Library Policies

Registration Requirements

A library card is required to check out materials, use a computer, and access online resources. Cards are free for residents who reside within the Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD). Cards are also free for non-residents who meet certain employment criteria. These include employees of the City of University Park, persons employed within the Plaza at Preston Center, and persons employed at preschools, schools, and institutions of higher education physically located within the boundaries of the HPISD.

Non-residents who do not qualify for a card may obtain a TexShare card from the library in the community where they live. The University Park Public Library (UPPL) honors TexShare cards from any reciprocating library in the State. For more information on the TexShare program, see the information found on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission website

Patron registration types are based on the age of the patron and his/her residency. Standard registrations include Adult and Child. Non-resident registrations include City, Center, Educator, and TexShare.

A current government-issued photo ID showing his/her legal name and proof of current address must be provided as part of the registration process. For non-residents, who qualify based on their employment, they must provide proof of employment in addition to a current government-issued photo ID. This may include a current paycheck stub or picture identification.

If children are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must apply for their card on their behalf. The adult sponsor must be a registered borrower and take responsibility for all materials borrowed on the card.

When a patron exceeds the limit of allowable financial charges on the card, he/she may not check out, renew, or place holds until the account is cleared.

A patron is responsible for reporting his/her card lost or stolen.

Renewing Library Cards

Standard resident library cards are issued for three (3) years.

Non-resident cards are issued on an annual basis.

TexShare cards expiration is determined by the issuing library.

At the time of renewal, patrons are to present their library card or current government-issued photo ID. Resident library cardholders must also provide proof of residency, if it is different than the address on his/her ID. Non-resident cardholders, who qualify based on employment, must also provide proof of employment. TexShare cardholders must obtain a new TexShare card from their home library.

Borrowing

A patron must have a valid library card registration and be in good standing in order to check out items. Patrons may use their library card, a digital or photographic version of their card, or their government-issued photo ID to check out items.

A patron is responsible for all materials checked out on his/her library card, unless he or she has previously reported the library card missing or stolen.

A patron must return materials or pay assessed charges for items not returned and are assumed/claimed lost. The overdue fine is listed in the City of University Park Master Fee Schedule.  Items are considered lost if they are overdue for more than six weeks. See Lost or Damaged Materials.

When a patron’s account is blocked due to charges over $5.00, he/she may not check out, renew, or place holds until the account is cleared.

Failure to pay assessed damage fees or lost item charges may result in the borrower's card being blocked and library services restricted.

Limitations are placed on the number of items which may be checked out on different types of library cards, and on the number of times items may be renewed. Resident and nonresident patrons may borrow no more than 50 library items at one time and may have up to 10 items on hold at one time. TexShare patrons may borrow no more than 5 library items at one time and may have up to 5 items on hold at one time.

Holds may be picked up by family members with prior approval. Holds may be placed by phone, online, or in person by providing the Library account number. Patrons will be notified when Holds are available for pick up.

Parents have the responsibility to guide their children in the selection of library items.

Lost or Damaged Materials

Patrons are billed the replacement cost for lost or damaged items. In lieu of payment, the Library will accept an exact replacement with a matching ISBN for a lost or damaged item. The replacement must be in new condition. If an item is returned after a replacement has been provided, the replacement may be withdrawn and returned to the patron.

General Rules

Replacement cards may be purchased for a fee of $1.00. Patrons must also provide a current government-issued photo ID at the time of replacement.

If a patron wants to remove a library account of a family member who is deceased, they will need to present an obituary or other proof before the account will be cleared and deleted.

Appropriate Conduct

This policy is established for the comfort and protection of all patrons who use the University Park Public Library. We ask for your cooperation in maintaining an environment that is conducive to study, programming, and enjoyable use of the Library.

No sales or physical exchange of funds allowed in the library. 

Patrons will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate conduct disrupts the operation of the library and use by other patrons.

Patrons will comply with all federal, state and local laws.

Parents or designated caregivers are responsible for children they bring to the library. The library is not responsible for unattended children. Any child left after closing, who is disruptive, or who requires parental attention, but whose parents or designated caregivers cannot be reached, will be turned over to law enforcement.

Children under age ten must have a parent or designated caregiver in the immediate vicinity of them, and in visual contact with them at all times.

Patrons will comply with the Library Electronic Resources Use Policy.

Inappropriate Conduct

• Disruptive electronic device use is prohibited.
• Food and drink are not permitted in designated areas.
• Possession of or use of alcohol or illicit drugs is prohibited within the library.
• Service animals are permitted in the library; all other animals are prohibited, except for special events.
• Sleeping in the library is prohibited.
• Smoking and use of all tobacco products, as well as vaping, is prohibited.
• Soliciting is prohibited.
• Weapons are prohibited except for Law Enforcement Officers and individuals licensed to carry handguns in accordance with state law.

Consequences

Policy violators will be instructed by Library personnel to leave the Library, or law enforcement may be called. Failure to leave as instructed constitutes unlawful trespass and may result in prosecution.

Electronic Resources

This policy regulates each patron's use of the University Park Public Library's electronic resources including all software and equipment used to access information from the University Park Public Library, whether on or off Library premises.

Library electronic resources are for educational, informational, and appropriate recreational purposes only.

Internet Use Disclaimer

While the Internet offers access to a global network of information, there is little guidance or regulation to insure that it is timely or accurate. The University Park Public Library assumes responsibility only for the information found on its website. The University Park Public Library cannot control materials accessible from other Internet sites. Individual users are responsible for evaluating the content and quality of the information retrieved.

Child Safety on the Internet

The restriction and monitoring of a minor's (under 18 years of age) access to the Internet, as with all other library resources, is the responsibility of the parent or designated caregiver.

Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources

Use of the Library's Electronic Resources is guided by the following principles:

• Patrons must respect the privacy of others by not interfering with their use of workstations or impersonating another user.
• Patrons must abide by all laws regarding copyright and software licensing agreements.
• Patrons must follow Library procedures for use of electronic resources.

Unacceptable Use of Electronic Resources

• It is unacceptable to use the University Park Public Library Internet connection for any illegal purpose which violates Federal, State, or local laws.
• It is unacceptable to access files, passwords, or data belonging to others, or seek unauthorized access to any computer system or data.
• It is unacceptable to damage, modify, destroy, or alter software components of any network, or any Library property.
• It is unacceptable to make copies of copyrighted material or to violate software licensing agreements.
• It is unacceptable to use equipment maliciously.

Internet Computer Use

• Resident and nonresident fee card holders are allowed to utilize public access computers for one hour sessions, twice per day. Each session may be extended by one-half hour, if no other patrons are waiting.
• Patrons may print from the public access computers for a charge listed in the City of University Park's Master Fee Schedule per page. Prints are picked up and paid for at the circulation desk.
• Patrons must notify staff of any problems encountered, and must not turn off the computer or attempt to resolve any difficulty by themselves.

Electronic Resources Available Only at the Library

Public Access Computers

The Library provides computers during normal Library hours for resident and nonresident fee card holders. These computers provide Microsoft Office programs and Internet access.

Wireless Internet

The Library provides free wireless access to the Internet for resident card holders and non-resident fee card holders. A wireless capable electronic device is required. This connection is not encrypted; patrons are advised not to conduct transactions with sensitive personal information.

Electronic Resources Available At The Library & Off-Site

Downloadable Books - OverDrive

The Library is part of the Northeast Texas Libraries Digital Consortium. This resource provides access to downloadable electronic and audio books. Free specific software is required in order to utilize this service. The Library also has a private collection within this site for materials exclusively for current University Park Public Library resident card holders. Resident card holders must log-in to this service in order to see all of the available materials. To access this service, patrons may go through the Library's Online Catalog.

Downloadable Audio Book - OneClickDigital

This resource provides access to downloadable audiobooks. Free specific software or an app is necessary to utilize this resource. Resident card holders must log in to this service in order to download titles. To access this service, patrons may go through the Library's Online Catalog.

Online Library Catalog

The Library provides 24 hour access to the Library catalog. This resource allows patrons to search for materials held by the Library, request materials, and access their personal Library accounts. Access the Library's Online Catalog.

Resume Maker

This resource allows resident card holders to develop resumes, search for jobs, and provides online guidance to job seekers. To utilize this resource, resident card holders must access the Library's Online Catalog, and then create a free account.

TexShare Databases

The Library provides access to the Texas State Library and Archive Commission databases for public libraries. These databases include periodicals, genealogy, and other resources. To utilize this resource, patrons must log in to their account on the Library's Online Catalog.

TumbleBooks

The Library provides an online collection of audio and animated talking books for young readers. These titles are existing books with animation, sound, music and narration. These books are accessed through the Library's Online Catalog.

Website

The Library provides 24 hour access to its website. This resource provides patrons with access to the Library's schedule of events, information about the Library, copies of Library policies and links to other resources.

Consequences

Destruction of Library property is unlawful and offenders will be prosecuted.

Violation of this policy will result in loss of access to electronic resources, possible loss of Library borrowing privileges, and/or referral to law enforcement.

Illegal acts involving the Library's Internet connection may be subject to prosecution by Federal, State or local authorities.

Rental Agreement

To reserve the University Park Public Library Community Room or Texana Room, complete the Meeting Room Application through our online portal. Library staff will confirm receipt of your request, which must then be reviewed and approved to ensure it aligns with library guidelines. No private parties, showers, family reunions, receptions, and weddings are permitted.

The person making the reservation shall attend the meeting or designate an alternate when making the reservation.

No admission fee or donation may be required or solicited from those attending meetings in the library, admission charges and the sale of goods and services are prohibited, except for programs sponsored by the Library or its affiliated groups.

Noncompliance with Meeting Room Policies and Meeting Room Instructions may result in the loss of reservations and suspension of rental privileges. All City of University Park Code of Ordinances apply to purposes and signage for the use of the Library's meeting rooms.

Reservations

Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations for the Library Community Room and the Local History / Texana Room may be made up to one year in advance.

Study rooms are free to use and can be reserved once per day for up to two hours, with reservations available up to two days in advance. Rooms are open for anyone to reserve until 3:00 PM, after which they are set aside exclusively for student group study. Students reserving rooms after 3:00 PM must present a valid student ID.  Solitary students may reserve the room for one hour, if there are no group study reservations. The study rooms may only be booked for normal hours the library is open to the public. Study rooms can accommodate up to six people.

The reservation fee for the Local History / Texana Room is included in the City of University Park's Master Fee Schedule. The Texana Room may only be booked for normal hours the library is open to the public. The occupancy for this room is 20 people.

The reservation fee for the Community Room is included in the City of University Park's Master Fee Schedule. The Library Community Room is available for use only on days that the Library is open to the public. It is available from 9 am to 9 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The occupancy for this room is 110 with chairs only and 80 people with tables and chairs. Additional charges are applied for using the meeting room after 6 pm.

Meeting rooms are reserved upon application and approval, but reservations may be canceled if payment is not received within seven calendar days of approval.

Use of the Meeting Rooms by City Boards, Committees and City personnel and the Friends of the University Park Public Library shall take precedence over all other uses, even if an activity has been scheduled. In this instance, the renter will be notified as soon as possible by the City to make other arrangements.

Payment Policy

The rental fees for the meeting rooms are included in the City of University Park's Master Fee Schedule. Payment must be received within seven calendar days after the application is made and approval is received. The Library accepts payment by cash, check or card.

Damage Policy

Organizations or groups conducting or sponsoring meetings shall assume total responsibility for any and all damages to the room and contents during the course of the meeting/function.

Catering Policy

Refreshments may be served in the Community Room; however, the Library does not furnish dishes or kitchen equipment. All facilities must be left in a clean and orderly condition.

Renters wishing to serve wine or beer must provide the City with a certificate or copy of its insurance policy(s) evidencing the coverage and coverage provisions identified below no later than ten days prior to the rental term. All insurance companies and coverage must be authorized by the Texas Department of Insurance to transact business in the State of Texas and must have an A.M. Best's rating A- or greater.

All such insurance shall name the City of University Park, its officers, employees, and agents as additional insured and provide for a waiver of subrogation against City for injuries, including death, property damage, or any other loss to the extent the same is covered by the proceeds of the insurance. Each policy and renewals or replacements thereof shall provide that it will not be canceled, non-renewed or materially changed except with thirty (30) days advance written notice to City. Evidence of such insurance shall be provided to City by delivering certificate(s) of insurance and policy endorsements.

The insurance required under this paragraph shall provide for the following coverages and limits:

Commercial general liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage coverage in not less than the following amounts:

• Limit of $250,000 for each person, $500,000 for each single occurrence for bodily injury or death, and $100,000 for each single occurrence for injury to or destruction of property.

Set Up / Tear Down

Meeting rooms are available only for the reserved time, with access beginning at the start of the reservation and ending at the designated end time.

Renters must leave the room in good condition and return meeting room furniture to its original location at the conclusion of their reservation.

Decorations

Nails or tacks are not to be used on meeting room walls or ceilings. Decorative materials must be colored with water-soluble dyes. Candles, incense, or any other open flames are not permitted.

Tobacco

Tobacco is not allowed in the Library or any City facility.

Security

The City of University Park reserves the right to determine if police security is required during a scheduled activity. 

Renters must supply the name and affiliation of speakers two weeks prior to the reservation. The City of University Park will determine the number of officers and hours required. The renter is responsible for this expense.

Renters can provide security of their choosing at their own expense, but must advise the library provide the name and credentials of the security company no later than two weeks prior to the event. The security officers must remain inside of the rented space and may not be in front of the building or in the building hallways. This does not preclude the City of University Park's right to determine whether security is needed.

Occupancy Levels

The occupancy levels posted by the Fire Marshal must be followed. The occupancy for the Community Room is 110 with chairs only and 80 with tables and chairs, and the occupancy for the Local History/Texana Room is 20 people. The occupancy for the study rooms is 6 people.

Rights of Renters

Renters shall not obstruct, interfere with, injure or annoy other users of the Library. The Library reserves the right to refuse application for any of the meeting rooms that will disrupt the normal use of the Library. Renters will comply with the University Park Public Library Code of Conduct.

Renters cannot sublease or assign its contracted space to another individual, group, or organization. All vendor space must be approved by the Library and, if applicable, by the Fire Marshal.

This policy is established in the interest of fuller understanding by parents or designated caregivers of the provisions in the University Park Public Library Code of Conduct Policy pertaining to unattended children.

The Library is a public place. A public library does not legally serve in place of parents. Children may, at any moment, become at risk. The Library cannot be responsible for directly supervising children.

Guidelines

• Be sure your children are with you or responsible caregivers at all times.
• Be involved in your children's library use, know what they are reading and viewing, and take responsibility for their Internet use.
• Children up to age ten must have a parent or caregiver in the immediate vicinity and in visual contact with them.
• If a child up to the age of ten is found unattended, the Library staff will attempt to locate the parent or caregiver in the Library and will inform him or her of these rules. If the parent or caregiver cannot be found, law enforcement will be called for assistance.
• If a child up to the age of ten violates the Library Code of Conduct, the child and the caregiver will be informed of the Library Code of Conduct. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child and parent or caregiver will be asked to leave the Library.
• Children age ten and older may be allowed to use the Library on their own; however, parents continue to be responsible for the actions of their children. Children age ten and older who exhibit inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library.

It is strongly recommended that children age ten and older be accompanied during their library use by a parent or designated caregiver.

If unattended children ages 18 and under are in the Library at closing time, staff members will attempt to contact parents or caregivers and request that the children be retrieved immediately. Two staff members will wait ten minutes for the parents or caregivers to arrive. If the parents or caregivers do not arrive within ten minutes, the police will be called.

Reason for policy

This collection development policy defines specific selection processes of print and non-print materials for the University Park Public Library (“The Library”).  This policy also defines criteria for the maintenance of the collection.

Collection Goals

The Library has established the following goals for collection development:

• To provide a collection that is current, balanced, and representative of all fields of knowledge to the extent of its financial resources.  
• To collect materials that satisfy the needs and preferences of the community it serves.
• To provide quality materials for children, young adults and adults that encourage lifelong reading.
• To provide recreational reading, with emphasis on current and high-demand materials, in a variety of formats.
• To facilitate informal self-education for the community.
• To serve as a general information center, providing timely and accurate information on a broad array of topics.

Authority and Responsibility

Responsibility for materials selection lies with the librarian staff.  Final authority and responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of this policy, adopted by the University Park City Council.  The staff will use their professional knowledge, circulation data, and familiarity with the community in the selection process.

Intellectual Freedom

The Library subscribes to and supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights (Appendix A).  The Library takes no sides on public issues and does not promote any beliefs or points of view through its collection.  The Library also does not endorse the opinions expressed in the materials held.  The Library recognizes its responsibility to provide materials representing different sides of controversial issues. 

Selection of materials does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content, viewpoint, implications, or presentation of the materials by Library staff or the City of University Park.  The Library collects materials expressing a variety of views and opinions. 

The Library recognizes that many materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons.  Responsibility for the materials that children read rests on their parents and legal guardians.  Selection of materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that items may inadvertently come into the possession of children.  Selections will be made on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collection and the interest of the community.

The Library is not a judicial body. Laws governing obscenity, subversive materials, and other questionable matters are subject to interpretation by the courts. Consequently, no challenged material will be removed from the Library for complaints of obscenity, pornography, subversiveness, or any other category covered by law until after review by The Library Advisory Committee. Conversely, materials previously judged unlawful will not knowingly be selected. 

Reconsideration of Materials

If a patron objects to the presence of any library materials, the complaint will be given a hearing. If the patron wishes, they will be supplied with the Request for Reconsideration of Materials Form (Appendix B). All complaints to staff members will be referred to the Library Director who will discuss the matter with the complainant.  If not satisfied, the Library Director shall refer the complaint to The Library Advisory Committee for final determination.

Materials Selection Criteria

Reviews in professionally recognized resources are a primary source for materials selection.  Materials that have not been professionally reviewed will generally not be considered for addition to the Library’s collections. Standard bibliographies, publishers’ catalogs, book lists by recognized authorities, personal knowledge and expertise, and the advice of people competent in specific subject areas will also be used.  

Other factors which librarians use to select materials include demand, format, regional interest, and cost.  If the Library does not own materials that fit within the selection criteria, then patrons can complete the Customer Request to Purchase Material (Appendix C) for the librarian staff to consider.  

Each type of material must be considered in terms of its own merit and the audience for whom it is intended.  No single standard can be applied in all cases.  Some materials may be judged primarily in terms of artistic merits, scholarship, or value to humanity; others are selected to satisfy the informational, recreational, or educations interests of the community.

All librarians have a professional responsibility to be inclusive, not exclusive, in developing collections.  Every effort will be made to provide materials representing all viewpoints.

The children’s collection serves children birth through grade six.  The collection focuses on recommended and classic picture books for preschoolers, and on popular reading for children of school age.  The collection also includes books on subjects that are appropriate and of interest to this age group. 

The young adult collection serves youth from grades seven through twelve.  An effort is made to select non-fiction materials that complement homework needs of students of all ages.  The Library takes special care to ensure that materials for this age group are accurate.  

The adult collection serves adults of all ages.  The collection is comprised of current and popular entertainment material as well as informative material on a variety of subjects. 

Collection Maintenance

The Library keeps its collections vital and useful by withdrawal and replacement of essential materials, and by removal of those works that are worn, outdated, of little historical significance, unnecessary duplicates, or no longer in demand.  The collection will be maintained following best practices in library standards.  Withdrawn materials will be disposed in accordance with City of University Park policies.  

Materials Not Collected

The Library will not actively collect materials aimed at an academic or special audience.  Other types of materials currently not collected at the Library include, but are not limited to:

• Textbooks or homeschool curricula 
• Recorded music
• Outdated media, such as slides, film strips, phonograph recordings, computer software for circulation, videocassettes, or audiocassettes
• Other realia such as pictures or art work
• Videocassettes
• Audiocassettes
• Audio CDs
• Formats

The Library will carefully consider the formats of material collected, with all new formats subject to the approval of the Library Director.  Issues considered will include: initial and ongoing maintenance costs of the materials; acquisitions, cataloging, and processing requirements; storage; accessibility; expected manner of use by patrons; and impact on existing formats.

Special Collections

The University Park Public Library has two special collections: Texana, and Local History.  The Local History collection is housed and maintained in partnership with Preservation Park Cities (“PPC”), who has final authority over what is added to this collection in accordance to the terms of an agreement between PPC and the City of University Park.  The Texana Collection is comprised of materials about Texas and its history, and the Library Director has final authority over what is included in this collection.

Gifts and Donations

The Library accepts gifts or donations of books or other materials subject to its selection criteria and donation guidelines, which can be found on the Library’s webpage.  Gifts of funds to the Library in the form of memorials or honorariums are subject to the Library’s criteria for selection.  Recommendations from the donor will be considered.