By-Laws
The Ozark Dale County Library's By-Laws were passed on May 3rd, 2018. Since this date, there have been three amendments, with latest one dating January 18, 2023.
Library Policies
The following policies are applicable to all patrons to insure a safe and welcoming environment for all. Please click on the applicable title to view them in their entirety.
By-Laws
Library Cards for Minors
*Updated September 20th, 2023
Parents/Legal Guardians are responsible for registering their child aged birth - 18 years old for a library card. Please see the above link for full policy, card application, and disclaimer.
Library Code of Conduct
Everyone is welcome at the Library. The goal of the Ozark Dale County Library is to ensure that all patrons are able to enjoy their visit at the Library responsibly and safely. Your presence is an agreement to act courteously toward all library staff and other patrons by adhering to the following Library Code of Conduct.
Children's Code of Conduct
*Updated September 20th, 2023
It is the Ozark Dale County Library’s (ODCL) policy to provide a safe and appropriate environment for library users of all ages. Children of all ages; therefore, are encouraged to visit the Library to take advantage of the many resources we offer. However, there have been instances where children have been left unattended and unsupervised while at the Library, particularly at or after closing time. The Library is not equipped, nor is it the Library’s role, to provide long- or short-term supervision of children of any age. Accordingly, for the concern and safety of our community’s children, the Ozark Dale County Library’s Board has approved the following rules and regulations in regard to children at the Library.
Policy Changes Related to the Young Adult Section
*Updated September 20th, 2023
The Ozark Dale County Library Board of Trustees approved the Young Adult section remaining where it currently is with a focus on ages 14 - 18 with the Children's Library now focused for ages birth - 13.
Please click the link above for a complete list of policy changes.
Collection Development Policy with Revisions Notated
*Revised & approved on 7/17/2024
We realize that our Ozark and Dale County community is comprised of individuals who have different interests, socioeconomic standings, educational backgrounds, cultural and theological beliefs, and native abilities. In order to meet the variety of needs of those persons, the Library must build a collection that contains books and materials suitable to such a diverse group, within the limitations of budget, space, and availability of materials. Director, or such authorized person, will review & analyze statistics annually to determine the needs in our Collection Development.
Reconsideration Policy
*Updated September 20th, 2023
The Ozark Dale County Library supports the principles stated in the First
Amendment of the Constitution of the United States as well as the principles
documented in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of
the American Library Association.
Materials available in the library present a diversity of viewpoints,
enabling citizens to make the informed choices necessary in a democracy. The
library also selects a wide variety of library materials that satisfy the
diverse interests of our community. The library upholds the right of the
individual to access these resources, even though the content may be
controversial, unorthodox, or unacceptable to some. The library’s varied
collection is available to all; however, it is not expected that all the collection
will appeal to everyone. Materials that a patron may request reconsideration of
includes but isn’t limited to physical library materials (ex book, DVD, game,
etc.), library prepared bibliographies and lists, displays, programs,
electronic materials, digital resource, or social media post.
Internet Access Policy
The Ozark Dale County Library, Inc. (ODCL) strives to provide the means by which all people within its service area may have free access to a variety of thoughts and ideas. Therefore, this Library provides Internet access to the public so that we may meet
the informational, educational and recreational needs of our community. In using the internet, our patrons are allowed to become familiar with state-of-the-art information technology.
ODCL has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be
held responsible for its content or accuracy. Therefore, users are notified that they are
responsible for the access points they reach. Parents of minor children must assume
responsibility for their children’s use of and exposure to the Internet through the library’s
connection.
Social Media Policy
The Ozark Dale County Library understands the importance of social media as a communication tool; thus, utilizes social media sites as a means to increase awareness of and accessibility to its programs, resources, and services. Additionally, the Library utilizes social media to support the Library’s mission to “...meet the informational, educational,
and recreational needs of the community through the use of current and emerging advances
in technology...”. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for proper use of social media by the Library and its employees and patrons.
Filming & Photography Policy
The most significant priority for the Ozark Dale County Library, Inc. is to provide materials and services to the community in fulfillment of its Mission Statement. As such, the filming and photography policy described below is only allowed to the extent that it does not interfere with the provision of library services or its users’ ability to have a safe experience.
Library Programs & Displays Policy
Ozark Dale County Library programs are events, displays, or exhibits that promote the use of library materials, services, and/or offer the community informational, entertaining, or cultural experiences. Programs are planned for the interest and enlightenment of the residents of our city and county as well as to increase and diversify the visibility of the library within the community. Programs are intended to serve groups of people, not individuals.
Circulation Policies
Our materials checkout for the following periods.
Best Sellers & CD Audiobooks: 14 days
DVDs: 7 days
Genealogy: Do not checkout
Library of Things: 7 days
Required Reading, Deposit Required, & all other books: 28 days
The overdue fine schedule is as follows:
Best Sellers, CD Audiobooks, & DVDs: $0.50/day
Required Reading & Deposit Required: $0.25/day
Library of Things: $10/day, though subject to change with availability of new items
All other books: $0.10/day