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Bridger Public Library

Bridger Public Library

The more you read, the more you know.

Drawing of the library.

Montanalibrary2go

 

 

ONLINE CATALOG

 

Policies

COLLECTION MANAGEMENT POLICY

 

Of the

 

BRIDGER PUBLIC LIBRARY

 

 

 

Revision 9

January 12, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

SECTION PAGE

 

Revision Schedule 4

 

A.  INTRODUCTION

 

1. Mission Statement 5

2. Purpose of the Policy 5

3. Community 5

4. Patron Needs and Services 5

5. Collection Description 6

6. Cooperative Collection Management and Interlibrary Loan 7

 

B.  GENERAL PRIORITIES, LIMITATIONS, & POLICY

 

1. Chronological Coverage 8

2. Formats 8

3. Multiple Copies 8

4. Languages 8

5. Funding Considerations 8

6. Collection Responsibilities & Selection Procedures 9

7. Gifts Policy 9

8. Collection Maintenance 10

9. Complaints and Censorship 10

 

C.  SUBJECT AREAS COLLECTED

1. Collection Levels 12

2. Future Goals 13

3. Special Collection 13

D.  POLICY REVIEW

1. Implementation, Evaluation and Review 14

2. Signature Page 14

Laws Relating to Public Libraries Appendix I   Page 15

 

Montana Confidentiality Act and Bridger Public Library’s 

Confidentiality Statement Appendix II- Page 20

 

Language suggested for the Notices required by the 

Copyright Revision Act of 1976 Appendix III - Page 222

 

Donation/Loan Form Appendix IV - Page 26

 

Discarding Guidelines by the Dewey Classification Appendix V - Page 27

 

Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of a Book Appendix VI- Page 28

 

Internet Usage Disclaimer and Policy Statement Appendix VII- Page 29

 

Minor Agreement and Parent Permission Form Appendix VIII - Page 31

 

Overdue Policy Appendix IX - Page 32

 

General Rules for Library Usage, Penalties for Violating Rules Appendix X – Page 33

 

REVISION SCHEDULE

 

 

Original Document March 25, 1987

 

Revision #1 September 1, 1992 (With pen corrections)

 

Revision #2 August 30, 1993

 

Revision #3 November 1, 1994

 

Revision #4 February 7, 1995

 

Revision #5 January 23, 2001

 

Revision #6 April 12, 2006

 

Revision #7 December 2, 2008

 

Revision #8 November 8, 2011

 

Revision #9 January 12, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dates on this form are the dates the policy revisions were approved by the Bridger Library Board and the policy and its revisions becomes effective on that date.

 

A.  INTRODUCTION

 

 

The Bridger Public Library (hereinafter referred to as the library) provides service to Bridger, the Clarks Fork Valley and all Carbon County Residents.

 

1.  MISSION STATEMENT

 

The library's function is to provide skilled service and access to information and resources for individual and community development in Carbon County.

 

2. PURPOSE OF POLICY

 

This policy's purpose is to provide guidance to the librarian, library board of trustees and library volunteers in the selection and evaluation of materials and equipment and the principles upon which these selections will be made.  Also attached are library policies that pertain to the function of the library.

 

3.  COMMUNITY

 

The Clarks Fork Valley is dotted with farms and ranches, as well as small businesses.  Carbon County numbers approximately 10,078 people and the Town of Bridger about 708. The library services about 943 patrons. 

 

4.  PATRON NEEDS AND SERVICES

 

Our patrons are mainly from the communities of Bridger, Belfry, Fromberg, Edgar, and their rural areas. The total population of this area is approximately 2924. The library’s website is bridgerpubliclibrary.org.  Additionally there are 2 other libraries in Carbon County, which help to service the needs of the county’s residents.  

 

Over 40% of all checkouts of the library are adult fiction.  Another 33% of checkouts are in children’s fiction.  The other three largest home locations by checkout is comprised of DVDs at 10%, Non-Fiction at 7%, and Audiobooks at 5%

 

The patrons also have requests for:

Meeting space

Services for physically handicapped

Materials from other libraries

Space for research / reading nooks

 

The library provides wireless access inside and outside the building for library card holders.  The library has a fax machine.  We also have a photocopier for patron use. We have seven public computers with access to the internet and printing capabilities.  

 

The library became automated in 2010 and belongs to the Montana Shared Catalog consortium.  The catalog is able to be searched from a computer inside the library and also remotely via the internet at mymontanalibrary.org. 

 

The library provides time for classroom visits by the local preschool and elementary schools for stories and to check out books.  A summer reading program is provided for children aged 3 12.

 

Volunteer services to the library are provided by interested individuals and the library welcomes their involvement. The library hosts a Book Club that meets monthly during the school year.  The Friends of the Library are very active with the Annual Book Fair/Sale.

 

Interlibrary loan services are used to provide access to resources beyond the capacity of the library.  In 2015 the library will start to offer weekly access to collections of both the Red Lodge Carnegie and Joliet Public Library via courier service.

 

The library provides a community meeting space for approximately 20 people.

 

5.  COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

 

a. The library collection contains the following:

Books 10606

Audio Recordings 660

Digital Audio 7596

Digital Books 12009

Videos 433

Periodicals 10

 

b. The collection reflects the demands of the community and the main reading/interest level of all age groups, including media for easy readers, junior fiction and non fiction, adult fiction and non fiction, and reference materials, etc.

c. Lack of funding and space requires our collection to remain small. Subsequently the library encourages use of the interlibrary loan system. Since reference materials are costly, fund raising activities/grants are the vital resources for enhancement of reference materials. The library does maintain basic reference materials.

d. The library is constantly striving to maintain a current and topical collection. The library will continue weeding to limit the size of the collection.

 

 6. CO-OPERATIVE COLLECTION MANAGEMENT AND INTERLIBRARY LOAN

 

Interlibrary loan is used as a supplement to the library holdings. The main items requested through ILL are nonfiction and reference materials.

 

Since the library operates with a materials budget, a yearly evaluation is conducted to enhance/update the collection.  The interlibrary loan system is used to supplement the resources.  If continuous interest is shown in a specific subject area, materials in that area are purchased.

 

B.  GENERAL PRIORITIES, LIMITATIONS & POLICIES

 

 

1. CHRONOLOGICAL COVERAGE

 

Periodicals are kept for 3 months.  Exceptions are made for special interest such as magazines with Montana information, and the Carbon County News.  Older materials may be retained for historical or research purposes.  Books are kept in accordance with The CREW Method: Expanded guidelines for Collection Evaluation and Weeding for Small and Medium-Sized Public Libraries developed by the Texas State Library.

 

2. FORMATS

 

The following types of informational formats are collected by the Library:

Books (hardcover & paperback)

Periodicals

Newspapers (Local)

Audio Books

Videos/DVDs

 

We have managed to enlarge our large print collection to 667 books. 

 

DVDs and audio books were started by a donation of books on tape in 1992.  Our audio book collection encompasses around 660 items and videos number approximately 483.  Our patrons also have access to montanalibrary2go.org which provides them with downloadable e-books and audio books.

 

3. MULTIPLE COPIES

 

The library does not invest in duplicate copies, but may retain a duplicate copy of a currently popular item received as a donation.

 

4. LANGUAGES

 

The library will not attempt to provide a general collection of any language other than English.  

 

5. FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

 

Funding for the library is county, state and town general and tax levy monies.  Additional financial support comes from Friends of the Library book sales, donations, grants, bequeaths, and memorials.

 

6. COLLECTION RESPONSIBILITIES & SELECTION PROCEDURES 

 

The Library Director is responsible for the selection of materials for the library; in accordance with the policies determined by the Library Board.  The Library Board accepts final authority for the determination of the policy and acquisition of materials for the library.

 

Criteria

 

a. The primary selection objective shall be the needs and interest of the community. The library shall attempt to contribute to the public school and home school students, cultural, and spiritual values as well as continued education and enrichment of our patrons.

 

b. Considerations are:

i. Literary Merit

ii. Accurate information

iii. Author's reputation/significance

iv. Price  

v. The scarcity of materials on the subject

vi. Timeliness of the materials

 

c. To aid in the selection, the following may be used:

i. Advice of library patrons

ii. Book lists by recognized authorities

iii. Book reviews in professional journals

 

7.  GIFTS POLICY

Gifts are gratefully accepted and subject to the same criteria as purchased materials.  The library reserves the right to use the gift(s) as deemed in the best interest of the library.

 

The library cannot legally appraise gifts.  The value of the donation is the sole responsibility of the donor.  However, the library will provide a signed form with the description and number of items donated.  A copy of the donation/loan form is appended.  

 

Monetary donations are also appreciated. Records of monetary donations are kept and acknowledged.  Items purchased with donated monies may be selected by the Library Director or the Library Board. The general nature of the selection will be based on the interests of the deceased or wishes of the donor and the needs of the library. When the donor does not specify how the money is to be used, it may be accumulated and used to purchase future large items.

 

Due to space limitations, special collections are not encouraged but a collection may be accepted with a book-plate denoting the memorial/gifts.

 

8.  COLLECTION MAINTENANCE

 

Collection maintenance is the responsibility of the Library Director and is accomplished in accordance with the policies and procedures set herein.

 

The library is intended to be an active, useful collection within the scope of this policy and space limitation. Although the library tries to have copies of most standard and important works, it does not attempt to replace everything withdrawn, damaged, worn or lost.

 

Community interest and availability of newer materials will be the primary considerations in acquiring new materials for the library.

 

Weeding is to be conducted on a regular and systematic basis while considering the following:

 

a. The Discarding Guidelines by the Dewey Classification using the CREW method(see appendix)

b. Unnecessary duplicates

c. Outdated information

d. Poor physical condition

e. Subject not within the scope of this policy

 

Although the library is not an archival library, Montana books are kept in a separate section. The library does not discard or weed any information or materials on Bridger, the Clarks Fork Valley, and Carbon County.  The library will attempt for as long as space provides to keep all information pertaining to Montana.

 

Books in disrepair may be repaired, rebound, removed or replaced at the discretion of the Library Director.

 

9.  COMPLAINTS AND CENSORSHIP

 

The Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement are supported by our Library. If the suitability of books or materials located in our library is questioned, the following procedure must be followed:

 

a. The librarian will loan a copy of the Bridger Public Library Collection Management policy to the person or group to read and provide them with the form a "Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of a Book."  (A copy of the form is appended.)

 

b. Criticism must be presented in writing to the Library Director using provided form a "Citizen's Request for reconsideration of a Book."

 

c. The form must be signed by the complaining party and all questions answered.

 

d. The completed form and the questionable material will be submitted to the Library Board for their consideration.

 

e. If necessary, a meeting of the complainant and the Library Board will be arranged.

 

f. Complainant may purchase a copy of the Library’s policy upon request.

 

C.  SUBJECT AREAS COLLECTED

 

 

The Library strives to provide the best possible collection with very limited funds and space. The subject areas provided cover a broad spectrum of the Dewey Decimal system.

 

1. The collection levels at present: (Minimal: have a few good items; Basic: have an up-to-date collection that will introduce readers to the subject and indicate the varieties of information available elsewhere; Study: have a collection adequate to support undergraduate instruction and sustained independent study.)

 

  000 099   minimal

  100 199   minimal

  200 299   minimal

  300 399   basic 

  400 499   minimal

  500 599   basic

  600 699   basic 

  700 799   minimal 

  800 899   minimal 

  900 999   basic 

  Young Adult   basic

  Easy Readers   basic 

  Adult Fiction – basic

  Audio books – basic

  Large Print - basic

 

Weeding will be conducted continually for juvenile and adult fiction; considering the age, popularity, and condition of the books as criteria. Weeding of non fiction is done in annually using the chart in Appendix VI.  Replacements, if needed, for these selections are by popular demand, best seller lists, and reviews.  

 

New purchases are determined by popular demand, best seller lists, and replacement of weeded items. The Young Adult collection is modernized with current selections and consideration for classic materials.  Acquisitions for the Montana Nonfiction section and the adult fiction section are continually being purchased. Most Non-fiction items are acquired through donations or by request.  Audio books and DVDs are added as budget allows. More e-books and audio-books are available continually through the library’s membership in montanalibrary2go.org.

 

2. Future goals:

  To upgrade the Non-Fiction and Reference section as patron interest suggests

  To continually add Montana and local interest items 

  To maintain current and popular Adult Fiction selections

  To maintain a superior level of popular Audio Books and DVDs 

 

3. Special Collection

 

The Library has an extensive Montana Reference section that is shelved separately.

 

D.  POLICY IMPLEMENTATION, EVALUATION, AND REVISION

 

 

1. This policy becomes effective by the approval of the Library Board on the date signed.

 

2. This policy will be revised on a triennial basis.

 

3. The revised policy will contain the revision date.

 

REVISION #9

January 12, 2015

 

 

 

The signatures below cause this document to be in effect on the dates signed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Library Director__________________________________ Date_________________

 

 

 

 

 

Library Board Chairman _____________________________Date_______________

 

 

 

APPENDIX I

 

 

Laws Relating to Public Libraries

 

22-1-301. Definitions. Unless otherwise provided, the following definitions apply in this part: 

     (1) "City" means city or town. 

     (2) "Commission" means the state library commission. 

     (3) "Public library" means a library created under: 

     (a) 22-1-303 through 22-1-317 that provides library services to the public by means of central facilities, branch facilities, or bookmobiles; or 

     (b) Title 7.

22-1-302. Purpose. It is the purpose of this part to encourage the establishment, adequate financing, and effective administration of free public libraries in this state to give the people of Montana the fullest opportunity to enrich and inform themselves through reading. 

 

22-1-303. Creation of public library. A public library may be established in any county or city in any of the following ways: 

     (1) The governing body of any county or city desiring to establish and maintain a public library may pass and enter upon its minutes a resolution to the effect that a free public library is established under the provision of Montana laws relating to public libraries. 

     (2) A public library may be established by a petition that is signed by not less than 10% of the resident taxpayers whose names appear upon the last-completed assessment roll of the city or county and that is filed with the governing body requesting the establishment of a public library. The governing body of a city or county shall set a time of meeting at which it may by resolution establish a public library. The governing body shall give notice of the contemplated action in a newspaper of general circulation for 2 consecutive weeks giving the date and place of the meeting at which the contemplated action is proposed to be taken. 

     (3) (a) Upon a petition being filed with the governing body and signed by not less than 5% of the resident taxpayers of any city or county requesting an election, the governing body shall submit to a vote of the qualified electors at the next general election the question of whether a free public library is to be established. 

     (b) If a petition is submitted for a city, the petition must be signed by resident taxpayers of the city. 

     (c) If a petition is submitted to the county commissioners of a county asking for the establishment of a county library, the petition must be signed by resident taxpayers of the county who reside outside the corporate limits of an incorporated city that is located in the county and that may already have established a free public library for the city. 

     (d) If the petition specifically asks that a special election be called and the petition is signed by 35% of the resident freeholders affected by the petition, then the governing body shall, upon receipt of the petition, immediately set a date for a special election. The special election must be held in conjunction with a regular or primary election. 

     (e) If at the election a majority of the electors voting on the question vote in favor of the establishment of a library, the governing body shall immediately take the necessary steps to establish and maintain the library or to contract with any city or county for library service to be rendered to the inhabitants of the city or county.

22-1-304. Tax levy -- special library fund -- bonds. (1) Subject to 15-10-420, the governing body of a city or county that has established a public library may levy in the same manner and at the same time as other taxes are levied a tax in the amount necessary to maintain adequate public library service. 

     (2) (a) The governing body of a city or county may by resolution submit the question of imposing a tax levy to a vote of the qualified electors at an election as provided in 15-10-425. The resolution must be adopted at least 75 days prior to the election at which the question will be voted on. 

     (b) Upon a petition being filed with the governing body and signed by not less than 5% of the resident taxpayers of any city or county requesting an election for the purpose of imposing a mill levy, the governing body shall submit to a vote of the qualified electors at the next election or at a special election, as provided in 15-10-425, the question of imposing the mill levy. The petition must be delivered to the governing body at least 90 days prior to the election at which the question will be voted on. 

     (3) The proceeds of the tax constitute a separate fund called the public library fund and may not be used for any purpose except those of the public library. 

     (4) Money may not be paid out of the public library fund by the treasurer of the city or county except by order or warrant of the board of library trustees. 

     (5) Bonds may be issued by the governing body in the manner prescribed by law for the following purposes: 

     (a) building, altering, repairing, furnishing, or equipping a public library or purchasing land for the library; 

     (b) buying a bookmobile or bookmobiles; and 

     (c) funding a judgment against the library.

22-1-305. Library depreciation reserve fund authorized. The governing body of any city or county or a combination of city and county in Montana may establish a library depreciation reserve fund for the replacement and acquisition of property, capital improvements, and equipment necessary to maintain and improve city, county, or city-county library services.

22-1-306. Moneys for library depreciation reserve fund. Moneys for the library depreciation reserve fund are those funds which have been allocated to the library in any year but which have not been expended by the end of the year. Such moneys include but are not limited to city or county or city-county appropriations, federal revenue sharing funds, and public and private grants.

22-1-307. Investment of fund. The moneys held in the library depreciation reserve fund may be invested as provided by law. All interest earned on the fund must be credited to the library depreciation reserve fund.

22-1-308. Public library -- board of trustees. (1) Upon the establishment of a public library under the provisions of this part, the mayor, with the advice and consent of the city council or city commissioners, shall appoint a board of trustees for the city library and the presiding officer of the board of county commissioners, with the advice and consent of the board, shall appoint a board of trustees for the county library. 

     (2) The library board must consist of five trustees. Not more than one member of the governing body may be, at any one time, a member of the board. 

     (3) Trustees shall serve without compensation, but their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties may be paid from library funds. 

     (4) Trustees shall hold their office for 5 years from the date of appointment and until their successors are appointed. Initially, appointments must be made for 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year terms. Annually thereafter, there must be appointed before July 1 of each year, in the same manner as the original appointments for a 5-year term, a trustee to take the place of the retiring trustee. Trustees may not serve more than two full terms in succession. 

     (5) Following the appointments, in July of each year, the trustees shall meet and elect a presiding officer and other officers that they consider necessary, for 1-year terms. Vacancies in the board of trustees must be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments.

22-1-309. Trustees -- powers and duties. The library board of trustees shall have exclusive control of the expenditure of the public library fund, of construction or lease of library buildings, and of the operation and care of the library. The library board of trustees of every public library shall: 

     (1) adopt bylaws and rules for its own transaction of business and for the government of the library, not inconsistent with law; 

     (2) establish and locate a central public library and may establish branches thereof at such places as are deemed necessary; 

     (3) have the power to contract, including the right to contract with regions, counties, cities, school districts, educational institutions, the state library, and other libraries, to give and receive library service, through the boards of such regions, counties, and cities and the district school boards, and to pay out or receive funds to pay costs of such contracts; 

     (4) have the power to acquire, by purchase, devise, lease or otherwise, and to own and hold real and personal property in the name of the city or county or both, as the case may be, for the use and purposes of the library and to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of property real or personal, when no longer required by the library and to insure the real and personal property of the library; 

     (5) pay necessary expenses of members of the library staff when on business of the library; 

     (6) prepare an annual budget, indicating what support and maintenance of the public library will be required from public funds, for submission to the appropriate agency of the governing body. A separate budget request shall be submitted for new construction or for capital improvement of existing library property. 

     (7) make an annual report to the governing body of the city or county on the condition and operation of the library, including a financial statement. The trustees shall also provide for the keeping of such records as shall be required by the Montana state library in its request for an annual report from the public libraries and shall submit such an annual report to the state library. 

     (8) have the power to accept gifts, grants, donations, devises, or bequests of property, real or personal, from whatever source and to expend or hold, work, and improve the same for the specific purpose of the gift, grant, donation, devise, or bequest. These gifts, grants, donations, devises, and bequests shall be kept separate from regular library funds and are not subject to reversion at the end of the fiscal year. 

     (9) exercise such other powers, not inconsistent with law, necessary for the effective use and management of the library.

22-1-310. Chief librarian -- personnel -- compensation. The board of trustees of each library shall appoint and set the compensation of the chief librarian who shall serve as the secretary of the board and shall serve at the pleasure of the board. With the recommendation of the chief librarian, the board shall employ and discharge such other persons as may be necessary in the administration of the affairs of the library, fix and pay their salaries and compensation, and prescribe their duties.

22-1-311. Use of library -- privileges. Every library established under the provisions of this part shall be free to the use of the inhabitants of the city or the county supporting such library. The board may exclude from the use of the library any and all persons who shall willfully violate the rules of the library. The board may extend the privileges and use of the library to persons residing outside of the city or county upon such terms and conditions as it may prescribe by its regulations.

22-1-312. Cooperation and merger. Library boards of trustees, boards of other educational institutions, library agencies, and local political subdivisions are hereby empowered to cooperate, merge, or combine in providing library service.

22-1-313. Existing tax-supported libraries -- notification -- exemption from county taxes. After the establishment of a county free library as provided in this part, the governing body of any city which has an existing tax-supported public library may notify the board of county commissioners that such city does not desire to be a part of the county library system. Such notification shall exempt the property in such city from liability for taxes for county library purposes.

22-1-314. Continued existence of all public libraries. All public libraries heretofore established shall continue in existence, subject to the changes in administration provided herein.

22-1-315. City library may assume functions of county library. (1) Instead of establishing a separate county free library, the board of county commissioners may enter into a contract with the board of library trustees or other authority in charge of the free public library of any incorporated city, and the board of library trustees or other authority in charge of such free public library is hereby authorized to make such a contract. 

     (2) Such contract may provide that the free public library of such incorporated city shall assume the functions of a county free library within the county with which such contract is made, and the board of county commissioners may agree to pay out of the county free library fund into the library fund of such incorporated city such sum as may be agreed upon. 

     (3) Either party to such contract may terminate the same by giving 6 months' notice of intention to do so.

22-1-316. Joint city-county library. (1) A county and any city or cities within the county, by action of their respective governing bodies, may join in establishing and maintaining a joint city-county library under the terms of a contract agreed upon by all parties. 

     (2) The expenses of a joint city-county library must be apportioned between or among the county and cities on the basis agreed upon in the contract. 

     (3) Subject to 15-10-420, the governing body of any city or county entering into a contract may levy a special tax as provided in 22-1-304 for the establishment and operation of a joint city-county library. 

     (4) The treasurer of the county or of a participating city within the county, as provided in the contract, has custody of the funds of the joint city-county library, and the other treasurers of the county or cities joining in the contract shall transfer quarterly to the designated treasurer all money collected for the joint city-county library. 

     (5) The contract must provide for the disposition of property upon dissolution of the joint city-county library.

22-1-317. City-county library -- board of trustees. (1) A joint city-county library must be governed by a board of trustees composed of five members chosen as specified in the contract, with terms not to exceed 5 years. 

     (2) Trustees may not serve more than two full terms in succession. 

     (3) Trustees shall serve without compensation, but their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties may be paid from library funds. 

     (4) Trustees shall meet and elect a presiding officer and other officers that they consider necessary, for 1-year terms. 

     (5) The board of trustees has the same powers and duties as the board of trustees of a city library or a county library.

 

 APPENDIX II

 

 

MCA 22-1-1103. Nondisclosure of library records. (1) No person may release or disclose a library record or portion of a library record to any person except in response to: 

     (a) a written request of the person identified in that record, according to procedures and forms giving written consent as determined by the library; or 

     (b) an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, upon a finding that the disclosure of such record is necessary because the merits of public disclosure clearly exceed the demand for individual privacy. 

     (2) A library is not prevented from publishing or making available to the public reasonable statistical reports regarding library registration and book circulation if those reports are presented so that no individual is identified therein. 

     (3) Library records may be disclosed to the extent necessary to return overdue or stolen materials or collect fines.

 

BRIDGER PUBLIC LIBRARY'S CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

 

In recognizing the library's position of special trust with members of the public, the Trustees of the Bridger Library wish to clarify their policy and responsibilities with regard to confidential information about patrons (and patron use of library resources) that comes into the library's possession.

 

As to the choice of books and other library materials, along with the use of the informational resources of the library is essentially a private endeavor on the part of each individual patron, the library shall make every reasonable and responsible effort to see that information about the patron and his choices remain confidential.  For people to make full and effective use of library resources they must feel unconstrained by the possibility that others may become aware of the books they read, the materials they use, the questions they ask.  The awareness of the existence of such a possibility inhibits free usage of the library, its resources and facilities, and is contrary to the ALA Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement.

 

Therefore, the Trustees of the Bridger Public Library have adopted the following guidelines concerning the disclosure of information about library patrons:

No information regarding or including:

1.  A patron's name (or whether an individual is a registered borrower or has been a patron).

2.  A patron's address.

3.  A patron's telephone number.

4.  The library's circulation records and their contents.

5.  The library's borrowers' records and their contents.

6.  The number of character of questions asked by patrons.

 

The frequency or content of a patron's lawful visits to the library or any other information supplied to the library (or gathered by it) shall not be given, made available or disclosed to any individual, corporation, institution, or government agent without a valid process, order or subpoena.  Upon presentation of such a process, order or subpoena, the library shall resist its enforcement until such a time as proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

All library employees (and those volunteers who work in its behalf) are hereby instructed to comply with these guidelines.  The Trustees recognize that it is only through continued public confidence in the fact that these guidelines are indeed upheld, can the public maintain its confidence in the public library.  It is this confidence that is vital to the library's role in the community and the community's right to know.

 

 

 

 

 

Adopted July 27, 1981 by the Board of Trustees

 

APPENDIX III

 

 

Language Suggested for the Notices Required by the Copyright Revision Act of 1976

 

1. For the notice of copyright to be included on the reproduction of a work according to subsection 108 (a)(3): 

Notice: This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code). 

A library may choose to stamp this sentence on the first piece of each item photocopied, to attach it to the glass on the photocopying equipment so that it is automatically transferred to each sheet, to attach a sticker bearing this notice to each item photocopied, or to use some other method whereby this message is affixed to all reproductions. 

2. For the notice to be displayed on unsupervised reproducing equipment located in a library or archives as required in subsection 108 (f)(1): 

Notice: The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement. 

 

 

 

American Library Association 

Reference and User Services Association 

Interlibrary Loan Committee 

September, 1977 

 

 

 

 

Guidelines for Seeking or Making a Copy of an Entire Copyright Work for a Library, Archives or User

 

A library or archives which wishes to make a single photocopy or sound recording copy of a published copyrighted work for a user or to replace a copy or phonographic record in its collection which is damaged, deteriorated, lost, or stolen, must first make a reasonable effort to obtain a copy of its original form at a fair price, in accordance with Subsection 108 (c) and 108 (e) of Public Law 94 553, the 1976 omnibus Copyright Revision Act.

 

Reasonable Effort

 

A reasonable effort requires that the library, archives or user take the following steps:

 

1.  Attempt to determine whether the work is in print by consulting commonly known trade bibliographic sources, e.g., Publishers' Trade List Annual, Books in Print for printed works, Schwann Catalog or Phonolog for phonorecords.

2.  If the work is in print, attempt to acquire it from a library wholesaler or retail outlet, or from the publisher of the work.

3.  If the work is out of print and unavailable in its original form from these sources, attempt to acquire the work or a photocopy or sound recording copy from the publisher or other copyright owner (if such owner can be located readily at the address listed in the copy right registration) or from an authorized reproducing service.

4.  If the publisher, other copyright owner, or authorized reproducing service is unable or unwilling to supply a copy of the work, of if the requesting library receives no reply to its request within 30 days of the date it is sent, then it may place an order for a photocopy or a sound recording copy with a library or archives which has a copy.  The "Revised interlibrary Loan Form," which has been prepared by the ALA RASD Interlibrary Loan Committee, may be used for this purpose, in which case the appropriate box on that form should be checked, to indicate that all the above mentioned steps have been taken.  Any order form used in its stead should also indicate compliance with these guidelines.

 

Fair Price

1.  Original format   in order to meet the requirement of fair price, an unused copy of an published copyright work should be available at a price as close as possible to the latest suggested retail price.

2.  Reproductions (photocopy, microform, sound recording copy)  To meet the requirements of fair price, a reproduction of a copyrighted work should be available on a timely basic (within 30 days) at a price which is as close as possible to actual manufacturing costs plus royalty payments. The requesting library or archives shall maintain records of all requests it has made for photocopies or sound recording copies to which these guidelines apply, together with records of the fulfillment of these requests, which records shall be retained until the end of the third complete year after the end of the calendar year in which the respective request shall have been made.

 

Authorized Reproducing Services

 

The House Judiciary Committee Report on the New Copyright Law (N. Rep. 94 1476) in discussing Subsection 108 (c) and 108 (e) of the copyright law, specified that a reasonable investigation to determine that an unused replacement or copy cannot be obtained at a fair price will, in the normal situation, involve recourse to the publisher or other copyright owner, or an authorized service.

 

The RTS Copyright Revision Act Committee has prepared a set of criteria which authorized reproducing services should meet in providing adequate services to the library community.

 

Publishers, other copyright owners, and authorized reproducing services which receive requests for photocopies or should recording copies should all be required to meet the following conditions:

1.  The copy supplied should be sufficiently good quality to meet the needs of the user, or of as a good quality as that which the requesting library or archives could ordinarily expect to receive from any supplier.

2.  The copy should be supplied, or notification given to the requester that such copy cannot be supplied, within 30 days of the day of receipt of the request.

3.  The price of the copy should be as close as possible to actual manufacturing costs plus royalty payments.

 

If any of these conditions are not met, the requester may be considered to have complied with the provisions of Subsections 108 (c) and 108 (e) of PL 94 553 and may order a photocopy or sound recording of a work from a library or archives which possesses one without further authorization.

 

While authorized reproducing services should be required to meet the same criteria of quality, service and price as publishers and other copyright owners, there is a great need for better bibliographic information about what titles are available from such reproducing services.  This could be done in the following way:

1.  Publishers should include in their catalogs in the PTLA a list of titles which are available from reproducing services and their prices, together with the names and addresses of these services.

2.  Books in Print should include these titles in their regular listings, together with the names of the reproducing services, or they could have a separate listing of these titles.

 

 

 

 

 

Prepared by Implementation of the Copyright Revision Act Committee

Resources and Technical Services Division of American Library Association

 

 

 

 

Approved by the Bridger Public Library Board of Trustees, December 1977

 

APPENDIX IV

 

 

Donation/Loan Form

 

Bridger Public Library

Document for Loan / Donation to Library

 

Item Description _______________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Value _______________________________________________________________________

Is the above item a loan or a donation to the Bridger Public Library? (Please write loan or donation): ________________________________

If a loan to the Library, what is the duration for the item to remain in the care of the Library? _____________________________________________________________________

 

The BRIDGER PUBLIC LIBRARY does not assume responsibility in case of loss or damage, etc.

The BRIDGER PUBLIC LIBRARY considers all donations, the property of the Library to use at the Library; it deems in the best interest of the Library.  This includes use of disposal of such item(s).

DONATIONS ARE NOT RETURNABLE.

All books given to the Library are considered donations unless otherwise stated on this form, a copy of which should be included in the book on loan to the Library.

 

 

DATE ______________________________________________________________________

 

 

SIGNATURE OF LOANER OR DONOR 

 

___________________________________________________________________________

 

 

SIGNATURE OF LIBRARIAN OR TRUSTEE ____________________________________________________________________________

Librarian/ Trustee 

 

 

APPENDIX V

 

 

Discarding Guidelines by the Dewey Classification

 

Class When to Discard

 

020 Library Science 10 years

030 Encyclopedia 5 years

All other 000's 5 years

100 Philosophy and Psychology 10 years

200 Religion and Mythology 10 years

310 Almanacs, Yearbooks 2 years

320 Political Science 5 years

340 Law     10 years

350 Government 10 years

370 Education 10 years

380 Etiquette 5 years

390 Folklore, customs 10 years

400 Linguistics and Languages 10 years

510 Mathematics 10 years

570 General Biology and Natural History 10 years

580 Botany 10 years

All other 500's 5 years

610 Medicine 5 years

630 Agriculture 5 years

640 Home Economics 5 years

690 Manufacturing 10 years

All other 600's 5 years

745 Crafts   Indefinite

770 Photography 5 years

All other 700's Indefinite

800 Literature Indefinite

910 Travel and Geography 5 years

All other 900's 15 years

 

 

 

Adapted from the American Library Association's Evaluating and Weeding Collections in Small and Medium Sized Public Libraries: The CREW Method, 1995

 

APPENDIX VI

 

 

Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of a Book Form

 

The Bridger Library has delegated responsibility for selection and evaluation of library resources to the Library Board and has established reconsideration procedures to address concerns about those resources. Completion of this form is the first step in those procedures. If you wish to request reconsideration of library resources, please return the completed form to the Library Director.

Name _______________________________ Date ________________________________

Address______________________________ City_________________________________

State________________________________ Zip__________________________________

Phone_______________________________

Do you represent:   [  ] self?        [  ] organization?

 

Resource on which you are commenting: 

[  ] book  [  ] textbook  [  ]  video display  [  ] magazine  [  ] audio

[  ] recording  [  ] newspaper  [  ] library program

[  ] electronic information/network (please specify) __________________________________

Other ________________________________________________________________________

 

Title _________________________________________________________________________

Author/Producer _______________________________________________________________

 

What brought this resource to your attention?

 

 

 

Have you examined the entire resource?

 

 

 

What concerns you about the resource? (Use back or additional paper if needed.)

 

 

 

What resources do you suggest to provide additional or other viewpoints on this topic?

 

APPENDIX VII

 

 

Internet Usage and Safety Policy

 

The Bridger Public Library is pleased to provide Internet access as part of its policy to provide quality services and resources to meet all the informational needs of its patrons.  The Internet allows access to a vast array of ideas, information, tools and resources for different age levels and points of view. The library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet. Neither can the library ensure that the content of material found on the Internet will be consistent with personal or family values and boundaries. Selection policies which govern the library’s purchase of materials are not applicable to material accessed via internet. It remains the responsibility of the user (or parent/guardian) to determine what is appropriate. The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from patron use of Internet services.

 

Condition and Terms of Internet Use in the Library

 

 

As with other library materials, restriction of child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility and right of the parent or legal guardian. The following rules, procedures, and guidelines do not negate this parental responsibility and authority, but are meant to aid all parents and minors in responsible and safe usage while the public venue of the library. Patrons under the age of 18 must have on file a signed Minor Agreement and Parent Permission Form.  The forms can be found at workstations or asked a librarian for one.

 

The library offers Internet access with the proviso that the user agrees to be socially responsible in what they view because of the public setting. The user agrees not to view sexually explicit material or illegal material on the library’s computers.

 

It is the policy of Bridger Public Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].  

 

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. 

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. 

 

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. 

 

Patrons may register for 30 minutes of access time on the library’s public access workstations. If no one has registered for the following period, the patron may continue to use the workstation. Appointments to reserve access time for longer than 30 minutes must be made in advance. 

 

If time permits, library staff may instruct patrons on basic Internet and computer use.

 

Patrons may print pages from the Internet at a cost of $.15 per printed page. 

 

Failure to comply with this policy will result in revocation of library privileges. 

 

The Bridger Public Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

 

 

 

APPENDIX VIII

 

 

MINOR AGREEMENT AND PARENT PERMISSION FORM

 

 

Minor Agreement

 

I agree with the Bridger Public Library Acceptable Use Policy and agree to abide by its provisions. I understand that Internet use of the Bridger Public Library computer is a privilege and not a right; and that Internet usage must be in support of the educational goals and objectives of the library.

 

Minor’s name (print) _________________________________________________

Minor’s signature ____________________________________________________

Date_____________________

 

 

 

 

Parent Permission Form

 

 

I agree with the Bridger Public Library Acceptable Use Policy and agree to abide by its provisions. I understand that it is impossible for the Bridger Public Library to restrict access to all controversial material and I cannot hold the Bridger Public Library responsible for controversial material my child acquires on the Internet.

I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use of the Internet is not in a supervised setting. I hereby give permission for my child to have Internet access and certify that the information on this form is correct.

 

Parent/Guardian name (print) __________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature ____________________________________________

Date___________________

 

APPENDIX IX

 

 

Overdue Policy

 

Checkout time is 28 days, 2 renewals if no waiting list. Librarian reserves the right to limit the number of items checked out.

 

Overdue notices will be sent out when the items are overdue two weeks. At six weeks overdue, the borrower becomes responsible for replacement.  Replacement costs are calculated by adding the actual shipping costs, the replacement cost of the item, and a $2.50 handling fee. Materials with multiple parts or cases must be returned complete. An individual assessment of each item is made at the time the book is checked in and your account maybe charged for replacement costs if the item or items are damaged. Allowances will be made for normal wear and tear. At any point when a user has a bill associated with their account privileges are suspended; including computer access and online features.

 

APPENDIX X

 

 

General Rules for Library Usage 

 

Overview

 

Conversations shall be conducted at a normal conversational level. 

Library users shall stay in public service areas, unless accompanied by staff members on legitimate library business. 

 

If a patron refuses to leave at the time of closing, the Library will notify the Bridger Police Department that a person has refused to leave. 

 

Firearms are not permitted in any area of the Library. This rule in no instance applies to law enforcement officers and other officials provided for in law. 

 

Upon entering the Library, cell phones should be turned off or set to silent mode. Library users should go to the lobby or outside the Library to speak on cell phones. Cell phones may be used for text messaging when operated silently. 

 

An individual whose personal hygiene is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to other individuals, or who is barefooted, or who is without a shirt, shall be required to leave the building. When the problem is corrected, the individual may re-enter the Library. 

Disruptive behavior, including but not limited to behaviors listed below, shall not be allowed in the Library: 

 

1. Active disturbance or harassment of other library users and staff.  

2. Sleeping, except in the case of small children or other dependent persons.  

3. Chasing, running, and playing. 

4. Tampering with arrangement of library materials that makes finding or using them difficult or impossible for all practical purposes. 

5. Damage or mutilation of library materials or facilities.  

6. Smoking in any part of the library.  

7. Intoxication or incapacitation by drugs or alcohol which creates a risk to the person in question or to others.

 

 

 

Penalties for Violating Rules

 

First Violation

A Library user who violates the "General Rules for Library User Behavior" shall receive a verbal warning on first offense, unless the offense involves commission of a crime, threat to another person, or significant damage to property of the Library or another person, or other serious offense, in which case a more severe penalty may be imposed by Library staff. 

 

Second Violation

A Library user who has previously received a verbal warning for violating the "General Rules for Library User Behavior" but commits a second violation, shall be prohibited from entering the Library or otherwise using its services for a period of 30 days, upon penalty of a charge of criminal trespass, unless the offense involves commission of a crime, threat to another person, or significant damage to property of the Library or another person, or other serious offense, in which case a more severe penalty may be imposed by Library staff. 

 

Third Violation

Upon commission of a third violation of the "General Rules for Library User Behavior", a Library user shall be prohibited from entering the Library or otherwise using its services for a period of one year, upon penalty of a charge of criminal trespass, unless the offense involves commission of a crime, threat to another person, or significant damage to property of the Library or another person, or other serious offense, in which case a more severe penalty may be imposed by Library staff. 

 

Fourth Violation

Upon commission of a fourth violation of the "General Rules for Library User Behavior", a Library user shall be prohibited permanently from entering the Library or otherwise using its services, upon penalty of a charge of criminal trespass. 

 

Appeals Process

A Library user may appeal a penalty to the Library Director, in writing, within seven days of notification of a penalty. The Library Director shall uphold or overturn the penalty within seven business days of receipt of the appeal by the Library Director. The penalty shall be enforced until the Library Director has decided on the appeal. 

A Library user may make a final appeal of a decision by the Library Director upholding a penalty, to the Library Board, in writing, within seven days of notification of the upholding of the penalty by the Library Director. The Library Board shall uphold or overturn the penalty within seven business days of receipt of the penalty by the Library Board. The penalty shall be enforced unless and until the Library Board overturns it. The decision of the Library Board is final.