KSS Media Center Policies

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Kennedy Secondary School Library Circulation and Replacement Policy

Late Fees

• The Kennedy Secondary School Library does not charge late fees for overdue materials.

• That said, remember to be considerate of other patrons and return borrowed materials in a timely manner.

Lost and Damaged Materials

• Materials declared lost will incur a charge based on the replacement value of the item.

• Patrons returning materials that are wet, stained, odorous, torn, chewed, defaced, or otherwise damaged beyond circulation use will be charged the appropriate replacement cost.

• If materials are returned with missing parts (e.g., headphones, accessories, charging cords, etc.), patrons will be charged the replacement cost of the missing component. If replacement parts are unavailable, the patron will be charged for the full item.

• Replacement costs are determined using the following guidelines:

  • 1. 1. • Materials 0–5 years old: Full replacement cost

          • Materials 6–9 years old: 50% of replacement cost

          • Materials 10+ years old: $1.00 maximum

          • Note: High-demand or commonly replaced titles may be charged at full replacement cost at the discretion of library staff. High-demand titles are those that are actively used, frequently requested, or likely to be replaced by the library.

• Items determined by the library to be worn out through normal use will not incur a charge.

Repeated Loss of Materials

• A patron who loses three or more materials within a single school year may be identified as having a pattern of repeated lost materials. Patrons who chronically lose materials will be placed on the following plan : 

  • • Borrowing Limit: The patron will be limited to one item at a time until all outstanding replacement charges are resolved or a repayment plan is in place. Exceptions: this plan may be superseded with a written note from a teacher in the case of a research project or similar.

    • Required Check-In: The patron may be asked to check in briefly with library staff when borrowing or returning items to review expectations and timelines.

    • Parent/Guardian Communication: Parents/guardians will be notified if a patron is placed on a chronic loss plan and informed of current balances and resolution options. 

• Resolution Plan: The librarian will work with the patron and family to establish a plan. 

• Restoring Full Privileges: Full borrowing privileges will be restored once:

  • • Lost items are resolved, AND

    • The patron demonstrates responsible borrowing over a reasonable period (typically one full quarter/trimester).

Replacement Options

• Patrons may choose to:

  • 1. 1. • Pay the assessed replacement cost, OR

          • Purchase and provide a replacement copy of the missing item (subject to approval by the media specialist).

• No refunds will be issued for materials that have been paid for and later returned.

• Read-Off Option: If paying a fine presents a hardship, patrons may “read off” fines according to the following guidelines:

• 15 minutes of reading per $1 owed

• Maximum of 5 hours total

• Must be completed in the KSS Library

• This option must be arranged in advance with the media specialist.

Payment Procedures

• The library does not keep change. The exact amount is required at the time of payment.

• Payments should be made directly to the Media Specialist.

• Checks should be made payable to: ISD 544

Overdue Notifications

• Patrons will receive notice of overdue materials by email and/or through their homeroom/advisory teacher.

• Notifications are sent to students weekly and to teachers monthly.

• Unreturned materials will be marked lost at the end of the school year, and replacement charges will be applied.