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1. MISSION The Mercer County Library System recognizes that access to information empowers individuals with knowledge and opportunity. The Library is committed to providing the materials and services that satisfy the educational, information, recreational, and cultural needs of our diverse community, and strives to encourage a lifelong interest in reading. 2. USE OF THE LIBRARY FACILITIES The facilities of the Mercer County Library System are supported by County member municipalities, which include: East Windsor, Ewing, Hightstown, Hopewell Township, Lawrence, Twin Rivers, Robbinsville and West Windsor. Library services will not be denied because of age, race, religion, social or economic status, political affiliation or any other discriminatory criterion. Library privileges may be revoked or temporarily suspended due to activity or behavior that infringes on others' use of the library or on library employees' ability to perform their public service. 3. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT On January 26, 1992, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) took effect. This law grants civil rights protection to individuals with or without disabilities and without regard to race, gender, national origin, disability or religion. The ADA guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, services and programs sponsored by a state or local government, public transportation and telecommunications offered to the public. The ADA provides comprehensive civil rights protection for qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual with a disability is a person who:
Under Title II (State and Local Governments), the ADA requires the County to guarantee that all activities, services, and programs provided to the public be accessible. This includes open meetings, public hearings, the Legislative and Executive branches of County government, courts, police, fire and emergency services, school districts, polling places and employment. Mercer County must provide auxiliary aids, such as interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing; large print and Braille materials for people who are blind or visually impaired; and other alternative formats and methods of communication to visitors with disabilities who have requested these aids. Mercer County Library encourages full participation in library programs and services. Please submit any requests for accommodation for people with disabilities to your local branch library. People who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or speech impaired can access the library directly at 989-6923 V/TTY or call the New Jersey Relay Service at 1-800-852-7899. New Jersey State Library for the Blind provides a variety of services for persons with disabilities. For more information individuals may call 609-292-6450. 4. APPLYING FOR A LIBRARY CARD: Anyone age 18 or over who lives, works, owns property or attends school in East Windsor, Ewing, Hightstown, Hopewell Township, Lawrenceville, Twin Rivers, Robbinsville, or West Windsor may obtain a free library card. Students age 14-17 may obtain a card upon presentation of a valid, current student ID, without a parent or guardian signature. Children under the age of 14 may obtain a card with a parent or guardian signature. Non-Resident Cards: Any non-resident may purchase a library card for $75 per year. Senior citizens, 62 years or older, who live in Mercer County, but not in a participating municipality, may purchase a library card for $10 per year. Business Cards: Business cards are issued as a courtesy for specific use by the patron to whom the card is issued. Permission to use the courtesy card by persons other than the specific patron will not be granted. Family members business card holders may purchase a card if they wish to do so. These cards are renewable annually with verification of current employment. Students: Students who do not reside in a member municipality, but attend public or private schools in a member municipality or who temporarily reside in a member municipality in order to attend school may be issued a card, free of charge, upon presentation of a current, valid student identification card or current class schedule or current tuition bill. These cards are renewable annually upon presentation of appropriate verification. Internet Only Card: Patrons not eligible for a traditional library card, but who reside in a non-participating municipality in Mercer County, will be required to apply for an Internet Only Card. An Internet Only Card is also issued to those individuals who do not reside in Mercer County but use our public PCs on a regular basis. This card will only allow you to use the PC stations; you will not be able to check out library materials. There is an annual fee of $2.00 for an Internet Only Card. Guest Cards: Patrons visiting from out of the area who need access to the Internet during a brief stay will be issued a Guest Card. You may register for a Guest Card three times in a six month period during one calendar year. Temporary Cards: Temporary Cards may be issued to a person who has no permanent address but does have a temporary address in a member municipality. Persons who have identifying letters from social service agencies in participating municipalities may also be issued temporary cards. Temporary cards must be re-verified after three months. Temporary cardholders may not place holds on more than two items or check out more than two items at one time. 5. HOW TO OBTAIN A LIBRARY CARD A resident of a member municipality is issued a free library card upon completion of an application, to include a social security number or active driver’s license number, and presentation of identification that verifies residency.
The following will not be accepted as proof of residency:
A Non-Resident card or an Internet Only card is issued upon completion of an application, presentation of current, valid identification with address and payment of annual fee. A Business card is issued upon completion of an application, presentation of current, valid proof of employment, such as a recent pay stub, dated work identification or letter of eligibility from an employer. A business card may be accepted to initially activate a business card library account providing the following information is imprinted on the card: the person’s name; and the organization’s name and local address. Business library cards are renewable annually at no cost, providing the patron can verify their current eligibility; business cards may not be accepted as proof of eligibility for annual renewal. 6. MAINTAINING A LIBRARY CARD All residents’ library cards are subject to annual renewal requiring reverification of residency. All non-residents’ library cards are subject to annual renewal requiring re-verification of address and either payment of annual fee or presentation of other proof of eligibility. The patron must notify the library immediately upon loss or theft of a library card. The patron is liable for all materials checked out to his / her card prior to the date of notification. The charge for replacing lost or damaged cards is $2.00. 7. RECIPROCAL BORROWING PRIVILEGE WITH PLAINSBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY Borrowing privileges are extended to Plainsboro Public Library cardholders according to the reciprocal borrowing agreement of 1993 and amended in 1994, between Mercer County Library and Plainsboro Public Library. 8. RECIPROCAL BORROWING WITH MERCER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Mercer County Library System has a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Mercer County Community College Library. Most circulating materials owned by the College Library may be placed on reserve by Mercer County Library System cardholders for pick-up at any Mercer County Library System branch. The procedure for placing College Library materials on reserve is the same as if the Mercer County Library System owned the item. The MCLS' loan period and fine schedule apply to all College materials borrowed through MCLS. College materials checked out at a MCLS branch are to be returned to a Mercer County Library System branch; the Library will record the item as being returned and forward the item to the Community College Library. 9. LITERACY OF VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA COURTESY CARDS The Mercer County Library System is part of the Literacy Volunteers of America, Mercer County Chapter, which is coordinated by LVA. Tutors and students who live outside of our borrowing area may apply for a complimentary library card because of their participation in the Mercer County LVA Program. Staff will issue a LVA Card, which is renewable annually. The student or tutor must verify their current participation in the Mercer County LVA Program. Staff may waive overdue fines for materials used in tutoring. The LVA cards may only be used to check out materials associated with tutoring, i.e. Adult Basic Reading materials and children's books. If staff suspects abuse of the privilege or there are significant fines or fees associated with the borrowing of materials, the Library will seek resolution with the Mercer County LVA Coordinator and may suspend library privileges to particular individuals. Free copying is made available to individual tutors working with a student. Literacy groups as a whole or as an organization are not permitted to use the copiers free of charge. Tutors must contact the Branch Manager or their designee to reserve the community room for tutoring sessions. Tutors and students are responsible for contacting each other directly regarding cancellation of a session. 10. STANDARDS FOR PATRON CONDUCT All patrons are expected to observe and maintain a standard of acceptable behavior, as set forth below and to respect the rights of other patrons and library staff. The following behaviors are not permitted in the library and are set forth as reasonable rules and regulations for patron conduct:
Library privileges may be terminated for repeated violations of any of the above standards and immediately for the following reasons: damaging or vandalizing library property; stealing library materials; threatening or physically harming staff or patrons. The Library has legal recourse against the following categories of behavior: assault, harassment, criminal mischief, child abandonment, theft, threatening or physically harming staff or patrons, disorderly persons, public communication of obscenity, criminal trespass, loitering and vandalism. 10.a. Cell Phone Usage Cell phone usage is not permitted in the library. Cell phone usage is limited to the lobby, vestibule or outside areas of the buildings. 11. UNATTENDED CHILDREN The Mercer County Library System welcomes children of all ages. We strive to be a doorway through which a life-long interest in learning and reading takes place. The public library is, however, just that, a public building. As such, anybody can come into it, law-abiding or otherwise. Leaving a child unattended in the library is a violation of NJSA 2C:53A-14,15 Negligence. Library staff has many duties to perform in order to serve the patrons of the Library System and cannot monitor the behavior or whereabouts of each patron, including children. Staff does not take over parental responsibilities for children who come into the Library. A parent or caregiver must provide continuous supervision for children to ensure their safety. A child could be tempted to go off with a stranger, become ill, or become lost. Any of these emergencies could take place in a public building. Because of these and other emergencies that could take place, the following policy has been adopted:
Parents are responsible for the conduct of minor children, under 18 years of age, in the Library or on Library grounds, regardless of whether they are in the company of their child or not. 12. CIRCULATION POLICIES The Mercer County Library System collects, organizes and circulates books and other library materials to children, young adults and adult patrons. Selection of these materials is made to meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of all residents of the Library service area. Any valid cardholder may borrow and return materials at any branch of the Mercer County Library System. The cardholder is responsible for the materials borrowed or charges incurred against his / her library card. Check Out Without Presenting A Library Card: The Mercer County Library issues a library card to eligible users, which entitles them to utilize all library services. This card is a positive form of identification and ensures the reliability and integrity of a patron's record. All patrons are required to present their card when checking out materials and when placing items on reserve. In the event that the patron does not have his/her card in their immediate possession, he/she will be asked for an alternative form of identification, such as a driver's license. A block will be placed on the patron's record indicating non-presentation of library card and the patron will be expected to bring his/her card on the next visit or purchase a replacement card for a cost of $2.00. Staff will only allow a patron to check out without presentation of a library card once in a three-month period. After that it will be assumed that the patron has lost the original card and will be reissued a new card for the replacement cost of $2.00. PC Use Without a Library Card: In the event that the patron does not have his/her Library Card or Internet Only Card in their immediate possession and would like to use the public PCs, he/she will be asked for an alternative form of identification, such as a driver's license, work or school ID. This will be done as a courtesy to our PC users, however, our policy does require a patron to have in their possession a library card for check out and PC use. A note will be placed on their record stating that the patron did not have library card with them and we will expect that they will have their card next time. After a three-month time period it will be assumed that the original card has been lost or misplaced and the patron will be reissued a new card for the replacement cost of $2.00. Resident Card Holders who wish to allow other persons or family members to use their card to pick up items placed on hold are responsible for informing the Library, in person, of who has permission. A message will be placed on the patron's record, stating that permission has been granted, and the user must present the card when visiting the Library. The patron issued the card is fully responsible for materials borrowed and charges incurred on the card. Resident Minor Card Holders: Minors ages 14-17 may obtain a card without the signature of a parent or guardian. Children under the age of 14 may obtain a library card with a parent or guardian's signature, therefore, the use of a minor's card by the authorizing parent or guardian is implied. During the application process, a message should be placed on the minor child's record indicating that the authorizing parent or guardian may use the card. Patrons are reminded that only the authorizing individual(s) will be allowed this privilege and that if both parents or guardians will wish to use the minor card, both must sign the application. This privilege only extends to the authorizing parent(s) or guardian(s) and not to other members of the family. In all cases the card must be present for check out. Non-Resident Cards: As a courtesy to our non-resident patrons who pay for their library privileges, we will issue courtesy cards to a spouse or minor child(ren) living in the household. The Library will not issue a free library card to any other adult living in the household. Senior Cards: As a courtesy to our non-resident senior citizen patrons who pay for their library privileges, we will issue courtesy cards to a senior spouse (over the age of 62) and any minor child(ren) living in the household. The Library will not issue a free library card to any other adult living in the household. Student & Business Cards: These types of cards are issued as a courtesy for specific use by the patron to whom the card is issued. Permission to use these courtesy cards by persons other than the specific patron will not be granted. Family members of student and business card holders may purchase a card if they wish to do so. 13. LOAN PERIODS, ITEM LIMITS AND FINES Loan periods, item limits and fines vary by type of material and item demand (see Fine And Fee Schedule). Loan limits are placed on books in a particular category when there is a school project that will require many students to use the books available or at the discretion of the Branch Manager or their designee. A. Holds/Reserves: A hold can be placed on any circulating material, with the exception of periodicals. If not filled, a hold will be cancelled after twelve months. The patron will be notified when cancellation occurs. When a reserved item is checked in at a branch library, it will be held for a patron for three working days from the check in date. If a hold item is not picked up within three working days, the hold is automatically cancelled and the item is either sent to the next patron or returned to its home location. B. Renewals: Circulating materials may be renewed twice in person, by phone or via www.mcl.org, using HIP with the following exceptions:
If a patron requires the continued use of an item after the item has exceeded maximum renewals the patron must present the item in person. The item must be checked-in and can be immediately checked back out to the patron in the following circumstances:
C. Lost Material: When an item has been overdue for 120 days it is considered lost and the patron is responsible for replacing or paying for the item. There is a $2.00 processing fee that will be added to each lost or replaced item. A patron wishing to replace the item must present an exact duplicate of the item, in excellent condition. Substitutions are only accepted with permission from the Branch Manager or their designee. D. Claims Return Material: If a patron claims that an item has been returned the patron will be advised to search further for the item. The library staff will search for the item also. The status of items not recovered in the 90-day period of the search will automatically be converted from “claims return” to “lost”. The patron will be responsible for the lost item charges. E. Damaged Material: Patrons are responsible for replacement or payment of damaged materials, as these items cannot be circulated due to the damage. A $2.00 processing fee will be attached to all lost or damaged materials. F. Delinquent Patrons: Borrowing privileges are rescinded when the total fines / lost materials charges on a patron’s card exceeds $25.00. This policy is required to ensure the availability of materials to all users. When the overdue materials are returned and/or all charges are resolved to a $0.00 balance, borrowing privileges will be reinstated. A patron with outstanding Interlibrary Loan materials will become delinquent, regardless if the amount equals or exceeds $25.00. When the ILL materials are returned and/or all charges associated with the loan of ILL materials are resolved, borrowing privileges will be reinstated. G. Bank Returned Checks: There will be a $20.00 bank fee for any returned check. When the bank returns a check to the library, library staff will freeze the account until payment is made on the amount of the returned check and the $20 surcharge. Payment must be made in cash, money order or certified check, at any branch of the library system. H Fee Policy: The Mercer County Library System believes in promoting access to resources and services. Services and resources developed in accordance with the Library’s Mission and Roles statements are provided without fee to the Library’s constituency. Fees may be imposed for auxiliary services beyond the library’s accepted roles, and/or as a measure for preserving services equity, curtailing excessive individual demand detrimental to the constituency at large. Fees are set periodically. Since 1996 fees have been:
I. Damage to a Patron’s AV Equipment: Mercer County Library System is not responsible for damage to home electronic equipment that may occur during use of Mercer County Library materials. 14. CONFIDENTIALITY OF PATRON RECORDS The circulation records, including name, address, status of borrowers, titles of materials currently on loan, dates of transactions, PC registration data, and reserve files, of the Mercer County Library System are confidential regardless of the source of inquiry. The Mercer County Library System is committed to the confidentiality of our patrons and does act in accordance with New Jersey’s Confidentiality of Library Records Law, NJSA18A:73-43.1, which prohibits the Library from disclosing library records unless directed to do so through a court order or subpoena as may be authorized by law. Under the mandate of the NJ Department of State, Division of Archives and Records Management, Internet Usage Form (adult and minor) 0045-0000, we are required to retain our Internet usage registration data for a period of five years. Parents or legal guardians are entitled to information relating to the use of a minor’s card. Upon demonstration of due cause or receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, consultation shall be made with the County Counsel assigned to the Library to determine if such process, order or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause. If not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, the County Counsel will take appropriate action in court to cure such defects before any records are released. Any threats or unauthorized demands (i.e. those not supported by process, order or subpoena) concerning circulation records shall be reported to the Mercer County Counsel’s Office. Any questions relating to the privacy of circulation records, which are not provided for above, are to be referred to the Mercer County Library System Administration.
15. REFERENCE SERVICES The Lawrence Headquarters Branch maintains an extensive reference collection. Its reference department is staffed by reference librarians to assist in-house patrons, answer phone questions and provide reference support services to reference staff in the branches. The Headquarters reference collection includes New Jersey specific materials, business, genealogy and local history items. The Lawrence Historical Society also maintains a small room at the HQ Branch. When the resources of the Library cannot satisfy a request for information, it may be referred to other libraries throughout the state through library networking. Users are also referred directly to appropriate agencies; however, the reference staff does not mediate between users and these agencies. Priority is given to in-person requests over telephone requests. E-ref requests are answered within 24 hours of the submission of the request. Staff assists users in looking up desired materials, using the computer catalog and in locating these items on the shelves. If the Mercer County Library System does not own the requested material, an attempt will be made to obtain the material through Interlibrary Loan (see section on ILL). Staff provides answers to "ready reference" types of inquiries, including directions, general information concerning library services, and questions involving specific facts, which can be readily determined from standard sources. For inquiries that require longer, more detailed answers, extensive searching or interpretation of materials, the staff assists the user in selecting the most appropriate sources and offers instruction in the use of these sources selected for the search. The amount of time that a staff member can spend assisting individual users is necessarily limited by the needs of other users. Time limits vary according to the complexity of materials to be used, library experience of the user, the number of other users needing assistance and the number of staff available to help users. Branch staff will assist users within the confines of the branch's collection. Staff will call or refer patrons to the Lawrence Headquarters for more extensive reference assistance. Staff cannot offer appraisals of rare books, coins, stamps, antiques, etc. Nor can they recommend specific titles for purchase on a given topic. A staff member will help the user locate printed sources, reviews and evaluations. Users are urged to inspect each title personally to determine if it meets their individual needs. Staff can provide short, factual information to answer medical questions or provide specific citations regarding legal questions and direct patrons to tax information in the library's resources. Advice, interpretations and opinions cannot be provided. Staff assists users in locating and using items in the library collection, but cannot engage in genealogical research for users. Staff can provide answers to trivia, game and contest questions that require simple factual information from a standard source. However, those users who require lengthy searches are offered guidance in locating likely sources for their answers. Staff provides users needing translations with appropriate dictionaries as available in the collection. They will assist users in locating translators by request. School assignments are often designed to teach students to locate and interpret information. The staff provides guidance in locating and instruction in using sources of information. Short, factual answers such as names, dates, or the spelling of a word are provided unless it appears that the intent of the assignment is to train students in the use of reference sources.
15.a. OTHER RELATED SERVICES
15.b. CIRCULATION OF REFERENCE MATERIALS: In general, reference materials are maintained permanently inside the library building so that the resources will be accessible to as many users as possible while the library is open. Many reference tools cannot be taken from the building without causing a severe inconvenience to other library users. The reference needs of the majority are given priority over the needs of the individual. However, since some reference materials are much less in demand than others, some branches may choose to have select reference materials circulate overnight, one per patron, with permission from the Branch Manager or the Reference staff. 15. c. RESERVE COLLECTION FOR SCHOOL ASSIGNMENTS: At the request of the faculty or media specialists in schools in participating municipalities, staff may set aside reserve materials to support the assignments involving large numbers of students. The materials will be set-aside for the duration of the assignment and must be used in the library. We encourage communication between local schools and the library system by providing fax, phone or email homework / assignment alert sheets. 16. PATRON COMMENTS, COMPLAINTS, SUGGESTIONS The Mercer County Library System welcomes comments and suggestions from the public. In person / telephone / email comments and concerns will receive immediate attention and acknowledgement by any staff member approached. Any complaints that appear to involve professional judgment will be referred to the Branch Manager or to their designee (i.e. the Circulation Supervisor or Reference Professional on duty at the time). If no supervisor or manager is present at the time, the issue will be referred to the Branch Manager as soon as possible. If the question relates to administrative policies or any other area that the staff member cannot address, the issue will be referred to the Branch Manager and then, if necessary, to Library Administration for response. All written patron correspondence will be acknowledged or answered in writing as soon as possible. 17. PATRON COMMENTS ABOUT THE COLLECTION If the library does not have an item that the patron wants, it may have been omitted for any number of reasons, e.g. because the subject is already well covered, because it received unfavorable reviews in the professional journals or because of general collection development guidelines or budget limitations. Resources are available through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Suggestions for purchase will be considered in accordance with the Mercer County Library System Collection Development Policy, which is available upon request. If the library owns an item the patron disapproves of, the comment will be referred to the Branch Manager or the Head of Reference. The presence of an item in the collection does not signify an endorsement of that particular item. The Mercer County Library System subscribes to the American Library Association's Bill of Rights (see attachment B). If the patron is not satisfied that the item accords with the System Collection Development policy, the patron may complete a request for reconsideration of the library material form (attachment C). Completed forms will be referred to a materials reevaluation committee, which will review the patron's objections, in accordance with the reconsideration policy as noted in the Collection Development Manual. The patron will be informed of the results of the reevaluation committee, in writing. Censorship: The library does not censor materials, including a child's use of library materials. It is the parental or guardian prerogative to determine what a child may or may not read. The library will not attempt to indicate an author's philosophy by using labels or other devices, however, the library will leave attached any rating or label already in place on the material when received by the publisher/vendor. 18. DISCARDS AND DONATIONS The Mercer County Library System periodically accepts donations of books and magazines from the public. Donations become the sole property of the Mercer County Library System. The library system reserves the right to decide the best means of dispersing donated materials and equipment. Donations may be added to the collection at the discretion by designated members of the staff, sold by local friends of the library groups or discarded. Materials that are mildewed, wet or damaged are not accepted for donation at any branch. Only new textbooks are accepted. Magazines are not generally accepted, unless specific arrangements have been made with the branch manager prior to donation. In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and in accordance with the advisement of the federal and state governmental safety recommendations, anonymous donations will not be accepted at any location and will be discarded. Please present donations at the desk. Patrons will be asked to present identification when dropping off donations. At a patron's request a receipt stating the number of items will be provided. As per the IRS tax laws, the library staff cannot assign a monetary value to donations. 19. INTERNET USE The Mercer County Library System offers Internet access as a part of its mission to be the gateway to the growing universe of information by developing and providing open access to services and resources which are responsive to, and representative of, the diverse recreational, cultural and educational interests of the community. The Mercer County Library System takes pride in offering state-of-the-art information retrieval from all types of media to its patrons. The Internet is a global electronic network. Resources available on the Internet supplement and complement the collections of the Mercer County Library System. 19. a. Accuracy & Availability of Information The Internet and its available resources may contain controversial material. The Mercer County Library System has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion and are individually and totally responsible for any access points they reach. The Library staff cannot control the availability of information links, which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information they find on the Internet. Users may seek help from Professional Librarians to verify information. As time permits, a brief introduction to the use of the terminal will be provided. Library staff is not available to offer extensive hands-on assistance to each Internet user but will attempt to give limited assistance, when possible. Please see the system-wide Computer Instruction brochure for a listing of PC and computer related instructional sessions. 19.b. Child Safety on the Internet Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children's' use of the Internet. To assist parents, the Library has available online and in print the pamphlet, Child Safety on the Internet Information Highway, published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The website for additionally updated information is http://www.netsmartz.org/PARENTS/home/index.html. Also, parents may find information on the website of the American Library Association, www.ala.org/parentspage/greatsites/guide.html. 19.c. Rights & Responsibilities of Users
19.d. Inappropriate Use of the Internet Inappropriate use of the Internet from computers of the Mercer County Library System includes, but is not limited to,
19.e. Printing and Downloading Users may bring their own diskettes for downloading. All work must be saved to your formatted disk only. Information cannot be saved to the hard drive. Printing costs .10 per page. The library cannot be held responsible for any damage incurred to a patron's disk or any virus contracted through computer use. 19.f. CybraryN Registration Software CybraryN Software is a PC and Internet Registration software product that runs on public access computers in academic and public libraries. For each computer session, the software prompts the user to type in their library barcode number to uniquely identify themselves. The software validates the barcode number against a database of authorized users. Internet users will need one of three cards to access the Internet:
20. LIBRARY PROGRAMS The Mercer County Library System plans and conducts activities designed to inform, educate, or culturally enrich the public. These activities utilize the library and/or community resources in order to promote awareness of the library and its offerings, extend the use of various collections, and provide a forum for sharing community information. The library offers a variety of programs for different ages and interest groups. Library programs allow for the expression of a variety of viewpoints. A Branch Manager or their designee may allow a commercial, for-profit organization to present information to the community through a library sponsored program or event. Examples of such programs might include, but are not limited to, estate planning, college funding, small business seminar, garden lecture series, etc. This is a legitimate method for the library to offer its public timely information presented by In these cases, the organization may not sell materials or merchandise, charge a fee, solicit contributions, engage in fund-raising projects, conduct profit-making ventures or solicit a client base prior to, or during the program. The branch hosting the program either must advertise the program or must review and approve any advertisement the group may wish to do prior to publication. Promotional material must state that permission to use the community rooms does not imply library sponsorship or endorsement of any group, product or program. The County logo should only be placed on library-initiated advertisement and not on publicity the group itself publishes. All library programs are open to the public. The library system or branch hosting the program must take registration for library programs. Registration may not be taken by the business or organization itself. The library may require advanced registration in order to limit attendance to a reasonable number or to an appropriate age group. When limited space is available, the library may limit registration to Mercer County Library System cardholders. Registration requirements and program information are publicized in advance. Unless there is an exceptional reason, the same commercial group should not be presenting the same program for several months at a time. This infers use of the community room as an office and monopolizes use of the rooms for other community or not-for-profit groups. Lecture series or theme programs that may continue over a period of several months are not included. The library staff continuously evaluates program offerings on the basis of their contributions to library service objectives. Attendance statistics, patron evaluation, overall quality and public relations are all valuable considerations for continuing or modifying programs. (See Library Sponsored Informational Seminars, Attachment F) 21. EXHIBITS As an educational, cultural and informational institution, the library provides space for exhibits initiated by the library or requested by a community group or individual (see Exhibit Reservation Form, Attachment D). The branch manager or their designee in those locations where space permits coordinates exhibits. The library is not responsible for loss or damage to any property and does not provide insurance for any exhibit or display in the library. The owner assumes sole responsibility. The library reserves the right for approval of materials on display. Prices or price lists and biographical information about the artist or owner may be distributed, however, sales of materials are strictly prohibited in the library. A commercial company may exhibit as long as the primary purpose of the display is aesthetic, informational and/or educational and not of a promotional nature for the company. The walls of the Community Rooms and library may be used for displaying artwork wherever feasible, however, no holes are to be made in the walls of either. Exhibits may be displayed for the maximum period of one calendar month unless the Branch Manager or their designee has approved an extended period. Materials may be accepted for display as long as they do not advocate any political action or promote religious views. Displaying or distributing material does not in any way signify an endorsement by the library of either the content of the literature or the organization from which it comes. Organizations or individuals not related to the library are not permitted to solicit donations from patrons through receptacles or any other means. 22. COMMUNITY ROOMS The Mercer County Library System provides community rooms for the use of eligible groups to hold meetings for the purpose of conducting business or otherwise serving their membership. The use of these rooms is considered a public service and as such are subject to the following rules and regulations: 22.a. Eligibility of Users Community rooms of the Mercer County Library System are available without charge to any civic association, study, recreational, social, and cultural or community group, a substantial proportion of whose membership resides in the Mercer County Library System service area. Organizations must not be in violation of any Federal, State, or local law (see Community Room Registration Form, Attachment E). 22.b. Responsibilities of Users
22.c. Logistics
22.d. Prohibited Activities
22.e. Denial of Future Use
23. BULLETIN BOARDS The bulletin boards located in the entranceways or vestibules of the library entrance are meant to serve as a source of community and local information for patrons. The Mercer County Library System reserves the right to screen materials submitted for posting on the bulletin boards. Materials may be posted providing the following criteria are met:
Inside display of materials is reserved for library, county, state, municipal or related non-profit associations. No other material is accepted for inside display. Displaying and/or distributing material does not in any way signify an endorsement by the library of either the contents of the literature or of the organization from which it comes. 24. PETITIONS Unattended petitions may not be circulated or placed in the libraries. However, the library grounds are public property and citizens may solicit signatures on petitions outside of the building. Inclement weather may cause a petitioner to want to come inside the building. The Branch Manager or their designee may accommodate the petitioner in the vestibule of the building, if the petitioner does not block access to the entrance or egress or disrupt the operation of the library or harass the patrons of the library. AttachmentsLIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services:
Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961, June 27, 1967 and January 23, 1980. Reaffirmed January 23, 1996 by the ALA Council. Source: Office of Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association. This document and many others related to Intellectual Freedom are available from the Office of Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. MERCER COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
________________________________ ______________________________________________ ________________________________ ______________________________________________
________________________________ _____________________________________________
EXHIBIT RESERVATION FORM Description of Exhibit or Display: ___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
COUNTY OF MERCER AGENCY :(State,
County.)_____________ DEPARTMENT:________________________ 2. Although, light refreshment will be allowed in the outside community rooms, there will be no food or drink allowed in the inside community rooms. Groups will assume responsibility for room set up and clean up. 3. The groups must vacate the inside community rooms by 8:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, 4:30 pm Friday, 4:30 pm Saturday and 4:30 pm on Sunday. 4. Understand that any group who violates any of the Library Community Room policies will not be permitted to reserve a community room again. 5. Agree to limit the size of the group to the capacity of the meeting room, which is _______ 6. Certify that I have received, read and will abide by the rules relating to the use of the community rooms. 7. Certify that the organization I represent is not for profit and not holding a religious service.
COUNTY OF MERCER TO: Branch Managers & Supervisors, Library System
FROM: Ellen Brown,
Supervising Librarian
In the past few weeks, the Library System has experienced a few problems with for-profit or commercial organizations wishing to present educational or informational programs in our branches. For the sake of consistency and to avoid future miscommunication, please review the following procedures and attached form. In addition to the Community Room Registration Form signed by groups who wish to use our rooms, please have the for-profit or commercial organizations that are providing any type of educational or informational library sponsored program or presentation sign the Registration Form and the attached form. The following procedures should be presented to a group presenting a Library sponsored educational or information seminar/ program at any branch of the Mercer County Library System: The Community Rooms are available for use by community or non-profit groups. The Library may allow, at manager discretion, a commercial or for-profit organization to present information to the community through a library sponsored program. Examples of such programs might include but not be limited to, estate planning, college funding, a small business seminar, or a garden lecture series. This is a legitimate method for the Library to offer to its public timely information presented by knowledgeable or skilled professionals. In such a case, the organization may not sell materials or merchandise, charge a fee, solicit contributions, engage in fund-raising projects, conduct profit-making ventures or solicit a client base prior to or during the program. All such programs are to be free and open to the public. The branch hosting the program either must advertise exclusively or must review and approve any advertisement the group may wish to do prior to publication. Promotional material must state that permission to use the community rooms does not imply Library sponsorship or endorsement of any group or program. The County or Library logo should only be placed on Library initiated advertisement - not on publicity the group itself publishes. The Library System or the branch hosting the program must take registration for the program. Registration may not be taken by the business or organization presenting the program. This is to avoid commercial businesses from soliciting clients or using our community rooms to meet clients under the guise of presenting a free educational seminar. Unless there is an exceptional reason the same commercial group should not be presenting the same program for several months at a time. This infers use of the community rooms as an office and monopolizes use of the rooms for other community and not-for-profit groups. Lecture series or theme programs that may continue over a period of several months are not included. Failure to comply with any of the conditions stated on the Community Room Registration Form or this addendum will result in the cancellation of the program and denial of future use of the community rooms. Mercer County Library System Library Sponsored Informational Seminars Thank you for your interest in presenting an educational seminar to our community. The Community Rooms are available for use by community or non-profit groups, however, a branch manager or their designee may allow a commercial or for-profit organization to present information to our patrons through a library sponsored program. This is a way for the Library System or an individual branch to offer to our public timely information presented by knowledgeable or skilled professionals. Please carefully read the following guidelines established by the Library System for use of our rooms under this circumstance. This form is to be signed and is in addition to the Community Room Registration Form. We appreciate your assistance in adhering to our policies and helping us maintain the highest level of integrity and service we can provide to our public. The Community Rooms are available for use by community or non-profit groups. The Library may allow, at manager discretion, a commercial or for-profit organization to present information to the community through a library sponsored program. Examples of such programs might include but are not limited to, estate planning, college funding, a small business seminar, or a garden lecture series. This is a legitimate method for the Library to offer to its public timely information presented by knowledgeable or skilled professionals. In this case, the organization may not sell materials or merchandise, charge a fee, solicit contributions, engage in fund-raising projects, conduct profit-making ventures or solicit a client base prior to, or during the program. All such programs are to be free and open to the public. The branch hosting the program either must advertise exclusively or must review and approve any advertisement the group may wish to do prior to publication. Promotional material must state that permission to use the community rooms does not imply Library sponsorship or endorsement of any group or program. The County or Library logo should only be placed on Library initiated advertisement - not on publicity the group itself publishes. The Library System or the branch hosting the program must take registration for the program. Registration may not be taken by the business or organization presenting the program. Failure to comply with any of the conditions stated on the Community Room Registration Form or this addendum will result in the cancellation of the program and denial of future use of the community rooms. Signature:
________________________________________ Date:
__________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Issued 10/00 |
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