4 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE LIBRARY

• GENERAL POLICIES
 (Loan Periods, Library Cards, Overdue Fines, Renewals)

• CD-ROM CIRCULATION POLICY

• CIRCULATION DEVELOPMENT POLICY  
(Mission Statement, Gifts, etc.)

• FREE STANDING (NON-INTERNET) COMPUTER POLICY

• LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM POLICY

• PUBLIC INTERNET USE POLICY

• RULES OF CONDUCT

• SNOW CLOSING POLICY

GENERAL POLICIES

Loan Periods

Library Cards
• Every resident of Washington Township is entitled to a free library card. 
• Please bring identification with proof of residency when applying for your card.
• Your card will be honored in all Bergen County public libraries. 
• The charge for replacement of a lost card is $3.00.
• Nonresidents may purchase a Washington Township library card for an annual fee of $450.
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Overdue Fines
• Videos: $1.00/day 
• All Other Materials: $.10/day 
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CD-ROM CIRCULATION POLICY

Eligibility
CD-ROMs may be borrowed by BCCLS cardholders over the age of 18.  

• CD-ROMs must be borrowed in person at the circulation desk at the Township of Washington Public
Library and returned to the same location.
• Use of the bookdrop for return of CD-ROMs is prohibited. A fine of $2.00 will be applied to borrower's card for each CD-ROM returned in the bookdrop or returned to another library.
• Loan Period:  14 days.  No renewals.
• Limit:  Two titles per family.
• Overdue fine:  $1.00 per day to a maximum of $50.00.
• Availability:  CD-ROM materials will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.  No reserves will be taken.
• Loss and Damage (including the incomplete return of contents)

Each media bag will contain the following items:

• CD-ROM, jewel case, and liner notes.
• Cover art.
• CD-ROM Circulation Policy.
• Instructions for use.
• Borrowers failing to return any one of these items will be assessed a replacement fee of $50.00.
• Damage to the media bag, beyond normal wear and tear, will result in a bag replacement fee of $5.00.
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COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Mission Statement
The mission of the Township of Washington Public Library is to serve the educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community.  All library materials shall be selected to meet these criteria. 

In selecting materials the library subscribes to the principles in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association [ALA], the Freedom to Read Statement of the ALA and the American Book Publishers' Council, and the People's Rights to Libraries Statement of the New Jersey Library Association.

Responsibility for Selection
The professional staff is responsible for the selection of books and non-book materials under the supervision of the Library Director. 

Criteria for Selection
Selection is based upon authoritative printed reviews in such media as: The New York Times Book Review, Library Journal, Publisher's Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist.  Borrower's requests shall be given due consideration; however, selection of all materials shall be made with the goal of developing a well-rounded collection of a general nature to meet the interests and needs of the community.  Replacement of materials shall be done as needed and materials of current usefulness to the collection shall be re-evaluated.  No attempt will be made to provide textbooks; however, a book will not be necessarily excluded because it is a textbook.  Highly specialized collections in limited subject areas will not be established except as part of a cooperative regional plan.  The library will cooperate with other libraries in order to provide the greatest access to all materials. 

Children's Materials
It is the function of this library to provide print and non-print materials for children of all ages and abilities.  The children's collection is selected to offer pleasurable reading and insofar as possible, to provide information in fields of knowledge which are of interest to children.  Materials are carefully selected.  Emphasis is placed on materials, which stimulate imagination, mental growth, an interest in literature, and to help children to fulfill their recreational, intellectual, and emotional needs.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to select appropriate library materials for the child's need and interest.  The library will not restrict children in their choice of materials.  The borrowing of videocassettes and access to the Internet requires parental/guardian's consent. 

Gifts
The library is grateful for gifts and they have enriched its collection.  However, the decision to add donated items to our permanent collection will be based on the same criteria as those for purchased materials.  Gifts not added to the collection may be placed for sale.  We reserve the right to discard unwanted materials. 

Weeding
Materials no longer useful shall be systematically discarded in order to maintain the quality of the collection.  Materials removed shall be disposed of in the most practical manner at the Director's discretion. 

Complaints
A complaint concerning the content of a library item may be given formal recognition.  An American Library Association form to be filled out and signed by the complainant will be provided for that purpose.  A committee composed of the Library Director, at least one professional staff member and selected Library Board member[s] will review such matters.  The committee will report its findings to the Board of Trustees who, in turn, will make a final determination.
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FREE STANDING (NON-INTERNET) COMPUTER POLICY

•  This computer does not have internet access. Its sole purpose is to be used as a word processor, where various documents can be created.

•  You can use this computer to create various types of documents:

•  Microsoft Word for creating a letter, resume, or any other typewritten document;
•  Microsoft Excel to create a spreadsheet;
•  Microsoft PowerPoint to create a visual slide presentation;
•  Microsoft Publisher to create brochures and inserts using preset templates;
•  Print Shop to create flyers, banners, posters, cards, signs etc. using preset templates.

•  You must first log into the computer using the guest account. There is no password needed when using the guest account.

•  You cannot insert your own floppy disk into this computer because floppy disks oftentimes contain viruses. You can, however, use a burnt CD, containing any kind of information, in that CD's do not carry viruses on them. Finally, you can also use a USB Flash Drive (also known as a fob drive) since your media and documents are virus-free.

•  When creating a new document, you can print it out and/or save it to a floppy disk. To save your document to a floppy disk, you can purchase a diskette at the circulation desk at the cost of $1 per diskette. Printing charges are 10 cents per sheet of paper.
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LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM POLICY
(Approved by the Library Board, April 19th , 2005)

General Principles
The Library is part of the Township of Washington community.  Its mission is to provide access to information and a place where ideas are exchanged.  As such it has a meeting room for use by nonprofit community groups when it is not being used for its primary purpose: library related activities.

The Township of Washington Public Library shall not be held responsible for any injury to persons or loss or damage to personal property in the use of the premises.  Further, certificates of insurance naming the library as an additional insured are required.

Permission to use the program room does not imply endorsement of any organization using
the room.

Regulations

•  The library program room may not be used for commercial activities.
•  All meetings must be open to the public.
•  Written applications must be approved before use is permitted.
•  Adult supervision is required when children are present.
•  Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited in all areas of the Library.
•  Groups are responsible for leaving the program room in order.
•  Any damage to library property will be the group's responsibility.
•  Number of people attending any event may not exceed 100.
•  No activities involving arts and crafts and cooking are allowed.

Hours

Reservations
•  Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis upon receipt of a completed application.
•  The program room may not be reserved by any organization on a weekly or monthly basi s.
•  No admission charges, collections, sales or other money-raising activities may be attached to use the program room, unless approved by the Library Board of Trustees. Exception will be made for the Friends of the Library group which functions on behalf of the Library.
•  The Library reserves the right to cancel any scheduled meeting if circumstances warrant.


Applications can be obtained at the Library.
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PUBLIC INTERNET USE POLICY

•  Please register at the Circulation desk. 
•  Use is by one person at a time up to 30 minutes. If no one is waiting, it can be longer.
•  Printing is 10 cents per page.
•  E-mail, downloading of files, chat-groups and use of CD-ROM drive are not permitted.
•  Patrons access and use the Internet at their own risk. The Library has no control over the information and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.
•  Library staff will not monitor or supervise Internet access. Since the Library is a public place, we reserve the right to end a session when material inappropriate to a public setting is displayed.
•  Parents/guardians of minor children must assume responsibility for the material accessed. Adult supervision is advised.
•  Staff will help in getting started but cannot offer individual instruction or extensive assistance. Users are expected to be familiar with Windows and Netscape operations.
•  Anyone tampering with the Library computers will be held financially responsible for repairs.
•  This Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.
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RULES OF CONDUCT ON
THE TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PREMISE

The following activities are not allowed in the library:

•  Eating or drinking.
•  Smoking.
•  Leaving a child under the age of ten unattended in the library without the supervision of a parent or guardian eighteen years of age or older.
•  Sleeping.
•  Use of cellular/mobile phones.
•  Playing audio equipment so that others can hear it.
•  Verbally, physically or sexually harassing Library patrons or staff.
•  Carrying a weapon into the Library unless authorized by law.
•  Moving or misusing furniture, e.g., sitting on work surfaces or putting feet on chairs or work surfaces.
•  Misusing the restrooms, e.g., using as a laundry or bathing facility.
•  Talking loudly and/or making noise or engaging in disruptive conduct.
•  Interfering with another person's use of the library or with the library personnel's performance of their duties.
•  Using fire exits, except in an emergency.
•  Opening/closing windows (may be performed by Library staff only).
•  Solicitation of contributions or signatures.
•  Selling of merchandise or services without the permission of the Library Director.
•  Conducting surveys without the permission of the Library Director.
•  Photography on library premises without the permission of the Library Director.
•  Patrons not wearing shoes and shirts.
•  Damaging or stealing library materials or property.

5 minutes prior to the closing of the library, patrons are expected to check out any materials they may wish to borrow at the circulation desk. All computers, printers and copiers will be shut down at this time. Patrons are to exit the premises in a timely and orderly fashion. Library hours cannot be extended for any reason. No exceptions allowed.

Activities in the library are also governed by local, state and federal statutes regulating contact in public places. These regulations prohibit:

Any patron violating the library's rules, or local, county, state, or federal regulations may be required to leave the premises.

Persistent violations of the library's rules may result in the suspension of library privileges including the right to use the facilities and/or to borrow materials. Such suspensions may be enacted by the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Library Director.
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SNOW CLOSING POLICY

• In the event of school closings, the Library will have a delayed opening to 12:00 Noon, weather permitting.
•  The Library will have the option to close or close early if the weather/road conditions warrant it.
•  The public is strongly encouraged to phone the Library first before coming in.
•  The Library Director in consultation with the Library Board President will make the final decision on openings and closings in the event of inclement weather.
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