Library policies and code of conduct

readingroom4

 

Rules of Conduct

 

The Lee Memorial Library welcomes all patrons.  The Library strives to provide a comfortable, secure and welcoming environment for reading, researching, selecting materials, studying and attending programs.  All patrons have the right to use library services and materials safely and freely. The Library Board of Trustees has the authority to establish reasonable rules regarding the Lee Memorial Library and to exclude anyone who willfully violates those rules. These rules will be firmly but courteously enforced by library staff.

The following Rules of Conduct are for the comfort, safety and protection of all library patrons and the library staff.

1. All persons are welcome in the library. The well-being and safety of children and dependent persons (individuals of any age who are unable to make decisions about their own safety and well-being) can be of serious concern. Responsibility for the safety and behavior of minor children and dependent persons in the library rests with the parent, guardian, or caregiver, not with the staff.

Dependent persons, as defined in the above paragraph, and children age 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult/guardian or an adolescent of at least 14 years of age while using the library resources. This caregiver is responsible for the behavior of the children in their care while they are in the building or on library property. Children must know how to contact at least two adults who will be available to take responsibility for them in case of emergency. In the discretion of the parent, a child 8-14 years old may be left unaccompanied for the time period required to use library resources. Children should not be left for more than two hours. The library should not be used for child sitting services. AN UNACCOMPANIED CHILD MUST BE PICKED UP NO LATER THAN 15 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING TIME. If a child is not picked up at closing time, the child’s parents will be called.  A staff member will call the police to pick up a child who is left at the library 15 minutes after closing time. Two staff members will remain with the child until a parent/guardian or the police arrive. Please be aware of possible early closing times due to inclement weather.

2. Please respect the rights of others to quietly study, read or work without interference. Please maintain low noise levels. All listening devices must not be audible to anyone but the user.

3. All cell phones must be set to silent/vibrate alarm when inside the library. If you wish to make or take a call, please step outside the building. Library telephones are for staff use only.

4. Patrons of any age will be asked to leave the library for loud and/or unreasonable noise, abusive, threatening or obscene language or disruptive behavior. Illegal substances, alcohol, weapons and tobacco products are also prohibited. Discipline problems can be so varied that each situation will be handled as it occurs.

5. All furniture is to be used as intended. Do not sit on the floor or on table tops and please keep feet off of the furniture. Please do not monopolize library space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff.

6. Computers may not be monopolized for an extended period of time. Patrons must sign in to use a computer and must limit their use to the time allotted. If you are uncertain as to how to operate the computers, please ask for help.

7. Food and drink are not allowed in the library with the exception of a beverage in a container with a secure top.

8. Shirts and shoes must be worn by all, and patrons are requested to wear appropriate street clothing.

9. Guide dogs or animals used to assist the handicapped are permitted within the building. Any assistive animal that is deemed to be threatening or disruptive must be removed from the library premises. All other pets or animals are to remain outside.

10. Bicycling, skateboarding and roller-skating on library property is a safety hazard and is prohibited. Bicycles shall not be left on the ground near doorways or walkways. Bicycles must be parked in the bike rack.

11. The library is not responsible for personal property. Personal items left by patrons who are not present on library property are subject to disposal. For security purposes, do not leave bags unattended.

12. Theft, damage or destruction of library property is a crime and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Library property includes, but is not limited to, trees, landscaping, walkways, the book drop, the collections and the exterior and interior of the building.  Criminal conduct or vandalism of any kind must be reported to the staff immediately. Monetary damages will be assessed and will be the responsibility of the perpetrator(s).

13. All bags and briefcases may be subject to inspection.

14.  Patrons whose bodily hygiene causes others to complain may be asked to leave the premises.

15. Public restrooms are not appropriate locations for washing, doing laundry, brushing teeth or for patrons to gather.

16. Patrons are not allowed to solicit, petition, canvass or sell merchandise anywhere on library property without the written consent of the Library Director.

17. Private offices are for staff use only. Members of the public may not enter said offices without the consent of a Lee Memorial Library staff member.

18. Local community nonprofits may post information about upcoming events on the library’s community bulletin board, located in the lobby. News and educational publications may be left on the shelves next to the photocopier. All submissions must be approved by the Library Director. Political, profane, or suggestive literature of any nature is not permitted. The library staff is responsible for removal of all outdated materials.

Patrons violating these rules may be asked to leave the library and may be subject to loss of library privileges. In the discretion of the staff, patrons who continue to violate the rules or refuse to leave the library at the request of the staff, may be subject to law enforcement intervention and/or arrest. In the discretion of the Director of the Library, patrons may be banned from the library premises for a period of time to be determined by the Director if their behavior continues to be disruptive to the staff or other patrons. The Director of the Library may determine if a patron’s privileges shall be suspended or revoked.  A patron may appeal loss of privileges in writing to the Library Board of Trustees within 7 days of losing such privileges. The Board of Trustees will review such appeal and render a decision within 30 days. The decision of the Board of Trustees is final.

Adopted :  

10/2012

09/18/13

09/17/14

 

Policies

Director and Youth Services Librarian of the library shall be responsible for selection of books and other materials. Library materials (print and non-print) shall be chosen on the basis of their value in terms of interest, information and enlightenment of all people of our community. No library material shall be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

Library materials should be of sound factual authority and may represent all points of view concerning the problems and issues of our times.

Materials for individuals of varying ages, educational levels and interest should be acquired.

The Director may accept or reject the gift of library materials. Gifts shall be accepted only with the stipulation that the library will use them as it sees fit.

The authority and responsibility for the selection of library materials are delegated by the Library Board to the library director and, under his or her direction, to staff members who are qualified for this activity.

No employee may be disciplined or dismissed for the selection of library materials when the selection is made in good faith and in accordance the written policy. Suggestions from patrons are welcome and will be considered using the same criteria as all other selections.

Library materials will be selected in a variety of formats including, but not limited to, print, video, sound recording, and electronic media. Each type of material must be considered in terms of its own excellence and the audience for whom it is intended. No single standard can be applied in all cases. Some materials may be judged primarily in terms of artistic merit, scholarship, or value to humanity; while others are selected to satisfy the informational, recreational, or educational interests of the community.

Reviews in professionally recognized periodicals are a primary source for materials selection. Standard bibliographies, indexes, book lists by recognized authorities, including best seller lists, and the advice of competent people in specific subject areas also may be used. Patron requests for specific materials and/or titles are also taken into consideration, as the collection should reflect the needs of the community.

The library keeps the collection vital and useful by retaining or replacing essential materials, and by removing, on a systematic and continuous basis, those works that are worn, outdated, of little historical significance, or no longer in demand. Materials which are removed from the library collection may or may not be made available for public purchase at book sales, discarded, or donated.

The Lee Memorial Library endeavors to build a collection representing varying points of view. The choice of library materials by users is an individual matter. Responsibility for the reading materials of children and adolescents rests with their parents or legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for himself or herself and for his or

her children, he or she cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others. The library supports intellectual freedom and has adopted the following statements as policy: ALA Freedom to Read Statement, ALA Library Bill of Rights, and the “Freedom to View” statement of the American Film and Video Association.

Reconsideration of Materials

Requests for reconsideration may be made only by registered patrons, and shall be made in writing and given to the library director for a written response. Appeals from the Library Director’s decision may be directed only to the Board for their final decision.

Should any registered patron of the Lee Memorial Library Library raise a question about any materials provided by the Library being in any way objectionable, the complainant must file a written complaint with the Library Director. The complainant must be properly identified before the request is considered.

The Director shall:

a. read and examine the challenged material

b. consider the specific objections to the material voiced by the complainant

c. weigh the values and faults of the material as a whole d. where appropriate, solicit advice or opinion from other library Directors, the Bergen County Cooperative Library System , the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom and the New Jersey State Library.

e. issue a written report within ninety days to the Board containing his or her recommendations concerning any complaint.

The Board shall review the report of the Director and notify the complainant.