Sample Library Policies

The following sample policies illustrate "best practices" in policy development. The policies are clear, current, and consonant with the Library's commitment to intellectual freedom. Specific formats are not singled out for restriction or other censorship. The policies are readable, and assert their positions in a positive manner.

These samples are all from the Scarsdale Public Library in Westchester County, New York State, as of summer 2002.

INTERNET POLICY

The Scarsdale Public Library provides free access to the Internet in accordance with its mission to provide information of all types in a wide range of formats. This Internet Policy affirms the principles of intellectual freedom, equity of access, and confidentiality of information about users and their use of library resources.

The Internet is a vast and unregulated information network. The Library does not monitor and has no control over information on the Internet. Not all the information is accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment in evaluating accessed information. The Library cannot protect users from information and images that they may find offensive or disturbing. The Library assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its home page.

Since the Library Internet terminals are located in public areas throughout the building that is shared by persons of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities, individuals are asked to consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and images. The Library reserves the right to require individuals to discontinue the display of information and images that cause a disruption.

Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which Library resources are appropriate for their children. Internet access in the Children's Room is limited to children and their accompanying parents or caregivers. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate and disturbing information and images. We encourage parents to learn about the Internet so that they can teach their children how to use technology properly and to make wise choices.

To assist parents, the Library web site provides links to sites specifically designed and recommended for young people. The Library also has available on-line and in print the pamphlet The Parents' Guide to the Information Superhighway, published by The Children's Partnership.

Library users are cautioned that the Internet is not a secure medium and all transactions, files and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and, therefore, should be considered public. The Library will not release information on the use of electronic resources by members of the public except as required by law.

ACCEPTABLE USE GUIDELINES

All individuals are expected to use the Library's Internet terminals in a responsible and courteous way, consistent with the educational, informational and recreational purposes for which all Library resources are provided. Use of the Internet for activities that violate local, state or federal laws is prohibited. This includes activities such as viewing child pornography, committing fraud, hacking, libeling or threatening.

The following rules, regulations and procedures have been established for acceptable use standards:

The number of Internet terminals is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual may use library equipment.

Rules for use are posted on or near terminals and include information on time limitations and printing costs.

Individuals may not alter or damage hardware, software or data or in any way interfere with, disrupt or degrade the network.

Library terminals may not be used to transmit threatening, harassing or abusive language and images.

Individuals may not invade the privacy of others by 'hovering' over them while they use the terminals. No more than two people may use a terminal at the same time.

Individuals may not misrepresent themselves as another user or attempt to modify, gain access or reveal passwords or personally identifiable
information belonging to others.

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from copyright infringement or any violation of local, state or federal laws in the use of terminals.

Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in the suspension or loss of Internet terminal and other Library privileges.

11/00

MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY

It is the goal of the Scarsdale Public Library to provide Scarsdale residents with information which satisfies their educational and recreational requirements through the purchase and organization of appropriate books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, maps, sound and video recordings, and non-print and electronic media.

In formulating a policy to support this goal, the Library Board of Trustees stresses the importance of materials having contemporary significance and permanent value. Materials are chosen, within the limits of our budget, to: inform, entertain, answer questions and stir up new ones, excite new interests and offer creative inspiration.

The authority and responsibility for the selection of library materials are delegated to the Library Director and, under supervision, to the professional librarian staff who are qualified by reason of education, training and experience.

To build a collection of enduring merit, materials must be measured by objective guidelines. All acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the standards listed below. Clearly, an item need not meet all of the criteria in order to be acceptable. When judging the quality of materials, several standards may be used, as some materials may be judged primarily on artistic merit, while others are considered because of scholarship, value as human documents or ability to satisfy informational and entertainment needs of the community.

GENERAL CRITERIA

Present and potential relevance to community needs.
Importance as a document of the times.
Relation to the existing collection and other materials on the subject. An effort will be made to include works on all sides of controversial issues.
Reputation and significance of the author. No item will be excluded because of the race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, political or doctrinal beliefs or personal history of an author.
Insight into human and social conditions.
Attention given by critics, reviewers and the public.
Suitability of the subject and style for the intended audience.
Materials are selected for their positive values and not necessarily excluded because of coarse language or frankness.
Appropriateness and effectiveness of medium to content.
Suitability of physical form for library use.
Price.
Accuracy.
Popular demand.
The Library recognizes that certain materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some library user. Selections will not be made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the works in relation to building a collection and serving the diverse interests of the Scarsdale community.

Continual evaluation of library holdings is an essential part of collection development. To ensure a vital collection of continued value to the community, materials which have outlived their usefulness are withdrawn. Decisions for removal are based on: circulation, physical condition, usefulness and accuracy.

Library materials will not be marked or identified to imply or show approval or disapproval of the contents. All materials are kept on open shelves except those which are: in poor physical condition and not replaceable, duplicate copies, extremely expensive or subject to mutilation.

The Library provides books and other materials for children and young adults which are suitable for these age groups. Whenever possible these collections are clearly labeled and separate from the adult collection. The Library does not deny or limit access to any item because of content or style.

Selection of materials for the collection shall not be inhibited by the possibility that some material may inadvertently come into the possession of children. Responsibility for the reading, listening and viewing of Library materials by children rests with their parents or legal guardians.

The Library makes a conscious effort to obtain materials pertaining to local matters - civic, cultural, artistic, educational, recreational and historical.

Since the Library has available to it the resources of many other libraries throughout the Westchester Library System, we do not acquire highly specialized or technical materials which can be obtained through interlibrary loan or accessed electronically. Neither do we collect in depth in those fields where there is, at a neighboring institution, a special subject collection (law, engineering, etc.).

It is not the purpose of the collection to take the place of the elementary, middle school, high school or college library. It is the responsibility of the public schools to supply curriculum material. The Library works cooperatively with schools to supplement and enhance their collections.

The Library Board endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association, copies of which are attached to this Policy.

Once an item has been accepted as qualifying under the Materials Selection Policy, it will not be removed at the request of those who disagree with its inclusion, unless it can be shown that retention of the item would be in violation of that Policy. Copies of the Materials Selection Policy, the Reconsideration of Materials Policy and the Request for Reconsideration of Library Material Form may be obtained at the reference desk.

November 2001

RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS POLICY

The choice of library materials is an individual matter. While a person may reject materials for oneself, he or she may not restrict access to those materials by others.

The Library recognizes that certain materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some library user. The following guidelines have been developed to assure that the requests of those who disagree with the inclusion of specific items in the collection are handled in an attentive and consistent manner.

A patron who requests the reconsideration of library material will be referred immediately to the Director or the librarian in charge. This staff member will discuss the Materials Selection Policy and the application of selection principles.

If a patron persists in requesting that an item be withdrawn from the collection, the Library's procedure for reconsideration will be carefully explained and followed. A separate Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form must be filled out for each item.

The procedure for the reconsideration of library materials consists of the following:

The patron must complete the Request for Reconsideration Form.

The Request for Reconsideration will be referred to a committee consisting of the Director and two professional librarians to determine whether retention of the item would be in violation of the Materials Selection Policy.

The committee will reconsider the item using the general criteria of the Materials Selection Policy and reviews from recognized sources, and make a written recommendation.

The Director will inform the Library Board of Trustees if the committee recommends the withdrawal of the item from the collection.

The Director will write to the patron regarding the committee's recommendation. Committee members' comments will not be attributed, although brief quotes may be used in the Director's letter to the patron.

An appeal of this recommendation may be made to Trustees.

During the review process the Library will take appropriate action to insure that the item will continue to be available.

November 2001