Mission and Goal Statements

1. The Chapman Public Library Mission Statement guides the selection of Materials as it does the development of services and the allocation of resources. This Statement articulates board principles for library programs and services.
2. The mission of the Chapman Public Library is to provide the contemporary library resources, services, and programs necessary to meet the informational, educational, cultural, leisure, and recreational needs of the Chapman community residents in an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful, and professional.
3. The general library goals of the Chapman Public Library shall be:
4. To serve all residents of the community and the surrounding region.
5. To acquire and make available to all residents, books, periodicals, pamphlets, and other services. These services include being well informed, locating answers to important questions, cultivating the imagination, and creating expression, developing skills for career and vocational advancement, and enjoying leisure by reading and other media services.
6. To acquire the means to provide the most frequently requested material locally and other resources available.
7. To maintain a program of services which locates information, guides reading, organizes and interprets material for people of various backgrounds, and stimulates thinking and intellectual development in individuals of any age.
8. To strive consistently to discover new methods and ways to improve services to library customers.
9. To regularly review these goals of the Chapman Public Library and, if necessary, revise the considering new developments.

Who May Use the Library

1. Patron Use of Library: K.S.A. 12-1227. Use of library; rules and regulations. Every library established under, or governed by the provisions of this act shall be free to the use of the inhabitants of the municipality in which located, subject always to such reasonable rules and regulations as the library board may adopt and said board may exclude from the use of said library and all persons who shall willfully violate such rules. The library board may extend the use and privilege of such library to nonresidents of the municipality and make exchanges of books with any other library upon such terms and conditions said board may from time to time by its regulations prescribe.
2. The library will serve all residents of the community and the public library system area. Services will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; or sexual orientation.
3. The use of the library may be denied for due cause. Such a cause may be failure to return library materials, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises.

Patron Responsibilities and Conduct

It is a patron’s responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior to protect their individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the library and from the use of the library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be subject to law enforcement.

Young Children

The Chapman Public Library encourages visits by young children, and we desire to make visits memorable and enjoyable. The library staff does not care for or supervise children, except to the extent needed to uphold library rules and conduct and use. It does not accept responsibility for such care. Parents or other caregivers are responsible for their children’s behavior. Therefore, it is library policy that all children under the age of eight must be accompanied by a parent or designated solely for the responsible person while in the library. Children aged nine and older may be left unattended providing they are mature enough to stay alone and observe proper conduct. Such children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the library.

1. Children nine (9) years of age and older may use the library unattended, subject to maintaining proper standards of behavior. Special events or programs children nine (9) and over may attend that do not require parental or guardian presence, however, they will be expected to maintain a code of conduct.
2. All children eight (8) and under, and children of any age having needs related to physical or mental ability requiring special accommodations, shall be attended and adequately supervised at all times by a parent, legal guardian, or an individual (14) years of age or older. The person in charge of such children must be on the library premises at all times for leisure or special programs or events.
3. Children left unattended in the library in violation of this policy may be considered a child in need of care, and the matter should be referred to the appropriate authorities.

(Amended on June 11, 2024)

Behavior 

Enforcement: Staff may have the authority without limitation to issue informal warnings regarding conduct inside the library and at library functions. Library staff are authorized to give firm and courteous suspensions/bans based on the code of conduct. Patrons will be suspended or banned till their case may be reviewed by the library director and/or board. Suspension and prohibitions will be based on case-by-case situations, the guidance of the policies, and a review of the problem.

Staff will follow enforcement based on conduct with progressive warnings or immediate ban guidelines. A list may be viewed by patrons by following a QR code, on the library’s website, or by reading the printed copy posted in the library. The behavior conduct list includes behaviors but is not limited.

Progressive Enforcement:

1. Warning
2. Expulsion from all library grounds and programs for the remainder of the day
3. Suspension from all library grounds for one month
4. Suspension for one year and/or permanent ban from all library grounds

Immediate Suspension and/or Permanent Ban

Certain activities and behaviors constitute contact with and enforcement by the Police Department or otherwise constitute an immediate and more serious threat to the welfare of the library staff and its patrons, and for which the director and library board are authorized to immediately impose a suspension from the library grounds and functions for a length of time. A set time will be determined by the director after a review of the problem. Time lengths will constitute for one day, one week, one month, one year, or another length of time.

Partial suspension and/or bans may also be placed on patrons of younger ages from using items within the library (e.g. computers, attending programs, or other items). They will have the opportunity to borrow books. Parents or guardians of a child under the age of 13 with a partial suspension and/or ban will need to be with their child at all times.

  The library recognizes that not all incidents are malicious, there are times when inappropriate choices were made. While we are not here to fill the place of counselor, parent, or other behavioral specialists, we do want to encourage and foster the love of reading in a safe environment. Parents or guardians of a child under a partial suspension/ban who do not stay with their child at the library will be provided with progressive warnings (see list above).

The library will not oversee or require community service from any patron with a suspension, ban, or partial suspension. If the family or guardians request a community service project, an of-age adult or guardian must be present with the child and oversee their community service project. This community service project will only be for patrons under suspension at the library. The Chapman Public Library will not offer or oversee community service projects from outside delinquent actions.

(Amended on June 11, 2024)

Reinstatement of Library Privileges 

Patrons who have been permanently banned from the library may request a re-evaluation of the banning and reinstatement of their library privileges.

Code of Conduct Related Banning

Requests for reinstatement of privileges lost due to behavior in conflict with the ‘Patron Responsibilities and Conduct’ policy must be submitted in writing to the library director. Requests should include a statement demonstrating an understanding of why the behavior that resulted in the loss of privileges is unacceptable in Library facilities and an affirmation that the patron is aware of and understands the expectations for appropriate behavior within the library.

Factors to be considered during the evaluation of the reinstatement request include the details of the incident that led to the banning, the status of the patron’s library account, and any other information that would attest to the fact that remediation of the behavior that led to the banning has been achieved.

Decision and Appeal Authority

The library director will make decisions about the reinstatement of privileges in all cases except those based upon threats or physical harm to another person or possession of a weapon within a library facility. Decisions of the director may be appealed to the Chapman Public Library Board. Decisions to reinstate privileges of patrons banned because of threats or physical harm to another person will be made by the Chapman Public Library Board.

Services of the Library

The library provides materials and resources for information, entertainment, intellectual development, and enrichment of the people of the community. The library should endeavor to:

1. Select, organize, and make available necessary books and materials.
2. Provide guidance and assistance to patrons.
3. Sponsor and implement programs, book lists, etc., which would appeal to children and adults.
4. Cooperate with other community agencies and organizations.
5. Secure information beyond its resources when requested. Utilizing interlibrary loans and other resource-sharing methods provided through the system and state.
6. Lend to other libraries upon request.
7. Develop and provide services to patrons with special needs.
8. Maintain a balance in its services to all age groups.
9. Cooperate with, but not perform functions of, school or other institutional libraries.
10. Provide services during hours which best meet the needs of the community.
11. Regularly review library services being offered.
12. Use media and other public relations.

Bylaws of the Library Board of Chapman Public Library

1. In accordance with Kansas law the library board of the City of Chapman shall consist of seven board members, approved by the City Council. By virtue of his office the mayor is an additional member having the same power to vote and the same responsibility as any other member. Board members are residents of the Chapman school district and do not receive compensation. The Director is considered the executive officer of the Board and has no vote.
2. Terms of Office. Original appointments are for staggered four-year terms beginning on April 30. After two consecutive terms a person is not eligible for re-appointment until two years have elapsed. The library director will maintain a record of all current board members, which includes contact information, appointment dates, expiration dates, and re-appointment eligibility.

Meetings

1. Regular meetings of the board shall be held the second Tuesday of each month at the library.
2. An annual meeting at which officers are elected shall be held in May of each year.
3. Special meetings of the board shall be call by the President or by the request of a majority of members. Written notice stating the time and place of any special meeting and the purpose for which called shall, unless waived, be given each member at least one day in advance of such meeting and no business other than that stated in the notice shall be transacted at such meeting.

Officers

Officers elected in the annual meeting for a term of one year shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Duties of Officers

1. The President shall preside at the board meetings, call special meetings, appoint committee, sign all contracts, and checks where required by law.
2. Vice President. The Vice President shall preside at any Board meeting at which the President is absent and shall perform duties assigned by the President.
3. The Treasurer shall monitor all funds and activities of the library accounting service, and payout said funds on order of the Board signed by the President and the Secretary where required by law. The Treasurer shall be bonded.
4. The Secretary shall record the proceedings of each meeting which will be presented for approval at the next meeting. The Secretary shall keep a permanent file of minutes, records, and take care of corrections.

The duly appointed library board shall have all management rights, authorities, and responsibilities as stated in Kansas Statute, 12-1225.

1. The library board shall select, appoint, and when necessary for valid reasons dismiss the director of the library in writing.
2. The board shall establish all other positions and all wage and benefit levels for all library staff.
3. The library board shall provide an effective turnover for new directors to assure that the director understands the policies and processes related to the daily operation of the library, reporting budgetary requirements that assure accountability and compliance with the law, expectations of the board in regard to administrative process and protocols, particularly as they relate to conducting effective and efficient board meeting, rules and requirements for state certification and any assistance which is provided by the Library to acquire and maintain appropriate certification. NCKLS will open a training spot in the A.P.p.l.e. program once a director has been enrolled for a year. The board president shall conduct an annual evaluation of the library director’s performance, at which time personal and management goals can be discussed and negotiated. These evaluations will be conducted on the employee’s anniversary date.

Director

The Director shall be considered the executive officer of the board and shall have charge of the administration of the library under the direction of the board. The Director shall be held responsible for the care of the building and equipment, for the direction of the staff, for the efficiency of the library’s service to the public, and for the operation of the library under the financial conditions set forth in the annual budget. Purchases up to $250 can be made by the director without consulting the library board. The Director shall attend all board meetings except those regarding their appointment or salary is to be discussed/decided.

Committees

Special committees for the study and investigation of special problems my be appointed by the president, with the approval of the board, such committees to serve until the completion of the work for which they were appointed.

Order of Business

The order of business at the regular meetings shall be as follows:

  Call to Order and Roll Call

  Reading, approval of minutes

  Financial Report 
  Approval of Bills
  Program Report
  Librarian Report
  Old Business
  New Business
  Adjournment

(Amended on June 11, 2024)

Quorum

A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a majority of four of the appointed board members.

Amendments

These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the board by the approval of a quorum of the appointed members, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been given the preceding regular meeting or has been emailed at least 14 days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be voted on.

Volunteers

The library board encourages individuals and groups to volunteer their time and efforts in the service of the Chapman Public Library, in appreciation of volunteer services, the library acknowledges the need to organize volunteer activities and provide for appropriate recognition befitting the benefit to the library and the communities it serves. Volunteers will not be paid for their services at the library. We will try to accommodate the volunteers’ interests, but not always. All volunteers must fill out an application and keep a record of their time. The library will not enlist the aid of volunteers who need community service hours due to trouble with the law. Additionally, all volunteers will be monitored by Chapman Public Library staff while they are serving. At any time, the director may dismiss a volunteer for any reason.

Salaries

A classification and salary schedule has been adopted by the library board. This schedule will be maintained as a separate document from this policy manual. The plan is subject to regular revision so that it will remain equitable for both the library and the staff.

No person employed in an exempt administrative, executive, or professional position as defined by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, shall be eligible for overtime compensation. The Director serves in such a position.

If a staff member works outside of their regular work hours and the number of actual hours worked per week totals more than 40, that employee may be given the option of compensatory time off in lieu of overtime payment. Compensatory time off in lieu of overtime payment may be “banked” but shall be used within three months of earning it. Employees must be agreeable to comp time in lieu of overtime payment and shall enter into a written agreement prior to the use of this provision. Banked comp time shall not be paid by the library unless the library prevents employees from using paid time off.

Vacation 

An annual paid one week vacation shall be granted to all employees after 12 continuous months of employment. Vacations must be taken within the following 12-month period. Vacation time shall not be carried over or accumulated from one year to the next.

Sick Leave

After 90 days of employment 16 hours of sick leave will be granted to all employees for the remainder of that calendar year.

Staff Birthday

Staff will receive one paid day off. Staff cannot use the paid birthday off during a program. Staff can only the paid birthday one a time a year, it cannot be rolled over into the next year. (amended February 2024, jm)

Holiday 

The library will observe all federal holidays and other vacation days as does the City of Chapman Administrative offices. From time to time, on special occasions, the governing body may designate other days as special holidays.

1.  Employees will be paid at their normal pay rate for holidays if they are regularly scheduled to work on the day which the holiday falls and will be paid for the number of hours regularly worked that day.
2. Holidays are not considered for the purpose of calculating compensable overtime in accordance with FLSA.

Chapman Fitness Center

The Chapman Public Library employees may use the Chapman Fitness Center free of charge while employed. Employees may access the building 24/7, excluding the Fitness Center’s paid classes. (added April 2025, jm)

Unexpected Closings

The library’s most valuable assets are its staff and patrons. There may arise unexpected occasions when the library would have to close, particularly those occasions that would place the library’s staff or patrons in harms way. Should inclement weather occur, a biological or chemical threat, or another unforeseen emergency, the library will be closed.

When there is a tornado warning or other unforeseen emergency, the library will close and send patrons and employees to their homes. If there is someone who cannot go home, they will be directed to the city storm shelter.

If there are other weather issues, the director will determine if the library should close. If the director is not available, the library assistant or Board President can make the decision. No time will be deducted from the regularly scheduled employee’s leave because of an unexpected closing.

Leave of Absence

Leaves of absence without pay may be granted to library employees for maternity, adoption, illness, travel or graduate or certification training. All leave is considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the Library Board. Leave for the director must be approved by the Library Board.

Requests for leave should be submitted in writing well in advance of the time when the leave is to begin. Written requests should indicate both a beginning and ending date for leave. Vacation time must be used before an unpaid leave will be approved for reasons other than maternity, adoption, or military training.

In some instances, it may be necessary to deny requests for leaves of absence. Leaves are a privilege and can be granted only if the best interests of the library can be maintained.

Bereavement Leave

Library employees are eligible for three (3) days of bereavement leave without loss of pay or sick leave credit in the event of the death in the immediate family, defined as spouse, children, brother, sister, or parents of either the employee or the employee’s spouse.

Military Leave

Library employees who are duly enrolled members of the National Guard, State Guard, or any other organized reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States shall be allowed a military leave of absence which has been ordered. The leave, under normal circumstances, will not exceed fourteen (14) days excluding Sundays and legal holidays, A copy of the order requiring attendance at military training sites shall accompany all requests for a military leave.

The library can assure no loss of wages if the employee wishes to turn all earnings from the training period into the library board. Benefits are not affected by the military leave if the leave stays within the fourteen-day parameter.

Jury Duty

In the event a library employee is called for jury duty, the library will release them and assure no loss of wages. If fees and expenses paid to jurors do not equal or exceed wages normally paid by the library, these fees can be turned into the library board and the employee will be paid their wages as usual.

Work Schedule 

Major changes in the director’s schedule or other circumstances may not be made without the approval of the library board.

Meetings, Conventions, and Workshops

The director, staff, and board attending continuing education opportunities to aid the library shall be allowed expenses at the discretion of the library board according to the amount appropriated in budget for such. The director, staff and board are encouraged to attend, and participate in continuing educational activities.

Disciplinary 

An employee of the Chapman Public Library may be dismissed for any action or behavior that causes the library’s image or operation to be diminished. This includes but is not limited to incompetence, misconduct, inattention to assigned duties, or unapproved absences from work.

Normal termination would be a final step which would follow:

1. Verbal and/or written warning(s)
2. Substandard performance appraisal
3. Suspension/termination

It is important that complete and clear records be maintained of all disciplinary processes for the protection of the employee and the library.

The library wants each employee to be successful in their job and will work with employees to eliminate deficiencies.

While notice of intent to terminate can be expected, the Chapman Public Library reserves the right to dismiss an employee without notice in cases involving theft, drug or alcohol abuse, criminal activity or in instances of significant misconduct.

Resignation and Retirement 

A library employee wishing to resign or retire from employment must notify the director of the library board as soon as practicable. The library requests a minimum notice of two weeks. For the library Director a notice of at least one month is preferred.

The employee must submit a formal, written resignation statement giving the exact date that employment is to be terminated. Between the time of the notice and the time when employment ends a final performance appraisal will be conducted.

Equal Opportunity Employment 

It is the policy of the Chapman Public Library to provide an equal employment opportunity for all qualified and qualifiable people. An equal employment opportunity shall be according to the provisions of State and Federal laws and regulations.

Drug Free Workplace 

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited while preforming work for the Chapman Public Library, whether that work is carried out in the workplace building or not. All employees shall abide, as a condition of employment, by the terms of this notice and shall notify the library director of the board within five (5) days of any criminal drug statute conviction or a violation occurring in the workplace.

Failure to comply with the above requirements shall be grounds for appropriate personnel action against such employee up to and including termination or such employee may be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Sexual Harassment 

Harassment based on sex is a violation of Title VII (federal law). Sexual harassment either verbal or physical, is an unlawful employment practice and will not be tolerated by the Chapman Public Library.

The Chapman Public Library accepts and adheres to all definitions of procedures outlined in the law as regards to sexual harassment. Any employee who engages in sexual harassment will subject themselves to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

Purchasing Statement

 The Library Board and the Director are committed to operating and maintaining the library in a fiscally responsible manner. This includes the purchase of goods and services for the library in an open and competitive manner to obtain the best value for public and private funds without sacrificing quality, flexibility, delivery time or the library’s services and reputation.

Regulations

1. The Library Director is responsible for managing all library services and operation, including the purchasing of goods and services as delegated by the Board. A board approved purchasing limit of $250 has been authorized for the director. Higher amounts must receive board approval.
2. Only the Director has the authority to enter into contractual agreements on behalf of the library.
3. Budgetary control is maintained by the Director, Treasurer, and the hired accounting firm.
4. Preferences will be given to purchasing from Chapman area businesses or suppliers when total cost, quality, availability, and timely delivery are comparable with other businesses or suppliers.
5. The Director and the Board will consult with the city personnel and/or City Council to determine the process for major construction and facility improvements that require engineering, architectural or other related expertise.
6. The Director will consult with the Board in the event of situations requiring the exception or significant interpretation of the policy.
7. In the event of an emergency, the Director has the authority to sign contracts to protect the interests of the Board.
8. The Director has the authority to sell or trade surplus library materials or equipment when it is in the best interest of the library and approved by the Board.

Materials Selection/Collection Development 

Objectives

The purpose of the Chapman Public Library materials selection policy is to inform the public about the principals upon which selections are made. Materials selection aims at maintaining a collection of materials to aid the individual in educational, informational, cultural, leisure or recreational pursuits.

Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs.

The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the section of materials and serves to acquaint the public with the principals of section.

Responsibility for Selection

The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the library director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Chapman Public Library Board.

Criterial for Selection

Whether purchased or donated, materials shall be considered according to the following criteria: however, an item does not have to meet all the criteria to be selected.

1. Suitability or subject and style for intended users.
2. Comments of reviewers, critics, and publishers.
3. Strengths and weaknesses of the existing collection.
4. Timeliness and accuracy of the information.
5. Reputation and authority of the author and publisher.
6. Purchase price and other budgetary considerations.
7. Contribution to the balance of treatment of a controversial subject.
8. Contemporary significance or permanent value.
9. Space requirements.
10.  Availability of materials through other libraries in the area.
11.  Demand in the community.

Interlibrary Loan

Because of the limited budget and space, the library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of this library’s collection.

In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Chapman Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network., and to try to have its current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.

Gifts and Donations

The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information the director can dispose of them as he/she sees fit. The same criteria of selection applied to newly purchased materials will be applied to gifts. Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of the patron. If the request meets the criteria established by the Board. It is desirable for gifts of or for specific titles to be offered after consultation with the Library Director. Book selection will be made by the director if no specific book is requested. The Chapman Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.

By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.

Weeding

An up-to-date, attractive, and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the library director and is authorized by the board. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.

Potential Problems or Challenges

The Chapman Public Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made based on anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely based on the principles stated in this policy.

Responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.

Registration

All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid local or patron account to borrow library materials.

Identification is required to obtain a card (a driver’s license or student ID is preferred, however any other official picture ID with current address may be acceptable)

Applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian given their consent before a new card can be issued. Parental approval is not required for children who are renewing cards.

Materials cannot be checked out until a library account is issued.

Loan Periods and Fines

The director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand such as for student projects, or materials added to the collection which are in a new format, e.g., computer software.

Reserves

Reserves may be placed by patrons either in person or over the phone. Patrons will be notified by telephone when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a reserve or for interlibrary loan services.

Notification for Overdue Material

A first notice is a phone call after the material is 5 days overdue. If the material is not returned, a postcard is sent when the material is one month overdue. Patrons who have been sent an overdue notice shall be denied borrowing privileges until those overdue materials are returned or paid for if lost and/or damaged.

Damaged Materials

If materials are lost or damaged to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for collection, the patron must pay the current replacement cost as well as processing fees. Notice of these charges will be sent to the borrower.

Confidentiality

Records of patron registration and circulation which pertain to identifiable individuals shall be regarded as confidential. As permitted by K.S.A. 45-221 (1) (23), they are deemed to be not subject to disclosure under the Kansas Open Records Act. Such records shall not be made available except pursuant to a valid process, order, or warrant.

The Chapman Public Library adheres strictly to all sections of this statute regarding the protection of the confidentiality of its users.

This policy shall not be so construed as to prevent the library from pursuing the return of, or payment for, overdue library materials.

Reference Service 

The Chapman Public Library

1.  Will provide information in the form of short answers to specific questions and guidance in locating material for patrons who appear in person, call on the telephone, or request information through correspondence.
2. Will assist patrons in the use of the library and teach basic research methodology, when appropriate (this includes providing help in developing a research strategy and advice on whether a trip to the library would be worthwhile for individuals who telephone).
3. Will provide bibliographic verification of items both in the library and not owned by the library and will assist patrons in obtaining materials through interlibrary loan, when appropriate.
4. May use not only the library’s resources in printed form but consult appropriate digital resources as well as the regional resource library and other agencies by telephone in pursuit of “ready reference” information.

Equipment Use 

Computers are available to patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge for the use of the computers. However, to make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a time limit for usage has been imposed. That time limit is 45 minutes if someone is waiting. Library staff are available for general assistance in using the computer. The staff is not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs, but tutorial manuals will be provided when available.

Downloading files to a flash drive is permissible. Data cannot be stored on the computer’s hard drive or the library’s network.

A printer is available. Black and white copies will cost $.50 per sheet and color copies will cost $.75 per side. Lamination services will be $1.00 a sheet, binding charges will also be $1.00. Charges must be paid when services are provided.

Disaster Policy

Fire

Do not panic, but do not underestimate the potential danger to customers or staff represented by a fire. Immediately call 911 and then clear the building.

The time to think about fires is before they happen. Familiarize yourself with the type, location, and application of the fire extinguisher(s) in the building. Orient all staff and volunteers to this information.

Health Emergencies

Staff members should exercise caution when administering first aid of even a minor nature because of the safety of the injured individual and the potential liability of the staff member. Without specialized training it is not advisable for staff to undertake more than keeping the sick or inured patron comfortable and protected from needless disturbance until medical help can be obtained. Since each case is unique, staff members should use their own judgement to do what is prudent and reasonable.

911 should be called immediately in the event of any serious problem.

No medication, including aspirin, should ever be dispensed to the public.

Bomb Threats

Immediately vacate the building and call 911.

Snowstorms

The library will follow the recommendations and actions of the city between 830 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closing during other days and hours will be at the discretion of the director. If the director is not available, the Library Assistant or Board President will make the decision.

Internet Use

General Mission

The Chapman Public Library provides access to the internet for library users.

The library also offers free wireless internet access to people who have their own portable wireless devices. This policy also applies to wireless use of the library internet connection (time limits do not apply). The internet offers information of every kind through a vast global network. This resource fits into the mission of the library.

User Responsibilities

To use computers in the library, all patrons must agree to:

1. Chapman public library social media guidelines are the same as established by the State of Kansas. All employees are personally responsible for the information they communicate online. Employees should ensure that their social media activities do not interfere or conflict with their job or commitments to the Chapman public library, or the customers of the library. 
2. Not access, create, or display information that is obscene as defined by Kansas law (KSA 21 4301) (KSA 21 4301 C).
3. Not disclose or disseminate personal information that could threaten or create vulnerability for any person or the library.
4. Not use library computers for any illegal or criminal use.
5. Respect the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data (US Code Title 17).
6. Not tamper with computer hardware and/or software or attempt to gain unauthorized access to any data or computer network.
7. Respect other users’ privacy and rights.

The library reserves the right to terminate an internet session at any time. Staff are authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network and ensure the fair and reasonable use of internet resources. This includes confiscating disks, requiring a user to leave the computer or the premises and contacting law enforcement authorities. Use of personal laptop computers in the library is also subject to the same user responsibilities.

The library’s wireless network is NOT secure. This library is not responsible for the safety of personal equipment, device configurations, security of data files resulting from connection to the library’s wireless access.

Children and Teen Services, Restrictions and Parental Responsibility 

Parents and legal guardians may restrict minors’ access to the internet by speaking with library staff.

Please read the following carefully:

1. The internet provides a dynamic tool for accessing valuable content and resources to support student learning and achievement.
2. The Chapman Public Library makes every effort to ensure that our youth are protected from exposure to internet materials that are harmful, inaccurate, or explicit. The library maintains a system of internet content filtering devices and software controls that meet federal standards established in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Filtering

All library computers are filtered for objectionable sites, this filtering service is offered free of charge to individual libraries through the Kansas State Library Association.

The Supreme Court ruled that under CIPA, an adult may choose to disable filtering for his or her individual use with verification of age from his or her library account.

Whether a computer is filtered or unfiltered, the library’s Internet and Computer Policy still prohibits access to objectionable material. Users must follow the guidelines of this policy.

Privacy and Confidentiality

The library does not monitor an individual’s use of any sites except when material displayed on the screen is not appropriate in a public environment and user responsibilities are violated. Patrons use the internet at their own discretion.

In general, the library will treat information on computers as confidential. Requests for disclosure of information regarding an individual’s use will be honored only if required by local, state, or federal law.  

3D Printer 

Chapman Public Library provides access, training, and technology to everyone and offers programs, materials and tools of creation to people who have limited access or opportunity. By offering access to technologies such as 3D printers we build digital literacy and ensure success in a digital world. This policy establishes how and under what circumstances the public may use the library’s 3D printers.

Please note: remote 3D printing is not available.  If you have 3D printing questions please email library@chapmanks.com

Rules governing use of library 3D printers

The library’s 3D printers are available to the public to make three-dimensional objects using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file.

1. The public will not be permitted to use the library’s 3D printers to create material that is:
2. Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
3. Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an imminent threat to the well-being of others, including but not limited to drug paraphernalia and weapons. (Such use may violate the terms of use of the 3D printer design software.)
4. In violation of federal, state or local laws or regulations regarding accessing, viewing, printing and distributing obscenity or child pornography.
5. In violation of another’s intellectual property rights or the 3D printer design software terms of use. For example, the printers shall not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, trademark or trade secret protection.
6. The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
7. Patrons will have the staff review the product prior to printing.
8. Cost: 3D printing at the library will charge $0.10 a gram with an initial charge of $1.00 for all prints.
9. Items printed from library 3D printers that are not picked up within seven days after completion will become property of the library and the patron waives all property rights in the printed object. Design files will be deleted by library staff at the time of printing or at the end of each day. Items must be picked up by the patron who printed them unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance.
10. Patrons may only use the 3D printer with the assistance of designated library staff and only after completing any required orientation. Damage to the printer will be subject to the library’s damaged materials policy.
11. The library’s 3D printers are intended for educational, entertainment and prototyping purposes. The library does not provide access to 3D printers for the production or sale of goods. Assistance with the use of the 3D printer by library staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgement, of any final use of the 3D object. Once in possession by the patron, the library expressly disclaims any and all personal injury or property damage caused by use or misuse of a 3D printed object.
12. It is the responsibility of the requesting patron to design their own creation and prepare it for printing in .stl file format with a file size no larger than 25MB. Library staff is available for consultation only. Digital designs are available from various file-sharing databases such as the app Ankermake and Tinkercad.
13. The patron must clean their own rafts and supports. Small bumps or holes and rough edges on the object may occur. These can be cleaned up with fine sandpaper or other tools.
14. Patrons must reserve the 3D printer with the library staff prior to use.

Security Camera Use 

The Chapman Public Library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for staff and patrons. In pursuit of this objective, the library premises are equipped with video cameras. The library’s video security system shall be used only for the protection and safety of patrons, employees, and property, and to assist in law enforcement. The system is intended to complement and not replace other library security procedures.

The security Camera System is a closed network of cameras utilized to capture images and transmit them for display on a limited number of monitors.

1. Only the director or employees designated by the director are authorized to access or operate the video security system. Reproduction or storage of images is restricted to the director and the library assistant.
2. Reasonable efforts shall be made to safeguard the privacy of patrons and employees.
3. With the exception of records retained for criminal, safety or security investigations, the library will not maintain a copy of recordings for longer than the 30-day recording cycle.
4. The director may use a still shot or portions of the recorded data to request a law enforcement review for assessing a security risk or investigating a crime.
5. For investigations initiated by law enforcement agencies, recorded data will be made available to law enforcement upon presentation of a valid court order. Only the director or library assistant will be authorized to release images to law enforcement.
6. The digital video recorder and recorded data shall be considered confidential and maintained securely.
7. The system cannot be used for live monitoring unless there is a significant rule violation or security situation.
8. Signage shall be posted to inform the public of the presence of security cameras.

(added March 2025)