Material Selection   |   Withdrawl of Materials   |   Internet Disclaimer
Internet Policy   |   Unattended Children   |   Gifts to Library   |   Meeting Room

Material Selection Policy

(a) Goal

Ultimately, the goal of the Homewood Public Library is to serve the residents of Homewood and the contracting library community of East Hazel Crest. The careful selection of materials is one step toward accomplishing this goal.

(b) Definition of Library Materials

Library materials include a variety of forms: books; periodicals; pamphlets; local, state and federal government publications; compact discs; Internet; newspapers; pictures; videos; slides; filmstrips; art reproductions; CD-ROM's; maps; recordings and tapes; various forms of micro reproduction, television, tape recordings, etc. Whenever the words "library materials" are used, they refer to all materials in all formats.

(c) Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the Homewood Library Board of Trustees to review and approve this Material Selection Policy. The Board is responsible for protecting the rights of the Library user and ultimately answering any and all questions regarding the policy and preservations of an individual's right to know.

(d) Overview

All citizens have a right to expect to have their informational and recreational reading needs met at the local library level, either through on-site materials or through ready access to off site material. Within the limits of space, availability of material and budget, materials are selected so as to serve the diverse educational and recreational needs of Library district residents.

The intention of the Homewood Public Library is to provide materials which communicate experience and ideas from one person to another. One of the Library's functions is to assemble, organize, preserve, and make available to all people the print and non-print materials which will assist them in:

• Educating self and others

• Forming opinion

• Developing skills and talents

• Stimulating thought

• Enjoying leisure time

• Developing cultural appreciation

(e) Selection Criteria

Selection is not a process which lends itself to the application of fixed and well-defined rules. Library staff is expected to exercise objective, professional judgment in selecting Library materials in accordance with the Library's selection philosophy and the valuation criteria outlined below.

Because it is not possible for Library staff to read or review personally the large number of materials considered for purchase each year, they must rely in part on information and impressions gathered from review sources, best-seller lists, public suggestions, bibliographies, indexes, and advertisements.

(f) Valuation Criteria

The following considerations are made when evaluating library materials:

• Intrinsic value or quality of work

• Significance or relevance of work

• Community interest

• Scope, depth, or approach of a work

• Importance of a work in adding balance or breadth to the collection

• Compatibility of a subject, treatment or style of a work with its intended audience

• Authority, reputation, and standing of the author

• Cost of the material

• Out of print status

• Availability of same title or information from other libraries in the region

• Suitability of the physical form for library use.

(g) Guidelines for Specific Subject Areas

The collections of the Homewood Public Library are developed with the layperson in mind. Highly technical materials or those that have limited usefulness to the community as a whole are not purchased.

Materials are not necessarily excluded from the collection because of the possibility that frankness of presentation might be offensive to some patrons or because they may not be suitable for all ages.

The Library will not purchase genealogies of specific families unless they are of local historical interest.

As a rule, the Library does not purchase textbooks. However, the Youth Services Department maintains a non-circulating textbook center consisting of books loaned to the Library by local elementary and junior high schools. On occasion, the Library also adds donated textbooks to its circulating collection if the books are up to date and in good condition.

(From Article 2: Materials Selection Policy; Sections 2.01-2.07)

Withdrawl of Materials

The Library is committed to maintaining a collection of vital and current materials and to making effective use of space. To achieve these objectives, the Library withdraws materials that are dated or worn.

Withdrawl Criteria

Weeding the Library collection is as important as the selection process. Some criteria for weeding materials from the collection are:

• To maintain an attractive collection

• To eliminate duplicates of materials which were previously in high demand

• To replace superseded editions of titles

• To eliminate outdated materials

Gifts and Donations

The Library gratefully accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that the materials become the property of the Library and are used as the Library deems appropriate. Conditional donations are not accepted.

Donated materials are selected to be added to the collection with the same criteria as outlined previously in this document.

Patrons making monetary donations for the purchase of materials, whether as a memorial or honorarium, are welcome to specify the general nature or subject area of the materials to be purchased. Selection of specific titles is made by Library staff in accordance with the policies and guidelines of the Library.

For more information on making a donation to the Library, see our Gift Policy.

(From Article 3: Withdrawl of Materials; Sections 3.01-3.02: Withdrawl Criteria / Gifts and Donations)

Internet Disclaimer

When you use the Internet, you access a world of resources and organizations far beyond the confines of the Homewood Public Library. Our home page offers a selection of Internet sites which we think you'll find informative and useful. However, we cannot take responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of Internet sources not created by the Library. As a user, you should be aware that some material on the Internet may be considered offensive, controversial, or inappropriate for children. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for monitoring the Internet use of children under 18.

Internet Policy for the Public

(a) Internet

The Homewood Public Library is committed to providing access to informational, educational, recreational and cultural resources for Library users of all ages and backgrounds. The Library's computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the Library's other resources. In introducing the Internet as an information resource, the Library's goal is to enhance its existing collection in size and depth and as a public access agency, give opportunity to patrons who wish to participate in navigating the Internet.

(b) Internet Safety

The Internet allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe, but it is an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal, inaccurate or incomplete. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.

The Library, unlike schools, does not serve by loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians 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.

Access to filtered and non-filtered search engines is available on all Internet terminals. In addition, designated terminals are installed with filtering programs. Filtered search engines and filtering software (both of which are not under the control of the library) may restrict access to sites, which could be deemed objectionable, but may also limit access to sites which have legitimate research value. No filtering system is completely effective or efficient. Access to filtered Internet is provided but is not required.

The staff of the Library maintains a homepage with recommended links in order to facilitate use of the Internet. Users should recognize that the Library is not responsible for changes to the content of linked sites, or for the content of sources accessed through subsequent links.

Since the Library computers on which the public can access the Internet are located in public areas which are shared by users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities, individuals are asked to consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and images. Library staff reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images which may cause a disruption.

(c) Internet Privacy

The Library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of patrons. Nevertheless, Internet users must also exercise caution when using the Internet to avoid unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information. Parents must caution their minor children that personal facts are not to be shared on the Internet.

(d) Internet Access

The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. The Library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their own children's use of library materials and resources. Library staff is available to provide assistance and to help identify appropriate sites.

(e) Conditions and terms of use of Library Computers

• a. Library computers will not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials, which by local community standards would be obscene.

• b. Installation, downloading, or modification of software is prohibited.

• c. Users will respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.

• d. Users will not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.

• e. Users will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.

• f. By mutual agreement, two persons may share one access session as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or Library staff.

• g. Library computers may not be used for spamming.

• h. Fees for the use of Library computers, if any, will be determined by the Board of Trustees and shall be posted in a public area.

• i. The Library reserves the right to apply restrictions as outlined in Library procedures.

(f) History of Homewood Public Library Computer Policy

Since the introduction of the Internet into the Library setting, the staff and Board of the Library have maintained polices and practices to ensure that patrons are able to use this resource effectively and efficiently. Patron privacy and children's safety were considered as policies were formulated. The current physical arrangement of the patron Internet work stations allows for a computer attendant to easily assist patrons and monitor usage. Placing the workstations in a highly visible area has served to remind patrons to refrain from visiting websites that others nearby may find objectionable. Filtered Internet access is available on labeled stations. Parents are encouraged to instruct their children as to whether they are to use filtered or unfiltered access. The Library does not fall under the federal mandate to have filters on all public workstations as it does not receive federal funds.

(From Article 5: Reference Service Policy; Section 5.02: Internet Policy for the Public)

Unattended Children

We welcome children of all ages to use our Library. We hope that as many children as possible will use it as a doorway to lifelong learning and reading. The Library, however, is a public building. Anyone can enter this building whether they are a danger to children or not. The Library is also a busy workplace with staff engaged in circulation, reference and other library service duties. The Library staff is not responsible for the safety, care or supervision of unattended children at any age, whether in the Library or on Library premises.

To safeguard children, staff will follow the policy outlined below:

1. Children under the age of 9 must be attended and supervised by a parent or responsible caretaker over the age of 14. Parents should be aware that medical decisions can only be made by an adult-aged caretaker.

2. Students who visit the Library with tutors are to be supervised by the tutor during the student's entire Library visit. A tutor's responsibility for a student does not end when the tutoring session is over but when the student is picked up by his parents. The Library does not serve as an intermediary between students and tutors.

3. Parents of school-aged children should not plan to use the library as a day care facility. Staff who notice an obvious pattern indicating that parents are using the Library in place of day care should document the usage, note the child's name and give the information to the Administrative Librarian. The Administrative Librarian will notify the parents of our library policy and take such steps to insure that the situation stops.

4. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation for their child when the Library closes. If a Library staff member notices a child under the age of 9 stranded, two staff members will assist the child in calling his or her parents. If a parent is unable to immediately collect their child, the staff members should notify the parents that they will be calling the Homewood Police Department. If the parents cannot be reached, the two staff members will call the police and wait for the child to be picked up. Staff members inconvenienced this way will be compensated with an extra hour's pay.

(From Article 6: Maintaining Public Library Environment; Section 6.05: Unattended Children)

Gifts to Library

The Library welcomes gifts of books, CD's, and other related materials. Such gifts shall be added to the collection in accordance with the standards ordinarily used by the Library in selection of materials.

The Library also welcomes monetary gifts, bequests, or memorials as long as their use is not restricted by conditions which would conflict with the standard practices and policies of the Library.

Special provision is made to label gifts, memorials, bequests, or purchases made with money received as a gift. Gift books shall be shelved with the regular collection.

Personal property, art objects, portraits, antiques and other museum objects shall be accepted only with Board approval.

The Library will not provide an evaluation of worth for any gift material.

The Library shall not accept for deposit materials which are not outright gifts.

(From Article 12: Gifts; Section 12.01: To Library)

Meeting Room Policy

To request use of a meeting room an application form must be submitted to the Library by an individual with a valid Homewood (or East Hazel Crest) Library Card.

The Library provides the use of its meeting room facilities as an additional service to groups and organizations under the conditions established by the Board of Trustees. The Library has two such meeting rooms:

1. the Mable Murphy meeting room, and

2. the conference room.

The following conditions and regulations for meeting room use apply equally to both of these rooms.

The meeting rooms are available for use by all groups and organizations, except for-profit organizations. A for-profit organization is one whose primary purpose is the sale of property or services for monetary gain. The meeting rooms are not available for use by individuals.

For more information, review the entire Meeting Room policy.

(From Article 15: Meeting Room Policy)