved by Advisory Council 5/11/2022
Approved by Governing Board 6/15/2022
Purpose of the Collection Development Policy
To guide the development and maintenance of collections owned and managed by the Plum Creek Library System (PCLS) for use by the patrons and staff of PCLS member libraries. To guide library selectors in the selection and deselection of materials. To inform regional residents of the criteria on which materials are evaluated for selection and deselection.
Definitions
Library materials has the widest possible meaning and may include books, electronic resources, audio-visual materials, web resources, and realia.
Selection is the process of deciding whether to add materials to the collection.
Deselection is the process of evaluating materials for removal from the collection.
A Selector is an individual that has been authorized to develop and maintain library collections.
Scope of the Collections
PCLS collects digital and physical materials and resources to connect the patrons and staff of the PCLS member libraries with resources and experiences that support learning and enrichment. Selectors aim to balance the needs of diverse communities and do not preference the needs of one user over others. The selection of materials does not indicate endorsement of the creator’s work. PCLS upholds the right of each person to select or reject materials for their own use.
Responsibility for Materials Selection
Responsibility for selection resides with the PCLS Governing Board. The Board delegates the authority to interpret and implement the application of the policy to the Regional Library Director, who in turn authorizes PCLS staff and member library staff to apply this policy in developing and maintaining collections.
Criteria for Selection
- Community needs
- Relation to existing collections
- Attention of reviewers and critics
- Timeliness and/or enduring significance
- Potential demand and patron recommendation
- Relation to Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund initiatives
- Cost
Criteria for Deselection
- Low use and/or relevance
- Condition
- Space considerations
- Availability from other sources
Items are withdrawn from the collection when they are unused for a specific period of time, no longer meet the needs of the community, are factually inaccurate, and/or are in poor condition.
Recommendations
PCLS welcomes recommendations for the purchase of materials by member library staff and patrons. A member of the selection committee will evaluate the recommended items based on the criteria for selection established by this policy.
Reconsideration
Member library staff and patrons may request the reconsideration of library materials by submitting a written Statement of Concern to the Regional Library System Director. The Regional Library System Director will evaluate the Concern and respond at the earliest possible date. The Regional Library System Director may consult with the selectors and if necessary, the Concern may be brought to the Governing Board for evaluation. Materials will remain in circulation until a determination is made.
Approved by Advisory Council 6/8/2022
Approved by Governing Board 6/15/2022
The Plum Creek Library System (PCLS) makes portable technology devices available to check out from member libraries for use by adult library users. The devices are made available to support the informational, recreational, and educational needs of the library users in the PCLS region.
Portable technology devices, such as Chromebooks, digital recorders, and video equipment available for loan to full privilege adult library card holders that are in good standing. Adults can check out portable devices for supervised use by minors.
The responsible adult agrees to assume any and all liability for the repair or replacement of PCLS devices in the event of loss, damage, negligence, or misuse. PCLS will not assume responsibility for lost files due to viruses, hardware malfunctions, and network interruptions.
Library users checking out devices with internet access must abide by the Internet Use Policy for the library from which devices are checked out. PCLS reserves the right to restrict or terminate device access to any library user who is misusing PCLS equipment or violating library policy. PCLS owned equipment with internet access is filtered in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) enacted by the United States Congress in 2000.
Portable devices must be returned in-person to staff at the service desk of the loaning library. Fees may be assessed to the library users account for the return of portable devices in book drops.
All user files will be deleted when the portable device is returned to the loaning library.
Approved by Advisory Council 2/8/2023
Approved by Governing Board 2/15/2023
Plum Creek Library System makes mobile hotspots available to adult PCLS card holders for check out to be used with mobile connected devices. Patrons agree to the following Library Hotspot rules and regulations.
Hotspots may only be used within the continental United States. Connecting to a hotspot outside of the United States may result in international access fees, for which the patron is responsible to pay.
Patrons must abide by all state and federal statues and laws related to internet access, including those regarding obscenity, pornography, and the delivery of any such material to minors. PCLS is not responsible for information accessed using the device or for personal information that is shared over the internet. Patrons are encouraged to use safe internet practices.
Lost or damaged devices will result in a $100.00 replacement cost charged to the patron and an additional replacement cost for hotspot components may be assessed up to $25.00 The total replacement cost for the hotspot kit will be $125.00.
Hotspots are provided according to availability to adult patrons and must be returned to the circulation desk of the library from which they were borrowed.
The device will be turned off should the item become overdue.
Approved by Advisory Council 2/8/2023
Approved by Governing Board 2/15/2023