Chatfield Public Library

Please do not leave young children unsupervised in the library. Library staff are not able to provide adequate supervision to ensure their safety.

Thank you.

Adopted by the Chatfield Public Library Board June 11, 2002

Collection Development Policy

Support for Intellectual Freedom

The library provides an impartial environment in which individuals and their interests are brought together with the universe of ideas and information spanning the spectrum of knowledge and opinions. The library board affirms the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to View, and Freedom to Read policy statements in support of acquiring and managing collections.

Objectives

The library’s materials collection is developed and managed to meet the majority of the cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs of the library’s service area. Collection development staff maintains a patron-oriented collection by anticipating and responding to needs and expectations.

Collection decisions are made in conjunction with the strategic initiatives, especially the following:

• Positioning the library as the preferred partner for lifelong learning
• Embracing diversity
• Developing library services that incorporate both physical and virtual collections
• Committing to excellence in service to improve effectiveness and remove barriers

Responsibility for Selection

Staff contributes to the development of patron-oriented collections by:

• Engaging in open, continuous two-way communication with library patrons and recognizing that individuals have different ways of expressing their needs based on age, language, economic status, culture, or other characteristics
• Interacting with patrons with understanding, respect, and responsiveness
• Handling all requests equitably
• Working in partnership with one another to understand and respond to community needs
• Understanding and responding to rapidly changing demographics, as well as societal and technological changes
• Recognizing that materials of varying complexities and formats are necessary to satisfy diverse needs of library users
• Balancing individual needs and broader community needs in determining the best allocation of collection budget for acquiring or providing access to materials and information
• Seeking continuous improvement through ongoing measurement
• Reviewing the collection on a regular basis to identify areas of community interest that may need to be strengthened

Selection Criteria

Public libraries are diverse and represent a broad demographic. With a patron base that can include infants to the elderly, selection criteria should take into account the various interests and needs of the patrons the library serves. Criteria for selection of materials should also depend on the goals and mission of that particular library/system. In general, public libraries provide collections containing a wide variety of material formats, including print, audio-visual, and electronic. In selecting materials and developing collections for adults, as well as for children and teens, library staff includes materials that represent the broad range of human experience, reflecting the ethnic, religious, racial, and socio-economic diversity not only of the region it serves but also the larger global perspective. Library collections will provide a broad range of opinion on current issues.

Collections contain popular works, classic works that have withstood the test of time, and other materials of general interest. Works are not excluded or included in the collection based solely on subject matter or on political, religious, or ideological grounds. In building collections, library staff is guided by the principle of selection, rather than censorship. Furthermore, the selection of a given item for a library’s collections should not be interpreted as an endorsement of a particular viewpoint.

To build a collection of merit, materials are evaluated according to one or more of the following standards. An item need not meet all of these criteria in order to be acceptable.

General Criteria:

• Present and potential relevance to community needs
• Suitability of physical form for library use
• Suitability of subject and style for intended audience
• Cost
• Importance as a document of the times
• Relation to the existing collection and to other materials on the subject
• Attention by critics and reviewers
• Potential user appeal
• Requests by library patrons

Content Criteria:

• Authority
• Comprehensiveness and depth of treatment
• Skill, competence, and purpose of the author
• Reputation and significance of the author
• Objectivity
• Consideration of the work as a whole
• Clarity
• Currency
• Technical quality
• Representation of diverse points of view
• Representation of important movements, genres, or trends
• Vitality and originality
• Artistic presentation and/or experimentation
• Sustained interest
• Relevance and use of the information
• Effective characterization
• Authenticity of history or social setting

Special Considerations for Electronic Information Sources:

• Ease of use of the product
• Availability of the information to multiple simultaneous users
• Equipment needed to provide access to the information
• Technical support and training
• Availability of the physical space needed to house and store the information or equipment
• Available in full text

Reviewing Sources

A variety of reviewing sources are used.  Some of these are: Booklist, Goodreads, New York Times Book Review, Publishers Weekly, Shelf Awareness, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, NPR, Book Riot, Independent Book Review, Literary Hub, and more.

Acquisitions Procedures

The ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Director may delegate to other staff members the authority to select materials in accordance with the library’s mission and policy.

Special Collections

A special collection of books or other materials important to local history and which are rare or are in delicate condition are kept as non-circulating archival copies to be used in the library.

Selection of Materials on Controversial Topics

A balanced collection attempts to represent all sides of controversial issues as far as availability of materials, space, and budget allow. Selection is based upon criteria stated in this policy. The race, religion, nationality, or political views of an author or creator; offensive language; depictions or descriptions of violence or sexually explicit activity; controversial content of an item; or endorsement or disapproval by an individual or group in the community does not cause an item automatically to be included or excluded from the library’s collection.

All public libraries contain materials that some patrons may find objectionable. Libraries may omit from the collection materials that some patrons feel are important. In either case, the library has procedures that patrons may use in requesting the reconsideration of materials.

Gifts and Donations

Accepting gifts and donations is an important way for the library to benefit from the generosity of the community. Gifts and donations of materials are reviewed using the same criteria as purchases.

Any gift accepted by the Chatfield Public Library is subject to the following conditions:

• The Library retains unconditional ownership of the gift.
• The Library makes the final decision on the use or disposition of the gift. It may be given to other libraries and non-profit agencies, sold, traded, or discarded if it is not added to the collection.
• The Library reserves the right to decide the conditions of display, housing, and access to the gift.
• The Library cannot assume responsibility for notifying the donor if the gift is permanently withdrawn, damaged, or lost.
• The Library will not affix a value for income tax purposes to any gift accepted. It is the donor’s responsibility to establish fair market value or obtain expert assistance in establishing any value.

Funds may be given for the purpose of acquiring materials recommended by library staff as prescribed in this policy, or for purchase of specific items suggested by the donor. When the library receives a cash gift for the purchase of materials, the library staff must make the selection with the general selection principles set forth in this policy.

Collection Maintenance and Weeding Policy

The library continually withdraws items from the collection, basing its decisions on a number of factors, including publishing date, frequency of circulation, community interest, and availability of newer or more valid materials. Items dealing with local history are an exception, as are certain classics and award-winning children’s books. Fiction that was once popular but no longer in demand and non-fiction books that are no longer useful are withdrawn from the collection.

Withdrawn materials are donated to other entities, offered for sale, offered to library visitors for free, recycled or disposed of.

Reconsideration Policy

The library fully endorses the principles documented in the Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to View, and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association.

The library has the responsibility to serve all the residents of its community. It hereby adopts the philosophy that a public library will not curtail what an individual may or may not read, see, or hear. The library strives to make available a representative selection of materials on subjects of interest to its patrons, including materials on controversial topics to enable patrons to make informed decisions. The library’s varied collection is available to all; however, it is not expected that all of the collection will appeal to everyone.

The library is aware that one or more persons may take issue with the selection of any specific item in the collection and/or display of library materials, and will consider any expression of opinion by patrons. However, the library does not undertake the task of pleasing all patrons by the elimination of items or displays selected after due deliberation under guidance of the policies expressed herein. Anticipated approval or disapproval by persons or groups will not be considered in the selection process or in the decision to place material on display.

The library does not endorse particular beliefs or views; nor is the selection of any given material equivalent to sanction of the author’s views.

Materials are selected on the basis of the content as a whole and without regard to the personal history of the author, composer, or producer. Each work is considered on its own merit. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents. Materials will not be sequestered except for the purpose of protecting them from damage or theft. Selection of materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of minors; monitoring the reading and viewing of children is entirely the responsibility of their parents or legal guardians.

Patrons who wish to request the withdrawal or reclassification of materials currently owned by the library are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the library director. If the patron is not satisfied with the response to their request, the director will provide the patron with information and a form to request formal reconsideration of the library resource.

Procedures for Handling Informal Complaints

The process begins with a librarian discussing the complaint with the patron who brings it to the service desk. During that interaction, the librarian will explain that the library has materials for everyone and everything goes through a selection process or is purchased because of patron requests. The librarian should offer to assist the patron to find alternate materials that would better meet the needs and interests of the patron and/or their family members. If the patron chooses to go forward with the challenge, the complainant should be provided with a request for formal reconsideration form.

A patron who wishes to request the reconsideration of library material for any reason may meet with the library director. If the patron is not satisfied after speaking with the library director, they may begin the process of filing a formal complaint.

Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints

The following steps will be used when an individual feels that further action is necessary to address concerns about a library resource. For the duration of this process, the material in question will remain in circulation in the library collection.

1. A concerned patron who is dissatisfied with earlier informal discussions will be offered a packet of materials that includes the library’s mission statement, selection policy, reconsideration form, and the Library Bill of Rights.
2. Patrons are required to complete and submit a reconsideration form to the library director.
3. The director, with appropriate professional staff, will review the reconsideration form and the material in question, to consider whether its selection follows the criteria stated in the collection policy.
4. Within 15 business days, the director will make a decision and send a letter to the concerned person who requested the reconsideration, stating the reasons for the decision.
5. If the individual is not satisfied with the decision, a written appeal may be submitted within 10 business days to the Board of Trustees.
6. If the board plans to address the appeal at their board meeting, the individual will be notified of when and where the meeting will be held.
7. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to limit the length of public comments.
8. The decision of the board is final.

Adopted by the Chatfield Public Library Board December 1, 2022

1. Users are expected to read and abide by the “Chatfield Public Library Internet Access Policy and Guidelines for Use of Library Workstations” posted by the computers before using the library’s computers.
2. Parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of the computers.
3. Computers will not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials which by local community standards would be considered obscene.
4. Users will respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
5. Users will not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.
6. Users will make prompt payment at the circulation desk when printing materials on the Library’s copier/printer. Black and white copies cost 25 cents, color copies cost 50 cents.
7. Users will “check-out” time on computer workstations with a valid library card and PIN.
8. Workstations are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
9. Access sessions will be limited to 60 minutes.  Users may log in for another 60 minutes only if no one else is waiting to use a computer.
10. Users must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by library staff.
11. Users will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
12. Users may share a workstation as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or Library staff.

For more details concerning these rules of conduct see the Internet Access Policy and Guidelines for Use of Library Workstations.

This revision approved by the Chatfield Public Library Board of Trustees, April 20, 2009.

Copyright Notice

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies, printouts, scans or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using library equipment or materials provided by the library is responsible for any infringement.

Notice Warning Concerning Copyright Restrictions

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

Library Copying After 75 Years

In 1998, the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act extended the period of copyright protection for an additional 20 years. As part of the Act, Congress provided that during the last 20 years of any term of copyright of a published work, a library or archives may reproduce a copy of the work for purposes of preservation, scholarship, or research provided that: the work was not being distributed commercially; the work cannot be obtained at a reasonable price; or the copyright owner or its agent provides notice that either of the above conditions applies.

Use of the Internet by Children and Teens

As with all library materials, parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet. Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable family rules of Internet use. Helpful tools may be accessed at http://safekids.com/ and at http://www.safeteens.com/.

Background/Philosophy

The Chatfield Public Library serves as a vibrant community center which meets the various and ever changing needs of all Chatfield area community members. Services are specialized, individualized and relationship-focused to provide a high quality and positive experience.  Patrons can expect friendly and knowledgeable staff, non-biased service and a comfortable physical environment. 

The library provides access to the Internet as an integral part of this mission.

The Internet is a worldwide computer network that provides easy access to an enormous and growing body of information. The resources available on the Internet expand the library’s information services well beyond traditional collections and electronic resources. In providing community access to the Internet, the Chatfield Public Library enhances its existing collection in size and depth, and provides the opportunity for any citizen to utilize the exciting resources available through the Internet.

The library’s focus in this area is on providing access to online information resources. Additional services such as setting up email accounts, web pages, blogs, and other technical support should not be expected.

Open Access

The library provides open access to all parts of its collections, including access to the Internet, and usage is not restricted by age (supervision is the responsibility of parents, guardians or caregivers). Also, use is not prioritized by information need (everyone’s information need is important to him or her), and it is not restricted by residency.

The library recognizes First Amendment rights of its customers and their individual right to privacy. However, Internet users must be sensitive to the fact that workstations are in public areas and, therefore, images on the screen and at public printers are subject to view by a wide audience.

Internet access at the Chatfield Public Library will be used for educational, informational and recreational purposes only; it may not be used for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes. Patrons may not send, receive or display text or graphics that may be construed as: obscene by local community standards and under Section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; child pornography as that term is defined in Section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or harmful to minors as defined in Section 9134 (7)(B) of title 20, United States Code.

Information Disclaimer

The Internet offers open access to information, ideas and commentary from around the world and a vast array of tools and resources for different age levels and points of view. Not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current or legal. The Chatfield Public Library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Some resources and destinations contain material that some customers will find personally offensive or inappropriate for children.

Care should always be taken to protect personal information, such as names, telephone numbers and credit card information, when using the Internet.

Internet Filtering

In compliance with federal law, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Chatfield Public Library Board of Trustees has approved the use of software designed to filter content considered to be obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors on all library owned Internet workstations in the building. Users should be aware that no device or software will block every inappropriate site, and sites may be blocked that perhaps should not be. The library does not accept responsibility for these incidents. If you encounter a site that you believe is objectionable, or if you are blocked from a site you believe is appropriate for viewing in the library, please fill out a “Website Consideration Form” and give to staff so the website may be evaluated. This information will help us adjust the filtering software on a site-by-site basis.

Downloading

Customers may download information from the Internet to their own data storage devices. Diskettes may be purchased at the Circulation Desk. Users should not expect library staff to do this for them nor to know the specifics of how all data storage devices work or why they may not work on the library’s computers. The library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damage resulting from downloading or use of information accessible through the library’s internet connection.

Use of the Workstations

The library does not limit the number of individuals using a single workstation because we recognize that group work can be a valuable learning experience. However, if a group creates a disturbance to the effective use of the library by others, they will be asked to correct their behaviors, disband, and/or leave the building, as appropriate.

You may reserve time on a computer in advance. If you do not arrive on time, the computer you reserved may be checked out to someone else. Otherwise, workstations are available on a first-come first-serve basis. We expect customers to be considerate of others. Time on the Internet is limited to 60 minutes when others are waiting.

One workstation is configured only for access to the library’s online catalog and electronic databases and you are not required to “check it out.” It is clearly marked as “Online Computer Catalog.”

Customers should notify library staff immediately if they experience any problems with the equipment or software.

Instruction

Staff members will devote a reasonable amount of time assisting individual library users with the Internet and software where needed. They cannot devote large amounts of time to each customer because staff members are handling many information requests from many individuals and other important duties, as well.

Copyright

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use.” Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Indemnification

Users shall comply with all age restrictions governing access to specific sites, as limited by the content provider. State and federal law prohibits minors from disclosing, using, or disseminating personal information about themselves without written authorization from their parent or legal guardian. All users are prohibited by law from disclosing, using, or disseminating personal information regarding minors without written authorization from the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved.

All Internet users should avoid disclosing personal information over the Internet to preserve their own personal safety.

Some commercial databases on the Internet require a fee. These fees are the responsibility of the customer; they are not the responsibility of the library.

In no event shall the Chatfield Public Library have any liability for lost profits or for any direct or indirect special, punitive, or consequential damages, or any liability to any third party, even if the library is advised of the possibility of such damages, arising from use of its connection to the Internet.

Termination or prohibition of User Access

Library employees are authorized to terminate any user’s access session, or to prohibit a user from subsequent access sessions, given cause to believe that the user has failed to comply with this Internet Access Policy and/or Rules of Conduct.

Internet users whose access session has been terminated or prohibited may protest the action to the Library Board and/or request that Internet access privileges be reinstated.

This Internet Access Policy will be reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees at least yearly.

The purpose of this Internet Access Policy is to insure the best use of and access to the Internet for the greatest number of our patrons. This policy is subject to change as necessity dictates.

Approved by the Chatfield Public Library Board of Trustees, April 14, 2008.

The Library Board and staff are pleased to have a comfortable, pleasant meeting room, which was made possible through a generous monetary donation and through much volunteer time and effort. We are happy to share this room with the community. The following rules need to be observed so others can use and enjoy the space.

Use of the Room:

The primary use of the meeting room will be reserved for Library use.

Other time in the meeting room will be available on a first come, first served basis to any non-profit organization. An individual may reserve meeting time provided the purpose is educational.

The following uses are excluded:

1. Private social functions such as showers, birthday parties, etc.
2. Programs which are not suitable for the library’s physical facilities
3. Programs or gatherings which present a clear and present danger to the welfare of participants, library staff and patrons, and/or the community
4. For-profit groups soliciting or selling products or services
5. Religious worship or to promote any single set of religious beliefs to the public
6. Fundraising purposes, other than those that benefit the library, such as craft or bake sales. Any items offered for sale during a meeting must pertain to the topic of the meeting and be for sale only to the attendees of the meeting on that day.

Any question of interpretation of eligibility for meeting room use will be referred to the Library Director.

All reservations for the meeting room will be made through library staff. Only 2 reservations may be made at a time.

It is necessary for an organization or individual to complete and sign the Damage, Indemnification, and Applicant-Hold-Harmless Agreement form before using the meeting room. Recurrent users may sign the form once yearly.

Public Inquiries

Library meeting room use does not constitute library endorsement of the beliefs or ideas expressed by organizations or individuals using the space. Meetings may not be publicized in a manner that suggests library sponsorship or affiliation.

We reserve the right to release the contact person’s name and phone number in the event of public inquiries regarding an advertised meeting or event to be held in the meeting room.

Library Key

A key may be checked out at the Circulation desk during open Library hours a day or two before your meeting room reservation. If you do not have a valid library card, you must register for one before the key can be checked out to you. The key will be checked out under your name – you will be held responsible for its return. You have 3 open library days to return the key from the day you check it out unless you make special arrangements with library staff.

You may not lend this key to anyone else. Loss of the key or failure to return it shall result in a fine of $160 for which you will be responsible. The fine would be used to defray the cost of re-keying the building locks. (2 doors at approximately $80.00 each.)

Care and Use of Room, Equipment & Furniture:

All set up and arrangement of equipment and furniture shall be the responsibility of the user. Please return items to their original positions before you vacate the meeting room. An informational sheet mounted to the door of the meeting room will assist you in returning items to appropriate locations.

There is a TV, VCR/DVD player, old slide projector, 16mm projector, overhead projector, projection screen, and digital video projector available for your use within the meeting room provided a responsible adult is in charge of this equipment at all times. All this equipment is stored in the room except for the digital video projector. This projector must be requested and reserved in advance. All equipment must be turned off, unplugged, and returned to original positions before you vacate the meeting room. Please report any equipment malfunctions to library staff as soon as possible. The library cannot provide operators for this equipment. If instruction is required for equipment operation, you must set up an appointment for training with library staff in advance.

Wireless internet access is available in the meeting room. You will need to provide your own laptop and agree to abide by the Chatfield Public Library Wireless Access User Agreement.

Coffee makers, a microwave, and refrigerator/freezer are available for your use.

No items may be attached to the walls. Please discuss any special display needs you may have with library staff in advance of your meeting and accommodations may be made to meet your needs.

The wood shelf along the west wall is off limits; do not place anything on this shelf.

No animals shall be permitted in the meeting room except for guide dogs unless prior permission has been granted by the Library Director.

The entire building is a smoke-free building. No smoking is allowed on the premises.

No alcohol is allowed on the premises.

Please be sure that the south exit door in the meeting room that leads directly outdoors is securely shut before you leave.

If you use the meeting room beyond normal library hours, you are responsible for insuring that the front door of the building is locked and secure when you leave the building for any reason. Please check that the door has latched after it shuts.

Special care shall be taken to leave the room clean, neat, and in at least as good condition in which it was found. Please follow these special directions:

1) If the coffee maker was used, please wash and dry it before returning it to cupboard.

2) If the carpet was soiled, please blot and wash wet stains immediately. Vacuum dirt or other dry soils before vacating the meeting room. The vacuum is in the kitchenette area of the meeting room. Notify library staff as soon as possible if a stain has occurred.

3) Wash tabletops and chairs that may have become soiled during your use of the meeting room. Washcloths and paper towels are available in drawers in the kitchenette area.

4) If wastebaskets are more than 1/3 full, or if there is anything put in them that may produce a smell, please pull out garbage bag, tie bag and throw in the dumpster behind the Fire Hall next door. Please line the wastebasket with a new garbage bag found in the bottom of each wastebasket.

Failure to comply with the meeting room regulations may result in denial of future use of the library meeting room, financial liability for damages, and/or immediate removal from the room.

The Library Board reserves the right to levy a charge against the User for repair of any damage sustained to the walls, carpet, furniture, equipment, building, etc.

Fees

While there is no fee associated with the use of the library meeting room, donations to the library are suggested in order to maintain this service.

The Library Board reserves the right to levy a charge in the future if this is deemed necessary.

Please sign Statement of Liability and return it to library staff.  Thank you.

___________________________________________________________

Approved by the Chatfield Public Library Board  11/7/99.  Latest revisions approved 4/21/16.

Introduction

The use, by individuals and organizations, of the library’s posting and informational spaces is not a right, but a privilege which is subject to review by the Board of Trustees. The Chatfield Public Library bulletin boards and information spaces are available for the display of information related to educational, cultural, intellectual, recreational or charitable activities, services, and events.

Procedures for Posting

Posters should be left with Library staff at the public service desk. Immediate posting is not always possible. Items usually are not posted more than two weeks before an event. Items may be posted only by a Library staff member, who checks to make sure that the material meets the library’s standards, and when in doubt consults with the Library Director. The Library Director shall make the final determination of compliance. Decisions may be appealed in writing to the Library Board of Trustees.

Posters will not be returned.

The library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item posted. Posters that have been defaced are removed by Library staff. The library may limit the period of time any poster may remain on display due to space constraints.

The library reserves the right to provide space on a long-term basis for announcements which give specific help to visitors or residents on a continuing basis, such as library information, crisis services, etc.

Some spaces in the Library are reserved for Library-related posters and information only.

Appearance of Posters

Posters should be concisely informative and have a “professional” appearance. They should not exceed 18″ in height, with an 8-1/2 by 11 size preferred due to space limitations.

Content and Purpose of Posters

Posters must contain information related to specific educational, cultural, intellectual, recreational or charitable activities, services, and events that are open to the general public.

Postings about events for which a charge is made must indicate that charge on the poster.

The sponsoring agency or group must be identified on the poster.

Unacceptable Posters

Posters will not be accepted which promote a particular religious, political, social, or other point of view. However, these entities may post information of public meetings or services sponsored by them.

Posters will not be accepted which advocate the election or defeat of a candidate for public office, or which advocate an affirmative or negative vote for or against any proposition, whether political or otherwise.

Postings planned by a company or business to promote, advertise or lead to sale of its products and services are not permitted.

Use of Library bulletin board and information display space is free of charge.

Adopted by the Chatfield Public Library Board May 13, 2003.

The Chatfield Public Library supports the goal of lifelong learning. To that end, the library will generally proctor exams for individuals at the discretion of the Library Director, subject to the availability of authorized staff and resources under the following conditions.

It is the responsibility of the student and the institution requesting the proctoring of a test, to verify that the guidelines and conditions presented here are acceptable to the institution giving the test, before having the exam sent to the Chatfield Public Library.

Test takers and nonprofit institutions will not be charged a fee for this service. For-profit institutions will be charged $25 per proctored test, payable to the Chatfield Public Library within 30 days of the test date. Requests from institutions charging test takers a proctoring fee will not be accepted.

Test takers are required to make arrangements with the Chatfield Public Library for a proctored test no less than 24 hours in advance of a possible test date. Exams will be administered during the library’s operating hours on Tuesday through Saturday. Tests must be completed one half hour before the library closes.

The library environment will not be modified to accommodate a proctored test. The test taker must understand that there may be some degree of noise and activity in the library while they are taking a test. Private, soundproof rooms are not available.

The testing institution must send the test to the library. The test can be sent by U.S. Postal Service, email, FedEx, UPS or other commercial carriers. Tests must include a postage paid return envelope. The test will be held at the library for 30 days. When the test is completed it will be sent by U.S. Postal Service on the next business day. A test will not be accepted or returned by fax.

The proctor administering the test will be a library staff member on duty during the time the test is scheduled. This is not necessarily the person to whom the test is mailed. The Chatfield Public Library will not release personnel information about library staff to an institution requesting the proctoring of a test. If the staff person who gives the test taker the test materials and records the start time must leave before the test taker has completed, he or she may designate another staff member to sign the required documentation.

We cannot provide direct supervision or time discrete portions of a test at specified intervals, but we can note the starting and ending times of the entire exam. The library cannot commit to proctoring an entire course of study or single exams requiring multiple sittings. Requests for exams in series will be treated as separate requests.

Before taking the exam, the test taker will be required to present a valid picture I.D. Library staff cannot interpret test instructions for the test taker nor assist in any technical manner with an online test. Test takers are responsible for supplying all materials, including paper, pencils, and calculators. Test takers are not to bring young children in need of supervision with them. Library staff cannot sign a proctoring verification that attests to more than they are able to do.

Online examinations:

The library will provide a computer that has Internet access. Installation of any special software that may be needed to complete the examination on a library computer is not allowed. If more than 60 minutes are required, the staff may extend the time limit of the public PC workstation to accommodate the exam. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the computing resources are adequate for their testing requirements.

Policy approved by the Chatfield Public Library Board of Trustees on February 16, 2009.

Proctoring Requirements (for the test taker)

1) If tests are sent through email, please have them sent to more than one staff as we have varying schedules.

2) Please schedule date and time with staff, in advance, that you plan to take a test.

3) Please let staff know if you need to cancel a scheduled test time.

4) Please present a photo ID to your proctor when you arrive to take a test.

5) Please provide your own stamps and envelopes.

6) Please do not bring young children with you who need supervision during your test.

All users are required to use this access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided.

Any of the following actions may result in suspension or loss of library privileges, including removal from the library and/or criminal prosecution or other legal action. Unacceptable use of Internet access provided through the Chatfield Public Library includes but is not limited to:

• Illegal activities, including use of the library’s electronic resources for illegal or criminal purposes.
• Activities that present health or security risks.
• Interference with the use or enjoyment of the library by others.
• Disruption of the normal flow of library operations.
• Viewing or downloading visual material that local community standards or Minnesota Statute 617.241 considers obscene.
• Damage or alteration of library property, including but not limited to software or hardware components of a local or remote computer or computing systems; and/or use of programs that infiltrate a computer or computing systems.
• Defamation, uploading any harmful form of programming, vandalism or “hacking.”
• Violation of the legal protection provided by copyright laws and licenses for print, electronic, video or digital resources, programs and data, including downloading or transmitting confidential or trade secret information.
• Assuming the identity of another person without the explicit authorization of the other person, including but not limited to seeking information on, obtaining copies of, or modifying files, data or passwords belonging to other users of the library’s electronic resources.
• Compromising the safety and security of minors when using email and other direct electronic communications, including giving out private information.

Periodically there are problems with any Internet connection and we make no guarantee that you will be able to make a wireless connection 100% of the time.

Library staff cannot accept the liability of handling your equipment; therefore, we are not able to provide technical assistance. Please consult your user’s manual and/or whomever provides technical support for your equipment.

The library assumes no responsibility for the safety of your equipment, for configuration of your equipment, or for the security of data sent or received via the wireless network.

Wireless access at the library is not filtered. Any restriction or monitoring of a minor’s access to the library’s wireless network is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Users may not plug equipment into the Library’s computer network.

By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the Chatfield Public Library’s Wireless Access User Agreement.