Library Policies

Mission

Mid-Continent Public Library is dedicated to providing informational, recreational, and educational resources to the people of Clay, Jackson, and Platte Counties. Mid-Continent Public Library extends the same high quality of service, although at different levels, at all locations despite community size. In an attempt to create an equal opportunity for information and to create collection diversity, the Library provides access to the internet for the public.

Accountability

Library users should use care when using the internet or using automated resources. Mid-Continent Public Library places responsibility for how automated resources are used and viewed on the Library user. Generally, the internet is an unregulated medium. However, certain laws and regulations do apply to the way information may be used that is found on the internet. Mid-Continent Public Library requires that Library users follow all international, federal, state, and local laws when using the Library's internet and automated resources.

Resources

Not all sources on the internet provide information that is current, accurate, or complete. Mid-Continent Public Library is unable to control or monitor the content of materials on the internet, which can change quickly and without warning. Library users should evaluate internet resources just as they do printed publications, questioning the validity of the information. Endorsement of any commercial site or its products or services is neither expressed nor implied. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced internet document do not necessarily reflect those of Mid-Continent Public Library.

Appropriate Material

Mid-Continent Public Library adheres to the standards required by Federal and State laws with regard to restricting access to materials deemed harmful to minors or obscene through the use of content filtering software.

Mid-Continent Public Library believes that the primary purpose of the internet is to supplement the traditional collection of the Library, acting as an informational resource.

Philosophy

Mid-Continent Public Library supports the following American Library Association statements on access to information:

• The Library Bill of Rights
• The Freedom to Read Statement
• Access to Electronic Information Services and Resources Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources: Public

Mid-Continent Public Library requests the following from those who wish to use the internet:

• Ownership and presentation of a valid Mid-Continent Public Library card is required to sign up for internet use.
• Library users are required to sign in before each use of the internet. Personally identifying information will be destroyed promptly.
• Time limits will be set at each location depending upon demands for limited resources.
• All users must agree to the Acceptable Use Policy every time access is granted, whether by signature or electronic agreement.
• If Library users share computers, all users must agree to the Library's policies.
• No more than two persons may use a workstation at once unless by special arrangement.
• The Library strongly encourages that children using the internet should be supervised by a parent, guardian, or legal caregiver.
• Adults using the computer-based resources are responsible for the behavior of any accompanying children.
• Only Mid-Continent Public Library employees may restart the computers. Library users may not reboot the computers and should report technical difficulties to Library staff immediately.

The following is considered inappropriate internet use and will not be tolerated by Mid-Continent Public Library:

• Violation of any applicable international, federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations.
• Harassment of other persons or parties.
• Viewing and/or printing inappropriate images or text that may be reasonably construed as obscene in an open and public setting is not appropriate.
• Deliberately bypassing the content filtering software without appropriate Library staff authorization.
• Destruction of, or damage to, equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users.
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications devices or resources.
• Unauthorized copying of copyrighted or other protected materials and the use of any peer-to-peer (P2P) services/applications to obtain aforementioned material illegally. 
• Violation of any computer system security.
• Use of computer facilities in ways that purposefully and unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others.
• Engaging in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
• Installing or attempting to install any software on Mid-Continent Public Library computers.

Violation of these guidelines may result in appropriate action including revocation of Library privileges.

The Board Policy is located on MCPL's Online Board Management Site (BoardDocs). BoardDocs can provide you with most of the information regarding past and upcoming board meetings.

MCPL's Board Policy was last revised on January 19, 2021.

In order to provide an atmosphere conducive to the appropriate use of Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) services and facilities, customers are required to comply with this policy while on MCPL property. MCPL property includes all buildings, entryways, sidewalks, parking lots, and surrounding grounds, unless otherwise noted. Children under the age of six must be supervised by someone 14 or older.

Failure to comply with MCPL’s established rules and regulations may result in permanent expulsion from the property and/or in arrest and prosecution. The following actions are prohibited:

• Any behavior that is disruptive to MCPL customers or staff.
• Any other conduct that violates Federal, State, or local law, ordinance, regulation, or MCPL policy.
• Selling and soliciting for services, money, or items.
• Possessing a weapon of any kind, unless authorized by law.
• Theft or damage of Library materials.
• Soliciting customers to sign petitions or give them information on various viewpoints unless at least 25 feet away from MCPL entrances. Solicitors may not approach customers, but they may display signs and make themselves available for inquiry outside the 25-foot limit. Political signage may not be left on MCPL property except on an election day if the branch is a polling location.
• Trespassing on MCPL property.
• Violation of the MCPL Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Policy.
• Distributing unapproved printed materials/literature.
• Possessing, consuming, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Smoking, tobacco use, or electronic cigarette use in MCPL buildings or within 25 feet of entryways, operational windows, or air intakes. Woodneath Library Center operates a tobacco-free campus.
• Consuming snacks near Library equipment or beverages not in MCPL-approved containers.
• Sleeping and/or misusing or rearranging MCPL furniture.
• Not wearing shoes or a shirt; or wearing clothing deemed offensive.
• Bringing animals into the MCPL buildings other than assistance animals.
• Leaving any person in need of transportation, including a child, at any MCPL facility after closing time in accordance with the MCPL closing procedures.
• Misuse of restrooms. No changing of clothes, shaving, or bathing is allowed.

Trails are open from dawn to dusk daily. MCPL does not recommend using the trails when closed. People using the trails when closed or during inclement weather do so at their own risk and may be considered trespassing. All trail users are expected to carry a mobile phone for their own safety. Children under the age of six must be supervised by someone 14 or older.

Failure to comply with MCPL’s established rules and regulations may result in permanent expulsion from the property and/or in arrest and prosecution. The following actions are prohibited:

• Leaving the trail.
• Approaching wildlife, even if on the trail itself.
• Vehicles and horses are prohibited on the trails.
• Any behavior that is disruptive to MCPL customers or staff.
• Smoking, using tobacco products of any kind, or possessing any open flame.
• Selling and soliciting for services, money, or items.
• Possessing a weapon of any kind, unless authorized by law.
• Theft or damage of Library property.
• Litter or failing to pick up animal waste.
• Possessing, consuming, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Trespassing on MCPL property.
• Any other conduct that violates Federal, State, or local law, ordinance, regulation, or MCPL policy.

Mid-Continent Public Library is committed to the principle of equal opportunity access. The Library does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran. Inquiries regarding discrimination should be directed to: Susan Wray, Assistant Director, 15616 E US 24 Hwy, Independence, MO 64050, 816.836.5200, or swray@mymcpl.org.

Mid-Continent Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy of our patrons, customers, donors, and friends. We believe that privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thoughts, and free association, and we have created this Privacy Policy so that you can learn what the Library does with your information. By using the Library’s services, including its website, and by communicating with the Library, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Privacy Policy. This policy may change from time to time, and we encourage you to check it periodically.

General Information Gathered

Individual visits to electronic services are logged automatically by servers, and software programs are used to summarize data from those visits; the data summaries do not identify individual visitors by name.

Server logs and statistical summaries are reviewed to learn how individual electronic services and webpages are used in order to improve website content, better manage network traffic, and troubleshoot server problems. Examples of statistics gathered include:

Personal Information

Individuals may choose to submit their names, email addresses, postal addresses, or telephone numbers in order to receive Library services, such as registering for an Access Pass (Library card), ordering materials, receiving personal responses to questions, or being added to specific mailing lists. The Library does not sell, rent, or otherwise distribute information to outside companies or organizations unless legally required to do so. For example, Library records may be subject to disclosure to law enforcement officials under provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, and librarians may (under some circumstances) be forbidden from disclosing that certain records have been requested or obtained.

Members of the public may be mentioned by name on the website; for example, in public meeting agendas and minutes, Library event descriptions or photos, as bidders on public projects, or as contributors to webpage content. If identified at all, children are mentioned by first name or name of school/group only.

Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on user computers by a website to enable customization of individual visits. Some Library electronic services, such as the Library Catalog and remote databases, place temporary cookies for current sessions. These cookies do not capture personal information or compromise visitor privacy and are deleted when sessions are ended. Visitors can refuse the cookie by using instructions provided in browsers, which may result in an inability to access some Library services from computers outside the Library.

Children's Privacy

The Library is very concerned about the issue of children's privacy. We ask all children using services on our website or on websites affiliated with the Library to limit the amount of personal information they provide. We do not ask for more personal information from children than is necessary to participate in the activity in question.

We encourage all parents and guardians to learn about their children's online activities and to join in their children's exploration of the internet. We also encourage parents and caregivers to tell their children about the importance of: (i) not revealing personal information online and (ii) asking for permission before giving their last name or personal information to any website.

We want to help parents and guardians make sure that their children have a safe and fun online experience. For this reason, we ask parents or guardians to give their online or written consent before we collect personal information from any child who is under 13 years old. We will also remove your child's personal information from our site at your request. Contact us by phone at 816.836.5200 or email to request that we remove your child's information. 

Third-Party Partners

The Library has teamed up with reputable third-party partners to provide certain online services to its patrons, such as the Calendar, Homework Help, and Summer Reading. The information you submit to the Library may be provided to those third parties on a confidential basis so they can assist us in providing these services. In cases where patrons leave the Library's website to visit one of its partners' websites, they are encouraged to learn about the privacy policies of the websites they visit.

Outside Websites

The Library's website includes selected links to outside sites. Those websites may have different privacy statements, and the Library's notice does not apply. The Library is not responsible for protecting personal information gathered by outside websites. See the Acceptable Use Policy listed above.

Security

Mid-Continent Public Library has taken reasonable steps to safeguard the integrity of its data and prevent unauthorized access to information it maintains, including but not limited to authentication, monitoring, and auditing. Security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation, and day-to-day practices of the entire operating environment as part of its continuing commitment to risk management. These measures are intended to prevent corruption of data, block unknown or unauthorized access to our systems and information, and to provide reasonable protection of private information in our possession.