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Minutes_LAB_04.21.2014
Minutes of the Meeting of the Library Advisory Board of the City of Georgetown April 21, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the Staff conference room Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street The Library Advisory Board met on Monday, April 21 at 6:30 Fh- m. in the staff conference room at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8 Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: Linda Nix, Tom Hagen, Michael Barnes, and Stephanie Blanck. Regular Session — began at 6:30 p.m. A. Citizens wishing to address the Board. There were none. B. Consideration of minutes of the March 17, 2014 meeting. — Michael Barnes made the motion to accept the minutes of the March 2014 Library Advisory Board Meeting and Tom Hagen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. C. Consideration of Library Director's report — Eric Lashley — Director Lashley reported circulation and visitations were up for the month of March overthe previous fiscal year. Bookmobile circulation equaled 2,464, e -book circulation equaled 1307, and downloadable audiobooks equaled 352. Lashley noted the library had 976 hours donated by volunteers. Director Lashley reported the Anne Frank exhibit was going extremely well and a Holocaust survivor will be speaking at the library on Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m. He reported the library now has WiFi printing capabilities for patrons who bring in their own laptops or mobile devices. Lashley also noted the next speaker in the Friends' author series will be James Magnuson, on May 8, 2014. The director noted the $1,000.00 donation by PEC and Blanck asked about the $1,806.81 donation by Bonnie Stump. Lashley didn't know about the donation, but said he would find out and report back to the board. The director passed out a draft copy of the Georgetown City Center plan, written by Nore Winter and Company, and informed the board that the draft plan will be presented in a Council workshop session on May 13, 2014. He wanted the board members to see the plans before the story hit the newspapers. D. Consideration of the Georgetown Reads! Program for 2014 — Eric Lashley — Director Lashley announced the 2014 Georgetown Reads! Selection is Barbara Kingsolver's book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. The book is about a family that spends a year eating only food that they have raised themselves or acquired locally. The library will be sponsoring book discussion events in May and will have other programs relating to the book in September. E. Report on library's budget for 2014-15 — Eric Lashley- Director Lashley reported he is requesting additional funds for programming, library materials, temp on call employees, travel and training as well as a new marketing position. He noted the large number of programs the library is producing as well as the added responsibility of promoting programs on social media is justification for the new position. F. Report from Staff regarding Texas Library Association annual conference — Eric Lashley — Lashley did not have a report since he had just returned from vacation and had not had a chance to discuss the conference with the staff members who had attended. G. Consideration of the library's policies regarding reconsideration of materials and art — Eric Lashley- Director Lashley asked to defer this discussion until more board members could participate in the discussion. H. Consideration of dates of future Board meetings — Eric Lashley — Lashley noted this particular agenda item allowed for meeting dates to be changed if a quorum would be difficult for future meetings. No accommodations needed to be made, so no changes were made to the future meeting schedule. Chair Linda Nix adjourned the meeting at 7:47 P.M. Respectfully submitted, C la; Margaret ompson, Secretary Linda Nix, Chair Jj City ©f Georgetown, Texas SUBJECT: Consideration of minutes of March 17, 2014 meeting. ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: This item has no financial impact SUBMITTED BY: Judy Fakir ATTACHMENTS: T Description Type 0 minutes of3-t7-14meeting Backup Material City of Georgetown, Texas SUBJECT: Consideration of Library Director's report -- Eric Lashley ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: This item has no financial impact. SUBMITTED BY: Judy Fabry ATTACHMENTS: Description Type © Mar 14 director's report Backup Material C7 Mar 141ibrary statistics Backup Material 0 Mar 14 memorial toe Backup Material DIRECTOR'S MONTHLY REPORT GEOR+ ETO N PUBLIC LIBRARY LARCH 2014 HIGHLIGHTS • Public response to the Anne Frank exhibit has been very positive. The docents are doing an excellent job of presenting the exhibit and controlling traffic on the second floor. Staff has been involved to a certain extent, preparing hand-out materials and, since the docents occupy one of the meeting rooms each day, juggling meeting rooms so that everyone who needs space can be accommodated. • Three artists displayedthelrwork during March: Valerie Fowler showed her book illustrations in the west hallway and Bob Keels and Nancy Scarbrough did a father - daughter show can the bridge. Bob showed his travel photos and Nancy is a watercolorist. • Mike Blakely, country -western singer/songwriter entertained to a standing room only crowd on March 16. • During the week of GISD's spring break —March 10-14—the library was extremely busy, with special programs every day but Tuesday. an Monday several of the library - staff members did another original puppet show featuring the children's literature character Skippyjon Janes (a Siamese kitten that thinks he's a Chihuahua). Staff clot rave reviews. The annual c ildren's tea party was on Wednesday and more than 200 attended; The theme this year was Alice in Wonderland. The special teen event for spring break was a Trashion Show --the teens created clothing out of materials that usually are thrown away. The fashions were great and everyone had a good time, too; • Sally Bernier, technical services librarian, and Leslie Bradley, supervising librarian and volunteer coordinator, attended the annual conference of the Public Library Association, which was held in Indianapolis this year, March 11-15. PATRON COMMENTS FOR MARCH 2014 1. Please get Georgetown Public Library tote bags for patrons to purchase. 2. give Sally Miculek a raiser She is very helpful! . 1 am not a Jew; but thanks for bringing this kind of exhibit to the library. Sometimes we forget what happened. GEORGETOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY Comparative Fiscal Year Statistics 2#13 " Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Annual Total Patron Vlsitsi Current feat 26554 29893 24808 29562 28508 32771 172086 2012-2013 26729 27473 19786 27227 27534 32142 350225 2011-2012 30822 27674 22499 35123 32409 47620 396094 2010-2011 31410 27524 28878 27363 29232 31269 362923 Circulation 2013 2 4- Current Year 46697 42212 40366 44732 40648 46748 261303 2012-2013 41909 42277 38971 44973 40288 45324 550683 2011-2012 45280 42854 38880 44006 41925 45073 5503 2010-2011 40965 40697 35963 42919 40488 44139 527746 _ FY 2013-0214Statlstics Children's Frograms Annual Total Attendance 1351 789 612 854 1031 1178 581 Programs 11 5 11 4 11 12 54 Story Time 27 19 12 22 20 18 118 Other (Tout, Movies, Cr, g 4 0 0 0 4 16 Ater School Programs 4 5 4 4 4 4 25 Gather Services ILL Ordered 64 38 38 52 36 28 256 ILL filled 41 32 31 26 31 17 178 Internet usage i persons) 6130 5002 4453 5428- 5020 5661 31694 Overdrive usage (I_ -books) 1129 1188 1278 1370 1294 1307 7566 Overdrive usage (audiobooks) 27 282 282 292 20 352 1725 Bookmobile circulation 2979 2609 2466 2038 2941 2464 15497 Volunteer Hours Adult 667.25 692.50 5%50 716,85 634.50 77015 4041.35 Teen 44.00 11;00 52,00 75;50 7915 64.50 326.75 Community Service 42.00 55.75 130.25 107,50 72,25 141.50 549.25 Total 753.25 75915 741.75 899.85 786,50 97615 4917.35 Registrations City Residents -new 142 95 97 94 185 150 763 GISD Kids' Cards 8 6 0 1 12 10 37 Non -residents -news 26 21 28 39 40 39 193 7otal 176 122 125 134 237 199 993 Cash Receipts Fines/Mist, Revenue 3302.99 3042,65 299615 3923,26 3253.24 3645A2 20163,81 Non-resident fees 2060,00 1880,00 1905,00 3090.00 2555.00 2630,00 14120.00 Donations 286&85 1115.53 2197,52 389.70 1216,10 1850.90 9638,60 Gifts/Memorials 125,00 2525.00 1182,50 9171.25 527150 4154.81 224 2,06 Meeting Roam Use persons attdg r eetings 3542 3009 2396 2744 2868 5500 20059 Library Collection Changes Copies Ad Jed 1851 890 1278 967 1220 1299 7505 Copies Discarded 473 389 394 701 629 449 3035 Donations Added 212 75 138 138 77 132 77 ookrnooile ad not run the d.aw t week of Jane ary GEORGETQ1111'N PUBLIC LIBRARY DONATIONS -_ March 2014 c , r a t� ttx 1h ,s�l<t Sr•`',�ti� a r t }. } ! ?, T :t,3 ...,«'i> t,�t,,� Y (%',.� , `xl.,<;�r ,}} �.i,,, 5.:., a : t,d , i "W 'a;+� ?. ��� t.'� i�.Y�.tf11'� i . ;,t� ;.,� �? � ���.. ,,3➢ � ;i,: £ r y yy�,. {fig;. ;� � c. �,� � �SurJ` # � . k,�� �' 3.er �'� ,.?, Nancy Mockler, Billie Muth Parker, and Sharleen Reed $60 on memory of George "Skip" Smith Sara Neal Eske $30 on memory of Charles Aiken Bonnie Stump $1,806,81 Margaret Thompson $100 in memory of Jackie Thompson Judy Davis $20 in honor of Gerry Sensabaugtt Woman and Words Bookclub $55 in memory of Barbara Gilbertson Forest Family/Betty Stenger $200 in memory of Mickey Fite Forest Richard L, Ruddell $50 in honor of Gerry Sensebaugh Can LaBruyer $20 in honor of Stephen Pittman D.X Featherling Copies of her novels, Time Out and Making Over Caro Lester Frazier $250 for library staff parties Mary Ann Barbour $25 in memory of George and Frances Nelson Congregation Havurah Shalom of Sun City Copy of Plagues of the Soul DVC Pedernales Electric Cooperative $1000 for children's'programs Thomas & Vicky Sinwell $2 0 for children's programs City of Georgetown, Texas SUBJECT: Consideration of the Georgetown Reads! program for 2014 -- Eric Lashley ITEM SUMMARY: The 2014 Georgetown Reads! selection is Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. It is a nonfiction account of the year that Kingsolver's family spent eating only food that they had raised themselves or acquired locally. During May the library will sponsor book discussion events. In September attention will be refocused on the book with programs featuring local food producers. FINANCIAl1 IMPACT: This item has no financial impact. SUBMITTED BY: Judy Fabry City of Georgetown, Texas SUBJECT: Report on library's budget for 2014-15 -- Eric Lashley ITEM SUMMARY: Director Lashley will go over the base budget and requests that he will be making. FINANCIAL IMPACT: This item has no direct financial impact. SUBMITTED BY: City of Georgetown, Texas SUBJECT: Report from staff regarding Texas Library Association annual conference -- Eric Lashley. ITEM SUMMARY: Six of the professional librarians attended the annual conference of the Texas Library Association, which was held in San Antonio. FINANCIAL IMPACT: This item has no financial impact. SUBMITTED BY• Judy Fabry City of Georgetown, Texas SUBJECT: Consideration of the library's policies regarding reconsideration of materials and art -- Eric Lashley. ITEM SUMMARY: The library has policies in place to handle requests from the public to remove library materials or art that is on display in the building. A copy of the reconsideration policy and copies of the forms that requesters must complete are attached to this agenda item. FINANCIAL IMPACT: This item has no financial impact. SUBMITTED BY: ATTACHMENTS: Description Type ❑ reconsideration of materials Backup Material ❑ reconsideration of art Backup Material CITIZEN'S REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIAL (1 form per title) Author: Title: Person making request: Address: Phone Number: E-mail: This request is being made on behalf of: - I Person making request A family member Group or organization (please designate) PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW 1. How did you become aware of this item? 2. Did you read or review the entire material? 3. What is your objection to the item? 4. What would you like the library to do about this item? Regq st for Reconsideration Process After the completed request form is received, the Library Director will review the material in question and will attempt to answer the complaint to the patron's satisfaction. if the patron is not satisfied with the Library Director's action, a request may be made for the material to be reviewed by the Library Advisory Board: If the material is viewed by the Library Advisory Board, an agenda item will be placed on the earliest monthly board meeting agenda. The Library Advisory Board meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 PM in the first floor staff conference room of the library. The Library Director will send an invitation to the patron to attend the monthly meeting. The patron whom made the request will be allowed 3 minutes to explain why they would like to have the library material reconsidered. The Chair of the Library Advisory Board may grant additional time at their discretion. Library Advisory Board members may ask questions of the patron, but the patron cannot speak during the deliberations of the agenda item unless they are responding to a direct question. No action will be taken at the initial board meeting. After the initial Library Advisory Board meeting, the material in question and any other materials the patron would like to include in their request will be kept at a designated location within the library for Library Advisory Board members to review prior to the second meeting. The same rules and procedures will apply for the second board meeting, The patron will be granted 3 minutes to speak on the agenda item. The Chair of the Library Advisory Board may grant additional time at their discretion. Members of the Library Advisory Board may ask questions of the patron. During deliberations, the patron is not allowed to speak unless to answer a direct question from the Board. The Board will make a decision regarding the patron's request. If the patron is not satisfied with the Library Advisory Board's decision, they have the right to appeal the decision to City Council. If the patron indicates they would like to appeal,the Library Director will contact the City Manager and Mayor to have the item placed on a future Council agenda. The Library Director will send an invitation to the patron informing them of the date and time of the Council meeting and the procedures which will follow. CITIZEN'S REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF WORKS OF ART Artist: Title: Person making request: Address: Phone Number: E-mail: This request is being made on behalf of: Person making request A family member Group or organization (please designate) PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW 1. How did you become aware of this art work? 2. To what in the work do you object? 3. What would you like the library to do about this work? Beauest for Reconsideration Process Tire# # . i #d1lit, ut Lne xaTron s s :#I h tie rFaTFOT1—rS-7W—f7•. #. the Library Director's action, a request may be made for the artwork to be reviewed by the Arts and Culture Board, If the artwork is viewed by the Arts and Culture Beard, an agenda item will be placed on the earliest monthly board meeting agenda. The Arts and Culture Board meets the third Tuesday of the month at 4 30 PM in the library. The Library Director will send an invitation to the patron to attend the monthly meeting. actionThe patron whom made the request will be allowed 3 minutes to exp ain w y ey Wou the artwork reconsidered. The Chair of the Arts and Culture Board may grant additional time at their discretion, Arts and Culture Board members may ask questions of the patron, but the patron cannot speak during the deliberations of the agenda item unless they are responding to a direct question. No be taken at the initial board After the initial Arts and Culture Board meeting, the material in question and any ether materials the Matron would life to include in their request will be kept at a designated location within the library for Arts and Culture Board members to review prior to the second meeting. The same rules and procedures will apply for the second board meeting. The patron will be granted 3 minutes to speak on the agenda item. The Chair of the Arts and Culture Board may grant additional time at their discretion. Members of the Arts and Culture Board may ask questions of the patron. During deliberations, the patron is not allowed to speak unless to answer a direct question from the Board. The Board will mare a decision regarding the patron's request. If the patron is unsatisfied with the Arts and Culture Board's decision, they have the right to appeal the decision to City Council. If the patron indicates they would like to appeal, the Library Director will contact the City Manager and Mayor to have the item placed on a future Council agenda, The Library Director will send an invitation to the patron informing them of the date and time of the Council meeting and the procedures which will follow. Brenna Normann, Cataloging Librarian Leslie Bradley, Library Supervisor & Volunteer Coordinator Julie Wagner, Library Assistant Melissa Mote, Teen Librarian Kalena Powell, Library Assistant, Children's Gloria Powers, Library Assistant ,dim , •;s_ f Judy Fabry, Administrative Assistant Therese Fernandez, Library Assistant _r kt , m r ( . d i ) yb 1 k S r � , Toni Nietfeld, Library Assistant (children's) Rachael Pattillo, Library Assistant, Graphic Design Valerie Barber, Purchasing Manager Lawren Weiss, Library Assistant Robert Barber, Library Assistant Debbi Scott, Library Assistant (technical services) Rita Kirkpatrick, Library Assistant Policy Statements for the Georgetown Public Library Updated June 2012 The following manual contains many of the major policies of the Georgetown Public Library. The Library Director reserves the right to change policies if the director feels the policy changes are in the best interest of the Library or our patrons. The Library is a department within the City of Georgetown an policies set by the Georgetown City Council and City Manager can supersede internal Library policies. The Library will make every effort to inform patrons any major policy changes before new policies are implemented. Policies are created to assist the Library in fulfilling our mission. Mission Statement The Georgetown Public Library is dedicated to open and equal access to information, technology, lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and the joys of reading for our diverse community. The Georgetown Public Library accomplishes this mission by offering the services, resources, and facilities to fulfill the informational, educational, and recreational needs and interests of Library patrons. The Georgetown Public Library, a public library for all citizens, shall strive toward the following goals: To assemble, preserve and make available educational, recreational and informational materials which promote enlightened citizenship and enriched personal lives. These materials shall include books, periodicals, and other media representing diverse intellectual interests and cultural traditions for the use and benefit of all segments of the public. To serve the community as a center of reliable information. To initiate activities which encourage the use of the Library's materials, facility, and assets. To cooperate with educational, civic, and cultural groups and organizations whose aims are compatible with those of the library. To facilitate universal, life-long learning. I. Patron Use Policies Library Membership The Georgetown Public Library is a department of the City of Georgetown supported by the general fund. Residents of Georgetown are illegible for a free library card; nonresidents must pay an annual nonresident fee; Library Carols and Tees • Individuals older than 16 who wish to apply for a card must present picture ID and proof of current residence. • Residents of Georgetown and persons who pay City property taxes may receive library cards at no cost, • Nonresidents may borrow library materials for an annual fee of $25.00, which provides cards for all fancily members. • The annual fee for nonresidents who are 65 or alder is $20.00, which provides cards for all family members. • Lost cards will be replaced for a fee of $1.00. • If a person applying for a new library card lives at the same address as a person who has fines or fees of $5.00 or more, the new applicant may be denied a library card until the fees are paid. Children's Library Cards • Any family member, including children of any age, may receive a library card when an adult library member requests that they be added to his or her record. In other cases, a parent or guardian must apply for an individual card for children under 16 years of age. • Children also may receive cards through a program operated in cooperation with the Georgetown Independent School District. Applications are distributed to students at the beginning of the school year. Resident students who apply will receive regular library cards, nonresidents will receive special cards with limited borrowing privileges that are good for the school year, Nonresident students who have received a card through the GISD program may have to pay a $5.00 fee to have unlimited borrowing privileges during the summer months. "Texshare Card • After you have been a member of the Georgetown library for one month, and your record is free of fines and fees, you are eligible to receive a TexShare card, which gives you borrowing privileges at many public and academic libraries in Texas. Nearby libraries that participate in this program include Southwestern University, hound Rock Public Library, andUT-Austin. your TexShare card must be renewed annually. Ask at the circulation desk for more information. • The Georgetown Public Library will only accept TexShare cards from libraries certified by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Borrowing Library Materials Loan Periods The loan period for most library books, all audio books, and all music CDs is 21 days. The loan period for videos and DVDs is 14 days. The loan period for most new books is 14 days; however, new books that are more than 500 pages long check out for 21 days. Reference materials, magazines and newspapers may not be checked out. Some very popular bestselling authors may have a loan period for 7 days. Renewals Unless someone else has placed a hold on an item, all materials may be renewed one time, either in person, by phone, or online. One drive -up outdoor bookdrop is available. It is on the south side of the building, to the right as you drive into the 9th Street entrance. This drop is open at all times, but to minimize damage to books, please use this drop only when you are unable to come into the library. Do not put oversized or fragile materials in the bookdrop. Overdue Notices If you have an email address on record with the library, you will receive an email notice three days before your borrowed items are due, and if they are not returned or renewed, you will receive another email notice three days after the items are due. Thirty days after items are due the library will mail a postcard reminding you of the overdue items. After sixty days you will receive a letter in the mail reminding you of the overdue items, but at that time the items are declared lost and charges for replacement are placed on your record. If you believe you receive any of these notices in error, or if you have questions about notices you may receive, please call the library at 930-3551. A fine of 10 cents per day is assessed on all overdue library materials. Interlibrary Loan If the library does not have materials you are looking for, it may be possible to borrow them from another library through inter -library loan (ILL). Request can be made through the library's on-line catalog or with staff assistance. The charge for this service is one-way postage on the item ordered. ILLS may take up to three (3) weeks to arrive and genealogical materials often take longer than three weeks. Bookmobile The Library operates a bookmobile and will make stops only within the City limits of Georgetown. Anyone with a valid Georgetown Public Library card can checkout materials from the bookmobile. Due dates may be adjusted due to the frequency of straps at a particular location. Due dates can be determined by the Library Director and Community Outreach Librarian. Reserves cannot be placed on materials in the bookmobile's permanent collection. Internet Use Public Use Computers and Internet Access Computer workstations are available for connection to the Internet, children's educational games, or to use word processing and spreadsheet software. Printing from these computers costs 10 cents per page. Access to the computer workstations is available on a first -come, first -served basis. After registering, anyone may use a computer for a maximum of one hour per day. The same sign-up and use rules aptly to the workstation computers in the Children's room as in the main room. Free wireless access to the Internet is available for persons who wish to use their personal laptop computers in the library. Due to the unrestricted environment of the Internet, information accessed can the Internet may contain material that is incorrect, inauthentic, unreliable, illegal, obscene or sexually explicit. Although the library tides provide filters on specific computers, we assume no liability or responsibility for what is viewed by patrons or is left on the screen to be later viewed by a subsequent patron. Restriction or supervision of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian, the library cities not have the right or responsibility to act in loco par ntis. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof. Children's use It is the library's policy that parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what library resources are appropriate for their children: There will be some resources that parents may feel are inappropriate for their children. Some library computers are designated as children's workstations. These workstations use filtering software to access the Internet. Since no filtering software can control access to all materials that an individual may deem inappropriate, parents should supervise their children's Internet sessions. Rules governing use • Children younger than 14 are to use the computer terminals in the children's room, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. • Computers may be filtered for individuals under the age of 18. • users must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by Library staff. • Users may not install or download any software without express permission from Library staff. • Users may not use any library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose. • Users may not make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software. • Users will not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software. • Users may not violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their use of Library workstations or laptops. • Users may not engage in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, indecent, libelous, or slanderous. • Users will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others. • 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. Violations may result in loss of access. Users are advised that due process will be used to handle violations of an illegal nature, including criminal prosecution, if necessary. Privacy The Georgetown Public Library seeks to protect the First Amendment rights of its patrons and their individual right to privacy. However, Internet users must be aware that workstations are in public areas and, therefore, images and text on the screen are subject to view by a wide audience. Users are cautioned that the Internet is not a secure environment. Personal information included in all transactions, files and communications may be subject to unauthorized access by third parties. The Georgetown Public Library respects the confidentiality of those using its electronic resources and will only release library records as required by law or for the Library's operations. Digital Collections Policies Georgetown Heritage Society Photograph Collections The Georgetown Public Library acknowledges the Georgetown Heritage Society for the donation of the historic photograph collection to the library. The collection includes images of buildings, events, citizens, and firefighters in Georgetown from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. The Library and the Georgetown Heritage Society are please to make these images available to the public; please see our policies (see below) regarding duplication and use. A Note About Historical Sources The Georgetown Public Library does not guarantee the accuracy of the descriptions of each image. The library welcomes comments and /or corrections. Content on this site is drawn from a broad range of original historical resources, including materials that may contain offensive images or stereotypes. Such materials should be viewed in the context of the time and place in which they were created. All historical media are presented as specific, original artifacts, without further enhancement to their appearance or quality, as a record of the era in which they were produced. Photographic/Digital Images Policies the physical # intellectual integrity of #ric materials. Patrons are welcometo make reproductionsof our collection. personal - ## ask that patrons # .following policies: 1. The patron accepts all responsibility for the possible copyright infringement arising from the use of reproductions from the Georgetown Public Library collection. 2. Generally, patrons of `# #. Public #rary may make reproductions of photographic requestTF, IMF a written ! the Library! # approval. Donation Policy for Photographic Materials The Georgetown Public Library accepts donations of photographic materials under the following conditions: Georgetown against all claims, demands, costs and expenses including attorney fees incurred by ,ionated Faxing and Copying A fax machine is available at the Deference Desk on the second floor. With the help of staff you may send to and receive faxes from phones within the United States. We cannot do international faxes. The ri charge for faxing is $1.00 for the first page and $.50 per page thereafter. You do not have to pay for the cover page. The public copy machine is located on the second floor, near the reference desk. It is self -serve, makes black and white copies only, and it will do double -sided copies. The charge for copies is $.10 per page. A double -sided copy is $.20. Cash, check, or a credit card may be used to pay for faxes and copies. Copyright U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use." Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including email, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user, the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use. Microfilm Reader A manually operated microfilm reader/copier is located near the Reference Desk. Copies are $.10 per page. The library has a small collection of microfilm that includes the complete run of The Williamson County Sun from its inception to the present and census records for Williamson County from 1850 through 1930, but you are welcome to bring in your own microfilm to read on our machine. Proctoring Services To assist Georgetown residents in achieving their lifelong learning goals, the Georgetown Public Library provides exam proctoring for individuals who are resident Georgetown Public Library Card card holders in good standing or non-resident GPL card holders in good standing who have been members for at least 90 days. TexShare card holders are not eligible for this service. Exams can be either paper -pencil or online. There is no charge for this service. Unattended Children Policy The library is not responsible for unattended children. If staff determines an unattended child is in danger of harming themselves or others, the staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian of the child and if the staff cannot contact the parent/guardian the staff will contact the Georgetown Police Department. If the staff contacts the parent/guardian of an unattended child and determines the parent/guardian is uncooperative or unresponsive in dealing with our concerns regarding the well-being of the child, the staff will contact the Georgetown Police Meeting Room Use The Georgetown Public Library has avariety 'of meeting rooms. Some require a rental fee, while others are free. Rented rooms are available every day from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM, but free rooms are available from the time library opens until 15 minutes before closing. Room Rentals Free Rooms To reserve a study room or the conference room call the Reference [Desk at 30-3627. Free rooms include four study rooms that hold 4-6 people, and a conference room that holds up to 10 people. The study rooms are available on a first -come, first -served basis with a two hour limit when others are waiting. These rooms may be booked once a month for up to two hours. No commercial use of these rooms is allowed. The rooms close 15 minutes before the library closes: Rental Rooms Rental rooms include the Hewlett Room and the Friends Room each with a capacity of 200. These two roams may also be rented as one, large room with a 400 person capacity. Smaller groups may wish to rent the Classroom, which has a capacity of 40 people. Meeting Room Fees Hewlett and Friends Hewlett or Friends Classroom (capacity:400) (capacity:200) (capacity:40) Resident/Nonprofit w th$40 for 2 hrs. minimum, 20 for 2 hrs. minimum, $ 0 for 2 hrs. minimum, 501(c) status then $20 per additional " then $10 per additional then $5 per additional hr., hr., $120 for 6+ hrs. hr., $60 for 6+ hrs. $30 for 6+ hrs. Commercial $200 for 2 hrs. minimum, $100 for 2 hrs, minimum, $40 for 2 hrs, minimum, then $100 per additional -then $50 per additional then $20 per additional hr., ,hr., hr., $120 for 6+ hrs. $600 for 6+ hrs. $00 for 6+ hrs. 2 LCD Projectors (PC only) 2 TVs with DVD & VCR Overhead projector Rental fee $25 per meeting in $10 per meeting in $5 per meeting in advance advance advance $75 day of meeting $30 day of meeting $15 day of meeting No security deposits will be charged for rented equipment, but full replacement cost will be charged in case of damage. Equipment rental fees shall be three times the advance rate on the day of a meeting. Please note that there will be no charges for events co -sponsored by the Georgetown Public Library or City of Georgetown. ALL FOOD AND BEVERAGES served in the meeting rooms must be purchased through the coffee shop located in the library. Rules and Policies for Meeting Room Use Renting a Room 1. Red Poppy Coffee Company located in the library, will provide food and beverage service for your meeting or event. Only if service is declined for your event or if you receive permission from the Library Director, may bring in food or beverages from outside. 2. Rented meeting rooms may be reserved 6 months in advance for use between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM. C 3. No person, association, organization, business, or corporation may rent any of the rooms more than once a month. 4. All fees are due when the reservation is made. No refunds will be made for any cancellation less than one week prior to scheduled use. Checks for rent and security deposits should be made payable to the City of Georgetown. No rental fees will be charged for events that are co -sponsored by the Georgetown Public Library or City of Georgetown. 5. If a meeting goes 15 minutes over the scheduled time, an additional hour will be billed. 6. Meeting rooms may be reserved for social gatherings such as showers, birthday parties, and family reunions; religious services; fundraisers; and political functions. 7. Events with amplified music will not be permitted during library operating hours. 8. Meetings must be free and open to the public unless commercial rental rates are being paid, and only groups that pay the commercial rental rate may charge admission fees or hold fund-raising events. 9. Groups that do not pay commercial rental rates may charge attendees the actual cost of food that is served at the event or the actual cost of materials provided as a part of the event. 10. The individual or group renting the room is responsible for setting up the room and returning it to its original configuration or deposit may be forfeited. 11. Any advertising or printed material of events or programs sponsored by the renter must contain the following statement: THIS EVENT IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR SPONSORED BY THE GEORGETOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY OR THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN. 12. No activities may be held outside of the room rented. Renters who distribute written materials in the rented room are responsible for collecting and disposing of all remaining materials prior to leaving the premises. 13. The Library is a government -awned facility. Renters are responsible for complying with Section 255.003 of the Texas Election Code, which prohibits the use of public funds, including the use of government -owned facilities, for the distribution of written political advertising materials or for radio or television broadcasts of political advertising: Miscellaneous Restrictions 1. Smoking is not allowed in any of the meeting roams. 2. Registration tables, refreshments, or any father activities are not permitted outside of the room rented unless approved by the Library Director. . No candies or open flames are allowed in any of the meeting rooms. 4. No decorations may be attached in any way to the walls or ceilings of any of the roams. S. No furniture may be borrowed or moved from either areas of the library. E.Alcoholic beverages may be permitted with the approval of the Library Director. A professional security guard will be required at events where alcohol is served unless waived by the Library Director. 7. The library reserves the right to reschedule any meeting in case of an emergency and will notify the representative of any previously scheduled meeting as quickly as possible. R. The City of Georgetown and the Georgetown Public Library are not responsible for any articles lost or stolen from any of the rented rooms. . Groups requesting exceptions to these rules and policies must do so in writing to the Library Director, with an explanation for the exception requested. 10. Failure to fallow the above rules and policies will result in loss of security deposit(s) and refusal of further meeting room bookings. 11. Any circumstances not covered in the above rules and policies will be resolved by discussion with the Library Director. Art Displays The Library will display works of art on a rotating basis. The Library Director will determine the length of art displays. .2nd Culture Board would go to the City Council. Exhibits, ;Signs, and Soliciting Policy All materials displayed in the COMMON PUBLIC AREAS will be selected or permitted based upon cultural, educational and informational merits with approval of the Director. COMMON PUBLIC AREAS means areas used by library customers of all ages and with a variety of interests. These areas include but are not limit to foyers, meeting rooms, reference and circulation desk areas and enclosed display cases. The public are allowed to place promotional materials bulletin boards provided in the library's foyer for one month and all items must be dated. 11. Policies for Staff Materials Selection Policy This Materials Selection Policy shall serve the following purposes: To further the stated goals, objectives, and functions of the Georgetown Public Library. To guide librarians in the selection of materials. To inform the public about selection principles. Final responsibility and authority for materials selection rests with the Director of the Library, who implements policies adopted by the Georgetown Public Library Advisory Board and Georgetown City Council. The staff will assist the Director in selecting materials using their knowledge of the collection and the needs of the community and their critical judgment of materials available. Criteria For Selection of Materials Materials considered for inclusion in the Library's collection must meet one or more of the following standards: A. importance of subject matter B. Serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value C. Permanence D. Timely value E. Purpose or intent of the material F. Accuracy or authenticity of content G. Objectivity of approach H. Historical value I. Readability J. Scarcity of material on subject K. Reputation and significance of author, illustrator, editor, artist, performer, etc. L. Reputation and professional standing of publisher M. Popularity or interest as indicated by patron request N. Local interest 0. Price P. Format CI. Availability of material Works of fiction should possess qualities of: A. Representation of important movements, genres, trends of national culture and ethnic groups B. "Vitality and originality" C. Artistic integrity D. Effective characterization E. Authenticity of historical or social setting F. Sustained interest In addition to the above standards, periodicals will be evaluated according to the following criteria: A. Frequency of use B. Popularity/Interest C. Reputation and quality of publication D. Price The presence of materials in the library must not be construed as a personal endorsement of their contents by any member of the staff, the Library Advisory Board, or the City Council. The library has a responsibility to collect materials expressing a variety of views and opinions, many of which the persons responsible for the maintaining the library may find personally unacceptable. The library subscribes to the principles of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to React Statement, Statement of Labeling, Free Access to Libraries for Minors, Restricted Access to Library Materials, Diversity in Collection [development, Challenged Materials, and the Texas Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Statement. Use of Selection Aids it is not possible for all materials to be read or viewed by a librarian before purchase. Therefore, the staff makes skilled use of selection aids, such as basic general lists, current general lists, special bibliographies for reference and particular subject materials, and review journals. While reviews are a major source of information about new materials, they are not followed blindly. No one publication is relied upon exclusively; the critical opinions of reviewers are checked against each other where feasible. The professional librarians will use selection guides which have achieves{ a reputation for library materials selection. These guides may include, but will not be limited to; U A. Booklist B. Publisher's Weekly C. Library Journal D. Horn Book E. School Library Journal F. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books G. New York Times Book Review H. Previews Patron Requests The Library welcomes patron interest in the collection and will seriously consider all requests that specific materials be acquired. The library is under no obligation to fill any particular request if it is not deemed suitable to the goals of the library. Gifts and Donations Gifts or donations to the Library, in the form of materials or money are welcome. 7. Gift Materials Procedure: A. All gifts are subject to the previously stated Criteria for Selection B. The Library may refuse any material not deemed desirable. C. Gifts will be handled while in the collection in exactly the same way as materials purchased with public funds. D. When gift materials are deemed no longer useful, the Library will withdrawal them on the same basis that it withdrawals other materials. The Library reserves the right to decide the conditions of display, housing, and access to the materials. No estimate of value or record of donated items will be furnished. Maintenance of the Collection The collection will be periodically examined for the purpose of weeding, binding, or repair of materials to maintain a balanced, timely, and attractive collection. Reasons for withdrawal of materials include: A. Poor physical condition B. Datedness and inaccuracy of information C. Lack of reader interest as evidenced by lack of use D. Duplicates not justified by demand E. Items that do not meet current selection criteria" The controversial nature of materials shall not be deemed a sufficient reason for removal unless and until the material has been subjected to a full formal review as outlined in the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials policy. Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Because of a pluralistic society tastes and opinions differ, some materials the Library acquires may be offensive to some patrons. In a democracy which incorporates the rights of free press and speech into its basic system of law, the minority does not have the prerogative to curtail the free access to published materials by the majority. Just as important, the majority does not have the right to curtail free access to published materials by the minority of the individuals. if however, a patron objects to material held by the Library, he/she may submit a "Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials" form. In no instance will the material be removed on demand. All considerations of requests to remove materials will be reviewed using the principles of the selection policy as a guide. In order to have a request considered, the patron must: A. Be a registered borrower of the Georgetown Public Library B. File a complete "Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials" form with the Director C. Supplyfull name and address. Anonymous complaints will not be considered. After the completed complaint form is received, the Director will review the reasons for the complaint and the material in question, and will attempt to answer the complaint to the patron's satisfaction. A patron who is not satisfied with the Director's action may request the material by reviewed by the Library Advisory Board; The decision of the Library Advisory Board may be appealed to the City Council. 1 • k ' I• Library Bill of Rights The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. 11. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. 111. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. V. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. VI. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Adopted June 19,1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18,1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23,1980; inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996. The Freedom to stead Statement e reedom to read is essential to our democracy, It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public «rities in various parts of «untry are working to remove or « reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label "controversial" views, to distribute lists of "objectionable" books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that le enterprise voluntaryThese efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not o #ne of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger of # #those# seek to avoid controversy or # r by government officials, Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference. 21most the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized • We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings; n The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights. We therefore affirm these propositions: 1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority. Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it. 2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated. Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper. 3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say. 4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression. To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated, nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others: S. It is not in the public interest to farce a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others: It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them; C. it is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people's freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information. It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the laver into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, t democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flaw of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self -censorship. 7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression: By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a "bad" book is a good one, the answer to a "bad" idea is a goad one. The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader's purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the Intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support: e state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours. I This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers. Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28,1.972; January 16,1991; July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004. Statement Labeling and Rating Systems An Interpretation of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS Libraries do not advocate the ideas found in their collections or in resources accessible through the library. The presence of books and other resources in a library does not indicate endorsement of their contents by the library. Likewise, providing access to digital information does not indicate endorsement or approval of that information by the library. Labeling and rating systems present distinct challenges to these intellectual freedom principles. Labels on library materials may be viewpoint -neutral directional aids designed to save the time of users, or they may be attempts to prejudice or discourage users or restrict their access to materials. dWhen labeling is an attempt to prejudice attitudes, it is a censor's tool. The American Library Association opposes labeling as a means of predisposing people's attitudes toward library materials. Prejudicial labels are designed to restrict access, based on a value judgment that the content, language, or themes of the material, or the background or views of the creator(s) of the material, render it inappropriate or offensive for all or certain groups of users. The prejudicial label is used to warn, discourage, or prohibit users or certain groups of users from accessing the material. Such labels sometimes are used to place materials in restricted locations where access depends on staff intervention. Viewpoint -neutral directional aids facilitate access by making it easier for users to locate materials. The materials are housed on open shelves and are equally accessible to all users, who may choose to consult or ignore the directional aids at their own discretion. Directional aids can have the effect of prejudicial labels when their implementation becomes proscriptive rather than descriptive. When directional aids are used to forbid access or to suggest moral or doctrinal endorsement, the effect is the same as prejudicial labeling. Many organizations use rating systems as a means of advising either their members or the general public regarding the organizations' opinions of the contents and suitability or appropriate age for use of certain books, films, recordings, Web sites, games, or other materials. The adoption, enforcement, or endorsement of any of these rating systems by a library violates the Library Bill of Rights. When requested, librarians should provide information about rating systems equitably, regardless of viewpoint. Adopting such systems into law or library policy may be unconstitutional. If labeling or rating systems are mandated by law, the library should seek legal advice regarding the laws applicability to library operations: Libraries sometimes acquire resources that include ratings as part of their packaging. Librarians should not endorse the inclusion of such rating systems; however, removing or destroying the ratings —if placed there by, or with permission of, the copyright holder --could constitute expurgation. In addition, the inclusion of ratings on bibliographic records in library catalogs is a violation of the Library Bill of Rights. Prejudicial labeling and ratings presuppose the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is appropriate or inappropriate for others. They presuppose that individuals must be directed in making pp their minds about the ideas they examine. The American Library Association affirms the rights of individuals to form their own opinions about resources they choose to read or view. January ' 2005,##• Free Access toLibrariesfor i availableLibrary policies and procedures that effectively deny minors equal and equitable access to all library resources . LibraryBill otR�hts. TheAmerican LibraryAssociation opposes all attempts to restrict access to library services, materials, and facilities based on the age of library users. Article V of the Library Bill of Rights states, "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin,background, or to use a library" to, and unrestricted use of, all the services, Materials, and facilities the library has to offer. Every emancipationlevel, literacy skills, or legal Article Libraries are charged with the mission of developing resources to meet the diverse information needs and interests of the communities they serve. Services, materials, and facilities that fulfill the needs and interests of library users at different stages in their personal development are a necessary part of library resources. The needs and interests of each library user, and resources appropriate to meet those needs and interests, must be determined on an individual basis. Librarians cannot predict what resources will best fulfill the needs and interests of any individual user based on a single criterion such as chronological age, educational level, literacy skills, or legal emancipation: Libraries should not limit the selection and development of library resources simply because minors will Have access to them. Institutional self -censorship diminishes the credibility of the library in the community, and restricts access for all library users. Children and young adults unquestionably possess First Amendment rightsincluding the right toreceive information in the library. Constitutionally protected speech cannot be suppressed solely to protect children or young adults from ideas or images a legislative body believes to be unsuitable for them.' Librarians and library governing bodies should not resort to age restrictions in an effort to avoid actual or anticipated objections, because only a court of law can determine whether material is not constitutionally protected. The mission, goals, and objectives of libraries cannot authorize librarians or library governing bodies to assume, abrogate, oroverrule the rights and responsibilities of parents. "Libraries: An American Value" states, "We affirm the responsibility and the right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children's use of the library and its resources and services." Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that parents —and only parents —have the right and the responsibility Umrestrict the access of their children —and only their children —to library resources. Parents who do not want their children to have access to certain library services, materials, or facilities should so advise their children. Librarians and library governing bodies cannot assume the role of parents or the functions of parental authority in the private relationship between parent and child. Lack of access to information can be harmful tominors. Librarians and library governing bodies have a public and professional obligation to ensure that all members of the community they serve have free, equal, and equitable access to the entire range of library resources regardless of content, approach, format, or amount of detail. This principle of library service applies equally to all users, minors as well as adults. Librarians and library governing bodies must uphold this principle in order to provide adequate and effective service tm no|nom' [—� 'See Erznoznik v. City of Jacksonville, 432Q.S.2OS/197S\-"Speechthat isneither obscene astmyouths nor subject to some other legitimate proscription cannot be suppressed solely to protect the young from ideas or images that a legislative body thinks unsuitable [422 U.S. 205, 214] for them. In most circumstances, the values protected by the First Amendment are no less applicable when government seeks tocontrol the flow ofinformation 10minors. See Tinker v. Des Moines School Dist. supra. [f.West Adopted June 3O,197%,bythe ALA Council; amended July 1,19Q1;July 3,1091,June 3{l2OO4. Restricted Access to Library Materials AmInterpretation ofthe Library Bill mtRights Libraries are a traditional forum for the open exchange of information. Attempts to restrict access to library materials violate the basic tenets of the Library Bill of Rights. Some libraries place materials in a "closed shelf," "locked case," "adults only," "restricted shelf," or "high -demand" collection. Some libraries have applied filtering software to their Internet stations to prevent users from finding targeted categories of information, much of which is constitutionally protected. Some libraries block access to certain materials by placing other barriers between the user F—' and those materials. �� Because restricted materials often deal with controversial, unusual, or sensitive subjects, having to ask a librarian or circulation clerk for access to them may be embarrassing or inhibiting for patrons desiring the materials. Requiring a user to ask for materials may create a service barrier or pose a language -shills barrier. Even when a title is listed in the catalog with a reference to its restricted status, a barrier is placed between the patron and the publication. (See also "Labels and Hating Systems.") Because restricted materials often feature information that some people consider objectionable, potential library users may be predisposed to think of the materials as objectionable and, therefore, be reluctant to ask for access to them. Limiting access by relegating materials into physically or virtually restricted or segregated collections or restricting materials by creating age -related, linguistic, economic, psychological, or other barriers violates the Library Bill of bights. However, some libraries have established restrictive policies to protect their materials from theft or mutilation, or because of statutory authority or institutional mandate. Such policies must be carefully formulated and administered to ensure they do not violate established principles of intellectual freedom. This caution is reflected in ALA policies, such as "Evaluating Library Collections," " Free Access to libraries for Minors," "Preservation Policy," and the ACRL "Code of Ethics for Special Collections Librarians." in keeping with the "Joint Statement on Access" of the American Library Association and Society of American Archivists, libraries should avoid accepting donor agreements or entering into contracts that impose permanent restrictions on special collections. As stated in the "Joint Statement," it is the responsibility of libraries with such collections "to make available original research materials in its possession on equal terms of access." All proposals for restricted access collections should be carefully scrutinized to ensure that the purpose is not to suppress a viewpoint or to place a barrier between certain patrons and particular content. A primary goal of the library profession is to facilitate access to all points of view on current and historical issues. Adopted February 2, 1973, by the ALA Council; amended July 1, 1981; July 3, 1991; July 12, 2€300, June 30, 2004: Diversity in Collection Development An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights Throughout history, the focus of censorship has fluctuated from generation to generation. Books and other materials have not been selected or have been removed from library collections for many reasons, among which are prejudicial language and ideas, political content, economic theory, social philosophies, religious beliefs, sexual forms of expression, and other potentially controversial topics. Some examples of censorship may include removing or not selecting materials because they are considered by some as racist or sexist; not purchasing conservative religious materials, not selecting materials about or by minorities because it is thought these groups or interests are not represented in a community, or not providing information on or materials from non -mainstream political entities. Librarians may seek to increase user awareness of materials on various social concerns by many means, including, but not limited to, issuing bibliographies and presenting exhibits and programs. Librarians have a professional responsibility to be inclusive, not exclusive, in collection development and in the provision of interlibrary loan. Access to all materials legally obtainable should be assured to the user, and policies should not unjustly exclude materials even if they are offensive to the librarian or the user. Collection development should reflect the philosophy inherent in Article II of the Library BW of Rights: "Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval." A balanced collection reflects a diversity of materials, not an equality of numbers. Collection development responsibilities include selecting materials in the languages in common use in the community the library serves. Collection development and the selection of materials should be done according to professional standards and established selection and review procedures. There are many complex facets to any issue, and variations of context in which issues may be expressed, discussed, or interpreted. Librarians have a professional responsibility to be fair, just, and equitable and to give all library users equal protection in guarding against violation of the library patron's right to read, view, or listen to materials and resources protected by the First Amendment, no matter what the viewpoint of the author, creator, or selector. Librarians have an obligation to protect library collections from removal of materials based on personal bias or prejudice, and to select and support the access to materials on all subjects that meet, as closely as possible, the needs, interests, and abilities of all persons in the community the library serves. This includes materials that reflect political, economic, religious, social, minority, and sexual issues. P4 Intellectual freedom, the essence of equitable library services, provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may be explored. Toleration is meaningless without tolerance for what some may consider detestable. Librarians cannot justly permit their own preferences to limit their degree of tolerance in collection development, because freedom is indivisible. Adopted July 14,1982, by the ALA Council; amended January 10,1990. Challenged Materials An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights The American Library Association declares as a matter of firm principle that it is the responsibility of every library to have a clearly defined materials selection policy in written form that reflects the Library Bill of Rights, and that is approved by the appropriate governing authority. Challenged materials that meet the criteria for selection in the materials selection policy of the library should not be removed under any legal or extra -legal pressure. The Library Bill of Rights states in Article i that "Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation," and in Article 11, that "Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or.doctrinal disapproval." Freedom of expression is protected by the Constitution of WOM the United States, but constitutionally protected expression is often separated from unprotected expression only by a dim and uncertain line. The Constitution requires a procedure designed to focus searchingly on challenged expression before it can be suppressed. An adversary hearing is a part of this procedure. Therefore, any attempt, be it legal or extra -legal, to regulate or suppress materials in libraries must be closely scrutinized to the end that protected expression is not abridged,; Adopted .Tune 25, 1971 by the ALA Council, amended July 1, 1981; January 10, 1990. The Texas library, Association Intellectual Freedom Statement The Texas library Association holds that the freedom to react is a corollary of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press. Freedom of choice in selecting materials is a necessary safeguard to the freedom to read, and shall be protected against extra -legal, irresponsible attempts by self-appointed censors to abridge it. The Association believes that citizens shall have the right of free inquiry and the equally important right of forming their own opinions, and that it is of the utmost importance to the continued existence of democracy that freedom of the press in all forms of public communication be defended and preserved. The Texas Library Association subscribes in full to the principles set forth in the LIBRARY Blll OF RIGHTS of the American library Association, Freedom to Read Statement, and interpretative statements adapted thereto. I