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Collection Checkout

Checkout for collection items is as follows: 
New books:  Two weeks with no renewals
Other books:  Three weeks with two renewals
Books on tape and CD:  Three weeks with two renewals
DVD/Video:  Two days with no renewals
Preschool and Nonfiction DVD/Video:  One week with no renewals
Back issues of magazines:  One week with two renewals

Overdue Fines

Books, books on tape and magazine:  5 cents per day
DVD/VHS:  $1.00 per day

Access to the Computer:  Access to the computer is available to all patrons.  A patron wishing to use a computer must possess a current library card and complete and sign the Computer Usage Agreement.  Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the library’s computers.  (Prior to being granted access to a computer, anyone under 18 years of age, along with a parent or guardian, must sign the Computer Usage Agreement in front of library staff.)

  Log On:  A patron wishing to use the library’s computers must present a current library card and if under eighteen have a signed Computer and/or Internet Usage Agreement on file.  The patron will sign up for their computer use by using the login software at each computer.  All access will be on a first come, first serve basis, although reservations for special circumstances will be accepted at the discretion of the library staff.

  Time limit per person:  Use is offered in 45-minute sessions.  If there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of the session, the user may have another 45-minute session but must abandon use within 15 minutes if another patron requests use of the service.  A maximum of 90 minutes per day is allowed unless the library staff grants special permission.

  Workstations:  No more than one person may use a computer workstation at a time.  Study group accommodations may be made with staff.

  If a CD is required patrons must ask the library staff to check it out for them.  Only one CD at a time may be used.  The first CD must be returned to the library staff before another CD is checked out.  No Software is allowed to leave the Library.

  No files or software (either from disks, memory sticks or internet downloads) may be added to the hard drive of the computers by anyone other than the Librarian or staff.  All personal files must be saved on a diskette if patrons wish to save them. Diskettes are available at the desk for a nominal fee  

Any form of vandalism to the computer will result in a fine of $1,000.00 or replacement value of the computer.  Vandalism will be reported to the Iron County Sheriff ‘s Department to investigate.  Vandalism includes any unauthorized passwords, viruses, etc.  Customer complaints will be handled according to existing Library policies.

  Library staff may be available to assist new users and answer questions.  However, they do not have time to provide in-depth instruction or technical assistance.

The Mercer Public Library is providing access to the Internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the library’s service area.  The Board of Trustees has established the Internet Usage Policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of this resource.

  Unlike the selection of library materials on library shelves, however, librarians do not select the offerings of the Internet.  Because not all Internet sites are accurate and complete, and some sites may be offensive, library users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment in accessing these sites.

  The Library is committed to providing its employees and patrons with an environment that is free from all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment; to prohibiting the display of obscene material, child pornography, and material that is harmful to minors; and to making every possible effort within constitutional limits to prevent minors from viewing materials that could be deemed harmful.

  The Library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus free.  The Library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user’s personal computer from the use of data downloaded from the Library’s Internet service.  Downloading from the Internet to the Library computer’s hard drive is not permitted.

  Due to National Security concerns, the library staff is unable to tell patrons if their Internet surfing habits, passwords and e-mails are being monitored by federal agents .

The Mercer Public Library provides an unfiltered wireless Internet Hot Spot.  This service is for patrons with Wireless-capable devices.  This service is intended to be available during the normal operation hours of the library.  However, the library cannot guarantee that wireless service will be available at any specific time.

Individuals need to know how to use their wireless device's configuration software to connect to the wireless network. Due to liability issues, the library staff will not configure patrons laptops or handheld computers to install any device or software on those computers.

The wireless Internet access we offer is unfiltered.  By choosing to use this free service and typing in the password, which you can receive from the library staff, you agree to abide by the Library's Acceptable Use policy.  This policy states the limitations of Internet access and your responsibility for using that access.  A copy may be found displayed in the lobby of the library.