Sec. 14.38.01.05. Free Public Library Services

A. The board of public library trustees for each county, including Washington County and Baltimore City, shall develop and submit to the Maryland State Library Agency a statement of its policies relating to the provision of free library services to the public. Each statement shall state the board's policies with respect to:

(1) Limits to be placed on the amount of free services, such as limits on the number of books or other materials borrowed at one time, or time limits on borrowing;

(2) Online database searches, including a statement of:

(a) Reasonable time limitations on Internet or database searches; and

(b) Charges to users for additional online searches;

(3) Charges for utilities or conveniences available to library users, such as copying machines, printers, fax machines, or other equipment.

B. The Maryland State Library Agency shall report to the Maryland State Library Board any statements submitted pursuant to this regulation which are not in compliance with State laws and regulations regarding free library services.

C. "Free library services" is defined to include the use of all library materials and services available for reference/information and for circulation to library users regardless of format, including printed materials, media, computer software, Internet, online databases, or other forms of electronic storage of information.

D. A public library may not charge usage fees for circulation or use of any materials, excluding late return and excess use charges authorized in this regulation.