Allan Shivers
Library &
Museum

Children's Room
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Use of Library Cards

A valid Allan Shivers Library Card must be presented in order to check out any library materials. A card that has been lost, stolen or destroyed can be replaced for a fee. Immediately report lost or stolen cards to the library, as you are responsible for all materials checked out on your card. Otherwise, staff will assume that anyone presenting your library card has been authorized to use it.

Allan Shivers Library Policy on Issuing Library Cards

• Any sober, well-behaved person may use the library materials in the library even if he or she does not have a library card.
• To secure a library card, the prospective patron's identification is established by use of his or her driver's license and by giving the librarian in charge information about place and address of employment, home address, telephone numbers, etc.
• All public school students in Tyler County's five school districts are eligible for cards while in school provided a parent or adult with whom they are living accepts responsibility for lost and overdue books.
• Teachers in the five Tyler County school districts may have regular cards while they hold a position here.
• Replacements of lost cards must be paid for; fees are set by the administrative board. No fee is charged if the card is kept until the expiration date.

Library
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Internet Policy

Our Internet computers are strictly for educational purposes and may only be used by those who have signed a contract. There is a 1 hour limit unless there are people waiting, then the time limit is 30 minutes.(If more time is needed for tests, or classes, arrangements can be made at front desk.)

Do not attempt to repair any library materials!

If a book has loose pages, a video or audio does not work, or you have any other problems with library materials, please inform the librarian at the front desk. Tell us what the problem is and we will either repair or replace the items as necessary. Fines may be assessed for damaged materials.

Return Policy

Books may be returned at the desk or in the book drop. Videos and audios must be returned to the desk. If they are placed in the book drop, a fine of $1.00 will be charged for each video or audio. A rewind fee will be charged for all returned items needing rewinding.

Programs Offered

We offer a home delivery service for those whom due to age or medical reasons can not come to the library themselves. Applications must be filled out for this service.

We also deliver on a regular basis to our community nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

For the younger ones we have Story Hour every Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Reference Questions

InfoLive! is a chat reference service with real-time online assistance by Houston Public Library staff as well as librarians nationwide. You can communicate live with a librarian from home, school, or work. We can provide brief answers to factual questions or suggest sources to answer your query through chat and e-mail services. Our reference librarians use a wide range of resources including the Internet and online databases to deliver answers efficiently and effectively. We can also offer assistance with search strategies. At the conclusion of your chat session, you will receive a transcript by e-mail for your future use. Click on "Info 24/7" link in site navigation menu, or Logo on home page.

Computers

We have computers programmed with the student in mind. They are wonderful educational tools, great for research projects and for enhancing your academic skills.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN POLICY

The Allan Shivers Library participates in the national interlibrary loan program that permits the library to borrow materials for its patrons from other libraries. This interlibrary loan service is available to all patrons whose record is clear of fines and overdue items. Books and photocopies of articles from periodicals not owned by Allan Shivers Library, or that are otherwise unavailable, may be requested for loan through interlibrary loan. Recordings, microfilm, and genealogy materials may be requested but are often difficult to obtain. Items owned by the library, but checked out to another patron, may not be borrowed through interlibrary loan unless the item requested is more that two months overdue.

The Allan Shivers Library does not charge for interlibrary loan service, however the patron is responsible for charges or fines imposed by the lending library. Every attempt will be made to borrow items from libraries that do not charge fees for loaning materials. If a patron does not wish to borrow an item if charges are imposed (such as insurance fees, lending fees, photocopying charges), this must be stipulated when the request is made. Fines for overdue materials and processing costs for lost items will vary with the lending library and are the responsibility of the patron.

The library may restrict the number of items requested by an individual patron or "meter" the number of items referred through interlibrary loan when necessary to ensure fair, equitable, and timely service within the constraints of budget and staffing. This action will only be taken in consultation with the patron and alternative sources for service will be suggested. Requests that staff determines may violate copyright laws will not be accepted. Photocopies received through interlibrary loan will be stamped with a notice of copyright.

Approved on August 20, 2004

Rosemary Bunch, Director