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Milne Public Library1095 Main StreetWilliamstown, MA 01267Tel: 413-458-5369 Library Policies
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Circulation Policy and Procedures Circulation Periods Fines Reserves and ILL Renewals Replacement costs Incomplete items – Do not check in – locate and contact current patron and leave on problem shelf – fines will accrue until item is complete and checked in.
The Milne Public Library provides access to the Internet in keeping with its role as a source of information, intellectual development, and enrichment to the community. The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed and cannot be held responsible for the content or quality of the information retrieved on the public computers. It is the responsibility of the parents/caregiver/guardian to monitor and provide guidance to ensure that their child uses the Internet in an appropriate and safe manner. The library recommends education of its users about the Internet for the success of this information resource. The library will assist with offering Internet training and safety classes, and the staff is available for educating our users and recommending safe sites. Rules for Internet Use
Children’s Internet Use Policy 1. Children under the age of 12 should use the Children’s room computer or have permission to work unsupervised in the Y.A. or References areas of the library. 2. The children’s room computer will not be available if the librarian is not in the room. 3. The Internet machines are available for educational, informational and recreational use only. It is not possible for library staff to control specific information children may locate on the Internet. Just as we do not vouch for or endorse certain viewpoints in our written collection, we cannot be held responsible for exposure to particular electronic information. We will make every attempt to educate and inform children through informal instruction, draw attention to informational sites through lists, and monitor use but the ultimate responsibility belongs to the parent, guardian, or caregiver. 4. The library prohibits the use of "chat rooms". Transmitting
personal information, using foul language, sending, receiving or displaying
text or graphics that are offensive to the public is expressly forbidden. The Milne Public Library is guided by the following American Library Association statements on access to information: The Library Bill of Rights Freedom to Read Statement Freedom to View Statement Free Access to Libraries for Minors and Access to Electronic Information
Services and Resources – Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights Board of Trustees adopted this policy on 7/14/99 In an effort to provide a Library environment that allows patrons of all ages to use the David & Joyce Milne Public Library and its collections and services in a safe and unrestricted manner, the Library Board of Trustees has adopted a policy statement concerning unattended children. Unattended Children The safety of children left alone in a library building is a serious concern. Librarian’s, staff and volunteers are not responsible for children who are unattended. Parents or caregivers may not leave children under the age of 8 years unattended in the Library. Children Left at Closing Should it be determined that a child has been left at the library without a ride or assistance home at closing time, every attempt will be made to contact an adult or family member. Staff are not permitted to remain after hours with an unattended child nor give him/her a ride home. If an adult or family member cannot be reached, the Williamstown Police will be called to escort the child home or keep the child until parents can be reached. Staff member will remain with the child until the police have arrived. The Library Director will be informed whenever this action becomes necessary. The Director will contact the child’s parent or guardian to explain the library policy and why the action was required. Library Hours Monday – 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Approved -December 10, 1998
Collection Development and Selection Policy PURPOSE OF THE POLICYThe purpose of the David & Joyce Milne Public Library Collection Development Policy is to provide approved guidelines for acquisition and withdrawal of library materials. MISSIONThe mission of the David & Joyce Milne Public Library is to provide a welcoming and inspiring community center for lifelong learning. The library encourages a love of reading by providing classic literature, popular materials, and educational resources. SCOPE OF COLLECTIONThe Library's collection is predominantly targeted to an English speaking audience and includes books, large print books, periodicals, newspapers, paperbacks, cassette and CD recordings of music and books, recorded music on compact discs, CD ROM computer software, video cassettes, kits, toys and puppets. The Library also provides access to special Internet-based reference services (i.e. Searchbank, Uncover, and Encyclopedia Britannica). SELECTION RESPONSIBILITYThe Library Director and designated staff have the authority and responsibility for the selection of materials with the support of the Library Board of Trustees. Selection of library materials is a joint effort by many members of the staff, with the primary responsibility resting with the Director and the Children's Librarian. It is the function of library staff to select and to withdraw library materials, and to advise on their use. They are qualified through training and experience, however they must work within limitations of space, budget, circulation trends and the Library's mission statement. Recognizing that sensitivity to the needs and interests of the community is essential to the development of library collections, the general public is encouraged to recommend material for consideration. COLLECTION PRIORITIES AND PRACTICES
MATERIAL SELECTION POLICYThe David and Joyce Milne Public Library is a member of C/W MARS is a multitype automated library consortium that facilitates efficient resource sharing. Through C/W MARS, member libraries can call upon the resources of other members for materials not owned locally. A daily delivery service, provided by WMRLS and funded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, delivers the ILL materials to libraries that are members of the Region. Access versus ownership is always a consideration for the library's selection and acquisition." Adult Fiction: The Library attempts to purchase a wide variety of fiction (hardcover and paperback) to satisfy the needs of all our borrowers. As some of the language and incidents in contemporary novels will offend some tastes, individual borrowers will need to be selective when choosing materials. Library staff select titles on the basis of reviews that consider, among other things, the appeal of a book for a most patrons, the literary content, and the reputation of the author. Several popular authors are on a standing order that the library receives new titles automatically upon publication."
SELECTION TOOLSSelection tools include, but are not limited to:
SELECTION CRITERIAThe Library shall attempt to recognize patron demand (direct requests and proven popularity of similar material types and genres) in the selection of materials. Because of limited resources, the relevance of the material to our users is especially considered. Material that receives positive reviews may not be purchased if it duplicates material pre-owned. Materials are selected in accordance with one or more of the following guidelines:
Materials that are not to be considered for the following guidelines:
CONTROVERSIAL MATERIALSAs stated in the Library Bill of Rights: "Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Material should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation." "Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval." The First Amendment of the Constitution insures that ideas, even ideas that some find offensive, cannot be restricted by the government. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the library to provide a wide-range of ideas, opinions and information necessary for the functioning of a democratic society. The library is dedicated to free and open use for all. No restriction is placed on the use of the library's collection based on age, race, sex, nationality, educational background, physical limitations, or any other criteria that may be the source of discrimination. REQUESTS FOR RECONSIDERATION OF MATERIALSFormal requests for acquisition or removal of a specific item can be submitted in writing to the Library Director, who will refer it to the Board of Trustees on its acquisition or removal. GIFTSPrivate donations, gifts, willed books and other materials are accepted with the understanding that the library is not expected to add the title(s) to the collection. The collection selection criteria above is also applied to gifts and donations. Gifts that are not acquired may be given to the Friends of the Milne Public Library for the annual book sale. The Library cannot make cash assessments of donations, nor does it assume the responsibility of returning any items to donors that are not added to the Library collection. The Library Director should impress to donors the method of organizing material in the library collections. Should a donor insist upon physical separation of a gift from the rest of the collection, the gift may still be accepted, however specifics of its organization and content should be approved by the Board of Trustees. DISCARDING AND REPLACEMENT OF MATERIALSIn order to maintain a vital, current collection that meets the needs of the community, weeding is an ongoing process. Book withdrawal is an important aspect of collection development. When library books lose the value for which they were originally selected, they should be withdrawn. The purpose of a withdrawal policy is to insure that the collection remains vital and useful by:
Date of publication, last date circulated and average number of circulations per year are useful indicators of the above factors COLLECTION EVALUATIONTo ensure that the Library's collection is fulfilling its mission to provide materials in a timely manner to meet patrons' interests and needs there must be continuous evaluation. Circulation reports, collection turnover rates, fill rates, reference fill rates, shelf allotments, and volume counts are studied to determine how the collection is being used and how it should change to meet the needs of patron usage. Patron input and community surveys are also useful to evaluate the collection. In the interest of protecting the individual's right to have access to materials, the Library supports the following documents:
Policy Approved by the Board of Trustees -7/11/01 The procedure for obtaining use of a meeting room in the David & Joyce Milne Public Library is:
David & Joyce Milne Public Library In accordance with the ALA BILL OF RIGHTS, which assures that the resources of the David & Joyce Milne Public Library are made available on an equitable basis regardless of the benefits or affiliations of the individuals requesting their use, the meeting facilities of the public library are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, provided that such meetings do not conflict with regular library services and programs and that they conform to the guidelines outlined below. 1. DESCRIPTION OF MEETING ROOMS: 2. GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS: Serving alcohol is not permitted for meetings held at the public library; smoking is not permitted anywhere in the public library. 3. CHARGES FOR ROOM USE: At this time, no fees will be charged for the use of the meeting rooms. No fees can be collected for attendance of the meetings therein. 4. ELIGIBILITY: Meeting spaces at the
David & Joyce Milne Public Library shall be DENIED to groups and/or
individuals: 5. AVAILABLE TIME: At this time, meetings must be scheduled for time periods during the library's open hours, and must be concluded five minutes before the library is scheduled to close to allow sufficient time for the staff lock-up procedures to be executed. Rooms may be reserved for the time blacks of up to three hours. Additional time requests require the approval from the Library Director.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees
9. AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT: At this time, a slide projector, video projection machine, and microphone set-up are available for use in the meeting room. Reservations must be made in advance for this equipment, and signee should be familiar with the operation of the requested equipment in advance of the meeting. Library staff will assist users with the proper operation of the A-V equipment in advance of the meeting, but will not serve as projectionists or technical advisors during any meetings. 10. SET-UP AND CLEAN-UP: The signee is responsible for setting up any meeting room to their requirements, and also for any cleaning up necessary. After any meeting, rooms must be cleared of all litter and chairs returned to their storage rack. 11. REFRESHMENTS: Light refreshments may be served in the meeting room and Botsford Community Lobby, but not in the Board of Trustee Room. The signee is responsible for supplying all consumables and necessary supplies for providing refreshments. A kitchenette is located near the meeting room. It is available for use during meetings, and contains a full size refrigerator, table, and sinks for washing dishes. A small coffee urn and larger cold drinks urn are also available. The signee or their representative will be responsible for removing all foodstuffs, trash, and related materials after a meeting is over. Kitchen must be returned to condition it was found. 12. STORAGE: No storage facilities are provided for supplies or equipment. 13. APPEALS: The Board of Trustees may
grant permission for the use of the library meeting facilities to any group or
individual who does not meet the qualifications set forth in this policy.
Facility use requests that have been deniedin accordance with this policy may be
referred to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for appeal. Regulations
The David and Joyce Milne Public Library is an active center of
information, cultural activities, recreation and learning and we welcome
all people. To maintain an atmosphere which promotes the use and enjoyment
of the resources and services of the library and which protects the safety
of the general public, the library staff, and the equipment and materials
of the library.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees
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Information an individual
is required to provide in order to be eligible to use Library services or
borrow materials ·
Information that identifies
an individual as having requested or obtained specific materials or
materials on a specific subject ·
Information that is
provided by an individual to assist a staff member to answer a specific
question or provide information on a particular subject Information
that does not identify an individual and that is retained for the purpose
of studying or evaluating the use of the Library is not considered
confidential and is not subject to this policy. Under
Massachusetts law, Chapter 78, §
7. Cities and Towns May Establish Public Libraries.
A town may establish and maintain public libraries for its inhabitants under regulations prescribed by the city council or by the town, and may receive, hold and manage any gift, bequest or devise therefore. The city council of a city or the selectmen of a town may place in such library the books, reports and laws which may be received from the commonwealth. That part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record as defined by clause Twenty-sixth of section seven of chapter four. Library authorities may disclose or exchange information relating to library users for the purposes of inter-library cooperation and coordination, including but not limited to, the purposes of facilitating the sharing of resources among library jurisdictions as authorized by clause (1) of section nineteen E or enforcing the provisions of sections ninety-nine and one hundred of chapter two hundred and sixty-six. Library
records shall not be made available to any agency of federal, state, or
local government, or to any spouse or other individual, except as pursuant
to the following: ·
For the records of minor
children when requested by parents, guardians, or custodians ·
In accordance with a
subpoena, search warrant, or other court order, or to a law enforcement
officer who is investigating a matter involving public safety in exigent
circumstances ·
At the request or consent
of the individual who is the subject of the record or information ·
For library administrative
purposes. Patron record information is available to the Board of Trustees
members and employees of the library for use in the ordinary conduct of
library business. Information may be shared with individuals and
corporations outside the library, such as automation vendors in the normal
course of database creation and management or agencies utilized in the
collection of overdue materials and outstanding fees. The library does not
provide patron information for commercial uses. In order to create an environment conducive to reading, study, research and quiet collaboration the David & Joyce Milne Public Library limits the audible use of cell phones and other telecommunication devices in the library building. All library users and staff are expected to respect those who desire quiet to conduct their library activities. When patrons enter the building cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices are to be set on silent or vibrate mode. Users engaging in disruptive cell phone conversations in public and staff areas will be asked by library staff to move to one of the three designated cell phone friendly areas in the front vestibule, back lobby or outside. Adopted by the Board of Trustees Use of Library Space for Fundraising and Raffles The David & Joyce Milne Public Library is a public resource and an active center for the community. Groups wishing to use Library space in order to conduct raffles or other fundraising activities must adhere to the following policy. I. Only Williamstown civic groups can use the Library to conduct raffles or other fundraising activities. Williamstown civic groups are defined as groups directly connected to the Williamstown town government, or that are directly and exclusively associated with the Williamstown community (e.g. the Williamstown Garden Club, Rural Lands Foundation and the Williamstown Historical Society). II. The David & Joyce Milne Public Library Board of Trustees will be the arbiter of what constitutes a “civic group” for purposes of this policy. III. All requests to use the Library for fundraising activities and raffles are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, and this policy can be amended at anytime. Those requesting use of library space should be aware that the Board meets in public session on the second Wednesday of each month. IV. The David & Joyce Milne Public Library will limit the number of fundraising activities (including raffles and collection jars) as follows: VI.Library staff will keep money for the fundraiser sales separate from library funds at the Adult Circulation Desk. VII. If students under 16 years of age are fundraising in the library building or on the sidewalk, an adult from the organization needs to be present. Fundraiser Form PDF Adopted by the Board of Trustees Adopted
by the Board of Trustees 05/14/03
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