Policies

Materials

The Board of Trustees and the Library Manager subscribe to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Education Film Library Association’s Freedom to View Statement as the basis for selection policies. It is the responsibility of the Library Manager, subject to the policies of the Board of Trustees to select books and other materials for the informational, recreational and educational needs of the community. Consideration will be given to the needs of the community, the current collection, the merit of the item and the availability of the item in other public sources. Materials will be selected based on literary quality, visual appeal, format, age-appropriateness, timeliness, usefulness and permanent value.

Book Selection

Materials will be selected by the library manager using their professional expertise and considering:

• Suggestions made by Library Association book committee
• Critical reviews
• Continuing community demand for specific authors or subjects
• Timeliness and currency
• Visual appeal

Efforts will be made to equitably purchase materials for adult, young adult and juvenile collections.

Censorship Challenges / Reconsideration of materials

The library subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement as a basis for their policy on challenged materials. The principle of the Freedom to Read and View will be defended in all cases. If a patron challenges the appropriateness of a specific item in the library, he or she will be asked to file the complaint in writing to be presented to the Board of Trustees at their next regularly scheduled meeting. The patron will be treated with courtesy at the time of the complaint but must understand that no action will be taken until the matter has been reviewed by the board. The Library Manager will document the complaint as accurately as possible. The Library Board holds final consideration on the matter of challenged materials.

Gifts and Memorials

Gifts and memorials are gladly accepted but must meet the same selection standards as purchased materials. Gifts will be accepted with the understanding that the library reserves the right to utilize them in accordance with the library policy. Gifts will not be accepted under restricted conditions. Gifts may be added to the collection, sold in library book sales, discarded or donated to other non profit organizations. Gifts will be formally acknowledged if the donor wishes. The library will not estimate the value of the gift donations for income tax purposes but will provide a receipt for the number of donated items. Memorial gifts of money will be accepted for the purchase of materials subject to selection standards. Gifts of personal property will be accepted on a case by case basis with the approval of the Board of Trustees and Library Manager.

Weeding and Withdrawals

Weeding of library materials will take place both on a continuous and periodic basis. Materials will be withdrawn from the collection for sale or discard when:

• Information contained is out of date or misleading
• Items are in poor condition
• Materials are no longer in demand or have not circulated in the previous 5 years. Exceptions will be made for books on local history or by local authors, which will remain in the permanent collection.

Repair and Rebinding

Attempts will be made to mend badly worn books that are still popular and useful. Rebinding will only be considered if binding cost is less than replacement cost and material is still in demand. Attempts will be made to replace useful materials which cannot be repaired or rebound.

Patron Registration

Registration is free to residents of the Canisteo-Greenwood School District. Service will not be denied because of religious, racial, social, economic or political status. The use of the library or its services may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return books or pay penalties or destruction of library property.

A person 13 years or older with valid identification will receive a card immediately. A child over 5 or in kindergarten will receive a card immediately if accompanied by a parent or care giver. Books may be borrowed at the time the card is issued. An applicant under 13 may borrow 2 items when the card is issued and up to 6 items there after.

Registration is valid for three years after which each patron must reregister to keep individual data up to date.

Confidentiality

The library’s circulation records and any other records that identify and relate the name of library users with specific materials are confidential. Confidentiality of library records is mandated by NY State law.

Circulation

Most library materials circulate for 4 weeks and may be renewed in person or by phone unless on reserve for another patron. Adult patrons may borrow an unlimited number of books with the exception of new books for which there is a limit of 2 books. Patrons under 13 are limited to 6 books per visit if not accompanied by a parent or care giver.

Reference materials may not be checked out. Books on tape are checked out for 2 weeks. Videos and DVDs are checked out for 3 days.

Overdues

All books and books on tape will have an overdue charge of $.10 a day not to exceed $5.00 per item. Patrons will be notified of overdues by phone or mail when necessary. Patrons with materials overdue or fines over $5.00 will not be allowed to check out more items until materials are returned and fines paid. Videos and DVDs have a fine of $1.00 a day. Charges for lost materials will be assessed at current replacement value.

Reserves/Holds

Patrons may reserve any materials owned by the library or in the STLS library system by placing a hold on the item either through the librarian or through the STARCAT catalogue on line.

updated 10/18/2007