Policies

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2010 – 2014

MISSION STATEMENT

         It is the mission of the Wendell Public Library to provide innovative library services, delivered in an efficient, effective, and professional manner with responsible fiscal planning.  These services will provide the latest materials, programs, and information to meet the educational, recreational, and cultural needs to assist in continued learning using a variety of formats.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR SHURBURN SMITH MEMORIAL LIBRARY (WENDELL PUBLIC LIBRARY)

 

 

Goal 1:  Adults of Wendell will have materials and services that will provide information on current, high-interest topics and recreational experiences that will reflect an awareness of the cultural diversities in our community.

     Objective I:  Increase number of popular titles available for circulation.

 

 

                  II:  Increase advertising of library collection and events in local media and                         community organizations.

                 III:  Work with elder care facilities to provide services and programs for                         patrons unable to come to the library.

                  IV:  Provide programs for adults that provide educational and recreational                         experiences. This may include technical training, book clubs, and other                         adult programming.

                   V:  Increase the existing Spanish materials collection by 15%.

Goal: 2  Children and teens in the Wendell community will be provided materials and services of high interest that will stimulate their imagination and encourage them to read for pleasure and educational purposes.  This will reflect cultural diversities in our community.

      Objective I:  Increase number of popular titles of both fiction and non-fiction materials for                         children and teens.

                   II:  Provide programs for children and teens for their educational and cultural                          needs, such as teen night, book talks, and “Summer Reading”.

                  III:  Maintain a preschool reading program in cooperation with Head Start and                          local day care facilities.

                   IV:  Work with local school officials and teachers to provide resources to assist                          students with their homework and promote youth literacy.

                    V:  Increase Spanish materials for our youth to promote and provide for                          cultural diversity.

                   VI:  Provide local media with information on youth programming and materials.

Goal 3:  Enable the public to have access to information in various formats.

       Objective I:  Maintain a high level of technologies necessary to better serve the public.

                    II:  Review and update computers and software when needed.

                   III:  Update reference materials when needed.

                    IV:  Offer technological assistance on reference materials to patrons on                            computers, books, and AV materials when needed.

Goal 4:  Develope a plan for emergency preparedness.

       Objective: I:  Provide access to emergency training, including CPR and first aid for                            library  personnel.

                     II:  Check with local officials to develop a disaster plan for the library.

                    III:  Update and maintain emergency and first aid supplies in the library.

 

 

 

 

Policy Manual

 

The Wendell Public Library shall follow all State and City laws, guidelines, and policies that are applicable to the proper running and conducting of our business affairs. 

 

Confidentiality of Library Borrower information

 

Purpose

The purpose of the Confidentiality Policy is to ensure confidentiality of borrower information in The Wendell Public Library.

 

Policy

It is the policy of The Wendell Public Library to protect the privacy of those who use the Library.  Staff members and volunteers shall protect information about Library borrowers, their requests for information and materials, and their loan transactions, and shall not transmit such information to individuals or to any private or public agency without an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, or as otherwise required by law.  A borrower 13 years or older may indicate which party or parties can act on his or her behalf to pick up waiting holds in the following ways: By sending his or her library card or notice with another party, or by completing a holds pick up authorization form.  A borrower may allow a party to act on his or her behalf for checkout of materials by sending his or her library card with another party.

 

The Library is supported by the taxes of the people of Wendell who expect our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and a safe place for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending programs and meetings.  To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the Library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. In addition, the Library has a strong commitment to intellectual freedom and to freedom of access to information.

Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner.  Library staff and/or Wendell Police Officers will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors.  Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and exclusion from the Library for a period of one day to one year, or in arrest or prosecution.  Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers and other equipment.

Individual patrons have the right to request an Board of  Trustee review of an exclusion order that is for a period greater than seven days, Rules of Conduct Enforcement).

For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of Library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property:

• Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy.
• Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request.
• Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement).
• Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs, and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure.
• Soliciting or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library.
• Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of Library property in the Library or on Library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.
• Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours, or camping on Library grounds.
• Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
• Creating disruptive noises such as loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
• Gambling and group activities which are disruptive to the Library environment.
• Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others.  Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others.  Audible cell phone and pager ringers must be turned off.
• Using the restroom for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
• Littering.
• Smoking, chewing, and other tobacco use in Library facilities.
• Entering the Library barefoot, without a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.
• Consuming food or beverages in public areas of the Library not authorized by the Library Food and Beverage Guidelines.
• Bringing in articles that are too large.
• Using wheeled devices in Library property or on Library grounds, except in designated areas, including skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycling, scooters, and shopping carts (except for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers).
• Moving Library furniture from where it is placed by Library staff.
• Lying down or sleeping in the restrooms or on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the Library, and by blocking aisles, exits, or entrances by sitting or lying down in them.
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of child(ren).
• Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals’ necessary for disabilities, into the Library, except as authorized by the Library Director.

Enforcement of Rules of Conduct

 

The Library Board formally delegates to Library management and City Police the authority to enforce the Rules of Conduct, including the withdrawal of permission to remain on Library premises and the issuance of exclusion orders. Patrons shall include in the request any written documentation they seek to have considered in the review process.  The exclusion order remains in effect pending administrative reviews.

If a patron timely requests an administrative review, the Library Administrator shall review the exclusion order and provide the patron with a decision in writing.  The patron may file a timely request for a Library Board review of the Library Administrator’s decision.  The Chair of the Library Board, or another Board member acting as the Chair’s designee, shall review the exclusion order, considering only the written record and the patron’s written administrative review request, and shall issue a final decision on behalf of the Library Board.

The Library Administrator is authorized to develop procedures for the implementation of this policy including appropriate timelines for filing requests for administrative and Library Board reviews.

 

Wendell Public Library Loan and Fine Policy

 

Loan Periods & Renewals:

    All circulating library items, with the exception of VHS and DVD videos, shall be loaned for a period of 2 weeks unless other arrangements have been made with the Library Director..

 All print and audio materials, with the exception of high demand items, may be renewed twice.

 

High Demand items are those items which are frequently requested or borrowed from the library collection, are new to the library collection within the last 6 months, or are otherwise considered to be high demand by the Library Director and/or the Board of Trustees.

 

Overdue Fines & Replacement fees:

    Any library item not returned or renewed by the date specified shall be considered ‘overdue.’  All overdue items will accrue a fine of $0.10 per day, per item, until the item is renewed, returned or replaced.  Any items considered overdue, but returned within 7 days of the due date shall acquire no fine.  However, items returned on or after the 8^th day will accrue a fine for all days overdue.

     Fines shall be figured based on calendar days and not days that the library is open, with the exception of City, State and Federal Holidays.  Each item shall continue to accrue a daily fine until it is returned, renewed, replaced or at such time as the fine amount exceeds the replacement cost of the item.

     The replacement cost of an item shall be based on the cost to acquire a replacement copy of the item, plus a $3.00 processing fee.

 

Any patron or family with fines exceeding $10.00 shall be prohibited from borrowing further items until such time as the fine has been negotiated below $10.00.

 

Borrowing Restrictions:

    Patrons who have had an established library card for less than 3 months or who have restricted library card status shall be limited to 2 items per family member.

     Patrons having a restricted card status shall be any such patron that has a poor borrowing history or outstanding fines and fees.

 

Video Loan:

• All videos shall circulate for a period of 7 days.  Videos may be renewed one time, and only in the event that no other patron has placed a hold on the item.
• Overdue videos shall have a two day grace period, after which time items still not returned or renewed shall accrue a fine of $0.25 per day.
• No patron or family shall be allowed to borrow more than 3 videos at one time.
• All videos shall be returned with the corresponding plastic case.
• All videos shall be returned rewound.  Patrons who return videos not rewound shall be given one verbal warning, after which time they shall be charged $0.50 per item, per occurrence.

 

The Library welcomes donations of books and other materials and accepts monetary contributions toward the purchase of materials.  The Library reserves the right to decide the disposition of all gifts received.  Gifts accepted for addition to the Library’s collection become the property of the Wendell Public Library and will be placed where most appropriate. Material not utilized in the Library’s collection will used in the annual book sales or traded to another public library and school.  The proceeds from the book sales are used for the Library in support of our mission, programs, and to enhance the Library’s collections.

Selection and Withdrawal of Materials

 

General statement of purpose:

The Wendell Public Library strives to inform, enlighten, and empower every person in our community.  The Library and the Library Board of Trustees uphold the democratic right of all Americans to freely express their thoughts and ideas, both popular and unpopular.  We support the right of each individual to privately read, listen, and view the full range of published thought and ideas.

In support of these ideals the Wendell Public Library offers a collection of materials that is diverse, inclusive and protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.  The Library Board endorses the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and all interpretations pertinent to the selection and use of library materials.

 

Objectives of the collection:

The Library is responsible for providing materials to residents and taxpayers of all ages, backgrounds, and opinions.  The library collection taken as a whole will be an unbiased and diverse source of information, representing as many viewpoints as possible.  Subjects will be covered in sufficient depth and breadth to meet anticipated and expressed individual and community needs.  The collection is presented to provide individual access to information and materials in various formats to serve a wide variety of needs:

*      To enhance humanity and the enjoyment of life according to the full exercise of free choice

*      To assist in developing the skills and abilities needed for economic success

*      To develop the social awareness and knowledge needed for self-government and successful participation in a diverse community

*      To encourage and enhance personal, artistic, and intellectual growth

 

The Library neither encourages nor discourages any particular viewpoint.  No material will be excluded because of the race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political or social views of the author. Selection of materials by the Library does not mean endorsement of the contents or the views expressed in those materials.

The Board of Trustees considers reading, listening, and viewing to be individual, private matters.  The Board believes that full, confidential, and unrestricted access to information is essential for patrons to exercise their constitutional rights.  While anyone is free to select or reject materials for themselves or their own minor children, the freedom of others to read or inquire will not be restricted.  Only parents and guardians have the right and responsibility to guide and direct the reading, listening and viewing choices of their own minor child(ren). The Library does not stand in the place of parents (in loco parentis).

The Library collection will be organized, marked, and maintained to help people find the materials they want.  Any labeling, sequestering, or alteration of materials because of controversy surrounding the author or the subject matter will not be sanctioned.

The Board recognizes that library resources are not unlimited. Selection of materials must be consistent with budget allocations.  Resource sharing with other libraries, and electronic and other methods of information access, are valid and necessary ways of meeting patron needs.

 

Selection

The responsibility for the collection rests with the Library Director under the authority of the Library Board of Trustees. 

 

Factors considered when adding specific material to the Library collection include, but are not limited to:

            *Collection objectives

            *Present collection composition

            *Current or historical significance of author or subject

            *Timeliness

            *Public interest

            *Level of demand

            *Audience for material

            *Community relevance

            *Diversity of viewpoint

            *Effective expression

 

The nature of the media and the technical quality of production are additional factors to be considered in selecting audio, video, electronic, and other non-print formats.

The Board of Trustees recognizes that full information on issues of public concern may require access to information sources which exemplify those concerns.  Individual items, which in and of themselves may be controversial or offensive to some patrons or staff, may appropriately be selected if their inclusion will contribute to the balance and effectiveness of the Library collection as a whole.

The Library encourages public suggestion of items and subjects to be considered for the collection.  Serious consideration will be given to purchasing patron-requested materials when these requests meet collection objectives.  Remaining requests may be met through resource sharing with other libraries, electronic retrieval or other means.

Gift items are subject to the same selection criteria used for purchased materials.

 

ACCESS

The Board of Trustees considers reading, listening, and viewing to be individual, private matters.  The Board believes that full, confidential, and unrestricted access to information is essential for patrons to exercise their constitutional rights.  While anyone is free to select or reject materials for themselves or their own minor child(ren), the freedom of others to read or inquire will not be restricted.  Only parents and guardians have the right and responsibility to guide and direct the reading, listening and viewing choices of their own minor child(ren). The Library does not stand in the place of parents (in loco parentis).

The Library collection will be organized, marked, and maintained to help people find the materials they want.  Any labeling, sequestering, or alteration of materials because of controversy surrounding the author or the subject matter will not be sanctioned.

 

CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION

The Library Board considers all materials selected under this policy to be constitutionally protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

If a court having jurisdiction over Wendell Public Library decides that any material in the collection is not constitutionally protected, such material will be removed.  Material under court consideration will remain available to patrons until a final court ruling is made after all appeals are exhausted.

 

COLLECTION REVIEW PROCEDURE

The Library Board of Trustees recognizes the right of individuals to question the inclusion of materials in the library collection.  The Library will give serious consideration to each patron’s opinion.

Individuals questioning material in the library collection may ask Library staff about such material.  The staff person in charge of the library at the time will discuss these concerns and give the patron a copy of this policy.

Individuals still questioning library materials may state their opinion in writing on a form provided by the Library.  The form will be sent to the Library Administrator who will refer it to the Materials Selection Review Committee.  The Review Committee, designated by the Library Administrator, will review the material in question and the patron’s concern, and provide a recommendation based on the judgment of the members of the committee as to whether the material was appropriately selected and made accessible under this policy.

The Library Administrator will review the recommendation, make the final decision, and reply to the individual in writing.  The Library Board will be informed at the next public meeting.

Persons still wishing to express concerns to the Board about materials in the collection will be heard during a regular meeting under the agenda item “Citizen Comments” or at another time designated by the Board for public expression.  The Board, after receiving testimony from the public and from the Library Administrator, will decide whether the actions taken followed library policies.

 

WITHDRAWAL OF MATERIALS

The Board of Trustees recognizes that withdrawing materials from the collection is an important part of maintaining the library collection. Withdrawal of library materials is vested in the Library Administrator who may authorize qualified staff to assist.  The withdrawal policy of the Library shall include the same factors as the selection policy and is not intended to sanction removal of library materials based upon any controversy.  Such materials will be deemed to have been withdrawn by the Board of Trustees.

 

POLICY REVIEW

This Policy for the Selection and Withdrawal of Materials will be periodically reviewed and revised or reaffirmed by the Library Board.

 

 

 

PHOTOCOPYING AND FAXING

 

PURPOSE

To provide a policy to charge patrons for the value-added service of computer printouts, faxes and photocopies.  The policy must be equitable for our patrons and support the Wendell Public Library in its efforts to be good stewards of its resources.  The Library underscores its commitment to provide free basic library services.  For the purposes of this policy, basic library services include, but are not limited to research and reference services and online searching of remote databases.

 

POLICY

It is the policy of the Wendell Public Library to charge for photocopying and printing at public-access computers to defray financial costs, conserve resources and ensure equity-of-access standards.  Discretionary guidelines will be established to help staff make exceptions to this policy in a uniform, unbiased, and non-discriminatory manner.

 

 

BULLETIN BOARDS AND INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION AREAS

 

The Wendell Public Library maintains in its facilities space for the posting of materials and designated areas (such as spaces on countertops and tables) for the passive distribution of information.

 

A. Other Bulletin Boards and Distribution Areas

A limited amount of space and distribution area is available within the Library for the posting and passive distribution of materials from other entities.  The Library Administrator may designate specific areas as available for these purposes.  Library Administrator must authorize all posting and distribution before it occurs. Authorization will be based upon the provisions of this policy and will not be based upon the viewpoint, beliefs, or affiliations of the non-profit group or the viewpoints expressed in the materials.  Posting or distribution of any such materials in the Library does not indicate Library endorsement of the ideas, issues, or events promoted by those materials.

Because the amount of such bulletin board and distribution area space is limited, and in order to provide Library visitors with the opportunity to review materials from non-profit organizations that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to review, the following rules apply:

*      Bulletin Boards – Event Announcements

Bulletin board space is provided for announcements of dated Wendell and regional events whose principal sponsors are non-profit organizations.

*      Distribution Areas

Non-profit organizations may provide dated materials related to their not-for-profit purpose for passive distribution only in areas designated for that purpose.  Passive distribution means leaving the materials with Library staff for Library visitors, if they so choose, to review and/or take with them. Passive distribution does not include verbally or visually (by means of signs, placards, etc.) encouraging Library visitors to review or take any materials with them.

 

B. General Prohibitions

The following items may not be posted on bulletin boards or left in material distribution areas:

*      Materials that support or oppose any current or pending ballot measure or political candidate.  The Library is not intended to be a forum for the support or opposition of political candidates or ballot measures. Official election information, such as the Idaho and Wendell Voters’ Pamphlets, is made available in the Library.

*      Because it is not consistent with passive distribution, materials asking Library visitors to sign a petition or letter are not permitted.

 

C. Terms for Use

All materials posted or distributed must comply with this policy and any other applicable Library regulations or guidelines.  No other materials may be posted or distributed.

To ensure equitable access to limited display space available at the Library, the Library Administer, Board of Trustee (or designee) may establish criteria for that facility regarding posting and distribution of material, including:

*      the maximum size of material to be posted or distributed;

*      the maximum length of time materials may remain posted or displayed;

*      the maximum amount of time before or after an event a posting may occur;

*      the frequency with which material may be posted or displayed by the same non-profit organization; and

*      consistent methods for allocating space should the amount of material exceed the space available for posting or distribution.

 

All posting and placement of materials in distribution areas shall be done by personnel from The Wendell Public Library.  Individuals requesting posting or distribution shall not themselves post or leave materials in distribution areas.

Materials left for posting or distribution without authorization from the Library will be discarded.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of materials posted or distributed.  Materials will not be returned.

The Library Administrator, or her designee, is responsible for the administration of this policy.

 

 

Food & Beverage Rule and Guidelines

 

From The Wendell Public Library Rules of Conduct:

For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of Library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property:

*      Consuming food or beverages in public areas of the Library not authorized by the Library Food and Beverage Guidelines.

 

FOOD AND BEVERAGE GUIDELINES:

The Wendell Public Library strives to create welcoming, clean, and comfortable environments for the public.  Consistent with this goal, the Library has adopted the following guidelines for the consumption of food and beverages in public areas of Library facilities:

*      As authorized by the Library, food and beverages may be consumed in Library office and work area, and at special events.

*      Consuming beverages from lidded containers is permitted in the Library. Lidded containers include covered coffee, water, soda, and juice cups, glass and plastic beverage bottles, and beverage cans.

*      Babies may be nursed in the Library.

 

 

UNATTENDED CHILDREN

 

The Wendell Public Library welcomes library use by children.  Staff members are available to assist children with library materials or services. The Library desires to provide a safe and appropriate environment for visitors of all ages.  The Library, however, is a public building with staff trained to provide public library services.  The Library is not equipped-and it is not the Library’s role-to provide long- or short-term child care.

For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or caregiver should accompany children while they are using the Library.  While in the Library, parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children.

Library staff members will be guided by this policy in situations, such as

*      An unattended child is found frightened or crying in the Library

*      An unattended child is perceived to be endangering him or herself, or that another person in the library poses a perceived threat to the unattended child

*      An unattended child exhibits specific inappropriate behavior

*      An unattended child has not been met by a responsible caregiver at closing time

After evaluating the situation, Library staff members will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of an unattended child.  In the event that the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child will be placed in the care of the Wendell Police Department.

 

 

Policy on Public Use of the Internet

 

To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, The Wendell Public Library provides access to Internet resources.  The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information.  However, some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals.  A good information consumer must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found.

 

Choosing and Evaluating Sources

The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse array of information content.  Library patrons use it at their own risk.  The Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet. Finally, as set forth in greater detail below, in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Library has implemented “technology protection measures” (i.e., software filtering) on all of its Internet-accessible computers.

 

Filtering

As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), in order to remain eligible for certain federal funding, the Library has implemented software filtering on all of its Internet-accessible computer terminals.  The software installed on Internet-accessible computers at the Library protects against access to visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, and, in the case of persons under the age of 17 years, materials that are “harmful to minors.”  Users should be aware, however, that all currently available filtering software results in a degree of both “underblocking

” (i.e., permitting access to certain material that falls within the foregoing categories) and “overblocking” (i.e., denying access to certain constitutionally protected material that does not fall within the foregoing categories).  The Library has attempted to select filtering software that best complies with CIPA while providing Library users with the broadest possible access to constitutionally protected speech and information.  The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or materials that are harmful to minors.  Nor can the Library guarantee that the filtering software will not restrict access to sites that may have legitimate research or other value.  In order to help address the overblocking problem and to enhance users’ access to constitutionally protected speech and information, the Library requests that all users, both adults and minors, contact the Library to request unblocking of an incorrectly blocked site, at this point of time the filtering system for the library is based at the internet provider and we do not have the ability to unblock specific sites.

 

Access by Minors

Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children.  Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use.  While the Library affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor and determine their children’s access to Library materials and resources, including those available through the Internet, the Library has taken certain measures designed to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by all minors.  

 

a.     To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet, including material that is harmful to minors, the Library:

 

    i.      Encourages staff to guide minors away from materials that may be inappropriate;

 

    ii.     Has implemented filtering software as more fully described above.

 

b.     To address the issue of the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, as well as the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors, the Library provides training programs and also urges minors to keep in mind the following safety guidelines:

 

    i.      Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.

    ii.     Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be revealed.

    iii.     Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents’ or guardians’ approval.

    iv.     Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make one uncomfortable.

    v.      Have parents or guardians report an incident to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 if one becomes aware of the          transmission of child pornography.

    vi.     Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.

    vii.    Remember that everything one reads may not be true.

 

c.      To address the issue of unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online, minors and all other Library users are hereby advised that use of the Library’s computers for hacking or any other unlawful activity is strictly prohibited.

 

 

Rules Governing Use

Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to the Internet, the Library may set limits, for example, on use of large files of still or moving images or sound, or on downloading files in any medium.  The Library also reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual user can devote to a single session.  The public must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including laws governing the transmission and dissemination of information while accessing the Internet, and with all Library

 

Users may not:

*      Use the network to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational or communication services or resources.

*      Distribute unsolicited advertising.

*      Invade the privacy of others.

*      Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.

*      Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.

*      Use the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the Library’s tax-exempt status or its proper operation.

 

Violations may result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

 

Public Users’ Security

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities.  However, The Wendell Public Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

 

Compliance

The Library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy.

 

Guidelines on Access to Information

 

The Wendell Public Library is guided by the following American Library Association statements on access to information:

*      The Library Bill of Rights

*      Freedom to Read Statement

*      Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights: Free Access to Libraries for Minors and Access to Electronic Information Services and Resources

In general, the Library is guided by a commitment to access to information policies that provide appropriate protections to its patrons while being consistent with the Library’s longstanding commitment to the principles of free expression as set forth in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

 

Policy Subject to Revision

The Library’s “Policy on Public Use of the Internet” may be revised from time to time.

 

 

 

 

 

Emergency Procedures

 

The following is a guide to assist library personnel in dealing with Emergencies.

 

 

Fire:

·        Remain calm.  Do not shout “Fire!”

·        Pull the nearest fire alarm.

·        Dial “911” on the telephone and give the operator the location of the fire, and as much additional information as necessary.

·        Use fire extinguisher on small (wastebasket-size) fires ONLY if it is safe to do so.

·        For larger fires, GET OUT; close doors to confine fire as much as possible.

·        If clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP, ROLL.

·         

·        Begin emergency evacuation procedures. 

Fire Extinguisher Instructions:  PASS

• PULL safety pin from handle.
• AIM (nozzle, cone, horn) at base of fire.
• SQUEEZE the trigger handle.
• SWEEP from side to side (watch for re-flash).

 

Emergency Evacuation Procedures:

• Remain Calm. The evacuation will be quicker if panic is avoided.
• Pull the fire alarm switch.  Announce that everyone must leave the library. Do a complete walk around to find patrons in remote areas of the stacks.
• DO NOT LOCK THE LIBRARY DOORS
  Leave the Library doors unlocked in case there are people still in the library.
• Await further instructions concerning re-entering the building and other activities.

 

Evacuation of disabled patrons

• Building evacuation situations are especially frightening to individuals whose ability to flee may be impaired by a disability.
• Ask the patron how you may help; calm the patron and tell him/her that you will see that they are safely evacuated. Follow the patron’s advice for how to assist them.

• Ask patrons to leave all library materials in the building, it is the patron’s option to leave personal belongings AT THEIR OWN RISK.
• Leave lights on and doors closed as you clear the building. DO NOT LOCK DOORS

 

Bomb Threats:

Bomb threats are usually received by telephone, sometimes by note or letter. Most bomb threats are made by callers who want simply to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic – but all such calls must be taken seriously. If you receive a threat of any kind, immediately call 9-1-1. If possible, get a coworker to do this while you continue talking with the caller:

•  Permit the caller to say as much as possible without interruption. Then,
  •  Ask a lot of questions:
    •  Where is the bomb?
    •  When is the bomb going to go off?
    •  What kind of bomb is it?
    •  What does the bomb look like? Permit the caller to say as much as possible without interruption.

 

Medical Emergencies:

In the event of a serious illness or injury, immediately call  9-1-1.

• If you notice any jewelry with an inscription of medical information, bring it to the dispatcher’s attention.
• Give appropriate first aid until Emergency personnel arrive.

Do not move the victim until emergency personnel arrive.

 

First Aid Tips:

I. Bleeding

• Call  9-1-1.
• Press directly onto the wound with sterile gauze, sanitary napkin, clean handkerchief, or bare hand.
• Maintain steady pressure for 5 to 15 minutes.

If bleeding is from an arm or leg, elevate that limb until emergency personnel arrive.

II. Burns, Chemical and Thermal

• Call  9-1-1.
• Immerse burned area in cool water.
• Cover burn with dry bandage.

Keep victim quiet and comfortable until emergency personnel arrive.

III. Choking

• Call  9-1-1.
• Do nothing if the victim is moving air by coughing or gasping.

If no air movement, apply four abdominal thrusts by grabbing the victim from behind with your hands over the “belly button” area; quickly squeeze in and up.

IV. Fainting and Shock

• Call  9-1-1.
• Have victim lie or sit down and rest (place victim on side if unconscious).
• Keep victim comfortable, not hot or cold.
• Ask or look for emergency medical I.D.

Treat other injuries as necessary until emergency personnel arrive.

V. Fractures and Sprains

• Call  9-1-1.
• Keep victim quiet and comfortable.

Keep injured area immobile until emergency personnel arrive.

VI. Poisoning and Overdose

• Call  9-1-1. 
• If choking, lower head.
• Determine what substance is involved and how taken.
• Give large volumes of water with or without emetic.
• Induce vomiting by stimulating throat of the victim with fingers.

Stay with victim and assist as necessary until emergency personnel arrive.

VII. Seizure

• Call  9-1-1. 
• Protect victim from self-injury.
• Watch for vomiting.

Keep victim comfortable until emergency personnel arrive.

VIII. Shock

• Call  9-1-1. 

Keep victim warm and calm, with legs slightly elevated, until emergency personnel arrive.

 

IX. Unconscious/ Unresponsive

• Call  9-1-1. 
• Check for breathing. If victim is not breathing, initiate Rescue Breathing:
  • Gently tilt head back to open the airway; watch chest and listen for air from mouth.
  • If not breathing, pinch the nose and give 2 slow, full breaths. Watch the chest rise and fall during each breath.
  • Breathe into the victim’s mouth once every 5 seconds until emergency personnel arrive.
• Check for a pulse by gently pressing the side of the victim’s throat.

·        Administer CPR as required. If you don’t know CPR, continue with Rescue Breathing.