Policies
Windham Public Library Policies
Please contact the Library Director (ext. 9), Jen Alvino, if you have questions about our policies, the services we offer, or any other concerns about the Windham Public Library.
Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals
Mission
Windham Public Library is your center for community, information, technology and entertainment by powering learning and fun for all ages.
Vision
As a key community anchor, Windham Public Library inspires community members by expanding minds, fulfilling informational needs and connecting community members to each other through its collection, programming and space for civic discourse.
Values
Windham Public Library staff members embrace change, are technologically advanced and customer service oriented in their delivery of services to library members and visitors. Staff members ensure services provided match the needs of the community while adhering to Maine Library Commission and American Library Association standards for service and privacy.
Core Services
- Collection—Print and digital, local and statewide
- Readers’ advisory and reference assistance
- Programs for all ages and a variety of interests
- Access to technology—computers and other devices, training and internet access
- Public space for meetings, study, and enjoyment
Strategic Goals
1. Expand minds and enrich lives
a. Collection development
i. Print and digital materials
b. Programming
i. Storytime
ii. Lectures and crafts
iii. Displays
iv. Book Clubs
v. Author talks
c. Access to technology
d. Partner with other cultural agencies
2. Civic Engagement
a. Connection to other community members
b. Partner with other civic groups
c. Provide a forum for civic discourse
d. Provide space for other community organizations to meet
3. Gateway to technology
a. Access to computers and the internet
b. Training for new devices and applications
c. Devices to loan
4. Strive for excellence-Staff members are:
a. Informed
b. Friendly
c. Anticipating needs
d. Having fun
Code Of Conduct Policy
I. Policy Statement
The Windham Public Library is supported by the taxes of the people of Windham who expect Town facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending programs and meetings. To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the Library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. In addition, the Library has a strong commitment to intellectual freedom and to freedom of access to information.
II. Authority
Article III, Section 2 of the Town Charter appoints the Town Manager, as the Town’s chief administrative officer, the responsibility to establish reasonable rules and regulations regarding the Windham Public Library and to exclude any person who willfully and persistently violates those rules. The rules will be enforced in a fair and reasonable manner with exclusion periods that vary based on the severity of violation.
III. Rules of Conduct
For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of Library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property:
- Disruptive behavior, such as creating loud noises, loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
- Entering into the Library barefoot or without a shirt or removing one’s footwear or shirt while in the Library, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.
- Having offensive body odor or personal hygiene so as to unreasonably interfere with other patrons’ ability to use the Library and its facilities.
- Leaving packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal items unattended. These unattended items are subject to immediate confiscation.
- Moving Library furniture from where it is place by Library staff.
- Using wheeled devices inside the Library or on Library grounds, except in designated areas, including the use of skateboards, roller-skates, bicycles, motorized or non-motorized scooters. These restrictions do not apply to ADA assistive devices or baby strollers.
- Lying down or appearing to be sleeping in the Library; having feet on furniture; or blocking aisles, exits or entrances.
- Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children under the age of eight (8).
- Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals necessary for disabled individuals, into the Library, except as authorized by the Town Librarian.
- Inappropriate use of Library property in Library facilities or on Library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.
- Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others. Audible cell phone and pager ringers must be turned off.
- Littering.
- Smoking, chewing, and other tobacco use on Library property or the use or distribution of e-cigarettes.
- Distributing literature, gathering signatures, soliciting contributions or conducting surveys inside a library or on library grounds, including outside library entrances, without Library authorization. No Library authorization is required to distribute literature, gather signatures, solicit contributions, or conduct surveys on the public sidewalks adjacent to Library property.
- Placing any tables or other structures on Library property, including Library grounds.
- Failing to comply with any reasonable staff request to cease behavior that interferes with the effective functioning of the library.
- Using restrooms for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
- Entering the library or library grounds during a period of exclusion.
- Being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
- Possession or use of alcohol.
- Damaging or stealing personal or Library property in Library facilities or on Library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.
- Verbally intimidating staff, volunteers, or other patrons.
- Engaging in any other behavior that would constitute a misdemeanor under applicable law.
- Carrying, exhibiting, displaying, or drawing any firearm in a manner that demonstrates intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.
- Possession of any other dangerous weapon.
- Assault, fighting, or challenging to fight.
- Selling, using, or possessing controlled substances or selling alcohol.
- Refusing to leave Library property after being issued a Notice of Exclusion.
- Offensive touching and obscene acts such as sex acts, and indecent exposure.
- Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours, remaining on Library property once excluded.
- Threatening other patrons, volunteers, or staff – verbally, physically or in writing, including all forms of electronic media.
- Engaging in any other behavior that would constitute a felony under applicable law.
IV. Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with library policy will result in restricted library privileges.
V. Enforcement
Authorized library staff and/or Windham Police Officers may intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Additionally, failure to comply with these rules, depending on the nature, frequency, or severity of the infraction, may result in:
- Verbal Warning: Behavior will be identified, and any repetition of such behavior will result in expulsion of library privileges for the remainder of the day.
- Written Warning (Notice of Exclusion): Repeat or severe behavior will be identified, and library privileges will be suspended for up to one week.
- Final Written Warning (Notice of Exclusion): Continued or severe behavior will be identified, and library privileges will be suspended from one month up to six months.
A violation of law may also result in arrest and prosecution. Violations of law and/or these rules may also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers and other equipment. Authorized personnel may base a Notice of Exclusion on personal observation or upon the sort of civilian reports that would ordinarily be relied upon by police officers in the determination of probable cause.
Approved April 23, 2014
Patron’s Right to Privacy Statement
The Windham Public Library recognizes the need to protect your right to privacy about the questions you ask and the materials you borrow and read.
In order to guarantee privacy to each individual, Maine Law (Title 27, Section 121) mandates, regardless of age, confidentiality of your registration and borrowing records. The Windham Public Library policies and procedures carry out this intent. Library staff will not distribute or disclose this information to outside parties unless required to do so by State or Federal laws or pursuant to a patron’s consent as outlined below:
- To a law enforcement officer or authorized agent of the court with appropriate ID:
- Presenting a written request for Library records in proper legal form
- Acting in the scope of the Officer’s law enforcement duties investigating a matter involving public safety in exigent circumstances, or
- Responding to the Library’s request for help in maintaining its collections.
- To a Library approved recovery agent for the collection of fines, fees, and non-returned Library materials.
- To a Library cardholder requesting information on his/her own account, or to the parent/guardian of a minor child requesting information on their child’s account (child’s library card or approved digital image* of the cardholder’s library card must be presented).
- A family member or friend approved to pick up an item on hold or otherwise access patron information (library card or approved digital image* of the cardholder’s library card must be presented).
Library patron records may be used internally for administrative purposes including, but not limited to:
- The establishment and maintenance of a system to manage Library records
- The transfer of library records from one records management system to another
- The compilation of statistics and the collection of fines, fees, and non-returned Library materials.
Use of Facility
There is no reasonable expectation of privacy regarding a person’s presence in a public building. For that reason, library staff may respond to questions from law enforcement officers about a person’s presence in the library. Please note that there is a distinction between the privacy of a patron’s use of library materials and services and their physical presence in a public building.
*photograph of library cards will not be accepted. Only scanned digital images within the CardStar app or similar digital card app.
Approved January 11, 2018 by the Library Board of Trustees
Lending Policy
General Rules
- Library cards are available to individuals age 5 and older. Children ages 5-12 who live or go to school in Windham may get a library card with their parent or guardian present. People ages 12 and up who live, go to school, work, or pay property taxes in Windham may get a library card with a photo ID.
- Non-residents may pay a yearly fee of $25.00 to get a library card.
- We require our library card for borrowing materials. Please bring your card with you at all times.
Circulation times and requests (holds)
- You may check out a total of 50 items on your card. Some items, such as DVDs and Blu-Rays, have additional limits.
- You may request (place holds) on 15 items at a time.
- Most items circulate for 3 weeks. Items from our ‘Library of Things’ circulate for 2 weeks. Select items can only be borrowed by someone aged 18 or older; library staff will explain this at check-out.
Renewing (extending the due date)
- Items from our ‘Library of Things’ can be renewed once, and most other items can be renewed twice, provided there is no request for the item from another patron.
- Items borrowed from other Maine libraries may be renewed once for 3 weeks provided there is no request for the item.
- Items borrowed from libraries outside of Maine may only be renewed upon approval.
To renew your item(s):
- You can access the library catalog and your account any time here: http://minerva.maine.edu/. Log in with your name and library card number, and renew your item(s).
- You can also call to request a renewal during library hours: 207-892-1908 ext. 3. You will need your library card number.
- You can also stop by in person during library hours to request a renewal. You will need your library card.
- Bad weather or personal emergencies can always be given consideration. Please don’t hesitate to speak to a staff member if you have a question or concern.
Overdue (late) items, fees, and lost or damaged items
- Our library does not charge overdue fees.
- There is a dropbox to the left of the main door. Most items can be returned there at any time. Some equipment may require in-person returns when the library is open.
- Patrons will be notified twice regarding late materials, followed by a bill if materials still are not returned.
- Billed items may be assessed a $3.00 processing fee in addition to the cost of the item. The library does not accept purchased replacement copies in lieu of payment.
- If a material is determined lost and is paid for by a patron, it becomes his or her property. The library cannot refund the cost after that point, even if the material is found.
- Items that are returned with missing pieces (such as discs) will not be removed from the account until the missing pieces are returned.
- Billing Fees and Non-Resident fees must be paid in full before any new items may be checked out.
- Please report any problems or defects in library materials so we may fix them. If items were damaged before you took them out, please let us know; you will not be charged for damage that you did not do. If, however, you lose or damage library materials, you will be expected to pay for them. The library does not accept purchased replacement copies in lieu of payment.
Materials Selection Policy
I. Introduction
Mission Statement
Windham Public Library is your center for community, information, technology, and entertainment by powering learning and fun for all ages.
The Community
The Town of Windham is in Cumberland County, Maine, population 17,001 (2010 Census). Windham is located 10 miles NW of Portland and is the gateway to the Sebago Lake Region with a unique mixture of recreational areas and a large shopping district.
The Collection
The library serves as a limited public forum for access to the full range of recorded information within the marketplace of ideas. Collection development should be content-neutral so that the library represents a wide range of viewpoints and subjects of interest. The collection of the Windham Public Library includes materials in print, audiovisual and electronic formats, including access to the internet. The library acquires, makes available, and encourages the use of materials in a variety of formats for the enlightenment, enrichment, and enjoyment of all members of the Windham community, of all ages and interests while recognizing that each individual has varying needs and interests. The library also recognizes that it has limited financial resources and has a responsibility to use its funds to serve the entire community. Consequently, the collection reflects the collective informational, recreational, cultural, and educational needs of the community as opposed to any one individual’s needs. The library relies on other available resources such as consortia borrowing, interlibrary loans, and appropriate referrals to serve individual needs outside the scope of the library’s collection. The library also makes use of electronic databases and selected internet sites to further enhance its ability to provide relevant resources and information to its patrons. It is a member of the Minerva library consortium as well as the MaineCat catalog. This membership enables library cardholders to freely borrow and lend materials from other member libraries throughout the state, thus greatly enhancing Windham Public Library’s ability to supply the materials community members are seeking. The library affirms the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations as adopted by the American Library Association, as well as The Freedom to Read, and The Freedom to View.
Purpose of the Collection Development Policy
This Collection Development Policy is intended to guide the library staff in identifying specific criteria for resources to be added to the collection through purchase, subscription, or donation. The policy assists the staff in selecting library resources and maintaining the collection’s currency, relevance, and usefulness and promotes the development of the collection based on institutional goals and user needs.
Responsibilities
Final responsibility and authority for the selection and maintenance of library materials rests with the Library Director. Library staff will have input into the selection of materials and user requests are considered if they are found to be appropriate for the collection and within the guidelines of this policy.
II. Selection
General:
All acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, are considered by the same standards. Materials are evaluated on the significance of the entire work rather than individual parts. The following principles will be applied:
- Contemporary or permanent value
- Community interest
- Literary and artistic excellence
- Reputation and/or authority of the author, editor, illustrator, or publisher
- Attention of critics, reviewers, media, and the public
- Accuracy of content
- Format and ease of use
- Quality of production
- Relation to existing collection and to other materials available on the subject
- Scarcity of information in the subject area
- Availability of material in other libraries
- Price, availability, and demand
- Availability of physical shelving space
Guided by professional judgment, knowledge of the community, and user requests, library staff will use selection aids to determine the suitability of materials for the collection. These aids may include review journals such as Booklist, Horn Book, Library Journal, The New York Times Book Review, School Library Journal, Audio File, and local reviews. Professional collection development tools such as Public Library Catalog, Fiction Catalog, and H.W. Wilson Children’s Core Catalog may also be used. Input from library users and community groups will be encouraged and given careful consideration.
The library recognizes the importance of making available a variety of viewpoints. Resources representing different viewpoints on controversial issues may be acquired or made available, including those which may have unpopular or unorthodox positions. Acquisitions are dependent upon the availability of materials on any given viewpoint.
An item will not be selected, or excluded from selection, solely for the reason of race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, national origin, disability, age, ancestry, or other characteristics of the author or the source. Items will be arranged utilizing generally accepted library practices but prejudicial labels will not be used.
III. Collection Maintenance
In order to maintain the effectiveness of the library’s collection, the same criteria used in the selection process will be used to evaluate currently owned items. A regular and systematic weeding of the library’s materials will be conducted. Weeding has been shown to increase the quality and use of a library’s collection. Materials weeded from the collection will be either sent to Better World Books, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Windham Public Library, or if the material is in poor condition it may be recycled.
Criteria for Weeding:
1. Appearance: Books or non-print materials of antiquated appearance, badly bound volumes, poorly printed or illustrated works are candidates for weeding, this also includes, worn-out volumes whose pages are dirty, brittle, yellow or missing, and those with frayed bindings, broken spines, or dingy, torn or dirty covers.
2. Unnecessary titles: Examples of titles which are no longer needed include duplicate titles whose popularity has waned and older editions of currently held works.
3. Poor content: Materials which contain dated or incorrect information; poorly written or performed works or items which have been superseded by newer, improved editions.
4. Age: The collection will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and out-of-date materials or materials that no longer circulate regularly, 3-5 years is the professional standard, may be removed. Items that no longer meet the criteria will be withdrawn.
IV. Reconsideration
The library recognizes that some materials may be controversial and that any given item may offend an individual patron. However, all individuals have the right to choose which library materials they will use. No one individual has the right to restrict the freedom of others to read whatever they wish. No book or other material in question is automatically removed from the collection because of an objection to it.
The library provides patrons an opportunity to request that items in the collection be reconsidered. The initial request should be referred to the Library Director and whenever possible, the complaint should be handled by him/her. The form “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” (see library) may be shared with the patron and a written response will be sent to the person or organization making the complaint.
If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision of the Library Director, the complainant will notify the Library Director and the challenged material will be referred to a committee of the Board of Trustees. The committee will read the material, consult with Library Director, read book reviews, and come to a decision regarding the challenged material.
The committee will notify the complainant of its decision. The committee will be made up of two (2) staff members, other than the Library Director, two (2) members from the Library Board of Trustees and one member of the community to be appointed by the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Director will act as a consultant for this committee. The reconsideration request will be placed on the agenda of the next regular Board of Trustees meeting to review the request. The decision of the Library Board of Trustees will be final.
Policy accepted by the Windham Public Library Board of Trustees December 10, 2015
Internet Safety Policy
I. Policy
It is the policy of Windham Public Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; and (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors.
II. Governance
The Children’s Internet Protection Act (1) (CIPA), enacted December 21, 2000, require recipients of federal technology funds to comply with certain Internet filtering and policy requirements. Libraries receiving funds for Internet access and/or internal connection services must also meet the Internet safety policies of the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) which addresses the broader issues of electronic messaging, disclosure of personal information of minors, and unlawful online activities. The Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act, enacted October 10, 2008, adds an additional Internet Safety Policy requirement covering the education of minors about appropriate online behavior.
III. Applicability
The Windham Public Library receives internet connection via MSLN/Networkmaine which is paid for using federal and state universal service funds and therefore is required to comply with CIPA, which includes having a written policy in place.
IV. Definitions
A. MINOR. The term “minor” means any individual who has not attained the age of 17 years.
B. TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE. The term “technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:
1. OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;
2. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or
3. Harmful to minors.
C. HARMFUL TO MINORS. The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
D. SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT. The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
V. Guidance
A. Access to Inappropriate Material
1. To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.
2. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
3. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
B. Inappropriate Network Usage
1. To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Windham Public Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
2. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking’, and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
C. Education, Supervision, and Monitoring
1. It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Windham Public Library staff to educate, supervise, and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.
2. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or designated representative(s).
Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Windham Public Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on November 13, 2014, by the Windham Library Board of Trustees.
Copyright Guidelines
The Windham Public Library complies with federal copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). It is the intent of this law to protect the rights of copyright owners from unauthorized reproduction of their works. This includes works that have been fixed in any format, including print, audio, video, and computer file, whether or not they have been published.
However, the law also recognizes the public benefit of allowing citizens to do limited copying from copyrighted works for educational purposes. Limitations can be found in sections 107 through 118 of the Copyright Act. Within these sections fair use has been codified. Under the precepts of fair use, library patrons may copy or print parts of copyrighted works for one-time, educational, non-profit activities. Copying that would replace or infringe upon commercial sale of a copyrighted work (such as copying a work in its entirety, copying something for repeated use, or making numerous copies of the same item) is forbidden. In such cases, library patrons should seek permission from the copyright owner before proceeding.
The distinction between fair use and infringement may be unclear and not easily defined. There is no specific number of words, lines, or notes that may safely be taken without permission. Acknowledging the source of the copyrighted material does not substitute for obtaining permission. The safest course is always to get permission from the copyright owner before using copyrighted material. When permission cannot be obtained, use of the copyrighted material should be avoided unless fair use clearly applies. If there is any doubt, it is advisable to consult an attorney.