The Teton County Library

Library Policies

 

 

New Library Cards

The Teton County Library offers a free library card to all area full-time and seasonal residents and employees. A library card grants borrowing privileges to the holder. It may also be used at most public libraries in Wyoming. Photo identification and a local mailing address are required to apply for a card.

Please have your card on hand for all Library services as its unique barcode guarantees accurate and private access to your record in the statewide library system. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be assigned to your new card to provide access to research databases and your library card account via the Internet.

Visitor Cards

Visitors from out of state can purchase a visitor card for a one-time fee of $10.00. Visitors are limited to checking out four items at a time.

Loan Periods and Fines

Item Type	Loan Period	Fine
Most Library Materials DVDs/Console games In-State Borrows Out-of-State Borrows	3 weeks 1 week varies varies	$ .10/day $ 1.00/day $ 1.00/day $ 1.00/day

Renewals

Most Library materials may be renewed twice, providing there are no outstanding requests for the items. You will need your library card to renew items in person, by phone or by using the online catalog WYLDCAT. Your PIN is required for online renewals.

Requests

Requests may be placed on items currently checked out or on order. You will need your library card and the author and title of the item you wish to request. You may place your request in person, by phone or through the online catalog WYLDCAT. You will be notified as soon as it becomes available. Prompt pick up is appreciated; we will hold items out of circulation for one week. If you are picking up an item on hold for someone else, you must bring that person's library card in order to check the item out.

Overdue Items

If you keep items two weeks beyond the due date, we will mail or e-mail you an overdue notice. A second notice will be sent after four weeks. At six weeks we will send you a bill for the retail purchase price of the outstanding material. At this time, you must either return the material or pay for it. Your library card will be blocked until you resolve the problem.

Lost/Damaged Materials

You are responsible for any library material checked out on your card. If an item is six weeks or more overdue, or lost or damaged beyond repair, you will be responsible for the full retail purchase price of the material. If one part of a set of materials is lost or damaged, you will be charged $10.00 per “part,” not to exceed the full retail cost of the new set.

Excerpts from Materials Selection Policies Principles of Materials Selection

Library materials are chosen for values of interest, education and enlightenment of all the people of the community. Materials are not excluded because of the race, color, nationality, sexual orientation or gender identity, or the political or religious views of the writer.

The library strives for the fullest practical provision of materials presenting a balance of viewpoints concerning the international, national and local problems and issues of our times. Materials of sound factual authority are not proscribed or removed from the library shelves because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. The library does not promote particular beliefs or views; it provides a diversity of resources for examination and comparison by the individual.

Selection of adult materials is not limited by the possibility that books may inadvertently come into the possession of minors. The content read, viewed, or listened to by minors is the responsibility of parents and legal guardians.

Censorship of material is to be challenged in order to maintain the librarian's responsibility to select materials which are carefully balanced to include various points of view on any subject.

Responsible selection is based upon a thorough knowledge of the community and its needs. Material selection may take into account the holdings of other libraries, organizations or businesses as part of the total material resources of the community.

Selection Criteria

Request for Reconsideration

1. Contemporary significance or permanent value.

2. Accuracy of information

3. Reputation and/or authority of author, editor or illustrator.

4. Literary merit.

5. Relation to the existing collection and to other materials on the subject.

6. Price and availability.

7. Suitability of physical form to the library use.

8. Scarcity of information in the subject area.

9. Availability of materials in other area libraries.

10. Presentation of all sides of controversial issues.

11. Technical quality in the selection of non-book materials.

Internet and Computer Use Policies

WYLDCAT the Online Catalog

The Teton County Library catalog is part of the Wyoming Libraries Database WYLDCAT. This database contains more than one million titles, and it provides access to the collections of most public and academic libraries in the state. Along with WYLDCAT, our public access computers also offer periodical indexes and a direct connection with State government information.

Internet Policies

The Teton County Library provides free public access to the Internet through wired and wireless access points as an informational, educational, and recreational resource. The library supports intellectual freedom, and does not control or censor databases or services available on public computers, or through the Internet. Use of the Library's Internet is subject to the Library's "Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records." The Teton County Library supports the American Library Association statement on Access Networks and its Library Bill of Rights.
The World Wide Web Internet connection provides access to other computer systems throughout the world. Some of the most current and up-to-date sources of information today are only available via the Internet. Network users are advised that some systems contain material that may be considered offensive, illegal, and/or inaccurate. Teton County Library computers can be used only for legal purposes. Patrons must adhere to copyright law. Out of respect for the rights of all library users, the library reserves the right to require the use of privacy screens. Engaging in disruptive or illegal conduct will result in suspension of computer privileges and potential prosecution.

Computer use policies
Users must observe posted time limits. Computers can be used only for their designated purpose. Patrons must not install files or abuse equipment. Patrons can save files to a USB or burn to a CD. The library is not responsible for loss of data.

Children's use of Library Computers
Pre-school children must be accompanied by an adult. We prefer that elementary age children are also accompanied by an adult. Parents/guardians must assume responsibility for their children's use of library computers and the Internet. The Teton County Library provides free, unfiltered public access to the Internet in two locations in the library-in the Adult Reference area and in the Youth Services area. Adults are not permitted to use the Youth Services Internet computers unless accompanying their child.

Computer Use Policies

Users must observe posted time limits. Computers can be used only for their designated purpose. Patrons must not install files or abuse equipment. Patrons can save files to a USB or burn to a CD. The library is not responsible for loss of data.

Children's Use of Library Computers

Preschool children must be accompanied by an adult. We prefer that elementary age children are also accompanied by an adult. Parents/guardians must assume responsibility for their children's use of library computers and the Internet.

Library Bill of Rights

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.