Library Rules and Regulations

Article 1
Scope of the Library Rules and Regulations

1. Staromestská knižnica (hereinafter referred to as the Library) is a public municipal library of a universal nature. Its founder is the Bratislava–Staré Mesto city district. The Library is a legal entity.
2. The mission of the Library is to ensure free access to information distributed on all types of media by building, making accessible, and preserving its library collections; and to satisfy the cultural, educational, and informational needs of all citizens through library and information services.
3. The Library Rules and Regulations govern the mutual relations between the Library and its users.
4. The Library Rules and Regulations of Staromestská knižnica apply to all its branches:
   a) Central Library – Blumentálska 10/a, Bratislava
   b) Panenská Branch – Panenská 1, Bratislava
   c) Záhrebská Branch – Záhrebská 8, Bratislava
   d) Západný rad Branch – Západný rad 5, Bratislava
   e) Karadžičova Branch – Karadžičova 1, Bratislava
   f) Summer Reading Room – Medická Garden, Bratislava
5. The Library shall ensure that the Library Rules and Regulations are displayed in a visible place at all of its branches and published on its website.

Article 2
Library Collection

1. The library collection of Staromestská knižnica consists of books, periodicals, and special documents, mainly in traditional format, but also in electronic form.
   The collection is processed and accessible via an electronic catalogue.

Article 3
Library and Information Services

1. Staromestská knižnica provides the following library and information services:
   a) lending services (external and on-site),
   b) home book delivery for seniors in the Staré Mesto district,
   c) interlibrary loan services,
   d) reservation of borrowed items,
   e) consultation services (information about catalogues, collections, and library services),
   f) reference services (professional library, bibliographic, and factual information),
   g) search services (lists of literature on a selected topic from the library’s collection, based on a submitted request, delivered within 24 hours),
   h) internet access,
   i) reprographic services (photocopies from original library documents; in accordance with Slovak legislation, full books may not be copied),
   j) electronic access to documents,
   k) ARI service – targeted electronic dissemination of information about new additions to the collection and upcoming events,
   l) promotional services (exhibitions and displays),
   m) user information literacy training,
   n) organisation of educational and cultural events.
2. Some services are subject to fees according to the current price list of services and charges.
3. The library provides services based on a personal, written (including by email), or telephone request from the user. The terms and conditions for services are specified in Part II of the Library Rules and Regulations.

Article 4
Library Accessibility

1. The Library provides services in accordance with the principle of universal access to documents and information, regardless of users’ political, national, religious, or ethnic affiliation.
2. Any citizen of the Slovak Republic or foreign national may use library services that do not require a library card, based on a personal, written, or telephone request.
3. Any citizen of the Slovak Republic or foreign national may visit the library or attend cultural or educational events organised by the library.
4. A library reader with full access to all services may be any individual who is registered with the library and holds a valid library card.
5. Visitors, users, and readers are not permitted to enter staff-only areas or library storage rooms.
6. The library provides appropriate services for readers, users, and visitors with disabilities, taking into account their specific needs.
7. Access to study rooms and reading rooms and the services provided there are governed by the Rules for Study and Reading Rooms – Part III of the Library Rules and Regulations.

Article 5
Reader Registration

1. Any of the following may become a library reader:
   a) a natural person aged 15 and over,
   b) a natural person under the age of 15 with a signed declaration of financial responsibility for potential damages, provided by a legal guardian.
2. A person becomes a library reader upon issuance of a library card. By signing the registration form, the reader agrees to abide by the Library Rules and Regulations and consents to the processing and use of their personal data in accordance with Act No. 18/2018 Coll. on the Protection of Personal Data.
3. The library shall inform the reader of the provisions of the Library Rules and Regulations.
4. Library membership and the right to use its services expire:
   a) upon cancellation of membership by the reader,
   b) if the reader does not renew their membership,
   c) upon cancellation of membership by the library due to serious violation of the Library Rules and failure to compensate for damage caused within the specified time.
5. Registration fees are non-refundable upon termination of membership.

Article 6
Library Card

1. The library card is a document that entitles the reader to use the services of Staromestská knižnica and is valid at all branches.
2. The card is issued upon submission of the signed registration form and payment of the applicable registration fee as per the current price list of services and fees.
3. The card is valid for 365 days, starting from the date of issue. It expires after this period unless the reader requests renewal for another year.
4. The card is issued:
   a) to citizens of the Slovak Republic with permanent residence upon presenting a valid ID card (no other document is accepted), to Slovaks living abroad upon presenting a Slovak Expatriate ID card, and to foreign nationals with long-term residence upon presenting a foreigner’s residence card. For individuals under 15, the legal guardian must give consent and accept all rights and obligations of a full member;
   b) to foreign nationals with short-term residence upon presenting a passport or ID card – this entitles them to use on-site services only.
5. Required documents for obtaining a library card:
   a) completed registration form,
   b) ID card, foreigner’s residence card, or passport (for foreign nationals without permanent residence in Slovakia),
   c) for those under 15, a signed declaration of financial responsibility from a legal guardian.
6. The library card is non-transferable. Library staff have the right to verify a reader’s identity at any time. In the event of misuse, the library may suspend the reader’s access to all services for one year.
7. Loss of the library card must be reported to the library immediately. The reader is responsible for any misuse. A new card will be issued upon submission of the required documents listed in point 4. A fee will be charged for issuing a new card according to the current price list.
8. The reader is required to report any changes to personal data during their next library visit. Failure to do so will result in the reader covering any costs incurred in verifying and updating this information.
9. The library may award honorary membership to individuals who have made a significant contribution to its development. This entitles the recipient to use all library services free of charge.

Article 7
Basic Rights and Responsibilities of the Reader

1. The fundamental right of the reader is to freely visit the library and use its services in accordance with the provisions of the Library Rules and Regulations. The provision of services constitutes a contractual legal relationship in accordance with § 488 of the Civil Code.
2. The reader has the right to submit comments, suggestions, proposals, and complaints regarding the library’s operation either in person, in writing, or by email to kniznica@starlib.sk, or via the library’s website at www.starlib.sk. Complaints are handled in accordance with Act No. 9/2010 Coll. on Complaints and the library’s internal regulations on processing complaints from individuals and legal entities.
3. The reader is obliged to follow the Library Rules and Regulations and to comply with the instructions of library staff.
4. In all library premises, readers and visitors must follow safety regulations, maintain order and cleanliness, behave considerately, and respect the rights of others. The consumption of alcohol and smoking are prohibited in all library areas. It is not permitted to bring weapons or animals (e.g. dogs, cats, or other pets) into the library.
5. Entry to the library is not allowed for persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or those in excessively soiled clothing.
6. Eating and drinking are only permitted in designated areas.
7. Mobile phone use is not allowed in the lending areas and study rooms of the library.
8. The library is not responsible for personal belongings left outside designated storage areas.
9. The use of personal devices (such as cameras or video recorders) to copy parts of documents is only allowed upon request, which must be submitted to a library staff member before beginning work.
10. Readers and visitors must not damage library materials, equipment, or technical facilities. In case of violation of the Library Rules, the library may suspend the reader’s access to all services either temporarily or permanently. This does not relieve the reader of the obligation to compensate for any damage caused, in accordance with applicable legal regulations.
11. In serious cases, the library is authorised to address inappropriate behaviour in cooperation with the Bratislava Municipal Police or the Police Force of the Slovak Republic.

Article 8
Protection of Readers’ Personal Data

1. The personal data of readers are processed by the library’s internal staff both manually and electronically in accordance with Act No. 18/2018 Coll. on the Protection of Personal Data and internal data protection policies. The library processes only accurate and truthful data, which it verifies for this purpose.
2. The purpose of processing personal data includes:
   a) fulfilling obligations arising from general legal regulations, particularly Act No. 126/2015 Coll. on Libraries, Act No. 431/2002 Coll. on Accounting, Act No. 185/2015 Coll. on Copyright and Related Rights, and the Establishment Charter of Staromestská knižnica dated 23 June 1992 and its Amendment from 24 November 1992,
   b) provision of library and information services,
   c) maintaining accurate records of all transactions related to the reader,
   d) protecting the library’s property, especially the collection intended for external lending.
3. The library processes the following personal data:
   a) basic identification data of the reader; for those under 15, also the legal guardian’s details – name, surname, title, permanent and temporary residence address, date and place of birth, ID card number (or for foreign nationals, another document used for identification), education level, and reader status (e.g. student, retiree, etc.);
   b) contact details – phone number, email address. These details are required for the use of the library’s full range of services. A reader who does not consent to the processing of basic personal data cannot access library services. The library verifies these data during registration, renewal of the library card, or when any changes are made.
4. The personal data of the reader are processed:
   a) on paper – the registration form,
   b) in an electronic database.
5. The library processes personal data based on the reader’s signature on the registration form, by which they give consent to the processing of their personal data.
6. The library ensures an appropriate level of protection for personal data and processes data in accordance with good practice, applicable laws, and relevant specific regulations.
7. Once the purpose of processing has been fulfilled, the library shall promptly dispose of the personal data unless otherwise required by law.
8. If a reader requests the termination of personal data processing or their library card has not been renewed for a period of five years, the library considers the contractual relationship terminated and the data will be deleted.
9. The reader has the right to access, correct, and request the portability of their personal data.
10. The reader has the right to exercise their data protection rights by contacting the library’s Data Protection Officer or by submitting a complaint to the Office for Personal Data Protection in accordance with §100 of Act No. 18/2018 Coll.

Article 9
Loan Policy

1. The Library enables the borrowing of documents from its collections in accordance with its operational capabilities and the principles of protecting the library collection.
2. The Library lends documents:
   a) for external use (outside the library):
   – documents from the library’s collection; if a document is not available in open access, it will be prepared for the reader within 24 hours,
   – documents borrowed from other libraries through the interlibrary loan service,
   – electronic documents;
   b) for on-site use (in study and reading rooms) – the following types of documents are generally available for on-site use only:
   – periodicals (current issues),
   – documents included in the reference collections of study rooms and workrooms.
3. Documents from the library’s collections are lent only upon presentation of a valid library card.
4. Borrowed items must be picked up in person.
5. Removing documents from the library that have not been properly checked out via the library and information system is prohibited.
6. The decision to lend a document and the type of loan is made by authorised library staff.
7. Readers may borrow up to 10 books, 10 magazines, and 1 board game for external use. Readers under the age of 15 may borrow up to 5 books and 5 magazines. The Library reserves the right to limit the number of borrowed documents.
8. The standard loan period for external borrowing is 30 calendar days. For books listed as school reading for primary and secondary school students, the loan period is 14 days.
9. The Library may request the return of a borrowed document before the end of the loan period if necessary.
10. The loan period may be extended once before the due date, either in person, by phone, email, or through the reader’s online account (available at http://www.starlib.sk). Extension is not possible if the reader has outstanding obligations to the Library—such as unpaid fees or overdue loans—or if the document has been reserved by another reader.
    An extension is considered a new loan, and the new loan period begins on the date of extension. If the extension is made after the original due date, the reader must pay an overdue fee in accordance with the current price list.
11. Readers may reserve borrowed documents. The Library will notify the reader of the availability of the reserved item by email, SMS, or telephone. Reservations are held for 7 calendar days. If multiple readers reserve the same document, the system will determine the order based on the date and time of the reservation. A reservation fee applies as per the current price list.
12. Borrowed documents must be returned to the branch from which they were borrowed. In exceptional cases, documents may be returned by post. In such cases, the reader must pack the document securely and send it as a registered or insured parcel. The reader is responsible for any loss during shipping and must still pay any applicable overdue fees.

Article 10
Loan Records

1. The Library maintains electronic records of borrowed items to ensure that loans can be verified for each individual reader and to protect the library’s collection.

Article 11
Damage or Loss of Borrowed Materials

1. The reader is obliged to return borrowed documents in the same condition as when they were borrowed. Upon borrowing, the reader should inspect the document and immediately report any damage to library staff. If they fail to do so, they are held responsible for any damage discovered upon return and must cover all costs incurred by the library as a result of the damage or loss.
2. If the borrowed item is returned by another person or legal entity on behalf of the reader, the reader remains responsible until the item is officially received by the library. This does not relieve the reader of the obligation to pay any outstanding fees (such as overdue charges or damage compensation) in accordance with the current price list.
3. The reader must report the loss of a document to the library without delay and compensate for the damage within a specified period, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Code, by:
   a) providing an identical copy of the same edition in the same or better binding,
   b) replacing it with another edition of the same document as approved by the library,
   c) paying five times the purchase price for items published before 1989 or twice the purchase price for items published after 1989, and covering the handling fee as per the current price list,
   d) in the case of damage to or loss of a board game or one of its components, the reader must replace the lost part or compensate the full value of the game.
4. The method of compensation and the deadline for resolving the damage will be determined by the library.
5. If no agreement is reached between the reader and the library, the matter will be settled in court.
6. Until the compensation is resolved and all outstanding fees are paid, the library reserves the right to suspend all services to the reader.

Article 12
Recovery of Unreturned Loans

1. If a reader fails to return a borrowed document by the due date (Article 9, point 8), the library is not obliged to issue written reminders. A written notice from the library director will be sent only after 120 days past the due date. The library may notify the reader of the overdue item by SMS or email if such contact details were provided. If the reader fails to respond, the library reserves the right to pursue recovery through legal means at the reader’s expense.
2. Following the director’s written notice, the library will suspend all further services to the reader until all obligations are fulfilled.
3. An overdue fee is charged for each day the return is late, as specified in the current price list. The library will issue a receipt for payment.
4. If the document is not returned within one month of the director’s notice, the matter will proceed to legal recovery at the reader’s expense.

Article 13
Interlibrary Loan Service

1. If a reader requires a document that is not part of the library’s collection and cannot be borrowed from any other library in Bratislava, the library may arrange to borrow the item from another library in Slovakia via the interlibrary loan service. The item may be borrowed as an original or a partial copy. The fee for this service is listed in the current price list.
2. If the required document is not available in any Slovak library, the library will recommend scientific libraries that provide international interlibrary loan services.
3. The library only lends documents through interlibrary loan if it holds more than one copy in its collection.
4. The requesting library and the reader borrowing the item through interlibrary loan are required to follow the lending period, copyright regulations, and any conditions set by the lending library.
5. If the interlibrary loan item is lost or damaged, the requesting library or reader is responsible for compensation as required by the lending library.

Part III
Rules for Study and Reading Rooms

1. Study and reading rooms are intended for on-site use of library documents. Readers are entitled to use materials designated for on-site study, documents obtained via interlibrary loan, library computers and equipment (according to staff instructions), their own laptops, and internet access. Readers may request a copy of part of a library document for personal study (up to 20 pages immediately, more within 24 hours), in accordance with copyright law. They may also print selected web content. Fees for these services are listed in the current price list.
2. Access to study and reading rooms is granted upon presentation of a valid library card or by paying a one-time fee according to the current price list. The library card is held by staff until the reader leaves the room. Access to the Summer Reading Room in Medická Garden is free and unrestricted.
3. Readers have free access to the reference collection and to displayed newspapers and magazines. After use, they must return them to their original place. Reference books must be handed over to staff for inspection. Readers must respect the needs of others when using materials.
4. Readers must follow the instructions of library staff and behave considerately toward others while in study and reading rooms.
5. Readers must immediately report any damage or issues found in documents to library staff.
6. Readers must not damage the furniture or equipment of the study or reading rooms. They must not write in, tear, or otherwise damage borrowed materials. If they do, they are obliged to compensate the library in accordance with the current price list. The library reserves the right to suspend or cancel their membership temporarily or permanently.
7. It is prohibited to remove or move materials from the reference section to other areas of the library without permission.
8. Readers may use only one study place. Reservations of study spots are not possible.
9. Upon leaving the study or reading room, readers must record the number of used documents on an attendance slip or in the designated logbook.
10. Readers must store coats and bags in designated areas, as instructed by library staff. The library is not responsible for items left outside these areas or for valuables left in coats, bags, etc.
11. It is forbidden to copy any part of audio, electronic, or video materials.
12. Readers may use their own USB sticks to save data. The use of other technical devices must be approved by library staff.

Part IV
Final Provisions

1. Exceptions to the Library Rules and Regulations may be granted in justified cases by the Library Director.
2. The following documents are hereby repealed: the Library and Loan Rules of Staromestská knižnica in Bratislava dated 1 October 2012; Amendment No. 1 to the Library Rules dated 2 July 2013; Amendment No. 2 dated 12 October 2015; Amendment No. 3 dated 6 December 2016; and the Rules for the Use of Public Internet Stations at the Branches of Staromestská knižnica dated 1 April 2005.
3. These Library Rules and Regulations come into effect on 25 May 2018.

Bratislava, 25 May 2018
PhDr. Judita Kopáčiková, signed
Director of Staromestská knižnica in Bratislava

Annex No. 1
Rules for the Use of Public Internet Stations

1. Public Internet Stations (hereinafter referred to as PIS) at the branches of Staromestská knižnica may be used by:
   a) registered users of Staromestská knižnica aged 15 and over,
   b) users under the age of 15 with written consent from a parent or guardian on the library registration form, who thereby assume responsibility for any damage caused to the equipment.
2. Users of the PIS must have basic computer skills.
3. Users of the PIS are required to:
   a) present a valid library card,
   b) pay applicable service fees according to the current price list,
   c) store coats and bags in the designated area,
   d) follow instructions from library staff,
   e) log out from the internet after use but leave the computer switched on.
4. Each user may use a PIS for 1 hour per day. Extensions are possible only if capacity allows and upon agreement with library staff. If a user finishes early, the unused portion of the paid time is non-refundable.
5. PIS services are intended for professional and educational use. Fees are specified in the current price list.
6. While using a PIS, it is prohibited to:
   a) change computer settings,
   b) use personal software, install or copy programs or music files,
   c) participate in online chat or discussion groups,
   d) play online games,
   e) use any software not pre-installed by the library,
   f) use the computer for any kind of political campaigning,
   g) create, view, or distribute materials that promote violence, racial or religious intolerance, vulgarity, pornography, or offensive content,
   h) disseminate anonymous or defamatory information about individuals, groups, or institutions, or share confidential or classified data,
   i) consume food or drinks,
   j) behave disruptively or disturb other library users.
7. Search results may be saved on a personal USB stick or printed, with the approval of library staff.
8. All faults, malfunctions, or software issues encountered while using a PIS must be reported to library staff immediately.
9. Users are fully responsible for any unauthorised configuration changes or damage caused by improper use, in accordance with the Library and Loan Rules of Staromestská knižnica.
10. Failure to comply with these rules may result in suspension of access to PIS at all branches of Staromestská knižnica.