Dunham Public Library

Policies and Procedures Page

mISSION sTATEMENT

The mission of the Dunham Library is to meet the evolving educational, cultural, informational and recreational needs of the public by providing equal access and modern library resources and services.

internet access policy

The Internet is an unregulated medium on which any person or group in the world can place data. It is a global entity, which does not fall under the control of any single organization. There are no limits on the kinds of information presented to Internet users. Dunham Public Library openly offers access to the growing world of electronic media, such as the Internet, as part of its mission providing services and materials to meet the requirements of the district it has been chartered to serve. This philosophy is fully outlined in the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read documents, both available upon request at the Information Desk, which guarantees library customers full access of all information and media. As an electronic information source, the content of the Internet, its accuracy, timeliness of suitability for certain segments of the library cannot guarantee the library using public. Like the library itself, use of the Internet is not a right; it is a privilege and should be treated as such. Dunham Library has the authority to implement reasonable practices and procedures governing use of the Internet.

We disclaim any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through the Internet or any consequences thereof.

Revised & approved by

Dunham Public Library Board of Trustees

1-11-00

Dunham public library internet guidelines

1. Access to the Internet will not be filtered, restricted or censored by the library in any way. Use of the library's computer equipment to utilize the Internet shall be open to all. Access is guaranteed under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, under the guidelines of freedom of speech and expression.

2. According to New York Penal Law 235.20, a person under the age of seventeen (17) is considered to be a minor. Internet use by children is allowed at the Dunham Public Library but under the following conditions: Minor children, age sixteen (16) or older, may use the library's public computer room provided they abide by the library's Internet policy and guidelines. Younger children may use the room at the discretion of the librarian on duty at the time. Adults and children who wish to use the computers on the library floor are also expected to abide by the library's approved Internet guidelines and policy.

3. It is library policy that parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their minor children. It is their duty to supervise or restrict their child's Internet access along with any other library resources. Children will also be held responsible for using all library resources, including the Internet, properly.

4. Materials may be reprinted or copied from the Internet as long as they fall within the "Fair Use" doctrine of copyright laws or with permission of the copyright holder.

5. The Internet is a research tool meant for the information needs of library customers.

6. Librarians are currently able to assist Internet users when possible, however, they do not and can not have total knowledge of what the Internet contains and may not be familiar with certain Internet sites customers may wish to access.

7. Customers may not utilize the Internet in an illegal manner. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following: To harass other people, for criminal purposes, for pornographic purposes, to download or install software into the library's existing system and invade another user's privacy.

8. Illegal acts involving library electronic resources will also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. The library's rules of conduct apply fully in the use of the Internet. Rules of Conduct are available at the Information Desk.

9. Internet users must act in a responsible manner while using the system. They must obey the library's rules for use. If they become abusive of the system or disregard the rules in any manner, it will result in the revocation of Internet use privileges or suspension of library privileges.

The Dunham Public Library assumes no responsibility for materials found on the Internet which may be offensive or inaccurate. This policy may be revised as needed by resolution of the Dunham Public Library Board of Trustees.

Approved by Dunham Public Library Board of Trustees:

03-10-98

Revised: 01-11-00; 12 -12 -02

Computer Room Procedures

1. The Dunham Public Library is fully connected to the Internet throughout the building.

2. There are five (5) fully Internet accessible PCs plus two black and white printers in the computer room.

3. The official length of computer time is ONE HOUR when the computer room is busy. Computer users may stay longer if the room is slow. Users are expected to follow the posted hours for Computer Room use.

4. Computer users may use their own paper or be expected to pay five cents a sheet for printer paper, which is available at the Circulation Desk.

5. All library patrons are welcome to use the library's computer facilities in accordance with the approved usage policies of the library.

6. Library patrons, age seventeen (17) or older, with a valid MidYork library card are welcome to use the facilities of the library's computer room.

7. Computer Room users are to report in, at the Information Desk, with a valid MidYork library card. Computer users may pick up their library cards at the conclusion of their stay.

8. Minor children, age sixteen (16) and younger may use the computer room with parental/guardian supervision, a valid MidYork library card and at the discretion of the librarian on duty at the time.

9. All minor children are expected to obey the rules for use of the Internet and the computer room.

alfred t. peters study room procedure

1. The Alfred T. Peters Study Room is available for use by members of the community looking for a quiet place to work. Using this room should cause no interruption or inconvenience to ongoing library activities.

2. The Librarian in charge at the Information Desk shall do scheduling for the ATP Study Room. Once the ATP Study Room is booked, no other individuals are allowed to use the room. Individuals (Maximum 4) working on a united project may use the room.

3. There is no charge to use the ATP Study Room.

4. The use of the ATP Study Room is available only during library hours.

5. No food is allowed in the room to protect the condition of the antiques and carpeting. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building.

6. Children (17 and under) are not allowed usage of the room unless an adult is present and working along side the child.

7. Adults using the room must do so without their children.

8. The applicant is responsible for the condition of the ATP Study Room.

9. The Library Board and Staff are not responsible for properties left on the premises by the applicant.

Approved: 5/19/03

dunham meeting room procedure

1. The Dunham Meeting Room is available for use by members of the community. Programs and/or meetings should cause no interruption or inconvenience to ongoing library activities.

2. The use of the Dunham Meeting Room is available only during library hours. This is a very basic meeting room. Bathrooms are on the main floor via the elevator or stairway in the hall. The room has limited electrical power. Groups needing special equipment should consider using the large Community Room which offers overhead projector, screen, VCR, Television, etc...

3. A user fee of $7.00 will be charged. Payment is to be made on or before the meeting date. Please make checks payable to the Dunham Public Library. Checks may be mailed to the library or deposited at the Circulation Desk.

4. There is no charge for the following: Literacy Volunteers, Tutors, Students taking Regents. However, all must schedule the use of the room.

5. The Librarian in charge at the Information Desk shall do the scheduling for the meeting room. The maximum number of people allowed in the room is 35.

6. No food is allowed in the room to protect the condition of the antiques and carpeting. If a group feels that they need food or beverage, the Community Room should be booked. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building.

7. Children: Adults who attend meetings and need to bring their children are responsible for them. They must remain with the adult at the meeting and not unattended on the main floor of the library. Library personnel are not available to oversee children.

8. The applicant is responsible for the condition of the meeting room. The room must be left in the same condition in which it was found, with chairs put away.

9. The Library Board and Staff are not responsible for properties left on the premises by the applicants.

Approved: 5/19/03

COMMUNITY ROOM POLICY

1. All Dunham Public Library activities and Dunham Public Library related activities will have first priority on the use of the Community Room: Friends of the Library book sales, Literacy Volunteers and all library programs.

2. After the priority users, the Community Room may be used by non-profit, educational and civic groups for informational purposes, discussion, planning or program presentations relating to educational, cultural or civic topics. Such meetings should cause no interruption or inconvenience to ongoing library activities.

3. A meeting room user fee of $15.00 will be charged. Payment is to be made on or before the meeting date. Please make checks payable to DUNHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY. Checks may be mailed or deposited at the Information Desk.

4. Scheduling for the meeting room shall be done by the Reference Librarian. The maximum number of people the large room can accomodate is 100. The room divided can accomodate approximately 30. Groups must be flexible and expect occasionally to share the room with another group as demand dictates. An application form providing all necessary information must be filled out at the time of request. A checklist for using the room will be given or mailed to the individual in charge of the group's reservation.

5. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building. There shall be no alcoholic beverages brought to or consumed in the building or on the grounds. Also, please remember this is a public library. No food or beverages should be brought onto the main public floor. If a group wishes to bring in non-alcoholic beverages, this is acceptable. Groups wishing to make coffee or tea may do so but they must provide their own coffee pot.

6. Children: Adults who attend meetings and need to bring their children are responsible for them. They must be supervised at all times and remain with the adult at the meeting and not on the main floor of the library. Library personnel are not available to oversee children while an adult is in attendance at any meeting in the library.

7. The applicant is responsible for the condition of the meeting room. The room must be left in the same condition in which it was found and all lights must be turned off when users leave.

8. Groups needing tables and/or chairs set up for their meetings must do it themselves. Library personnel are not responsible for setting up equipment for groups. Library equipment such as the slide projector, overhead projector, screen, DVD/VCR combo, television, etc...are available for use of the groups. They must be reserved ahead of time.

9. Due to limited parking spaces, the library would appreciate the following:

I. Car pool when possible.

II. Park on Victory Parkway across from the library.

III. Make arrangements with St. Paul's Church to use their parking lot.

10. Meetings will not be scheduled for evenings or days when the library is not open. Groups wishing to use the Community Room must schedule meetings to begin during library hours.

11. The Community Room will not be available for meetings to any group in May or October due to the annual Friends of the Library book sales.

12. The Library Board and staff are not responsible for property left on the premises by the applicants.

The library is here for the enjoyment of all. Please remember to be considerate of other patrons and keep the noise level down as you congregate, browse, study or relax within the building.

Revised & approved by Board

September 1997

Click here to return to the home page