Reddick Public Library District 1010 Canal St. * Ottawa, IL 61350 Telephone (815) 434-0509 Fax (815) 434-2634

Donation Policy

Patrons donate materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection if they meet the library needs and fulfill the materials selection policy standards. Items not added to the collection may be disposed of in any suitable manner.

Unattended Children Policy

The Reddick Library welcomes and encourages the use of its services and facilities by children. Staff members are committed to 1) helping children find materials to meet their needs; 2) providing a welcoming environment; and 3) planning and presenting programs that enrich, inform and entertain. However, library facilities are not designed or licensed to provide childcare.

Any public place can be dangerous for a child who is left unattended, even for brief periods of time. Staff members can not know or be responsible if children leave the building with responsible caregivers or with strangers. When a child is left at the library without a parent or adult, the child's boredom, fatigue, or fear may lead to behavior that disrupts the service that library staff provide. The library encourages parents and adults to consider the safety and well-being of their children and the needs of other library users of all ages. 

• Parents are responsible for their children in the library - whether or not the parent is present.
• A parent or another responsible adult caregiver (age 14 or older) must attend children under the age of 6 at all times in the library.
• Children whose behavior is disruptive may be asked to leave the building.  Children under age 6 who are unattended will be handled according to the unattended children procedures.

Procedures:

• A staff member should reassure an unattended child found frightened or crying in the building.
• If the child's adult cannot be found in the immediate area, the child should be taken to the Circulation Desk. Inform at least one other staff member that you are assisting an unattended child.
• Staff at the appropriate location should ask the child her name and that of her parent or caregiver.
• If the parent or caregiver is in the building:
• Page the parent or caregiver.
• Upon reuniting the child with the parent or caregiver, express the library's concern for the welfare of the children and explain the library's policy.
• If the parent or caregiver is not in the building:
• Contact the person in charge of the building.
• With the child's help, obtain the parent's name and telephone number.
• A library staff member should stay with the child until the parent can be located, through the circulation database or the telephone book.
• Call the parent. Inform him/her of the library's policy and request that the parent pick up the child.
• If the parent can not be located or does not respond to the phone request within 30 minutes, the person in charge shall call the police and ask that they assume responsibility of the child.
• If the library is closed, two staff members (person in charge and another staff member) will wait with anyone under 14 years of age inside the library building until the parent or police arrive.
• Library policy will be explained and a copy of the written policy will be given to the parent.

Under no circumstances will a library staff member take a child out of the building, take the child home, or stay alone with a child.

Approved 3/14/05

User Conduct Policy

All Reddick Library services and facilities are available to persons of all ages. While everyone has an equal right to access library services and facilities, no person has the right to interfere with the ability of others to use and enjoy library resources, services and facilities.

To make sure that everyone enjoys using the library, the following rules have been established and adopted by the Reddick Library Board of Trustees. These rules may be revised at any time.

The Library Director and authorized staff are responsible for enforcing patron conduct in the library and on library premises. Anyone found to be interfering with another's use and enjoyment of the library will be asked to stop the behavior or activity. If the behavior continues, the staff will ask the individual to leave the library. Failure to leave will result in staff calling the police for assistance.

To provide an enjoyable library experience for everyone, no person shall:

• Possess alcohol or any other illegal substance or be intoxicated to the point of impairment of his/her mental or physical abilities.
• Exhibit disruptive, uncontrolled behavior or exceed acceptable noise levels.
• Use offensive language or verbally abuse library patrons or staff.
• Harass patrons or staff, or attempt to engage them in unwanted discussion.
• Use a skateboard, scooter, or skates in the library or on the premises.
• Present bodily hygiene that is distracting to patrons or staff to the point that it interferes with patrons' use of library resources or with staff work. 
• Leave children under the age of seven unaccompanied at any time.
• View sexually explicit, graphically violent, or otherwise inappropriate material on a public or staff computer screen.
• Use the library facilities for other than intended purposes...bathing, sleeping and eating.
• Use cell phones in the library.
• Eat in the library or drink from open containers.
• Smoke in any area of the library, including the outside porch.
• Make unauthorized or inappropriate use of library equipment, including the telephone.
• Destroy or deface library resources or property or that of patrons and staff.
• Steal library property.
• Trespass into any area closed to the public.
• Enter the library without shoes or shirt.
• Place book bags, briefcases, etc., where they block aisles or take up workspace of patrons or staff.
• Bring animals into the library, except for those that accompany physically challenged patrons.

COLLECTION MANAGEMENT POLICY

Purpose

The purpose of the Collection Management Policy of the Reddick Library is to guide the library staff in their assigned areas of collection management and to inform the public of the principles, which govern the management of the Library’s collection.

Authority

The responsibility for the policy governing the management of the Library’s collections rests with the Board of Trustees.  Responsibility for managing the collections is delegated to the Library Director and her/his designees. 

Criteria for Selection

1. Materials are selected to fulfill the roles established by the Reddick Library Board of Trustees.  The following criteria serve as guidelines:

a.      Literary quality

b.      Popular demand

c.      Value of information

d.      Current or historical interest

e.      Relevance to community interests and needs. 

2.      Selection of materials is made on the basis of the values and interests of all the people in the community. 
No material will be excluded because of the race, nationality, religion, or political or social views of the author.

 3.  No titles are excluded from the collection solely because the frankness of presentation might be offensive to some nor because the material might not be suitable for all levels.  High interest materials of questionable long-term value are included in the collection and may be withdrawn once they have served their purpose.  Literary merit is not a necessary criterion for high interest materials. 

4. When available, all materials, which contain a significant amount of information about Ottawa or are written by a resident of the City of Ottawa, will be acquired. 

Censorship

1. The Board of Trustees believes that censorship in an individual matter and declares that, while anyone is free to reject for themselves materials of which they do not approve, they cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of others.

2. The Library selects appropriate material for each age group.  Special collections serve the needs and interests of children of preschool, elementary and junior high age.  There are no age restrictions on the borrowing of library materials.  Selection of materials for the adult collection will not be limited by the fact that this collection is widely used by both high school and junior high students, and increasingly by elementary school students.  The responsibility for monitoring library material used by minors rests with the parent or guardian.

3. The Library Board of Trustees defends the principle of Freedom to Read and declares that whenever censorship is involved, no material will be removed from the library except under the orders of a court of competent jurisdiction.  The principles of which this policy is based are expressed in the “Library Bill of Rights”, adopted by the American Library Association (ALA), and as amended by the ALA Council, and the following interpretations by the ALA Council: Challenged materials, Evaluating Library Collections, Exhibit Spaces and Meeting Rooms, Expurgation of Library Materials, Free Access to Libraries for Minors, Restricted Access to Library Materials, and Statement on Labeling, copies of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein.

4. The Library Board of Trustees adopts and declares that it will adhere to and support:

a.      The Library Bill of Rights

b.      The Freedom to Read statement adopted by the American Library Association.

(Both of these items are made a part of this policy.) 

5.  Patrons with complaints concerning specific library materials will be referred to the Director.  It is the responsibility of the Director to discuss the complaint with the patron and attempt to clarify any questions regarding the materials.  The patron will be provided with a copy of the Materials Selection Policy of the Reddick Library.

 6. If the patron decides to pursue their complaint, the patron will complete a copy of the ”Citizen’s Request for Reconsideration of Materials” and return it to the Director.  Upon receipt, the Director will review the form and make an appointment with the patron for a consultation regarding the material.  Should the consultation not rectify the problem, the Director will bring the matter to the attention of the Library Board of Trustees for their consideration.

Donations

1. Gifts of books and other materials will be accepted by the Library with the understanding that these articles are given unconditionally and become the property of the library.  The library reserves the right to add the item to its collection, donate it to another institution or dispose of it in any other manner.

2. Gifts of money, real property, and stocks and bonds are encouraged and are most useful to the library in unrestricted form.  Any restrictions or conditions attached to such gifts must apply to the mission and roles of the library and be acceptable to the Board of Trustees.

3. Personal property, art objects, memorial, or commemorative objects, displays or plaques, portraits, artifacts, antiques, museum objects, and similar materials are generally not accepted as gifts by the library.  Under certain circumstances the library may accept such a gift if all conditions are approved by the Board of Trustees.

4. The library will not accept any materials, which are not outright gifts, nor will the library accept any materials that attach the condition of periodic or permanent display.

5.  No valuations or appraisals shall be made by the library staff on any potential or actual gifts to the library.            
Withdrawal of Material

Materials, which no longer meet the stated objectives of the Library, will be discarded according to the accepted professional practices as described in the publication, the CREW Manual.  Disposition of all library materials will be at the discretion of the Library Director.

Video Recordings (Video and DVD)

            The Library provides informational, cultural, and recreational video recordings for adults and children.  Video recordings of motion picture productions intended specifically for children are provided in the children’s collection.  The Library has begun building a collection of motion pictures on video and DVD for the adult collection.  Development of the initial collection will focus on motion pictures that have won major film awards as well as those that are considered classic or historically important.  Long-range development of the collection will also consider well-reviewed films, including foreign and independent films that may not be generally available in local video stores.

Computer Software

The library purchases software for in-library use by patrons.  These include word processing, database management, spreadsheet and presentation software for personal use, and educational and recreational software for children.  In addition to the library's selection criteria, ease of use and the ability of staff to support the software are selection factors.  The library does not purchase personal and/or business programs that require input of personal information.             

COLLECTION CRITERIA FOR SPECIFIC LIBRARY COLLECTIONS

Sub-sections of the collection are listed in alphabetical order.

Abridgements

In order to preserve the original integrity of the text, as well as the author's intent, print and audio abridgements are rarely considered for the inclusion.  Abridgements or reworking of a plot or character by the original author, or abridgements of classic works intended for children may be considered.

Blind and Physically Handicapped Talking Book Service

Talking book service to patrons with disabilities is provided by the State Library through a system of regional offices.  The library will provide referral to the appropriate location.

Foreign Language Materials

The library collects a variety of basic foreign language materials, including print and recordings for children and adults that reflect the ethnicity of the community.   The library will also provided access to materials at other libraries.

Genealogy

The library purchases a variety of general guides to help patrons learn how to trace their ancestry.  Genealogies of specific families are considered only if the family is of local interest.  Staff will provide referral to other libraries and agencies for specific genealogy questions that are beyond the scope of the collection.

Review of Policy

The Materials Selection Policy will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees on a biannual basis.

Adopted___May 12, 2003

CITIZEN'S REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

Name: ____________________________________ Date: ______________

Address: _______________________________________________________

City: _______________________________ Phone: ______________________

Whom do you represent?

___Myself

___Organization (Please Specify)

___Other (Please Specify)

Materials on which you are commenting:

___Book                                                                      ___Videocassette

___Magazine/Newspaper                                                ___CD

___Audio Cassette                                                         ___DVD

                                                                                 ___Other

Title: ________________________________________________________________

Author/Producer: ________________________________________________________

1. What brought this title to your attention?

2. Please comment on the resource as a whole as well as being specific on those matters that concern you.

3. What are your specific recommendations to the library regarding this work?

                                                                                                           
Your Signature

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(OFFICE USE ONLY) 

Board meeting date: ____________

Action Taken:

Computer Usage Agreement  

Requirements:

§         All patrons must present their Reddick Library card to use a computer.  Patrons must be in good standing and have no more than $5.00 in fines.

§         All guests must present a valid photo ID.  Guests will be charged $1.00 per hour.

§         Each patron or guest will be allowed three 60 minute computer sessions per day. Sessions may be combined if no other patrons are waiting.  All computers are assigned on a first come, first served basis.

§         Children under the age of eighteen must have prior parental approval documented by a written agreement.

§         Computers in the Children's Department are reserved for patrons 13 years of age and younger.  Patrons 14 years of age and older are restricted to computers in the Adult area.

§         Black & white printouts cost $0.25 per page; color printouts cost $1.00 per page.  Patrons are responsible for paying for all pages sent to the printer. 

§         Computer usage is limited to two patrons per workstation. Except in the Children’s Department, where there can be only one patron per workstation.

Actions resulting in the loss of Computer privileges:   

• Activity which violates state or federal law in any way.
• Use of electronic information networks with the intent to harass others.
• Activity resulting in damage to or alteration of the library's property.
• Activity which violates licensing and/or payment agreements between library and network/database provider.
• Behavior causing an infringement on others' rights to privacy/space, including, but not limited to loud, disruptive behavior, and accessing objectionable or inappropriate material.
• Infringement of any of the aforementioned Requirements and Actions.

The first offense will result in the loss of privileges for 3 months.

The second offense will result in the loss of privileges for one year.

Internet Policy & Suggestions:

Unlike resources the library purchases, the library cannot control the content available through the Internet.  Reddick Library is not responsible for direct or indirect damage incurred by patrons while using Internet resources. 

§         Patrons are strongly encouraged to carefully evaluate the accuracy, currency, validity and authority of information on the Internet.

§         Patrons are discouraged from offering personal information to Internet sites.

§         Patrons are reminded to sign-out completely from any e-mail accounts.

Reddick Library staff will provide assistance as time and staff knowledge permit.  Staff will not provide individual instruction.  Reddick Library offers computer classes and encourages patrons to attend.  Patrons have the right to access and read all library service policies and discuss questions with appropriate staff.

Revised by Board of Trustees  02/12/07