Library Policies
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Material Selection Policy
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Print, complete, and return the form to the Library Director for review and processing.
About
A Materials Selection Policy outlines the criteria a library uses to decide which materials to add/remove to its collection, ensuring a balanced and diverse selection that reflects the needs of the community while adhering to principles of intellectual freedom, typically based on factors like relevance, quality, authoritativeness, and community demand; it acts as a guide for consistent decision-making when acquiring new items for the library.
-- Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees - September, 12 2022.
Service Statement
The Bancroft Memorial Library will provide excellent professional, educational and recreational resources in a variety of formats for lifelong learning while fostering a culture of inclusion in a vibrant place that is free and welcoming to all. The Bancroft Memorial Library Trustees and Staff are committed to providing a wide range of materials in a variety of formats to meet community needs and with respect to intellectual freedom.
Selection Policy
The Library Board of Trustees, recognizing the pluralistic nature of this community and the varied backgrounds and needs of all citizens, regardless of race, creed, or political persuasion, declares as a matter of materials selection policy that:
Procedures for Reconsideration or Addition of Materials:
Library Staff members will listen to the request and give the patron a copy of the library selection policy. If the patron wishes to have the library reconsider or add material, the patron shall be directed to the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials or the Request for Purchase of Library Materials forms (linked above).
Note: Forms should be completed and returned to the Library Director. The procedure for reconsideration of library materials is included with the form.
Withdrawal of Materials from Library Collection
Materials are regularly discarded from library collections using the CREW (continuous review, evaluation, and weeding) processes of inventory and maintenance. When, through evaluation and weeding, the librarian discovers that the material’s useful career is over, it is retired by discarding. In evaluating collections, library staff use special knowledge of library science, library materials and the community they serve to meet the needs and demands of the library’s users and potential users. Publication date, physical condition, expense of replacement, space constraints, and appearance and breadth of the collection are factors in these decisions. Withdrawn materials are boxed and saved for Friends of the Hopedale Library book sales. Materials not sold are donated to area nursing homes or to a company that repurposes books.
Gifts
Gifts are handled by the Friends of the Library. Gifts of books and other materials are accepted with the understanding that they may be used or disposed of as the library sees fit. New titles acquired in this manner are subject to the basic standards of selection. Replacements and duplicate copies are added to the collection if needed. The costs of processing and the availability of shelving are also factors in determining the acceptance of gifts. The library does not provide evaluations of gifts for tax deduction or other purpose, but will provide a receipt if requested.
Controversial Materials
In an effort to provide our patrons with diverse sources of information and the widest possible range of ideas and viewpoints, we may acquire some controversial materials. Some of this material may be offensive to individuals or groups because of perceived profanity, social, economic and political ideas, religious viewpoints, the background of the author, the kinds of information provided, or other reasons. Acquisition or use of any item does not imply approval or endorsement of the contents.
Privacy
Reaffirming the Bancroft Memorial Library’s uninterrupted concern for intellectual freedom and for readers’ rights of privacy, the Library will not disclose to anyone the names of, or other information regarding readers, and will not identify materials called for or examined by them. An exception will be made only following a showing satisfactory to the Library Director, or his/her Deputy designated for the purpose of binding legal process.
A Materials Selection Policy outlines the criteria a library uses to decide which materials to add/remove to its collection, ensuring a balanced and diverse selection that reflects the needs of the community while adhering to principles of intellectual freedom, typically based on factors like relevance, quality, authoritativeness, and community demand; it acts as a guide for consistent decision-making when acquiring new items for the library.
-- Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees - September, 12 2022.
Service Statement
The Bancroft Memorial Library will provide excellent professional, educational and recreational resources in a variety of formats for lifelong learning while fostering a culture of inclusion in a vibrant place that is free and welcoming to all. The Bancroft Memorial Library Trustees and Staff are committed to providing a wide range of materials in a variety of formats to meet community needs and with respect to intellectual freedom.
Selection Policy
The Library Board of Trustees, recognizing the pluralistic nature of this community and the varied backgrounds and needs of all citizens, regardless of race, creed, or political persuasion, declares as a matter of materials selection policy that:
- The selection of books and other library materials is the responsibility of the Library Director who, in turn, may delegate that responsibility to such members of the professional staff who are qualified by reason or education or training.
- Selection of books and other library materials shall be made on the basis of their value in regard to interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community. No book or library material shall be excluded because of race, nationality or the political or social views of the author.
- It is the view of the Library Board of Trustees that responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents. The selection of materials for the adult collection is not restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials their parents consider inappropriate.
- The same criteria used in selecting materials are used in weeding and discarding them.
- The Library Board of Trustees believes that censorship is a purely individual matter and declares that while one is free to reject materials of which one does not approve; one cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom to read of others.
- The Library Board of Trustees defends the principles of the Freedom to Read and declares that whenever censorship is at issue, and when a formal request for reconsideration of materials is presented, no book or library material shall be removed from the library collection. The material in question will remain in circulation in the library collection for the duration of the process, and the decision of the Board is final.
- The Library Board of Trustees adopts and declares that it will adhere to and support the following policies adopted by the American Library Association:
Procedures for Reconsideration or Addition of Materials:
Library Staff members will listen to the request and give the patron a copy of the library selection policy. If the patron wishes to have the library reconsider or add material, the patron shall be directed to the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials or the Request for Purchase of Library Materials forms (linked above).
Note: Forms should be completed and returned to the Library Director. The procedure for reconsideration of library materials is included with the form.
Withdrawal of Materials from Library Collection
Materials are regularly discarded from library collections using the CREW (continuous review, evaluation, and weeding) processes of inventory and maintenance. When, through evaluation and weeding, the librarian discovers that the material’s useful career is over, it is retired by discarding. In evaluating collections, library staff use special knowledge of library science, library materials and the community they serve to meet the needs and demands of the library’s users and potential users. Publication date, physical condition, expense of replacement, space constraints, and appearance and breadth of the collection are factors in these decisions. Withdrawn materials are boxed and saved for Friends of the Hopedale Library book sales. Materials not sold are donated to area nursing homes or to a company that repurposes books.
Gifts
Gifts are handled by the Friends of the Library. Gifts of books and other materials are accepted with the understanding that they may be used or disposed of as the library sees fit. New titles acquired in this manner are subject to the basic standards of selection. Replacements and duplicate copies are added to the collection if needed. The costs of processing and the availability of shelving are also factors in determining the acceptance of gifts. The library does not provide evaluations of gifts for tax deduction or other purpose, but will provide a receipt if requested.
Controversial Materials
In an effort to provide our patrons with diverse sources of information and the widest possible range of ideas and viewpoints, we may acquire some controversial materials. Some of this material may be offensive to individuals or groups because of perceived profanity, social, economic and political ideas, religious viewpoints, the background of the author, the kinds of information provided, or other reasons. Acquisition or use of any item does not imply approval or endorsement of the contents.
Privacy
Reaffirming the Bancroft Memorial Library’s uninterrupted concern for intellectual freedom and for readers’ rights of privacy, the Library will not disclose to anyone the names of, or other information regarding readers, and will not identify materials called for or examined by them. An exception will be made only following a showing satisfactory to the Library Director, or his/her Deputy designated for the purpose of binding legal process.
PC, INTERNET & WIRELESS POLICIES
Users access the Internet at their own discretion. The Library Staff is not responsible for the content of the Internet. We do not control information for either content or accuracy. The individual user is responsible for judging the validity, appropriateness, and value of the material.
The Library reserves the right to suspend immediately the privileges of users who abuse the Library’s personal computers and/or Internet connections and/or network connections by unethical or illegal use, for example:
Patrons violating the above rules will told by the Library Staff to cease immediately. Staff are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce this policy.
The Library Staff will assist patrons with startup procedures and basic questions about Internet use; however, staff may not always be available to assist, and staff will not be responsible for troubleshooting users’ personal devices.
The Internet terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The Library does not filter access to the Internet but may monitor patron usage.
- Parents are responsible for monitoring their child's or children's use of library resources including the Internet.
- All patrons in good standing are welcome to use the public PCs.
- Users may be asked to sign in and out or to present a BML card. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
- There is no charge for accessing the Internet at the Library.
- Downloading from the user’s own software, flash drives, and/or discs may not be used on Library machines.
The Library reserves the right to suspend immediately the privileges of users who abuse the Library’s personal computers and/or Internet connections and/or network connections by unethical or illegal use, for example:
- Using the Internet for illegal purposes
- Deliberately displaying obscene messages or images, or images that are harmful to minors (as defined by 18 USC 1460 and 18 USC 2256, respectively; and/or in violation of the Massachusetts General Law 272 Section 31, the Harmful to Minors statute.
- Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material in any format
- Transmission of chain mail, broadcast letters, or junk mail of any type
- Transmission of threatening, harassing, defamatory or obscene materials
- Unauthorized access to remote computer systems
- Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification codes or numbers (i.e., “hacking”)
- Destruction or damage of equipment, software, or data
- Rough use of equipment (e.g., pounding on the keyboard by young child)
- Wasting resources (i.e., staff time, supplies, etc.)
- Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
- Harassment of other users
- Any other use of the Internet that violates Town, State, or Federal law
Patrons violating the above rules will told by the Library Staff to cease immediately. Staff are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce this policy.
The Library Staff will assist patrons with startup procedures and basic questions about Internet use; however, staff may not always be available to assist, and staff will not be responsible for troubleshooting users’ personal devices.
The Internet terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No more than two people may use each Internet terminal at one time.
- Public PCs will be shut down 10 minutes before closing.
Solicitations and Sales Policy
By Local Non-profit, Civic, Community, and Non-library Groups
-- Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, April 17, 2014
- Selling and/or soliciting for services, money, items or signatures, except for library or library-related activities are prohibited.
- Distributing or posting printed materials, literature or other items that have not been approved by the Library for use inside the Library building are prohibited.
- Outside groups may not solicit library patrons in the library or on library property.
- Posters and/or fliers announcing a campaign or ticket sale to benefit non-profit, civic and/or community organizations may be displayed on the community board if space allows with the approval of the Library Director if the material complies with the Bulletin Board Policy.
-- Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, April 17, 2014
| Reservation Application |
Policy for the Use of the Library for Meetings or Programs
The Bancroft Memorial Library Program Room is available for recreational, civic, and educational purposes. Library programs and services have priority over all other activities.
Users of the Program Room agree to the following Program Room guidelines.
The Bancroft Memorial Library Program Room is available for recreational, civic, and educational purposes. Library programs and services have priority over all other activities.
Users of the Program Room agree to the following Program Room guidelines.
- Program Room: 40 people
- Equipment: Folding tables and stacking chairs
- Audio-Visual Equipment: TV, DVD/VCR and wall screen
- User Fee: None
- The Program Room is available to non-profit organizations. Organizations using the meeting room must have a policy of non-discrimination.
- Meetings must be free and open to the public. Sale of any items must have prior approval of the Board of Trustees.
- Requests to use the meeting space must be submitted in writing to and approved by the Library Director. Download and complete the reservation application above.
- The room is available on a first-come, first-served basis with library programs having priority.
- Use of the program room is permitted only during regular library hours or with prior written approval of the Library Director. All programs must end 15 minutes before the library closes.
- The Bancroft Memorial Library staff will not be responsible for children while parents attend programs or activities. Parents are liable for all damages done by their children to library facilities or equipment.
- All notices for distribution must have prior approval by the Library Director. Flyers may only be posted in approved locations in the Library.
- Food and drink are permitted in the program room only; prior written approval is necessary. Combustible materials are prohibited.
- Use of the program room carries with it the responsibility for accidents or damage which may occur to the building or equipment. Any damage must be reported to a staff member immediately. The User is fully responsible to pay for any repairs which might be the result of damage.
- User of the room is responsible for leaving the room as it was found. Tables and chairs should be put away and room vacuumed if necessary.
- The Bancroft Memorial Library Staff, Board of Trustees or the Town of Hopedale will not be responsible for any injury to persons or property that occur while the Program Room is used.
- Failure to adhere to the Program Room guidelines and other library policies may result in denial of use of the Program Room for future events.
- In the event of unforeseen or unusual circumstances, the Library reserves the right to cancel the use of the facilities.
- The Library is not responsible for the cancellation of approval for use of the Program Room in the case of emergency (i.e. storm, power failure), which results in the closing of the Library.
- The Board of Library Trustees establishes policy regarding the Program Room. The Library Director has authority for assigning Program Room as delegated by the Board of Trustees and is authorized to terminate or deny permission to any group whose policies violate these policies and regulations. The Director's interpretation of these regulations shall prevail subject to the final decision of the Board of Library Trustees. This policy will be reviewed annually.
Bulletin Board Policy
Policy
It is the policy of the Bancroft Memorial Library to provide as much information to the community as possible. In order to achieve this objective, public notices of community interest to non-profit, advocacy and/or civic organizations sponsoring charitable, cultural, educational and/or recreational events, and profit making groups sponsoring these types of events in the public interest may be posted on the section of the bulletin boards labeled Community Interest. Bancroft Memorial Library does not endorse any of the listings.
Procedure
-- Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 8, 2013 (last revised April 17, 2014)
It is the policy of the Bancroft Memorial Library to provide as much information to the community as possible. In order to achieve this objective, public notices of community interest to non-profit, advocacy and/or civic organizations sponsoring charitable, cultural, educational and/or recreational events, and profit making groups sponsoring these types of events in the public interest may be posted on the section of the bulletin boards labeled Community Interest. Bancroft Memorial Library does not endorse any of the listings.
Procedure
- All items for posting must be delivered to the Main Circulation Desk for review including items for the Children's Room bulletin board.
- All items must have the date on which the material was submitted on the front of the material with the name, address and phone or email address of a contact person.
- Items will be posted by the Bancroft Memorial Library Staff only.
- Items will be periodically removed from the bulletin board by Bancroft Memorial Library Staff after an event or, for nonevents, after four weeks.
-- Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 8, 2013 (last revised April 17, 2014)
