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Internet Access and Services Policy
Public access terminals are available at the Mason Library and the Ramsdell Public Library. Patrons are expected to use them with consideration for others.
The Great Barrington Library will follow established guidelines for public libraries regarding the use of filtering or content clocking software. While filtering software such as Cyber Patrol or Net Nanny will not be employed, the libraries will work with their technical consultant to explore options available to be in compliance with any pertinent federal and state legislation.
The Great Barrington Libraries cannot be held responsible for the content or quality of the information accessed through the Internet. The library staff does not actively monitor nor have control over the subject matter being accessed by any patron. Neither the Great Barrington Board of Library Trustees, nor the library staff, nor the town of Great Barrington is liable for any negative consequences that may result from using the library computer services.
As with other library materials, the Great Barrington Libraries affirm the parent’s or legal guardian’s right and responsibility for monitoring his or her child’s use of electronic resources.
Availability
Terminals around the stairwell and at the back of the stacks section of Mason Library are intended for library catalog access and for short-term internet access and do not require registration. Patrons using these terminals for long periods of time when other patrons are waiting may be asked to vacate their terminals.
Patrons at Ramsdell Public Library should notify the circulation desk when they want to use a terminal. Patrons may be asked to leave after one hour if other patrons are waiting.
Patrons at Mason Library who want to use a terminal in the Reading Room or the Reference/Genealogy Room should sign in at the circulation desk. Patrons may be asked to leave after one hour if other patrons are waiting. Patrons using the reference room computer for purposes other than research may be asked to leave at any time in favor of a patron engaged in research.
Patrons under 17 years of age must have the signed consent of a parent or legal guardian to use computers at Ramsdell or in the Mason Reading Room, using the form attached to these policies.
Computers in the children’s room are for the exclusive use of children and accompanying adults. It is expected that parents will be aware of what children are viewing.
Use
Public Access Computers are to be used in a manner that is both legal and respectful to other patrons.
To download material, patrons must use only CDs and floppy disks purchased at the library. Disks or portable drives from outside may not be used. Disks may be stored at the circulation desk for repeated use, but if they have left the library they may not be used there again.
Printouts and disks are available at the following rates:
Black and white printouts $ .15 cents a page
Color printouts $ .50 cents a page
Disks $1.00 each
Students may print up to twenty pages a day of homework-related material. Whether material is home-work related is to be determined by the library staff.
Public access computers may not be used to:
In addition, patrons may not deliberately damage equipment, software, files or data or attempt to violate system security.
The deliberate display of obscene materials and images is prohibited by Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 272, Section 29). If a patron accidentally enters an offensive site and is unable to exit, a librarian should immediately be made aware of the problems so as to provide assistance.
Patrons violating these and other library policies may lose all library privileges. Replacement costs will be charged for damages caused to hardware, software, or furnishings.
Parent/Guardian Consent Form for Open Access Computer Use
All patrons less than seventeen (17) years of age must have a copy of this form on file with Great Barrington Libraries. Forms must be signed by a parent or guardian in the presence of a member of the library staff, who must the countersign the agreement.
As the parent or legal guardian of ______________________________________ I give permission for my minor child to use the open access internet computers at the Great Barrington Libraries with the understanding that I am responsible for monitoring my child’s appropriate use of the computers, and that I am also responsible for any damage that may occur by inappropriate use.
Child’s Name__________________________ Child’s Date of Birth____________
Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________ Date________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
Telephone #__________________________
Library Staff Witness_____________________________________________________
ARTICLE III
Library premises are available for the free use of all, provided that proper behavior is exhibited. If the libraries are used for events, the Town Building Use Policy adopted 1/8/01 shall be put into effect. Bulletin boards are to be used for public-service announcements. Display cases are to be used for exhibits approved by the Librarian. [Amended 11/7/01]
Anyone creating a disturbance that disrupts the normal business of the library, or the rights of other patrons present will be asked to leave. In the case of ongoing unacceptable behavior library privileges may be suspended. Parents or custodial caregivers will be contacted if necessary to correct the problem. If a disruption causes concern for the safety of any/all persons involved, the police will be contacted for assistance. [Adopted 8/3/94]
The Mason Library, 231 Main Street, Great Barrington and the Ramsdell Public Library, 1087 Main Street, Housatonic, are designated smoke-free workplaces. Employees, patrons, and contractors are not to smoke within the confines of the buildings. [Adopted 12/3/97]
Dogs may accompany their owners into the library with the following conditions:
Great Barrington Libraries
EXHIBIT SPACE
Mason Library and Ramsdell Public Library provide exhibit space for community organizations and individuals who have displays on topics of educational, cultural, non-partisan political, social and recreational interest. There is no charge for the use of the Libraries's display facilities. Using the Libraries’ facilities does not in any way constitute or imply endorsement of beliefs, policies or programs by any library official or by the Board of Trustees.
There are several main areas of exhibit in Mason Library:
Two glass cases in the Reading Room
Enclosed display shelves in the Children’s Room (Exhibits should be appropriate for children.)
Picture rails in the Community Room.
Picture rails in the Conference Room.
One glass case is available for exhibits at Ramsdell Public Library.
Requests for the use of the display cases by the public should be directed
to The Assistant Director/Programs, who, in consultation with the Library Director, will determine if a display is suitable and regulate the amount of time an exhibit may occupy a space. The exhibitor will agree to remove the exhibit promptly on the agreed upon date. The Library is not responsible for loss or damage of any item on display, and reserves the right to remove or refuse any material judged unsuitable.
Exhibitors may be required to provide means to display the works properly: wires for hanging pictures, pedestals for displaying three-dimensional objects, labels, etc. Attached to exhibits not sponsored by the Library will be the following policy statement:
The Library has made this space available as a courtesy to (name). The Library makes exhibit space available to individuals and groups who have displays of educational, cultural, non-partisan political, social and recreational interest to the community.
Members of the public may apply to display items of interest to patrons within the following guidelines:
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR USE
1. Displays must be intended for the enjoyment, education or enlightenment of the people of Great Barrington, or for the benefit of a Great Barrington-based non-profit organization.
2. Displays intended primarily as advertising to promote the financial gain of an
individual or profit-making organization are not allowed.
3. Although the display cases are locked and the building is protected by burglar
and fire alarms, the owners of the displays are urged to make sure they have
sufficient insurance to cover vandalism, theft or any other damage that might
occur. The Library is not responsible for theft or damage of items in the display
case.
7. No prices may appear on items..
8. The exhibitor is responsible for setting up and dismantling all exhibits at a time mutually agreed upon with staff members.
9. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before desired use date.
10. A complete exhibit inventory must be submitted to the Assistant Director/Programs no later than the time of installation.
11. The library must be supplied with biographical material and descriptions of
the display for use in library publications when space permits.
12. Organizations or individuals that violate the terms of the library's display and
exhibit guidelines may be refused future use of the facility.
13. Special events related to any exhibit will be co-ordinated separately with the Assistant Director/Programs.
Great Barrington Library subscribe to the American Library Association's EXHIBIT SPACES AND BULLETIN BOARDS: AN INTERPRETATION OF THE LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS (appended).
Adopted 8/1/07
Great Barrington Libraries
APPLICATION FOR USE OF LIBRARY EXHIBIT/DISPLAY SPACE
RETURN THIS APPLICATION TO LIBRARY LOCATION WHERE SPACE IS DESIRED
EXHIBITOR INFORMATION:
NAME:_________________________________________________________________
CONTACT PERSON, IF A GROUP:__________________________________________
ADDRESS:______________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE:___________________________________________________________
EXHIBIT INFORMATION:
TITLE/SUBJECT:________________________________________________________
MEDIUM:_______________________________________________________________
SPACE REQUIREMENTS:_________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
NUMBER OF PIECES:____________________________________________________
PREFERRED DATES: ______________________ to ___________________________ SIGNATURE _____________________________________ DATE _________________
Library Use Only
APPROVED DATES : _____________________ to _____________________________
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: ______________________________________________
CIRCULATION POLICIES
Library Cards
All patrons are required to present a CWMars library card to check out materials. Because CWMars is a state-wide system, all CWMars cards will be honored.
A photo i.d. must be presented to be eligible for a CWMars Card.
Eligibility for borrowing
Patrons who owe more that $10.00 in fines, replacement costs, or fees may not borrow additional materials.
Patrons who have outstanding bills for lost materials may not borrow additional materials.
Patrons who have 50 or more items checked out to the CWMars system may not borrow additional material.
Patrons may not borrow more than 6 items from the “New” categories from Great Barrington Library holdings at a time.
Patrons are limited to 6 Juvenile or YA non-fiction books on a subject from Great Barrington Library holdings at a time.
No more than 20 non-print items in a single category (e.g. DVDs, books on tape) may be checked out at a time from the CWMars system. No more than 6 audiobooks and 4 DVDs and/or VHS’s may be checked out at a time from the Great Barrington Libraries.
Patrons who have three unresolved “claims returned” items on their accounts will be unable to borrow more items until these problems are resolved.
Holds
The maximum number of holds a patron may have on their record at one time is 20.
Circulation Periods
Circulation policies will follow those set by the CW Mars system, wherever possible.
Books and audiobooks will circulate for 21 days with 1 renewal for an additional 21 days.
All DVDs, Videos, magazines, and periodicals will circulate for 7 days with 1 renewal for 7 days.
All materials will be available to patrons of the CWMars system with the exception of new materials and materials such as museum passes, toys and kits will not be available for interlibrary loan. These will be available for circulation only to walk-in patrons.
Materials being loaned indirectly to patrons of other libraries not in the CWMars system (i.e. checked out with another library as patron) will have a circulation period of 35 days with no renewal.
Overdue Notices, Fines and Fees
Overdue notices will be generated through the CW Mars system at one week and at one month will be sent out by the Great Barrington Libraries.
Overdue fines will no longer be charged by the Great Barrington Libraries but patrons will be encouraged to contribute to a fund to be managed by the Friends of the Library.
Overdue items borrowed through interlibrary loan will accrue whatever fines are assessed by the loaning library. These fines will be collected and kept by the Great Barrington Libraries.
Any items not returned after the second overdue notice will be billed at replacement cost, also through a notice generated by the CWMars system.
Bills not settled in 90 days may be referred to a collection agency.
Quiet Study Rooms
Mason Library
Quiet Study Room Policy
Mason Library has two quiet study rooms open to the public.
Quiet Study Room 1 (next to the Director’s Office) may be booked up to two weeks in advance for up to 2 hours a day.
Priority will be given to tutors and students doing home work.
Quiet Study Room 2 is available on a walk-in basis, also for two-hour periods.
To use a quiet study room, please register at the front desk.
Meeting Rooms
GREAT BARRINGTON LIBRARIES
Meeting Room Use Policy
The Trustees of the Great Barrington Libraries welcome community use of the library's two meeting rooms. In accordance with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and its interpretation pertaining to meeting rooms, the library does not limit use of the meeting room based on the subject matter or content of the meeting or on the beliefs or affiliations of the meeting's sponsors.
The Mason Library offers two rooms for use by community groups and associations. They are the Community Room (which offers space for up to 80 people) and the Conference Room (which has space for up to 25 people).
Library meeting rooms are for the use of town boards, local groups and non-profit organizations and Great Barrington residents under the following regulations:
1. Rooms may be booked by non-profit groups holding public meetings at which all are welcome. Meeting rooms are not available for social gatherings, the benefit of private individuals, commercial enterprises, or any closed meeting.
2. Applications must be submitted on approved forms provided by Great Barrington Libraries. It is requested that applications for use be made at least one week in advance. The person signing the application must be an adult resident of Great Barrington and be in attendance when the meeting room is in use. Non-residents may petition the Trustees through the Library Director. S/he shall be responsible for the conduct of the group, payment of bills and for protection of Library property in connection with the meeting. The Library shall be promptly reimbursed by the signing party for any expense or damage resulting from the use of the facility
3. Meeting rooms may be booked up to 3 months in advance of the meeting. We cannot accept bookings beyond the 3-month period to allow flexibility in the arrangement of library programs. (The limit refers to all bookings, including both single and repeat bookings.)
4. There is no charge for use of the meeting room but donations to the Friends of the Library are always appreciated to offset custodial and utilities fees.
5. The size of the group is not to exceed the capacity of the specific meeting room (as cited above). The group or association is responsible for maintaining control of attendees. Children will be supervised by group members and pick up of children will be monitored by the group.
6. Refreshments may be served, with permission. Please note your intent to serve refreshments on the application form. If a meal or other food is being served the caterer or group will be responsible for removing garbage and trash at the end of the meeting. A refundable deposit of $50.00 will be charged when refreshments are served.
7. The meeting rooms are available during regular library hours or until 9:45 pm through prior arrangement. The signer for the group must meet with the Library Director or the Assistant Director/Programming to review the security procedures for after hours use. No after hours access to the library itself is permitted. No mounting of materials is permitted on the walls of the meeting rooms.
8. At Mason Library, if the meeting begins or adjourns after hours, attendees will use the Dresser Avenue door only. No other door may be used to ensure library security.
9. Meeting rooms will not be available when the library building is closed due to emergency conditions.
10. Any publicity must include the following statement: "This event is free and open to the public." The Assistant Director/Programming must approve any press releases, advertisements or announcements about meetings before publication.
11. The number of people attending the program or meeting must be reported to the library for statistical purposes.
12. The room must be left in orderly condition. Extra tables and chairs must be set up and taken down by the group. Tables must be covered to protect from glue, paint or other materials that could mark the furniture.
13. The Library and the Town of Great Barrington will not be held responsible for the loss of, or damage to, personal property of group members while on the premises.
14. No smoking is allowed on library property.
15. Alcoholic beverages may not be dispensed or consumed on library property.
16. Any questions of interpretation of this policy will automatically be referred to the Board of Library Trustees and no meetings will be booked until that board renders a decision.
17. Any infraction of these rules may result in loss of facilities use privileges for the group or association.
Great Barrington Libraries Meeting Room Use Application
Name of Group________________________________________ Date of Application_______________
Responsible party ______________________________________ Contact #_______________________
Type or Purpose of meeting______________________________________________________________
Date(s) of meeting____________________________
Number expected________________________ Hours of meeting_________________________
Which meeting room is preferred? Community (75 standing; 50 seated)_________
Conference (20 standing; 14 seated)__________
How many tables _______________, chairs_____________are needed?
Is a podium or other equipment needed? Please specify ______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________
Is the pantry required?____________________
I have read and agree to comply with the library policy.
_________________________________________ Signature
Policy approved 7/1/07