SECTION 1: Library Mission

SECTION 2: Collection Development Policy

2.1 Selection Criteria
2.2 Special Aspects of Materials Selection
2.2.1 Suggestions
2.2.2 Donations
2.2.3 Monetary Gifts
2.2.4 Memorials and Honorariums
2.2.5 Presentations
2.3 Systematic Withdrawal of Materials (Weeding)
2.4 Duplication and Replacement of Material
2.5 Alternative Information Resources
2.6 Reconsideration of Library Materials

SECTION 3: Cardholder Policies

3.1 Card Types
3.1.1 Resident
3.1.2 Non-Resident
3.1.3 TexShare
3.2 Proof of Residency

SECTION 4: Circulation Policies

4.1 Rules for Borrowing Library Materials
4.2 Checkout Periods
4.3 Fines
4.4 Renewals
4.5 Requests
4.5.1 Items Marked Checked In
4.5.2 Items Marked In Processing

Section 1: Library Mission

The Round Rock Public Library proudly serves its dynamic and growing community by providing high quality resources, services, and programs. back to top

Section 2: Collection Development Policy

The collection of the Round Rock Public Library is developed to meet the tastes and needs of the average resident. Funds are inadequate to create and maintain collections that duplicate the area school and university collections, unless such materials also support the average adult resident.

Technical material, or material of an extremely narrow interest, will not usually be considered for ordering. Likewise, such donations will not likely be retained. If there is a need for a specific title or a very narrow subject range, the customer will be directed to use interlibrary loan.back to top

2.1 Selection Criteria

Judgments of subject specialists, professionally trained librarians, and qualified book reviewers in national and international magazines provide a balance of opinion as the basis for selection. Though a variety of criteria is used for each subject area, the final decision is based on the value of the material to the library and its public, regardless of the personal taste and opinions of the selectors. These standards apply equally to materials purchased, requested for inclusion, and accepted as gifts. Certain general criteria are as follows:

• The author's significance as a writer and/or reputation as an authority on the topic.
• Importance of the subject matter to the collection.
• Comparison to other works in the field.
• Scarcity of material on the subject.
• Timeliness or permanence of the work.
• Appearance of title in special bibliographies or indexes.
• Reputation of the publisher.
• Authoritativeness.
• Availability of material elsewhere in the area.
• Price.
• Format.
• Attractiveness or appropriate binding which can be reinforced to withstand public use.
• Currency of information.

The collection may include:

• Works of recognized authors, within the realm of each author's specific contribution, regardless of his moral or political reputation.
• Works of potential historical significance, regardless of political, scientific, or social variance.
• Audio/Visual materials that have educational or entertainment value.

Excluded from selection:

• Textbooks and curriculum-related works unless they are considered useful to the general reader.
• Scholarly and technical materials that are carried by academic or special libraries.
• Workbooks that encourage filling in blanks.
• Self-published works unless they are reviewed positively in established review sources, have local significance, or are otherwise deemed to be quality work suitable for the collection.
• Collector items, such as rare books. The library does not have the resources or staff necessary for the development, maintenance, and display of this kind of a collection.back to top

2.2 Special Aspects of Materials Selection

There are five types of materials acquisitions which are not initiated by library staff. These include patron suggestions, used item donations, monetary gifts, memorials and honorariums, and presentations.

Patrons may suggest that a particular item be purchased. If the suggested item meets the collection development guidelines and if there is sufficient funds, such items will be purchased. Patrons need to review the instructions and fill out a patron suggestion form.

A used item donation is material which has been used by someone previously. Receipts are given if the donor asks for one. Donors are responsible for recording donations and estimating the value of the materials. The donor will be informed that the material will possibly be added to the collection, used as a prize, placed in the book sale or given away. Items which do not meet the book selection criteria will be rejected.

Monetary gifts are cash donations. The donor may specify the types of material he wishes the library to obtain. Checks should be made payable to the Friends of the Round Rock Public Library.

Memorials and honorariums are materials or funds donated in the name of an individual. Funds collected for a memorial or honorarium should cover the cost of the book or other material being purchased. The staff will inform the donor of any problems in obtaining material with the available funds. If donated funds are not sufficient to cover the cost of an item, or if there is not a specific item in mind, the donor may wish to donate to the Friends of the Round Rock Public Library or have the funds placed in the Library Development Fund for future purchases.

If a specific title is donated or requested, the inclusion of the specific item must meet the selection criteria. When specific titles are not requested, the library staff will make every effort to obtain a memorial or honorarium title which has lasting value. For this reason, best sellers and mass market paperbacks are usually avoided. Staff members assigned to purchasing particular types of material will make the selection, keeping the importance of "lasting value" in mind. A plate designating the memorial or honorarium will be included in or on the material requested or donated.

Presentations are pre-purchased books, usually new, offered by individuals or organizations. Inclusion of specific titles must meet the selection criteria. A plate designating the presentation will be placed in or on the material donated.

Once a donation has been received, a thank you card will be sent to the donor and an announcement card sent to the family of the deceased or the person being honored, the organization or individual making a presentation, or the donor of a monetary gift.

After a period of time, a memorial, honorarium, or presentation will be withdrawn due to wear, obsolescence, or loss. In most cases, the item will not be replaced, especially in the case of obsolescence. If an item is replaced, a new plate will be placed in the book.back to top

2.3 Systematic Withdrawal of Materials (Weeding)

Library materials are reviewed regularly (approximately every 2-3 years) for currency of information, use, and availability of more appropriate material. Collection development librarians use the CREW manual as guidance in withdrawing materials. Materials will usually be removed if:

• More current statistical or factual material is available in the collection. This includes information found via electronic resources.
• The information is no longer valid and may be dangerous (primarily medical or legal information).
• The material is aged (yellow and brittle), water stained, moldy, or contains tears, markings or underlining and cannot be restored or is not valuable enough to restore.
• Duplicate copies are no longer needed to fulfill demand.

Library material which is withdrawn will be disposed of as follows:

• If attractive and likely to sell, the item will go to the Friends of the Library for their book sale.
• If worn, obsolete, or unattractive and not likely to sell, the item will be recycled or discarded.
• In some instances, the book will be donated to an area public or school library or to another non-profit organization.back to top

2.4 Duplication and Replacement of Material

Wide demand for timely and significant materials will require duplication. Demand for individual titles is monitored and additional copies are purchased to meet that demand.

Materials are withdrawn from the collection due to loss, wear, damage, dated information, or low demand. These materials are not automatically replaced with the same title, though they may be replaced with a newer title. The decision for replacement is made with regard to several factors:

• The demand for the particular title or subject.
• The number of duplicate copies in the collection.
• The importance of the author and the significance the particular title holds among the author's works.
• The availability of better material, already in the collection or in the book market.back to top

2.5 Alternative Information Resources

The library realizes that its role goes beyond that of providing material in "hard copy," whether that information is in print, audio, video, or digital format. The library will provide access to various forms of information through print and electronic media.

Traditional forms of information referral will also be practiced. This includes directing the customer to other agencies which would have the requested information or other libraries which may have information the customer is looking for. back to top

2.6 Reconsideration of Library Materials

The library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selections are not made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but on the merits of the material and collection needs. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for monitoring materials used by their own children. Library selection decisions are not influenced by the possibility that materials may be accessible to minors.

Patrons requesting that an item be withdrawn from the collection may complete a “Request for Reconsideration” form. Copies are available at the service desks in the library. back to top

Section 3: Cardholder Policies

The Round Rock Public Library is funded through City property taxes. People who live within the city limits of Round Rock pay these property taxes and no additional fee is required to obtain a library card.

People who live outside the city limits of Round Rock do not pay taxes in support of the library and must pay a non-resident fee to obtain a library card.

To determine if you are a resident of the City of Round Rock, use the following map to see if your address is within the city limits of Round Rock.

3.1 Card Types

3.1.1 Residents

Single Cardholders:

For the first 30 days, single resident cardholders may check out 5 items at a time. After that, card holders with a valid TDL# or TID# on file can check out 15 at once. There are some items labeled with a sticker reading “Check out to Permanent Card Holder Only”. These are restricted from patrons inside the first month.

Family Cardholders:

For the first 30 days, family resident cardholders may check out 15 items at a time. After that, card holders with a valid TDL# or TID# on file can check out 45 at once. There are some items labeled with a sticker reading “Check out to Permanent Card Holder Only”. These are restricted from patrons inside the first month.back to top

3.1.2 Non-Residents

Short-Term Cardholders:

$7 for three months of library service. For the first 30 days, single resident cardholders may check out 5 items at a time. After that, card holders with a valid TDL# or TID# on file can check out 15 at once. There are some items labeled with a sticker reading “Check out to Permanent Card Holder Only”. These are restricted from patrons inside the first month.

Single Cardholders:

$25 for 12 months of library service. For the first 30 days, single non-resident cardholders may check out 5 items at a time. After that card holders with a valid TDL# or TID# on file can check out 15 at once. There are some items labeled with a sticker reading “Check out to Permanent Card Holder Only”. These are restricted from patrons inside the first month.

Family Cardholders:

$40 for twelve months of library service. For the first 30 days, family non-resident cardholders may check out 15 items at a time. After that, card holders with a valid TDL# or TID# on file can check out 45 at once. There are some items labeled with a sticker reading “Check out to Permanent Card Holder Only”. These are restricted from patrons inside the first month. back to top

3.1.3 TexShare

TexShare is a statewide program that helps libraries and their patrons share resources.

Residents:

Residents can request a TexShare card free of charge from Round Rock Public Library 30 days after they receive their library card.

• Take your Round Rock Public Library TexShare card to any other TexShare library, and you can register as a member of that library without paying out-of-district fees.
• Each library makes rules about the services TexShare members can receive from that library. Most libraries allow TexShare members to check out materials.

Non-Residents:

Non-residents who have purchased a Round Rock Public Library card have access to the library's full range of services, including eligibility to get a TexShare card from Round Rock Public Library.

• After 30 days as a library member, Non-resident card holders may request a TexShare card to take to other TexShare libraries.

The Round Rock Public Library will honor TexShare cards from other TexShare member libraries. Read our TexShare lending policies. back to top

3.2 Proof of Residency

The following documentation is required when getting a library card:

• A valid Texas Driver's License or Texas ID card with current address.

OR

• A photo ID AND a printed document that includes your name and current address, such as a car insurance card, a bill, a check, a bank statement, or a lease.back to top

Section 4: Circulation Policies

4.1 Rules for Borrowing Library Materials

Members must be in good standing to use the Library and its resources. To remain in good standing you agree that you will abide by all library policies including the following:

• Furnish prompt notice of change of address, name, phone number, or email address.
• Furnish prompt notice of card loss.
• Pay all fines/penalties assessed against me or any others using my card with or without my permission.
• Reimburse the City the current market cost of a new item that has the same or similar title and binding, to replace all lost or damaged library materials.
• Reimburse the City for costs, expenses, attorney's fees, and municipal court charges if legal procedures occur due to my non-compliance with any applicable ordinances, policies, and procedures.back to top

4.2 Checkout Periods

4.3 Fines

Overdue Fines:
$0.20 per day, up to an $8.00 maximum per item.

Fines are charged on holidays as well as on the days we are open. There are two book drops available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Fines for lost or damaged items: Cost of the item + additional fees for non-book items.back to top

4.4 Renewals

You can renew your items by accessing your account online or by coming into the library. Unfortunately, you cannot renew items over the phone.

Online Renewals, using My Account

1. In the “Borrower Barcode” box, type in all 14 numbers from your library card (no spaces or punctuation).
2. Then enter your 4-digit PIN number in that box. (The default PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number.)
3. Click on “Login.”
4. At the top of the page, click on “Checked Out / Renew.”
5. If you wish to renew all of your items, click on the box labeled “Renew”, in the green title bar at the top of your list of items. Notice that checks appear in every box next to items checked out.
6. If you want to renew some, but not all of your items, click on the box next to each item you wish to renew.
7. Click ONCE on the “Renew” button to renew the items. The new Due Date will appear.
8. Click on "Log out" when finished.

You cannot renew online if:

• The items have already been renewed two times, or, one time, in the case of Bluebonnet titles.
• The items have been requested by others.
• Your card is expired, or will expire before the new due date.
• Your fines and fees exceed $5.back to top

4.5 Requests (Holds)

Resident and Non-resident Library cardholders can place requests on items that are currently checked in or checked out. Single card accounts may place up to 3 requests at a time. A card holder with a family account may place up to 9 requests at a time. Please know that the Round Rock Public Library charges $1 per item for requests that are not picked up or are canceled before the hold expires. Holds expire 7 days after email confirmation or regular mail is delivered. TexShare members of RRPL are unable to request materials.

To place a request for an item:

1. Search the Online Catalog to find out if the library owns the item. You may search the catalog by title, author, or subject. Once you have typed in your search, click on “Go.” This will bring up a list of titles or authors.
2. To request an item, click on the "Request" button. Please click one time only. If the item is checked in, a staff member will pull the item off the shelf. However, availability is not guaranteed. You will be notified by email or by mail when the title is being held for you. If the item is checked out, you can be placed on a list and will be notified by email or mail that your item is available.
3. Your next step is to log into your account. In the “Library Card Number” box, type in all 14 numbers from your library card with no spaces or punctuation. Then enter your 4-digit PIN number in that box. (The default PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number.)
4. Click on “Login.” You will see a request confirmation box. Click on "You may request that this item be held for you." You will see a note that the request was placed and that you will be notified when the title is available. If you wish to place another request, click on “Return to Searching” and start the process over again.
5. You will be notified much more quickly if you give the library your email address and set your notification status to email. Please visit a Service Desk if you wish to change to notification by e-mail.back to top

Items Marked Checked In

Round Rock Public Library card holders may request a copy of a title that is “checked in”. Requests for items marked "checked in" are pulled off the shelves once a day. However, a hold placed on a "checked in" item does not guarantee its availability because our inventory changes frequently; titles are checked out and checked in throughout the day. If you place a title on hold and it is not available once you arrive at the library, most likely, someone checked out the title between the time you checked the catalog and the time our staff member went to pull the item off the shelf. In this instance, you may ask a library team member to place a hold request for you. We will send you a confirmation notice via email (or regular mail if we don't have your email account) that your item will be waiting for you to pick up.

Items Marked In Processing

New items that have arrived in the library are given the status, "in processing" and may be requested by Round Rock Public Library card holders. Please allow at least two business days (Monday through Friday) for these requests to be processed. You will be notified when the item is waiting for you to pick up. back to top