Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Braille and Talking Books Division
Link to Agency Home Link to Agency Home Link to Braille and Talking Book Library Division

Braille and Talking Book Library
Loan Policy

POLICY:
Braille and recorded books and magazines, descriptive videos and specialized playback equipment will be loaned by the library to eligible registered readers without charge, and the library will keep records of all such loans.  The borrower should notify the library of changes of address, a desire to cancel the service, and temporary or permanent transfer of service to another geographic area.

The loan period is 30 days for books, 7 days for magazines and 14 days for descriptive videos.

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, the borrower should contact the library to request a replacement and a replacement will be provided.  Under no circumstances should a borrower attempt to repair the playback equipment or accessories.  The library can supply a box for return of equipment.

PROCEDURE:
A borrower in good standing may have a maximum number of braille, cassette, and/or digital materials charged to him or her at any one time as agreed upon with the borrower’s Librarian/Reader Advisor.  Service is usually begun with two items.  Once a borrower reaches the maximum number of books, additional books will be sent as books are returned.  A borrower may request/justify an increase or decrease in the maximum number as circumstances change for the borrower.  For each book returned a replacement book will be sent to the borrower, unless the borrower wants books sent only when requested.  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.  Arrangements can be made for a renewal of the loan period if a book is needed for an extended period of time.  Renewals may be granted if other patrons do not need the book.

The borrower will ensure that books, magazines, videos, and equipment being returned to the library by free matter are delivered into the hands of the United States Postal Service by being placed in an official U.S. Postal Service 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 and if problems arise by use of the method, the borrower is responsible for the lost or damaged items.

Patrons accept responsibility for using materials with reasonable care.  These items are non-transferable.  Borrowers may not loan library books, magazines, videos, or equipment to other persons regardless of their program eligibility.

In cases of repeated verbal abuse of library staff or physical abuse of the books, magazines, videos, or equipment by a borrower, service to that borrower may be suspended by the library.  Examples of abuse include, but are not limited to:

- verbal attacks or behavior toward network library staff that is offensive and/or threatening

- excessive numbers of overdue books, magazines, videos, or other library media

- repeated loss or damage of books, magazines, videos, or other library media

- repeated requests for replacement of equipment and accessories that have been damaged by negligence, maliciousness, or unauthorized repair

SUSPENSION PROCEDURE:
In the event 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.

 

top of page

Updated:  05/09/2008

E-mail website
comments to:
webedits@lib.az.us