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Horsham Township Library Policy Manual Table of Contents
By participating in the Montgomery County Library and Information Network Consortium, it will share its materials throughout the MCLINC network. It commits itself to participating in Pennsylvania's District Center program and will share its resources with other public libraries in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Upon becoming eligible for participation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public Library State Aid Program, it will share resources free of charge with libraries throughout Pennsylvania. The library will abide by the policies and procedures set forth in the Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States and will lend materials to libraries throughout the United States, charging a fee of $10.00 per item plus the actual cost of duplication (if any) and shipping to the borrowing library.
III. Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
It is a library user's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and to respect the rights and privileges of other library users. If a library user creates a public nuisance, that person may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the library facilities. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be subject to the law.
Young children:
The Horsham Township Library encourages visits by young children. It is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child.
Children are the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian(s) who brought them to the library. Library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library. Therefore, it is library policy that all young children must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library. Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.
Disruptive children:
Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that they must settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If a child continues to be disruptive after a second
warning, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.
The library provides materials and resources for information, entertainment, intellectual development, and enrichment of the people of the community. The library will endeavor to:
V. Responsibilities and Authorities of the Library Board
The Horsham Township Library is a department of Horsham Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Horsham Township Council appoints five members to the Library Board of Directors to advise Council and the Township Manager about library services and to oversee library operations.
The Horsham Township Library trustees in conjunction with the library director shall be responsible for regularly communicating with the members of Horsham Township Council to inform them about library services and resource needs.
The Horsham Township Library trustees act under the direction of Horsham Township Council. Their responsibilities fall into three broad categories:
The Horsham Township Library encourages each library trustee to take advantage of training opportunities for trustees offered by the Montgomery District Library Center, Commonwealth Libraries (the State Library of Pennsylvania) and other statewide agencies and organizations. Likewise, the Library encourages trustees to be active in the Pennsylvania Library Association, Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries and their efforts to inform the governor and legislature of the benefits and needs of public libraries.
The Library Board encourages individuals and groups to volunteer their time and efforts in the service of the Horsham Township Library. In appreciation of volunteer services, the Library acknowledges the need to organize volunteer activities and provide for appropriate recognition of the benefits volunteers give to the library and the community it serves. Annual recognition will be given based on the number of hours of service. This will include acknowledgement of volunteers via the library's website and bulletin boards, a certificate of appreciation, and the addition of a book to the collection in each volunteer's name.
The Friends of Horsham Township Library is a non-profit corporation under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is composed of people united to promote the establishment of the library and to support the goals of the library by planning and implementing specific projects, working in cooperation with the library director and library staff.
The Horsham Township Library strives to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to help individuals in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time. The fact that a publication has been purchased for the Horsham Township Library collection should not be taken as an endorsement by the library of the content, point of view, or opinions expressed by the author or creator of the material.
Because of the amount of material published and the limitations of budget and space, the library must be selective in what it acquires for its collection. Materials are added and withdrawn from the collection according to guidelines set forth in its selection policy describing how the library proposes to meet community interests and needs.
The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.
The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been accepted as useful guidelines by the Horsham Township Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy.
The materials selection/collection development policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.
The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the library director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Horsham Township Library Board of Directors. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library
staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.
Because of limited budget and space, the library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Interlibrary loan may be used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of this library's collection.
In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of its patrons, the Horsham Township Library will lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan networks, and will make an effort to have its current holdings listed in any union databases or shared catalogs that are accessible by other libraries throughout the state.
The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information the library can dispose of them as it sees fit. The same selection criteria that are applied to purchasing materials are applied to gifts. Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book. Specific memorial books can be ordered by the library at the request of a patron if the request meets selection criteria established by the Board. It is desirable for gifts of or for specific titles to be offered after consultation with the library staff. Book selection will be made by the library if no specific book is requested. The Horsham Township Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.
By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials for income tax purposes, though it will provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.
An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Replacement of worn, outdated or unnecessary volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the library's professional staff and is authorized by the Board of Trustees. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.
The Horsham Township Library recognizes that some materials may be controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy.
Responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.
Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered (placed on closed shelves) except to protect it from damage or theft. Print materials may be labeled to indicate reading levels only as a guideline for parents, teachers and readers. Audio-visual materials may bear the Motion Picture Associaton of America ratings as a guideline for library users.
Although materials are carefully selected, differences of opinion can arise regarding suitable materials. Patrons requesting that material be withdrawn from or reclassified within the collection may complete a "Grievance About Library Resources" form which is available in the library and can be found on the library's website. The material will be reviewed by the library director who will discuss the grievance with the patron. If no appropriate resolution of the patron's concern can be reached by the library director, the grievance will be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Horsham Township Library Board of Trustees. The Library Board's decision will be final.
All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid local or MCLINC system patron card to borrow library materials.
Patrons must fill out an application form to register for a new library card. The following statement will be printed on the registration form for the patron's information and acceptance:
Signature ____________________________________
Identification is required to receive a library card. A driver's license or student ID is
preferred, however, any other official ID or recent first class piece of mail may be acceptable, so long as the item used for identification shows the applicant's current address.
Applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a new card can be issued. This parental signature is not required for children who are renewing cards.
Materials cannot be checked out until a library card is issued.
All library cards expire after three years. In order to renew a library card, patrons must produce identification and must clear all outstanding fines and bills.
If a patron loses his/her library card, he should notify the library as soon as possible and request a replacement.
All patrons, adult and juvenile, are expected to bring their library cards with them if they intend to check out items. An individual who repeatedly ignores this expectation may be denied the privilege of checking out materials until they present their card at the library.
The director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand (such as items in demand for student projects), or materials added to the collection which are in a new format, e.g., computer software.
There is ordinarily no limit on the number of items a patron can borrow at one time; however, the library reserves the right to impose limits on the number of items that may be borrowed by one patron in order to ensure that limited resources will be available to as many borrowers as possible.
Reserve requests may be placed by patrons either in person, over the telephone, or via the Internet. Patrons will be notified by telephone, postcard or email when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a reserve request. The library imposes no charge for requesting interlibrary loan services; however, it reserves the right to pass-through to the patron any lending charges imposed by the library that owns the material. Patrons will be informed of any interlibrary lending charges before the loan is finalized so that they may withdraw any requests that carry fees they are not willing to pay.
The following fines and fees will be charged for overdue materials. A grace period of one library business day will be allowed, after which full fines will be charged retroactive to the first late day.
A first notice will be sent after library material is late. If the material is not returned within
two weeks, a bill will be sent for the material. Bills will include the cost of replacing each item plus a processing charge to replace lost barcode labels, pockets, jackets, security tags, and containers, as appropriate to the item. Patrons who have been sent an overdue notice shall be denied borrowing privileges until those overdue materials are either returned or paid for if lost and/or damaged. If a patron loses a book and wishes to replace it by purchasing a copy at a bookstore, the item used to replace the missing item must be the same edition (same ISBN number) and the patron will be asked to pay the processing charges to reimburse the library for the costs of replacing the missing barcode label, pocket, security tag, spine label and jacket. Patrons who have paid for lost items have 30 days from the date of payment to return the item along with their receipt for a refund of the replacement cost minus overdue fines for the item. Refunds will not be given after 30 days.
If materials are damaged to such an extent that the library judges them no longer suitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost. If a borrower loses a single compact disc, cassette tape, or DVD disc from a multi-part set, the borrower will be required to pay for the replacement of the entire set unless the library is able to obtain a replacement for the single item from the distributer. (Only a limited number of distributers replace individual parts of multi-part sets.) A notice of these charges will be sent to the borrower. Patrons who damage and pay for materials owned by the library may have those materials once payment has been received.
If borrower's lose or damage parts of an item, such as hanger bags or plastic cases, the borrwer will be assessed fees according to the following schedule:
As specified in The Library Code of Pennsylvania, § 428 "Records related to the circulation of library materials which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of the State Library or any local library which is established or maintained under any law of the Commonwealth or the library of any university, college or educational institution chartered by the Commonwealth or the library of any public school or branch reading room, deposit station or agency operated in connection therewith, shall be confidential and shall not be made available to anyone except by a court order in a criminal proceeding."
The Horsham Township Library adheres to all sections of this Statute regarding the protection of the confidentiality of its users. Library users should note that provisions of the Federal USA Patriot Act of 2001, take precedence over Pennsylvania statutes and may require the library to disclose information about materials patrons borrow or information services they use, if the library is presented with a search warrant consistent with the USA Patriot Act.
The Horsham Township Library:
A "program" is any planned interaction between the library staff and the program participants for the purpose of promoting library materials, facilities, or services, as well as offering the community an informational, entertaining, or cultural experience.
Programming includes such activities as storytimes, films and activities, summer library programs for children, lectures, book or author discussion groups, and performances. Programs may be designed for specific age groups (children, teens or adults) or for mixed audiences.
The board, in conjunction with the library director, will establish a budget and goals for programming to facilitate the effective implementation of this service.
Library users with special needs are urged to communicate by telephone, fax or email with the library several days in advance so that the library can arrange for special accommodations (such as sign language interpreters for hearing-impaired people or helpers for mobility-impaired people).
Public access computers are available to patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. Instructions for operating hardware are displayed near the computer. There is no charge for use of computers; however, in order to make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a 30-minute time limit for usage may be imposed during times of peak demand. Library staff is available for general assistance in using the computer; however, staff are not expected to train patrons individually in the use of application programs. Instead, tutorial manuals will be provided when available and the library staff will schedule group orientation sessions.
A networked printer is available. Computer print-outs will cost 15¢ per sheet and must be paid for at the conclusion of the session.
A self-service coin-operated photocopy machine is available to patrons who wish to copy materials at a cost of 15¢ per page.
Copy machine users are advised that Federal laws impose restrictions on duplication of copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the copy machine user.
XIII. Internet Acceptable Use Policy
The Horsham Township Library provides access to the Internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the library's service area. The library has established the Internet Acceptable Use Policy to ensure that use of this resource is appropriate, effective and in conformance with state and Federal regulations. This Internet Acceptable Use Policy applies both to the use of public access computers that are wired to the library's local area network and to portable computers and Internet-enabled devices that connect to the library's network using its public access wireless service.
Access to the Internet is available to all patrons; however, this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent with the guidelines. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the library's Internet service. Prior to being granted access to the Internet, all patrons must agree to abide by the Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Users who decline to accept this policy will be restricted to using only the software installed on the local computer workstation (including Microsoft Office Pro and Adobe Photoshop) and will not be permitted to access the Internet.
Library users may log-on to any of the library's computer workstations using the 14-digit barcode number of their library card and the personal ID number (PIN) established at the time they registered for their card. Users who do not remember their PIN number should visit the library circulation desk so that a new PIN can be set up for them. Library users can change their own PIN at any time by following the "Account Log-In" link on the library's website. Visitors who live outside the community who wish to use library Internet computers may visit the Circulation or Reference Desks for a guest log-on and password.
Expectations:
Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and can lead to prosecution. The user will be held responsible for his/her actions using the Internet. Users are expected to abide by the policies below which include generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Unacceptable uses of the service will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.
Warnings:
The Internet is a decentralized, un-moderated global network. The Horsham Township Library has no control over the content found on the Internet. The library's Internet access is subject to a software filter that blocks images of unlawful obscenity or images of content harmful to minors; however, this software filter may not fully block access to objectionable material nor protect users from offensive information. Furthermore, the library is not responsible for the availability and accuracy of information found on the Internet. Users should evaluate any information they find critically.
The library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free. The library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user's personal computer from the use of data downloaded from the library's Internet service.
The use of the Internet and e-mail is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities.
Guidelines:
Users may use the Internet for research and the acquisition of information to address their educational, vocational, cultural, and recreational needs.
Users may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of electronic mail (e-mail) as long as they use a free Internet-based e-mail service which will establish and maintain an account for them; the library will not manage e-mail accounts for any organizations or individuals.
Internet use is offered in thirty (30) minute sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. Each user is allowed one session. If there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of a session, the user can continue their session, but once having had the service for 30 minutes the user must abandon use of the Internet if another patron requests use of the service.
Users will respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws and regulations; they will not use library Internet resources for illegal purposes.
Users will respect the rights and privacy of others by not accessing private files.
Users agree not to incur any costs for the library through their use of the Internet service.
Users shall not create and/or distribute computer viruses or destructive computer code over the Internet.
Users shall not deliberately or willfully cause damage to computer equipment, programs, or parameters.
Users will abide by the Internet Acceptable Use Policy of the library’s internet service provider, the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, which may be found at http://www.mciu.org/mciu23/CWP/view.asp?A=13&QUESTION_ID=400130.
Consistent with the requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Neighborhood Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) of December 15, 2000, the library's Internet access is subject to a technology protection measure that blocks unlawful images (child pornography and obscenity) and images harmful to minors. The default log-on to the Internet at the Horsham Township Library is in the filtered mode. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that adults have the right to request the use of library computers unfiltered. Adults should direct such requests to library staff. Adults are advised that viewing any image depicting child pornography or obscenity is against the law for individuals of any age. Adults who deliberately view these images will be denied the use of library Internet public access computers.
Meeting space is available to individuals or organized groups. Requests for use of meeting space should be made at least one week in advance by completing an application form available from the library and downloadable from the library's website. Exceptions may be made by the Library Board if the Board deems extenuating circumstances are involved.
Groups or individuals are asked to please telephone the library's Circulation Supervisor at (215) 443-2609 ext. 207 48 hours prior to their meeting to confirm their room reservation. If they cancel their meeting, please call and inform the library so that space can be made available to others that might be waiting.
The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group's policies or beliefs by the Library staff, Library Board or Horsham Township.
Meeting space may be reserved no more than ninety days in advance.
It is understood that library programming will have first priority in room use.
A security deposit of $20.00 is required for all reservations. In addition, some fees for use of meeting space may apply. Please refer to the section on fees below for more information on charges.
Refreshments may be served and shall be provided by the group. No smoking is allowed.
Meetings may be scheduled only during regular library hours of operation. All meetings should conclude 15 minutes prior to the library's closing time and all attendees must exit by the library's normal closing time.
The people using the room shall leave it in a neat, clean, orderly condition; if not, the group/individual will be given notice that continued abuse will result in being denied access to the meeting room. The library provides tables and chairs for use in its meeting rooms. The people using the room will be responsible for setting up or arranging tables and chairs to suit their purposes. The people using the room may not open or close the folding partitions which divide the meeting rooms. All re-configuration of the folding partitions must be done by library staff only.
The Library is not responsible for any equipment, supplies, materials, clothing, or other items brought to the Library by any group or individual attending a meeting.
The Library Board and staff do not assume any liability for groups or individuals attending a meeting in the Library.
Fees: A security deposit of $20.00 per room is due with each reservation application. The security deposit will be kept if the group stays beyond the times specified on the application, does not clean up after themselves, damages the room(s) or equipment, or fails to cancel their reservation within 1 week. Otherwise, it will be returned at the conclusion of the event. Forfeit of a security deposit may be waived at the discretion of library staff in the event of an emergency cancellation. A user fee may be charged for each section of the meeting room (i.e. Room A, Room B, Room C, with use of multiple sections requiring payment of a fee for each) according to the following fee schedule: Classification of groups:
XV. Displays and Exhibits Policy
As an educational and cultural institution, the Horsham Township Library welcomes exhibits and displays that interest, inform and/or enlighten the community. Displays of handiwork, historical material, nature study, or any other material deemed of general interest may be exhibited. The director shall accept or reject material offered for display based on its suitability and availability.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection, and no liability for possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the Library are there at the owner's risk.
Areas available to the public for displays and exhibits are the meeting rooms and the general bulletin boards located in the library's main hall. A release must be signed by the exhibitor before any artifact can be placed in the library. An example of the release follows:
I, the undersigned, hereby lend the following works of art or other material to the Horsham Township Library for exhibit purposes only. In consideration of the privilege of exhibiting them in the Library, I hereby release said Library from responsibility for loss, damage, or destruction while they are in the possession of the Library.
Exhibition to be held in the __________________________________ Signature__________________________________Date________________
XVI. Public Notice Bulletin Board Policy
Bulletin board materials may be submitted for posting by nonprofit organizations for civic, educational, or cultural purposes. Such organizations may submit literature publicizing a specific event. Limited space generally allows only short-term notices. The director must approve all postings and may prohibit postings that do not meet library standards. Library staff will place and remove postings promptly.
Each item posted must be dated and signed. A request for return of items, along with name and telephone number of person to be contacted, should be printed on the back of each article. Unless such arrangements are specified, items must be picked up the day following the date of the publicized event if the owners want them returned. Otherwise, the library will not be responsible for returning materials.
Fire
Do not panic, but do not under-estimate the potential danger to customers or staff represented by a fire. At the first indication of smoke or flame, activate a fire alarm pull-station, evacuate library patrons, and investigate the situation to determine location and extent of the fire. If the fire can obviously be contained and extinguished quickly and safely by staff, proceed to do so using fire extinguishers. Obtain permission from the fire department before permitting library patrons to return to the building.
The time to think about fires is before they happen. Familiarize yourself with the type, location, and use of the fire extinguisher(s) in the building. Orient all staff and volunteers to this information.
Health emergencies
Staff members should exercise caution when administering first aid of even a minor nature because of the safety of the injured individual and the potential liability of the staff member. Without specialized training it is not advisable for staff to undertake more than keeping the sick or injured patron comfortable and protected from needless disturbance until medical help can be obtained. Since each case is unique, staff members should use their own judgement to do what is prudent and reasonable.
The Rescue Squad/Police (911 if available) should be called immediately in the event of any serious problem.
No medication, including aspirin, should ever be dispensed to the public.
Bomb threats
Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask the caller to repeat the message and try to write down every word spoken by the person.
If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, ASK FOR THIS INFORMATION.
Pay particular attention to peculiar background noises such as motors running, background music and any other sounds which may indicate where the location from which the call is originating.
Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited), accents and speech impediments.
Immediately after the caller hangs up, call the police. Evacuate the building. The police will handle the actual bomb search.
Snow storms
The Library will follow the recommendation and actions of Horsham Township between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Decisions to close during other days and hours will be made by the Library Director. The library will announce emergency closings using local and regional radio stations (KYW) and the Internet website WWW.WEATHERCLOSINGS.COM.
XVIII. Revision of Library Policies
The preceding statements of Horsham Township Library's policies shall be subject to review and needed revision at least every five years by the Library Board. Individual policies will be reviewed, revised or added as needed.
Adopted: _______________________________
Form: Grievance About Library Resources
GRIEVANCE ABOUT LIBRARY RESOURCES Name_____________________________Date_____________
Address___________________________Phone_________________
City_________________________State______ZIP_____________
Type of material about which you are commenting:
Title:_____________________________________________
Author/Publisher or Producer/Date:_____________________________________________
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