Loan Policy

The following policies govern the circulation of books and equipment to eligible blind and/or print disabled readers of the Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library (FBBTBL), Daytona Beach, Florida, the state regional library under The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).

Audiobooks, audio magazines, braille books, and specialized playback equipment (for audio and braille) will be loaned by this library to eligible registered readers without charge, and this library will keep records of all such loans. The borrower should notify the library of changes of address, a desire to cancel the service, or temporary or permanent transfer of service to another geographic area.

Equipment

Equipment necessary to read recorded or braille materials may be borrowed on extended loan for as long as the borrower is using it to read materials provided by the library. In the event that a machine ceases to function properly or needs repair, it should be returned to the library, and a replacement will be provided. Under no circumstances should a borrower attempt to repair the playback equipment or accessories.

Equipment and books in all formats produced by NLS remain the property of the federal government. Locally produced books and magazines are the property of the FBBTBL.

Materials

Eligible readers who borrow materials from the library accept responsibility for using materials with reasonable care, returning them to the lending agency according to established loan policies, and not losing or damaging them through negligence. Materials and equipment are for the sole use of the registered patron.   Violation of this policy can result in suspension of some or all library services.

  1. Loan period is 45 days, multiple books on one cartridge loan period is 90 days. Please return each book as quickly as possible, as completed. It is not necessary to return items in the same shipment as they were received. Checkout date is printed on the address card of each item.
  2. A borrower in good standing may check out a maximum number of 25 items in each format (braille and digital). This number may be adjusted due to special circumstances. For each book returned in each format, a replacement book will be sent to the borrower.
  3. Evidence of tampering with or vandalizing equipment will result in a 3-6 month suspension of service. Evidence of insect infestation will result in suspension until the patron sends a letter stating they have taken appropriate measures to correct the problem.
  4. Evidence of blatant negligence leading to damage of materials will be noted on patron records and repeated occurrences will affect patron standing.
  5. No fines for overdue books will be levied; however, borrowers are urged to observe the loan period so books can be available for other readers.
  6. The borrower will ensure that books, magazines, and equipment being returned to the library by free matter are delivered into the hands of the United States Postal Service by being placed in a mailbox or delivered to the post office. Placing them on the doorstep of the borrower's home for the mail carrier to pick up does not constitute delivery into the hands of the postal service and, if problems arise by use of this method, the borrower is responsible for the lost or damaged books.
  7. Borrowers may not lend library books, magazines, or equipment to other persons.
  8. In the case of repeated verbal abuse of library staff by a borrower, in person or by telephone, service to that borrower may be suspended by the library.

Suspension

In the event that any of these policies are violated repeatedly, the borrower's service may be suspended for a period of time after being given a written warning and an opportunity to reply. If after reinstatement of service, abuse continues, service may be suspended again.

In the event of suspension, the following steps will be taken:

  1. The library will first discuss the problem noted with the patron by telephone or in person, then will send a warning letter that summarizes the discussion and the problem and provides an opportunity for the patron to reply.
  2. If service abuse recurs, a second written communication will be sent to the patron citing the earlier warning letter, listing examples of subsequent abuse, giving the patron an opportunity to reply by a certain date, and then suspending the service for a stated period (up to 6 months). A specific date for resumption of service will be included in this letter.
  3. When the service is resumed, a letter will be sent to the borrower notifying him/her of the resumption of the service and reminding the patron that further recurrences will result in another suspension of service as it relates to the documented abuse.

-condensed and adapted from NLS Network Library Manual;9. Administrative Procedures

9.9 Loan Policies / Books and Equipment / Suspension of Service, last updated 2021

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