Policies

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WINTER STORM POLICY
During and following winter storms, please call the library before coming to check whether we are open.  Our policy is to follow the School department's decisions when school is in session.

Circulation Policies

Renewals: 

Telephone renewals can be made through OSL's automated system. The number is 736-0965. 

There are no renewals on high-demand titles, videos, CDs, and  DVDs . Books may only be renewed once.

You must have your library card with you to check out library materials--a replacement card can be obtained with a picture ID and a $2.00 service fee.

COMPUTER USE POLICY

Approved by Board of Trustees June 2007

      As part of the library’s commitment to meet the cultural, informational and educational needs of the community and in response to the advances in technology in this information age, the Library continues to maintain public computers for Internet access, research, and other services as determined by the needs of the community. Please read specific policies regarding the use of the Internet and the use of computers by children.

      Computer Services are available to all library patrons regardless of having a library card. The library computers provide access to the Library Catalog, the Internet, educational programs, databases and word processing.

      The computer room provides services for adults or children over the age of 14.

Children under the age of 14 can use the computers located in the Children’s Room. (Please see section below on Computer Use By Children)

      The use of USB devices, floppy discs and CD’s are permitted. Any work saved to the computer’s hard drive will be erased. The library has CD’s available upon request for the cost of $1.00 each.

RULES FOR USING COMPUTERS:

1. Computer users will abide by all library rules.
2. All computers are first come, first served. They cannot be reserved.
3. Time limits are placed on Internet Computers and all users are expected to be fair in honoring these limits.
4. Word processing computers have extended time limits.
5. Printing of material is allowed with the charge of $.10 per page. Children doing homework are allowed up to 5 free pages.
6. Users will end their session and leave the workstation when asked to do so by Library staff.
7. Computers will not be used for illegal activities, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be obscene; this includes viewing pornography or displaying any illegal content, or viewing materials harmful to minors in violation of federal, state and/or local laws.
8. The installation, downloading, or modification of software is prohibited.
9. Users will make no attempts to modify or gain access to system files, passwords, or data. This includes changes to computer set-up or configuration of software and hardware.
10. Users will make only authorized copies of software or data, and are responsible for compliance with all international, national, and state laws governing copyrighted materials.
11. The Library reserves the right to restrict access to particular Internet sites.

Internet Use:

Information and resources on the Internet enhance the materials available at the Library and often go beyond what is locally available. The library, however, does not monitor the Internet or have control over the information accessed through the Internet. Not all sites on the global Internet provide accurate, complete or current information and access points often change rapidly and are unpredictable.

As required by law, any library receiving public funds must use filters (currently in use a statewide security system provided by Ocean State Libraries). Some sites may carry information that a user finds controversial or inappropriate. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion.

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Computer Use by Children

The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what a minor, reads or views on the Internet rests with parents and guardians. As mentioned above, the library uses filters as required by law. It is important to note that the library recognizes that such filtering software is far from perfect; it can allow some inappropriate content to pass through and it can block appropriate sites. Parents should review guidelines with their children to ensure a positive on-line experience at home and here at the library.

Guidelines for Computer Use with Children:

• Use the Internet with your child or children
• Explain what is or is not appropriate computer use
• Encourage children to use the Library’s home page (web.provlib.org/narlib/)
• Limit the amount of time spent on the computer
• Instruct children to never give out personal information
• Educate children on the pros and cons of information found on the Internet. Is the website from a reputable source? Check to see who is providing the information. Also check that the information is current and accurate.

Meeting Room Policies

Narragansett Public Library

Policy and procedures for use of the library Meeting Room

1. In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights, the Narragansett Public Library welcome the use of the meeting room by all town, state and federal boards, commissions, agencies and officials as well as individuals, community groups and organizations.

2. In general, meetings are open to the public.  Recognizing the lack of meeting room facilities within the town, the Library will allow a non-profit community group or organization to hold meetings which are restricted to its membership.  

3. All meetings are to be free of charge.  Admissions cannot be charged, tickets sold, or raised by an individual or group using the meeting or conference room.

4. The fact that an individual or group is permitted use of the meeting or conference room does not in any way constitute an endorsement to  or the individual's group policies of beliefs by the Narragansett Public Library.

5. The Library reserves the right to conduct programs at any time under its own direction, and a library-sponsored program has priority over users.

6. When planning publicity for an event, please refer to the meeting room as the NARRAGANSETT PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOM.

MEETING ROOM RULES

The room may only be reserved  for use during normal library hours.  Entry to the building will not be before 10:00 a.m. and must be vacated by 9:00 p.m.

1. Any individual, group or organization wishing to use the meeting room must complete an application and return it to the Library's Reference Desk at least one week in advance of the scheduled date.

2. After reviewing the application, the applicant will be notified if their request for the use of the room has been approved.  The room cannot be used without prior approval.

3. Any individual, group or organization is responsible for any property damage that may occur when using the room.  Noise must be maintained at a level that demonstrates consideration for the Meeting Room's close proximity to the Library's general reading/study area

4. All individuals or groups are responsible to the their own set-up and clean-up.  The room must be left clean and in orderly condition.  All meetings must be terminated fifteen minutes prior to closing  and the building must be vacated by closing. 

5. NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED IN THE MEETING ROOM OR ANYWHERE IN THE LIBRARY

6. ROOM CAPACITY MUST NOT EXCEED 20 INDIVIDUALS.

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THE LIBRARY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW MEETING ROOM PRIVILEGES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS NOT CONFORMING TO ITS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.  THE LIBRARY ALSO MAY REFUSE THE USE OF THE MEETING ROOM BY AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP, IF SUCH USE WOULD INTERFERE WITH NORMAL LIBRARY OPERATIONS.  IF YOU ARE 15 MINUTES LATE OR MORE AND HAVE NOT NOTIFIED THE LIBRARY OF YOUR DELAY YOUR RESERVATION WILL BE CANCELED.

Library Rules for Patron Conduct

These rules apply to everyone in the library. “Library” shall mean all parts of the interior of the library including, without limitation, the entrance and parking lot to the library. These rules may be enforced by suspending the privilege of a violator to use the library.

Library staff will intervene to prohibit any of the activities or behaviors listed below. Violators will be asked to stop each activity immediately. If the activity/behavior continues, he or she will be instructed to leave the library for the balance of that day. Repeat violations can result in one week to one month suspension.

1. Patrons will not steal damage or alter any property of the library intentionally including all equipment, software and programs.
2. There is no tobacco use of any kind.
3. Patrons must refrain from bringing in any food or beverages other than water. Exceptions are made for library programming in designated areas.
4. Patrons will not harass or threaten another person in the library.
5. There is no riding of skateboards, scooters, bikes or roller blades (including “healies”) in the library or on the library ramp. 
6. Bicycles must be parked away from the entrance, the stairway and ramp area.
7. All patrons are expected to wear appropriate clothing including shirts and shoes; Cover-ups must be worn over swim attire.
8. Indecent exposure will not be tolerated.
9. Weapons of any kind are banned from the library except by law enforcement.
10. No sleeping in any part of the library with the exception of young children.
11. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the library.
12. Patrons are not allowed in the library when it is closed. There must be a least 2 staff members present to open the library.
13. Participation in any type of petition is prohibited.
14. Children should be attended at all times and parents are responsible for their children’s behavior. Children under 10 are not to be unattended. See Unattended Children Policy.
15. Patrons who disturb staff members or other patrons with behavior, bad language or actions will be warned; if disruptive behavior, language or actions continue patrons will be asked to leave. Judgment is at the staff’s discretion.
16. No swearing, name calling or foul language permitted in the library.
17. No talking or tutoring in the quiet study.

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Adopted by the Board of Trustees June 2007

Unattended Children’s Policy

For the safety and protection of children using the library and to keep library staff from serving as a “babysitting service”, the Narragansett Public Library has adopted the following policy:

• “The Library” is defined to mean all parts of the interior of the library, including, without limitation, the entrance and parking lot to the library.
• Children under the age of 10 may not be left alone in the library. During library sponsored programs adults must remain in the building. A child is considered attended by a person or caregiver over the age of 14.
• Children 10 and over are considered to be “on their own” in the library. They are expected to be respectful of others in their behavior and speech. If children should become disruptive they will receive one warning. A second incident will result in asking them to leave the library for that day, parents will be called if necessary. Upon their return, if disruptive behavior continues they will be banned from the library for a period of time.
• Near closing time staff will make sure unattended children have a ride and at no time be allowed to drive a child home. When the library closes and children are still waiting for a ride staff members will remain with the child for 15 minutes after closing. If parents cannot be contacted the police will be called.
• Library Rules for Patron Conduct must be followed by children as well.

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Narragansett Public Library

Friends of the Library

Board Policy

(Approved June 2007)

Friends of the Narragansett Public Library, an incorporated 501 C3 organization, will be a source of community input and opinion as well as an auxiliary source for publicity, fundraising, programming and volunteers.

The role of Trustees, Library Director and Friends are related but distinct. Trustees represent citizen control and governance of the library. The Library Director represents the administration and management of the library. The Friends of the Library represents citizen participation and assistance to the library. It is important to the success of the Library program that all three understand clearly their respective roles and work together toward common goals.

The Friends, as an auxiliary organization, are not authorized to set Library policy, speak on behalf of the Library Board of Trustees, or commit library funds. Revenues raised should only be used to fund optional additional items or services. A member of the Board of Trustees will serve as liaison to the Friends group. The Board Secretary should receive a copy of the minutes of the Friends group meetings. Friends of the library proposals must be submitted to and approved by the Library Director. The Library Director will forward the approved proposals to the Library Board of Trustees.

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Narragansett Public Library Preservation Plan

The Library will strive to protect and maintain the proper environment for the protection of all library materials. 

This environment must include moderate temperatures and relative humidity.  The HVAC equipment is checked by a professional serviceman twice a year in the spring and fall.  All repairs are made within a 48 hour time period.

Temperature in the Library is maintained at 72 degrees year round.

The collection is stored, handled and displayed following guidelines provided by the Northeast Document Conservation Center .

The Library is a Town Building and follows all service contracts and procedures recommended by the Town of Narragansett including yearly inspection by Rhode Island Risk Management Trust Loss Prevention.

The Library follows the Emergency Response Plan for the Town of Narragansett with the revision date of July 19, 2006 .

The Library‘s Disaster Readiness, Response and Recovery Manual is updated yearly.  Last revision August 1, 2006 .

The Library building and materials assessment is conducted in the spring of each calendar year with all repairs completed by the fall.  Time lines are then established for any repairs/renovations that need additional consideration and/or financial planning.

All repairs have been or are being completed as of July 1, 2006 .

Patti Arkwright, Director of Library Services, is responsible for planning of preservation services.

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Revised Sept 21, 2006