LIBRARY POLICIES
CIRCULATION POLICIES
Loan periods are as follows:
- Museum passes: One day
- DVDs and magazines: One week (seven days)
- All other circulating material: three weeks (twenty-one days)
The loan period for materials borrowed from other libraries (interlibrary loans) varies with the lending library. The Bolton Public Library will not absorb fines or fees incurred by its users for overdue, lost, or missing Interlibrary Loan material. Individual borrowers are responsible for their own fines and fees, if any.
Borrowers must present their cards when checking out library materials. Borrowers may not use the cards of others not present.
Each household may borrow ten DVDs at a time, a maximum of three of which may be marked NEW.
No borrower may check out all of the library’s material on a single subject at one time.
Borrowers are limited to three “claims returned” messages attached to his/her record. This includes “claims returned” at other libraries. Borrowers must return or pay for materials subsequently claimed returned.
All materials except for museum passes may be renewed once. Renewals may be completed in person, remotely by personal computer or by telephone when the library is open. Renewals may not be permitted on interlibrary loan books or on items for which other(s) are waiting.
To reserve material, the library user must ask a staff member to hold the material or put his/her name on a waiting list. Notification that reserved material has arrived will be by telephone or email. The library staff assumes no responsibility for telephone or other messages within a user’s home.
Material will be held at the circulation desk for seven business days after notification. On the eighth day, it will either be shelved or the next person on the reserve list will be notified of its availability.
Materials whose due date is past are subject to overdue notices. Notices will be e-mailed in accordance with C/W MARS practices.
In accordance with Massachusetts law, library users may be billed for library materials which are thirty days past their due date, lost, or damaged. The Director will send the user a letter detailing the missing material and an itemized list of charge(s). The Director may request the immediate return of the material or payment of the bill. Until the matter is settled, the library user is barred from checking out any more library material (including museum passes) throughout the C/W MARS system.
Every bill issued by the Bolton Public Library will include a nonrefundable billing/processing fee of $3.
The Library charges no overdue fines for its own material. The Library staff acts on the premise that the return of materials, in good condition, is preferable to the collection of fines.
INTERLIBRARY LOAN POLICIES
DEFINITIONS
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is defined as a borrowing/loaning agreement between libraries. Currently the Bolton Public Library performs ILL functions through the statewide ILL office at Quincy. The Library can also perform ILL functions directly using American Library Association (ALA) forms. ILL differs from Holds. Holds are a circulation function, may be initiated by patrons and staff alike, and are confined to the library’s network. ILL is initiated by staff on behalf of patrons. The library’s name is foremost on the borrowing transaction, thus the library bears some responsibility for materials. ILL materials are generally thought of as those available from outside the library’s network or geographical location.
GENERAL
ILL service is an option when searches of (in hierarchical order) the C/W MARS catalog and the MA Virtual Catalog have been exhausted.
The Bolton Public Library will initiate ILL service to any patron with a valid C/W MARS library card. A C/W MARS card, as opposed to another network’s card, is necessary as it allows staff to validate current status including fines and fees owed, and to add fines and fees when necessary.
ILL service is guided by principles and practices established by the American Library Association, the Massachusetts Library System, and borrowing and lending libraries regardless of location.
The Bolton Public Library is willing to request the loan of materials of all types, but patrons using ILL services are cautioned that some types of materials, including but not limited to the following, may be unavailable:
- Audiovisual media
- Bulky or fragile items, or those that are difficult to ship
- Rare or valuable materials
- Reference (non-circulating) items
- New items
- Textbooks
Patrons using ILL services are subject to the circulation policies of the lending library.
The library’s staff and budget resources being limited and its focus being popular materials, it is unable to support scholarly research. The following limits will be observed: A patron may have no more than two active requests for material of the same title at one time.
A patron may order the same item no more than three (3) times in a calendar year.
BORROWING PHOTOCOPIES
Patrons requesting photocopies via ILL must agree to pay a fee of 10 cents per page (same as if the Bolton Public Library owned the periodical and it were copied on site). Photocopy fees are payable directly to the Bolton Public Library.
Photocopies will be held for 14 days past the date of receipt by the library, after which they will be discarded.
In the event that a photocopy is provided but not picked up, the Bolton Public Library staff will add a manual fine in the full amount due to the patron’s C/W MARS library card.
BORROWING ALL OTHER TYPES OF MATERIAL
The Library accepts that postage via Media Mail rate (or other, whichever costs less) is part of ILL business, and absorbs the cost.
Should a lender charge a loan fee (that is, a fee over and above postage as described above), the patron must accept or deny the fee in order for the transaction to proceed.
The patron initiating ILL service is the only one who can accept or refuse to pay an ILL fee. Acceptance or refusal by an agent will not be accepted.
When the patron accepts the fee, staff will note on the order form date, time, and method of communication (i.e., by phone, email, in person, or other) before continuing the ordering process.
When the patron refuses to pay the fee, staff will proceed to the next lender and the process repeated. When all lenders in the string are exhausted and it is determined that none will lend without a fee, the transaction is concluded.
Payment of the lending fee, made payable to the loaning library, is expected upon pickup of the material. The Library will not release material until the fee is paid.
In the event that a patron agrees to pay a fee then fails to pick up the material, the Bolton Public Library staff will add the full amount due as a manual fine on the patron’s C/W MARS card.
Patrons are responsible for payment of all fines and fees that accrue on overdue items.
Non-photocopied items are assumed to be nonrenewable. Should renewal be allowed by the lender, the patron must notify the Bolton Public Library staff five days before the due date. The Library staff will not automatically request a renewal.
MISCELLANEOUS
Patrons are responsible for returning items in the condition in which they arrived. Should they be damaged in any way while in the borrower’s possession, the borrower is responsible for any and all restitution required by the owning library.
Patrons who have through previous ILL experience demonstrated irresponsible borrowing habits will be denied ILL service at the Bolton Public Library.
The Bolton Public Library will honor any limitation on use (e.g., in-library use only) imposed by the lender.
Approved by Board of Library Trustees 1/10/2011; amended and re-approved 1/22/2013
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY POLICIES
This policy covers the building and grounds of the Bolton Public Library.
“Photography and videography” is defined as the making of images using any type of equipment capable of recording an image (including but not limited to cell phone cameras, still cameras, video cameras, and movie cameras).
Photography and videography for commercial purposes is prohibited. Requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing to the Library Board of Trustees. Permission, if granted, will be communicated in writing at the Board’s earliest convenience.
Photography and videography is generally permitted when the following conditions are met:
- The Library Director is notified at least 1(one) business day in advance.
- It is for personal, noncommercial use, student projects, or library promotion.
- It is done during a posted Open Meeting per MGL c30A (18-25).
- It does not interrupt or curtail the delivery of library services.
- It does not reveal the nature of an individual’s intellectual pursuits or items borrowed.
- The photographer has secured any and all necessary permissions to make images of human subjects* and of creative or intellectual property of the speaker/presenter. The Library assumes no responsibility for securing such permissions.
- It does not entail moving or changing library furnishings including lights and light fixtures for the purpose of making an image.
*If any person to be photographed or videotaped is under 18 years of age, permission must be obtained by the photographer or videographer from a parent or adult guardian on behalf of said minor child.
The library reserves the right to document its services and the public’s use of the library. Official representatives of the library may take photographs, videotape, or use other recording devices within the library and at library-related events and activities for library purposes. These photographs and video may be copied, displayed, published (including on the library’s website), and telecast for such purposes as promotion, publicity, and news to inform the public about the library. All such photography/videotaping will be in accordance with library policy.
This policy extends to photographs and filming by library staff at Friends of the Library events and at library booths and programs at public events in the community.
Recognizing and respecting the nature of intellectual and creative property, the Library will not be responsible for securing permission to photography or record lectures, performances, and similar events not governed by the Open Meeting Act. The library will attempt to contact the local media about performers and dates; however, representatives of those media must make their own arrangements in securing permission to record and notifying the library of their intent to do so.
Where permission is secured to record cultural events such as those described above, the Library will make every attempt to provide seating for audience members who prefer not to be photographed. Due to performer needs and space limitations, such seating may be limited and is not guaranteed.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 3/20/12
SERVICE TO DECERTIFIED LIBRARIES
The Bolton Public Library offers borrowing privileges only to communities having public libraries certified by the Masssachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, 7/7/2008
PC, INTERNET & WIRELESS POLICIES
Users access the Internet at their own discretion. The Library staff is not responsible for the content of the Internet. We do not control information for either content or accuracy. The individual user is responsible for judging the validity, appropriateness, and value of the material.
The Library does not filter access to the Internet but may monitor patron usage.
Parents are responsible for monitoring their child's or childrens' use of library resources including the Internet.
All Library users in good standing are welcome to use the public PCs.
Users may be asked to sign in and out or to present a BPL card. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
The Library’s PCs are coded for use as follows: ground floor for adults (aged 18+), second floor for young adults (aged 13-17), and Children’s Room for children (12 and under). Those using guest passes must observe these boundaries.
There is no charge for accessing the Internet at the Library.
Downloading from the user’s own software, flash drives, and/or discs may not be used on Library machines.
The Library reserves the right to suspend immediately the privileges of users who abuse the Library’s personal computers and/or Internet connections and/or network connections by unethical or illegal use, for example:
- Destruction or damage of equipment, software, or data
- Rough use of equipment (e.g., pounding on the keyboard by young child)
- Wasting resources (i.e., staff time, supplies, etc.)
- Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
- Harassment of other users
- Violating copyright or software licenses; unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material in any form.
- Deliberately displaying obscene messages or images, or images that are harmful to minors (as defined by 18 USC 1460 and 18 USC 2256, respectively; and/or in violation of the Massachusetts General Law 272 Section 31, the Harmful to Minors Statute.)
- Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification codes or numbers (i.e., “hacking”)
- Use of communication facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others
Violation of others’ privacy - Transmission of threatening, harrassing, defamatory, or obscene materials
- Violation of computer system security
- Violation of network or host usage policies or software license agreements
- Any other use of the Internet that violates Town, State, or Federal law
Patrons violating the above rules will told by the Library Staff to cease immediately. Staff are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce this policy.
The Library staff will assist patrons with startup procedures and basic questions about Internet use; however, staff may not always be available to assist, and staff will not be responsible for troubleshooting users’ personal devices.
The Internet terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Blocks of time may be reserved on the Internet terminal by calling the Library during open hours or by signing in on the reservation PC in the lobby. Users may reserve two blocks of time per day. Users who are 10 or more minutes late for reserved time forfeit that time if someone else is waiting to use a terminal.
No more than two people may use each Internet terminal at one time.
The last block of time before the library closes is 50 minutes.
Public PCs will be shut down 10 minutes before closing.
WIRELESS
Users of the library’s wireless access are subject to the provisions of the Internet Policy, with the following additions and guidelines for use.
The Bolton Public Library offers wireless internet access throughout the building and on some areas of the grounds via two hotspots.
The Library is not responsible for delays or damage to software or hardware due to electrical surges, power loss, service interruptions, computer viruses, spyware, or malware.
The Library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.
Anti-virus and security protections are the responsibility of individual users.
The wireless connection is neither secure nor encrypted. The library assumes no responsibility for the following:
- Intercepted transmissions, including unauthorized access to personal information such as (but not limited to) name, password(s), telephone and credit card numbers
- Viruses, malware, viruses, and hacks
- Hardware or software damage
- Loss, theft, or damage of equipment or data left unattended
The library staff offers no assistance in establishing or maintaining a wireless connection, or for technical support including troubleshooting users’ personal devices.
Printing is not available to wireless users at the library.
Wireless users may connect their devices to any available electrical power outlet provided that cord(s) do not create a tripping hazard. Patrons may not unplug library equipment.
Because we cannot guarantee the availability of outlets, batteries should be charged before coming to the Library.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees October 11, 2011 ; revised April 12, 2016.
YOUR PRIVACY
All personal information as it appears on an individual’s registration for a library card is considered confidential. In the course of normal business, no personal information will be shared, sold, traded, or otherwise disseminated outside the library network.
The staff recognize all library users’ right to privacy and will keep library records (including, but not limited to, items borrowed and questions asked) confidential, and will neither reveal to a third party the identity of those using library materials nor reveal items checked out on another person’s card unless legally compelled to do so via warrant or subpoena.
Any staff member receiving a request for information about information or materials considered confidential will notify the Director immediately. The Director will forward the request to Town Counsel to verify its legal sufficiency.
Any request for information considered confidential must be accompanied by a warrant or subpoena. Should a request be submitted without a warrant or subpoena, the library has no duty to furnish information.
Staff will have time to collect information requested by subpoena.
Staff will comply immediately with law enforcement officers executing a search warrant.
BEHAVIOR IN THE LIBRARY
Entrance into the Library signifies the willingness of each individual to behave courteously toward all other persons here, to act respectfully with regard to public property, and in accordance with all the rules of this facility. The Library reserves the right to expel any person or persons whose behavior is disruptive or whose actions interfere with the use of the library by others.
In order to provide an orderly and pleasant environment, the Library staff is authorized to make judgments regarding individual or group behavior. Response to unacceptable behavior may include temporary or permanent suspension of library privileges and/or expulsion from the library building.
The Library staff may ask the local police to assist with disruptive individuals or groups, or those not in compliance with the Library’s rules.
The following are not permitted in the Library:
- Destruction or theft of materials or property
- Use of alcohol or illegal drugs
- Disruptive, disorderly, or boisterous conduct
- Threatening, harassing, or intimidating language or behavior
- Food, or beverages in open containers (containers with tight lids are permitted except near computers and other electronic equipment)
- Smoking
- Weapons
- Use of cellular phones
- Use of personal stereo equipment if sound levels are distracting to others
- Leaving personal belongings unattended. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Animals, except for guide or assist animals
- Solicitation of any type
- Unattended children
- Sleeping
- Disposal of soiled diapers, paper towels, and/or baby wipes
For health and safety, shirts and shoes must be worn in the Library at all times. Cleats may not be worn in the building.
UNATTENDED CHILDREN
The Library is a public building available for the use of all, including those whose interest in children may not be entirely wholesome. Even in a small library, staff may not recognize all of the adults who enter or leave the building with children.
Out of concern for the wellbeing of this community’s children, the Board of Library Trustees and the Library staff affirm that the staff does not take the place of parents, act as caregiver or babysitter, and cannot be responsible for problems (incidents, accidents, or other liability) resulting from children left unattended. Staff will intervene if they are aware of a problem.
Children aged 10 or younger must be continually attended by a parent or caregiver while in the building or on the grounds. Children aged eleven and older may be left unattended at the discretion of the parent or caregiver. Pickup times and Library hours must be discussed between parent and child before the responsible adult leaves the Library. The Library’s telephone is not normally to be used for contacting parents of unattended children.
There are additional considerations on this subject. Minors who meet the following conditions, regardless of chronological age, should not be unattended in the building or on the grounds:
- Those who are unable to care for themselves
- Those who need close supervision, even if a parent or caregiver is elsewhere in the building
- Those who are not picked up at closing time
Children attending Library programs (whether held at the Library, on its grounds, or elsewhere) are supervised by staff only for the duration of the program.
Children should not be left at the Library or on its grounds before opening or after closing, including emergency closings.
The Library staff is not responsible for supervising children left alone when the Library is closed but will attempt to reach a parent or caregiver for immediate pickup.
All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.
Should a child be at the Library at closing, and a parent or caregiver unavailable, at least two staff will immediately notify the local police, and will stay with the child until the police (or parent/caregiver) arrive. Staff will not offer transportation from the library to any other location.
In the event that the police are notified about an unattended child, the staff member(s) involved will notify the Director immediately.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, December 5, 2011; revised 7/24/2012
PLEASE NOTE: Effective January 1, 2007, all materials owned by the Bolton Public Library and returned late enough to generate a bill for their replacement (i.e., 19 days past the due date) will be assessed the replacement cost plus a $3 nonrefundable billing fee. The Bolton Public Library does not charge daily overdue fines on its own materials. Materials owned by other libraries are subject to the owning library’s policies, which may include assessment of daily overdue fines. Returning other libraries’ materials to Bolton Public Library does not negate other libraries’ fines or fees. Returning other libraries’ materials to Bolton on days that we are closed but others are open (e.g., Mondays) or outside business hours may result in the owning library charging a late fine. The best way to avoid fines and fees is to renew, or to return materials on or before the due date.
