Identification
Required for Borrower's Card
A. Individuals requesting a library card must live, work,
or own property within Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence or Oswego
counties.
B. Primary identification to be used is identification
with a picture (preferably a Driver's License), which has the
individual's current address. If the address information on the
picture ID is not current or existent, then another form of identification
must be presented which verifies the individual's address.
C. Individuals who do not possess a valid picture ID must
present two documents that verify their current address.
D. Student must also provide the names of parents, or guardians
on application.
E. Individuals who are in the area temporarily and whose
address may be an area motel, trailer court, etc., and who do
not have a current, and valid New York State driver's license;
and who are not receiving Social Services assistance, and who
cannot provide a current utilities bill, or telephone bill mailed
to them at the address given on the application, are to be accorded
"DEPOSIT ACCOUNT" status and must leave a cash deposit
of $25.00. This deposit will allow those individuals to borrow
two (2) items from the library. At the return of those two (2)
items, another two (2) items may be borrowed, and so on. The deposit
fee is returned at the time the individual ceases to borrow materials.
CHILDREN There is no distinction between an adult and
children's library card and the type of materials, which may be
borrowed with that card. However, the following rules and guidelines
apply for children, age 12 and younger:
A. The application must be completed at the circulation
desk with the parent/legal guardian present.
B. The parent/legal guardian's signature is required on
the application, accepting final responsibility for the material
borrowed.
C. The parent must present identification as outlined previously
in this policy if they do not have a library card on record.
Acceptable
Patron Behavior
It is the policy of the Flower Memorial Library Board of Trustees
that library staff will encourage, in a friendly and polite manner,
the use and enjoyment of the library.
It is expected that all patrons will exhibit acceptable and legal
behavior while using the library. Persons engaging in unacceptable
behavior, as determined by library director or other staff in
charge, shall be required to leave. Some examples of unacceptable
behavior:
· Persons shall not harass or annoy other patrons or staff
through noisy or boisterous activities
· Conversations that disturb other patrons or interfere
with the ability of the staff to perform its duties.
· Patrons must be appropriately attired, which includes
footwear and shirts.
· Personal hygiene shall conform to the generally accepted
standard of the community. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive
so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be asked
to leave the building.
· Patrons are not allowed to eat or drink within library
premises except in designated meetings approved by the Administration.
· No animals, except seeing-eye animals, are allowed in
the building, other than for sanctioned activities with prior
approval from the Administration.
· Non-library approved solicitation in any form is forbidden.
· Littering of the building and library grounds is forbidden.
· Any carrying device that is allowed in the building is
subject to search when the person leaves the building. This includes,
but is not limited to backpacks, purses, briefcases, etc
· The police department, County D.S.S., or a juvenile welfare-related
agency may be called if children under 12 years of age are left
unattended in front of the building prior to regular opening time
or have not been picked up prior to closing time, or have been
left unattended in the building.
A person who has concerns related to unacceptable patron behavior
may fill out an Incident Complaint form, or a Comment Form, both
of which are available at the Circulation Desk
Failure to follow these Rules of Acceptable Patron Behavior will
result in disciplinary action being taken. In all cases when necessary,
the Watertown City Police may be summoned to assist in the enforcement
of the Rules of Acceptable Patron Behavior.
Computer Use
Use of the computer is on a first-come, first-served basis in
60-minute blocks, with preference being given to new users.
Use is limited to two people at a workstation at a time. If two
people are seated at a computer station, both must sign up as
users, and the 60-minute limit includes both people.
If a patron has a "blocked" or "barred" status,
they will not be able to use the library computers unless they
obtain the Library Director's approval.
Black and white copies are 5 cents per page.
Color copies are 20 cents per page.
Users may not:
· Distribute unsolicited advertising
· Invade the privacy of others
· Make any attempt to damage or modify 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 and unlawful activities will result in loss of computer
privileges.
The policies do not pertain to computers in the Library's ATTAIN
Lab.
Wireless Internet Connection
Wireless connection exists for patrons to access with the appropriate
equipment in their laptop computers. Library staff will provide
configuration settings for wireless connections setup. However,
the user is solely responsible for making these changes on their
personal computers. Printing to library computers will not be
possible with wireless connections.
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 Flower Memorial Library
provides access to Internet resources. In doing so, the Library
does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed
through the Internet and assumes responsibility only for the information
provided on its home pages.
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 does not limit access to
materials or attempt to protect users from materials some individuals
may find offensive. In choosing sources to link to its home pages,
the Library follows its materials selection guidelines. Beyond
this, the Library does not monitor or control information accessible
through the Internet and is not responsible for its content, for
changes in content of the sources to which the Library home pages
link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary
links.
Access by Minors
The Library has some PC's with filtered software. Parents or legal
guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what 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.
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 Flower Memorial 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.
American Library Association Statements
The Flower Memorial 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
Links to the Library's Web Site
The Flower Memorial Library web site is an online source of information
for staff and patrons of the Library. Included on the site is
a limited number of links to other web sites chosen because these
links have been useful to staff in answering patron questions.
These sites are selected to enrich, broaden, and complement the
print and audiovisual library materials available and must be
consistent with the Library's Collection Development Policy. Criteria
include currency, authority, organization and accessibility.
Resources are constantly changing on the Internet. Since these
linked sites are not under the control of the Library, they may
change or disappear over time. New links will be added and current
links evaluated regularly based on the Collection Development
Policy criteria. Sites are not added upon request. It is not intended
that the listing of sites open up the Library or City's web pages
as a full or partial public forum.
Displays and Exhibits
As an educational and cultural institution, the Flower Memorial
Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information
and enlightenment to the community. Displays of handiwork, historical
material, nature study, or any other material deemed of general
interest may be exhibited. The director shall accept or reject
material offered for display based on its suitability and availability.
The
Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection,
or liability of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed
in the Library are there at the owner's risk.
A release must be signed by the
exhibitor before any items can be placed in the library.
Loan of Displays and Exhibits
As an educational and cultural institution, the Flower Memorial
Library welcomes the possibility of loaning exhibits and displays
of interest, information and enlightenment to the community. Displays
of handiwork, historical material, nature study, or any other
material deemed of general interest may be loaned. The director
shall accept or reject material requested for loan based on its
suitability and availability.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection,
liability of any item loaned. All items removed from the Library
are there at the borrower's risk.
A release must be signed by
the borrower before any items can be removed.
Bulletin Board
The following guidelines for the display of posters on the library
bulletin board have been established:
Posters must deal with cultural or educational events in the
Jefferson County and Watertown areas.
Posters must be neat and not larger than 17 inches by 23 inches.
Posters for political candidates, parties and issues will not
be posted.
Posters for informational (debates, lectures, etc.) political
events will be posted
Legal notices, notices of church services, private instructional
courses, business advertisements, personals, etc. will not be
posted.
If the board is crowded, the librarian in charge of the bulletin
board reserves the right to select posters for events with the
widest appeal.
Posters will be displayed for not more than two weeks.
Posters will not be returned after posting.
Posters should be turned in at the Reference Desk. They will be
initialed and posted by the librarian in charge of the bulletin
board. No posters shall be removed except by the librarian in
charge of the bulletin board.
Any bulletin board notices which are not approved will be removed
from the bulletin board.
Library Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms are available for use by community groups. The meeting
rooms referred to in this document are:
· The Trustee Room located on the second floor adjoining
the office.
To insure equitable use of these rooms, and to preclude any misunderstanding
on the part of those who wish to use these areas, the Board of
Trustees of Flower Memorial Library has enacted the following
policy:
· Request for use of meeting rooms shall be made on a
first-come, first-served basis.
· Library programs take precedent on the meeting room
schedule.
· Functions must end, and meeting rooms vacated no later
than 15 minutes before closing.
· There is no charge for meeting room use by nonprofit
groups.
· If refreshments are served, groups reserving rooms are
responsible for cleanup, including the kitchen area.
· All functions will be conducted in a manner not to disturb
other patrons in the library.
· Groups must provide their own meeting supplies. The
Library is not responsible for the loss of personal items, equipment
or displays used by groups.
· No more than sixty (15) persons will be permitted in
the Trustee
Room.
· Groups using the meeting rooms are responsible
for arranging the tables and chairs for their meeting. The room
must be returned to the original setup (see diagram provided).
· Groups using the facilities will be responsible for
any damage to library property should such occur.
· If group is unable to keep the room reservation, it
is requested that they give the Library at least 24 hours notice.
Notice may be given by phone, e-mail or in person.
· Person or groups wishing to reserve a meeting room shall
file an agreement form with the library director or her agent.
· Any group that does not comply with the above regulations
will be denied further use of room(s).
Disaster Procedure
Fire
Do not panic, but do not under-estimate the potential danger to
customers or staff represented by a fire. At the first indication
of smoke or flame, investigate the situation to determine location
and extent of the fire. If the fire can obviously be contained
and extinguished quickly and safely by staff, proceed to do so.
However, if there is any doubt about whether the fire can be controlled,
immediately call 911 or the fire department and then clear the
building.
The time to think about fires is before they happen. Familiarize
yourself with the type, location, and application of the fire
extinguisher(s) in the building. Orient all staff and volunteers
to this information
Health emergencies
Staff members should exercise caution when administering first
aid of even a minor nature because of the safety of the injured
individual and the potential liability of the staff member. Without
specialized training it is not advisable for staff to undertake
more than keeping the sick or injured patron comfortable and protected
from needless disturbance until medical help can be obtained.
Since each case is unique, staff members should use their own
judgment to do what is prudent and reasonable.
The Rescue Squad/Police (911) should be called immediately in
the event of any serious problem.
No medication, including aspirin, should ever be dispensed to
the public.
Bomb threats
Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask the caller
to repeat the message and try to write down every word spoken
by the person.
If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the
time of possible detonation, ASK FOR THIS INFORMATION.
Pay particular attention to peculiar background noises such as
motors running, background music and any other sounds which may
indicate where the location from which the call is originating.
Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm,
excited), accents and speech impediments.
Immediately after the caller hangs up, call the police. Clear
the building. The police will handle the actual bomb search.
Collection Development
The purpose of a collection development policy is to provide
the public with an understanding of the scope and nature of the
library's collection and explain the criteria used in building
a collection that supports and expresses the library's commitment
to meeting the needs of the community it serves. It is based on
the library's (mission) community input and the service role of
the library. Community, in the case of R.P. Flower Memorial Library,
is the citizens of the Watertown area, and, in our role as Central
Library of the North Country Library System, the residents of
the surrounding counties which comprise the system's service area.
The library provides current, high-interest materials in a variety
of formats for people of all ages and actively encourages the
use of collections, which are both recreational and support life-long
learning. Instilling a love of reading in children is a high priority,
as is supplementing the educational needs of patrons and furnishing
timely, accurate information on a variety of topics. Library materials,
including increasingly important electronic resources, reflect
a variety of opinions, stimulate self-understanding and growth,
enhance job-related knowledge and skills and increase knowledge
of and participation in the affairs of the community, the nation
and the world.
The Board is charged with being ultimately responsible for the
selection of all materials in the collection. The Board has chosen
to delegate full responsibility for the selection of all materials
to the Director of the Library. Under the authority of the Director,
the Adult Service Librarian and Children's Librarian select and
deselect library materials.
Principles
Materials are selected and retained on a basis of their content
and overall value. Flower Memorial Library represents all points
of view and the library, as much as is possible, is a reflection
of the
community and its diversity. It also seeks to advance awareness
of
those cultures, traditions and ideas not represented in the local
community. The selection principles promote the American
Library Association's "Library
Bill of Rights" and interpretations,
"Freedom to Read Act."
"Freedom to View Act,"
and "Intellectual
Freedom Statement" and "ALA guidelines for Access to
Electronic
Information".
General Criteria
A policy cannot replace the judgment of individual librarians
but
only provides guidelines to assist them in choosing from the vast
array of available materials. In selection, the librarian uses
professional judgment and expertise, based on understanding of
user needs and a knowledge of authors and publishers. Flexibility,
open-mindedness and responsiveness to the changing needs of
the community is a necessity. Considerations include:
Appropriateness to library's mission
Contemporary significance
Popular demand (including requests by patrons and staff)
Suitability of subject and style for intended audience
Insight into human and social conditions
Accuracy and authoritativeness
Appropriateness and effectiveness of medium to content
Relation to existing collection
Availability of material elsewhere in the community and through
interlibrary loan
Clarity and logic; comprehensiveness
and depth of presentation
Price, format, suitability of physical form for library use
Inclusion of work in bibliographies, best lists, indexes
An item need not meet all these criteria in order to be acceptable.
When judging the desirability of materials, any combination of
standards may be used. More specific guidelines can be found in
the special collections section of this policy.
I. Adult Collections
The Adult Services Librarian has primary responsibility for the
selection and maintenance of collections for adult patrons.
A. Fiction
A basic collection of classics and standard titles is maintained.
There is no single standard for inclusion in the fiction collection.
Because of the large volume of fiction published, it is possible
to purchase only a representative selection with emphasis on major
authors and the most popular examples of a genre. Patron requests
for fiction are purchased whenever possible and influence the
addition of more copies. Genre fiction such as mysteries, romances,
espionage, horror, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy and westerns
are purchased in proporation to damand and circulation statistics.
Efforts are made to complete series, purchase award winning titles
and to represent local authors, publishers and subject matter.
Each work will be judged on its own merits. Preferred fiction
will be competently written, have plausible characterizations
and give an honest portrayal of the human experience with which
it deals.
B. Non-Fiction
The nonfiction collection provides timely, accurate and useful
informational materials to support individual and community interests.
It emphasizes materials that are current and in high demand. Materials
are available for all ages and reading levels in a variety of
formats. Materials are selected to represent a continuum of opinions
and viewpoints when available. Titles with continued value and
those of current, accepted authority are part of the library collection.
As a new field emerges, the library responds with timely additions.
General treatment is preferred unless there is an identified need
for in-depth treatment of a subject area. Flower Memorial Library
emphasizes non-scholarly materials and relies heavily on interlibrary
loan for academic and in-depth coverage of subject matters.
C. Reference and Electronic Information Resources
Reference materials are for in house use. They provide quick,
concise and up-to-date information. Included are indexes, encyclopedias,
bibliographies, biographical resources, dictionaries, almanacs
and directories.
Selection criteria for printed Reference resources include:
Authoritativeness
Demands on subject area which circulating
collection cannot meet
Ease of use
Format
Frequency of use
Scope and depth of coverage
Additional selection criteria for electronic and emerging formats
include:
Acceptable response time
Availability of adequate startup
and continuing funding
Capability for information to be
downloaded
Capability for networked distribution
Demand for format in community
Durability of format for library
use
Logical operation and ease of use
for public and staff
Impact on equipment, staff, storage
and space
Reduction/replacement of in print
or other format materials
Suitability for direct public access
Technical quality of production
or reproduction
Timeliness in updating information
D. Periodicals and newspapers
Periodicals are an important source of new ideas, topics, and
consumer information as well as being in demand as recreational
reading material. Therefore, Flower Memorial Library subscribes
to approximately 120 periodicals and newspapers. The periodicals
collection is reviewed yearly for additions and deletions. Electronic
access to periodicals is an increasingly important resource. The
same selection criteria apply to these materials as to similar
materials in print format.
E. Special collections
Flower Memorial Library maintains special collections, the development
and management of which differ somewhat from the general statements
in this Collection Development Plan. Many of these collections
originated as gifts. Acquisition of new materials is supported
both by gift funds and material funds which are allocated when
appropriate.
1. New York State history
The library collects information and documents pertaining to New
York State, Jefferson County and the City of Watertown. The goal
is to be as comprehensive as possible, especially in regard to
Watertown and Jefferson County. The library does not have the
resources to become preservers or to be comprehensive with this
collection.
2. Audio and Visual materials
The same selection criteria apply to AV materials as to similar
materials in print format.Additional selection criteria include:
Technical quality of audio and visual
reproduction
Presentation or experience that
is unique to format and provides an alternative to print
Significance of performance or diversity
in interpretation
Critical acclaim as demonstrated
in awards, nomination for awards, and/or reviews by the performing
arts community
Suitability to be circulated or
housed in a sturdy, safe and convenient manner
Audios and videos
are protected by copyright and are intended for home use only.
3. Genealogy
The collection focuses on Jefferson County, with selected records
from the surrounding counties of Lewis, Oswego and St. Lawrence.
II. Youth Collections
The Children's Librarian has primary responsibility
for the selection and maintenance of collections (excluding videos)
for patrons from infancy through sixth grade as well as fiction
for young adults, and the types of professional reference material
described below. The diverse constituency served includes preschool
children cared for at home as well as in day cares and preschools,
public, private, and home school students, college students of
children's literature, and adults who share literature with children.
The collections include:
A. Picture books- (E) Board books, beginning reader books
(I CAN READ), wordless books, concept books,
classic and contemporary picture book stories for preschool and
early primary grade children, and very simple versions of folktales.
B. Juvenile Fiction- (J) Quality contemporary and historical
fiction for readers from 7 to 12 years (2nd/3rd grade
through 6th). Genres (fantasy, science fiction,
mystery) and award winning books are indicated by stickers. This
collection also contains a selection of the most popular paperback series, and
a small number of sophisticated picture books.
C. Juvenile Nonfiction- Informational books for youth up
to 12 (grade 6) with an emphasis on folklore, the culture, customs
and history of regions of the U.S. and other countries, natural
and physical science, the arts and handicrafts, poetry, biography,
and sports.
D. Juvenile Periodicals-Popular and quality children's
magazines for use by children and their families.
E. Juvenile Reference-Dictionaries, atlas, almanacs, encyclopedias
and other materials for children's research needs. The collection
also emphasizes resources on the following topics for librarians,
parents, educators, and college students: storytelling and
programming for children and teens, teaching library skills,
bulletin boards and displays, reader's advisory guidance, bibliographies, reading aloud, and selected aspects of children's literature.
Reference materials are for in-house use only.
F. Music - A small collection of CD's and cassettes with
children's songs and/or poems.
G. Juvenile Audio Books -Unabridged versions of juvenile
chapter books on CD and cassette, read-alongs (picture book and
CD or cassette
combinations), and a small selection of foreign language
instruction.
H. Juvenile DVD's and VHS - Popular fiction movies and
TV shows, as well as a small selection of non-fiction videos of
interest to children.
I. Young Adult Fiction- (YA) Standard titles in hardback and paperback, for the recreational
reading of youth ages 12 to 15 (7th-10th grades). Young adult
audio books are purchased as funds permit
and demand dictates. (Young adult nonfiction is the selection
responsibility of the Reference Librarian. It is shelved with
adult nonfiction.
J. Additional Selection Criteria of Materials for Youth:
Materials which meet the particular developmental needs of youth
at different stages
Age and interest appropriate content and presentation
Emphasis on quality, critically acclaimed materials as demonstrated
in awards, specialized bibliographies, and/or reviews
Quality and aesthetics of illustrations to stimulate the imagination
Information and stories which represent a range of family styles
and values
Materials which represent the richness and diversity of the youth's
local and world community
Awareness of curriculum-based needs of public, private, and home
school students as well as college children's literature students
and Child Development Associate candidates
Awareness of high-demand materials
III. Collection Maintenance
Flower Memorial Library recognizes the need for ongoing
evaluation of its collections to assure provision of inviting,
accessible and visually browsable items. This ongoing maintenance
includes weeding, replacement, repair, and review of standing
order agreements.
A. Weeding Guidelines:
Discard:
Materials with obsolete content
Materials which are infrequently used
Materials in poor or irreparable physical condition
Older editions of encyclopedias, almanacs, directories, yearbooks,
and standard texts (encyclopedias should be no older than 5 years
in the reference collection)
Materials which are incomplete sets in which items missing seriously
impair their usefulness
Materials that have no anticipated use
Works containing information that has been superseded or presented
in newer, more comprehensive or more accessible formats
B. Retention Guidelines:
Retain:
Works containing useful local information
Primary works in particular disciplines or topics
Works representative of an era, trend or movement which provide
unique coverage
Works listed in standard or authoritative up to date bibliographies
regularly used by staff and public
Replacement of desired item is not possible
The most cost-effective option is selected when making replacement
versus repair decisions
IV. Censorship and Reconsideration of Library
Materials
This Board believes that the only acceptable censorship is self-censorship,
therefore, it is
the intent of the Flower Memorial Library Board of Trustees that
no challenged library material shall be removed from the collection
except upon court order, and after adversary proceedings in which
the Flower Memorial Library Board defends inclusion of the material,
unless said material was placed in the collection in violation
of this policy.
There is a citizen's request
form available to fill out and give to the library director.
V. Gifts
The library may accept gifts of materials and monetary
donations to purchase materials. Often gifts are given in memory
of a loved one or to commemorate a special event. Donated items
will be carefully reviewed for their overall contributions to
the Library's mission and relevance to the collection. Materials
donated to the Library may be added to the collection if they
meet the criteria for materials selection and are in good physical
condition. Items which fall within the criteria for discarding
will not be added as gifts. Processing costs are also weighed
before placing a gift in the collection. Exceptions to physical
condition include rare, out of print, reference, and other materials
that fill a specific gap in the collection. All gifts become the
property of Flower Memorial Library.
Public Relations
Public relations goals of the Flower Memorial Library are:
· To promote a good understanding of the Library's objectives
and services among governing officials, civic leaders, and the
general public;
· To promote active participation in the varied services
offered by the library to people of all ages.
Spokesperson for the Library shall consist of the director and/or
Board President or their designee.
The Board recognizes that public relations involves every person
who has connection with the Library. The Board urges its own members
and every staff member to realize that he or she represents the
library in every public contact. Good service supports good public
relations.
Materials to be used by press, radio, or television will be approved
by the director.
All policies
were adopted or re-adopted by the Flower Memorial Board of Trustees
April/May 2004 and January/February 2005.
