XIII. Volunteerism

The Buda Public Library welcomes and encourages members of the community to volunteer their time and talents to enrich and expand library services. Volunteers are expected to conform to all policies of the Buda Public Library and the rules outlined in the Volunteer Agreement. They are selected and retained for as long as the library needs their services. Volunteers may be used for special events, projects and activities, or on a regular basis to assist staff. Services provided by volunteers will supplement, but not replace, regular services, and volunteers will not be used in place of hiring full or part time staff.
Volunteers may apply for paid positions under the same conditions as other outside applicants. The library will accept minors (13 to 18 years old, if still enrolled in high school) completing school assigned restitution for non-violent offenses and court assigned restitution for a Class C misdemeanor after being approved by either the Director, the Assistant Director, or a designee. Volunteers (and parents, if the volunteer is under 18 years of age) must agree to and sign the Volunteer Agreement and the City of Buda’s Volunteer Release Form.

XIV. Lost and Found

The Buda Public Library is not responsible for any patron’s lost or left behind items. Patrons are solely responsible for their own property. As a courtesy, all unclaimed items or found items turned into the staff will be placed in the library’s Lost and Found. Items of value or those containing potentially valuable information will be kept in the staff area and will be returned to patrons who can provide sufficient identifying information. Items will be kept for at least one month; after this time period, staff will dispose of the items in an appropriate manner.

XV. Community Postings

XVI. Emergencies and Disasters

Emergencies are unforeseen circumstances that generally call for immediate action. When an emergency of any kind occurs anywhere in the library, the number one concern is to protect and preserve human life. The secondary concern is to protect and preserve the collections and equipment used to provide library services.

• In an emergency situation, library users should follow instructions given by library staff and emergency responders.
• Library staff will call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Library users calling 9-1-1 should inform library staff so that they may correctly direct emergency responders.
• In the event that the library needs to be evacuated, follow posted emergency exit signs to the closest exit. Based on the individual event, library staff may direct library users to a specified location.

Emergency library closures will be determined by the City of Buda Library Director, City Manager, Emergency Management Coordinator, and/or the Chief of Police.

XVII. Patron Privacy

1. Users of the Buda Public Library have the legal right to privacy in use of Library resources. Staff members will not disclose information about a cardholder’s record or use of the Library to anyone other than the cardholder; except in the following cases:
   • Subpoena or warrant as outlined in the state statute, Texas Government Code, Section 552.124 and the surveillance provisions included in The USA PATRIOT ACT (Public Law 107-56).
   • The Library Director determines that disclosure is reasonably necessary to the operation of the library and the records are not confidential under state or federal law.
   • At the request of a parent or guardian who has signed as the responsible party on their child’s library card application.
   • At the request of a person listed as a person that may use the library card.
2. Staff may ask to see a patron’s photo identification for verification of identity before disclosing information about an account.
3. Any time a city, county, state or federal law enforcement agent requests information about a library patron, Buda Public Library staff members shall refer the agent to the Library Director or his/her designee in his/her absence, who will seek legal counsel prior to compliance.
4. The Buda Public Library works with a variety of partners to provide eContent (i.e., eBooks, databases, eAudio books, and similar services) to our users. When using eContent provided by the Library, card holders should read the privacy policy of the company that is providing the service in question. For example, like most content providers, these companies may collect and store user information. Some information may be shared with partner companies. It is the card holder’s responsibility to inform themselves of these policies.

XVIII. Makers’ Lab Policy

1. The purpose of the Makers’ Lab is to provide a community work space where library users can come to create, explore, collaborate and innovate. This supports the Buda Public Library’s mission to improve the quality of life for residents and the general community, while enhancing their access to education, and the development of lifelong learning.
2. The Buda Public Library does not guarantee the quality of items created or the fitness of the item for a particular purpose.
3. The Buda Public Library does not claim expertise on the various equipment available but does offer basic training and information on select equipment.
4. Users will not be permitted to create or print:
   
   • An object that is unlawful, threatening, abusive, obscene, intended to physically harm, or attempt to harm, racially or ethnically insensitive or otherwise objectionable.
   • An object that infringes upon a patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright or other proprietary rights of any party unless consent from the rights-owner has been obtained.
   • An object or any part of an object that is regulated or requires a license to use or carry.
   • Any items with the intent to sell.
5. Buda Public Library Staff reserve the right to refuse the use of Makers’ Lab equipment and any requests to print or create.
6. By using the Makers’ Lab Equipment, the user agrees to abide by these and other existing library policies and procedures. Failure to abide by these and other existing library policies and procedures may result in revocation of library use privileges.
7. Disclaimer: While the Buda Public Library and the Library Director make every effort to oversee the use of Makers’ Lab equipment, usage of the equipment is not under the direction or control of the Library, the Library Director or the City of Buda. Neither the Library nor the City is responsible for any object created with the use of the Equipment, including any harm or injury incurred as a result of any usage of the Equipment.

The Buda Public Library offers the use of study rooms to individuals and small groups so they may meet or study in a space with limited distractions. Study rooms are not available for social, self-promotional, or commercial purposes, including for-profit tutors. The library director shall have final authority regarding the use of study rooms.

• Study rooms may be reserved in advance through a procedure determined by the library director.
• All functions of the study rooms shall be free and open to the general public and library staff shall have unrestricted access to the study rooms at all times.
• Study rooms may not be used for any commercial or fundraising purposes, including those where payment for the service takes place elsewhere.
• Study rooms are not soundproof. Sharing of confidential or other private information is highly discouraged.
• To avoid disturbing occupants of adjoining rooms, study room occupants should minimize their sound levels, by using headphones, silencing cell phones, and speaking at a low volume.
• All study room users must be at least 14 years old; younger patrons may use the room if accompanied by an adult that will be personally responsible for them.
• Covered drinks and light snacks are allowed in the meeting room. Users are encouraged to partake of more substantial foods in the lobby.
• Rooms must be vacated 15 minutes before the library closes.