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POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES
Collection
Development
–
Final authority for the collection is the responsibility of the Director.
Collection development decisions are based solely on the merit of an item as
it relates to the Library’s Mission, Goals and Objectives and its ability to
meet expressed or anticipated needs and interests of members. Budget
allocations will be set annually and based on a number of additional factors
including strategic initiatives, available funds, and cost of materials.
The inclusion of an item in the collection does not represent an endorsement
of its content.
Print, nonprint, and electronic materials will be evaluated on one or more
of the criteria listed below.
General Criteria:
-
present and
potential relevance to community needs
-
suitability
of physical form for library use
-
suitability
of subject for audience
-
cost
-
evaluation
by respected sources like reviewers
-
requests
by Library members
Content Criteria:
-
authority
-
skill,
purpose of the author
-
clarity, quality, artistic presentation
-
local significance
-
ease of use of product, ease of access, tech support and training
(electronic
materials).
Collection
Withdrawal
–
The
Library strives to provide a current, accessible collection in good condition.
Therefore, materials will be systematically inspected and considered for
withdrawal based on one or more of the criteria listed below.
- physical condition
- relevance, accuracy of contents
- member demand, interest
- new additions become available
- cost
- ease of use and/or condition (electronic resources)
- accuracy, currency of content, duplication of information (electronic resources)
- member interest and use (electronic resources)
Collection
Structure
–
The
physical Library collection is focused primarily, but not exclusively, on
Fiction and on materials with local relevance and interest. Nonfiction
resources are mainly provided by electronic means and by the utilization of
Interlibrary Loan.
The
collection includes a variety of genre and is available in a variety of formats
including: print, large print, periodicals, and audio books, for example.
Electronic resources extend and enhance the collection by providing current
nonfiction content on a wide range of topics, retrospective information, and
entertainment utilizing the Internet, ebooks, and other electronic resources.
A small
Visual Media collection contains a variety of classics, some contemporary
features, and children’s films.
In
addition, a selection of materials is available for Young Adults (age 12 through
18) including books and magazines. The Children’s Collection is designed to
appeal to youngsters through age 12 and may be complemented by a Summer Reading
Program.
Gifts to the
Library
–
The
Library accepts gifts with the understanding that the criteria for selection or
withdrawal are the same as that applied to materials for purchase. Unused
materials may be recycled or sold. The Library does not provide valuation of
gifts for tax purposes, but may acknowledge receipt of gifts.
Intellectual
Freedom
–
The
Library believes it is essential in a democracy for all citizens to have access
to library materials and endorses the American Library Association Library
Bill of Rights.
The
Library recognizes that many materials are controversial and that any given item
may offend some patrons. Only individuals can determine what is appropriate for
their needs.
Parents,
care givers, and legal guardians have the responsibility for their children’s
use of library materials and facilities. They have the right to define what
material or information is consistent with their personal and family beliefs.
Standards
of privacy and confidentiality endorsed by the American Library Association are
applied to the development and management of the collection.
Concerns About
Library Resources
–
In order
to address complaints or concerns regarding any item in the Library’s
collection, the following procedure is utilized.
1.
When a complaint is received, the Library Director or staff person will
explain the Library’s policy on intellectual freedom and then ask the member to
fill out and sign a Request for Reconsideration form specifying the exact
nature of the objection.
2.
In consultation with the Director, a designated member of the Board of
Trustees will reexamine the material and make a determination. The Director
will respond in writing to the member’s request.
3.
Decisions may be appealed to the Library’s Board of Trustees.
4.
Appeals must be presented in writing at least ten days in advance of the
next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Decisions on appeals are based on a
careful review of the objection, the material, applicable Schiavo Library
policy, the ALA Library Bill of Rights, and any other applicable ALA
guidelines on intellectual freedom.
5.
The final decision rests with the Schiavo Library Board of Trustees.
Collection
Development Policy Review
–
The
Schiavo Library Board of Trustees will review the Collection Development Policy
every four years.
Internet Policy
-
In
accordance with its policy to provide varied resources to members, the Library
offers patrons the opportunity to search the Internet.
The
Internet offers unlimited global access to information over which the Library
has no control or responsibility. The Library assumes responsibility only for
the content of its website.
Information accessed through the Internet may not be current, accurate, or
complete and some content may be inappropriate or offensive to some users.
Parents and guardians especially need to be aware of this aspect of the Internet
and assume responsibility for monitoring use of this medium by their children.
The
Library assumes no responsibility for unreliable, inaccurate, or incomplete
information received online, or for monitoring the use of the Internet by its
patrons.
Children
ages four to eight may only use the Internet and the Library computers in the
company of their parent(s) or care providers.
Access Policy -
The
Schiavo Library shall permit the use of materials and services to all members in
good standing and to other interested parties through Inter-Library Loan.
The Library
endorses the American Library Association Policy (adopted January, 2001)
regarding the provision of equitable access for persons with disabilities and
will comply with said policy to the extent that doing so does not fundamentally
alter the nature of the goods and services offered by the Library, result in an
undue burden on the Library, and that the Library is able to fund the costs of
doing so within the constraints of its annual budget. The Board of Trustees in
consultation with the Library Director may impose charges for special services.
A schedule of such charges may be made available to the public and reviewed
annually.
Borrowing
Privileges Policy –
Membership in the Schiavo Library is a privilege
extended to residents, visitors, and neighbors of Strathmere, NJ ages 13 and
up. Members agree to support the Policies and Procedures of the Schiavo Library
as adopted by the Board of Trustees and to be responsible for the care of all
facilities and materials. Library privileges may be revoked for failure to
adhere to these standards.
A Schiavo Library
card may be obtained by making formal application and paying the appropriate
fee. Members will be issued a library card and may borrow all available
resources subject to Library procedures.
Public Behavior
Policy –
The principle
purpose of the Schiavo Library is to provide members with open and convenient
access to all of the Library’s resources.
The Library and its
staff are committed to providing a safe and congenial atmosphere for this
purpose. This commitment can only be fully achieved if users of the Library
respect the rights of all users and the staff. Basically, this requires that
all members act in a manner that will not interfere with the functioning of the
Library or disturb others as more specifically outlined in the Code of Conduct.
Code of Conduct:
1. All
Library materials must be checked out appropriately utilizing a current
Membership Card and must be renewed or returned in a timely manner.
2.
Library property may not be misused, mutilated, damaged, or defaced; otherwise,
the responsible member may (shall) be required to pay for repair or replacement.
3.
Library machines that are provided for member use are subject to reasonable
limitation at the discretion of the Library staff.
4. A
quiet atmosphere is maintained for the benefit of all Library users.
5.
Disruptive behavior, including the use of cell phones or other electronic
devices without earphones, is not permitted anywhere in the Library.
6. The
Library is not a public shelter and therefore, sleeping, loitering, and the
misuse of restrooms or other facilities is never permitted.
7.
Interference with or the harassment or intimidation of other users, staff, or
volunteers by word, act, look, or gesture is unacceptable behavior and strictly
forbidden.
8.
Smoking and the use of illegal substances is not permitted. The consumption of
food and beverages in public areas of the Library is not permitted during
business hours except at the discretion of the Library Director.
9. Proper
attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times in the Library.
Wet or sandy clothing is never permitted.
10.
Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by a Member parent or
guardian and must observe all rules of Library behavior and acceptable social
manners.
11.
Animals, other than trained service animals, are not permitted.
12.
Designated parking spaces for handicapped users of the Library must be
respected.
13. The
use of skateboards, rollerblades, and the like is not permitted on any Library
property.
14. Upon
request, users may be asked to show staff members their Library cards or other
appropriate identification.
The
Schiavo Library staff is authorized to implement the Public Behavior Policy,
and, if necessary, to modify or adapt the Code of Conduct to special
circumstances.
Members
who do not comply with the Code of Conduct or any reasonable request of the
staff may be asked to leave Library premises. Continued noncompliance may
result in the suspension or termination of Library privileges and/or to
prohibiting access to Library premises. Egregious behavior may be reported to
the police.
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