The Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library

Please note: The following policies and regulations are specific to the Jesse Smith Library. Regulations and policies at other OSL libraries may differ.

These regulations and policies are in effect as of April 2007.

Borrowing Policies:
[Library Policy] [Getting a OSL Card] [Using Your Card]
[Authorization of Card Use] [Suspension of Privileges]
[Lost or Stolen Card] [Replacement Card]

Circulation Policies:
[Loan Period] [Limitations]
[Return of Materials] [Use of Bookdrop]
[Loan Renewals] [Renewal of Overdue Materials]
[Fines] [Payment of Fines]
[Lost & Damaged Items] [Disputed Items]

[DVD Borrowing] [Video & DVD Borrowing Agreement]
[Video Borrowing] [Video & DVD Borrowing Agreement]

[Museum Pass Borrowing]

[RI Law on Return of Library Materials]

Obtaining a OSL Library Card:    [Menu]

If you are a resident of the State of Rhode Island and over 18 years of age, you can apply for a card in person at any OSL library. You will be asked to fill out an application form, and to provide valid personal identification (such as a driver's license) and proof of your current address. (Note: Persons who are unable to apply for a card in person should contact the library by telephone to find out whether other application arrangements can be made.)

Children of any age may have their own OSL library cards; and children who will be visiting the library without their parents must have their own cards in order to borrow materials. Parents must apply in person for OSL library cards for their children who are under the age of 16, and for children under the age of 18* who do not have their own driver's license. The parent must fill out an application for each child, and present valid personal identification and proof of current address.

Parents: please be aware that Jesse Smith Library does not restrict any Patron's selections with regard to title or rating. The Parent or Legal Guradian of any minor Patron is solely responsible for monitoring and overseeing the borrowing of any minor child.

(* Children aged 16 to 18 who have a valid driver's license and ID may apply for a card without assistance of a parent or guardian.)

Non-RI-Residents and Patrons from non-OSL communities who qualify may purchase a full-service OSL card for an annual fee of $25.00.

Non-Residents may apply for a limited use Jesse Smith Library card. There is no annual fee for this card, however, the card may only be used to borrow materials owned by the Jesse Smith Library and may not be used to borrow videos or materials requested from other libraries.

About Using Your OSL Card:    [Menu]

Residents of OSL library communities may use their OSL card at any OSL member library in the State of Rhode Island.

Card Use Authorization:    [Menu]

Your OSL card is non-transferable. This means you may not present a card belonging to another person nor send your card with another party for them to borrow books for you. The owner of the card must be in the library when the card is presented. This is for your protection.

The only exception to the non-transfer of card use rule is that you may send a second party with your card to pick up materials which have been previously reserved (put on "hold") for you, and which you have been notified to pick up.

You must have your OSL card with you in order to check out materials. Staff is not allowed to "look up" your card number. Now that the database contains all card holders in the state, there is too much room for error in selecting the exact "John Q. Smith" from a long list of possibilities. Rather than risk checking books out to the wrong patron, we have chosen "No card, no books" as our local policy. It will save time and error; and, again, this is for your protection. You wouldn't head to the bank without your ID or ATM card. Consider your OSL card as your access to the "Book Bank."

Suspension of Borrowing Privileges:    [Menu]

Any card-holder with $5.00 (five dollars) or more in overdue fines from OSL libraries or patrons with overdue library materials at any OSL library may not borrow further materials until overdue materials are either returned, or, if allowable, renewed, and fines paid to date. Do not risk being "blocked" from using your library card at all OSL libraries: keep your record clean!

Also be aware that certain libraries retain the right to suspend the borrowing privileges of Patrons who violate the local library's policies or the terms of agreements Patron's have signed with them, such as separate Video Borrowing Agreements.

Lost or Stolen Cards:    [Menu]

Lost cards must be reported immediately to any OSL library so that the bar code can be deactivated. Guard you library card as you would any credit card. Since OSL cards are accepted state-wide, your card might be used by anyone who finds it until it is deactivated.

Replacement Library Cards:    [Menu]

Replacement card fee for a lost or stolen card is $1.00 (one dollar).

Circulation Policies    [Menu]

Loan Periods:

Most Jesse Smith Library materials, including hardcover and paperback books, audio tapes, non-fiction videos, and puzzles, have a 3-week loan period. Magazines, and Circulating Reference books, entertainment videos, and entertainment DVDs are loaned for 1 week only. Please Note: Policies at other libraries vary, therefore, material borrowed via interlibrary loan will follow the loan period regulations and overdue fine structure established by the owning library.

Borrowing Limitations:    [Menu]

The number of items which may be borrowed at one time varies with each library's local policy. At Jesse Smith Library we limit non-ficton materials borrowing within a subject (2 books per subject, per OSL card) in order to better provide for the needs of the majority of our patrons, especially students.

Return of Materials:    [Menu]

Most books and other materials (except entertainment videos & DVDs and some AV) borrowed at one OSL library may be returned and checked in at any other OSL library.

Use of the Bookdrop or Return Box:    [Menu]

When the Library is closed, books and magazines may be returned in the Library's Book Return Box, the "Bookdrop." However, Audio Tapes, Video Tapes, DVDs, and any other materials which are susceptible to damage by heat, cold, or crushing, should NEVER be put in the Book Return Box. Doing so may result in fines and damage fees.

Fines for Overdue Materials:    [Menu]

Fines are automatically calculated by the computer and appear on your state-wide OSL record until they are paid. Overdue fines at Jesse Smith now follow OSL general policy. The fine for books, magazines, non-fiction videos, and audio books is $0.10 (ten cents) per day per item, to a maximum of $6.00 (six dollars) per item, except in the case of non-fiction videos for which the maximum fine is the retail price of the item. As of April 2007, there is NO grace period before fines will be assessed.

In the case of entertainment video tapes & DVDs, fine is $1.00 (one dollar) per day, per tape or DVD, to a maximum of the retail price of the video or DVD plus processing fees. NO grace days are allowed on entertainment video & DVD returns.

Only days the library is open count towards fines. If the library is forced to close because of weather or other conditions, all items then become due when the library reopens.

Remember: accumulating fines in excess of $5.00 (five dollars) "blocks" you from further use of your OSL library card until payment is made.

Renewal of Materials:    [Menu]

OSL policy allows for one renewal, either by phone or in person, on most print materials, audio tapes, and non-fiction video tapes provided there are no Holds (Reserves) for that item. Jesse Smith Library allows one renewal on entertainment videos, entertainment DVDs, and non-fiction videos owned by Jesse Smith Library. Video & DVD renewal policies at other libraries vary, so check with the loaning library if you wish to renew DVDs or video tapes.

Renewal of Overdue Materials:    [Menu]

Jesse Smith Library will renew material that is two weeks or less overdue and the fine will automatically be placed on your record. Items more than two weeks overdue must be presented at the Library and the fine paid before renewal will be allowed.

Under certain circumstance, materials owned by Jesse Smith Library may be renewed a second time, either by phone or in person, provided there are no Holds for any of the titles being renewed.

Payment of Fines:    [Menu]

You may pay outstanding overdue fees at any OSL library, no matter where the fine was incurred.

Please Note: Jesse Smith Library accepts cash only, and can take no bills larger than a twenty-dollar bill. NO checks can be accepted unless special arrangements are made.

Lost & Damaged Items:    [Menu]

Any OSL library can accept and will forward payment to the owning library for any lost or damaged items.

Please Note: Jesse Smith Library accepts cash only, and can take no bills larger than a twenty-dollar bill. NO checks can be accepted unless special arrangements are made.

Disputed Lost Materials:    [Menu]

If you should dispute the overdue status of an item or items checked out to your card, you must go to the owning library to clear up the situation. Libraries are unable to physically check the shelves of other libraries, and have no authority to change the status of the items in question unless payment is received.

DVD Circulation & Borrowing Policies:    [Menu]

At present, the Jesse Smith Library circulates only entertainment DVDs, which include feature films, children's films and cartoons, and performances.

Entertainment DVDs may be borrowed by any patron with a valid OSL card who has no outstanding overdue items and outstanding fines of less than $5.00, and who has signed an Entertainment Video & DVD Borrowing Agreement. (Minor children who have valid OSL cards may borrow DVDs providing that the parent or legal guardian has given permission by signing an Entertainment Video & DVD Borrowing Agreement in the child's name.) Upon signing an agreement, your OSL card will be embossed for video & DVD borrowing.

Parents please note: The library can NOT monitor your child's DVD choices. If you have any concerns about your child selecting inappropriate DVDs, either accompany your child on library visits, or do not sign your child up for DVD borrowing privileges.

Entertainment DVDs
Loan Period, Limits, Renewals, Returns, Fines:

Entertainment DVDs are loaned for a 7-day period, with a limit of two (4) titles per valid OSL card. DVD's may be renewed ONCE. Overdue fine is $1.00 (one dollar) per day, per title, with NO grace days before fines begin. Maximum fine for DVDs owned by Jesse Smith Library is up to the retail value of the DVD, plus processing fees. Maximum fines at other OSL libraries vary.

NOTE: Jesse Smith Entertainment DVDs should be returned ONLY to Jesse Smith Library and may NOT be placed in the book return box. DVDs and videos returned to other OSL libraries or which are placed in book return boxes may incur overdue charges or damage charges which will be added to any overdue fines or charges already accrued.

Video Circulation & Borrowing Policies:    [Menu]

There are two classifications of videos at Jesse Smith Library:

	1.	"Non-Fiction" Videos which include "how-to" tapes, documentaries, informational, instructional, and travelogues.
	2.	"Entertainment" Videos which include feature films, children's films and cartoons, and performances.

1. Non-Fiction Videos:    [Menu]   [Entertainment Videos]

Includes "How-to," instructional, documentary, informational, and travelogue videos.

Non-Fiction videos are shelved with the adult book collection according to Dewey Decimal Classification (for example, exercise videos will be found with exercise books in 613.7). These tapes may be borrowed by any holder of a valid OSL card (signing of a separate agreement is not necessary) who has no outstanding overdue items and outstanding fines of less than $5.00. These tapes are also available via interlibrary loan through other libraries.

Non-Fiction Video
Loan Period, Limits, Renewals, Returns, Fines:

Non-Fiction videos are loaned for three (3) weeks, limit of 2 titles per subject, per OSL card. One renewal is allowed. Overdue fine is $0.10 (ten cents) per day, per title, NO grace days. Maximum fine is up to the retail value of the video, plus processing fees.

Non-Fiction videos may be returned at ANY OSL library, but we ask that you not place them in book return boxes as you may be held liable for damage resulting from exposure to heat, cold, crushing, or dropping.

Parents please note: Non-Fiction videos may be borrowed by any holder of a valid OSL library card, including minor children. The library staff can NOT monitor your child's video choices. If you have concerns that your child might select inappropriate titles, you should accompany your child on library visits to supervise their selections.

2. Entertainment Videos:    [Menu]   [Non-Fiction Videos]

Includes feature films, children's films, cartoons, and performance videos.

Entertainment videos may be borrowed by any patron with a valid OSL card who has no outstanding overdue items and outstanding fines of less than $5.00, and who has signed an Entertainment Video Agreement. (Minor children who have valid OSL cards may borrow these videos providing that the parent or legal guardian has given permission by signing an Entertainment Video & DVD Borrowing Agreement in the child's name.) Upon signing an agreement, your OSL card will be embossed for video borrowing.

Parents please note: The library can NOT monitor your child's video choices. If you have any concerns about your child selecting inappropriate videos, either accompany your child on library visits, or do not sign your child up for video borrowing privileges.

Entertainment Video
Loan Period, Limits, Renewals, Returns, Fines:

Entertainment videos are loaned for a 7-day period, with a limit of 10 titles per valid OSL card. Overdue fine is $1.00 (one dollar) per day, per title, with NO grace days before fines begin. Maximum fine for videos owned by Jesse Smith Library is up to the retail value of the video, plus processing fees. Maximum fines at other OSL libraries vary.

NOTE: Jesse Smith Entertainment videos should be returned ONLY to Jesse Smith Library and may NOT be placed in the book return box. DVDs and videos returned to other OSL libraries or which are placed in book return boxes may incur overdue charges or damage charges which will be added to any overdue fines or charges already accrued.

Entertainment Video & DVD Borrowing Agreement     [Menu]

Every patron who wishes to borrow Entertainment Videos or DVDs must sign an agreement. A Parent or Legal Guardian must sign the agreement for a minor child.

Responsibility and Liability in Video and DVD Borrowing

The Borrower:

The Borrower agrees that all video tapes and DVDs are used at the borrower's own risk, and that the Library is not responsible for damage to the Borrower's equipment.

The Borrower acknowledges that the Library does not monitor or restrict video or DVD materials borrowed by minors, and that the Parent or Legal Guardian of a minor patron is solely responsible for monitoring and overseeing the video and DVD borrowing of said minors.

The Borrower agrees that he is responsible for safe-guarding the video tapes and DVDs while they are in his possession. The borrower agrees that his responsibility for the video or DVD does not end until the video tape or DVD has been given into the hands of a Library Employee.

The Borrower agrees to pay all fines and charges incurred by himself or by any minor child for whom he has signed as Parent or Legal Guardian. The Borrower agrees to reimburse the library for the cost of replacement of any video tape or DVD damaged through negligence, equipment malfunction, or user error while on loan. The Borrower agrees to be responsible for reimbursing the Library for the cost of any video tapes or DVDs lost or stolen while on loan to him or his minor child.

The Borrower agrees not to show the video tapes or DVDs for profit, nor use them in any way restricted by copyright law.

The Borrower acknowledges that reproduction of video tapes or DVDs violates copyright law and is therefore illegal.

The Library:

The Library examines all video tapes and DVDs before and after circulation, and, to the best of the Library's knowledge, all video tapes and DVDs are in good condition when loaned.

The Library does not monitor or restrict any authorized Patron's video or DVD selections with regard to title or rating. The Parent or Legal Guardian of any minor Patron is solely responsible for monitoring and overseeing the video and DVD borrowing of said minor child.

The Library can not be held responsible for any damage to the Borrower's equipment that may be sustained while using a video tape or DVD borrowed from the library. All tapes and DVDs are used at the Borrower's own risk.

The Library reserves the right to suspend the borrowing privileges of anyone violating any part of the Video & DVD Borrowing Agreement.

Rhode Island State Law on Return of Library Materials [Menu]
"An Act Relating to Library Property"

Approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly May 13, 1983

Section 11-41-14 of the general laws in chapter 11-41 entitled "Theft, Embezzlement, False Pretenses and Misappropriation" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

11-41-14. Failure to return book or other library property. -- (a) Any person who shall take or borrow any book or other library property from any of the libraries or collection as defined in section 11-44-15(b), and who, upon neglect to return the same within the time required and specified in the by-laws, rules, or regulations of the library owning the property, after receiving notice in writing by the librarian or other proper custodian of the property that the same is overdue, shall upon further neglect to return the same within sixty (60) days from the date of such notice, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00), the same to be for the use of the library.

In addition, if such book should be lost, destroyed or not returned, such person shall within sixty (60) days after being so notified, pay to the custodian the replacement value of such book, including all reasonable processing costs, as determined by the governing board having jurisdiction.

Museum Pass Borrowing    [Menu]

Passes to various museums are available for borrowing by patrons. The passes provide free or discounted admissions for varying numbers of people. Burrillville residents may reserve the passes in advance. Please refer to our Museum Pass Borrowing Policy for details.

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