Matthew Glosser presented a package of revisions to Hewitt Public Library policy at the Nov. 17 workshop, telling the council the changes were driven by updated accreditation criteria from the Texas State Library and intended to clarify service rules and streamline operations.

Glosser said the circulation policy was condensed for clarity and that the library now offers several card types, including an online/technology card that allows access to digital resources without liability for physical materials. He said the user agreement will require an explicit acknowledgement at sign-up and warned that "if somebody steals your card...you're on the hook for those" items checked out under a lost or stolen card.

The proposal would also enact an inactivity policy that removes cardholders after three years and one day of inactivity (deleting borrowing history unless outstanding fees or items exist), revise fines and replacement charges (books $0.50/day; media $1/day; technology $1/day) and put an account block on members with outstanding fees exceeding $10. Glosser said replacement charges will by default use the item record price but may use supplier current price or initial purchase price to avoid inequitable overcharging; all replacements carry a $5 nonrefundable processing fee.

On collection development, Glosser outlined shorter selection and maintenance guidelines emphasizing audience appeal, accuracy and demand, and described a modified reconsideration process limited to Hewitt residents with active cards. He said the reconsideration process includes a 30-day acknowledgment and a 60-day decision, limits requesters to five requests per six months, and requires that reconsideration submissions be original and not generated by artificial intelligence.

Glosser also reviewed technology and privacy provisions: device lending (hotspots and laptops) will be included, staff will limit the types of documents they open on public printers for cybersecurity reasons, and the library will not use AI on confidential cardholder records. He said staff-side uses of AI for marketing would be disclosed where appropriate. On privacy, the policy reiterates compliance with state and federal law and limits administrative disclosures to the minimum necessary unless compelled by subpoena or court order.

Council members asked clarifying questions about AI use in third-party systems and about fine thresholds and replacement pricing. Glosser replied that marketing systems use anonymized trend data rather than personal identifiers and that the library has tried to align replacement and fee policies with peer libraries to avoid deterring patrons.

The presentation concluded with no formal council action; council members thanked presenters and moved to the next agenda item.