BCFLS Circulation Policy

These policies were revised January, 2006 and have been adopted by the member libraries of the Butler County Federated Library System.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

PA Driver’s License or ID with a current address – PA Driver’s License preferred.
Free Library Cards for residents of Butler County or patrons with an Access PA sticker.
$20.00 Non-Resident Fee, Non-Butler County residents or patrons w/o an Access PA sticker.
All registration forms must be signed.
Under age 18 must have a parent/guardian signature.
No age limit on obtaining a library card.
Replacement Card fee - $2.50 per card.
Only one registration per patron.
PATRON DATABASE

If a patron is in the database and has a barcode and card, their existing barcode and card is to be used.
If a patron is in the database and does not have a barcode and card, their existing patron record should be deleted and a new barcode and card issued. They are to be charged the $2.50 replacement card fee.
Patron records may not be deleted if fines or materials are attached to them.
Patron records should be deleted only when absolutely necessary.
CIRCULATION

All circulation criteria are calculated automatically by the computer.
Patrons must have a library card with barcode to check out materials. A patron may check out with a PA Driver’s License or photo ID in lieu of library card for up to three times per year. A notation will be made in the circulation record for each such use.
Renewals for items that are not on hold may be placed online, by phone, or at any Butler County Public Library. (The BCFLS automation system allows a maximum of three renewals.)
No limit on individual items – Library Director may restrict due to limited resources.
Subject limit will be at the discretion of the library director and dependent on demand and availability of library materials.
Limit of 25 items per card (subject to change).
Materials Class Codes, Patron Category Codes and Residence Codes may be changed only by the BCFLS System Administrator.
Patron loan history may be activated only on written request of Patron.
LOST MATERIALS

Patron will be charged the current replacement cost for lost materials.
FINES

All fine criteria and exceptions are calculated automatically by the computer.
All materials except videos and ILLs – 25 cents per day per item – BCTL has exceptions.
Videos and ILLs - $1.00 per day per overdue video – BCTL has exceptions.
Maximum Fine – cost of material as identified in the database or on the shelflist card.
Borrowing privileges may be suspended if fines are $5.00 or more.
Fines may be paid at any library and the patron record cleared. The receiving library retains all fine money. If a patron has been sent to the magistrate or police, fines may not be accepted in any amount. The patron must deal directly with the police or magistrate.
Using discretion, fines may be forgiven at any library and the patron record cleared. Fines may not be forgiven if a patron has been sent to the police or magistrate. The patron must deal directly with the police or magistrate.
OVERDUES

Libraries are expected to pursue overdue materials through the appropriate legal channels set up with the police and magistrate.
Overdue materials may be returned at any library. If a patron has been sent to the magistrate or police, overdue materials may not be accepted at the library. The patron must deal directly with the magistrate or police.
INTERLIBRARY LOAN

A $1.00 deposit will be charged for each ILL request. Money will be returned when material is picked up.
Any ILL charges incurred from another library may be passed on to the patron.
There will be no charges for ILLs except #1 and #2.
Only three ILLs may be requested at one time. No phone requests.
If requested, a one-week renewal may be approved for all materials. No extensions. No renewals through BCTL because of limited scheduling.
ILLs must be returned to the lending library.