Circulation and Interlibrary Loan Policy

The following are rules and regulations of the Clifton Community Library. These are effective January 18, 2022 as amended by the Board of Trustees of the Clifton Community Library.

I. New Cardholders:
A. Complete a registration form and provide identification. Primary identification to be used is identification with a picture (preferably a Driver’s License) which has the individual’s current address. If the address information on the picture ID is not current, then another form of identification must be presented which verifies the individual’s current address (i.e. a piece of mail or bill). Individuals who do not possess a valid picture ID must present two documents that verify current address.

B. Children 14 and under must apply with a parent or guardian and that adult’s signature is required on their registration form.

II. Overall Policy:
A. Individual library card holders are allowed an overall limit of 10 items.

B. A patron’s library privilege expires after one year. The patron may renew their privileges after confirming their address, phone and email with library staff.

III. Loan Periods:
A. All items (except “new” items, magazines and videos) are loaned for 21 days.

B. All magazines and “new” items (except video) are loaned for 14 days.

C. All video items (DVD and VHS) are loaned for 7 days.

D. All reference items do not circulate.

IV. Holds:

A. Materials will be available for pickup for 5 days after they are processed.

B. Holds may be placed in person or over the phone or online.

C. There is a limit of 5 holds per patron.

V. Renewal Policy:
A. All items (except new items) may be renewed 3 times if there are no holds.
B. New items may be renewed once if there is no hold on the item.
C. Renewals are not allowed on items with holds.
D. Renewals may be done in person or over the phone or online.

VI. Overdues and Fines: The Clifton Community Library is a fine free library.
A. In the event that a patron has lost an item, the patron will be charged for the
replacement cost of the item.
B. In extenuating circumstances, a donation can be made in lieu of the fine.

VII. Damaged Materials:
A. If a book or other material is damaged beyond repair, the borrower is required to
pay the billed amount.
B. Borrowing privileges are revoked, until the damaged item is paid for.
C. In extenuating circumstances, a donation can be made in lieu of the replacement cost.

Confidentiality:
Library records that are deemed confidential are covered by New York State Law signed on June 13, 1988 (I CPLR 4509).
These records are related to the circulation of library materials that contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems, of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records. These records shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed upon the request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.

The Clifton Community Library adheres strictly to all sections of this Statute regarding the protection of the confidentiality of its users.

VIII. Interlibrary Loan:
The Interlibrary loan service supports the mission of the library by providing expanded access to library materials and information. The purpose of interlibrary loan is to obtain materials not available in the library. The library affirms that interlibrary loan is an adjunct to, not a substitute for, the library’s collection. In meeting patron needs, the library will exhaust local resources first, before requesting items on interlibrary loan.

Definition:
An Interlibrary Loan request is defined as a request for library materials made on behalf of a library patron through the Due North or OCLC systems.

A. Patron Status:
a. Patrons must have a library card in good standing to use the Interlibrary Loan service. A patron status of “Blocked” will deny ILL service.
b. Interlibrary Loan requests will not be processed for patrons with overdue Interlibrary Loan materials.