Policies
Library Cards
A library card is free to all residents of Orangeburg County. Children under 15 must have a parent, guardian, or an adult to accept responsibility, with them to obtain a library card. The person or guardian sponsoring a child under 15 must also apply, or already have a library card on file. A library card is needed to check out items and can be used at any location of the Orangeburg County Library and at the Bookmobile.
A library card should be reported missing immediately. The owner of a lost library card is responsible for all charges up to the time of the report. A library card can be replaced with ID for a $0.50 fee.
To obtain a library card, the applicant must provide verification of their current address. All non-residents of Orangeburg County may also apply for a card. There is a $20 yearly fee for the card.
Returning Materials
Any materials checked out may be returned to any library in the system or at the bookmobile. An outside return drop-boxes is available at each library location where materials can be left after closing.
| Checkout Item | Duration |
|---|---|
| DVDs (max 6) | 1 Week |
| Popular Books (max 20) | 2 Weeks |
| Books (max 20) | 3 Weeks |
| Books on CD (max 6) | 3 Weeks |
| Magazines (max 6) | 3 Weeks |
Terms
- All outstanding fines, fees, and overdue materials must be cleared before checking out any items
- Latest magazine issues cannot be checked out
- Patrons must be at least 18 years or older to check out DVDs and CDs
Renewals
Items can be renewed 2 times if no requests have been made for the item. Renewals may be made by calling the library, coming to the library, or by accessing My Account through the online catalog.
Fees / Charges
| Item | Fee / Charge |
|---|---|
| Books and Magazines | $0.10 per day, per item Overdue charge |
| Printing and Copying Fee | $0.15 per page |
| Books on CD | $1 per day, per item Overdue charge |
| DVDs | $1 per day, per item Overdue charge |
Overdue Notifications
Notifications of overdue materials are sent to library users either by email, telephone, or postal mail. Once materials have been overdue for 60 days, the library then works with Unique Management Services, a library collection agency, to ensure that all materials are returned. Prompt return of all library materials enables the library to continue to provide good services to everyone!
Computer / Internet Access
To fulfill the mission of providing for the informational, technological, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the citizens of Orangeburg County, the library has established this policy to ensure responsible and appropriate use of computers within the library’s facilities. In addition, each branch provides computers.
Public computers are located in the following places:
- In the Children’s Department
- Inside and outside the lab
General Conditions & Terms of Use for Computer Users
- All patrons must behave in accordance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct, which is posted throughout the buildings.
- All patrons must follow sign-up/sign-out procedures and adhere to regulated time limits.
- Anyone printing inappropriate text or images will have the pages confiscated by staff and will be penalized for Violation of Policy.
- Each page printed must be paid for, whether intended or not.
- Patrons may print according to the posted procedures.
- Patrons must not attempt to gain unauthorized access to or cause disruption of the Library’s computer system or any other computer system, violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
- Patrons must not converse at length with others, which would interfere with the quiet atmosphere required.
- Patrons must not damage or attempt to damage equipment; alter or attempt to alter software configurations. It is a violation of policy for a person to instruct or demonstrate to another person how to bypass the web-filtering technology.
- Patrons must not display or send obscene (as defined by South Carolina Code 16-15-305) images, messages, or files, or violate state, federal, or local laws or regulations.
- Patrons must not turn any computer equipment off or on.
- Patrons who gain access to an e-mail site and establish an account should be aware that e-mail in its present form cannot be secure and is, therefore, extremely vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification.
Adult Computer Lab
- The lab is closed 15 minutes prior to library closing
- Maximum of 2 people per computer
- Time limit of 2 hours per day
Children’s Area
These computers are for children under the age of 15.
- 2 people may sit at 1 computer
- Any children under age 12 must have a parent or adult sitting at the same computer with them at all times
- Computers are to be vacated 30 minutes before library closing
- Time limit of 2 hours per day
- Child has 1 hour of use, and a second hour if no one is waiting
Adults with Children
- Computers are to be vacated 15 minutes before library closing
- Customer must sign up at the reference desk
- Time limit is 2 hours per day, given in 1 hour increments
- A second hour can be given as long as no one is waiting
Early Learning System (ELS) Computer Terms of Use
- This computer is for children ages 2 through 8 accompanied by an adult
- Time limit of 1 hour per day
- The ELS is to be vacated 30 minutes prior to library closing
Wireless Internet Use
The Library is equipped with wireless internet connectivity for customer use. Customers may use their own devices and accessible power outlets as long as space is available and power cords do not present a hazard to others.
Staff Assistance
The computer lab staff is available to assist customers in using the computers as time allows. Customers must know how to use the mouse, be familiar with a computer keyboard, and know how to open and close windows. Staff cannot:
- Advise or assist on personal or legal business such as taxes
- Format materials
- Set margins
- Type anything
The Library is not responsible for identity theft or similar loss.
Penalties for Violation of Policy
Computer users are responsible for reading the Library Internet/Computer Use Policy and for abiding by it. Penalties are as follows:
- 1st Violation: First violation will result in an oral warning and may result in being required to leave the library (including main, branches and bookmobile) for the remainder of the day.
- 2nd Violation: Second violation will result in being suspended from using the computers for a one week period.
- 3rd Violation: Third violation will result in being suspended from using the computers for a one month period.
- Further Violation: At the discretion of the Director, a violation could, depending on the severity, result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including a permanent ban from the Library, as well as arrest or prosecution.