Milne Public Library

1095 Main Street

Williamstown, MA 01267

Tel: 413-458-5369

Library Policies

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Circulation Policy and Procedures

Circulation Periods
- Books, Audio books, Musical cassettes and CD’s – 3 Weeks
-Videos, CD-ROMS, magazines – 7 day

Fines
- Video - $1.00 per day
-All other materials - $.10 per day with a $5.00 limit per ITEM
-Patrons with $5.00 in fines will have a red tab on their fine record
- Patrons that owe more than $10.00 in fines will be blocked from borrowing until they get their total under $10.00
- Late books will get a notice after 2 weeks and then two weeks after that a bill will be sent

 Reserves and ILL
-No reserves or ILL’s by phone
-ILL’s are due the date specified from owning library – do not change date
-Items are held 7 days on the reserve shelf
- ILL’s and reserves will be combined for pick up at the Circ Desk

 Renewals
- One renewal is allowed for all items EXCEPT – 7 day loans (videos, mags, and CD-ROMs
- Renewals are allowed by phone – NO LIMIT
- No renewal limits for walk-in

 Replacement costs
-Most materials will have a price in Millenium Circ
-If not we will assess for Children’s and Adult:
Video - $50    Paperback- $10
Books (fic/nonfic) -$20  CD’s (music) $15
CD-ROM’s - $30   Spoken audio - $40
Magazines - $5
-Spoken Audiocassettes - $5.00 for each individual cassette damaged
-Bookmobile spoken audio - $10.00 per individual cassette damaged
-Payment for lost or damaged material – print receipt and attach to cash or check and put in envelope in cash drawer

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.

Internet Policy

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

1. All Internet users must know how to use the Internet or attend an orientation session for access to the Internet.
2. Parents/ caregivers/guardians of minors must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet and public access computer.
3. Everyone is required to sign the logbooks at the Reference Desk (Adults) or the Children’s Desk.
4. Reservation of the computer can be done by phone or in person and is limited to one hour sessions.
5. Unacceptable use for Adults and Children:

1. Electronic discussion groups including "chat rooms".
2. Harassment of others.
3. Destruction of equipment, software or data.
4. Copying of copy-protected materials.
5. Accessing pornographic or violent material.
6. Downloading of files.

1. Violators of the Internet Use Policy will have their library privileges revoked for three months.
2. Printouts cost $.10 per page and payment is by the honor system.
3. Only one user is allowed at a computer at a time, unless the librarian grants permission.

Children’s Internet Use Policy

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

Unattended Children Policy

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 POLICY

The purpose of the David & Joyce Milne Public Library Collection Development Policy is to provide approved guidelines for acquisition and withdrawal of library materials.

MISSION

The 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 COLLECTION

The 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 RESPONSIBILITY

The 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

• Local relevance and published local authors.
• Collection emphasis is on current materials that are pertinent and timely.
• General treatments of subjects versus those, which are scholarly, or primarily for limited professional use.
• Single copies of a wide range of subjects will be purchased rather than multiple copies of the same title.
• Materials written in English language.
• Unabridged editions over abridgments.
• Materials representing all views of controversial issues.

MATERIAL SELECTION POLICY

The 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."

• Adult Non-fiction: Recognizing its principle role is to ensure the availability of information for independent, self directed learning, library staff shall consider authors material accurately, fairly, clearly, and in a readable manner, however special consideration is given to those books which deal with topics about which very little else is available. Area school and college libraries serve the curriculum needs of students. Without duplicating these resources or attempting to follow all the changes in the curriculum, the Milne Library does recognize the need to provide a wide variety of cultural and recreational reading matter for students and to provide basic class related materials for students seeking to complete assignments outside of school hours. Textbooks are not ordinarily purchased by the library except in those subject areas where material in another form is not conveniently available."  
• Children's materials: The collection development policy of the children's room at the public library reflects the general goals and mission of the library at large. Materials are acquired, weeded and maintained to meet the recreational and academic needs of the community's children from birth to approximately 14 years of age. All materials are chosen with regard to intellectual freedom and respect to the individual needs and differences in our diverse community.
  
  Materials in the collection include: board books for infants, picture books for family reading, "step" books for emergent readers, general fiction, non-fiction, audio-books, music tapes, popular magazines, CD-ROMs, videos, toys, games and puppets. A small collection of Braille books and foreign language materials are maintained for special needs.
  
  The Children's Librarian is responsible for acquisition and uses a number of tools including the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for fiction and non-fiction to support academic study in the local schools. Reviews from several professional sources are used in building an acquisition list. Reviews in national and local newspapers, recommendations from several children's literature on-line listservs and patron requests are also considered in the selection process. Priority is given to print material although videos, CD-ROMs and books on tape are acquired periodically.
  
  "Challenged" books are referred to the Director and Board of Trustees for a determination and books considered too mature for our patron base are designated "Young Adult" and shelved in a special room reserved for teen readers. Understanding that one library cannot be every thing to every reader the library relies on the local elementary and high school libraries, Williams College and neighboring community libraries to supplement the children's collection."  
• Young Adult Materials: The Young Adult Department is a separate collection from the Children's and Adult collections. It is targeted to the informational and recreational reading needs of a middle school through high school age population. The bulk of the collection consists of hardcover and paperback fiction, reference and non-fiction that have been recommended for purchase in one or more of the standard reviewing media. While the department serves as a homework center during the academic year, a large percentage of the material for school-related demands and other informational needs can be found in the regular adult and children's collections." 
• Media: The Library purchases audio-visual materials targeted and available for circulation to all age groups as part of its collection development.
  
  Spoken art, such as plays, poetry, fiction, and foreign language materials, are purchased in audiocassette and CD formats. Recorded music is purchased in compact disc format, but gifts of music on cassette are also added to the collection. Because LP recording technology has been phased out in the marketplace, the library stopped adding and circulating this format to its collection. Video collections contain general interest VHS and DVD titles of both a recreational and informational nature. Feature length videocassettes balance a collection composed of classic films and current popular materials. "  
• Computer Software: The Library provides personal computers for public use in both the Adult and Children's Departments. Non-circulating software provided for adults focuses on standard office applications of word processing and spreadsheet development. The Children's Library may offer similar programs, plus software of an educational and entertainment nature. The library also offers a circulating collection of computer software on CD ROM with a non-fiction, entertainment and instructional focus. "  
• Periodicals: The Library provides timely information on a wide variety of subject areas through an extensive collection of newspapers, magazines and journals.
  
  Given the amount of time required to bring a book into print, periodicals are often the only non-electronic source for current information. The library subscribes and receives gifts for the collection. The current issue is for "in library use only" and the back issues circulate and are kept on file for reference and research based on shelf space. The library subscribes to several daily local, state and national newspapers that do not circulate and are kept for approximately two weeks."  
• Large Print Collection: Library provides popular materials for the visually impaired community. The collection of large print books are targeted to senior citizens and in general those with visual problems. The collection duplicates a portion of the library's recreational reading collection and consists of a variety of popular, bestseller, mystery/espionage, romance fiction, and some general non-fiction. 
• The Classics Room contains rare and classic books that are not available for general circulation and a unique and valuable source of local history. The collection contains general historical information on Massachusetts, genealogical materials, and information about the town of Williamstown and Williams College.  
• Free literature on topics of educational, cultural, social and recreational concern selected for its information value to the community is distributed by the front door and a bulletin board offers notices meeting these criteria as well. 
• Reference Collection: The Library collects encyclopedias, indexes, almanacs, business directories, and medical information. The collection is reviewed each year for annual publications and continuation titles. The reference collection has seen a reduction in volume the past few years. With the amount of information available on the Internet and the increased proficiency of our librarians, the library is able to discontinue very costly directories.

SELECTION TOOLS

Selection tools include, but are not limited to:

• Reviews in professional library journals or periodicals which specialize in a particular subject
• Individual subject expertise of staff or community members
• Suggestions from Williamstown patrons
• Newspaper book reviews
• Publishers catalogs
• Interlibrary loan requests
• Online review sources such as Amazon.com

SELECTION CRITERIA

The 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:

• Reputation of author
• Literary, historic and/or scientific significance
• Availability of shelf space
• New trends in technology, and formats
• Accuracy of information
• Patron request and popular demand
• Favorable reviews
• Permanent significance
• Special discounts - cost/benefit analysis
• Local relevance
• Availability at other libraries, most notably those in WMRLS and C/W MARS
• Availability of similar material already in the collection

Materials that are not to be considered for the following guidelines:

• Books that, as a whole, offend standards of good taste and morality
• Textbooks for students
• Books that are extremely costly
• Materials in slight demand
• Subject area is already well covered
• Format of the item may be unsuitable for library circulation: poor binding, loose-leaf, etc.

CONTROVERSIAL MATERIALS

As 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 MATERIALS

Formal 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.

GIFTS

Private 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 MATERIALS

In 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:

• Discarding and/or replacing items in poor physical condition
• Eliminating items with obsolete, misleading or superseded information
• Reducing the number of copies of titles whose relevance to the community has lessened
• Spatial constraints: The professional staff will evaluate the materials collection for replacement and/or discard on an ongoing basis, using the CREW method of evaluation developed by Joseph P. Segal. This process (Continuous Review, Evaluation and Weeding), uses the following criteria to evaluate a title's current usefulness to the materials collection:
• M = Misleading (and/or factually inaccurate)
• U = Ugly (worn and beyond mending or rebinding)
• S = Superseded by a truly new edition or by a much better book on the subject
• T = Trivial (of no discernible literary or scientific merit)
• Y = Your collection has no use for this book (i.e. irrelevant to the needs and interests of the community).

Date of publication, last date circulated and average number of circulations per year are useful indicators of the above factors

COLLECTION EVALUATION

To 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:

• The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  
• The Library Bill of Rights - Adopted June 18, 1948, amended February 2, 1967, and June 23, 1980 by the American Library Association Council.  
• The Freedom to Read Statement - Adopted June 25, 1953; revised January 28, 1972, January 16, 1991, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee.

Policy Approved by the Board of Trustees -7/11/01

Meeting Room Policy

The procedure for obtaining use of a meeting room in the David & Joyce Milne Public Library is:

• Telephone or visit the library to determine meeting room availability on the desired date from the Library Director or designee; make preliminary reservation.
• Review meeting room policies.
• Fill out the request form and submit in advance of meeting date. A copy of the completed form will be returned to you as confirmation of the reservation.

POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF MEETING ROOMS

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:
A. The main meeting room can hold up to forty-five people maximum for a lecture or presentation, although the room is very full with that many people present.  The room contains fifty chairs on a holder/coat rack, a small table.  The windows can be darkened for AV presentations.
B. The Botsford Community Lobby, outside the main meeting rrom, is suitable for informal social gatherings or a somewhat larger audience than can be accommodated by the main meeting room.  It contains a couch and easy chairs, large coffee table, and various displays of materials around the walls.  The meeting room chairs are available for use in the Community Lobby and additional chairs are available in storage in the basement.
C.  The Trustees Boardroom, which also serves as the Literacy Tutoring Room, is available at some times.  It contains a large board table which seats eight to ten, and can hold about 20 people seated in all.
D. Handicapped accessible bathrooms are available for use in the hall outside the Botsford Community Lobby and a kitchenette is also available there.

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:
A. Requesting space for partisan political purposes.
B. Requesting space for the purposes of religious service or presentation of religious doctrine.
C. Requesting spaces for purpose of private social functions.
D. Who, through the sale of materials or services at the library, will profit financially from the use of the library space.
E. Comprised of youth, unless accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
F. While the library may allow a series of two or three meetings, it will not accept reservations for a series of meetings, that would designate the library as the regular meeting place for any organization.
G. Who fail to abide by this and other policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to the use of the David & Joyce Milne Public Library.

5. AVAILABLE TIME: At this time, meetings must be scheduled for  

• The Library is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Library building.

• Food and drinks are not permitted in the Library.

• Patrons must wear shirts and shoes.

• Use of cell phones is prohibited.

• Paying unwelcome attention to library staff or patrons is prohibited.

• Sleeping is not permitted.

• Disruptive behavior and the use of vulgar or profane language will not be allowed in the Library.

The Library reserves the right to require anyone who violates these rules of conduct to leave the premises. The Library may deny permission for a person to enter its facilities for a specified time if that person continues to violate these rules, or if that person has engaged in criminal behavior on Library premises. Unlawful activities will be reported to the Police.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees
10/10/01

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.
 

• The Library is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Library building.

• Food and drinks are not permitted in the Library.

• Patrons must wear shirts and shoes.

• Use of cell phones is prohibited.

• Paying unwelcome attention to library staff or patrons is prohibited.

• Sleeping is not permitted.

• Disruptive behavior and the use of vulgar or profane language will not be allowed in the Library.

The Library reserves the right to require anyone who violates these rules of conduct to leave the premises. The Library may deny permission for a person to enter its facilities for a specified time if that person continues to violate these rules, or if that person has engaged in criminal behavior on Library premises. Unlawful activities will be reported to the Police.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees
10/10/01

·         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.

Cell Phone Policy