POLICY 1.0: LIBRARY CARD

1.1     Who may get a card and what is the fee? 

• Residents of or property owners in the City of Ironwood or Erwin Township and other municipalities that the library may contract with, may sign up for a card at no charge.
• Non-residents may purchase a card for the fee stated on the Fee Policy.  
• A current Michigan ID or Driver’s License must be tendered as proof of residency and a current tax bill for property ownership if not a resident.
• If a current ID is not available, a Driver’s License/State Photo ID along with one other form of ID (postmarked letter, utility bill, etc.) will be accepted.
• Children must present their parent’s or guardian’s ID to register for a card.
• GCC students may also obtain a card with a valid college ID and Driver’s License.
• Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age or sexual preferences.

1.1.1   SUMMER READING Non-resident Youth Library Cards

Students who live in areas outside of the city of Ironwood or Erwin Township who are considered non-resident will be able to get a special summer reading library card at a discount. Students must be in school or home schooled and ages 4-18 and must be accompanied by a parent when applying for a card.  If the parent cannot accompany the child, the Director or Assistant Director may make accommodations according to the circumstances.  Summer cards will be valid for 4 months (May 31 to September 30) and will cost $10.00.  The card is good for age-appropriate books only and can only be used by the student.  There will be a 2 book limit.

1.1.2   Students with Blocked Library Cards

Students who are Ironwood or Erwin Township residents and who are unable to check out books because their card has been blocked due to overdue fines, lost or damaged books, etc. will be able to have their library privileges reinstated. New special edition cards may be issued to students who have not used their card for 6 months or longer because of fines or lost/damaged books. The student must be accompanied by a parent when applying for a card. If the parent cannot accompany the child, the Director or Assistant Director may make accommodations according to the circumstances. There will be no dollar cost for the cards, although students may be asked to read a certain amount of books or assist the children’s librarian in reviewing books to determine if they should be recommended to others to read. These cards will allow the student to check out a maximum of 2 books per visit and can be used only by the student for age-appropriate books. 

1.2     How do patrons lose card privileges?

Patrons who are NOT in good standing may lose their library privileges (including borrowing books and using the computer.)  A patron who is not in good standing includes patrons with more than $5.00 in unpaid fines or fees charged against their card, unreturned materials, or those who violate Library Policy. Parents of children where the child has more than $5.00 in unpaid fines may also lose their library privileges until the fines are below $5.00. Exceptions may be made by the Library Director.

1.3     Who can see library records?

By Michigan law and library board policy, all records relating to library patrons and their use of library materials and services are strictly confidential. Library staff members are not authorized to disclose such records to any third party.

POLICY 2.0: BORROWING LIBRARY MATERIAL

2.1     How long can patrons keep books out?

Books may be borrowed for a two week period, and may be renewed for an additional two week period up to two times unless the book is reserved.  Upon request, staff members can increase the borrowing period based on the age of the book, amount of requests, etc.  Books on hold may not have these options.  Books from other libraries may be subject to other borrowing times.

2.2     How long can patrons keep other material out?

DVDs owned by the library may be checked out for two weeks.  Current and newspapers may not be checked out.  Back issues of many be checked out for one week.  Materials on loan from other libraries may be subject to other borrowing times.

 2.3     What happens if the patron does not return the material by the due date?

 The return of library materials is the responsibility of the borrower.  The fine for materials which are overdue is five cents per day (for children’s material) or 10 cents per day (for adult materials) per material for each day the library is open   As a courtesy, a second and third overdue notice will be mailed to the patron.   The amount of the fine cannot exceed the retail cost of the materials. Patrons with fines of $5.00 will be blocked from checking out additional items or using public computers.   Patrons who do not pay fines over $5.00 or who do not return materials may be sent to a collection agency and a $10 fee will be attached to their record.

 2.4     What if the patron loses or damages the material?

 If the patron loses or damages library material belonging to the library or a lending library, the patron is responsible for purchasing the material for the library.  If the library is unable to locate the patron, the library will report the material lost. 

2.5     What if the library does not have the material the patron wants?

 Titles or subject material not available in the Ironwood Carnegie Public Library may be requested through Inter-Library Loan (ILL).  Paid non-resident borrowers are also eligible for this service.  Patrons are not charged for ILL.  Patrons can place ILLs on line or by requesting library staff to do this for them..

 2.6     Are there any materials that cannot be taken out of the library?

 Any material marked with “Ref” or “R” (which stands for “Reference”) does not circulate.  Newspapers are not routinely available for circulation.

 2.7     What if someone else has the material checked out that the patron wants?

 Patrons may put holds on books and some other materials. by accessing their account online or by calling/visiting the library and requesting that staff do this for them  Patrons will be notified through the automated system (by phone and/or email) when their material is available for pick up.  The material will be held for seven days and then returned to circulation if not picked up.

POLICY 3.0: COMPUTER/INTERNET USE POLICY

3.1     Access

The library provides access to computer equipment, programs, databases, and the Internet (collectively “computer resources”) for informational and educational purposes.  All users of the library’s computer resources, both staff members and patrons, are expected to use these resources correctly and only for legal purposes.  The use of the computers and accessing the Internet is a privilege.  Access is conditioned upon the user’s compliance with the computer use policies and the continued availability of the Internet.

3.2     Computer Access

Computers may be accessed by:

• Patrons-patrons must have a library card with no fines. Patrons may access the computer independently without assistance from staff.
• Guests- guests may access public computers through a guest pass. Guests may request a pass from staff and the patron will then be logged on to the computer. A guest pass will cost $1.00 and be good for one session per day.  Sessions are typically one hour, but may be modified to accommodate service provision, health and safety protocol, etc.
• Printing can be done from public computers for a pre-determined fee. Patrons should make certain they are printing only the pages they require, and are asked to limit the number of pages printed to 50 or less, unless permission is granted by staff prior to printing.  The library is unable to take credit or debit cards for payment.

Computers may be blocked at certain times of day for maintenance, library usage, etc. and may shut down 15-30 minutes before library closure.  Patrons are expected to respect requests by staff to log off public computers when needed.

          3.2-1  Downloading Files

Files cannot be downloaded onto the public computer hard drives. All files must be downloaded to the user’s flash drives.

 The library assumes no responsibility for damages to a user’s computer, disks, or files due to library use.

3.3     Internet Access

The library provides Internet access to the public in order to make available a vast array of information and resources.  Please note that the library staff cannot control access to information.  Users are responsible for the access points they reach.  Please also note that material found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, illegal, controversial, inflammatory, offensive, or dangerous.   Users must use their own judgment on whether the information has merit and validate the information they access for themselves.  The library does not endorse information found on the Internet, only provides access to it.

• Internet access is filtered on library computers. These filters may not limit access to websites that some may deem objectionable or inaccurate.  Accuracy, appropriateness, or accessibility of any electronic resources cannot be guaranteed by the library.

• All copyright and communications laws and others privacy rights must be observed by computer users.

• Illegal activities, use of library resources for illegal purposes as defined by state, local or federal law, and any activity intended to disrupt network or computer services is prohibited and may be subject to prosecution.

• The library reserves the right to set limitations and access on the use of electronic resources.

3.3-1      Patron Emails

The library does not provide electronic mail (e-mail) accounts.  If you have an existing e-mail account, you may access your e-mail from the library’s computer providing you do not store any files on the library’s computers.  Patrons needing help setting up an email account can make an appointment with the director for assistance to do so.

3.4     Prohibited Activities and Conduct

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• Violation of any applicable federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules or regulations.
• Harassment of other persons or parties including repeated, unsolicited, and unwanted communication of an intrusive nature.
• Not respecting the privacy of others; for example, users shall not intentionally send information on, obtain copies of, or gain access/modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to others, or represent themselves as another user.
• Libel or slander of other persons or parties.
• Use of profanity.
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or other users.  Damage due to inappropriate action or inaction while using computers can result in fees being assessed for repair or replacement and charged to the patron, or in the instance of a minor, a parent or legal guardian. 
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications devices or resources.
• Creating connections which create routing patterns that are inconsistent with the effective and shared use of the network.
• Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.
• Unauthorized copying of copyright or other protected material, including illegal pirating of copywritten  software.
• Violation of computer system security.
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others.
• Use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or e-mail exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, etc.).
• Violation of software license agreements.
• Violation of network usage policies and regulations.
• Violations of another person’s or party’s privacy.
• Creation, transmission, printing, or otherwise distributing: pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, racist, sexist or homophobic material.
• Misrepresenting oneself as another user.
• Sending unsolicited material or “spamming.”

• Computer stations are in public areas shared by people of all ages. Users are responsible for the selection of sites and should be aware that others may be involuntarily exposed to what is displayed.  Library patrons are advised that displaying pages depicting pornography is inappropriate for a public and open environment and is prohibited.  Library staff is authorized to ask computer users to stop using the Internet if they are displaying pornography.

• Any and all other matters which the library, in its sole discretion, subject to constitutional limitations, and in consideration of the best interests of the public determines to be an unacceptable purpose.

Anyone found to be abusing library computers in any way will forfeit further library computer use.  This includes illegally copying (pirating) copyrighted software from library computers.  Use of profanity and harassment of staff regarding computer use will result in the same treatment.

3.5     Violation of Computer Use and Conduct

 Library staff will determine if a patron or guest has violated the Ironwood Carnegie Library’s Computer and Internet Policies.  Consequences will be based on the severity of the infraction and circumstances.

 First Offense-The patron/guest will be informed verbally that the rules have been violated and asked to leave the library for a period of 24 hours

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Second Offense-The patron/guest will be informed, verbally or by letter, that the rules have been violated.  The patron/guest will be banned from using public access computers for seven (7) calendar days.

Third Offense-The patron/guest will be informed, by letter, that the rules have been violated and banned from using public access computers/Internet for a period of thirty one (31) calendar days.

Fourth Offense-The patron/guest will be informed, by letter, that the rules have been violated and banned from using public access computers/Internet for a period of one hundred and eighty days (180) calendar days.

Immediate disciplinary action, including prosecution, will be taken if a patron uses the library’s public computers for illegal purposes, steals library property, vandalizes/abuses library equipment or property, or threatens/harasses/attempts to intimidate library staff.    Library employees will investigate complaints and will cooperate with state or federal authorities if necessary.

Users are responsible for any damage occurring to library hardware or software due to inappropriate actions or inactions while using the computers.  Fees will be assessed and charged to the patron for required repairs or replacement. 

Reinstatement of Computer and/or library privileges can only be resumed with Library Director and/or Library Board approval.

3.6 Computer Access by Minors

• Computer users below the age of eighteen (18) must use only those public computers designated as Children’s, unless they are with a parent or guardian over 16.

• Children below the age of six (6) should be accompanied by an adult or guardian when using computers that are designated for use by minors.

• Inappropriate use of public computers by minors will result in parents/legal guardians being contacted and held responsible for any damages. Minors will be held to the consequences for offenses as stated under 3.4

• Computer use is allowed as long as the patron has a library card in good standing. This includes the use of computers by minors.  The library will not restrict use of computers or other library materials.  It is up to the parents or legal guardians to monitor a child’s use of computers and other library resources/materials, including access to the Internet.    However, the library staff will not log a minor on to a computer with a guest pass.

3.7  Wi-Fi

The Library provides unfiltered Wi-Fi to library patrons. Any patron or visitor who complies with the Library’s Internet Policy may use the wireless access service. When using the Wi-Fi, patrons must respect the following policy, rules and regulations:

• The Library does not require patrons to register or use a password to access the Wi-Fi. Patrons desiring to utilize the Library’s Wi-Fi must have their own device.
• The library cannot provide detailed technical assistance to patrons using their own portable computing device.
• Wi-Fi is accessible from inside the library and the grounds surrounding the building.  However, there is no guarantee that a wireless connection can be made or maintained.
• The Library’s Wi-Fi does not provide a secure connection.  Patrons use the Library’s wireless Internet access at their own risk. The Library encourages patrons to use virus protection, a personal firewall, and other measures to protect personal information from disclosure. Patrons using their portable computing devices are solely responsible for protecting their personal information and assume all risks of an invasion of privacy or disclosure of personal information that may occur when using the Library’s Wi-Fi.
• The Library’s Wi-Fi does not allow for printing from a patron’s personal device.
• The Library is not responsible for any loss of information or damage that may occur, either directly or indirectly, to any personal equipment or data.
• Patrons utilizing the Library’s Wi-Fi must comply with all other policies of the Ironwood Carnegie Library, including but not limited to the Internet Policy.  The Library reserves the right to terminate any wireless network connection in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies.

3.8 Laptop Lending

• The library will offer loans of laptop computers for informational and educational purposes. Patrons must be 18 years or older and have an active Ironwood Carnegie Library account in good standing (current address and phone on file with no outstanding fines or overdue materials.)  A valid picture ID must be presented at time of check out.
• Patrons must read, understand, and sign the Laptop Lending Agreement in the presence of a library staff person each time a Laptop is checked out.
• A limit of one laptop loan will be allowed per valid adult address.
• There is a 4 day check out period for laptops. They may not be renewed or placed on hold.  A Borrower cannot check out a laptop for one week after returning.  All laptops will be sanitized and quarantined according to library protocol.
• Laptops must be returned directly to the circulation desk. DO NOT RETURN IN THE BOOK DROP BOX OR BINS. 
• Borrowers must not alter or delete any settings or configurations. Doing so may result in the loss of borrowing privileges. 
• Borrowers, along with a staff member, will verify that all accessories are present at the time of check out and check in.
• Patrons should not attempt to repair, adapt, or alter the laptop in any way.
• Patrons must adhere to all aspects of this the Library’s Using Public Computers Policy, including its Internet Policy, and all other applicable library policies while using the Library’s laptops.

Proper Care and Use

• The laptop should always be kept in a temperature controlled environment. As with any electronic device, do not leave the Laptop in a hot vehicle for any extended period of time.
• Do not remove any components for any reason.
• Do not leave the laptop plugged in. Once it is fully charge, unplug until the battery is again run down.
• No additional software may be downloaded or installed on the laptops. No changes are to be made to their system configurations. 

Disclaimer

• The Ironwood Carnegie Library is not responsible for information accessed using this laptop for personal information that is shared over the internet.
• Information sent to or from the laptop could be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and appropriate software.
• The library is not responsible for any liability damages, or expense resulting from use or misuse of the laptop, connection of the laptop, to other electronic devices, or data loss resulting from the use of the laptop.
• Laptop users are encouraged to follow safe Internet practices.
• Tampering with library equipment, including bypassing security functions, is prohibited.
• Patrons must abide by the Ironwood Carnegie Library Computer and Internet Policies. Policies are posted at the library and are available upon request.

Fines and Liability

When the laptop is 1 day past due, there will be a $10.00 fine added to the Borrower’s account.  An overdue fine of $10.00 per day, up to the full replacement cost of the laptop will be charged for any Laptop not returned.  Patrons are responsible for full replacement costs if the laptop or any parts are lost, stolen, damaged or otherwise not returned in a usable condition. 

POLICY 4.0 PATRON RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT

 4.1  IRONWOOD CARNEGIE LIBRARY PATRON/VISITOR CODE OF CONDUCT and APPEAL PROCESS
The Ironwood Carnegie Library (ICL) Board of Trustees has adopted a Code of Conduct Policy to make certain that all visitors, volunteers, and patrons of the Ironwood Carnegie Library have the right to a library where they can access its resources, services, and facility in a manner that is safe, enjoyable, and beneficial.  Library visitors are expected to observe all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and library policies.

Under Michigan Statute (MCL 397.206) the Ironwood Carnegie Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to restrict or remove library privileges from anyone who violates the Code of Conduct.   Additionally, committing illegal acts may result in arrest or criminal prosecution.

1. Any conduct that interferes with the use of the Ironwood Carnegie Library or disturbs other users or library staff is prohibited.
2. Physical or verbal abuse, such as harassment, yelling, arguing, cursing, spitting, threatening behavior and/or displaying obscene materials is prohibited. Threatening behavior may include staring, stalking, following, photographing, calling/texting, or refusing to abide by library policies
3. Inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances/harassment, monopolizing an inappropriate amount of time and attention of other persons or other similar behavior is prohibited.
4. Conversations louder than what is appropriate for the area, including phone conversations, are prohibited. Please respect the rights of others to read and research.
5. Personal possessions must not be left unattended. The library is not responsible for personal belongings.
6. Anyone who attempts or engages in illegal behavior on Library property will be prosecuted.
7. Fighting, provoking a fight, or engaging in disorderly conduct is prohibited.
8. Indecent exposure and sexual acts are prohibited.
9. Consuming drugs or alcohol or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited on Library property.
10. Carrying guns, pistols, or other weapons, except as specifically permitted and exempt from local regulation by law, is prohibited.
11. Display for public view of obscenity, child pornography or materials harmful to minors are prohibited.
12. Smoking, vaping, e cigarettes, chewing and the use of tobacco products are not allowed on Ironwood Carnegie Library property.
13. Soliciting or panhandling is not allowed on ICL property unless approved by the director.
14. Printed materials must be approved by library staff for posting.
15. Photography of visitors, library materials or the facility must be approved by library staff.
16. Patrons should dress appropriately including shoes and shirts.
17. A library card may only be used by the person whose name appears on that card (or a family member if card has been issued as a family card.)
18. Food and drink are allowed in the library, but not at any library computer. Please clean up messes and throw away trash.
19. Bicycles must be stored outside the building. Skateboards, rollerblades, roller shoes, and other recreational wheeled devices may not be ridden, on the wheelchair ramp, or the front retaining wall.
20. Visitors must use headphones to listen to audible devices. Headphone volumes must be set so as to not disturb others.
21. Cell phones are allowed but ringtones, conversations, etc. must be discreet so as not to disturb others.
22. It is illegal to deface, vandalize, mark or damage library materials, property, furnishings, or facilities. Anyone causing damage will be charged for restitution.
23. It is illegal to remove any library materials from ICL without checking them out.
24. Children six years old and under cannot be left unattended.
25. Use of library computers and library internet must comply with federal law and Ironwood Carnegie computer policy. (See Computer Policy.)

General Code of Conduct Violations

• FIRST WARNING: Visitors violating the ICL Code of Conduct will receive a verbal warning from a staff member.
• SECOND WARNING: Visitors who continue to violate the ICL Code of Conduct after receiving a verbal warning may be suspended by the Library Director (or a designee) from Library property for 48 hours.
• SUBSEQUENT WARNINGS: Subsequent violations will result in additional suspensions of increasing length, determined by the library director, leading up an order of trespass from the library. The length of the order of trespass will be determined by the Board of Trustees.
• Should a library staff person or patron feel threatened at any time, local law enforcement may be called to the library for support.
• If a visitor is issued a warning, they must provide their name, phone, and contact information to the library staff.

Violations that Affect Safety and Security 

Violations involving, but not limited to: verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug possession or sale, or use, attempted drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment, sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:

• Initial Violation: Law enforcement will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue.  Violations of this nature will result in an immediate minimum two-week suspension of library privileges in order to give the ICL sufficient time to investigate the incident.  After the investigation is completed, the Library Director or his/her designee may add additional time to the initial limitation or suspension period as deemed appropriate.

• Subsequent Violations: Law enforcement will be called immediately.  If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue.  The Director or an authorized designee, may further limit or suspend the patron’s library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documented in writing.  Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

APPEAL PROCESS

A complaint or grievance regarding a suspension from Library property or use may be made in writing to the ICL Board of Trustees within 7 days of the suspension being given.  The complaint will be presented to the board at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

An appeal for an Order of Trespass can be submitted to the Ironwood Carnegie Board of Trustees in writing within 14 days of the violation. The appeal will be presented to the Board of Trustees at their next regularly scheduled meeting.

Youth Code of Conduct
We love to have children and teens visit us and use the Ironwood Carnegie Library! Youth are always welcome and we encourage them to enjoy themselves and feel at home.  All patrons, including children, are expected to comply with the Library’s policies.

1. Children ages six and under cannot be left unattended. They must be accompanied by a caregiver age 11 or older, who is responsible for their behavior and well-being.
2. Library staff will not be expected to supervise or monitor children’s behavior.
3. All unsupervised minors must be able to provide their name and a contact number for their guardian.
4. Eating and drinking is prohibited at library computers. Please keep your drinks away from books, toys, and games.
5. There is no running, screaming, hollering, pushing, hitting, or throwing things allowed in the Library. Conversations, giggles, and laughter are just fine!
6. Visitors are expected to clean up toys and library materials when they are done using them.
7. The children’s area is reserved for children and families and the teen area/lounge is reserved for students in grades 6-12.
8. Adults without children who are not picking out books for their children are welcome to sit and relax upstairs in our fiction room.   Adults who want to use our downstairs’ area must request permission from the library director, or if not available, a library staff person, before they may do so.
9. Please be courteous of others during our children’s and teen programs. Library staff reserve the right to ask anyone who is disruptive to leave the program. An adult or caregiver must remain in the library while children 6 or under are attending library programs.  Staff may request older children have caregivers remain should the situation warrant this.
10. Children with their own library card are able to access public computers that are not marked as adult only. Parents who are concerned over their children’s access to the internet may contact the library director.

Unattended Minors
Library staff will attempt to contact legal guardian(s) or caregiver(s) when:

1. The health or safety of an unattended minor is in doubt.
2. A minor is frightened or worried while at the library.
3. The behavior of an unattended minor violates the Ironwood Carnegie Library policies.
4. A minor cannot procure transportation.

If a legal guardian or caregiver cannot be reached by closing time or fails to arrive within a reasonable time after being contacted, Library staff will contact law enforcement officials to take charge of the situation involving the unattended minor.   Library staff will not be allowed to transport a minor or vulnerable adult in this situation.

POLICY 5.0: FEES

(Amended 5-24-18)

Cards:

Resident library card: Free

GCC College Students: Free but expires at end of school year

Non-resident library card: $30.00 per family

Six-month non-resident card: $15.00

Three-month non-resident card: $8.00

Three-month non-resident computer only card: $10.00

One year computer only card: $20.00

Lost Card Replacement: $3.00

Nonresident child summer card: $10.00

Visitors computer pass: $1.00 per day (adults only)

Overdue Fines:

          Children’s materials           $0.05 per day

          Adult materials                  $0.10 per day

Copies or computer printouts       $0.25 per page or side if two sided

Color copies/computer printouts   $1.00

Fax:                                            $3.00 the first page and $1.00 each page after

Free for toll-free or local numbers

                                                  Incoming is $0.25 per page

Scanning                                    $0.50 per e-mail address up to ten pages

POLICY 7:0  MATERIAL SELECTION POLICY

The Ironwood Carnegie Library provides library services to residents of the City of Ironwood, contracted townships, and residents purchasing a non-resident library cards. Its collection is developed in response to needs and interests of the patrons it serves. 

The purpose of the Ironwood Carnegie Library’s Material Selection Policy is to set broad guidelines in order to assemble, preserve, organize, administer and promote the use of a wide range of resources and to inform the public about the principles upon which selections/withdrawals for the library collections are made. Because of the large volume of publishing as well as limitations of the library’s budget and space, the library needs a Material Selection Policy to provide a framework for the growth and development of its collection in support of its mission. The policy guides library staff members in the selection and withdrawal of materials and informs the public about the principles upon which selections are made. The goal of the policy is to provide a useful, well-balanced, broad and diverse collection of materials that reflects a wide range of views, expressions, opinions and interests and meets the needs of the community. 

1. Definitions: 

 “Library Materials” means books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, library programs or other synonyms as they may occur in the Policy having the widest possible meaning. This statement of Policy applies to all Library Materials in the collection, including adult, young adult and juvenile. However, this Policy and the term “Library Materials” does not apply to Internet sites available through the Library's computers or Internet collection. The Library has no control over the content of the Internet. Please see the Internet Use Policy for any issues related to computer or Internet Use. 

“Selection” refers to the decisions made to either add materials to the collection or to retain materials already in the collection.

“Withdrawal” refers to permanently removing an item from the collection.

III. Goals of Materials Selection. 

1. To meet the individual’s need for information through maintenance of a well-balanced and broad collection of materials for information, reference and research. 
2. To help the individual attain maximum self-development through life-long intellectual and cultural growth. 
3. To support the democratic process by providing materials for the education and enlightenment of the community. 
4. To assist individuals in their pursuit of occupational activity and practical affairs. 
5. To provide diverse recreational experience for individuals and groups.
6. To assist institutions of formal education with services that will assist individual study. 
7. To maintain Michigan, local history and other relevant collections. 
8. Responsibility for Selection. 

The responsibility for selection lies with the Library Director or the Director’s designee. That staff operates within the areas of service to children, young adults and adults. Both the general public and staff members may recommend materials for consideration. The ultimate responsibility for selection, however, rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board of Trustees. The Director shall be responsible for ensuring that the funds budgeted for collection development are allocated appropriately depending upon the needs of the Library and the fulfillment of the above Goals of Material Selection. 

1. General Principles. 

The Library strives to develop a collection of standard works of permanent value and popular materials of current significance. The interests and needs of the community, the individual merit of each item or program, and the Library’s existing collection, budget and services are the major factors in selecting materials.  The Ironwood Carnegie Library considers all types and formats of media to be in the realm of human expression and part of the human record. Because the Library functions in a rapidly changing society, it is flexible about changes in materials, both in format and style of expression.

Basic to this policy are the guidelines established by the American Library Association in its Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Freedom to View Statement (appended) to which this Library subscribes. 

• The Library Bill of Rights 
• http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill 
• Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights 

• The Freedom to Read Statement 
• Freedom to View

1. Selection of Library Materials is based on the relationship of such work to the needs, interests and demands of the community.

Selection is not made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval by patrons or Library users, but solely on the merits of a work, without regard to the race, or sexual orientation, nationality, political or religious views, of the writer. 

1. Responsibility for the reading matter of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection shall not be inhibited solely by the possibility that books may inadvertently come into the possession of children. 

The Library respects each individual parent’s right to supervise his/her children’s choice of reading materials. However, the Library does not have the right to act in loco parentis (in place of the parent). Therefore, a parent who chooses to restrict the materials his/her children select must accompany those children when they use the collection in order to impose those restrictions. 

1. Further, Library Materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of contents, and no catalogued book or other item will be sequestered, except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft. The use of rare and scholarly items of great value may be controlled to the extent required to preserve them from harm, but no further. 
2. It is the responsibility of the Library to provide circulating, reference and research materials for the general public and the student based on the services it is expected to perform. 
3. Specific Principles for Selection. 

The following principles, individually or collectively, will prevail in the selection of all Library Materials. The total collection will attempt to represent opposing points of view. 

• Interests, demands, and needs of the community served
• Contemporary significance, popular interest, uniqueness or permanent value Accuracy and authoritativeness of content
• Lack of bias, factual 
• Diversity of viewpoint 
• Timeliness of material; reissues of recordings are considered to be current publications
• Literary style/artistic merit
• Portrays issues sensitively 
• Authority, reputation, popularity, and/or competence of author 
• Attention of reviewers, critics and the public, especially in professional journals and other reputable resources
• Relation of work to existing collection 
• Price, format and ease of use 
• Scarcity of information in subject area 
• Available shelf or storage space 
• Availability of material through Inter-Library loan 
• Popular demand: The Library will make an effort to have materials available which are in high demand by the public; however, selections by popular demand will still be guided by consideration of merit, use and the specific principles for selection. 
• Accessibility for multiple users of electronic formats.
• Duplication of materials already in the collection; i.e., purchase of additional copies of materials, shall be governed by intrinsic or historical value, or immediate need 
• Collection objectives 
• Community relevance; local/regional importance or historic value
• Audience for material 

VII. Gifts. 

Acceptance of gifts shall be governed by the same principles and criteria applied to the selection of items for purchase. Gifts of books or other materials which do not comply with the Library’s objectives and policies will be refused. No conditions may be imposed relating to any item either prior to or after its acceptance by the Library. All gifts and donated materials (including works of local authors) become the property of the Library. The manner of disposition of any materials which are not added to the collection will be decided by the Library. 

VIII. Maintenance of the Collection. 

The collection shall be periodically examined for the purpose of eliminating obsolete, damaged, duplicate or unneeded materials, and for binding or repair of materials, in order to maintain a balanced, attractive and useful Library Materials collection. 

1. Reconsideration of Library Materials

 The library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval but solely on the basis of the selection criteria set forth in this policy. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library materials will be sequestered except to protect them from damage or theft.

 Patrons requesting reconsideration of a library item may complete and sign a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form. When the form is completed, it will be given to the Library Director for response. The item will be reviewed in accordance with the library’s overall objectives, its Material Selection Policy, the Library Bill of Rights, and the American Library Association Manual - Guidelines on Intellectual Freedom.

 The Library Director will, at the earliest possible date, communicate his/her decision, and the reasons for it, in writing to the patron who initiated the request

 A written appeal of the Library Director’s decision may be made by the requester to the President of the Library Board within ten (10) business days after the written decision is made by the Library Director.

The Library Board will review any documentation it deems necessary to make a decision and render their decision. The Library Board serves as the final authority in cases involving retention or withdrawal of library materials including programming.

The Library Director will inform the Board of Trustees of all requests for reconsideration and their disposition regardless of whether an appeal is filed. The inclusion of any material in the library collection does not imply endorsement of the viewpoints of the author, programmer or creator expressed therein.

Ironwood Carnegie Library Request for Reconsideration of Material Form

The Board of Trustees of the Ironwood Carnegie Library have established a materials selection policy and a procedure for gathering input about particular items. Completion of this form is the first step in that procedure. If you wish to request reconsideration of a resource, please return the completed form to the library director.

Ironwood Carnegie Library                                           Date: ___________________

235 East Aurora Street

Ironwood, MI  49938

Name __________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State/Zip _______________________

Phone __________________________ Email __________________________

Do you represent self? ____ Or an organization? ____

Name of Organization Represented    ________________________________

1. Resource on which you are commenting:
   ___ Book (e-book) ___ Movie ___ Magazine ___ Audio Recording
   ___ Digital Resource ___ Game ___ Newspaper ___ Other

Title__________________________________________________________________

Author/Producer_________________________________________________________

2. What brought this resource to your attention?

3. Have you examined the entire resource? If not, what sections did you review?
   
4. What concerns you about the resource?
   
5. Are there resource(s) you suggest to provide additional information and/or other viewpoints on this topic?
   
6. What action are you requesting the committee consider?