PATRON RESPONSIBILITIES AND RULES OF CONDUCT

1. Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and staff. Patrons shall not willfully harass or annoy another person by behaving in a manner that can reasonably be expected to disturb others. Some examples would be:
   • noisy or boisterous activity
   • staring at or following another person
   • playing audio equipment so that others can hear it
   • displaying print or nonprint materials of an offensive nature to others
   • inappropriate physical contact
2. Patrons shall not utter profane, obscene, or injurious language.
3. Patrons shall not damage or deface public property, including Library materials, furnishings, walls and equipment.
4. Any materials removed from the Library must be checked out on a valid library card. Taking Library materials or equipment without properly checking them out is theft.
5. Patrons shall not eat, or smoke, except in designated areas. Beverages in covered containers are permitted. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or non-prescribed controlled substances is not permitted in the library. Designated library events are exempt.
6. Patrons shall not make solicitations for any reasons except in designated areas.
7. Patrons shall not be in a state of intoxication in a manner that causes public disturbance.
8. Patrons shall not remain in the building after regular closing hours without authorization.
9. Patrons shall not enter or remain in the Library without wearing a shirt or footwear.
10. Patrons shall not interfere with other Library patrons’ use of the facilities or interfere with Library employees’ performance of their duties.
11. Patrons shall not engage in any illegal activity while in the library building. Actions that violate federal or state statutes or local ordinance may be prosecuted.
12. Parents or caretakers are responsible for their children’s behavior while the children are in the Library. Patrons shall not leave children under the age of eight (8) unattended, per the Library’s Child Safety Policy.
13. Library cardholders shall be responsible for fees or other charges due on their accounts in accordance with the library’s standard schedules. Failure to pay these fees will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges.
14. Misuse of Library computers or failure to comply with the library’s Internet Access Policy may result in suspension of library privileges.
15. Animals are not allowed in the library except for service animals trained to aid the disabled and animals brought into the library in conjunction with library programs.
16. The Library is not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.

Enforcement:

• Notice that they have violated library rules and regulations an opportunity to correct their conduct. The staff will normally allow the offender(s) one warning prior to suspension of privileges or expulsion. Patrons who continue to violate library rules and regulations may be expelled from the Library and/or restricted from the use of library facilities. Expulsion may be for the day or for up to 6 months depending upon the severity of the rule violation, on the recommendation of the Director. The staff may expel the offender(s) without warning and Library privileges may be suspended immediately for the following reasons:
  • Stealing materials or equipment from the library
  • Mutilation of library materials or equipment
  • Continued disruption of library activities
  • Physical threats against staff or patrons
• Library employees will contact the police/sheriff if deemed advisable. Offenders who are unwilling to leave or do not leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do so by the staff, will be subject to removal by police. Any person whose privileges have been denied shall have the opportunity to have the decision reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees.

1. Prospective users agree to abide by the posted policy. Youth under 18 years of age using library equipment will be required to use a filtered workstation unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
2. Use of the Internet will be on a first come, first served basis. Internet use may be restricted when others are waiting.
3. Library staff are not able to provide in-depth instruction apart from scheduled Internet class sessions, but may be able to offer suggestions.
4. Patrons accessing the Internet from the Library using their own equipment (either wired or wireless Internet access) are expected to abide by the same rules established in this Internet Access Policy with regard to responsible and lawful use. Violators may be asked to leave the Library.
5. Misuse of the computer for Internet Access will result in loss of computer privileges.

Our Library is Fine Free

• We do not charge fines for overdue materials.
• Due dates for checked-out items still apply.
• Fees for lost or damaged materials will still be assessed.
• Items marked lost that are then returned will have fees removed.

BORROWER CARDS

CHECKING OUT MATERIALS

Loan Period

Material Limit (per card)

Item Holds/Requests

Renewals

Returns

LATE CHARGES, BILLS AND FEES

Late Charges

• We do not charge fines for overdue materials.
• Due dates for checked-out items still apply.

Bills

Fees

• Lost or Damaged item barcode: $1
• Replacement of lost library card: $1
• Replacement of DVD/Audiobook cases: varies

REPORT A LOST OR STOLEN CARD IMMEDIATELY!

Materials checked out on your card are your responsibility.

CHILD SAFETY POLICY approved May 3, 2016

This policy supersedes the Policy Regarding Supervision of Children, original date April 7, 1992, revised November 7, 2006 and December 5, 2006

The Highland Township Public Library strives to provide an environment that is inviting, pleasant and safe for patrons of all ages.

However, library staff members cannot provide supervision for children left alone in the library. Public places are not safe for unsupervised children and unattended children may be at risk. The following guidelines will apply to children using the Highland Library:

• Children under the age of eight must have a parent or adult/assigned caregiver with them at all times while in the library.

• Children ages 8 or 9 years of age may be in the youth department alone as long as a parent or caregiver remains in the building.

• Children must be at least 10 years of age to be left alone in the building to use the library independently; library staff must be able to contact the parent or adult caregiver in case of an emergency.

• We recommend that young children not be left on their own for longer than two hours at a time.

• All children should know or have in their possession emergency contact information.

Library users of all ages are expected to comply with the Highland Township Public Library’s Rules of Conduct which describe patron responsibilities and appropriate behavior.

Children may be asked to leave the library if their behavior does not conform to these library use regulations. Two warnings will be given, at which time the child will be advised of appropriate behavior and warned of the consequences of repeated inappropriate behavior. If there is a third offense, the child will be asked to leave the library for the rest of the day. If necessary, parents will be informed of the problem. If staff is unable to contact a parent for transportation from the facility, the Sheriff’s Department may be called.

At closing our primary concern is that children not be left on their own, unattended. Parents must make arrangements in advance to ensure that children are picked up by closing time. If a child is not picked up by a parent or adult caretaker at library closing time, the Sheriff’s Department may be notified to pick up the child.

Approved 9/5/23

1. Introduction and Purpose of the Policy

The mission of the Highland Township Public Library (“Library”) is to provide quality Library services that support the cultural, educational, and informational needs and interests of the community. In keeping with this mission, the Library provides facilities for Library programs as well as Library business meetings. When certain Library space is not scheduled for Library-sponsored or co-sponsored events, it may be used by the public within the parameters set by this Meeting Room Policy (“Policy”). The restrictions of this Policy relating to Applications and Scheduling do not apply to Library-sponsored or co-sponsored events.

2. Application and Scheduling of Meeting Room

1. General Use. Any person, group or organization residing in Highland Township may use the Meeting Rooms, pursuant to the requirements of this Policy (“Users”). The Meeting Rooms are available during regular Library hours.

2. Specific Meeting Rooms. The following are a list of specific meeting rooms or meeting areas (“Meeting Rooms”). The regulations contained in this Policy apply to all Meeting Rooms, unless otherwise specified:

1. Community Room: This room has a capacity of up to:
• 55 people with tables/chairs
• 80 people with only chairs
• 110 people standing (no tables or chairs)

2. Main Level Group Study: This room has a capacity of up to eight (8) people each.

3. Lower-Level Study Rooms: This room has a capacity of up to eight (8) people.

4. Center Room: This room has a capacity of up to ten (10) people. This room must remain open to traffic, thus is not considered a private space.

5. Small Study Rooms: These rooms have a capacity of four (4) people.

3. Scheduling.

1. Applications for use of the Community Room and Lower Level Group Study shall be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis, with (a) Library business, (b) Library-sponsored or Library-cosponsored events or (c) uses governed by contract with the Library having first priority.

2. The Library may ask Users to reschedule meetings in the event the Library Board needs to schedule a special Library Board meeting or other Library-sponsored or Library-co-sponsored events.

3. Reservations

1. The Library will not accept reservations for the Community Room for non-Library sponsored or co-sponsored meetings and events until the Library programming has been completed. The group representative applying to reserve the Community Room must be a Highland Township Library card holder in good standing who is 18 years old or older.

2. For the LL Group Study Room, Users may reserve the room no earlier than one week ahead of date of use. The person reserving this space must be a Highland Township Public Library card holder in good standing. Walk ins are welcome if a Study Room is free (check with Library Staff).

3. The Center Room and other study rooms are available on a first-come first serve basis as mentioned above.

4. The Library is responsible for scheduling use of the Community Room and Lower Level Group Study. The Center Room and all other Study Rooms are available to anyone using the library and are first-come first serve. The current program and meeting room schedule can be viewed online.

5. Time Limit

1. For the Community Room, each non-Library sponsored or co-sponsored event shall be scheduled for a time any day not to exceed seven (7) hours, unless otherwise specifically permitted. A late fee of $25 will be charged if the event goes 15 minutes over the scheduled time. Any event to end after normal library closing hours must be approved by the library director, an additional fee of $25 per hour will apply.

2. For the Lower-Level Group Study, the use shall not exceed one 4 hour block in a day.

4. Application Process for the Community Room.

1. The library will accept applications for meetings and private social events in the Community Room. Any person 18 years or older with a library card in good standing may fill out an application for the Community Room. The Community Room requires an application to be completed no less than 3 days before use date.

2. The Fee, for Community Room use, must be paid on or before the day of the event.
• There is no fee for non-profits based in Highland Township.
• Fee of $50 for meetings for a business or group located in Highland Township
• Fee of $100 for a private social event for a group or individual in Highland Township

3. If you need to cancel the Reservation, you must provide the Library 24 hour notice. Failure to do so may result in your being denied future use of the room.

4. At the time of application, the Applicant must agree to all Rules and Regulations for Use of the Meeting room and sign the application to indicate agreement.

5. Reservation Process for the Lower-Level Group Study

1. To reserve the Lower Level Group Study, any person over the age of 13 with a Highland Township Public Library card in good standing may reserve no earlier than one week before date/time of use.

3. General Guidelines Affecting all Library Meeting Rooms

1. Smoking and Fire. No smoking, candles, matches or any other use of fire shall be permitted in the Meeting Rooms.

2. Use by Persons Under the Age of 18. Users of the Community Room must be under adequate supervision by adults 18 years of age or older. The reservation form requires the listing of an adult who will be in charge of the group, as well as being financially responsible for any damages that may occur. This listed adult must be on site during the reserved meeting time. In addition, there must be adequate supervision of minors. For the Center Room and Study Rooms, Users must be at least 13 years old.

3. Tobacco, Marijuana, Alcohol and Controlled Substances Prohibited. The Library prohibits the use of tobacco, marijuana, alcohol and the illicit use of controlled substances in the Meeting Rooms.

4. Food and Beverages. Users of the Community Room may serve light refreshments, but kitchen use is limited to storing food in refrigerator and heating of food. No food may be cooked or prepared on site per Health Department regulations. It is the responsibility of the User to observe all health codes when serving light refreshments. Users may not use sterno or flames to heat food. Users should be aware that there is no kitchen or sink available for use in any of the Meeting Rooms. Covered beverages are allowed in the study rooms, no food is allowed.

5. Disruption Prohibited. Users making excessive noise that disrupts normal Library functions or other patrons’ use of the Library may be asked to leave. This includes conducting the meeting or any part of the meeting outside of the Meeting Rooms.

6. Equipment Requests. Requests for use of audio or visual equipment, tables, chairs and any equipment owned by the Library must be made at the time the venue is scheduled. The Library does not guarantee the availability of any equipment.
• Whiteboard
• Projector
• Laptop
• Microphone
• Podium

7. Clean Up. It is the User’s responsibility to leave the room in the condition in which they found it. The User must remove leftover food, containers, beverages and all other personal or group-owned items. Failure to clean up may result in forfeiting the privilege of using the room in the future and the user may be charged $75 clean-up fee. Users must include time to clean up and set up within the scheduled time and must end meetings at least 15 minutes before the Library closing time.

8. Library Policies. Users shall observe all rules of conduct and policies applicable to Library patrons.

9. Occupancy. Users shall permit no more persons than is stated by occupancy requirements identified in Section II. B above.

10. No Raffles and Contribution Requests. Users shall not sell tickets, raffles or any objects or solicit contributions from persons located anywhere in the Library or on Library property.

11. Private Literature. Users shall not distribute personal or group literature, brochures, and other materials to Library patrons outside of the Meeting Rooms. Users shall not leave printed materials on Library property without prior approval of the Library Director or in accordance with Library Policy.

12. Use of Walls and Other Surfaces. No decorations or other materials may be attached or affixed to the walls, doors, windows or other surfaces unless approved by the Library. At no time, shall any materials or other documents be displayed in the windows. If such approval is granted, any such material must be removed at the close of the scheduled time.

13. Open and Accessible Use. Users of the Meeting Rooms must understand the nature of the public setting. The Library staff will not monitor or enforce exclusive use of the room. All activities in the Meeting Rooms must be accessible to people with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and must be free of admission fees, other charges or requests for donation; provided that meetings in the Study Rooms are not required to open to the public and may be privately reserved.

14. Room Access. Users may not enter the Library before opening hours and should allow adequate time to set up.

4. Fees

1. Fees. The fees for use are identified in Section II.D.2 above.

2. Clean Up and Damage Fee. The $75 Cleaning fee may be charged to the Highland patron who made the reservation if the Meeting Room is not cleaned up as required by this Policy. Users shall pay for any actual damage to the Meeting Rooms.

5. Library Disclaimer

1. No Endorsement. Use of the Meeting Rooms does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of an individual’s or group’s policies or beliefs by any of the staff or Board members. Any publicity for any event held in the Meeting Rooms must state that “The Highland Township Public Library does not sponsor or endorse this event.”

2. Right to Cancel. If necessary, the Library reserves the right to cancel the use of the Meeting Room or move the meeting to a different Meeting Room, including but not limited to inclement weather or other unexpected building closures. The Library shall use its best efforts to notify the patron who has made reservations if the Library intends to cancel the use of the Meeting Room. In the event of inclement weather or other area emergencies, please contact the Library before the meeting to confirm that the building is still open.

3. Hold Harmless. The Highland Township Public Library is released and held harmless from any and all claims for personal injury or property damage.

6. Violation and Appeal Section

The Library Director or the Director’s designee may restrict access to Library facilities, including the Library Program Rooms, by immediately dismissing the patron from the premises, by suspending the patron’s access to Library facilities for a set period of time, or by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant to this policy. If necessary, the local police may be called to intervene.

1. Damages: If the User violates the policy by causing damage to Library property, the User shall be assessed the actual costs.

2. Violation of the Policy — Suspension of Privileges. Unless otherwise provided in this policy, (see Section C below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:

1. Initial Violation: Library patrons observed violating this policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal request. If the patron does not comply with the request, he or she will be asked to leave the building for the day. If he or she refuses, the police may be called.

2. Subsequent Violations: The Director or the Director’s authorized designee may further limit or revoke the patron’s Library privileges if infractions continue. Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation. Subsequent violations of the same rule shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

3. Violations that Affect Safety and Security: Violations involving verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug sale or use or 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:

1. Initial Violation: The police 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 one (1) month suspension of Library privileges. The Incident Report shall specify the nature of the violation.

2. Subsequent Violations: The police 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 the Director’s authorized designee, may further limit or revoke 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.

4. Incident Reports. Library Staff shall record in writing in the form of an Incident Report any violation of this policy that resulted in a verbal warning or a suspension of Library privileges. By the end of the day on which the incident occurred, an Incident Report shall be written and forwarded to the Library Director for logging and review. The report should include physical descriptions, in addition to the name of the patron. A copy of the suspension of privileges letter should be attached, if applicable.

5. Reinstatement: The User whose privileges have been limited or revoked shall attend a meeting with the Library Director or the Director’s designee to review the Policy before their privileges may be reinstated. The Library reserves the right to reinstate with reasonable conditions.

6. Right of Appeal: Users may appeal a decision in writing to the Library Director within 10 working days of the date of the letter stating why Library privileges should be restored. The Library Director or a designee will respond to the appeal in writing within 10 working days of the date the appeal was received. Any person may appeal the Library Director’s decision by sending an appeal in writing to the President of the Library Board within 10 business days. The decision of the Library Board is final.

Revisions Adopted by the Library Board May 1, 1990 and May 6, 2008, May 3, 2022

1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

   The purpose of the Highland Township Public Library’s Materials Selection Policy is to set broad guidelines in order to select, organize, preserve, administer, and promote the use of a wide range of media; to guide librarians in the selection of materials, and to inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made. These functions are undertaken to further the objectives of the Highland Township Public Library.

2. OBJECTIVES OF SELECTION

   In order to connect community members with people, resources and knowledge to enrich, inspire, and empower them as set forth in the Mission Statement for the Highland Township Public Library, designated library personnel will select materials and information presenting the widest of views and expressions on current and historic issues including those which are unpopular with the majority, and will provide popular recreational materials based on demand and selection criteria designated elsewhere in this Selection Policy. Various points of view will be actively sought and represented in the library’s collections. The library does not endorse the ideas contained in every item in its collections and does not recommend every item in its collections to every person in the community.

   The Library provides a dynamic collection of materials about a variety of subjects for users of all ages and levels of experiences. Materials are provided in a variety of formats, including books, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers, in both physical and electronic format, DVDs, CDs, tablets, STEM or Literacy Kits, board games, streaming media and other electronic resources. Languages other than English may be included in the collection.

   The collection strives to be general in nature, and does not contain specialized materials for the exclusive use of one particular group. The collection does not include materials purchased specifically for in-depth instruction or college curriculum use.

3. RESPONSIBLITIES OF SELECTION

The elected Library Board shall delegate to the Library Director the final authority and responsibility for selection of all print and nonprint materials. Other library staff at the level of paraprofessional and higher may help with the responsibilities for actual selection and will discharge this obligation consistent with the Board’s adopted selection criteria and procedures.

4. SELECTION CRITERIA

Materials selection is guided by a general design to maintain a satisfactory split between nonfiction and fiction resources representing a wide variety of general subjects and genres. The collection will be informational, cultural, recreational, and instructional in nature.

In general, library materials will be chosen to serve the greatest number of users. Materials for general k-12 educational support, self-help books, general information on specific topics, cultural topics, and recreational reading will comprise the preponderance of our collections. Extremely technical and/or specialized works will not be chosen since this is a public library and therefore choice of materials for the general public rather than for a specialized group is one of the library’s selection criteria.

The basis of selection will be artistic or literary excellence, appropriateness to the level of user, authenticity or accuracy, publisher or author reputation, public interest, cost, circumstances of use, and technical criteria such as clarity of sound in audio materials.

New materials will be chosen on the basis of reviewing journals and are considered for collection inclusion based on favorable reviews from authoritative sources. Examples of such selection tools include Library Journal, School Library Journal, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Horn Book, the New York Times Book Review, and AudioFile. Popular media such as Rolling Stone, Game Informer Magazine, and Dice Tower Review may be particularly useful for selection of contemporary nonprint formats.

Identification of at least one positive review is recommended before purchase.

Recognition by prizes, awards, etc., given by critical organizations or institutes or associations of peers such as the Newbery, Caldecott, Edgar and Hugo Awards, the New York Film Critics Circle, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), U.S. (e.g. Sundance) and international (e.g. Cannes) film festivals as well as the Audie Awards will be considered as meeting selection criteria, equivalent to a positive review.

The children’s collection consists of educational titles and popular entertainment in print and non-print. These materials should be useful and relevant to their everyday needs, interests, and activities. Special emphasis will be placed on a child’s developmental needs for stimulation of imagination and mental growth.

For selection of print and non-print material alike, consideration should be given to such matters as popular and timely demand for the item; relevance to community needs; the relationship of the material to the existing collection and to other materials available on the subject; the likely attention of critics, opinion makers, and the public to the item; its importance as a document of our times; the cost of the item as compared with comparable material on the same subject; and the cost-benefit ratio compared with an alternative expenditure.

If an author or artist, in seeking realistic representation of the human condition, includes material that is sexually candid or dialogue with vulgar diction, such inclusion will not be considered reason for rejection if the work otherwise meets standards for acquisition.

Because of the great diversity of materials, application of selection criteria may vary. Some items are judged primarily in terms of artistic merit or documentation in popular sources such as newspapers and magazines, while others are selected to satisfy the recreational and informational needs of the community.

The Library encourages purchase suggestions from the public and will give these suggestions serious consideration. Although such recommendations will be considered, materials not meeting the Library’s selection criteria may or may not be purchased, at the discretion of the librarian.

1. Nonprint Materials Guidelines

Collections in non-print format will meet general selection criteria as outlined above and will strive to provide a broad spectrum of titles of current interest and classical value. Selection is based on artistic and technical quality, high production values, popularity, and favorable reviews in professional journals and general publications when available.

The following outlines criteria specific to various nonprint collections.

1. DVD

In addition to having been favorably reviewed in a recognized, authoritative review source and/or having been recognized by prizes, awards, etc., the following criteria may also indicate an acceptable level of quality and be cause for acquisition:

1. Materials reissued from filmed material or reproduced 20 years or more after the original production shall be assumed on the basis of longevity of appeal to meet standards for acquisition.

2. Materials that have appeared on public television networks.

3. Special attention may be given to works that have been adapted from books or that are considered classic because of their format or genre such as silent films, foreign language films and feature documentaries.

4. Oscar nominees for Best Feature Film by the AMPAS shall be given special consideration for selection.

5. Consideration will be given to availability of replacements of pieces (disks or tapes) in multipart sets.

6. Materials that will not be included in the Library’s visual collection include work that achieves its appeal strictly by sensational, erotic, exploitative means.

This collection consists of both feature films and non-fiction materials.

Feature films will be purchased to satisfy the public’s need for recreational materials and to serve differing tastes and interests. Given budgetary limitations it is impossible for this library to fully meet public demand for high-interest feature films. Classics, long-term, popular features and musicals, award winners, as well as other broad-based genres will be included.

The movie collection will include films with an MPAA rating of G, PG, PG 13, or R. NC-17 and X rated films will not be included in the Library’s collection. Lack of a rating will not necessarily be cause for exclusion. Professional librarians will choose movies for the library.

Serialized shows issued on DVD must meet general selection criteria for consideration. Public demand, availability elsewhere, cost, number of episodes and length of series will factor in the selection decision.

Non-fiction materials include educational and instructional titles. Nonfiction works are purchased when the visual or non-print format provides an effective or appropriate way of presenting information, or when material is only available in this format. All general subjects in the Dewey classification system may be acquired with particular emphasis upon cooking, travel, exercise, parenting, how-to (including crafts, hobbies and home repair), history (including current events), made for television documentaries, art, performance arts and sports videos. However, not all subject matters may be equally represented, as some subjects are more frequently represented in visual formats (e.g. exercise) while others are not (e.g. poetry.)

2. Music CD: The compact disc collection is for all age groups and attempts to represent the most significant and broadly-known musical literature in each of the following genres: classical, jazz/blues, pop/rock, country, easy listening, soundtrack (including movies and musicals), folk, holiday, rap, spoken word, religious (including gospel), miscellaneous (including local history and sound effects), children’s and world music. Selection is based on artistic and technical merits, inclusion in standard discographies, favorable reviews, popularity, and recommendations by community experts.

3. Other nonprint formats may have additional selection considerations as follows:

• Electronic Resources and Streaming Media: Ease of use, timeliness and accuracy, uniqueness and quality of information, target audience, depth of coverage, licensing restrictions and remote access, technical support, hardware/software requirements, subscription management issues and return on investment.

• Video games: Ease of use and installation, availability of technical support, popularity of platform, hardware/software requirements and proper licensing for circulation.

• Realia: Durability of materials, ability to clean and disinfect, pieces large enough to avoid injury, and relationship to other material in a kit.

2. Format Changes

Over time, decisions may be made to favor one format over another or to phase out a particular format. Factors in this decision include availability of players for a particular format, cost of the format, market penetration, and availability of title in one format or another. Space and budgetary constraints may contribute to the decision to eliminate one format in favor of another or to shift concentration from one format to another. Examples of these shifts in format include LPs, cassettes, and CDs, videocassettes and DVDs, audiobooks on tape versus CD or downloadable, and children’s media kits with tapes.

5. CONTROVERSIAL MATERIALS

Although the Library does not seek to offend the sensibilities of any of its patrons, occasionally in its efforts to provide materials on all sides of controversial and multifaceted issues for the public’s information and enlightenment, a title is added to the collections which does offend some of its patrons. In such cases the Library, having used its selection criteria and therefore having chosen the best possible materials for representing another side of an issue, upholds the U.S. Constitution, the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association (Appendix A), and the Library Bill of Rights (Appendix B) in asserting that such titles have a justifiable place in its collections. The very mission of a public library is to offer knowledge to every citizen of the community since all citizens’ taxes are used to support the institution. No one person or group has the right to dictate what another will read or think. The Library does not endorse every idea contained in the materials it makes available, but recognizes that, through continuous weighing and selection of conflicting opinions, free individuals obtain the strength needed for intelligent, constructive decisions and actions. For one group or individual to employ their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as standards for determining what materials are circulated conflicts with the public interest and opposes the fostering of true education because it imposes on others the structure and content of that one group’s or individual’s opinions. The library must preserve and enhance the peoples’ right to a broader range of ideas than those held by any librarian or publisher or church or government.

Only the individual can define what library resources are consistent with her/his own values. Individuals can apply those values to the use of library materials for themselves. Parents and legal guardians have the responsibility for monitoring their children’s use of library resources.

The Highland Township Public Library subscribes in principle to the statements of policy on library philosophy as expressed in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and made an integral part of this policy.

6. GIFTS

Gifts of books and other Library materials are welcome with the understanding that they become the property of the Library and that the Library reserves the privilege of determining if and in what manner donated items should be used. These items will be evaluated against the same criteria for inclusion in the collection as purchased materials. Donors may not place any special conditions upon the loan or handling of the items. Materials selectors will make the final decision on use and disposition of all donations and will determine the conditions of display, storage and access to the materials.

One exception to the policy of inclusion of gifts based on selection criteria is the Freebie Paperback Collection which consists almost entirely of donations and is a way of making available a large number of popular paperbacks which the Library would not have purchased.

Items that are not accepted for inclusion in library collections may be given to the Friends of the Library for their book sales, or may be discarded at the discretion of materials selectors.

7. COLLECTION MAINTENANCE: EVALUATION AND REVIEW

The collection is continually evaluated in terms of circulation or use, performance, currency, content inclusion, scope and depth of coverage, and popularity. Continuous weeding and responsible replacement of damaged or lost titles helps maintain a collection that reflects changing community needs and library goals.

The Highland Township Public Library upholds the American Library Association’s policy on evaluation of library collections as stated below:

The continuous review of library materials is necessary as a means of maintaining an active library collection of current interest to users. In the process, materials may be added and physically deteriorated or obsolete materials may be replaced or removed in accordance with the collection maintenance policy of a given library and the needs of the community it serves. Continuous evaluation is closely related to the goals and responsibilities of libraries and is a valuable tool of collection development. This procedure is not to be used as a convenient means to remove materials presumed to be controversial or disapproved of by segments of the community. Such abuse of the evaluation function violates the principles of intellectual freedom and is in opposition to the preamble and articles 1 and 2 of the Library Bill of Rights.

1. Multiple Copies

Multiple copies may be provided based on demonstrated and anticipated user interest, availability of funds, and availability of similar items already in the collection. In general, only one copy per title of nonprint formats will be purchased.

2. Replacement of Materials

Materials will not automatically be replaced because of loss or damage. Replacement decisions will be based upon (1) demand for title, (2) number of copies already held, (3) existing coverage of a subject/genre in the collection, and (4) availability of newer or better materials on the subject.

3. Weeding

In order to maintain active, up-to-date, useful collections, selectors, as assigned, will periodically examine all materials in terms of relevance to user needs and selection criteria. Last copy, out-of-print titles may be retained if of local historical interest or significance, or if the information they contain is of use to the community and cannot be acquired elsewhere. Other factors to be considered include lack of use, physical condition, format and condition of nonprint media, accuracy or datedness of information, and availability of alternatives or replacement pieces.

8. PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH CHALLENGED MATERIALS

1. An individual or individuals wishing to express an objection to a specific item in the library’s collections shall register that objection in writing on a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form.

2. When such a complaint is received about library material, the material in question shall be reviewed objectively and in its full context by two or more members of the library staff and re-evaluated by these staff members in terms of the total materials selection policy.

3. Presentation of the complaint and the staff re-evaluation of the material will be heard at the next regularly scheduled Library Board of Trustees meeting. If the complainant(s) is/are present at the meeting, s/he or they may present their views but shall not vote on the disposition of the material under consideration.

4. The Library Board of Trustees alone shall make the final decision on the disposition of the complaint. Its decision will then be implemented by the Library Director. Material under re-evaluation will not be withdrawn until a final decision has been reached.

Adopted by the Highland Township Public Library Board on May 7, 2024

1. Purpose.

The purpose of the Social Media Policy is to ensure effective promotion and discussion of the Highland Township Public Library (“Library”) services, resources, and events, and to ensure a reputation for outstanding community engagement and customer service on social media. The purpose of the social media accounts is to discuss library programs, events, and materials.

2. Definition of Social Media.

Social media is defined as electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content. Social media would include any webpage or app through which the Library has an account and interacts with other users.

3. Authority over Social Media Accounts.

The Library Board has the authority to determine whether a particular social media site or network is used by the Library. This Policy only applies to official Library social media accounts. The social media accounts of individual employees or Board members are not subject to this Policy.

4. Usage Rules.

The Library operates and maintains social media sites as a public service to provide information regarding Library services, programs, materials, events, and activities. Although the Library welcomes the comments, posts, and messages of other social media users that relate to the Library and/or its programs and recognizes and respects differences in opinion, Library social media accounts and any interactive sections contained therein are limited public forums and are subject to review by Library staff members. At the Library’s sole discretion, the Library may turn off or limit any features that allow comments about or reactions to the Library’s social media accounts.

If comments, posts and messages are permitted, the Library reserves the right to (but is not required to) remove any comment, post, or message that it deems in violation of this Policy. The Rules are as follows:

1. Privacy: Users should have no expectation of privacy when commenting on Library posts or tagging the Library. Comments and posts may be read by anyone once posted, regardless of one’s friends, followers, or subscribers list. The Library advises users against posting their personal information or contact information on social media sites. Comments and posts may also be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

2. Library’s Rights: The Library reserves the right to reproduce comments and posts tagging the Library in other public venues (ex: testimonials). Reproductions of this nature may be edited for space or content, but the original intent of the comment or post will be maintained as much as practicable.

3. No Endorsement: The Library is not responsible for the content of posts made by third parties, including patrons, reviewers, advertisers, and others who may post comments. Public posts by third parties do not reflect the positions of the Library, its employees, or any individual Board member.

4. Unauthorized Content: To ensure a healthy, safe space to discuss Library services, resources, and events, content containing any of the following may be removed immediately from any Library social media forum:

• Obscene, illegal, sexually harassing, threatening speech or nudity in profile pictures.
• Any post that affects the safety and security of the Library, its property, patrons and staff, or creates a hostile work environment.
• Private or personal information, including phone numbers and addresses, or requests for personal information.
• Comments, links, or information unrelated to the purpose of the limited public forum.
• Spam or other commercial messages.
• Any postings that would violate the Michigan Campaign Finance Act, the Library Privacy Act or other Michigan or federal laws.
• Solicitation of funds.
• Any comment, post or other content that violates any person’s intellectual property rights, including but not limited to violations of the Copyright Act.
• Any information deemed harmful to minors in violation of the Michigan Library Privacy Act.
• Any post that violates any Library policy.
• Any images, links, or other content that falls into the above categories.
• Any post that requires immediate action because the Library does not monitor its social media 24 hours a day.
• Any document, information, or image that would be considered a Library record that is posted without permission of the patron or person identified in that record. For example, no picture of a Library program shall be posted without permission of every person in that picture.



5. Third Party Usage Rules: In addition, users are expected to abide by the terms and conditions set by third party social media platforms as well as follow appropriate federal and state law.

5. Violation and Appeals.

The Library reserves the right to ban or block users who have posted in violation of this Policy or to delete posts or comments. To the extent the Library has sufficient contact information, the Library will message users who have been blocked or whose content is deleted to explain the issue and notify the person of the action. Any person who has been blocked or whose post or comment has been deleted has the right to appeal that decision to the Library Board. The appeal should be sent to the Library Director within 10 business days of the (1) decision to block or ban, or (2) deletion of the post or comment, whichever is applicable. The Library Board shall decide the appeal.

6. General Complaints.

The Library asks that individual user complaints be sent directly to a manager or the Director so that they can be addressed efficiently. Social media is not the mechanism used by the Library to document or address Library user problems and concerns, or influence Library policy, procedures, or programs.