CHATSWORTH TOWNSHIP LIBRARY BYLAWS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article 1: Name
Article II: Officers
Article III: Meetings
Article IV: Library Director and Staff
Article V: Committees
Article VI: General
1. Objectives
a. Mission Statement
b. Means of Attainment
c. Library Bill of Rights
1. Freedom to Read
2. Freedom to View
2. Board of Directors
a. Trustee Orientation
b. Duties and Responsibilities
c. Director--Librarian Duties and Responsibilities
3 Library Use Regulations
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
a. Library Hours
b. Application Requirements
c. Fees and Charges
d. Overdue Material
General Rules
Computer Policy
Displays and Exhibits
Library Volunteers
Memorials and Gifts
Material Selection Guidelines
10. Objection to Books
11. Appendixes
1, Means of attainment
2. Drug Free Workplace
3. Computer & Internet Use Agreement
4. Display Materials Release
5.
6. Request for Reconsideration of a Book
CHATSWORTH TOWNSHIP LIBRARY POLICIES
1. Disaster Plan
2. Prevailing Wage ordinance
3. Weeding Policy
4. Five Year Plan
5. Technology Plan
6. Freedom of Information Policy
7. Investment Policy/Budget and Financial Policy
8. Bloodborne Pathogens Policy
9. Records Confidentiality Policy
10. Sexual Harassment Policy
11. ADA compliance policy
12. Conduct Policy
13. Investment of Public Funds Policy
14. Reference Policy
15. Ethics Policy
16. Gift Ban Policy
CHATSWORTH TOWNSHIP LIBRARY BYLAWS
Article I: Name
The library shall be called the Chatsworth Township Library. The board of trustees of
the library shall exercise the powers and authority and assume the responsibilities delegated to
it by the statutes of the state of Illinois.
Article II: Officers
Section 1. The officers shall be a president, a vice-president, a treasurer, and a secretary
elected from among the trustees at the first regular meeting of the board following an
election.
Section 2. Officers shall serve a term of one year ending on the 31st day of March or
until their successors are duly elected by the board.
Section 3. The president shall preside at all meetings of the board, authorize calls for
any special meetings, appoint all committees, execute all documents authorized by the
board, certify all bills approved by the board, and generally perform the duties of a
presiding officer.
Section 4. The vice-president shall perform the duties of the president in the event of
the absence or disability of the president.
Section 5. The secretary shall keep an accurate record of all meetings of the board, shall
issue notice of all regular and special meetings, and shall perform such other duties as
are generally associated with that office.
Section 6. The treasurer shall maintain records of the library finances including all
receipts, disbursements and balances in any funds. The treasurer shall sign checks on
the library account on the authorization of the board. Each check must also bear the
signature of a second trustee as designated by the board.
Article III: Meetings
Section 1. The regular meetings shall be held every month, the date, hour and place to
be set by the board at its annual meeting.
Section 2. The annual meeting, which shall be for the purpose of the election of officers
and the adoption of an annual report, shall be held at the time of the regular meeting in
April of each year.
Section 3. The order of business for regular meetings shall include but not be limited to
the following items:
a. Roll call of members
b. Disposition of minutes of the previous regular meeting and any intervening
special meeting
c. Treasurer's report
d. Action of bills
e. Report of the director
f. Committee reports
g. Communications
h. Unfinished business
i. New business
j. Public presentation to, or discussion with the board
k. Adjournment
Section 4. Special meetings may be called by the president or the secretary, or by any
four trustees, by written notice delivered the day immediately preceding the day of any
special meeting, or by oral notice in the case of a stated emergency.
Section 5. Proceedings of all meetings shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order.
Article IV: Library Director and Staff
The Board shall appoint a qualified Director who shall be the administrative officer of
the library on behalf of the Board and under its review and direction. The director shall
implement the recommendations of the board in reference to the duties of other employees
and shall be held responsible for the proper direction and supervision of the staff. The director
will have the primary duty of informing the Board of any problems concerning the care and
maintenance of library property, for an adequate selection of books, for the efficiency of library
service to the public and for its financial operation within the limitations of the budgeted
appropriation. In the case of part-time or temporary employees, the Director shall have interim
authority to appoint without prior approval of the Board provided that any such appointment
shall be reported to the Board at its next regular meeting.
Article V: Committees
Section 1. These shall be four standard committees appointed by the president.
a. Budget and finance
b. Policy, bylaws, and legislation
c. Building and equipment
d. Materials and programs
Section 2. The president shall appoint special committees of one or more members
each for such other purposes as the business of the board may require. The committee
shall be considered to be discharged upon the completion of the purpose for which it
was appointed and after the final report is made to the board.
Section 3. All committees shall make a progress report to the library board at each of its
meetings.
Section 4. No committee shall have other than advisory powers unless, by suitable
action of the Board, it is granted specific power to act.
Article VI: General
Section 1. The bylaws may be amended by the majority vote of all members of the
board provided written notice of the proposed amendment shall have been mailed to all
members at least ten days prior to the meeting at which such action is proposed to be
taken.
Section 2. Any rule or resolution of the board, whether contained in these bylaws or
otherwise, may be suspended temporarily in connection with business at hand, but such
suspension, to be valid, may be taken only at a meeting at which two-thirds of the
members shall be present and two-thirds of those present shall so approve.
I. Objectives
A. Mission Statement
The primary purpose of the Chatsworth Township Library is to provide a collection of
popular materials in a variety of formats for persons of all ages. A special emphasis is to
be placed on providing programs to preschoolers that encourage an interest in reading,
to help support the formal education of students of all ages, and to inform the
community of the various services available at the library.
B. Means of Attainment
See Appendix 1
C. Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, Freedom to View
We express approval of and acceptance of these principles as further stated in the
Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View
Statement, as adopted by the Chatsworth Township Library Board of Directors.
II. Library Bill of Rights
(Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; and January 23, 1980, by the A
COUNCIL)
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and
that the following basic policies should guide their services.
1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information,
and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should
not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to
their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on
current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of
partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to
provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting
abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin,
age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they
serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the
beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
III. Freedom to Read Statement
(Based on the Freedom to Read Statement, adopted by the ALA Council June 25, 1953, revised
January 28, 1972, by the ALA Council.)
1. It is in the public interest for the Board of Directors and Director (Librarian) to make available
the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those which are unorthodox or
unpopular with the majority.
2. The Board of Directors and Director (Librarian) do not need to endorse every idea or
presentation contained in the books they make available. It would conflict with the public
interest for them to establish their own political, moral or aesthetic views as the sole standard
for determining what books should be published or circulated.
3. It is contrary to the public interest for the Board of Directors or Director (Librarian) to
determine to acceptability of a books solely on the basis of personal history or political
affiliations of the author.
4. The present laws dealing with obscenity should be vigorously enforced. Beyond that there is
no place in our society for extra-legal efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to
reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve
artistic expression.
5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept with any book the prejudgment of a
label characterizing the book or author as subversive or dangerous.
6. It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors and the Librarian, as guardians of the people's
freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon the community at large.
7. It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors and the Librarian to give full meaning
to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality of thought and
expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that
the answer to a bad book is a good one, the answer to a bad idea is a good one.
IV. Freedom to View Statement
(Adopted or endorsed by the Educational Film Library Association, 2/70; American
Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee and the American Library Association
Council, 6/70; Board of Directors of the Association of Educational Communications and
Technology, 12/70)
The Freedom to view, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by
the First Amendment to the constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no
place for censorship of any medium of expression, Therefore, we affirm these principles:
1. It is in the public interest to provide the broadest possible access to films and other
audiovisual materials because they have proven to be among the most effective means
for the communication of ideas.
2. It is in the public interest to provide for our audiences, films and other audiovisual
materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of work does
not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
3. It is our professional responsibility to resist the constraint of labeling or prejudging a
film on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs or the producer or filmmaker
or on the basis of controversial content.
4. It is our professional responsibility to contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every
encroachment upon the public's freedom to view.
V. Board of Directors-Director and Librarian Relationships
A. Board of Directors-Trustee Orientation
1. Acquaint the new members with their duties and responsibilities.
2. General Orientation: A brief outline of the organization of a library at the local,
system, state, and national levels should be presented. Trustees need to be aware that
each of them has a talent to give to the library. Some examples are in the field of
business management, in finance, personnel, public relations, as in public speaker, or in
developing window displays or special programs.
3. Brief history of local library including the origin, the financial status, and the value of
property, such as book collection, building site, etc.
4. Complete tour of the library.
B. Board of Directors-Duties and Responsibilities
1. The Board is the legal policy making body.
2. The Board shall select and employ the Director-Librarian.
3. The Board shall encourage improved public relations and shall be concerned about
interpreting the library program and its facilities to the community.
4. The Board shall lead the way in maintaining an ample budget which will enable the
library to meet its needs for service.
5. The Board shall also be responsible for the administration of the budget.
6. Salary will be set as commensurate with the qualifications and local positions of
similar nature and will be reviewed six months after hiring and that before the annual
budget.
7. The Board shall be responsible for maintenance of library property.
C. Director-Librarian-Duties and Responsibilities
1. The Director serves as chief executive of the library and is responsible for the
administration of the library under policies approved by the Board. He/She is
directly responsible to the Board and through the Board to the community.
2. The Director shall attend all regular meetings of the Board and is urged to speak on
all subjects under discussion, but has no vote.
3. The Director shall, under the direction of the Board, select the staff and direct said
staff in carrying out the activities and services of the library.
4. The Director is responsible for book selection and purchase, according to library
policies.
5. Every instance of leave of absence shall be considered by the Board.
6. Library service hours are to be determined by the Board and posted in a conspicuous
place by the Director. The director shall be responsible for the assignment of work
schedules as best serve the needs of the community.
7. A probationary period of six months shall apply for Director and other employees and
a Board review will be conducted at that time.
VI. Library Use Regulations
A. Library Hours
1. The library shall be closed to the public on New Year's Day, Memorial day, July 4th,
Labor day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
2. The library shall close at noon the day before Thanksgiving, before Christmas and
before New Year's day.
B. Application Requirements
1. Applicants for a library card must give name, address, telephone number,
occupation, place of employment and verification of residence in Chatsworth Township.
After verification of above information and processing, a permanent borrowing card
may be granted as a Chatsworth Township resident.
2. Residents, age 18 or over, upon proper application shall be issued a library card
which entitles him/her to use the facilities of the library and system. Library cards shall
be valid for three years from the date of issuance, or until termination of residence,
whichever period is shorter. New card holders ma check out only one book at a time for
the first three months as a card holder.
3. Residents under 18 years of age, upon proper application with a co-signature of one
parent or guardian over 18, shall be issued a library card which entitles him/her to use
the facilities of the library and system. Terms of validity shall be the same as those for
residents 18 years of age and older. Children who have not completed kindergarten will
need to have their parent's or guardian's card to withdraw materials.
4. Any student, age 14 or older shall be given the privilege of using the adult section of
the library.
5. Any family residing in an unserved library area, upon proper payment of the current
fee, may be issued a Chatsworth township library card which entitles members of the
family to use the facilities of only Chatsworth township Library. The fee amount for
Chatsworth Township Library is calculated according to the state formula. Such cards
shall be valid for one year. Any rules cited pertaining to residents, shall like-wise apply
to non-residents. Non-residents who display current real estate tax receipts for
property within Chatsworth Township may receive a resident's card at no cost.
C. Fees and Charges
1. Non-resident card feel shall be calculated yearly according to the state formula which is:
Library income from local property taxes______________
Service population (per latest official U.S. Census_______
Average household size (per latest official U.S. Census)_________
***divide the library income from local property sources by the local population
to determine the cost of service per capita...then multiply the per
capita figure by the average number of persons per household in the
community to obtain the average cost per household on which to base a fee for
a family card. Libraries using this general mathematical formula may
establish a non- resident fee higher than this amount, but may not
charge less.
2. Overdue material
A. One week over due will receive a phone call from the director as a reminder that
material is overdue.
B. After three weeks overdue a letter will be sent reminding the patron of the overdue
materials and information relative to the cost of the materials not returned and the fact
that library privileges are in jeopardy of being suspended.
C. If no response is made to this letter, library privileges will be suspended until the
borrowed materials are returned, fines paid or payment is received for replacement of
the borrowed items.
D. The fine for overdue periodicals or books is 5 cents per day that the library is open
and $1 per day for video materials.
3. The charge for lost items is the price listed on the shelf life card or replacement cost.
4. Lost cards will be replaced upon request for a $1.00 fee.
D. General Rules
1. All library material, except "Reference Only" may be borrowed for a period of two weeks.
2. Books on the reserve lists may be checked out for the two week period with no renewals.
3. All books reserved by a patron must be picked up at the library within two library days of
notification. A patron who fails to pick up books in this time period will have his/her name
added to the bottom of the list.
4. Materials may be renewed by telephone.
5. A patron should not loan library materials outside the household.
6. A patron may be asked to present his/her library card or identification for library records in
order to borrow a book.
7. Patrons may not consume food or beverages in the library unless it is a library designated
function. Smoking is never permitted in the library.
E. Computer Policy
1. The director/librarian reserve the right to restrict access to the computers by an individual
who does not adhere to these rules adopted by the Board of Trustees.
2. All computer users must have a valid Chatsworth Township Library card and must sign in
before using the computers.
3. All patrons must read and sign an "Internet User Agreement". All children 17 years old and
under must have guardian/parental permission and signatures on the "Internet User
Agreement" to use the Internet. (Appendix 3)
4, Only two people will be allowed at a computer at one time.
5. Time at the computer will be limited to 30 minutes when someone is waiting.
6. Noisy users will be given one verbal warning before being asked to leave the computer area.
7. Users may not save data on the hard drives or alter the computer in any way. Users may not
alter or attach equipment to the library's hardware.
8. Users should leave the computer settings as they were before use. All windows should be
closed at the end of a session.
9. Internet use will be limited to rules as outlined by the Library Board's Internet policy.
10. Searches/"surfing" are limited to appropriate material or research material. No sites
containing nudity, inappropriate language or pornographic materials will be allowed on library
equipment.
11. No IM (instant messaging) may be used on library computers.
12. Any damage caused to the computer due to improper use will be charged to the responsible
party. In the case of a minor, the parent or guardian will be held responsible.
13. This library receives funding that assists in providing Internet access. We are required by
law to install filtering/blocking software on our computers. Filtering/blocking software is
inherently imperfect. It inevitably blocks vast amounts of constitutionally protected material.
At the same time, however, it is incapable of providing complete and reliable protection against
obscenity, child pornography, and materials harmful to minors. Under the law, the Library can
unblock websites that have been blocked and can disable the filtering. blocking for adult
patrons (ages 17 and older) upon request, Requesting adults need not explain why they wish to
disable the filter or unblock a particular website.
VII. Displays and Exhibits
A. It is the policy of the library not to advertise commercial endeavors unless the project is
specifically related to the goals of the library, or a non-profit organization. No advertising of a political
or controversial nature will be displayed.
B. The library welcomes displays of general interest to the community as well as materials having a
direct relationship to the purposes of the library.
C. All permanent or semi-permanent exhibits offered for display may be used at the discretion of the
director upon approval of the board.
D. All materials displayed in the library will be given reasonable care and protection within the limits
of the general operations of the library, but the library and Board do not assume responsibility for
damage or loss suffered on its premises, nor for the costs if insurance coverage. Such costs, losses,
damages, etc. are understood to be the responsibility of the organization or individual providing the
display or exhibit. A signed statement of insurance coverage should be provided when the display is
established; or, if it is uninsured, a statement releasing the library from any responsibility. (see Appendix
4)
E. Place of exhibits must be mutually agreeable to both the Director and the exhibitor and should in
no way interfere with normal operation of the library.
VIII. Library Volunteers
A. Library volunteers are engaged by the Director with Board approval. A volunteer works under the
supervision of the director, doing tasks the director assigns.
B. The hours of time for volunteer help will be mutually agreeable to the Director and the volunteer.
IX. Memorials and Gifts
A. The Library Board welcomes monetary gifts to be used for memorial presentation books or other
materials. Any item purchased or received as a memorial or gift becomes the sole property of the
library. The Board would prefer that these materials be compatible and enriching to the library
collections. In order to accomplish this goal, the staff will suggest collection areas, appropriate titles,
and/or use the monetary gifts which would be used to purchase items at library prices.
B. The Library, with the permission of the local funeral home director, has placed envelopes
designated for Library Memorials at the funeral home.
C. The director will periodically release to the press a list of memorials and gifts, listing both the
honored and the donor(s). The librarian will send a letter of acknowledgement for any gift or memorial
to the donor and a letter to the donee's family informing them of the memorial.
D. The disposition of an item is the responsibility of the Library Board and/or director. The board will
use the item mindful of the concerns of the donor, but will always act in the best interest of the library
over the concerns of any individual. When material becomes obsolete, an item becomes dated, or
simply for reasons of space, any item in the library will be used or disposed of at the Board's discretion.
We reserve the right to shelve and display, or not shelve and display, and book or item.
X. Material Selection Guidelines
A. The director/librarian shall endeavor to select materials which are of permanent and current value
and represent the best available material to meet the needs and interests of all the people in the
community.
B. Materials purchased will meet high standards of quality in content, format, and expression. It shall
include a wide range of materials on all levels of development with varieties of interest and points of
view. All areas of knowledge shall try to be included in the total collection with an objective point of
view.
C. Materials that are obscene will not be selected for the library. However, no material shall be
judged for exclusion by taking single passages out of context and basing condemnation of that material
on such lifted passages.
D. Due to the fact, it would be impossible for the director/librarian to read every book and view every
film being considered for selection, agencies such as Alliance Library System shall be consulted and used
for the purpose of determining the merit of materials not familiar to the Director and librarians.
XI. Objection To Books
A. Objections to books will be handled by the Director who will issue the "Request for
Reconsideration of a Book" form to the complainant. Upon its completion and return to the Director, it
will be referred to the Board for review. (see Appendix 6)
Appendix I
CHATSWORTH TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
GOAL 1
To expand and maintain a collection of materials for people of all ages. To increase accessibility of a
large amount of materials.
OBJECTIVE
To increase qualitative and current material for children, juveniles, young adults, and adults. To
participate in the development of the library's collection. To provide continued evaluation and
expansion of materials and programming as well as continued acquisition of supporting programs.
ACTIVITIES
A. Examine and review reference material to aid in the selection of appropriate materials
including computer usage.
B. Order the materials to be added to the collection.
C. Weed collection as needed.
D. Compile an accurate updated inventory--stored off site.
E. Assess our collection according to acceptable standards.
F. Assess and evaluate programs with cooperating libraries.
EVALUATION
A. Evaluation will be by number of print and non-print materials added, withdrawn and
circulated.
B. Computer usage per capita.
C. Review inventory and disaster plan on an annual basis,
D. Turn-over rate.
E. Reference questions per capita.
F. Document delivery.
GOAL 2
To provide programs for preschoolers and lower elementary children that encourage an interest in
reading. To help support the formal education of students of all ages.
OBJECTIVES
To increase the amount of preschool and lower elementary supplementary material in an effort to
further support the programs presented. To continue providing supplemental materials for
classroom/individual use in cooperation with the local school.
ACTIVITIES
A. To plan a program using material and activities that have been selected as to accuracy,
suitability, and effectiveness for the given age levels.
B. To conduct story time and other related activities.
c. To expand children's reading material experiences.
D. Presenting educators with the materials available through local and system library via
workshops, lists, etc.
EVALUATION
A. Statistics on the number of children attending story time.
B. Statistics will be kept on number of children's items added, withdrawn, or circulated.
C. Tracking in library and system materials used for formal education purposes.
GOAL 3
To inform the community of the various services available through the library.
OBJECTIVE
To increase awareness and usage of the varied services provided by the library.
ACTIVITIES
A. To provide informational programs about library services for local organizations and groups.
B. Increase usage of publicity techniques in newspapers, radio and television.
C. Formulate a brochure listing library services.
EVALUATION
A. Statistics will be kept on number of programs and attendance.
B. Statistics will be kept on circulation and on circulation per capita.
C. Registration as a percent of population.
D. Library visits per capita.
MEANS OF ATTAINMENT
In maintaining these objectives the following policies should be observed by Board and staff: a high
degree of accuracy in records maintained, and information given, cooperation with civic organizations,
an open minded attitude toward new methods and improvements for better service, a high degree of
attractiveness attained through neatness, order, systematic and imaginative arrangement, and a careful
observation of ethics in relations between Board members and staff.
Appendix 2
Resolution Pursuant to Drug-Free Workplace Act, 1988
The Chatsworth Township Library Board of Trustees, in order to comply with the provisions set forth by
the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, hereby sets forth the following policies, effective the date of
passage of this resolution.
1. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is
prohibited in the workplace of the Chatsworth Township Library.
2. Any violation of the above prohibition by an employee of Chatsworth Township Library will result in
disciplinary action against the employee, up to and including discharge.
3. The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires that as a condition of employment with the
Chatsworth Township Library all employees will
a. abide by the terms of this resolution, and
b. notify the Director of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the
workplace no later than five days after such conviction.
4. Chatsworth Township Library may require an employee who violates these provisions to participate
satisfactorily in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
5. Any eligible employee who has a substance abuse problem may utilize the Alcohol and Substance
Abuse Program available through the medical insurance program provided by the employee.
This Resolution will be Appendix 1 to the Chatsworth Township Library Personnel Policies.
A copy of this resolution will be posted in the Chatsworth Township Library and made available to all
current and future employees of the Chatsworth Township Library.
Passed: July 9, 1992
A patron who violates the terms of this policy may be expelled for the library at the discretion of the
director/librarian. Use privileges may be suspended for a specified period of time. The Library may, in
its discretion, refer incidents to appropriate legal authority for prosecution when this policy is violated.
Sanctions against patrons shall be in accordance with library regulations and procedures.
The library shall obtain and make available materials from local, system, state and national anti-drug and
alcohol abuse organizations and, where appropriate, enlist the aid of community and state organizations
with drug and alcohol information and rehabilitation programs to provide information to the Library
patrons and employees.
Appendix 3
Computer and Internet Use Agreement
Welcome to the Chatsworth Township Library public access computer policy pages.
Computer use shall be consistent with the Chatsworth Township Library's mission to provide a collection
of popular materials in a variety of formats for persons of all ages with a special emphasis placed on
providing programs that encourage an interest in learning and supporting the formal education of
students of all ages and to inform the community of the services available at the library. Computer use
will be managed in a manner consistent with the library's rules of conduct.
Not all computer resources/sources provide accurate, complete or correct information. Users need to
be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. If you need assistance,
please ask.
To maximize availability, and to insure fair accessibility to all, please follow these rules and procedures.
A complete list of the rules is placed by each computer work station.
1. All users required to read and sign this Computer and Internet Use Agreement.
2. You must have a current library card and be in good standing (all materials are turned in and
all fines are paid).
3. Computers are available during all regular library hours. Access is for thirty minutes, unless
no one is waiting to access a computer.
4. Computer use is on a first come first served basis.
5. All patrons must sign in before logging on to a computer.
6. No more than two people at the computer workstation at a time. Excessive noise or creating
a disturbance will warrant a one- time verbal warning and computer privileges will be restricted.
7. You may not use your own software in the Library computers. This includes musical compact
disc, portable electronic devices such as thumb drives, mp3 players, cellular phones, and PDA's
(personal digital assistants).
8. You may print for a charge of 25 cents per page. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PRINT WITHOUT
FIRST CHECKING WITH THE LIBRARIAN OR THE DIRECTOR. You are responsible for everything
that you print.
9. Misuse of the computer will result in the loss of all computer privileges.
10. Library staff can usually help with basic computer use.
11. If you have difficulty in using the computer or the internet check with the director or
librarian before attempting anything that of which you are uncertain.
12. Do NOT change any settings under any circumstances. Only the director can change
settings. This is designed as a safety net for all computer patrons.
All prospective users will sign a Computer and Internet Use Agreement. Those 17 years of age and
younger will be required to have a parent or guardian's permission to use the computer. While the
Library will make efforts to ensure that the use of the Internet is consistent with the mission statement,
parents are encouraged to work closely with their children in selecting material that is consistent with
personal and family values and boundaries.
Minors may not access inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web.
Inappropriate matter for minors is that which is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to
minors which is defined as visual depictions of inappropriate matter as defined above.
Computer users, particularly minors, should not reveal any personal identifying information
(such as name, address, telephone number, email address, social security number, age, or credit
card number) about themselves of others
The Library utilizes filtering technology as a protection measure, Websites may be "unblocked"
after library personnel make a reasonable determination that the site does not contain
obscenity, child pornography, or harmful to minors material.
Any attempts to gain access to restricted computer files or hacking to damage of modify
computer software or equipment is prohibited and will result in suspension of privileges.
The Library will treat information stored on computers as confidential (whether or not that
information is protected by the computer operating system.) Request for disclosure of
information will be honored only under one of the following conditions:
1. When approved by the Board of Directors
2. When authorized by the owners of the information
3. When required by local, state or federal law
Except when inappropriate, computer users will receive prior notice of such disclosures.
Viewing the information in the course of normal system maintenance does not constitute
disclosure.
WARNING: Use of electronic mail in its present form cannot be deemed 100 percent secure and
therefore is extremely vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification. Ultimate responsibility for
resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user's privacy or loss of data rests with the user.
Chatsworth Township Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user's data or for any
damage or injury arising from invasion of the user's privacy. All reasonable efforts will be made in
ensure computer equipment is in good working order.
SANCTIONS: Violators of computing use policies my lose TOTAL library privileges. Staff will be subject
to normal disciplinary procedures as well. Violations of the policies described above for legal and ethical
use of computing resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner, Illegal acts involving
library computing resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
DISCLAIMER: Since the Internet is a global electronic network, there is presently no state/county
control of its users or content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a
controversial nature. Parents/Guardian of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's
use of Internet through the Chatsworth Township Library connection.
Library staff cannot control the availability of information links which change rapidly and unpredictably.
Not all sources of the Internet provide accurate, complete information. If you need assistance, please
ask.
All patrons who wish to use the Chatsworth Township Library computer equipment are required to sign
and date the following "Limitation of Liability".
The undersigned acknowledges that he/she has read and understands the Computer and Internet Usage
Agreement. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that Chatsworth Township Library
assumes no liability for any loss or damage or injury arising from invasion of privacy in the user's
computer accounts, programs, or files.
________________________________________________
Patron's signature
________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
__________________________
Date
_________________________
Date
Appendix 4
DISPLAY MATERIALS RELEASE
All materials displayed in the library will be given reasonable care and protection within the limits of the
general operations of the library, but ht library and Library Board do not assume responsibility for
damage or loss suffered on its premises, nor for the costs of insurance coverage. Such costs, losses,
damages, etc. are understood to be the responsibility of the organization or individual providing the
display or exhibit.
I have read the above and release the Chatsworth Township Library from any responsibility beyond
reasonable care and protection.
Date_____________________________
Signature___________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________
Appendix 6
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF A BOOK
DATE____________________________
AUTHOR_________________________________________
TITLE_______________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHER_________________________________________________________
REQUEST INITIATED BY__________________________________________________
ADDRESS_____________________________________________PHONE_____________________
COMPLAINANT REPRESENTS:
HIM/HERSELF____________________________
GROUP/ORGANIZATION______________________________________________
1. Why do you object to this book?
2. Did you read the entire book?______________If not, what parts did you read?
3. What do you feel might be the result of reading this book?
4. For what age group would you recommend this book?
5. Is there anything good about this book?
6. What do you believe to be the theme of this book?
7. To what specifically in the book do you object?
8. Are you aware of the judgment of this book by professional critics?
9. What reviews of this book have you seen?
10. What would you like your library to do about this book?
Signature of Complainant____________________________________________________