Updated: 03/18/09

Internet is not controlled by the Schaumburg Township District Library ("the library") but is a global entity that constantly grows and changes. As such, it provides access to a wide variety of information. Some of this information may be erroneous, out-of-date, illegal, or deemed offensive, controversial or sexually explicit.

It is not possible for the library to review and protect patrons from all such information; therefore, patrons must exercise their responsibility as discriminating information consumers by constantly questioning the validity and appropriateness of the information they find. As with other types of library materials, it is the parent's responsibility to decide which Internet information is appropriate for his/her children.

The library has no obligation to monitor the information presented on the Internet; however, patrons using the Internet agree that the library has the right to monitor the Internet from time to time and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy any law, regulation, other governmental request, or operational necessity.

Patrons should have no expectation of privacy while on the Internet. The library reserves the right to refuse to post or to remove any information or materials, in whole or in part, that, in its sole discretion, are unacceptable or in violation of its policies.

By accessing the Internet through the library, patrons agree that the library will not be responsible for any indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages or losses which may arise in connection with their use of the Internet.

Patron use of Internet through the library shall be governed and construed exclusively according to the laws and regulations of the State of Illinois.

By using the Internet through the library, patrons agree not to use the Internet for any illegal activity or to post or transmit any unlawful, threatening, abusive information including, without limitation, any transmission constituting or encouraging conduct that would constitute a criminal offense or give rise to civil liability. Patrons also agree not to violate copyright laws or to post or transmit any information or software which contains a virus, worm or other harmful component.

Failure to comply with these policies may result in suspension of computer privileges at the library.

Updated: 10/21/06

POLICY STATEMENT:

The Schaumburg Township District Library is a place of quiet reading, study, research and reflection. It is the policy of the Schaumburg Township District Library to provide meeting room space to current residents or property owners of the Schaumburg Township Library District with a valid library card for uses which clearly and unequivocally meet the policies approved by the Library Board of Trustees. The Hanover Park Branch Library meeting room is also available to all residents of the Village of Hanover Park even if they do not live or own property within the library district. Use of meeting rooms for any activities that are inconsistent with those library purposes will be denied or terminated.

PRIORITIES

Priority for the use of the meeting rooms will be given in the following order:

1. Library-sponsored meetings or programs.
2. Meetings sponsored by non-profit organizations located in Schaumburg Township or serving residents of Schaumburg Township. Non-profit organizations are those engaged in intellectual, charitable, civic, cultural, educational and/or recreational activities.
3. Other not-for-profit meetings or programs.

ROOM CAPACITY

Central Library

• Conference Room, 12 seats around a table and 14 additional seats in rows
• Classroom, 60 seats with tables in classroom-style arrangement
• Rasmussen Room South, 90 seats in variety of arrangements.
• Rasmussen Room North, 90 seats in variety of arrangements
• Full Rasmussen Room, 180 seats in variety of arrangements (use requires specific approval of the library board)

Hanover Park Branch Library

• Crawshaw Room, 50 seats in variety of arrangements

Hoffman Estates Branch Library

• Meeting Room, 26 seats in variety of arrangements

HOURS

ENDORSEMENT

The library is not responsible for the content of the meetings held. Use of the library meeting room facilities by community groups does not constitute library endorsement of the philosophies, practices or viewpoints of the meeting participants. The Director or a designated staff member must review handout literature and press releases in advance of the scheduled meeting. The following disclaimer must be included in all written publicity materials about the event:

The Schaumburg Township District Library provides library meeting space as a community service. The library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individual(s) or organization(s).

SCHEDULING

1. Requests for the use of the meeting rooms at the Central Library and the Hoffman Estates Branch Library must be made by an adult (18 years or older) who has a valid Schaumburg Township District Library card. Requests for the use of the Hanover Park Branch Library meeting room must be made by an adult (18 years or older) who has a valid Schaumburg Township District Library card or who is a resident of the Village of Hanover Park. The applicant may make their request by phone or in person at the Adult Information Desk on the second floor of the Central Library for Central Library meeting rooms or at the appropriate Branch Library.
2. By providing their library card number, the applicant agrees to abide by this meeting room policy and to enforce library rules upon participants. The applicant also accepts responsibility for any damage and/or charges.
3. The booking schedules will be opened semi-annually. Assignments will begin on November 15th for the first six months of the following year. Assignments will begin on May 15th for the second half of the year. Groups will be booked in order of priority and then by date application is filed.
4. Only library-sponsored group meetings are allowed more than once per week. This includes different chapters of one organization. If space is available, additional meetings for a group or chapter occasionally may be scheduled seven days in advance of the newly requested meeting date.
5. No group can book every Saturday or every Sunday during a booking period.
6. No person or group may assign its reservation to another person or group.

EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is available for use in the Central Library meeting rooms:

Audiovisual and Computer Equipment

CD Player, Audiovox

Cable, XLR

Cassette Player, Sony

Computer (located in podium, Classroom only)

DVD Player (located in podium, uses ceiling-mounted projector, Classroom only)

DVD Player with TV

Personal PA Transmitter (for the hearing-impaired), Anchor

Portable Sound System, Megavox

TV

VCR (located in podium, uses ceiling-mounted projector, Classroom only)

VCR with TV

Microphone Stands

Microphone Stand

Microphone Table Stand

Microphones

Boom Arm Microphone, Atlas

Microphone, Shure

Podium Microphone (Classroom only)

Wireless Microphone, Audio-Technica

Miscellaneous Equipment

Easel, Duramax

Eraser for Whiteboard

Flag, US

Music Stand

Podium

Portable Podium

Markers for Whiteboard

Projectors

16MM Projector, Bell & Howell

Computer Projector (ceiling-mounted, Classroom only), In-Focus

Opaque Projector

Overhead Projector

Projector with VCR and Speaker, Sharp

Slide Projector, Kodak

Screens

Screen (ceiling-mounted)

Screen (free-standing)

1. Requests for equipment must be made at the time of application. Library staff will set up equipment and provide basic use instructions. Library staff will not be present to operate equipment during meetings.
2. The podium in the Classroom is attached to the floor and cannot be moved. Groups may be charged for damage caused by attempting to move the podium.
3. Only library staff may operate the ceiling-mounted viewing screens. Groups may be charged for damage caused by attempting to raise or lower the screens.
4. The kitchen and piano are available only for library-sponsored events.

USE GUIDELINES

1. All meetings and programs sponsored by outside groups must be free of charge and open to the public.
2. Library personnel must have free access to meeting rooms at all times. The library retains the right to monitor all meetings conducted on the premises to ensure compliance with library regulations. Groups may not block off windows or lock meeting room doors. Infringement of any of the regulations here stated shall be grounds for denial of future use of meeting space.
3. The library reserves the right to change or cancel meeting room reservations. The Library Director is authorized to deny permission to use the meeting rooms to any group that is disorderly and/or violates these regulations.
4. Basic refreshments may be served (coffee, doughnuts, cookies, etc.). Refreshments and meals of a more elaborate nature must be approved by the library and supplied by a caterer.
5. No group meeting in the library may use the library as a mailing address. Any mail so received will be returned to the sender marked "addressee unknown."
6. Groups that have other meeting facilities are requested to use their own facilities. Only under special circumstances should a group that has its own facility use space at the library.
7. The library does not provide storage for any group.

SET-UP AND MAINTENANCE

1. Setup arrangements and equipment must be requested at the time the room reservation is made. Only minor adjustments will be made by library staff at the time of the event.
2. Meeting rooms are to be left as they are found. Waste must be placed in appropriate receptacles. Signs and other decorations may not be taped to walls or doors. Groups will be charged a custodial fee for failure to keep the room in reasonable order. Repeatedly leaving the meeting facilities in disorder will be grounds for suspension of meeting room privileges.
3. Groups may not rearrange library furniture or borrow furnishings from other parts of the library without permission of the library.
4. Activities that require the use of glue, scissors, crayons, paint, markers, tape, etc. are only allowed in the Craft Room in Youth Services. See Craft Room Policies.
5. Modification of electrical units as well as any substantial change to library facilities is not permitted. Hazardous materials including, but not limited to, paints, solvents and explosives are prohibited.

RESTRICTIONS

1. For-profit groups may only use library discussion rooms, not library meeting rooms. See Discussion Room policy.
2. All workshops or seminars on financial, estate or retirement planning, and related topics will be considered for-profit ventures and, therefore, sponsoring groups or individuals will not be permitted to use the library meeting rooms. Educational programs by professionals (e.g. physicians, financial planners, attorneys, etc.) are permitted only when sponsored as a library program. Applications to present an educational program may be made to library program staff members.
3. Groups composed of members under the age of 18 must have an adult sponsor in attendance at their meetings. Patrons under the age of 18 may use library discussion rooms. See Discussion Room policy.
4. The meeting rooms may not be used for activities likely to disturb regular library functions. The library expects organizations to be considerate of library patrons and activities. The library reserves the right to stop meetings that are disruptive to normal library operations.
5. Meeting rooms may not be used by outside groups for social gatherings such as showers, birthday parties, dances, etc.
6. Any large group or groups which, in the judgment of the library staff or board will be noisy or distract from the quiet enjoyment of other library users may be scheduled only at hours when the library is closed to the public. On such occasions, the person reserving the room will be required to pay the actual cost of maintenance and security necessary for the meeting in advance. A cashier's check made payable to the library for the estimated amount must be received by the library business office a minimum of ten days before the meeting is to be held. After the meeting is held, the actual costs will be determined and either a refund or a billing for costs incurred will be made.
7. If, on the advice of law enforcement professionals, the library staff or board determines that a reasonable possibility of a threat to the safety of library staff, patrons or members of the public might occur, based on prior experience of the group or speaker at this library or at other occasions where the group has held meetings which have been disruptive or had a potential for violence, the following shall be required: The individual or group reserving the meeting room shall be required to pay in advance by cashier's check the reasonably estimated cost of any special security measures need to be taken for the meeting; and the individual or group reserving the meeting room shall obtain a special event liability policy for $1,000,000.00 for injury or damage to property occurring at the meeting.

Updated: 10/26/06

POLICY STATEMENT:

The Schaumburg Township District Library is a place of quiet reading, study, research and reflection. It is the policy of the Schaumburg Township District Library to provide adult discussion rooms free of charge for small groups of patrons.

ROOM CAPACITY

Central Library

• 7 rooms, suitable for 2-12 people

Hanover Park Branch Library

• 1 room, suitable for 2-6 people

The library has meeting rooms available for larger groups. See Meeting Room Policy.

HOURS

SCHEDULING

1. Requests for the use of the discussion rooms may be made up to two weeks in advance of the requested date. A room may be reserved for one 2-hour session per week.
2. Groups may make their request by phone or in person at the Adult Information Desk on the second floor of the Central Library for Central Library discussion rooms or at the Hanover Park Branch Library for the Hanover Park discussion room.
3. When not reserved, discussion rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Upon arrival, all groups must register at the Adult Information Desk on the second floor of the Central Library or at the Hanover Park Branch Library circulation desk. Groups must return to the desk and notify staff when the meeting is finished.

CANCELLATIONS

1. Groups must contact the Adult Information Desk on the second floor of the Central Library for Central Library discussion rooms or at the Hanover Park Branch Library for the Hanover Park discussion room. Failure to provide 24 hours notice of a cancellation may result in forfeiture of discussion room privileges.

USE GUIDELINES

1. Library personnel must have free access to discussion rooms at all times.
2. The library reserves the right to change or cancel discussion room reservations. The Library Director is authorized to deny permission to use the discussion rooms to any group that is disorderly and/or violates these regulations.
3. For-profit groups may only use library discussion rooms, not library meeting rooms. See Discussion Room Policy.
4. Groups composed of members under the age of 15 must have an adult sponsor in attendance at their meetings or use the Youth Services discussion room. See Policies for the Use of the Youth Services Discussion or Quiet Room.

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

1. Discussion rooms are to be left as they are found. Waste must be placed in appropriate receptacles. Signs and other decorations may not be taped to walls or doors. Groups will be charged a custodial fee for failure to keep the room in reasonable order. Repeatedly leaving the meeting facilities in disorder will be grounds for suspension of meeting room privileges.
2. Groups may not rearrange library furniture or borrow furnishings from other parts of the library without permission of the library.
3. One discussion room at the Central Library is equipped with a personal computer. No other computer equipment is provided for discussion room use.
4. One discussion room at the Central Library is equipped with a TV with VCR and DVD players. No other audiovisual equipment is provided for discussion room use.
5. Activities that require the use of glue, scissors, crayons, paint, markers, tape, etc. are only allowed in the Craft Room in Youth Services.
6. Modification of electrical units as well as any substantial change to library facilities is not permitted. Hazardous materials including, but not limited to, paints, solvents and explosives are prohibited.
7. The discussion rooms may not be used for activities likely to disturb regular library functions. The library expects organizations to be considerate of library patrons and activities. The library reserves the right to stop meetings that are disruptive to normal library operations.

STDL, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate in activities against persons with disabilities. To arrange for assistance to participate in these programs, please call the Youth Services Department at (847) 923-3446, or for adult programs, call (847) 923-3349. Please call a week prior to the activity so that arrangements can be made for special equipment or a sign language interpreter.

Americans With Disabilities Act

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following enhancements have been made to the library or are available upon request:

• Braille and/or large print editions of flyers or brochures;
• Braille room identification signs throughout the library;
• Audio enhancement systems in all meeting rooms;
• Flashing exit signs to announce emergencies;
• Telephone amplifiers;
• Remodeled entry ramp with improved lighting; and
• Automatic doors at main and side entrances

The Schaumburg Township District Library welcomes the use of its facilities and services by children. Library staff members are committed to the well being and safety of children, and are happy to help children use the library for the following purposes:

1. Finding materials for school work and recreational reading.
2. Providing an environment that encourages study and intellectual curiosity.
3. Providing programs that inform and enrich.

Library facilities, however, are not licensed or designed to provide basic child care needs such as physical exercise, nutrition, or emergency care. Any public place may be dangerous for a child who is left unattended. It is impossible for the library staff to guarantee a safe environment.

The library encourages parents to consider the safety and well being of their children and the needs of other library users of all ages. Children under age eight must be attended by a parent or other responsible adult caregiver (age 18 or older) at all times while in the library.

If at any time the child is unattended the following will occur:

1. The parent or caregiver will be paged in order to determine if he or she is in the library. If the parent or caregiver is in the library, he or she will be asked to stay with and supervise the child.
2. If it is determined that the child is in the library without an adult caregiver, a staff member will call the parents and request that they pick up the child. If the parents cannot be reached within 30 minutes or if they do not respond within 30 minutes, the police will be asked to assume responsibility.

Unattended children eight and over are free to use the library’s resources so long as needed, provided that their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or staff members. Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library, whether or not the parents are in attendance. Library staff are required to notify the appropriate authorities if they have reason to suspect that there is evidence of abuse or neglect.

The Schaumburg Township District Library Computer Assistance Area has public access computers available for use by library patrons age 15 and over. High School students may use the adult computers with a valid high school ID.

To use Schaumburg Township District Library computers you must have one of the following:

• a valid STDL library card and PIN (Personal Identification Number)
• a valid library card from another library that has been registered at the Library Card Desk and PIN
• a visitor pass (Please stop at the Computer Assistance Desk)

All library cards must be in good standing with no excessive fines or overdues.

USAGE GUIDELINES
Library patrons who wish to use a computer may sit down at any available computer and log in to the Pharos Time Management System using their valid library card or visitor pass obtained from the Computer Assistance Desk. If no computers are available, patrons may use the Sign Up stations located within the department to be assigned a computer on a first-come, first-served basis.

TIME LIMIT
COMPUTERS WITH INTERNET ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS FOR UP TO A MAXIMUM OF TWO HOURS. Patrons may use the computers multiple times up to two hours per day. The time management system will automatically shut off an Internet computer after two hours of use. If a computer is deemed to be vacant, Computer Assistance staff will log off the session to allow access to another patron. Computers without Internet access are available on a first-come, first-served basis without time limits.

The Express E-Mail Terminals have a 15 minute time limit. Use is limited to two 15 minute, non-consecutive uses per day, per person. (Minimum wait of 15 minutes between uses) Only Web based e-mail programs such as Yahoo or Hotmail may be accessed. Printing is available. Space allows only one user per terminal. You may obtain help from the Computer Assistance Desk.

Express: The Express computers have a 15 minute time limit. Express computers will turn off automatically after 15 minutes. Patrons must leave the Express computers if another patron is waiting. Only Web based programs may be accessed. Printing is available. Space allows only one user per computer. Chairs may not be used at the Express computers. You may obtain help from the Computer Assistance Desk.

There are two situations when a user can extend the daily maximum two-hour usage: 1) when the user is disabled and needs to use a special computer and 2) when the user is taking a class or exam where the lecture/exam runs longer than two hours. In both cases, the user needs to provide supportive information on the need for these extensions.

There are two situations when a user can extend the daily maximum two-hour Internet usage: 1) when the user is disabled and needs to use a special computer and 2) when the user is taking a class or exam where the lecture/exam runs longer than two hours. In both cases, the user needs to provide supportive information on the need for these extensions.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The computers are intended for individual use; however, each user may be assisted by ONE other individual who must also be a qualified user. Generally, no more than two people will be allowed at each computer station during any two-hour time-slot. Groups larger than two working on a group project may be able to book the Computer Discussion Room.

It is the responsibility of the user, not of the library, to confirm that he or she has had adequate training for the proper use of the equipment as he/she may be held financially accountable for any damage to the library’s equipment or software. The library cannot he held responsible for any damage to a patron’s equipment or software while used in conjunction with the Public Access Computers or the computers in the Computer Lab. Library employees will be available to assist individuals for no more than FIVE MINUTES to answer software and hardware related questions. Computer-related reference books are available to assist users in answering any questions that may arise while using the computers.

The library reserves the right to refuse any patron access to any of the computers if he/she does not follow guidelines set forth at the time of check-in or any time thereafter. Patrons in the Computer Assistance Area are expected to abide by the STDL PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT; this code is publicly posted in the library.

Inexperienced users are encouraged to attend one of the computer classes offered by the Library. A variety of basic computer classes for adult library patrons are available. Instruction for juvenile library patrons is available within the Youth Services Department. For information about the different classes offered and how to register for any of the classes, contact the Computer Assistance Desk at (847)923-3352.

Computers shut down automatically at the end of the day. Patrons will not be allowed to log on a computer after the closing warning appears. Patrons who are already logged on a computer will be allowed to stay until the computer shuts down. Computers and printers will not be available after the library has closed. Staff will not stay after-hours for any reason.

Misuse of the computer and/or equipment will result in loss of computer privileges plus cost of repair or replacement of any damaged equipment. Should there be a problem with the computer, do not attempt to repair it. All problems should be reported immediately to the Computer Assistance Desk. Every effort will be made to remedy the situation.

The Computer Assistance Area is located within a quiet study area. Cellular phone use is prohibited in the Computer Assistance Area. Phones may only be used in the vestibule and lobby located on the first floor.

Covered Beverages are allowed in the library. Smoking and eating are not allowed.

WIRELESS ACCESS
WiFi service is free and is 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g compatible. (802.11a may not be available in all areas). Printing is not available from your laptop or WiFi equipment. WiFi poses the same risks to your personal information as other internet connections. Library staff cannot provide technical support if you are using your own device. Please refer to your owner’s manual or other support services offered by your device manufacturer.

SOFTWARE/DOWNLOADING
Installing software is prohibited except on a designated “Installation” computer. All non-essential computer files will be deleted on a regular basis. Copyright laws forbid unauthorized duplication of any copyrighted software. Downloading files such as patches, upgrades and/or other executables files is limited.

Updated: 10/25/05