Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Updated:
February 10, 2010
Q: What exactly is the "joint library" and why does it have so many names?
A: The official name of the joint public library is the Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library. It is comprised of the James J. Siebers Memorial Library in Kimberly and the Gerard H. Van Hoof Memorial Library in Little Chute. In 1994 the Villages of Little Chute and Kimberly decided to join forces to maintain the public libraries in both communities. They felt that by cost sharing for staff and materials, both villages could save money for their taxpayers. In Kimberly the library is named for a former village president who passed away when that library was being remodeled. In Little Chute the library is named for the citizen who brought together the financial backing needed to make a public library happen in the community. For ease of operation the Village of Kimberly was chosen to serve as the "fiscal agent" for the joint operation; as a result the Kimberly offices pay all of the bills on behalf of both libraries. All staff members are considered employees of the Village of Kimberly, but a close working relationship is maintained with the Village of Little Chute as well.
Q: I use both libraries and I think I'm seeing double staffing when I do. What's happening?
A: You're not seeing double! The joint library staff works in both locations in order to provide continuity of policies and procedures. There is also one library director who oversees the operations of both locations. Staff members are assigned to shifts that encompass day, evening and weekend hours on a regular weekly basis. If you use both libraries, you will likely run into the same person in both the Kimberly and Little Chute libraries, just not at the same time!
Q: If you operate two buildings, how is that saving money? Don't you have to pay two gas bills, two electric bills, etc.?
A: Each community is responsible for the upkeep of their own library. The cost savings occur primarily by sharing the services of one library director and staff. In addition an economy of scale is achieved by sharing what amounts to one collection of materials. Both libraries do not have to own copies of every item. Bestsellers may be owned by both; but other items are processed singly for each location based on demand and need. Delivery between the two locations occurs daily so it's easy to get items from one location to the other quickly. All ordering and processing of new materials is handled at the Little Chute location; all finances are handled at the Kimberly location. It is true that additional savings could occur if only one building was maintained. But each community sees the importance of maintaining a library presence for itself, so the economies are smaller and more subtle.
Q: With two villages involved in the joint library, what happens when they disagree?
A: Both villages have committed to finding ways to agree on issues and departments that are shared between them. They have signed a contract to that effect; the contract requires a three year notification period for dissolution of the joint library operation. Once a year, generally in October, the two village boards meet together to discuss the joint budget. Operations for the following year are decided at that meeting and agreement must be reached before adjourning the meeting. The costs are equally divided based on each community's population and equalized valuation.
Q: Who governs the day-to-day operations of the library?
A: A joint library board meets monthly and hears a report from the library's director. That board sets the policies under which the joint library operates; the library's director is delegated the task of creating procedures to follow the policies. The director, in turn, assigns duties to the staff to operate the libraries.
Q: I love to read! Would I be able to do that if I worked at the library?
A: Probably not, unless it was technical or procedural reading. Duties range from processing new materials when they arrive, answering questions to help people use the resources of the library, checking materials in and out, entering information into the library's databases, keeping records, checking statistical reports, repairing worn materials to name just a few. The library is a busy, fast-paced environment.
Q: How do I get a library card?
A: Come into either library to fill out a short application. Or you may
register for a card online by going to our Online
Forms page to fill out the information. When your card is ready, you
will be contacted to come to the library to sign your application and
show proof of identity. You will need a driver's license or another form
of identification showing your name and current address. Parents of minor
children will need to sign for their children signifying approval of the
terms and conditions under which the child may use the library. If you
use the Online
Forms method to register for a library card, please allow at least
one week for preparation of the card.
Q: Is there a charge to get a library card?
A: No, the first library card is free. A renewed card is also free if
you present your library card for renewal. A lost card costs $3.00 to
replace.
Q: Do I need a library card for each library I use?
A: No, your library card from any library in Outagamie or Waupaca counties
is good at our libraries as well. Additionally, if you have a card from
any public library in the following counties, you need not reapply for
a library card here: Shawano, Menominee, Oconto, Marinette, Florence,
Kewaunee, or Door.
Q: How long does the library card last?
A: Library cards are good for three years, after which they may be renewed.
This is done to keep our address files current.
Q: What if I lose my card?
A: Notify the library immediately so that a "stop" can be put on your
record. The library card will no longer be valid. Failure to notify the
library of a lost or stolen card limits your ability to dispute fines
or bills for materials not returned. A lost card may be replaced for $3.00
to cover the cost of the supplies and staff time for the data entry.
Q: I see you now have InfoSoup library cards available. Can I get one and is there a cost?
A: You may exchange your existing OWLSnet library card for the new InfoSoup library card. There is no charge IF you present your OWLSnet card in exchange. Without the card (or keycard) in hand, we need to charge $3.00 for a lost card. Key cards are not available as InfoSoup cards.
Q: What if I get married and my name changes? Do I have to pay the
$3.00 to update my name?
A: No, name changes will be replaced for no charge.
Q: Do I need to do anything when I become a legal adult at age 18?
A: Yes. We need to update our records in the computer to show that you
are now a legal adult. You willl have to fill out another application card
in order to have your signature on file instead of a parent's
signature which gave you permission to use the library when you were a
minor.
Q: What if my address changes? Should I notify the library?
A: Yes, that is greatly appreciated. There is no charge to update your
address. You may notify the library by phone, in person, or online using
our Online
Forms page for any changes in your personal information.
Q: I also have an e-mail address. How do I receive information from
the library by e-mail?
A: You may use our Online
Forms page to give us your e-mail address. Or stop in at the library
and fill out a short form with your e-mail address on it. The computers
will be updated and you will receive information from us by e-mail.
Q: Should I let you know if my e-mail address changes?
A: Yes. Any e-mails sent to you with the wrong address will bounce back
to us as undeliverable. There is no charge to update your e-mail address
and you may use the Online
Forms page to notify us.
Q: May others use my library card?
A: We would prefer to have you use your own card for all transactions.
But minor children may use a parent's card and vice versa as long as everyone
is living in the same household. Allowing anyone else to use your card
can lead to a variety of problems and you are held responsible for all
materials checked out on your card. Parents are ultimately responsible
for any charges incurred on their own or their children's cards until
children are 18 years of age.
Q: May I use my card at other public libraries?
A: Yes, any library in the Outagamie Waupaca Library System plus the counties
listed above will honor your card if you visit those libraries. You may
also be eligible to use other libraries in Wisconsin, but you may have
to get a library card at those other libraries.
Q: May I check out materials if I don't have my card with me?
A: For your own protection we prefer that you present your card every
time you use the library. If you don't have your library card with you, we will accept a photo ID. The library reserves the right to refuse to check materials out to you
for consistently failing to present your card.
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Q: How long may I keep library materials?
A: Most materials may be kept for four (4) weeks. This includes books and
books on tape. New books that have a waiting list, magazines, compact disks, and CD ROMs, may be kept for two (2) weeks. Videos (both feature films and non-fiction) and
DVDs (feature films and non-fiction) may be kept for one (1) week. Holiday items will have a shorter loan
period during that specific season.
Q: How many things may I check out?
A: You may have a maximum of 75 items checked
out on an individual library card. No more than 25 of those items may
be videos/DVDs, and no more than 25 may be CDs.
Q: When will my materials be due back at the library?
A: A receipt will be printed that tells you exactly what you have checked
out and when each item is due. The receipt will list all items checked
out during one visit to the library's circulation desk. Items checked
out at another visit (even if the same day) will generate another receipt. Library staff try to check out like items together and group the various due dates, but that is not guaranteed.
Q: How do I get materials from another library if you don't own something that I need?
A: The library has an interlibrary loan department that is staffed by
a part time person. You may either ask for something we don't own in person
or you may send an e-mail request following the prompts from the library's
catalog. There is a place to indicate the last date needed for an item
if you have a deadline. However, you need to plan a minimum of two weeks
to get any materials through the interlibrary loan process. This allows
our library's staff member the time needed to process the request as well
as the owning library's staff the time to process the request on their
end. Please note that school and academic libraries have their own rules
about what they may or may not lend and we are subject to their rules.
It is also important to know that we cannot request anything that has
been published within the last six months.
Q: May I renew library items if I'm not finished with them?
A: Most items may be renewed. The exception is new items that have waiting
lists. Those items may not be renewed because other people are waiting for them.
Items that have been received through the interlibrary loan process may
generally NOT be renewed. You may check with the interlibrary loan staff
member who will contact the owning library to see if it is possible to
renew an item on a case by case basis.
Q: How do I renew my library materials?
A: You may bring them in to the library, call the library, or renew them
yourself using the library's web catalog. In all cases you will need to
have your library card and the barcodes from the items so they may be
renewed. However, please note that we do not renew any materials via e-mail.
If you choose to renew online using the library's web catalog, please
note that items must be renewed ON or BEFORE the due date for the
renewal to be successful. If you have outstanding fines, you will still
be able to renew items as long as they are not overdue. Any items that
are already overdue must be brought to the library or called in to a staff
member to renew them. The overdue charges may be paid at the time of renewal
or added to your library account.
Q: How many times may I renew library materials?
A: Books may be renewed up to two times. Videos/DVDs,
CD ROMs, magazines, and music CDs may also be renewed two times. The exception
is for those items with a waiting list which may not be renewed.
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Q: How much is an overdue fine?
A: The library charges $.10 per day per item
for most things classified as adult or children's items. Videos, DVDs
and CD ROMs also cost $.10 per day per item. Interlibrary loan fines are generally
$1.00 per item per day.
Q: Does the library have a grace period after the due date?
A: No. When the library began to use the receipt printers to indicate
the due date, the grace period was built into the receipt. Formerly most
items could be checked out for three (3) weeks. Now those same items will
be checked out for four (4) weeks. New materials that have a waiting list,
magazines, and CD ROMs may be checked out for two (2) weeks. Videos and
DVDs may be checked out for one (1) week. The date listed on the receipt
or in the online catalog under your account is the actual day the item
is due. Fines will begin to accumulate the day after the date listed on
the receipt or online in your account. There is also no grace period for
items received through the interlibrary loan process.
Q: Is there a maximum fine?
A: Fines stop accumulating at $5.00 per item for most items. There
is a $10.00 maximum on movies, CD ROMs, and equipment. It will always be most economical to return library items and pay the maximum fine than to have the item be billed.
Q: How will I know if I have fines?
A: Fines and bills will appear on your record that you may search on the
catalog's website. In addition, the library staff will tell you when you
check something out if you have a fine on your record. We notify you at
the checkout desk for all fines on your record.
Q: May I check materials out of the library if I have a fine?
A: As long as your fine or bill from any network library is less than
$5.00, you may check items out of the library. Anything over $5.00 will
not allow you to check out materials.
Q: Do you send overdue notices and bills?
A: We do not send overdue notices via snail mail, but will notify you of overdues via email if you have supplied us your email address. A bill is sent out 24 days after the item
was due back at the library for videos, and 45 days after the due date for all other materials. We ask people to keep the receipts that are
generated at check out because those slips give the due date for every
item checked out at that time. You may receive an overdue notice from
another library in the shared automation network if you have materials
belonging to them because other libraries may or may not be sending out
overdue notices for their materials. The receipt that you received when
you checked out your items is your best resource for telling you when
your items are due. Additionally you may check your account online at
any time to determine the due date of your items if you have a computer
available for your use. If you do not have a computer with Internet access, you may call the library and staff will be happy to let you know when your items are due.
Q: I didn't save my receipt. Is there any other way to be informed
that I have items overdue?
A: Yes. If you presently have an e-mail address, you may be notified by
e-mail. Simply let the library know what your e-mail address is and we
will enter that information into our computers. You may give us your e-mail
address in person at the library or by using the Online
Forms page to send it to us. Overdue notices will then be sent to
you by e-mail. However, please note that bills will continue to arrive
from the U.S. Postal Service. If you have a home computer, you may additionally
check your library account from the library's web site at http://www.kimlit.org
Click the InfoSoup link and follow the prompts to get to your account. All of the items checked out to you along with their due dates will be
listed under your account. Please note, however, that you need to keep your e-mail address current in order to get your overdue notices sent to you via e-mail. If your address is not current, you will not receive an overdue notice.
Q: Is there a way for me to be notified BEFORE my items are due?
A: Yes, if you provide the library with your
e-mail address, you will be notified that your materials will be due soon. This will give you the opportunity to either
bring the materials back on or before the due date or renew them. It is called a "courtesy notice" but it
is only available for those who have e-mail and provide the library with
a current address. Those without e-mail access may contact the library
at any time and staff will be happy to tell you when your materials are
due if you have lost or misplaced your receipt.
Q: I never received a bill and now you tell me I owe you money. Why
is that?
A: Bills that are undeliverable are returned to us. If we don't get anything
back from the post office, we consider that notices were delivered.
Bills that are returned to us will tell a staff member to stop your library
card until we get a current address from you. That is why we want you
to report any change of address for you and members of your immediate
family. If your e-mail address is no longer valid according to the information you have given to us,
the message will bounce back to us. You will no longer get overdue notices from us
but bills will still be sent by mail.
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Q: Where should I return my library materials?
A: Both Little Chute and Kimberly's libraries have outside book drops
into which you may return your items. The book drops are open 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. Or you may bring them into either library and put
them into the return slots that are marked for that purpose during the library's open hours.
Q: May I just set my library materials on the desk in the library?
A: For your own protection, we would prefer that you NOT return your materials
by simply leaving them on the desk. They could get mistaken for items
that are already checked in and get shelved before they are taken off
of your record. Or someone else could walk by and take the item for which
you are still responsible until it is checked in. You will not hurt library
materials by putting them in the outdoor or indoor book drop.
Q: May I return items to another library?
A: Yes, but with qualifications. Any library in the OWLSnet shared automation
system will accept your returns, check them in, and get them back to our
libraries on a daily basis. If possible, it would be best to return items
directly to the library from which they were borrowed in order to cut
down on our deliveries between libraries. We reserve the right to limit the number of items from any one family or individual that must be returned to another library. In addition, we cannot guarantee
the timely delivery of items returned to libraries that are not in our network.
Libraries not in our network include the libraries in Menasha, Neenah,
Oshkosh, and all of the libraries in Brown County (Green Bay, DePere,
Ashwaubenon, Wrightstown, etc.) Items returned to those libraries will
be sent back to us but not on a daily basis. Please note that an item
is not considered to be returned until it is checked back in at an OWLSnet
(or InfoSoup) library. Libraries listed above cannot
check materials in to clear them from your record because they use a different computer system. It is, therefore, possible
that a fine might be charged if an item is not received back at our libraries
before the due date.
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Q: How do I place a hold on an item I want that is
checked out to someone else?
A: There are two ways to do this: one is to let a librarian know you want
to place a hold and we will do it for you. The other way is to do it yourself
using the web-based catalog. You may place your own holds from the library's
catalog terminals, from your home computer, or from any computer that
provides you with access to the library's catalog, such as your work computer if permitted by your employer.
Q: How long will I have to wait for a bestseller?
A: It depends on when you placed your hold and will vary from title to
title. Most bestsellers are available in multiple copies throughout the
network and holds are generally filled within several weeks. If you call
the library, the staff can tell you how many copies are available and
where you are on the list. You will be able
to see how many copies are available in the network and where you are
on the list when you check your account online. If you do not have online
access, feel free to contact the library where a staff member will be
happy to provide that information.
Q: I placed a hold from the library's catalog terminal and it was
sent to another library for me to pick up. Why did that happen?
A: When you place a hold for an item, you need to tell the computer where
you want it sent. If you do not specify a location, the item will be sent
to the library that originally issued your library card. You may request
to have your library card changed to the location you use most often.
Simply inform the library staff of your choice and the computers will be updated
to indicate your choice of "home" agency. There is no cost to
change locations.
Q: How do I get copies of back issues of magazines to check out?
A: Back issues for the current year are available in both Little Chute
and Kimberly. Simply lift the shelves where the current issue is displayed
and the back issues should be visible. Only the current issue of a magazine
must stay in the library for use. You may
place holds for specific issues in the online catalog yourself either
in the library, at home, or from any location that gives you access to
a computer. Staff members will also be happy to assist you if that
is your preference.
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Q: I'm having a problem getting my library card to
be recognized on the library's web catalog. What am I doing wrong?
A: You need to type the entire library card number with NO spaces in order
for the program to recognize your card.
Q: The catalog asks for a PIN. What do I do?
A: A PIN is a personal identification number that you will create the
first time you log into the InfoSoup catalog. You will be asked to log into the computer and provide a PIN (personal
identification number). You may continue to use the first four letters
of your last name (recommended) or you may create a PIN that is a combination of letters,
symbols, or numbers of your choice. The PIN will need to be at least 4
characters but no more than 30 characters. Only you will have access to
your PIN. Library staff will not be able access your PIN unless you share
the information with them. If you forget your PIN, tell a staff member
who will reset your account to allow you to create a new PIN.
Q: Do I have to continue typing my library card number and entering
the first four letters of my last name every time I place a hold or check
my account?
A: No. When you use InfoSoup you will need to enter your library card number
and your PIN the first time you access the catalog. As long as you continue
to be logged in, you will not have to continually re-enter this information.
Once you end your session in InfoSoup, your log in will go away and you
will need to re-enter the information the next time you call up the program.
But it will remember your personal information while you are logged in
for a given session.
Q: What are some of the features of the InfoSoup online catalog?
- the ability to see how many copies of a bestseller are available in
the network and where you are on the list
- the ability to view cover art, see reviews of a title, go to a link
for enhanced content such as summaries of a title, a table of contents,
a biography of an author, or magazine and newspaper articles about a
title, whenever possible
- the ability to change pickup locations for titles that you have placed
on hold as long as they have not already arrived at a library or are in
transit to a library
- the ability to receive a courtesy notice the day BEFORE your items
are due (if you provide the library with your e-mail address and keep it current)
- the ability to search the catalog only for items that are "on
shelf" and available for immediate delivery or browsing on the
shelf, thus eliminating searches for materials that are not readily
available
- the ability to search specific formats such as DVDs only, audiobooks
on CD only, all video formats, children's materials only, etc.
- the ability to place multiple holds without having to log in each
time
- the ability to suspend your position in the hold queue if you are
going on vacation or otherwise unavailable without dropping to the end
of the queue when you get back
- the ability to maintain a list of the items you've read or viewed
- the ability to download audiobooks onto your computer or mp3 player
and have digital rights management enabled
- PLUS MUCH MORE...
Q: I've tried placing a hold on an item in the web catalog and can't
get it to work. What's happened?
A: Sometimes the browser that is used to access the catalog via the Internet
is not set up properly to fully function in the library's catalog. We
have instruction sheets available in the library to set your computer
for using either Netscape or Internet Explorer as your browser. It is
important, however, to use a browser in its most updated version. Older
versions of Netscape or IE may not work effectively. Contact the library
for more information. If you are using AOL as your browser, you may have
to work with them to get it properly set up. Another reason could be that
your library card has expired. Holds won't be placed on expired library
cards. You will need to contact your home library to renew your card after
which you'll be able to place holds again.
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Q: What if I find an item I've paid for? Can I get
my money back?
A: If the item belongs to Kimberly or Little Chute's libraries, we will
refund your money less a $5.00 service charge per item for paperwork and staff
time. Bring the item back to the library along with your receipt for a refund. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT REFUNDS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE
WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HAVING PAID FOR THE ITEM. After 30 days, refunds will
not be given. Items that belong to another library will need to be negotiated
with the owning library. We have no control over another library's policies.
Q: What happens if I damage an item? Will I have to pay for the whole
thing?
A: Not necessarily. If the item can be fixed, we will only charge you
for the amount of the damage. If it is totally damaged beyond repair,
you will be billed for the full replacement cost plus the service charge
of $5.00.
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Q: When can I register my child for storytime?
A:Registration is not required for our storytime programs. See the Programs
section of our website for all of the details for preschool storytime.
Q: Do you have other programs available at the library?
A: Yes. We have a summer reading program for children ages 3 through high
school and another summer program for adults over the age of 18. We also
support two adult reading groups, which meets monthly. Periodically there
are special programs offered for school-aged children. In addition the Friends of the Library sponsor adult programs on the third Thursday of the month October through May. Information is
available on the Programs
section of this website.
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Q: Can the library use volunteers?
A: Yes! There are always projects to work on. We consider our volunteers
to be an important part of our team and we are glad to work with you.
Our volunteer coordinator is Corinne and she will work with you to set
a schedule and assign a project. Contact the library
for more information. Because of the number of students who are required to perform some form of community service, we limit the total number of student hours to five for any one individual. This enables us to provide community service access to a larger number of people.
Q: Does the library have a "Friends" group?
A: Yes. The library has a Friends of the Library group that was formed
in the summer of 2004. You can express interest in joining the group by
using our Online
Forms or picking up an informational brochure at either library. You'll
be contacted about the next meeting. As information becomes available
it will also be posted on our library's Friends
page. Periodically the group provides special activities for members such
as a discount at the biennial book sale or a wine and cheese tasting event.
The group has chosen the name FOLKS to reflect the joint nature
of being Friends of the Little Chute and Kimberly
libraries.
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Q: I enjoy seeing all of the displays you put up
in the library. How do I get my collection on display?
A: We are always looking for collections or topics to put on display.
Every display is put out for a one month time period. Sometimes the displays
are the same in both libraries (especially if the collections are large);
other times there will be different displays at each library. You will
need to sign a release granting the library permission to display your
collection and releasing the library from liability. The coordinator and
scheduler of displays in the library is Kathy H.
Contact her at the library for more information. Display cases are available
in both the adult and children's areas of each library. Children are also
encouraged to offer a collection for display.
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Q: May I donate items to the library that I no longer
need.
A: Yes. The library will take your used books, audiocassettes, videos,
DVDs, and CD ROMs for which you no longer have a use. We do not take magazines
of any kind, nor do we accept Reader's Digest Condensed Books. We cannot take videos or DVDs that are recorded from television
because of copyright laws. We also cannot accept items that have been
stored in a musty or humid environment because we do not have the resources
to restore the items to a useable condition. If the library cannot use
the items you donate because we already have copies of them, they will
be set aside for our ongoing book sales.
Q: May I donate money or memorials in honor of people?
A: Yes. Monetary donations are welcome at both Kimberly and Little Chute's
libraries. Memorials are wonderful ways to remember the special people
in our lives and are most welcome. You will need to discuss the details
of any monetary or memorial donation with the library's director to work
out specific requests.
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Q: When are your book sales?
A: A continuous book sale is set up at both libraries with individual
prices marked on the items that are available.
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Q: I can no longer get to the library. Do you have
any services available to allow me to continue using the library?
A: Yes. We provide a program called "Outreach" where library staff members
will bring library materials to you. You can get details from this website
under Services.
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Q: I have a question that is not covered in your FAQs.
How do I get an answer?
A: Call either library at the phone number listed on this website. Or
e-mail either library for a written response. (Go
to Contact Us)
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