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Newburyport Public Library Patron Policy

The Newburyport Public Library welcomes Newburyport residents, consortium borrowers, visitors and guests, and does not prohibit access to any person. The Newburyport Public Library encourages everyone to use the collections, services, and facilities of the main and branch libraries. While offering opportunities for reading, information access, special programs, and quiet study, the Library strives to maintain a secure and welcoming environment in which patrons are expected to respect the rights of other users. Persons who, in the professional judgment of the Library staff, engage in conduct inconsistent with the orderly operation of the Library, will be asked to leave the Library, should the following regulations not be observed.

Rules of the Library include the following

• No smoking – the Newburyport Public Library is a public building with no designated smoking area
• No food or beverages
• No cell phone use
• No rollerblading, skateboarding, or rollerskating
• Shirts and shoes must be worn in the Library
• Other than guide or service dogs for disabled persons, patrons will not bring pets or animals into the Library
• Patrons will not engage in any illegal activity in the Library building or on the property. Patrons will not deface or mar any of the Library's collection or damage or destroy Library furnishings and equipment, structural features, or any Library property, as defined in the Massachusetts General Laws.
• No solicitation of any kind will take place on Library property. Only approved Friends of the Library fundraising efforts can take place on Library property.
• Any materials removed from the Library must be checked out on a valid library card or through other standard library procedures. It is an act of larceny to remove Library materials without having checked them out.
• Parents are responsible for the supervision and behavior of their young children. Children under the age of 9 years must be accompanied by someone 15 years of age or older. Although children 9 and older may be left unattended for a reasonable length of time, children should know how to reach a parent or guardian, and parent should be aware of the closing time of the Library. It is the policy of the Library that staff members will not transport children from the Library to any other location. Should children be left unattended in the Library after closing, library staff will call the Newburyport Police Department after attempting to contact a parent.
• A patron may be required to leave personal belongings, which are being used inappropriately with the library staff until he/she leaves the Library.
• Each patron's right to privacy must be respected. Harassment or intimidation by threatening language or behavior towards other patrons or to the library staff will not be tolerated and may be cause for expulsion from the Library.
• Patrons may be required to leave the Library if their personal hygiene prevents the orderly operation of the Library or the ability of other patrons to use and/or enjoy the facility.
• A patron who violates the Library's regulations may be denied the privilege of access to the Library by the Library's Board of Directors on recommendation of the Head Librarian. Any patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Directors.

Newburyport Public Library Internet Safety and Computer Use Policy

The use of any Internet workstation in the Newburyport Public Library or access to the Library's wireless network constitutes acceptance of this Internet Safety and Computer Use Policy. Patrons reaffirm this agreement each time they access the Internet in the Library. Failure to comply with Library policy may lead to the loss of computer and/or Library privileges.

Internet Access Policy

• The Newburyport Public Library provides equal user access to information that is available through the Internet. This means that people of all ages can search freely through our Internet access terminals. Computers are available on a first come first served basis. The Library cannot guarantee access to a computer.
• The Newburyport Public Library endeavors to maintain access to the Internet. However, technical, mechanical or other problems may interrupt service. The Library is not responsible for problems that may arise when patrons are unable to connect to the Internet.
• The Library offers free wireless Internet access. This is an open, unsecured public network. The Library assumes no responsibility for the security or safety of equipment, personal information, or data files resulting from connection with the Library's wireless network. Library staff are not able to provide technical assistance, and no guarantee can be made that patrons will be able to make a wireless connection.
• The Newburyport Public Library assumes no liability for any loss, damage, or injury to a Library computer user or network user's data, files, accounts, programs, or equipment. Furthermore, the Library assumes no liability for any loss, damage or injury to a third party that results from the actions of a Library computer user or network user.
• The Newburyport Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet. The Library, therefore, cannot be held responsible for the content of the Internet.
• The Newburyport Public Library has no control over the functionality of Internet web sites. Therefore, the Library cannot be held responsible for the inability of patrons to access or use specific web sites.
• Information on the Internet comes from many sources throughout the world, including governmental, corporate, university, organizational and individual; therefore, Library patrons should note that information the Internet provides is not always accurate, complete or current.
• The library does prohibit any use of library equipment to access or display material that is obscene, child pornography or “harmful to minors.”
• The library will not tolerate use of its computers in any way that violates local, state or Federal law.
• Use of computers at the library is a privilege which requires users to be civil and courteous to other users, Library patrons, and Library staff.

Access by Minor Patrons (under the age of 18)

• Parents and guardians, not the staff of the Newburyport Public Library, are responsible for what their minors view on the Internet. Parents or guardians who wish to limit or restrict their minors' access to the Internet must accompany minors while they are using the Internet in the Library.
• The Newburyport Public Library does not censor or filter the Internet. Be aware that there are images and information which may be personally offensive, controversial or inappropriate to you, minors, Library staff or other patrons. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to advise their minors concerning the danger of providing names, addresses, telephone numbers, or other personal information through chat rooms, instant messaging, e-mails, and social networking sites.
• To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet, including material that is harmful to minors, the Library develops and maintains special Web sites for minors, encourages staff to guide minors away from materials that may be inappropriate, and provides public training programs on safe and effective Internet use.
• Children aged 12 and under should use the Internet workstations located in the Children's Room. In order to use a computer outside the Children's Room, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 and over.
• Teen Loft computers are reserved for use by young adults, specifically students in grade 7 through 12.

Procedures Governing Use

In order to make the limited computer resources available to as many people as possible, and to ensure they are used in a manner consistent with library policy, the Library has developed procedures and implemented systems to manage their use.

• Online catalog computers are designed to be used for the library catalog only and may not be used for other purposes.
• Access to the Library computers is controlled by a PC management system. Patrons need a valid library card to use the Library computers.
• Computer use is limited to one session per day, excluding use of the Express Station(s).
• Session length is limited, but may be extended if no one is waiting.
• Instant messaging is not permitted on any Library computer without the express permission of the librarian on duty.
• Library staff may reserve computers for classes, training, or other library purposes.
• Printing costs 10 cents for every page printed. Patrons may pay at the 2nd Floor Reference Desk or the 3rd floor Technology Center after printing.
• The Newburyport Public Library does not provide e-mail accounts but patrons may use free on-line e-mail services.
• For security reasons, downloading to the computer hard drive is not permitted. Saving to data storage devices is not permitted on 2nd floor computers, but is permitted in the 3rd floor Technology Center.
• No more than two individuals may be at each computer station at one time.

Unacceptable Use

• Viewing pornographic materials or other graphic images which may be considered obscene in a public setting;
• Disturbing, threatening or harassing others;
• Altering, destroying or damaging equipment, software, systems, configurations or data, e.g. downloading to the hard drive, altering the computer's setup, etc.;
• Unauthorized copying of copyright - protected materials;
• Distributing unsolicited advertising, messages, or other electronic communication;
• Unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification or information;
• Performing any action that violates local, state or Federal laws while using the Library's computers or network;
• Using another's library card or disclosing your library card number to another;
• Manipulating, avoiding, or subverting the PC management and/or printing systems;
• Failing to pay for printing

Penalties for Unacceptable Use

Library staff will issue a corrective warning to any person engaged in any of the above unacceptable uses. Any subsequent misuse of computer hardware or software will result in temporary or permanent loss of computer privileges at the discretion of the Head Librarian.

Library Staff Assistance

• The staff of the Newburyport Public Library have had basic Internet training. Some staff may have more experience than others but all are willing to assist patrons in finding the information they wish to see on the Internet. Staff cannot do extensive research for patrons;
• Library staff cannot provide in-depth training on the Internet, but patrons can schedule one-hour basic Internet training sessions with a member of the Information Services staff. Library staff will make reasonable efforts to assist patrons in their use of Library computers. However, they are unable to provide detailed instruction outside of scheduled training sessions. It is the patrons' responsibility to learn the programs they wish to use.
• Library staff cannot provide technical assistance for wireless use.

Newburyport Public Library Policy For Materials Selection

The Board of Directors of the Newburyport Public Library has voted to adopt the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, with the various attendant amendments, as the basis for the library's book selection policy. Copies of these documents may be had on request.

Responsibilities for all library policies are vested in the Board of directors of the Newburyport Public Library. This board delegates to the Head Librarian as its professional expert, authority to operate within the policies determined by the Board. This board defends the principles of the freedom to read and declares that whenever censorship is involved, no item of library material shall be removed from the NPL unless under orders of a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Newburyport Public Library provides free library service to all MA residents, the library attempts to fill the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of its patrons and to this end seeks to provide materials old and new, classical and ephemeral, in many media. Purchases for the library are made on the basis of recommendations in professional and literary magazines, library journals, publishers, trade periodicals, newspaper review sections and recommendations from the public. The Newburyport Public Library collection seeks to offer the broadest available of all recorded ideas for all people.

In the area of children's literature, it is the policy of the Newburyport Public Library to leave to the parents the responsibility of determining what their children may view and read. Selection of materials for the adult and children's collections is not restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials their parents consider inappropriate.

For in–library use only are the reference collections, a selection of basic information sources as well as supplemental sources of a wide variety of materials in both print and non print formats, the local history, archival paper materials and books. The Newburyport Public Library acknowledges a particular interest in and strength of its genealogy and local history collection, and in its works by local authors. The purpose of this collection is to maintain as complete a record as possible of Newburyport's history.

In a free society it is essential for all citizens to have access to all library material. Reaffirming the Newburyport Public Library's attention to this freedom and for reader's rights of privacy, the library will not disclose to anyone the names of, or other information regarding, readers, and will not identify materials called for or examined by them.

Donations

The Newburyport Public Library accepts donations of some materials excluding textbooks and very outdated encyclopedias. Newburyport Public Library staff will determine whether these materials can be added to either the main library collection or that at the branch. Should the donated materials not be needed for circulation, they will be offered for sale by the Friends of the Library. Materials are kept when the library does not already won the item, when the library's copy is long overdue or not easily borrowed through the consortium, or as a multiple copy of a very popular title. When requested by the donor, receipts without dollar valuation, will be provided.

Donations of money are also accepted. They are deposited in a special account, “Friends of the Library – Special Gifts.” Such donations may be used to purchase specifically requested materials. The Newburyport Public Library will make every attempt to comply with a donor's wishes regarding purchase (s) as long as they are in keeping with the selection policies of the library.

Weeding

Items are regularly discarded from the library collection. Space, stack loads, the cost of replacement or mending, availability of materials throughout the consortium and the appearance of the collection are factors in the weeding process. Discards from the collection represent outdated items; items such as newspapers or magazines not practical to keep beyond a certain date; unusable or not useful duplicates; and items too worn for continued library use or repair. Materials withdrawn are removed from the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium database and stamped discard or withdrawn; many discarded items are made available to the Friends of the Library (for the annual book sale).

Volunteer Policy

Statement Of Purpose

To achieve the vision and the mission of the Newburyport Public Library, we view the active participation of citizens as a valuable resource to the library. The Newburyport Public Library utilizes volunteers to enhance public service to the community. Volunteers provide important support services to paid staff and demonstrate that residents appreciate the positive impact of the library on the quality of life in Newburyport. Volunteers generally provide support services to staff and work on special projects. Volunteers do not replace paid staff.

Definition of a Volunteer

A volunteer is any individual who assists with work done at the Newburyport Public Library without remuneration. Volunteers perform services of his or her own free will; volunteers contribute their time, energy, and talents on a regular basis to the Newburyport Public Library.

Recruitment & Selection of Volunteers

A variety of formal and informal means are used to recruit volunteers. Volunteers are selected based upon their qualifications in relation to the needs of the Newburyport Public Library at any given time, and based on their ability to commit to a consistent schedule of volunteer hours. Selection of volunteers is the responsibility of the Assistant Head Librarian. Prospective volunteers are required to fill out a Volunteer Application Form. Applications will be kept on file for a period of one year. Volunteers under the age of 18 may volunteer with parental consent; a parent must sign the Volunteer Application Form. Volunteers aged 18 and older must have a Massachusetts CORI background check completed initially and then every three years by the City of Newburyport. CORI paperwork will be filled out during the interview process. Volunteers sign a waiver of responsibility when enrolled as a library volunteer.

General Guidelines

• Volunteers must be approved and enrolled by the library prior to performance of assigned tasks
• Volunteers are required to attend an initial orientation and training session
• Work schedules and specific hours will be arranged by each volunteer and the library staff person responsible for their work
• Volunteers who cannot complete a scheduled work time will inform library staff as soon as possible
• Volunteers will keep an accurate record of their time donated in the Volunteer Notebook
• Volunteers will perform assigned tasks to the best of their abilities
• All personal information about volunteers is for internal library use only
• Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all library information
• Volunteers have the right to be assigned meaningful tasks, the right to be treated with respect, the right to effective supervision, and the right to recognition of good work
• Volunteer grievances involving library staff, other volunteers, or patrons will be handled through the Assistant Head Librarian
• Volunteers will refer patron requests for information to library staff
• Volunteers are representatives of the library and are loyal to the goals and policies mission of the library
• Volunteers will follow approved policies and procedures of the library
• Nothing in this policy shall be deemed to create a contract between the volunteer and the Newburyport Public Library; both the volunteer and the library have the right to terminate the volunteer's association with the library at any time, for any reason, with or without cause

Volunteer Tasks Include

• Shelving library materials
• Shelf reading
• Special projects

Supervision of Volunteers

• The volunteer program is the responsibility of the Assistant Head Librarian
• Volunteers will be trained and supervised by specific library staff
• Volunteers are expected to take directions from the staff person responsible for their work
• Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions to clarify task expectations
• The Head Librarian reserves the right to terminate/remove a volunteer at any time without cause

Recognition of Volunteers

• The library will, upon request, provide letters of reference for the volunteer if deemed appropriate
• Volunteers are recognized as valuable contributors to the goals and services of the library
• Individual and informal recognition of volunteers will be ongoing
• Formal, public recognition of volunteers will take place annually

Community Bulletin Board Procedure

The Newburyport Public Library provides space on its public bulletin board for announcements, which will be of general informational, educational, and cultural interest to its patrons. Posting of a notice or placement of materials in a display area does not imply endorsement by either the Library's staff or its Board of Directors. The Library also reserves the right not to display notices which are inappropriate to its mission.

Postings may be retained until the day after the program/event, at which time they will be disposed of unless other arrangements have been made. The number of postings may at times exceed the available space, in which case Library staff will remove the oldest items first, as necessary.

Exhibit Guidelines

The Newburyport Public Library welcomes use of the Lobby Display Case and the Lobby Display Table for exhibiting private collections or informational displays by non-profit organizations. The Library provides space for exhibits that are of informational, educational, and cultural interest to the community.

• Exhibits for the lobby display case or table must be scheduled through the Circulation Department. Exhibits shall be displayed on a space available basis, and Library sponsored\ exhibits will receive first priority.
• Commercial exhibits are not accepted and no exhibit may advertise materials for sale.
• Displays may be exhibited for a maximum of one month or a mutually agreed upon term.
• No exhibit shall interfere with the operation of the Library or pose a physical hazard to Library patrons or staff.
• The Library does not insure articles or materials exhibited, and is not responsible for theft or damage.
• It is the exhibitor's responsibility to set up and dismantle the exhibit on the agreed upon date.
• Posting of literature or placement of materials in a display area does not imply endorsement by either the Library staff or Board of Directors.
• The Library reserves the right to not display materials that are inappropriate to its mission.

For more information and to schedule an exhibit at the Library, please contact the Main Circulation Desk at 978–465–4428 x 236.

Proctoring Guidelines

Statement of Purpose

Long–distance learning programs and many other educational institutions provide opportunities for students to complete coursework and exams on the condition that they are proctored by an outside agency. In order to meet this need in the community, and as part of the Library's role of supporting lifelong learning, the Newburyport Public Library provides proctoring services when possible.

General Guidelines

• The Library does not charge any fees for the proctoring service. All expenses associated with proctoring, including copying, printing, and postage are the responsibility of the student. An addressed stamped envelope must be provided by the student for materials that need to be mailed.
• The Library will provide an individual Study Room for written exams when possible with adequate advance notice.
• The Library will provide a public computer work station with Internet access and word processing software for online exams with adequate advance notice. These computer work stations do not allow the installation of any additional software. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the Library public computer resources are adequate for their needs.
• All exams and proctoring instructions must be mailed or emailed to the Assistant Head Librarian at least five days prior to the intended test date.
• The student must contact the Assistant Head Librarian at least 2 days in advance to schedule an appointment for proctoring.
• The Library does not guarantee quiet conditions during proctoring. The Library does not guarantee that the student will be under observation at all times.
• A picture ID must be presented by the student before the exam will be administered.
• Students are responsible for supplying all necessary materials, including pencils, erasers, pens, paper, calculators.

Reservation of Rights

If it is determined that the proctoring request is unreasonable or the demands are too burdensome to administer, the Library reserves the right to deny this service.