COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
Philosophy and Policy
The mission of the Mead Public Library is to provide all people of the community materials they need for information and reading enjoyment. The library endorses the “Freedom to Read Statement,” the “Library Bill of Rights,” and The Code of Ethics adopted by the American Library Association. Copies of these documents are available from the Director upon request.
Library staff continually assesses the needs of patrons and update the collection as funding is available and trends change. The Collection Development Policy is designed to guide library staff as they consider which materials will best help match the diverse interests of patrons of all ages who are interested in a variety of informational topics and material formats. Ultimate responsibility for selection of materials rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of policies approved by the Mead Public Library Board.
Selection Process
Selection includes procedures and decisions that determine which materials are added to or retained in the collection. Criteria considered in selection of materials include:
• popular appeal, patron request, content or artistic value, educational or social significance, integrity, budget, and the current collection.
Library staff members have access to a variety of professional and popular press selection tools (i.e., Booklist, Nebraska Library Commission award-winner lists, Library Journal, and websites such as Goodreads, etc.), and also consider recommendations from other library professionals and patrons during the selection process.
The Library recognizes its responsibility to have available a representative selection of materials on subjects of interest to individual patrons of all ages, ethnicities, and creeds and to organizations with a wide range of interests. The goal in selection is to establish a representative collection of materials of high quality that supports the library’s mission, helps in provision of services to patrons, and allows people to make their own informed decisions. The Library strives to fairly present various points of view on controversial topics and does not take sides in public issues. It does not promote one belief or point of view, and it does not endorse the opinions expressed in materials held.
Cataloging Categories
Books
Books have the highest priority for purchase of any format and demand, potential use, and cost are key considerations. Selection sources of information considered include:
• lists of award winning titles, literary reviews, suggestions from the Nebraska Library Commission and other libraries, popular press websites such as Goodreads, and patron requests.
Adult Collection
Fiction-FIC, LP FIC
No arbitrary, single standard of literary quality will be used in selection of materials and patron interest, potential use, and cost are key considerations. Due to great difference in price, trade paperback editions, as opposed to cloth editions, will ordinarily be purchased when available. Materials are cataloged by author last name and a separate collection of Large Print Titles will be embedded within the collection.
Non-ficton-000-999
These materials are for general reading and reference and are catalogued by the Dewey Decimal System. Limited resources are allocated to non-fiction since the Internet provides patrons with 24/7 access to the most current, factual information about a wide variety of topics.
Children’s and Youth Collections
Easy Reader (E), Juvenile Fiction (JF) and Juvenile Non-fiction (JNF)
A collection of books focused on the needs and interests of children from daycare/preschool through junior high is provided. Picture books and easy readers are available for younger children and those who read to them. For Juveniles, fiction limited non-fiction selections are available and efforts are made to have the collection reflect the diversity of today’s world. Children’s picture books and easy readers are typically purchased in cloth binding to stand up to hard use by children. As with adult non-fiction, limited resources are spent in non-fiction acquisitions in order to maintain a collection that is up-to-date. These holdings are cataloged in their category by author last name.
Young Adult -YA
These materials are for readers age 14 and up who are in transition between children’s and adult materials. The Young Adult collection is recreational in nature and focused on topics of current interest to teens. It includes mostly paperbound books. Materials in this collection are cataloged by author last name.
DVDs
This collection provides patrons with access to films that are entertaining and informational. Movies are added to the collection based on:
• award nominations (i.e., Golden Globe, Academy Award, etc.), movie reviews, Nebraska Library Commission and other library recommendations, popular press websites, and patron requests.
Movie categories are cataloged alphabetically by title within Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rating categories of:
• G (Content suitable for general viewing by all audiences)
• PG (Some content not suitable for children, parents should give guidance)
• PG-13 (Some content not appropriate for children under age 13, parents should be cautious)
• R (Restricted, contains adult material and requires parent or adult guardian if person viewing is under age 17).
Parents or legal guardians are ultimately responsible for what their minor children read and view and must provide written permission for them to access and check out movies rated above their age rating.
Videocassettes are no longer maintained or accepted in the collection.
Periodicals
The Library purchases a limited number of periodicals on for general and popular reading subjects including the local newspaper. These are located on the magazine rack.
Collection Inventory Management
Acquisitions
Purchasing
Materials are purchased regularly during the fiscal year and also for special programs as the library’s operating budget allows. Purchases are made from sources such as online book vendors, local book or discount stores, publishers.
Inter-library Loan
Mead Public Library is able to provide inter-library loan service for materials patrons request that are not in the collection. Inter-library loan items can be requested at no charge to patrons through the Nebraska Library Commission, and the Wahoo, Ashland, and Ceresco Public Libraries in Saunders County.
Materials Donations
Materials donated by the public go through the same selection process as items purchased for the collection. Once a donation is made, items become property of the library, and are not returned to the donor. Donated materials library staff do not add to the collection are re-purposed in the same ways as materials purchased for the collection.
Monetary Donations
The Friends of the Library will handle all monetary gifts or endowments designated for spending on the collection, except for small cash donations ($20 and under) which can be received and receipted by library staff. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser are designated for collection purchases and The Friends will distribute all funds raised to the Library Director to be used for materials purchases.
Evaluation
The collection is continuously evaluated by library staff to assure it is meeting the needs of the community. Library staff members review items for retention, replacement, or withdrawal utilizing methodology recommended by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Director develops and documents the ongoing evaluation process and changes in the size and type of holdings in the collection are documented through the annual Bibliostat Survey conducted through the Nebraska Library Commission.
Withdrawal (Weeding)
Items are withdrawn, or weeded, due to:
• poor condition, duplication, availability of more accurate or current material, lack of community interest, low rate of circulation, and available space.
Weeded books are designated for the library’s annual book sale, donation to another agency, recycling, or re-sale as library staff deem appropriate.
Replacement
Items that are damaged or worn due to normal circulation should be considered for replacement if they are still an important part of the collection, such as classics, or if they continue to be regularly circulated.
Challenges
Since the Library is a tax-supported institution, any citizen has the right to question the inclusion or exclusion of any title in the collection. Library staff will listen to and make every effort to understand a patron complaint about the collection. A patron who does not feel an item is appropriate for the collection may request it be considered for removal by submitting a signed “Request for Reconsideration of Materials” form to the Director. This request and the material involved will be reviewed and decided upon by the Director within one week of the date of the request. The decision will be provided to the patron in writing and will include library policies and philosophical statements used in reaching the decision. If the patron does not believe the Director’s decision is supported by policy, a request for a hearing by the Library Board can be made by contacting the Library Board President. The Mead Public Library does not remove from the shelf or from public access materials that have been challenged, unless a formal decision to do so has been made by the Librarian or Library Board.
COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE POLICY-Rewritten and approved August 2015; Reviewed and updated February 2019
COMPUTER USER RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of its mission to provide materials and services to meet users’ personal, education and professional needs, Mead Public Library has two public computers available for patron use. These workstations, which include pre-installed games, Microsoft Office programs, and Internet access, are subject to the following policies:
1. Patrons need a valid Saunders County library card. Use by individuals without a valid library card is at the discretion of library staff.
2. Patrons need to be in good standing with their library. Those who have overdue or lost materials or unpaid fines are not in good standing and do not have computer privileges until the obligations are met.
3. Computers are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis during regular business hours and up until 10 minutes before closing.
4. Patrons will be limited to one half (l/2) hour per computer session when another patron is waiting, and to 2 hours of total use per day. This policy permits all patrons a reasonable chance of immediate computer access, and prevents overuse by a single patron.
5. Printing is available on computer # 2. A 10 cent per page free will donation is suggested for black and white. These costs are to be paid in cash to library staff at the circulation desk before printing documents. Paper will be provided by library staff once payment is received. A receipt will be provided. Repeated recreational printing of ink-intensive items such as movie posters and photographs can be limited at the discretion of library staff.
6. Adults using the computer must continue to supervise any children accompanying them to the library. All existing library policies regarding child supervision apply to patrons utilizing the workstations.
7. Misuse of computers will result in loss of computer privileges. Patrons and/or the parent/guardian are liable for any damage done to Internet workstation hardware or software, and for any illegal or unethical acts performed through the system. This is not limited to physical damage or vandalism. Tampering with local or remote computer files and/or committing legal or ethical violations of acceptable Internet use will result in permanent loss of Internet privileges at the library, and could result in financial liability and/or criminal charges.
INTERNET USER AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Each patron accessing the Internet is responsible for being a good consumer of information. It is the responsibility of each user to determine what is appropriate. The Mead Public Library cannot monitor or control access to information, determine the accuracy of content, nor protect users from information they may find offensive. The availability of any information found on the Internet does not constitute endorsement of the content by the Mead Public Library. Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user. In the case of minors, it is the joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian.
The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Library staff cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians. The best way to ensure children’s safety on the Internet is for parents/guardians to be present when it is being accessed.
All patrons are reminded of the following statutes:
a. Minors may not use Library terminals for viewing, sending or receiving materials, which may be determined to be harmful to minors as defined by the State of Nebraska Statute 28-807 (5).
b. Users may not use Library workstations for viewing, sending or receiving materials which may be determined to be obscene as defined by State of Nebraska Statutes 28-807 (10).
c. Users may not violate licensing agreements and copyright laws (Title 17, United States Code).
Mead Public Library staff will not monitor an individual’s use of any Internet sites, except when material displayed on the screen is not appropriate in a public environment.
Patrons will receive one warning regarding this rule. A second occurrence will result in loss of Internet privileges at the Mead Public Library. Acceptability of screen displays will be left to the discretion of supervising library staff.
PUBLIC WI-FI ACCESS
The library offers free Wi-Fi access to patrons and the community at-large. Wi-Fi is available to any device capable of accessing wireless Internet transmissions. Patrons who access the Library’s Wi-Fi signal must abide by the Library’s general Internet access policy.
The responsibility of connectivity rests with the user, not the library. While staff is able to confirm Wi-Fi access is available at a given time, they cannot guarantee a signal will extend to all spaces in the library or outside of the building. Library staff is unable to provide any technical support, troubleshooting, or configuring of a patron’s device. The library does not currently provide wireless printing.
NOTE: The Mead Public Library is not responsible for any damage, direct or indirect, to a patron’s property or any loss of data or liability that may occur from use of any of the library’s computers, services, or Internet connection. The library assumes no responsibility for the safety of patrons’ devices or patrons’ equipment used in conjunction with Internet access. The library’s Wi-fi signal is unfiltered and may be unsecure. Information sent to/from any device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software. Although Internet service is normally available during the library’s open hours, connections may be periodically inoperable due to technical difficulties. The Library cannot insure access to all resources at any given time from remote computer systems.
OVERDUE, DAMAGED, AND LOST MATERIALS POLICY-
The Mead Public Library is a member of the Saunders County Library Cooperative and the five county libraries share patron records. A patron in arrears at one library may be denied service at one of the other libraries.
CHECK OUT
Materials may be checked out from the library for a two-week period and renewed once. Movie checkouts are limited to three. Any further renewals are at the discretion of library staff.
FINES FOR OVERDUE MATERIALS
Any fines or damage to materials will be assessed to the cardholder and are due when materials are returned, whether in person or through the drop box. Patrons may indicate how they would like to be contacted regarding overdue or lost materials.
Fines on overdue materials are at a rate of ten cents per day. The maximum is $2.00 per item total. Additional materials may not be checked out if fines or any other assessments are due.
If a patron has overdue materials, staff will make a notification via the method requested by the patron. If the materials are not returned within 3 working days following the first notification, the patron will be contacted again via the same process. After 3 additional working days, if there is no response, a letter regarding the overdue materials will be sent to the patron at the mailing address listed on the card application. If the materials are not returned within 5 working days from the date of the letter, a second letter will be mailed to the patron. If no response if obtained within the following 5 working days, the materials will be considered lost and the patron and family members utilizing the card will not be allowed to check out/remove materials from the premises.
REPLACEMENT COSTS FOR DAMAGED MATERIALS
A charge will be assessed to patrons for materials returned to the library in damaged condition. This cost will be determined by library staff based on current replacement costs.
LOST MATERIALS
Patrons will be charged for any materials lost. The total amount due will be determined by library staff based on current replacement costs.
PATRON BEHAVIOR POLICY
The Mead Public Library is supported by Village of Mead tax dollars and welcomes all. Patrons should expect the library to be a clean, orderly, and safe public building. To serve residents effectively and ensure the library environment is pleasant for all, expectations for acceptable behavior have been established. Each patron is responsible for his or her behavior and its impact on other patrons.
Patron Code of Conduct and Behavioral Expectations
Each person is asked to be polite to others, respect library property and maintain the library’s welcoming environment by following the Code of Conduct and Policies Statement posted on the wall behind the circulation desk.
To protect the rights and safety of all patrons, each is expected to meet the posted expectations and refrain from the following inside the library and on the grounds:
•Any actions in violation of federal, state, local or other applicable law, or library policy.
• Unruly or boisterous behavior. Includes but not limited to running, horseplay, standing up on furniture, pushing or shoving, inappropriate touching, and annoying other patrons.
• Making noise. Includes but not limited to speaking too loudly (volume is too loud if heard above general level in library), not using devices with headphones, cell phones not on mute and personal phone conversations.
• Abusive or offensive language. Includes but not limited to obscene spoken language or gestures, confrontational threating or threating language.
• Noncompliance. Includes but not limited to disobeying direct, reasonable requests of library staff members.
• Harassment of other patrons or staff. Includes but not limited to verbal, physical, or sexual abuse or intimidation in any form.
• Improper attire. Shirt and shoes must be worn in the library and attire should not be a distraction to patrons.
• Destruction of materials, equipment or facilities or unauthorized removal of library property.
• Eating and drinking. Eating and uncovered drinks are allowed only at back room table area (exceptions granted by library staff for supervised program activities)
• Improper use of the restroom. Using the facilities as a place to talk on cell phones and damaging plumbing fixtures are prohibited.
• Wheeled devices. Skateboards, roller skates, scooters, and hover boards are not allowed inside the library and are not to be used on library property or sidewalks outside the building.
• Smoking, chewing tobacco, or using alcohol, or drugs. Smoking cigarettes is permitted outside at least 10 feet from the front entrance.
• Filming or taking photographs without staff permission.
• Polling, soliciting or selling. All canvassing, soliciting, petitioning, and leafleting is banned inside the library facility and on library premises consisting of the entrance and exit driveways, the parking lot, the areas in front of the library, and the entrance sidewalk leading directly into the library, regardless of content or purpose
• Carrying firearms or other weapons.
• Illegal activities. Includes but not limited to theft, public lewdness, trespassing, use of controlled substances, harassment, criminal mischief, assault, drunk or disorderly conduct. If observed, the Sheriff’s Office will be called by library staff.
Children and Youth Version of Behavioral Expectations
The same Code of Conduct applies to young patrons. A simplified version of behavioral expectations is provided for children and youth and explained to them in the library. It is designed to assist them in knowing how to behave in the library and on its grounds:
Keep quiet in the library
Examples: use inside voices, no loud laughing or swearing, use headphones on devices, mute phones)
Use inside and outside space safely
Examples: do not run, play tag or hide and seek games, or push and shove, do not get up on the tables, do not make a mess in the bathroom
Be polite
Examples: take turns and share, do not make fun of or bully others, do not fight, mute your cell phone and do not take calls in the library
Take care of library property
Examples: do not damage materials or computers, enjoy food and drinks only at the back room table, do not climb on furniture, clean-up after yourself
Respect library staff
Examples: listen to staff; follow directions and rules; do not talk back; if asked to leave the library, do so quietly and calmly
Enforcement of Code of Conduct and Policies
Enforcement of library’s Patron Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner and documented by library staff. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it infringes on the rights of others. Patrons of all ages choosing not to follow the Code of Conduct or choosing to engage in prohibited behaviors will be asked by library staff to modify their behavior. If they do not, they will be asked to leave the library facility for the rest of the day.
Minors
If a minor child or youth patron does not comply with staff’s request to leave the library for the rest of the day, or if staff feels in any way unable to handle the situation or feels there is a potential threat, the child’s parent or guardian will be immediately notified via phone call or text message. The parent or guardian will be asked to come to the library and pick up the child. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached within one half hour (30 minutes), or if the parent/guardian has not responded within one half hour (30 minutes), the Sheriff’s Office will be called to take the child until the parent can be reached.
Adults
If an adult patron does not comply with staff’s request to leave the library for the rest of the day, or if staff feels in any way unable to handle the situation or feels there is a potential threat, the Sheriff’s Office will be immediately notified.
Repeat Offenders
Enforcement of this policy will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. If a patron of any age is not able to follow the outlined Code of Conduct on multiple days, repeatedly engages in prohibited behaviors, or creates a public nuisance or threat, that patron may be restricted from use of library facilities for a specified period of time beyond one day (i.e., one week, one month, one year, permanently.) Decisions about extended restrictions from the library will be made by the Director based on written documentation; communicated to the patron and/or parent or guardian, if the patron is a minor; and provided to the Library Board.
Unlawful Acts
Any unlawful activity in the library or on its grounds will be reported immediately to the Sheriff’s Office, regardless of the age of the patron.
Unattended Children
The Library welcomes families and children of all ages. However, the parent and/or guardian is responsible for his/her children at all times. Library staff cannot assume responsibility for a child’s safety or behavior if they are unattended.
Unless at a planned library program or event, children under eight (8) years of age must be accompanied by an adult parent, guardian, or designated babysitter at all times. The library assumes no responsibility for children under the age of eight (8) who are left alone in the library or the surrounding premises. Children age eight (8) and older may use the library on their own. However, parents or guardians are still responsible for the actions and the well-being of children. Children using inappropriate behavior will be given a warning about their actions, and then may be asked to leave the library. If a child in this age group is not able to leave the library without an adult, he/she should not be in the library alone. This is a particular concern in inclement weather and after dark. All children should know the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency. Teenagers are treated as adult users. However, they are still legally the responsibility of their parents/guardians and should have an emergency contact available.
If an unattended minor is being disruptive, is habitually left unattended for long periods of time, or is deemed by library staff to be at risk of coming to harm (as in the case of a child being left unattended when the Library is ready to close), an effort will be made to locate the responsible parent or guardian. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached within one half hour (30 minutes), or if the parent/guardian has not responded within one half hour (30 minutes), the Sheriff’s Office will be called to take the child until the parent can be reached.
School Hours Policy
The Mead Public Library welcomes home-schooled children and youth any time they are accompanied by their teacher. It requires all school-age children who are not home- schooled to have a note allowing them to be in the library during hours when classes are in session. The note should be from a parent excusing them from school and listing the library as a destination and should include a phone number where parents can be contacted by library staff for verification purposes. If a school-aged child does not have a note stating they are allowed to be in the library, they will be asked to leave and the school will be notified.
Closing Time
Children who do not have transportation home prior to closing time will be asked for telephone numbers of people who can pick them up at the library. If transportation is not available at closing time, staff will follow the above procedure.
EMERGENCY AND SAFETY
ADVERSE WEATHER AND EMERGENCY CONDITIONS POLICY–
During severe weather, library personnel should be alert to possibly hazardous conditions. The library may be remain open during adverse conditions if it is judged to be safe, or staff may close the library at the discretion of the Library Director. Information about changes in posted service hours due to developing weather conditions will be posted on the library door, if possible, and also put on Facebook.
During spring/summer, the Wahoo Sheriff’s office will set off firemen’s pagers if a weather watch is issued for the area. The fire sirens will go up and down a few times to alert the fire department to be on the watch. If a tornado funnel is sighted or a tornado warning is issued for Mead, the fire siren will be sounded in steady blasts. As soon as a tornado warning has been officially announced, staff will move patrons to the designated storm shelter in the basement. Once there, they should sit on the floor with their backs to a wall and remain in the basement until an all-clear message is given. If a patron can’t access the basement, he/she should be directed by staff to take shelter in one of the Village Office bathrooms and close the door. A public shelter for community members is also available in the Alma Lutheran Church basement at 219 West 5th Street.
In the case of a non-weather related emergency, the staff member on duty is responsible for organizing the response on site. If the staff member on duty determines the building needs to be evacuated, she should assure directions for leaving the building and seeking shelter elsewhere are reviewed with patrons. Staff should make sure the building is empty before leaving.
NOTE: Location of the library’s designated storm shelter, evacuation plan, and emergency numbers are posted in the front and back of the library. A radio, batteries, first-aid kit, and flashlight are kept in the storm shelter in the basement at all times.
EXHIBITS, DISPLAYS, AND BULLETIN BOARDS-New-Reviewed and Approved October 2015-Reviewed June 2018
Purpose: The Mead Public Library provides bulletin board space for posting public service notices and information about area events and resources. The library develops displays and makes arrangements for exhibits on topics of interest to the community.
BULLETIN BOARDS
Guidelines: Notices about area educational, self-help, employment, civic, and cultural activities can be posted on the front board. Space is on a first-come, first-served basis. Items must include content, language, and images suitable for viewing by all ages (rated “G”) as determined by the library Director. Advertisements for commercial or retail sales or products will not be accepted for posting.
Process: Community members should take items for bulletin board consideration to the circulation desk for review, dating, and posting by the Director. Approved items for date-specific events will be discarded by library staff within one week of the activity. Public service announcement items will be posted for 6 months from the date of acceptance and then discarded by library staff. Other community-related items will be posted for 3 months and then discarded by library staff. Any items community members post without Director approval will be discarded upon identification.
NOTE: Placement of items on the community bulletin board does not imply the Mead Public Library’s endorsement of any group, event, or service.
EXHIBITS AND DISPLAYS
Guidelines: The Mead Public Library welcomes community involvement in planning displays and arranging exhibits. Displays and exhibits will contain content appropriate for viewing by all ages (rated “G”) as determined by the library Director. Commercial or retail products will not be accepted for display or exhibit.
Process: Area residents who want to offer suggestions for display content, provide items for a display, or recommend an exhibit that may be available can visit with the library Director. Library staff will approve content of displays and exhibits and determine their timeframe based on library activities, traveling exhibit calendars, and building space.
NOTE: Placement of items in displays or exhibits does not imply the Mead Public Library’s endorsement of any group, event, or service.
FINANCE- Reviewed and updated 2015, Approved with edits November 2015; Reviewed January 2019
AUTHORITY
The library board has final authority over all equipment and materials owned by the library and over the expenditures of all funds available to the library.
ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET
The board delegates to the library director the responsibility for the preparation of the preliminary draft of the annual budget with necessary supporting data for review. The preliminary budget is reviewed and approved by the Library Board. The budget is then presented to Village Board of Trustees for approval by Library Board representatives and the Director. When approval is granted, the Director is responsible for the operation of library finances.
MONTHLY EXPENDITURES
The director has authority to disperse funds in accordance with the budget. The village clerk also disperses funds from the budget and an accounting is given to the director at the end of each month. All expenditures are reviewed by the library board and approved.
PETTY CASH, FINES, AND CARD MONEY
A balance of seventy-five ($75.00) is in this fund. Stamps, postage, etc. are dispersed from this account. The village clerk then refunds the fund to retain the balance. All fines, card money, etc. are kept separate and given to the Village Clerk.
GIFTS, BEQUESTS, AND DONATIONS
The Friends/Foundation is set in place to handle donations. Donations in the amount of $25 or less may be given to the library for immediate use. All gifts will be honored for the purpose that they were intended.
STATE FUNDS (OR OTHER TAX MONEY)
These funds are received annually for accredited libraries. These funds may not be substituted for local tax monies. The funds are deposited in the village account and reviewed the same as tax monies.
GRANTS
Application for grants shall have the approval of the library board before submission. Monies will be deposited with the village and an accounting made of all expenditures.
PURCHASING POLICY
Purchases will be made by the Director as long as they are within the scope of the annual budget. Any large purchase should be included in the budget for the fiscal year. All purchases are reviewed and approved at the monthly board meetings.
DISPOSTION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY
First choice will be given to other city departments. If the item has no monetary value, the librarian may dispose of as they see fit. Weeded books may be passed on to another library or given to another agency that would have need of this material. Any that are in good repair and not outdated, will be put on the “Book Sale” shelf. Any monies from these items will be sent to the Friends for deposit and used for purchasing new collection materials.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING-
RATIONALE
The local library is one of our democracy’s most versatile and accessible places-every member of the community is welcome. Free public access to education and information are still at the heart of the nation’s public libraries, but if citizens do not have positive feelings about a library and are not aware of how it can enrich their lives, they are not likely to utilize its services. Public relations and marketing strategies are needed to build relationships with residents and promote use of the library.
PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Whenever a Library Board member or staff interact with an individual from the community, there is an opportunity to enhance public relations. These interactions also offer a chance to promote and market the library’s services and programs. In addition to personal contacts, the library employs a variety of strategies for building positive relationships and promoting offerings. These strategies are developed by library staff and detailed in the library’s Public Relations and Marketing Plan.
PLAN REVIEW PROCESS: The Public Relations and Marketing Plan will be developed by the Director, updated as needed, and reviewed at least annually with the Board.
OVERDUE, DAMAGED, AND LOST MATERIALS POLICY–
The Mead Public Library is a member of the Saunders County Library Cooperative and the five county libraries share patron records. A patron in arrears at one library may be denied service at one of the other libraries.
CHECK OUT
Materials may be checked out from the library for a two-week period and renewed once. Movie checkouts are limited to three. Any further renewals are at the discretion of library staff.
FINES FOR OVERDUE MATERIALS
Any fines or damage to materials will be assessed to the cardholder and are due when materials are returned, whether in person or through the drop box. Patrons may indicate how they would like to be contacted regarding overdue or lost materials.
Fines on overdue materials are at a rate of ten cents per day. The maximum is $2.00 per item total. Additional materials may not be checked out if fines or any other assessments are due.
If a patron has overdue materials, staff will make a notification via the method requested by the patron. If the materials are not returned within 3 working days following the first notification, the patron will be contacted again via the same process. After 3 additional working days, if there is no response, a letter regarding the overdue materials will be sent to the patron at the mailing address listed on the card application. If the materials are not returned within 5 working days from the date of the letter, a second letter will be mailed to the patron.
Once an item becomes overdue, all privileges requiring a library card number will be suspended, until it is returned, replaced and all overdue fees are paid.
REPLACEMENT COSTS FOR DAMAGED MATERIALS
A charge will be assessed to patrons for materials returned to the library in damaged condition. This cost will be determined by library staff based on current replacement costs.
LOST MATERIALS
Patrons will be charged for any materials lost. The total amount due will be determined by library staff based on current replacement costs.
VOLUNTEERS–
DEFINITION
A volunteer is a person who performs a service of his or her own free will and contributes time and talents directly to the Mead Public Library. Volunteers are contributing to the mission of the library and its goals and are not paid for services.
PROCESS
To begin a volunteer commitment, an individual will complete the library’s application form and to be approved by the Director. As part of the approval process, the individual may be subject to a background check and may be asked for letters of reference. Categories of volunteers may include adults (18 years or older), juvenile (ages 17 and younger) with written parental permission, community service workers, school-to-work participants, Friends of the Library, or Library Board members.
TYPES OF VOLUNTEER DUTIES
Volunteers may help staff with shelving materials, clerical work, light cleaning, organizing materials for activities, programming, and work on special projects.
EXPECTATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS
• Each will be approved prior to performance of assigned tasks.
• Each will wear an identification badge when working in the library.
• Each will maintain confidentiality of ALL library information. Failure to maintain confidentiality will result in termination of the volunteer.
• Each should expect to fulfill a commitment mutually agreed upon with the library.
• Volunteers are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or/and using, possessing, selling or otherwise being involved with illegal substances.
• The library reserves the right to terminate the services of a volunteer.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Any individual interested in volunteering needs to complete the application and submit it to the Library Director. The Director will review the application and, as warranted, ask for and check personal references. Letters of reference may also be required. If an applicant is suitable, the Director will visit with him/her to determine a good match with library tasks and projects. Together the Director and the potential volunteer will develop an informal agreement for volunteer service that is acceptable to both parties and a starting date will be set. The approved volunteer’s application will be placed on file so it is available to library staff. If an applicant is not considered suitable, the Library Director will notify him/her of the status of his/her application.
DOCUMENT RETENTION AND DESTRUCTION POLICY –
DEFINITION
A document is a record kept by the library, regardless of physical form. Documents listed here are those involved in daily patron operations of the Mead Public Library. Financial documents and records of the library such as budget, expenditures, and tax records are reviewed and retained by the Village Clerk’s Office.
PROCESS
This policy outlines how long library documents should be kept and how they should be destroyed. Library staff members are responsible for reviewing and either retaining or destroying documents on an ongoing basis. Destruction of non-sensitive materials such as outdated program flyers and general correspondence will be accomplished through paper recycling and sensitive materials such as records of patron fines, grants records, and materials challenges will be shredded.
LIBRARY DOCUMENT RETENTION SCHEDULE
By-laws, mission statement and policies (including all revisions)-Permanent
Board and committee meeting agendas, minutes, and support documents-Permanent
Yearly inventory-Permanent
Library financial records (i.e., budget proposals, bills, etc.)-Permanent
Village financials-Monthly print outs-2 years; End-of-fiscal year summary print outs-Permanent
Legal correspondence-Permanent
Grant applications and contracts-7 years after completion
Materials challenges, complaints and suggestions-3 years
Library programming records-3 years
Petty Cash vouchers, expense receipts, credit card statements-3 years
General correspondence-2 years