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POLICY MANUAL FOR THE SELECTION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
FOR THE DUNCANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
I. Mission Statement of the Duncanville Public Library
Duncanville Public Library is dedicated to serving the educational, cultural,
recreational and informational library needs of residents of all ages by providing an up-to-date collection of materials in a wide variety of formats: print-on-paper, audio-visual, and electronic. Duncanville Public Library collaborates with other city departments and local organizations to improve the quality of life in the city. As a dynamic institution, the Duncanville Public Library adds new collections and services, and adapts existing programs as the community changes and as new technologies are developed.
II. Goals of the Library
Included in the library’s goals are universal opportunity and encouragement of users:
to educate themselves continuously;
to keep abreast of progress in all fields of knowledge;
to maintain freedom of expression and a constructively critical attitude toward all public issues;
to be responsible members of the community, the country, and the
world;
to develop greater proficiency in the performance of their work;
to enhance understanding of themselves as individuals, as members of society, and inhabitants of the universe;
to receive educational programming at all levels which entertain, yet promote and encourage the love of reading;
to discover and develop their creative capacities for, and powers of,
appreciation of arts and letters;
to use their leisure in the enjoyment of reading, hearing, and seeing; and
to welcome and support the efforts of the Friends of the Duncanville Public Library and encourage participation in its programs.
To meet these goals, the library assumes as its primary responsibility to be the repository of printed, recorded and electronic communications for people of all ages and backgrounds, and to provide guidance in their use.
III. Circulation Policy
A. Residence Requirements
The Duncanville Public Library issues free library cards to individual residents in the City of Duncanville. A resident is defined as any member of a household within the city limits. One of the following items is required to prove Duncanville residence status: valid Texas driver’s license, Texas identification card, legal statement, or current utility bill. This policy was established by the Duncanville City Council in February 1988.
B. Non-resident Access
The Duncanville Public Library participates in the statewide Texshare Library Card Program (See Texshare Library Card Policy). Courtesy cards are also extended to residents of out-of-city areas who pay property taxes to the City of Duncanville. The taxpayer must submit to Library Staff adequate documentary evidence of their eligibility. The card will expire at the end of the taxable year in which it was issued, and may be renewed each year with proof of current tax status.
Employees of the City of Duncanville are given free library cards for the duration of their employment. Courtesy cards are extended to retired city employees, as well as to full-time teachers and administrators within the Duncanville Independent School District. These cards are valid August through May of the current school year. Faculty and administrators must show proof of employment and provide the name of their school. Other support staff of the Duncanville Independent School District is not covered in this courtesy arrangement. Courtesy cards are also issued to full-time teachers who reside outside Duncanville city limits, but work in Duncanville private and charter schools within Duncanville city limits. A letter from the private school/charter school stating the person is a full-time teacher with them is required. Support staff of private and charter schools are not included in this courtesy arrangement.
Library Cards are issued to other out-of-city residents for an annual fee (See Addendum Fee Schedule) and are valid for one year from purchase date.
A permanent Computer Guest Card can be issued to patrons who do not live in Duncanville and only wish to use the library’s computer services. This is a permanent card and a fee is charged for all computer guest cards (See Addendum Fee Schedule).
C. Demographic Factors Which Affect Service to Patrons
Population growth, technological advancements, and societal factors, such as the following, affect the needs of the patron as well as the ability of the library to meet these needs for its service area.
1. Historical and Economic Influences
Farmers began settling the area in the 1840’s, but it was some 100 years later before Duncanville was incorporated. While it continued to remain largely rural, there was a gradual transition to a commuter economy as residents drove into Dallas and other nearby cities to work at office, retail, and technical jobs. The population has grown from 500 in 1950 to an estimated 36,871 currently. Duncanville has a hospital in the area, several banks, and a thriving commercial-retail-service industry. Income level of the city has risen as its citizens have found employment in technical and professional careers available in the metroplex.
2. Educational and Cultural Influences
Educational levels have kept with advancing career and income levels, prompting a heightened cultural interest in foreign travel, the performing arts and the fine arts. Schools have received honors from the Texas Education Agency for supporting Recognized and Exemplary campuses within the district. Building good school library collections is a priority. According to the 2000 census, an estimated 87% of Duncanville residents over 25 years of age have high school or higher degrees. There is a high level of interest in all academic areas including sports, music, drama, and speech.
3. Religious and Ethnic Influences
There are numerous churches in Duncanville of various faiths, who receive strong community support. Several have begun to develop their own individualized libraries. Ethnic representation is diverse, showing a corresponding need for multilingual and citizenship study resources. Also, according to a report on the U.S. Census Bureau website, Duncanville now has 19.6% Hispanic households. The Texas Education Agency website states that the Duncanville Independent School District supports an average of 29.4% Hispanic students in the school district. Therefore, the need to provide Spanish language materials on all levels is being vigorously pursued.
D. Non-Discrimination of Access
Access to all library materials, services, and programs are available 56 hours a week to any library patron without regard to race, national origin, ethnic background, sex, age, economic level, or viewpoint.
E. Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
The Duncanville Public Library adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that assures equal access to employment opportunities and access to the Duncanville Public Library, its activities and programs. In planning sessions for the current facility, compliance was at the heart of the design process. Further, the library welcomes input from persons with disabilities about ways the library can more completely serve them, and every attempt will be made to accommodate their needs. Questions about ADA compliance and complaints or suggestions about accessibility issues to the facility, programs, and activities should be addressed to the Library Director.
IV. Intellectual Freedom
As a statement of belief that freedom of the mind is the only true freedom, the library subscribes to the following statements, which are attached to and made a part of this policy. All items may be found in a copy of the TLA INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM HANDBOOK.
A. Library Bill of Rights
B. Free Access to Libraries for Minors
C. Statement on Labeling
D. Intellectual Freedom Statement
E. Texas Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Statement
F. Freedom to View Statement
G. Resolution on Library Services to Youth
H. Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records
I. Freedom to Read Statement
J. Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks
K. Statement on Library Use of Filtering Software
L. Guidelines for Child Safety on the Information Highway
V. Aims of the Materials Selection Policy
A. To establish selection standards used by the staff to select materials.
B. To inform the public about the principles upon which these selections are made.
The education and information functions of a library call for a choice of library materials which contribute to growth of the individual or which widen horizons, stimulate imagination and reflection, or which enlarge experience. Inherent in this definition are materials and formats which provide recreation, enjoyment, and aesthetic appreciation.
The reference and research functions will be provided for by selections based on community needs and on availability of materials elsewhere in the community.
VI. Formats Included in the Collection
A. Print: Books, newspapers, vertical file material, periodicals, paperbacks, maps, and large-print items.
B. Non-Print: Access to filmstrips, slides, books on tape, cassettes, puppets, viewing and listening equipment, videos, pictures and photographs, microfilm and microfiche, compact disc, DVDs, and electronic formats.
C. Videos and DVDs that are selected focus on informational, educational, and instructional materials. The library also has access to media through its Interlibrary Loan Service.
D. Electronic: Access to the Internet, and online databases made available through Duncanville Public Library’s Texshare participation, are also made available at every public access computer and remotely through the library’s website.
E. Software programs: word processing, spreadsheet and speech presentation programs are available on all public use computers.
F. Access to e-books are available to all library cardholders through the
statewide TexShare Library Card Program. To implement an e-book account,
users must follow the procedure for setting up an e-book account available
at the information desk.
VII. Organization of the Selection Process
Final responsibility and authority for materials selection rests with the Library Director, who operates within a framework of policies adopted by the Duncanville Public Library Advisory Board and the City Council of Duncanville.
The staff of the library will be active in materials selection, using their knowledge of the collection and the needs of the community, their critical judgement of materials available, standard selection tools, and professional reviews.
Selection aids consulted in the review process include Booklist, Horn Book and Library Journal. Additional sources may include local and national newspapers, and current magazines of general interest that include book reviews, such as Time, Newsweek, US News and World Report, National Review, etc.
VIII. Criteria For Selection
In general, these basic principles will guide the selection of library materials (print and non-print):
General:
A. Contemporary significance, timeliness, or permanent value
B. Accuracy and objectivity of approach
C. Authority of the author/creator in the field
D. Clear presentation and readability
E. Social significance
F. Relation of the work to the existing collection
Works of information and opinion:
A. Authority of writer/creator
B. Comprehensiveness and depth of treatment
C. Objectivity of approach
D. Accuracy of information
E. Clarity and logic of presentation
F. Representation of varying points of view
Works of imagination:
A. Representation of important movements, genres, trends of national cultures
B. Vitality and originality
C. Artistic integrity
D. Effective characterization
E. Sustained interest
It is recognized that viewpoints and tastes differ and that any given work may offend some patrons or cause controversy. It should be noted, however, that selection of library materials does not imply endorsement by the Library Director, the Duncanville Public Library Advisory Board, or the Duncanville City Council of its viewpoints. The library will attempt to provide as wide a range of viewpoints as possible on a given subject. Materials of sound factual authority should not be rejected or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. And no library material will be rejected or removed from the collection because of the viewpoint or beliefs of the author/creator, or because of the writer/creator’s race, nationality, political point of view, sex, or religious beliefs.
Responsibility for the reading, listening, or viewing of materials by children rests with their parents and legal guardians. Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that library materials may inadvertently come into possession of children.
Library materials will not be labeled or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents and no catalogued book or other item will be withheld from general circulation except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft.
IX. Children’s Selection Policy
Purpose:
To provide a collection of print and non-print materials that enriches and encourages the reading process of children from pre-toddler through the seventh grade, as well as practicing professionals, such as teachers, librarians, daycare workers, graduate students of children’s literature, children’s authors, etc.; and
To supply materials useful for reading readiness and beginning supplementary readers. In addition, a junior reference section and magazine area, and a non-fiction collection are maintained to provide students through the seventh grade with homework and reference/research materials. The children’s collection provides a wide range of recreational reading in three areas: easy, juvenile fiction, and juvenile non-fiction. These subgroups are housed in special sections in the children's area for easier patron accessibility.
Goals of the children’s collection are:
To make a broad and diverse collection of books and other materials easily and temptingly available;
To guide children in their choice of books and other materials;
To cultivate and encourage the enjoyment or reading as a voluntary pursuit;
To encourage lifelong learning by promoting the use of the public library and its resources;
To help each child develop to the fullest extent of his or her individual ability; and
To serve as an advocate for the welfare of children in the community.
X. Responsibility for Selection
A. All materials are selected by the professional librarians using reliable, authoritative review sources and collection development aids. The public is encouraged to make suggestions for purchase of materials. These suggestions will be considered in the context of the librarians’ overall knowledge of the collection and funds available:
1. Authority – Reputation and significance of author, artist, composer, or producer
2. Reputation of publisher/producer
3. Scope
4. Reliability – Accuracy, recency, timeliness, permanence
5. Subject matter importance or interest
6. Treatment of material – Purpose, bias, level (technical vs. general)
7. Readability and popular appeal
8. Quality or writing/production
9. Format:
PRINT
Paper quality
Print adequate and well spaced
Adequate margins
Effective illustrations
Firmly bound
Adequate and accurate index
Bibliographies, projects, charts, maps, glossary
NON-PRINT
High artistic quality
Technical quality
Satisfactory visual image, clear and intelligent sound reproduction,
Effective use of color, synchronization of sound and visual
Medium appropriate for message
ELECTRONIC
Online databases via Texshare, and filtered access to the Internet
B. Textbooks:
The acquisition of textbooks and other materials specifically created to support an educational curriculum is not seen as a responsibility of the public library. The only exceptions might be in subject areas where textbook materials are all that is available.
C. Multiple copies:
Multiple copies will be purchased when warranted by use or need. Where appropriate and available, duplications will be purchased in paperback. Gifts and weeding of the children’s area will be handled according to the same criteria and procedures as already established in the overall selection policy of the Duncanville Public Library.
D. Access:
Library cards will be issued to any child who fulfills residency requirements as provided by parent (parent must live in Duncanville) or legal guardian or who purchases a library card. Parents must personally apply at the library for preschool and school-aged children acknowledging responsibility for damaged, lost, or overdue materials checked out by their children. The only exceptions will be young people who have a valid driver’s license and who meet residence requirements; they may sign for their own cards.
While the children’s area is tailored to the needs and interest of children, children are not limited to the resources in that area of the library. Children may use other resources and services of the library as need dictates. Guidance of children’s selections and monitoring of the items they check out is best done by the parent or legal guardian, and is not the responsibility of the staff of the Duncanville Public Library.
The resources of the Interlibrary Loan service are made available to children as they are to adults (See Interlibrary Loan Policy).
The Duncanville Public Library subscribes in full to the amended ALA Council statement of Free Access to Libraries for Minors which is attached to this policy.
Children under 18 years of age may check out videos or DVDs when accompanied by a parent.
A driver’s license may be required for verification of age when checking out VHS.
XI. Special Collections
The Duncanville Public Library maintains three special collections: Texana, Genealogy, and Spanish Language.
A. Texana Collection: Designated in 1982 as a Texas Heritage Resource Center, the Duncanville Public Library is committed to selecting and acquiring resources relevant to the teaching of Texas history, which are housed in the collection. The general scope of the collection is materials by Texans, or about Texas or Texans. Material includes fiction, bibliographies, early histories, biographies,
descriptions of the land, travel books, works of Texas writers, folklore, and art works. Manuscripts, copies, or facsimiles of historical documents and current research works of merit will also be included.
B. Genealogy Collection: The general scope of this collection are materials that will assist in the conduct of genealogical research. Requests for materials not available locally may be filled through interlibrary loan or by referral to other area libraries with genealogical collections.
Among materials included in this collection are family records and histories, county histories, census records, directories, guides to research, biographical works, microfilm, cemetery records, marriage records, school records, local newspapers.
C. Spanish Language: The core collection was established in 2002 with grants from the Texas Book Festival and Friends of the Duncanville Public Library. The scope of this collection is materials in Spanish for all ages on all topics. Material includes easy picture books, junior fiction and nonfiction, adult nonfiction and fiction.
D. A limited number of holdings, though not sufficient to comprise formal
collections, are available in two additional categories: Rare Books and
Documents, and Local History. These may be shelved as deemed appropriate
by the Library Director.
1. Rare Books and Documents: It is anticipated that this category will always be quite small, since facilities for evaluation, processing, storage, and display are extremely limited. Any addition to this category would be evaluated on an individual basis in light of its historical value to the community, its suitability for the overall collection, and the capacity to handle it adequately.
2. Local History: Print, photographic, video and sound recordings, oral history works, and other items related to local history are among the selections that would be included, based on the same criteria as set forth for rare books and documents.
XII. Limits of the collection
The Library will attempt to meet its patrons informational, educational, and entertainment requirements with these exceptions:
A. Textbooks, whether at elementary, secondary, or college level, unless there is a general interest in the subject of the item.
B. Highly technical works in which interest would be limited or which would be available through Interlibrary Loan.
C. Archaic, obscure, or rare works that do not fit into such specialized collections as Texana or Genealogy
D. Materials intended to propagandize or proselytize to a specific political or religious viewpoint.
XIII. Interlibrary Loan Policy
The library offers Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL) to patrons who seek material not available through the library’s collection. Requests may be made in person or over the phone. Patrons who use this service must be in good standing with the library (owe no fines, fees, do not have expired cards or overdue materials) and verification of their status will be required prior to submitting the request.
Patrons who wish to use this service must fill out an Interlibrary Loan Request Form usually obtained at the Information or Check-out desks. All completed forms will be reviewed by the Reference Librarian. Phone requests will also be processed on the ILL Request Form. A small fee is charged to cover postal costs (see Addendum for Fee Schedule) as are any charges passed along from the loaning institution. ILL materials generally take several days to several weeks to receive. The library will call the patron when the materials arrive. All ILL materials are due back to the library in time to return them to the lending library by the due date.
XIV. Collection Development Policy
Library collection development is a continuously evolving process that involves community analysis, policy development selection, acquisitions, weeding, and evaluation.
A. Purpose of the Collection Development Policy
The purpose of this Collection Development Policy is to provide an action plan to be used as a guide for library staff’s thinking and decision-making as it relates to the collection. This policy enables the library to determine how much emphasis each portion of the collection will receive as it relates to the needs of the community. Incorporated within the Material Selection Policy, this Collection development policy is an enhancement of the procedures that library staff follow when selecting or weeding from the collection.
B. Goals of the Collection Development Policy:
To maintain materials that allow patrons to educate themselves continuously,
To maintain materials to keep patrons aware of progress in all fields of knowledge,
To maintain materials responsive to the critical development of all sides of public issues,
To maintain materials to help patrons develop greater proficiency in the performance of their work,
To maintain materials that will enable patrons to understand themselves as individuals and how they relate to society and the universe,
To maintain materials that stimulate the creative process and provides guidance in developing appreciation of arts and letters: and to maintain leisure materials for pure enjoyment.
C. Objectives of the Collection Development Policy;
To weed from the entire collection old, unused, and outdated materials in a methodical manner by August of each fiscal year,
To use a timetable in the weeding process, implementing five year cycles to go into effect by October 1,
To evaluate the entire collection by comparing it to professionally accepted lists of recommended basic materials by August of each fiscal year,
To extend the enhancement process over a five year cycle to allow current materials in all areas to be acquired as the budget allows,
To provide guidelines for the professional librarians to achieve weeding, evaluating, and selecting objectives by September 30 of each fiscal year.
Over a five-year period, the entire collection (adult, young people, juvenile, audiovisual, and reference) will be evaluated and strengthened in a systematic pattern. Once the cycle has been completed, the process will begin again to assure the collection is continuously upgraded to meet the needs of the community.
The Collection Development Policy will go into effect October 1 and the following timetable will be as follows:
Budget Year Subject Area
FY 07-08 000s/200s/300s/700s
Fiction/ Talking Books/ Media Sets
FY 08-09 Short Stories/Large Print/Science Fiction/YP Fiction/Westerns/100s/
400s/500s/600s
FY 09-10 Junior Non-Fiction/Easy Non-Fiction/
Mysteries/800s/900s
FY 10-11 Biography/Spanish/Reference/
Junior Fiction/Junior Biography/Easy
Picture Books
FY 11-12 Videos/ DVDs/Paperbacks/ Adult Non-
Fiction
The development procedures of this policy will incorporate the selection aids listed under Section VII of this manual. Also, Fiction Catalog, Children’s Catalog, and other lists of recommended items will be used to scrutinize the core collection. The Crew Manual will be utilized to weed the collection. These sources are recommended to protect the basic integrity of the collection.
XV. Gifts and Memorials Policy
A. Gifts and memorials are welcomed by the library, either in the form of books or money.
1. All materials will be evaluated and/or purchased according to the same selection criteria applied to other materials. If selected, the items will be integrated into the library collection according to the same procedures for categorizing and shelving as applied to other materials.
2. Used materials will be accepted with these understandings:
a. Books and other materials will be added to the collection depending on library needs and the condition of the materials.
b. Books and other materials, which the library cannot use, may be otherwise disposed of such as putting them in a used book sale or giving them to another library, at the discretion of the Library Director.
3. The library reserves the right to decide the conditions of display, housing, and access to the materials.
4. Materials written or produced by local authors must meet the same criteria for selection as other materials.
5. Unsolicited books and other materials received in the mail need not be purchased, returned, or otherwise acknowledged unless payment of return postage and handling is provided.
B. The library, having been designed to circulate books, other print material, and
media that provide information and entertainment for the patrons, is not
equipped to function as a museum.
1. Therefore, it does not solicit, nor as a rule does it accept memorabilia, artifacts, or art objects. Specifically, the library lacks:
a. Sufficient case or wall space for display
b. Adequate space or facilities for storage
c. Trained staff to act as curators to protect and index the materials
2. In some cases there may be materials of local historical or cultural significance that should be preserved. In such cases, the library will accept materials conditionally with the following understandings:
a. The material will be given to a local museum or other suitable repository with approval of the donor. If the donor is not available to provide such consent the material will be given at the discretion of the Library Director.
b. Reasonable care and protection will be provided, but it is recognized that in a public building there is always the possibility of theft, deterioration, or other damage occurring. However, the library will not purchase additional insurance for gifts despite their possible value.
3. Where such materials are adapted to the needs and program of the library, they may be accepted at the Library Director’s discretion, with the assent of the Duncanville Public Library Advisory Board. Such materials become part of the permanent collection of library materials and will be used, stored, displayed, retained, or disposed of according to the needs of the library and its professional practices.
XVI. Weeding Policy
Often materials acquired for the collection are not of permanent value and will be removed by the professional librarians when no longer of use. Reasons for withdrawal of materials are poor physical condition, dated material and inaccuracy of information, and lack of reader interest as evidenced by lack of use in the last three to five years.
XVII. Replacements and Duplicates Policy
When the library replaces an item lost or damaged by a patron, the fee collected shall be based on the original purchase price plus a nonrefundable processing charge (See Addendum for Fee Schedule). Should a patron find an item they lost and paid for, the library will reimburse to the patron the price they paid MINUS the nonrefundable processing fee.
Some material may have high demand and warrant multiple copies in the collection. In these situations multiple copies will be purchased as the budget permits.
XVIII. Reconsideration of Materials
Policy: In order to protect the rights of both the minority and the majority, the following procedure to file a formal complaint whenever a citizen wishes material to be removed from the library’s collection has been adopted for use.
A. When a patron has a complaint regarding an item, they will be given a Citizen Request for Reconsideration of Materials. (See Addendum for form)
B. The patron must read or view the item in its entirety and fill out the form in full for consideration by the Library Board.
C. The Library Director will place the complaint as an agenda item on the next regularly scheduled Library Board Meeting. All patron requests for reconsideration will be protected according to the policy set forth by the Texas Open Records Act.
D. After the Library Director and members of the Library Advisory Board have reviewed the item and its criticisms, the Board will discuss it and notify the patron by letter of its decision regarding the item. The Library Advisory Board’s decision is the final authority in all reconsideration of material requests.
XIX. Confidentiality of Library Records
Policy: The library accepts and supports the policy on confidentiality of library records as set forth in the Texas Open Records Act and the TLA Intellectual Freedom Handbook.
A. Circulation records and other records identifying the name of library users are confidential as set forth in the library confidentiality article of the Texas Open Records Act.
B. Such records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of federal, state, or local law.
C. Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the library’s officers will consult with legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance; if the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, the library’s officers will insist that such defects be cured before complying with the order.
D. The Patriot Act, or Public Law 107-56, was created after the events of 9/11/01. This act may provide law enforcement broader boundaries when investigating information accessed and transmitted by patrons with regards to national security concerns. The Duncanville Public Library will comply with law enforcement when supplied with a legal subpoena or warrant and will follow the guidelines as outlined under section C of this policy.
XX. Copyright Compliance Policy
It is the intent of the Duncanville Public Library to comply with Title 17 of the United States Code titled “Copyrights,” and other federal legislation related to the duplication, retention, and use of copyrighted material. A notice of copyright will be prominently placed on the Library’s photocopiers. Library staff will not duplicate any materials if doing so violates copyright law. Patrons copying any materials on library copiers or through the computer print station are solely and fully responsible for using the materials in compliance with copyright law.
Media purchased by the library is for personal or home use only, unless the cover states the item has public performance rights.
Original or copyright-free art will be used to produce library publicity items or for creating displays and decorations.
XXI. Magazines and Periodicals Policy
Selection of magazines and periodicals in the collection shall be based on the same criteria as applied to books and other library materials and will be evaluated according to the source, Magazines for Public Libraries. Patron suggestions will also be considered and will be subject to the same evaluation criteria.
XXII. Media Policy
A. All media may be checked out on any valid Duncanville Public Library card. Adults must accompany children checking out videos or DVDs.
B. The library is not responsible for any damage to the patron’s equipment through use of the library’s media collection.
C. Patrons should be aware of copyright limitations on the use of media, particularly as related to duplication, distribution, and viewing rights, since federal law provides severe penalties for violation of these rights (See Copyright Compliance Policy).
1. When videos or DVDs are marked “licensed for home viewing only,” it may not be shown to an audience of any size in any public building, including schools, churches, and libraries.
The exception to this is a video or DVD showing where the teacher is personally present, it is being used for classroom instruction, and is a justified part of the educational curriculum. Use of a library video or DVD may not be simultaneously transmitted to additional classrooms or be used for entertainment purposes.
2. Videos or DVDs that are licensed for public showing may be used for programs in public buildings, provided no admission or other fund-raising is involved.
D. Library meeting room facilities and projection or monitoring equipment are not available for, and may not be used for the showing or viewing of copyrighted material that is licensed for home use only. This applies to individual previewing as well as to group programming.
E. The Duncanville Public Library subscribes fully to the public’s freedom to read and to view, specifically as set forth in the American Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Manual, including the section on “Free Access to Libraries to Minors.” It also recognizes parents’ responsibility in the selection of library materials by or for their children.
While it is the library’s position that labeling or rating materials can limit access and, therefore, the freedom to read and to view, it is maintained that parents’ needs are served by some descriptive device which will help them make a more informed choice of movies to be shown in their home. Therefore, when it is available, the rating code of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) will be provided, solely as an informational convenience for those who wish more details on the style or content of a movie they may consider for showing in their home.
It should be remembered that the standards of MPAA ratings are arbitrary, vague, and legally unenforceable, and that they do not necessarily coincide with the Supreme Court’s criteria of community standards for defining obscenity, much less with those of many individual viewers.
Therefore, use of the MPAA code will be continued as available, but only with the stipulation that it has no connection with approval or disapproval of a film by the library and its staff, nor with any desire to influence the patrons’ selections. Further, it should be stated that, as with a book, inclusion of a video or DVD in the library’s collection implies no endorsement of the material’s content, point of view, or appropriateness for any age group.
XXIII. Notices and Exhibits
The Duncanville Public Library regards the distribution and display of community notices, pamphlets, posters, flyers, government documents, artifacts, crafts, and memorabilia as a function of the library’s information service to the community.
Space for these activities will be provided without charge subject to the guidelines listed below. Distribution and display of material does not constitute endorsement or support by the Duncanville Public Library or the City of Duncanville.
A. Notices for posting on Kiosk
Notices/Event flyers will be submitted to the Library Director for approval prior to posting. Material must be for a nonprofit or public service, or of community interest, within the City of Duncanville. Listing of items for sale, or personal promotion (i.e. babysitting, typing services, etc.) will not be posted. Also, material advocating a religious position, or for election or defeat of a political candidate or proposition, will not be accepted. Material will be discarded after the date of the scheduled event or after being on display for 30 days.
B. Exhibits
Exhibits will be scheduled with the Library Director at least one month in advance. Materials for exhibit are submitted at the owner’s risk, since the library assumes no liability for their protection or preservation, nor does it provide insurance coverage of exhibit materials. Patrons must complete an Exhibits Release Form prior to placing items on display (See Addendum for Form).
C. Notices Distribution
Shelving is available in the Magazine Area for the display and distribution of notices, college catalogs, government documents, pamphlets, posters, and other miscellaneous items, that are available to the public for free. Items must be approved by the Library Director prior to placement in this area.
XXIV. Acceptable Behavior Policy
It is the policy of the Duncanville Public Library to offer a library that is quiet and conducive to the study and enjoyment of reading for all ages. Problem behavior that consciously or unconsciously violates or restricts the rights of others to use the library in a peaceful manner will be dealt with by library staff who have the responsibility to maintain order. Procedures have been developed to address certain patron situations and will be implemented as needed by staff in a responsible manner and on a case by case basis. When incidents involve minors, their parents will be notified by phone call or letter (See Addendum for Letter to parents).
Rules of conduct are also posted and distributed so all may see the standard that the Duncanville Public Library expects from its patrons (See Addendum for posted Rules of Conduct and flyers in English and Spanish to Dear Students and Patrons).
XXV. Unattended Children Policy
The Duncanville Public Library welcomes and encourages children to use the library facility and services at all times. Increased usage by children is particularly evident after school, on school holidays, and during the summer months. To ensure the safety of all children, it is the policy of the library that children age 10 and under MUST be accompanied by their parent or a responsible adult 18 years or older. Additionally, using the library as a “babysitting service” is not acceptable and parents will be notified by staff if found to be in violation of this policy. The library also recognizes that parents are responsible for the behavior of their children when the child is in the library. The issue of children age 10 and younger who are in the library without a responsible adult in attendance will be dealt with on an individual basis, and procedures are in place to deal with these children that will be implemented in a safe and responsible manner.
XXVI. FAX Policy
The policy of the Duncanville Public Library is to provide fax service for staff in the performance of library related duties and activities. The usage includes, but is not limited to transmission and receipt of Interlibrary Loan requests and photocopies,
communication with other libraries, vendors, suppliers, and any others conducting business with the library. Since numerous public fax machines are available in Duncanville and surrounding areas, the library chooses not to compete with these commercial enterprises. Therefore, fax service to patrons will not be offered. Patrons requesting fax services will be directed to the Yellow Pages for locations to businesses that offer this service.
XXVII. Library’s Role in Voter Registration
Effective January 1, 1995, the Duncanville Public Library has been mandated to serve as a voter registration site by the office of the Secretary of the State of Texas. Voter registration applications are provided by the Office of the Secretary of State at no expense to the library. The cost of transmitting completed voter registration cards to the voter registrar will be paid by a Secretary of State Business Reply Label.
All patrons of voter age applying for or renewing a library card will be offered a voter registration card. Voter registration cards completed by patrons while at the library will be reviewed by library personnel for completeness and mailed within 24 hours of receipt, but it is not the responsibility of the library or its employees to make any determination concerning the applicants’ eligibility, except for voting age, and library staff will not be responsible for actually filling out the forms. Patrons may choose to take the voter registration card with them and complete and mail it themselves. The library has no further responsibility if patrons decline.
XXVIII. Security System Policy
The 3M Magnetic Detection System is a magnetic-based surveillance system which detects the unauthorized removal of library materials. The purpose of the 3M detection system is to remind all patrons to check out library materials properly before leaving the library. All patrons entering the library are expected to exit through the security system gate.
It is important that the library staff remain courteous and professional when discussing the detection system or handling alarm situations. When questions arise from patrons regarding the security system, staff should respond with a brief and non-technical reply; if patron insists on more information, refer them to the Library Director.
Library staff should assume that all alarms are the result of library error. Library staff should respond quickly to alarms in a calm, courteous, and friendly manner without making any accusations. The cause of alarms must be identified, but patrons will not be detained or their belongings searched. If a patron refuses to cooperate, staff should follow established library procedure dealing with problem patrons.
XXIX. Computer and Internet Use and User Guidelines Policy
A. Policy: The Duncanville Public Library offers internet access and the programs
Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher on 16 public-use computers to further
its mission to meet the educational, informational, and cultural needs of its
residents of all ages. An express station is also provided for users who need brief access to these as well. Use of the internet is also intended primarily as a reference tool for research, information gathering, and for self-directed personal growth more than entertainment purposes such as game playing, chat rooms and group discussion participation. Adult patrons may use any of the 17 computers; however computers A through H are designated for use by minors (17 and younger).
Because the internet is a global, unregulated entity and contains highly diverse
information, the library cannot control or monitor what is available nor does it
have control over the information contained. Therefore, patrons should
evaluate the content and validity of the information found, with print sources.
Additionally, because computer workstations are in a public building where
children are present the library takes a ZERO TOLERANCE stance towards
viewing pornography. Any patron found to be visiting such sites will LOSE their
computer privileges permanently. Therefore, by reading and signing off on
this policy, patrons agree to the conditions and rules set forth in this section.
1. U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized
reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials. Therefore, any
copyright infringement lies with the user; the library expressly disclaims
any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information
obtained from the Internet.
2. Staff Limitations
The Library’s purpose in having computers for public use is to provide the
service, and not to educate in the use of the computers. Library staff can
help patrons get started on the computers, assist with troubleshooting,
offer search suggestions, and answer questions of a general nature.
Library staff cannot, however devote the time needed for one-on-one instruction concerning the internet and programs offered on the
computers. Because of library scheduling, internet-trained staff may not
always be immediately available to assist patrons. Therefore, computer
patrons need to be prepared to work as independently as possible
.
3. Children’s Use
Children 17 and younger are allowed access to Computers A through J. The Duncanville Public Library encourages parents to work closely with and monitor their child’s internet and computer use. Parents are REQUIRED to SIT with their children aged 10 and younger while using this service in the library. Parents concerned about their children’s use of the internet are encouraged to read and share with their children, MY RULE OF ONLINE SAFETY. This is included in an excellent publication from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, entitled CHILD SAFETY ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY (2003), which has been included in this policy manual (see Addendum). When Computers A through E are in use and there is a computer designated for adult use available, a child may request permission from the Librarian on Duty to use the computer. The Librarian on Duty will make the decision based on the child’s need. Acceptable requests include checking school email, researching school projects, or writing papers. Not acceptable are requests to use a computer to play games, enter chat rooms, instant messaging, or participating in discussion groups.
4. The Duncanville Public Library offers free Wi-Fi environment for use by patrons with laptops equipped with the appropriate internal configuration. To access this service no password is required. Laptop users will comply with the same general rules that apply to users of the public use computers.
5. An express station is offered to library card holders for the purpose of
brief or quick use by patrons. This station is free to all users, and use of
it will constitute 1 of 2 computer use sessions provided to all patrons.
B. Rules Governing Use
All computer users must read, sign, and agree to comply with the Duncanville Public Library’s Computer and Internet use policy and user rules BEFORE using the service.
All users must have a Duncanville Public Library card to use the service. A computer-use only card is available to non-residents for a fee (See Addendum for Fee Schedule). Users MUST use their own card and cannot use another person’s library card to access computer services. If they do, their session will be terminated immediately, and the patron who allowed others to use their card will have their privileges suspended for two weeks.
All users must bring their library card in order to use the computers. If the card is forgotten, the user will need to retrieve it. Requests for users’ Library card numbers cannot be provided as library staff will not divulge library card numbers to anyone due to confidentiality of library records.
The Library has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy towards the viewing of pornography. If a patron is found visiting such sites, their computer privileges will be permanently suspended.
All users will have access on a first-come first-serve basis.
All users are limited to two (2) log-in sessions per day. A session lasts up to one hour, though in quiet times sessions will automatically be extended in 15 minute increments.
Only two (2) users are allowed at each computer workstation. A quiet atmosphere is enforced in all areas, and noisy, disruptive users will be asked to leave the library if they do not comply. Computer privileges may be suspended accordingly.
Children 10 and under MUST have a parent sit with them when using the service. If a child of this age or younger is found to be using the service without a parent present, their session will be terminated immediately.
Users may work from and save to a CD or flash drive. CDs are available for sale at the Check-Out Desk for a fee (see Addendum).
Users are responsible for paying for all copies generated in advance.
Users may not use any library workstation for illegal or criminal purpose and must comply with U.S. Copyright law and all other applicable laws.
Failure to comply with the Computer and Internet use policy and user rules will result in immediate suspension of computer services for the user.
XXX. Proctor Policy
As part of the library’s role to meet the educational needs of its residents, the library staff will proctor examinations for residents and nonresidents who work within the city limits of Duncanville.
Proctor students must be 16 years or older. There is no fee to proctor exams.
XXXI. TexShare Library Card Policy
A. Policy
The Duncanville Public Library participates in the Texas State Library TexShare library card program. Emphasis of card participation is to facilitate the exchange of educational and informational book requests. Current participation is valid September through August of each year, and is available to Duncanville residents 18 years and older who are registered borrowers in good standing (owe no fines, fees or have overdue books) & have had a library card for 3 months.
B. Limits
TexShare borrowers are limited to 4 checkout sessions from September 1 to February 28 and 4 checkout sessions from March 1 to August 31. Each session is limited to 5 books per borrower. Items NOT available for circulation to TexShare borrowers are: nonprint material (audio visuals, videos, talking books, etc.), bestsellers and other 7 day items, including magazines, Interlibrary loan service, and reference materials. All other rules and procedures of the Duncanville Public Library apply to TexShare borrowers.
XXXII. Meeting Room Policy
The Policy and procedures for reserving a Meeting Room in the Library/Community Center exist in the Duncanville Community Center Facility Rental Policies and Procedures document (see Addendum).
XXXIII. Reevaluation of the Policy Manual
This policy manual shall be reevaluated by the Library Director and the Library Advisory Board every two years.
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