Policies - Westbrook Public Library

Cell Phone Policy
Westbrook Public Library

Purpose

The use of cell phones in the Library can often prove disruptive to patrons and staff. The Westbrook Public Library attempts to promote a user-friendly environment conducive to reading, studying, research, and use of the Library’s technology.

Expectations
All library patrons are expected to be courteous and respectful of others by adhering to the following policies:

Please move outside for cell phone conversations.
The Library reserves the right to ask a patron to leave the Library if they are using their cell phone in an inappropriate manner AND/OR disturbing other patrons.
All of the above will apply to regular and hands free phones.

Library patrons who refuse to comply with the provisions or intent of this policy will be required to leave the Library.

Approved 11-10-21

Printable Cell Phone Policy

Circulation of Materials Policy

CIRCULATION OF MATERIALS POLICY
Westbrook Public Library

Registration
See also the PCLS Patron Registration Policy.

All borrowers must be registered and must have a current library card to borrow library materials. Materials cannot be checked out until a Library card is issued.

Patrons must fill out an application form to apply for a Library card. Applicants under 16 yrs. old must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a new card can be issued.

In order to obtain a free Library card, patrons over 16 yrs. old must be a resident of a signatory county or municipality of the Plum Creek Library System (PCLS), or must own property therein. They must produce identification, such as a driver’s license or student ID at the time of application and, if necessary, proof of address. To renew a Library card, a patron must clear all outstanding fines and bills and update their information.

Anyone who lives outside of the Plum Creek Library System and has a valid library card from his or her home library and resides in an area that has signed the MN Library Reciprocal Borrowing Compact is also eligible for free library service.

Persons who are residents of other states or residents of communities in Minnesota that do not participate in the MN Reciprocal Borrowing Compact may purchase a nonresident library card for $5.00, which will be good for three years.

Cards may also be issued to businesses, institutions or organizations at no charge. The patron registration shall be signed by the owner, administrator or person in charge. A list of persons allowed to use the card shall be included in the patron registration notes. All patrons are required to present their card (or patron card number if they are residents of the Plum Creek Library System) in order to check out library materials.

Replacement of lost cards shall be free the first time. Further replacements shall cost $3.00.

Loan Periods
Books may be checked out for 14 days and may be renewed once, by phone, email, or on-line, unless a hold has been placed on them. Further renewals will need to be approved and completed by library staff. Books in popular demand (best sellers, etc.) may be checked out for the 14 day loan period, but will not be renewed because of patron demand or because they have a hold on them.

Periodicals will be checked out for 14 days.

Audiobooks may be checked out for 14 days and follow the same rules for renewal as books.

DVDs may be checked out for 7 days. Generally, there will be a limit of 5 DVDs per adult and 2 DVDs per child without a parent present. The librarian will have discretion to alter this quota on an individual basis. DVDs may be renewed once, by phone, email, or on-line, unless a hold has been placed on them. Further renewals will need to be approved and completed by library staff.

Mobile hotspots may be checked out for 14 days. Renewals are not allowed.

A maximum of 45 items may be borrowed by a patron in good standing, provided the items are returned promptly and they have no unpaid penalties.

The director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand for student projects, or materials added to the collection which are new.

Holds
Any patron in good standing may request the interlibrary loan of materials they need which are not available at the Westbrook Public Library. In return, requests for materials from other libraries will be honored under the terms of the Plum Creek Library System.

Any patron in good standing may also request the interlibrary loan of materials from outside the Plum Creek Library System. In return, requests for materials from outside the library system will also be honored.

Holds may be placed by patrons either in person, on-line, or over the phone. Patrons will be notified by telephone or email when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a hold or for interlibrary loan services.

Fines, Charges, and Overdue Notices
There is a fine of 10 cents a day for overdue books, audiobooks, and magazines. There is a fine of $1.00 per day for each DVD a patron has checked out. Mobile hotspots are $5.00 per day.

Referrals for violation of Minnesota Statute 609.541 will be made to law enforcement at the sole discretion of the Library Director.

Lost or Damaged Materials
Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their library card. If an item is damaged, lost or not returned, the patron is responsible to pay the replacement cost of the materials and any other accrued fines. In the case of materials checked out on a patron’s card that is less then sixteen years of age, the parent or guardian who signed the Library application shall be the person held responsible for the materials.

Patrons will receive a receipt for payment when paying for a lost or damaged item. No refunds will be given 30 days after receipt of payment.

Confidentiality
All records, formal and informal, in the Westbrook Public Library relating to patron registration and the subsequent circulation by patrons of materials provided by the Library are considered to be confidential in nature.

In order to prevent an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy, the contents of registration and circulation records shall not be available to anyone except under the written order of the Library Director, such order having been issued pursuant to a proper legal process, order or subpoena under the law.

Upon receipt of any process, order, or subpoena, the person named and/or served shall immediately report to and consult with the Library Director and the legal counsel of the City of Westbrook to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is proper and in full compliance with proper legal authority. In the event the legal process fails to sufficiently identify or name in specific terms or specifications the records on file in respect to an identified library patron, the request is considered to be defective and not binding upon the Library and its personnel, except under further due process of law.

Any problems or conditions relating to the privacy of a patron through the records of the Westbrook Public Library which are not specified in the policy shall be referred to the Library Director, who after consultation with the Library Board and/or legal counsel shall issue a written decision as to whether to heed the request for information.

PATRONS AGREE TO ABIDE BY THIS POLICY WHEN THEY SIGN THEIR LIBRARY CARD REGISTRATION FORM. PERSONS WHO HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS SHOULD CONTACT THE DIRECTOR.

Approved 11-10-21

Printable Circulation of Materials Policy

Computer & Internet Use Policy

Computer & Internet Use Policy
Westbrook Public Library

Purpose or Intent
The Westbrook Public Library provides free use of computers and access to the Internet to all users, with the understanding that it is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgement, respect for others and appropriate conduct while using Public Library resources. The purpose of the Computer and Internet Use Policy is to insure the best use of computers and access to the Internet by the greatest number of people.

Internet User Guidelines
Library workstations may not be used to view sexually explicit material, illegal drug related, gang related, hate group related or violent materials. Library computers may be used to visit chat sites or other forms of electronic communications. Users will not disclose, use, or disseminate personal information regarding minors without authorization of the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved.

Users will obey copyright laws & licensing agreements. Users may not change the settings and configuration, use non-library software, or save anything to the hard drive of a library work station. It is not acceptable to use the Library’s computers for any purpose which violates U.S. or state laws, to transmit obscene or harassing materials, or to interfere with or disrupt network users.

The Library’s Rules of Behavior Policy applies to the behavior of patrons using library equipment. Failure to follow this policy could result in suspension of library privileges. Library employees are authorized to terminate any users access session, or to prohibit a user from access given cause that the user has failed to comply with the policies of the library.

Time Limits
Computer workstations are available on a first come basis whenever the library is open. Workstations may be reserved by signing up at the circulation desk, or by telephone. Workstations may be reserved up to one week in advance. Reservation of a computer workstation by a library patron for a longer period of time may be made for specific needs by discretion of the librarian on duty.

The privilege of reserving a computer may be denied in the future if a person does not show up for the reserved time. The workstation will be available for other persons use 15 minutes after the originally scheduled time.

Use of the Internet is normally limited to a single 60 minutes session per day, but there are times when exceptions are made. Use of a computer workstation for word processing will be limited to a single two-hour session per day. If no one is waiting to use a computer/Internet workstation, use may continue until it is needed for another person.

Two persons may share one access session as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or library staff.

Use of and time on a computer workstation is up to the discretion of the librarian on duty.

Charges and Fees
Charges and fees for printing are the same as those stated in the Westbrook Public Library Photocopy Machine Policy. All fees must be paid at the time of service.

Minors
Parents and legal guardians have responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet, including games, e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communications. Parents should caution their minor children, which personal facts are not to be shared on the Internet. Parents are strongly encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable family rules on the Internet. A parent or legal guardian must sign an internet agreement for children 17 years old and younger to access the library computers..

Filters
To comply with Federal and State laws, the Board of Library Trustees has approved installation of software designed to filter sexually explicit content on all computers. The blocking software filter is inherently imprecise and flawed. It inevitably will block access to a vast array of constitutionally protected material on the Internet. Because of it’s technologically limitations, the filter is also incapable of protecting against all access to Internet material that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. The library will disable the entire filter for adult users 17 and over upon request. The requesting user will not have to explain why he or she is asking that the site be unlocked or the entire filter be turned-off. The library encourages users to request that the filter be disabled as needed.

Privacy
The library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of patrons. There is no electronic tracking of workstation use that would enable the library to determine who that user is or what they did on a library computer after the customer logs off. Users must also exercise caution when using the Internet to avoid unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identifiable information. Users are encouraged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else. Absolute privacy for people using electronic resources in the library cannot guaranteed.

Wi-Fi Access
The Westbrook Public Library Computer and internet Use Policy applies to any laptop used to access the Internet through the library’s Wi-fi connection. As a result, your Internet connection will be filtered and prohibited websites are blocked. Users are responsible for making sure their computer has the correct settings and necessary hardware. Library staff will provide limited instruction for access. The library cannot guarantee that user’s hardware will work with the library’s wireless connection.

Responsibility
The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions from varied points of view. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. The user is the selector in using the Internet with individual choices and decisions. Users may encounter material that could be considered inappropriate. Parents of minor children assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibilities arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems or any consequences thereof.
Laptops and other devices should never be left unattended in the library. The library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft or loss of any kind to a user’s equipment, software, or data files.

Approved 11-10-21

Printable Computer and internet use policy

Donation Policy

Donation Policy
Westbrook Public Library

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to specify the type of donations that the Library will accept and how the Library will handle donations.

Acknowledgements
Donations are accepted in honor of or in memory of a person. Acknowledgment of such a donation will be sent to family members upon request. A plaque may be placed in/on material purchased in honor of or in memory of a person.

Library staff will acknowledge all monetary donations and significant donations of materials accepted by the library.

The Library reserves the right to decline, discard, or sell any item donated to the library. Library staff will provide a letter acknowledging the receipt of a donation upon request. The Library does not provide appraisals of donations of materials.

Donations of Money
The Library accepts donations of money in any amount. The donor may indicate how the money is to be spent. The money may be specified for a particular type of material, furniture, equipment, service or activity. The Library reserves the right of final selection on furniture or equipment in order to meet the space, utilization and design of the building. The Library will make selection if nothing is specified.

Donations of Books and Other Material
The Library accepts donations of used books and other materials with the understanding that the items will be added to the collection only if appropriate and/or needed. The Library has the right to decline any donation of used material based on condition, copyright date or lack of storage space.

Donations of Memorabilia
The Library does not collect plaques, artifacts or other museum-type pieces, unless they pertain directly to the collection of the library or they have value for ongoing display. Donations of memorabilia accepted by the Library become the exclusive property of the Library.

Donations of Artwork
The Library retains the right to accept or reject any work of art for the Library. Donations of artwork accepted by the Library become the exclusive property of the Library.

Gifts of Furniture and Equipment
The Library retains the right to accept or reject any donations of furniture or equipment for the Library. Donations of furniture and equipment accepted by the Library become the exclusive property of the Library.

Approved 11-10-21

Printable Donation Policy

Photocopy Machine Policy

Photocopy Machine Policy
Westbrook Public Library

The photocopy machine is the property of the Westbrook Public Library and is available for use during library hours. The machine is capable of copying, scanning, and faxing materials.

Photocopying
Copies may be made at the rate of 25 cents for a black and white copy per page, and 50 cents per page for color copies.

Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the library patron requesting the copies.

Scanning
Scans may be made at no cost. Scans must be sent to the designated staff email, which will then be forwarded by library staff to the desired email address of the patron.

Faxing
A member of the library staff will be responsible for the operation of the fax machine.

Sending a fax within Minnesota will be $1.00 per page, excluding the cover letter.

Sending a fax outside the United States will be $5.00 per page, excluding the cover page.

There is no charge for sending or receiving information from a library in the Plum Creek Library System if used for library business.

Approved 11-10-21

Printable Photocopy Machine Policy

Reference Service Policy

Reference Service Policy
Westbrook Public Library

Reference service and materials are available to all persons during the hours the Library is open and provided in response to all forms of inquiry including - but not limited to - patrons in the Library, the telephone, e-mail, and other facsimiles of communication.

The Westbrook Public Library will assist patrons in the use of the Library and teach instruction in the use of reference sources when appropriate. The Library will encourage patrons who will need to use reference tools repeatedly to learn the use of the tools.

In the instance of legal, medical, investment or tax reference questions, the staff may only guide the patron to the material available on the topic of interest and not offer advice. The staff may not evaluate or interpret the information provided nor may the staff define the meaning of terms, offer investment advice, or select income tax forms.

Approved 11-10-21

Printable Reference Service Policy

Rules of Behavior on Library Premises Policy

Rules of Behavior on Library Premises Policy
Westbrook Public Library

Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that patrons of the Westbrook Public Library have access to and use of Library facilities and grounds in a quiet, orderly, and safe atmosphere, along with being undisturbed by the disruptive actions and behavior of others.

This policy is also intended to protect the rights and safety of Library staff members and patrons, to preserve and protect the Library’s materials and facilities, to ensure the orderly management of the Public Library, and to ensure that Library facilities and materials are available for the use for which the facilities and materials are intended. Failure to comply with the rules in this policy may result in the loss of Library use privileges.

Grounds for Loss of Library Privilege:
Staff has the authority and responsibility to enforce this policy as they see fit to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all patrons.

Whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that an individual has committed any of the acts listed below, he or she will be warned to cease the behavior, and may be told to leave the Library building and property for the remainder of the day.

The severity of the violation, and/or any past or subsequent violations, may result in additional restrictions of Library privileges beyond having them rescinded for a day. Any further restriction shall be determined by the Director and/or the Library Board of Trustees, and is documented in the Five Levels of Restriction listed on page 4 of this policy. In the most severe cases, the determination process should be done in coordination with the City of Westbrook.

Reasons for asking patrons to cease their behavior, or in some cases leave the premises for the day, shall include but are not limited to, the following:

If patrons are asked to leave the library, an incident report form shall be made by, or given to, the Library Director. Library staff are required to complete an incident report form at the conclusion of an incident.

Staff should never use physical force or abusive words in patron confrontations. On a per incident basis, local law enforcement may be called if patrons are abusive or unresponsive to the rules and restrictions prescribed by this policy or by staff. If Library staff has fear of - or feels threatened by - a Library patron, they are directed to call the local police or sheriff’s department and leave the building.

The Five Levels of Restriction
Based upon the circumstances of the incident(s), the Library Director and/or the Board of Trustees may elect to impose any of the following restrictions upon the offender at the time of the incident or after it has occurred:

Offender restricted from using a part of the facility/equipment/service for the remainder of current day, with restrictions provided to the offender both verbally and in writing if and when possible;
Offender directed to leave the library for one (1) week, both verbally and in writing if and when possible;
Offender escorted out of library by local law enforcement with no admission for one (1) month, both verbally and in writing if and when possible;
Offender escorted out of library by local law enforcement and banned for a certain amount of time determined by Director, Board of Trustees, City Manager, and City Attorney;
Offender removed by local law enforcement with no further admittance to Library until further action is decided by Director, Board of Trustees, City Manager, City Attorney, and/or police. Options may include a permanent ban from Library.

Violation of any of these restrictions by entering the Library premises or loitering on the grounds will result in Staff immediately contacting law enforcement to remove the offender from the property.

The decision to restrict Library privileges to a patron will be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: severity of the violation, number of warnings, and other violations documented about the patron.

Any patron whose privileges have been restricted may appeal the decision in writing to the Library Board of Trustees within 5 days of the occurrence. Any such letter must be received by the Library in that time frame.

Updated 11-10-21

Printable Rules of Behavior on Library Premises Policy

Unattended Children Policy

Unattended Children Policy
Westbrook Public Library

The Westbrook Public Library encourages visits by children, and wants their visits to be memorable and enjoyable. For the purposes of this policy, “unattended” means that the person responsible for the child is not within sight of the child.

General
Parents are ultimately responsible for their children’s behavior in the library. Library staff cannot and will not assume responsibility for the care of unattended children. Exceptions may be made when a child is attending a Library children’s program.

It is the policy of the library that all children under six years old must be in the company of a parent or responsible person who is twelve years of age or older while in the library. It is against Library policy to leave children age six (6) or younger unattended at the Library.

If a child is left unattended in the Library, the staff may attempt to locate their parent/care provider. If a parent/care provider is in the Library, they will be informed of the Library’s policy concerning unattended children.

If a parent/care provider is not found in the Library, staff may attempt to locate the parent using library card registration. A parent, when contacted, will be informed of the Library’s policy concerning unattended children.

Disruptive Behavior
Any child who is considered to be disruptive or unsafe by the Library staff may be asked by the Library staff to stop the behavior. A second request by the librarian for the child to stop the disruptive behavior will be directed to the responsible parent, legal guardian or childcare provider to correct. If a parent or legal guardian is not on the Library premises, a child may be asked to leave the building. If the child needs to contact a parent or guardian, they may do so. If a problem involving an unattended child still remains and Library staff feels the child may be unsafe, Library staff has the right to call the police or child protective services.

Closing Time
Parents are responsible for picking up their children by closing time. All patrons are asked to leave the building at closing.

Fifteen minutes before closing time, Library staff will remind young people to contact a parent/responsible person for a ride home if one is not already arranged. For the safety of the child, the staff will not leave a child outside to wait on a ride.

Approved and adopted 11-10-21

Printable Unattended Children Policy

Weeding Policy

Weeding Policy
Westbrook Public Library

Purpose:
The Westbrook Public Library strives to maintain a collection that meets the needs of the community. In doing so, a regular and systematic weeding of the library’s material (including books, periodicals, pamphlets, audio, and visual items) will improve the efficiency and vitality of the Library’s resources.

General
Materials whose contents are still of value but have worn out or have fallen into disrepair will be repaired or replaced if possible. If newer editions have been released, the newer edition will supersede the older copy. Materials only used occasionally will be weeded. Patrons may use interlibrary loan services to obtain items not available in the Library.

Due to space limitations, judgments of priority often need to be made in the discarding of library materials. In terms of use, staff may need to discard materials that are used but used less frequently than other materials.

All materials no longer suitable for the collection will be withdrawn and discarded, or sold.

Final responsibility for deciding which materials to discard or sell rests with the Library Director. He or she may delegate this authority to other members of the staff.

Criteria for Weeding:

Appearance: Books of an antiquated appearance which might discourage use, worn out volumes whose pages are dirty, brittle, yellow or missing and those with frayed bindings, broken spines, or dingy, torn covers will be considered for weeding.
Unnecessary Titles: Titles which no longer are needed include duplicate titles, older editions of currently held works, highly specialized works whose information is included in other materials or subjects of little interest.
Poor Content: Materials which contain outdated, inaccurate, or incorrect information; unfair interpretations; poorly written or performed works; or items that have been superseded by newer, improved editions.
Usage: Items with very few checkouts and/or have not circulated in at least five (5) years.

Approved 11-10-21

Printable Weeding Policy