Loan Policies and Guidelines

• General Loan Policy
• Correctional Facilities Guidelines
• Learning Disabled Guidelines
• Descriptive Video Policy and Guidelines

Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled adheres to the general Loan Policy of the Library of Michigan. The policy applies to all Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled consumers. In addition, there are specific guidelines for consumers residing in correctional facilities and specific guidelines for consumers with learning disabilities.

General Loan Policy

(Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped March 30, 1988) The following policies govern the circulation of books and equipment to eligible blind and/or physically handicapped readers of the Library of Michigan Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and are intended as the basis for any local policies. 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. Violation of this policy can result in suspension of some or all library services.

1. General Policies
Braille books and recorded books and specialized playback equipment will be loaned by the library to eligible registered readers without charge. Records will be kept 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 geographical area. Books and equipment will be loaned to registered readers as long as they are eligible and as long as they actively use the materials during each twelve-month period. Equipment necessary to read the recorded 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.

A borrower in good standing may have a maximum of fifteen books in each format (Braille and cassette) loaned to him or her at any one time. In special circumstances, a borrower may request an increase in the maximum number. The loan period for books is eight weeks. 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.

The borrower will ensure that books, magazines, and equipment being returned to the library by free matter and 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. Borrowers may not lend library books, magazines, or equipment to other persons.

In case of repeated verbal abuse of library staff by a borrower, in-person or telephone service to that borrower may be suspended by the Library.

2. Suspension Procedures
In the even 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: 2.1. The library will first discuss the problem noted with the patron by telephone or in-person if possible. A warning letter will be sent that summarizes the discussion and/or the problem and provides an opportunity for the patron to reply.

2.2. 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 six months). A specific date for resumption of service will be included in this letter.

2.3. When the service is resumed, a letter will be sent to the borrower notifying them 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.

Correctional Facilities Guidelines

The following guidelines govern the circulation of books and equipment to eligible blind and/or physically disabled individuals who reside in correctional facilities and who receive talking book service from the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled.

These guidelines are in addition to a loan policy established by the Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in 1988. Violation of policies and/or guidelines will result in suspension of library services.

1. Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled conforms to ALL rules established by the correctional facility in the provision of talking book service to eligible inmates.
2. Inmates who borrow materials from Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled accept responsibility for using materials with reasonable care, returning them on a regular basis and not losing or damaging them.
3. Washtenaw County Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled's application form must be filled out completely including reading interests. Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled will not accept incomplete applications.
4. Inmates must register to borrow at least one magazine or borrow talking books on a regular basis from Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled. Inmates may not elect to receive materials on a request only or demand basis. If materials are not borrowed regularly, Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled will terminate service.
5. Inmates may borrow one cassette machine at a time. A replacement machine will not be sent to replace a damaged machine until the damaged machine is received back at the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled.
6. Inmates are accountable for books and/or equipment loaned from Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled even if prison personnel confiscate books and/or equipment.
7. Inmates are responsible for notifying Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled in case of transfer or release.

Learning Disabled Guidelines

The following guidelines govern the circulation of books and equipment to individuals who have a learning disability and are eligible to receive talking book service from the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled.

Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled acknowledges that many Learning Disabled consumers register for library service because they wish to borrow a cassette machine to use with textbooks. Federal guidelines require that registered individuals borrow at least one book or magazine during the year. If a book or magazine is not borrowed during the year, the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled will cancel service and request that all outstanding equipment be returned. These guidelines are in addition to a loan policy established by the Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in 1988.

Descriptive Video Policy and Guidelines

1. Eligibility

Descriptive videos may be borrowed by individuals and institutions registered with the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled

• There is no charge for this service.
• Descriptive videos are mailed to and from registered consumers as "free matter for the blind or handicapped."
• Consumers assume all responsibility for damage or replacement of materials while under loan to them.
• Consumers understand that borrowing privileges may be revoked if materials are repeatedly returned late.

• Consumer may keep video for five days; video should be mailed back to Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled immediately after viewing.
• If more than five days is needed, consumer must contact Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled for an extension of the checkout period.

• Consumers may request video by telephone, mail or in person.
• Only one video may be borrowed at a time although there is no limit on the number of requests that may be submitted.