Library Policies

Selected Policies of the Library

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

The Trustees of Pettee Memorial Library recognize the importance of libraries in creating and sustaining communities that thrive.  By practicing the ­­­­­­­­­­­principles of the Triple Bottom Line, Pettee Library strives to be environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically responsible.     

By using thoughtful purchasing, recycling, and reusing materials when possible, the library seeks to reduce our environmental footprint in as many ways as possible.  We endeavor to conserve energy and water, support renewable energy resources, minimize pollution and waste, protect habitat, buy environmentally friendly products, and encourage environmentally preferable transportation.  Our goal is to maximize the community’s ability to live, work, and play in our shared natural environment, with equal access to clean air, clean water, and natural resources.

These efforts are extended to contractor and supplier relationships.  We encourage contractors and suppliers serving or otherwise acting on behalf of the organization to meet our standards of environmental performance.  Purchasing decisions will weigh environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Services, programs, and materials of the library will be provided equitably to all members of the community. 

The library will endeavor to donate deaccessioned materials to not-for-profit organizations whenever practical, purchase supplies only as-needed, and purchase sustainably-produced, recyclable materials whenever practicable.

The library will encourage efficient travel practices when travel is necessary/important. Best practices, such as carpooling and using of technology to remotely hold and attend meetings, will be employed whenever practicable.

Staff members will participate and be educated in the implementation of this sustainability policy.  The Board of Trustees encourages library staff to be proactive and apply sustainable thinking in all areas of their duties.


COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Pettee Memorial Library Collection Development Policy

Pettee Memorial Library tries to ensure that all members of our community will have access to library resources that will meet their informational and recreational needs. We aim for a balanced collection, however, the limits of space and budget constrain the number of materials that the library can accommodate.  The librarians will be happy to try to obtain materials from other libraries when unavailable at Pettee Memorial Library.

Pettee Memorial Library adheres to the tenets as set forth in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association.  All patrons have free and open access to all library materials. It is deemed the responsibility of parents to determine what their children – and only their children – may read, view, listen to, or access electronically.

Selection:

Selection of library materials shall be the responsibility of the director and such staff who are qualified by reason of education, training, and experience.  All materials are placed on the shelves at the discretion of library employees.  No other person is permitted to add items to the collection.  Materials will be chosen with consultation of professional reviews, journals, and standard lists of basic works.  Library materials shall be chosen on the basis of their value in terms of interest, information, and recreation for all members of our community.

Gifts

Books and other materials offered as donations will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed, otherwise the director may dispose of them as she sees fit. The director may also decline to accept materials offered as donations.

Weeding

The withdrawal of materials, or weeding, will be practiced on a regular basis to insure that the collection remains relevant.  This ongoing process falls under the purview of the director, who may delegate the task to other staff members.  The director may dispose of withdrawn materials as she sees fit.

 Patron suggestions:

 Patrons may use the Collection Development Suggestion form to suggest materials for the collection.  Although the librarian will do her best to accommodate suggestions, she will use standard collection development criteria to evaluate any additions to the collection.

Challenges

Differences of opinion arise from time to time regarding the suitability of materials for the library. Patrons who question the suitability of an item may elect to complete a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form to explain their concerns.  The completed form will be discussed at a subsequent trustee’s meeting.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

Patrons should feel comfortable borrowing or using public library resources and receiving library services without having to fear consequences for doing same.

Definition:

Patron records means records in any format related to any activity of the library, (such as, but not limited to, registration, circulation, interlibrary loan, reserve requests and computer use) containing any identifying information about individual patrons.

Policy:

Pettee Memorial Library’s patron records are confidential. Patron records shall not be made available to any third party or any law enforcement agency of a local, state, or federal government except when a court order in proper form, issued by a court of competent jurisdiction after a showing of good cause, is presented to the library by the law enforcement agency or third party seeking the records, however, patrons have the right to access their own records.

Policy:

Any Pettee Memorial Library patron age 16 or older shall have his or her own individual library card.


RULES OF CONDUCT

It is the aim of Pettee Memorial Library to maintain a comfortable library environment.  Patrons are expected to observe the rights of other patrons and staff members and to use the library for its intended purpose.  To that end, the following are prohibited at Pettee Memorial Library:

  1. Engaging in any activity prohibited by law.
  2. Disruptive or unsafe behavior including any conduct that staff feels interferes with the use and enjoyment of the library by others or with the functioning of the library.
  3. Soliciting

In addition:

  • The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged in the library or on the library grounds.
  • The staff of Pettee Memorial Library may prohibit any behaviors or actions which they feel are inappropriate, and may ask patrons to leave as they (the staff) deem necessary.


POLICY ON UNATTENDED CHILDREN

Children are welcome in our Library, and we are concerned about their safety and welfare. The following policies, therefore, have been adopted by the trustees:

Children Under the Age of 9

Parents/guardians/caregivers may not leave a child under the age of 9 unattended in the library.  The library staff cannot be responsible for the care and supervision of unattended children, nor can they assume responsibility for a child who is not being adequately supervised by a parent, guardian or caregiver.

Children Age 9 and Over

Parents/guardians/caregivers are responsible for monitoring the activities and regulating the behavior of their children while the children are in the Library.

The staff is not required to stay with a child after closing time. The Trustees authorize the staff to call the police if the parent, guardian or caregiver fails to pick up the child. Under no circumstances will a staff member transport children to any destination.


COMPUTER POLICY

As part of its mission to provide a wide range of information resources to its users, Pettee Memorial Library provides computers with access to the Internet, including through its public wireless network. The Library subscribes to and supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the associated interpretation Access to Digital Information, Services, and Networks.

  • The Library’s public access computers are available for use on a first-come, first served basis. Patrons must sign up at the circulation desk before using a computer.  Sessions are 30 minutes, though patrons are welcome to continue to use the station unless someone is waiting.
  • Printing is permitted from public access computers for a $0.15 per page fee, or $0.10 per page for 10 pages or more.
  • Applications with sound effects are permitted if a patron uses headphones or an equivalent device.
  • Our staff is happy to assist patrons with computer issues, however, technical assistance is available when staff time allows. Patrons may call the library to make an appointment for a dedicated help session.
  • Patrons may not install software, alter settings, or otherwise modify or damage library computer hardware, software, or data. The cost to repair damage knowingly caused by any patron to library computers or their peripherals will be charged to that patron. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the charges of patrons under the age of 18.
  • The Library is not responsible for minors’ Internet use or for information accessed by minors. Supervision of minors is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
  • Patrons are responsible for saving their own work on a mobile storage device such as a flash drive. The Library does not provide mobile storage devices to patrons, nor are patrons able to store files on computers.  The Library cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss of data incurred while using library technology.
  • The Internet is a global and unregulated information network. The Library cannot control the information available through the Internet and does not accept responsibility for its quality, accuracy, or currency, nor for any damage caused by use of the Internet: neither can it necessarily ensure connectivity.
  • The Library does not use filtering in order to prevent access to sites deemed undesirable. However, the library reserves the right to block access to sites or types of sites that are known to contain/spread malware, viruses, etc.
  • The Library will treat information displayed on its computers and/or printers, including its patron and circulation records as confidential. Requests for disclosure of information will only be honored when required by local, state, or federal law.
  • The Library prohibits violation of any local, state, or federal law, including copyright laws and software licensing agreements.
  • Computer use may be restricted at the discretion of the library staff. The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or in the event that a user violates Library policies.  Users who do not observe these rules may have their library privileges revoked. Appeals may be made to the Library Director who may refer the appeal to the Board of Trustees.

Wireless Policy

  • Pettee Memorial Library provides wireless access to the library’s Internet service for properly equipped and configured laptops and hand held devices. Use of the Library’s Internet service implies acceptance of the Library’s Acceptable Use Policy.
  • Wireless access is provided as a public service free of charge on an as-is basis with no guarantee and no warranty. The Library’s wireless network is subject to periodic maintenance and unforeseen downtime.
  • There are risks involved with connecting to a public wireless connection, such as possible viruses, malware, loss of data, possible hacking/snooping by others connected, and possible hardware/software failure. It is the user’s responsibility to protect his/her information from all risks associated with using the Internet, including any damage, loss, or theft that may occur as a result of using the Library’s wireless access. The Library recommends installing antivirus software on devices for patrons’ protection.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment; users must keep their equipment with them at all times.
  • In using this free Internet access, users agree and hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless, this Library, its officers and employees, and any affiliate, from any damage that may result from a patron’s use of the Library’s wireless access. While using this wireless access, users acknowledge that they are subject to, and agree to abide by all laws, and all rules and regulations of the local municipality, the State of Vermont, and the federal government that is applicable to Internet use.
  • At its sole discretion, the Library may terminate this public service at anytime without prior notice.
  • Any attempt to circumvent library procedures or any unauthorized attempt to access or manipulate library equipment may result in suspension of use of the Library’s Wi-Fi network.

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