Policies |
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Behaviorial Guidelines The Huron Public Library seeks to provide quality library service to all residents of Huron. The following code of conduct has been adopted for the comfort and protection of the rights of all those using and working in the Huron Public Library. The library staff will enforce this code in a courteous but firm manner. We ask your cooperation in helping us provide a safe and pleasant environment for all our patrons and staff. 1. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR IS NOT PERMITTED. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: 1. Loud talking or other noise 2. THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT PERMITTED: 1. Solicitation Patrons will be warned once and requested to leave if the unacceptable behavior continues. Suspension of library privileges for a determinate or indeterminate period of time may occur if a patron is found to have engaged in unacceptable behavior on library property. Notice of suspension, incident report(s) and a copy of the Conduct Code will be mailed to the last known address of the patron or, in the case of a minor child, his parents or guardian. Appeal of the suspension may be made, in writing, to the Board of Trustees, Huron Public Library, 333 Williams Street, Huron, Ohio 44839, within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of suspension. The patron, or in the case of a minor child, the parents or guardian, will be notified by the Board of the date and time of the hearing on the notice of appeal. Adult patrons or a minor child patron may be prosecuted under Title 29 of the Ohio Revised Code for acts against the library personnel or property. VIOLATORS MAY BE PROSECUTED FOR A FOURTH DEGREE MISDEMEANOR UNDER O.R.C.2911.21. Top of PageBorrowing Policies A. Adult and Children’s Books
B. Teachers' LoanC. Art Prints D. Music Cassettes, Books-On-Tape and Compact Discs
E. Videocassette Tapes
F. DVDs
G. Magazines H. Overdue Policy
I. Teacher's Reserve Shelf
J. Quantum and Leap Frog Learning Pads
K. Leap Pad Books & Modules Top of Page Internet Access The Huron Public Library, in keeping with its mission of free and public access to the widest possible variety of information, provides public Internet access and access to the resources of the Ohio Public Library Information Network. This service may be used to access any resource, engage in any communication, or conduct any activity available on the worldwide Internet or the Ohio Public Library Information Network provided such activity can be done with standard Web browsers. The following are exceptions:
All users of the public access workstations must sign a “Limitation of Liability” form. Parents or legal guardians must sign in person for those under the age of 18. By using the WiFi access points and direct cable connections for your own device, you acknowledge and agree to abide by the Huron Public Library's Acceptable Use Policy. The policy is available at the Adult and the Circulation Desks. Because this is a public resource, the rights of others must be respected and therefore:
In order to prevent viruses, protect the integrity of our workstations, and ensure that workstations will serve the greatest number of people, we ask that the following guidelines be observed:
Diskettes are available at the Front Desk for $1.00. Top of PageCommunity Room Guidelines The Meeting Rooms of the Huron Public Library may be used by groups from the community when the rooms are not being used for library activities. Provision of space does not constitute an endorsement by the library of any group or its activities. The kitchen area and the Meeting rooms are available for meetings on a weekly ongoing basis Monday and Tuesday evenings and Monday and Tuesday afternoons on a first come, first served basis. The rooms are available during other time periods for periodic use on a first come, first served basis. Hours:
Fees:
Limitations:
Responsibilities Of Sponsoring Group Or Organization:
Any group violating these guidelines will lose use of the Meeting rooms and kitchen area. Any requests for room use not covered by these policies will be considered by the Board of Trustees. Requests shall be made in writing and submitted to the President of the Board. Top of PageDisplay & Exhibit Guidelines The Huron Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community by individuals, organizations or community groups. The exhibits or displays will meet acceptable community standards. Application for exhibits or displays will be made through the Director's office on a first come, first served basis. The Library shall have the final decision on the arrangement of all exhibits or displays. The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection or possible damage or theft of any item exhibited or displayed. All items placed in the library are done so at the owner's risk. All exhibitors will sign a form which releases the library from any responsibility for exhibited items. Top of PagePublic Participation at Board Meetings In compliance with Section 121.22(F) of the Ohio Revised Code, meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be open to the public. Minutes of such meetings shall be available for public inspection. Notice of such meetings shall be kept posted within the Library. Notice of special or extraordinary meetings shall be given to the media in advance. At all times patron’s registration records and the personnel files shall remain confidential in compliance with State and Federal laws. The Board reserves the right to hold executive sessions in accordance with Section 121.22(G) of the Revised Code. Top of PagePrivacy Policy CONFIDENTIALITY OF PATRON RECORDSThe following is adopted as the policy of the Huron Public Library in accordance with the powers granted to the Board of Trustees by the Articles of Incorporation and state law: All information contained in a patron record is confidential information and may only be released under the following limited circumstances: A. A library record or patron information pertaining to a minor child when requested, in writing, by the parent, custodian, or guardian of the minor child; or in accordance with a properly issued subpoena, search warrant, or other order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or B. To a law enforcement officer who is acting in the scope of the officer's law enforcement duties and who is investigating a matter involving public safety in exigent circumstances which do not permit the officer to obtain a search warrant or other order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or C. The patron, other than a minor child or an incompetent adult, requests such records; or the patron, other than a minor child or an incompetent adult, executes a written signed release for such records to specifically-name other individuals or corporations or government entities; or D. The Library needs to release the records for administrative purposes, including the establishment, maintenance,or transfer of the library records management system; or records that document improper use of the Internet at the Library, provided that patron identifying information is removed. Patrons may release their own library records and the records of minor children under their legal custody and control. The attached form is available should the need arise for a record's release. The Library will comply with the U.S. Patriot’s Act of 2001 if a request is made under that Act and after consultation with the Erie County Prosecutor’s Office. ( Adopted 4.16.03) For the purposes of responding to and/of complying with, subpoenas, warrants, and/or court orders from a court of competent jurisdiction, the Library hereby designates the Library Director as the person to contact if questions arise. (Adopted 4.16.03) For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply: A. Custodian - a person who has legal custody of a child or a public children's agency or private child placing agency that has permanent, temporary, or legal custody of a child. Custodian is not a foster parent. B. Library Record - is a record in any form, written, verbal, or electronic, that is maintained by the Library and that contains any of the following types of non-evaluative, identifying information:
C. Patron Information - is any personal identifiable information about an individual who has used any Library service or borrowed any Library materials. Non-specific age or gender information is not considered patron information. D. Exigent Circumstances - those circumstances which are so urgent that a law enforcement officer must chose public safety over the rights granted by Ohio statute to an individual. E. Guardian - a person, association, or corporation that is granted authority by a probate court pursuant to Chapter 2111 of the Ohio Revised Code to exercise parental rights over a child to the extent provided in the court's order and subject to the residual parental rights of the child's parents. F. Internet - is the international computer network of both federal and non-federal interoperable packet switched data networks, including the graphical sub network called the World Wide Web. G. Minor Child - anyone under the age of eighteen (18) years. H. Incompetent Adult - any person who is so mentally impaired as a result of a mental or physical illness or disability, or mental retardation, or as a result of chronic substance abuse, that the person is incapable of taking proper care of the person's self or property or fails to provide for the person's family or other persons for whom the person is charged by to provide, and for whom the state has appointed a guardian through a county probate court. This policy will be strictly enforced effective on the date below. Any questions of staff concerning the implementation of the policy should be addressed to the Director. Revised 11/8/00 Top of PageMaterial Selection The Huron Public Library exists to provide to the City and to Erie County free and public access to a variety of information and to encourage intellectual and cultural pursuits within this area. With continuous sensitivity to the changing needs of the community, the Library adapts its services to meet these needs. The essential function to be served in the selection of materialsis the realization of the fundamental goals and objectives of a public library. These goals and objectives include, but are not limited to the:
PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION Selection is based on the merits of a work in relation to the needs, interests and demands of the community. Huron Public Library supports and is supported by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View Statements which affirm that free and convenient access to ideas, information, and the creative experience is of vital importance to every citizen today. The selection of library materials is predicated on the library patron's right to read and his/her freedom from censorship by others. The Library cooperates as fully as possible with other libraries and with community agencies, groups, and organizations whose purposes and activities are related to library objectives. Expanding techniques of interlibrary loan on a county, state and federal level will be utilized to improve service to Huron Public Library patrons. SELECTION CRITERIA To build relevant and useful collections, materials must be measured by objective guidelines. All materials whether purchased or donated are considered in terms of the standards listed below. An item need not meet all of the criteria in order to be acceptable.
Multiple copies of heavily requested titles will be purchased to meet community needs. Nonfiction Nonfiction will be collected at the Introductory and Basic levels as defined below:
The nonfiction collection emphasizes timely, accurate, and useful informational materials to support individual, business, government, and community interests. It also emphasizes materials that are current and high-demand. Materials are available for all ages and reading levels and in a variety of formats. Materials are selected to represent a continuum of opinions and viewpoints when available. Titles with continued value and those of current, accepted authority are part of the Library collection. Textbooks are included when they are the only source available on a subject, when useful to those doing independent study, or when they give an overview of a subject, but are not added in support of a specific curriculum. As a new field emerges, the Library attempts to respond with timely additions . While most non-fiction materials are selected for their utility, others are acquired for their capacity to enrich and entertain. When choices exist, selection is based on readability, clarity, and appeal. Requests from library users are given high priority. Fiction The collection focuses on twentieth and twenty-first century literature including classic and standard titles. There is no single standard for inclusion in the fiction collection. Each work is evaluated in comparison with other fiction works or authors of similar type. Because of the large volume of fiction published, it is possible to purchase only a representative selection with emphasis on major authors and the most popular examples of a genre. Patron requests for materials of this type influence the addition of multiple copies. An effort is made to insure access to the titles on required reading lists issued by the Huron City School System. The Periodical & Newspapers Collection Periodicals are serials that are issued at stated intervals, generally more frequently than annually, and which contain separate articles, stories, and other writings. Periodicals are an important source of new ideas and topics before such information is available in book form. In addition they provide recreational, how-to, and consumer information. Periodicals represent an ongoing commitment in terms of subscription cost and storage. Single subscriptions of a title are maintained with the exception of Consumer Reports – one subscription circulates; one does not. The periodical and newspaper collection is reviewed annually for additions and deletions. The Large Print Collection The Huron Public Library seeks to develop a small core collection of large print titles, the majority of which are fiction titles. Reference Collection Reference materials are for use in the library. They provide quick, concise, and up-to-date information and index other material in the collection. Inclusion in the Reference Collection is determined by factors such as cost, complexity, format, authoritativeness, frequency of use, and indexing. Reference works include such standards as encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, directories, bibliographies, etc., as well as more specialized materials which directly support the various informational needs of library users. When demand dictates and cost permits, additional copies are purchased for lending. Materials in CD-ROM format will be selected based on:
The Local History Collection The Huron Public Library collects local history materials and houses them in the Vertical File, the Reference, the Nonfiction or Huron Archives collections. The Library acquires materials, in all formats, dealing with Huron, Ohio. Examples:
The materials in the Vertical File, Reference and Huron Archives Collections may only be used within the Library. Nonprint Materials Sound Recordings : The Huron Public Library’s Collection includes music recordings and spoken word recordings on audiocassette and compact discs. Spoken word recordings (e.g., recorded novels, plays, how-to’s, etc.) are selected to parallel most areas of the general collection. Efforts are made to select on a variety of topics and to appeal to a range of interests. Music recordings in the Adult Collection are limited to time-enduring titles. Quality of recording and suitability of the subject for aural interpretation are among the selection criteria for spoken word recordings. Packaging may also affect selection decisions, particularly for multi-part sets. Necessary purchases are made, however, regardless of how the material is packaged. The Library selects for the Adult’s and the Children’s Collections. Videocassettes and DVDs : Videocassette materials are selected in VHS format. They are acquired by purchase and gifts. The Library makes a concerted effort to purchase a wide variety of video materials to meet the needs of a broad cross-section of users. The aim is to acquire time-enduring titles, and selections are made in these areas: Non-Theatrical--General interest non-fiction and short fiction works produced for the education and home video markets including items such as documentaries, how-to, self paced learning and instructions, sports, health, etc. Feature--Full-length fiction dramatizations including classic, family, and children’s features. Compact Discs: Compact discs of an educational nature are selected for use in the library on the Children’s computer. Electronic resources : The library staff and Board of Trustees recognize the changing nature of the Internet and provide access to Internet resources within this understanding. The library staff select electronic resources, some of which may change in format or content after selection. When selection involves the provision of access to a remote resource, such as an Internet-accessible database or a World Wide Web site, it is possible that the content of said resource may not conform to the Library's selection criteria at any given time. The library staff will review the content of such resources on a regular basis to assess their continued value in terms of interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION The implementation of material selection is a matter of professional staff responsibility as assigned by the Director and carried out under his/her supervision and direction. In selecting materials for acquisition, the professional staff shall not be subjected to nor respond to influences of censorship or impulsion from any sources, official or private. The professional staff, in acquiring materials, bears the responsibility for achieving the fundamental goals and objectives of the Library and in maintaining a reasonable perspective among these goals and objectives. Materials shall not be systematically excluded from, or included in, the library's collection in the advocacy of any point of view or persuasion. Acquisition, as used in this statement of policy, includes with its ambit, materialswhich are offered to the library as gifts, as well as those which are designated for purchase. MAINTAINING THE COLLECTION Systematic withdrawal of materials no longer useful is necessary in order to maintain an active, accurate and relevant collection. Library materials are discarded for one or more of the following reasons:
If suitable, discarded materials will be given to the Friends of the Library to sell with income to benefit the Library. Reference materials will be offered to local schools. PATRON INPUT Patrons may recommend materials for purchase or may question materials in the collection. The "Request for Reconsideration" form (see Exhibit III), is available from library staff. Top of PageChild Safety The Huron Public Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services. However, the responsibility for the care, safety and behavior of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or caregiver. A caregiver must be at least 12 years of age. Library staff members have many duties and cannot supervise children nor act as a substitute for daycare. Children through age 7 must have a parent or caregiver in the immediate vicinity unless they are participating in a library program. Parents or caregivers for those age 5 or under who do not attend the program with the child should remain in the building. Parents are still responsible for the actions of their children. Children ages 8 – 12 may use the Library unattended for an amount of time appropriate to their age and maturity. It is important for staff to take note of disruptions caused by children who apparently are unaccompanied. Parents are still responsible for the actions of their children. Children using inappropriate behavior will be informed of the rules. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child shall be asked to leave the Library. If a child in this age group is unaccompanied by an adult or appropriate-aged caregiver, the staff will follow the directions below for children found on Library premises without a parent or caregiver. All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency. The Library staff may not take responsibility for the care of any age child. If a child is found without a parent or caregiver, the staff will: A. Attempt to comfort the child, if necessary,B. Locate the parent or caregiver in the Library and explain the Child Safety Policy. C. Make every effort to contact the parent or caregiver who is not in the Library to come and pick up the child. Staff will express the Library’s concern for the child’s safety and explain the Child Safety Policy. D. Call the Huron Police to pick up the child, if the parent or caregiver cannot be located within 30 minutes. Staff will notify the Director that police have been called. E. Encourage an unattended child to contact the parent or guardian if it is within 15 minutes of closing time. If a parent or caregiver cannot be reached or does not arrive within 15 minutes of closing, Library Staff will call the Huron Police to pick up the child. Staff will notify the Director that police have been called. F. Remain with the child until the parent or caregiver or police arrive. This is compensated time for the two staff members who remain with the child. G. Leave a note on the Library door stating “Unattended child is in the custody of the Huron Police, 413 Main Street, 433-4114” once the child is in the care of the police. Names will not be stated on the sign. H. Not transport any child from the Library to another location.
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