Patterson Library Policies
Borrowing | Lending | Facilities Use | Wireless Acceptable Use | Computer and Internet Use | InterLibrary Loan | Public Participation at Board Meetings | Volunteer Guidelines
Borrowing Privileges The Village and Town of Westfield comprise the Patterson Library's service area, but the Library also welcomes residents living in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties to become library card holders and to attend library-sponsored events. A library card entitles the user to free borrowing privileges and may be obtained by presenting proper identification indicating a current mailing address at the circulation desk. Library users must present the library card to check out library items. ]
Lending Policies Two renewals are allowed on most library materials. Most library materials will collect fines up to $3.00 per item. Children’s materials will collect fines up to $1.00 per item. Library users will be blocked when fines reach $5.00 at all Chautauqua County public libraries using the System Catalog. Fines must be paid to restore borrowing privileges. Fines may be paid at any of the participating public libraries. Library users will be charged the replacement cost for lost items. Library books and magazines may be returned through the book drop; however, the library user assumes full responsibility for materials. Videos may be returned to the circulation desk or video drop. Because the Library is a member of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus System, any library item from a member library may be returned to Patterson and it will be routed to the appropriate library.
Material Type - Loan Period - Overdue Fines
New Adult Fiction & Nonfiction - Two Weeks - $.15 per day
Adult Fiction & Nonfiction - Three Weeks - $.05 per day
Books-on-CD - Three Weeks - $.05 per day
Books-on-Cassette - Three Weeks - $.05 per day
Paperbacks - Three Weeks - $.05 per day
VHS - One Week - $.15 per day
DVD - One Week - $.15 per day
Cassette (music) - One Week - $.15 per day
CD (music) - One Week - $.15 per day
Pamphlets - One Week - $.15 per day
Test Books - One Week - $.15 per day
Maps - One Week - $.15 per day
Reference - One Week - $1.00 per day
Local History - One Week - $1.00 per day
Interlibrary Loan - Three Weeks
Children's Books (all) - Two Weeks - $.05 per day
Adult & Children's Magazines - Two Weeks - $.05 per day
Children's Books-on-Tape - Two Weeks - $.05 per day
Children's Books-on-CD - Two Weeks - $.05 per day
Children's Cassettes - Two Weeks - $.05 per day
Children's VHS & DVD - One Week - $.15 per day
Children's Backpacks - One Week - $.15 per day ]
Facilities Use Policy
Effective January 1, 1978
Amended December 12, 1996
Amended May 9, 2002
In keeping with the mission of the Patterson Library to advance the quality of life in the community of Westfield and the goal to encourage public use of the property, structures and equipment, the Patterson Library’s various rooms are available for use by adult groups at any time within the discretion of the Library Board of Trustees or the Library Director during the Library’s normal hours of opening. Children’s groups may use the meeting room if accompanied by a supervising adult.
Meeting room space includes the Art Gallery on the lower level with a maximum capacity of 75. Other areas of the building such as the Children’s Room may be reserved by special arrangements for special events, provided public access to the collection is available at all times.
No single meeting may exceed 4 hours in length, i.e., no one part of the library may be booked for more than a 4-hour interval in order not to foreclose the use of the room to other groups or to the general public, without express approval of the Library Director.
There is to be no admission charge to any meeting held at the library. Classes, recitals, and presentations for which there is a fee charged must be cleared with the Board and must be clearly publicized as having this fee attached.
Profit-oriented groups are welcome to use the meeting rooms for employee enrichment and public courtesy service only. Use of the facilities for business procurement and financial gain by individuals or businesses is prohibited except for library-sponsored events, including but not limited to book signings and art exhibitions.
Tables and chairs are provided, however the individual responsible for the meeting is also responsible for setting up the furniture according to his or her needs within the space reserved. The space must be left in good order and condition.
Groups may have refreshments it they provide their own and if they clean up after themselves.
All classes and meetings must be completed and the participants out of the building by normal closing time. If meetings or classes extend beyond closing hours, the group or the individual in charge may be billed for the cost of personnel required to lock up the building at other than normal hours.
The staff will not be responsible for relaying telephone messages to people at meetings. Use of the library phone by the public is limited to the phone at the circulation desk.
Availability of library facilities is on a first come-first serve basis. Reservations for meeting space may be made by completing a reservation form and returning it to the library. Name and phone number of a contact person or individual responsible for the meeting are required.
No smoking is permitted in any area of the library.
Granting the use of its meeting room does not imply approval by the library of the group, the meeting, or the ideas presented at the meeting.
Patterson Library Display Policies
Bulletin Boards, Free Standing Displays, Pamphlet Display, and Petitions
Within space made available, the Patterson Library will accommodate requests for notices and information displays having social value to the community. The display of materials will be at the discretion of th library staff in keeping with this policy statement. Requests not covered by this policy statement will be referred to the Library Board.
Oak Bulletin Board & Circulation Desk Surface
Only Patterson Library related or sponsored materials will be allowed on the oak bulletin board and circulation desk surface.
Bulletin Board # 2
All materials will be dated by the Library staff, in the upper right corner. The date of removal will be one day after the event. Materials will be removed and discarded by the Library Staff.
All materials become the property of the Library. If materials are to be returned, individual should request so and indicate on materials. These materials will stay posted for two days following the event and if not picked up, then will be discarded by the Library Staff.
The Library Staff will decide on the placement of materials and the removal of materials upon expiration.
Freestanding Displays
The Library will not accept solicitation tickets or containers, etc. pertaining to fundraising for any other organization or individuals.
Freestanding displays require prior arrangement with the Library Director. The Library Director must be contacted for use of the display cases. The Library Director will decide where the display is placed. Items for sale are not permitted in this type of display. Individual or group is responsible for setup and removal of the display.
Literature Distribution
Space is limited. Excessive amounts of materials may require a floor display or a limit to the number of items. Materials will be placed on the metal rack in the entrance. Arrangement of materials will be at the discretion of the Library Director.
Petitions
Petitions will be placed on Bulletin Board #2. A disclaimer will be posted with petitions stating that any information which appears on the community information board does not necessarily reflect the policies and/or opinions of the library staff or library board.
Petitions should be presented to the Library Director. Upon receipt of a petition, the Library Director will date the petition and record the name of the person presenting the petition. The petition will be allowed one week for display. Petitions should be no larger than 8 ½” x 14 “ and no more than two pages in length. Petitions will be disposed of after one week of display if they are not collected by the petitioner. ]
Patterson Library Wireless Acceptable Use Policy
Approved by the Board of Trustees 9/14/06
The Patterson Library provides free unfiltered wireless (WiFi) access for patrons to use their personal laptop computers or other WiFi enabled portable computing devices to connect to the Internet. By choosing to use the Library's WiFi service, the user agrees to abide by the Library's Wireless Network User Agreement (below). All relevant Library rules, regulations and policies apply, including but not limited to, the Patterson Library Computer & Internet Use Policy.
Using the Patterson Library WiFi Network
• The Library's WiFi network can be accessed from any 802.11b- or 802.11g-enabled device, such as a laptop computer or PDA.
• If your computer is properly configured, it should connect to the WiFi network nearly automatically; if it lists multiple networks, select mgpl-wifi.
• When you open your web browser, you will see the Wireless Network User Agreement (below); you must accept the agreement, by clicking the "Accept" button, before going online.
• There is no time limit on using the WiFi network; stay connected as long as you like.
• Bring a fully charged battery (or two!); electrical outlets for plugging in laptops are limited. There is one table in the Main Reading Room with electrical outlets.
• Only web browser-based services are available (Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, Safari, etc.). This includes e-mail services such as Yahoo and HotMail. Stand-alone programs for e-mail (such as Outlook) and other protocols cannot be used on the WiFi network.
• Printing is not available over the WiFi network. If you need to print a file, please save your work to a floppy disk or e-mail files to yourself, then log in to a wired library workstation and send jobs to the public printer at 15 cents a copy.
• Though the network is designed to cover the entire Library, no guarantee is made for signal strength or availability.
• You need to know how to configure your computer for WiFi network access; library staff cannot provide technical assistance.
Wireless Network User Agreement
1. All relevant Library rules, regulations and policies apply, including but not limited to, the Patterson Library Computer & Internet Use Policy.
2. The Library does not filter the content of wireless Internet access. The Library is not responsible for the content, accuracy or availability of any external sites linked to these pages.
3. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents may wish to supervise their children's Internet sessions or purchase filtering software for their computer.
4. All users are expected to use the library’s wireless access in a legal and responsible manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided. As stated in the library’s acceptable use policy, users may not violate federal, state of local laws, including the transmission or receiving of child pornography or harmful material, fraud, or downloading copyrighted material.
5. Wireless connections are not secure. Users should not transmit credit card information, passwords or any other sensitive personal or business information over the Library's wireless network. Anti-virus and security protection are the responsibility of the patron.
6. The Library is not responsible for any loss of data, or for theft or damage to personal equipment or software.
7. Library staff cannot provide technical assistance on using the Library's wireless network.
8. There is no guarantee that a wireless connection can be made or maintained.
9. The Library assumes no responsibility for any alterations or interference with a computing device's configurations, operation, or data files that result from connection to the WiFi network.
10. The Library reserves the right to terminate a wireless Internet session at any time. ]
Patterson Library Computer & Internet Use Policy
Approved by the Board of Trustees 11/14/96
Amended 1/8/98
Amended 11/8/01
The mission of the Patterson Library is to advance the quality of life in the community of Westfield by providing unrestricted access to information and by offering materials geared to user wants and needs. To accomplish this mission, the library acquires, maintains and revises a collection covering the widest practical scope of timely and useful popular and reference materials appealing to user interests and having significance. It is in keeping with this mission and goal that Patterson Library provides Internet access to the public.
The Internet is a global computer network that provides easy access to a massive body of information. The Patterson Library provides public access computer workstations to allow library users the opportunity to access information on the Internet. Use of the Internet greatly broadens the resources available locally for education, research and recreation to all members of the community free of charge.
However, not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete or current information and some may be offensive. Currently, the Internet is an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. It is not possible for the library to use the same selection criteria for material found on the Internet that is used for other materials found within its collection.
The Library cannot monitor nor can it control information accessed via the Internet and is not responsible for its content. The individual user is responsible for the access points they reach. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity and accuracy of the information found on the Internet.
The computer center workstations in the Children’s Room Patterson Park have filtering software installed that denies user access to certain sites. The library cannot guarantee that the filtering software will work 100% of the time nor that it will deny access to sites individual parents may find objectionable. Parents of minor children are responsible for monitoring the use of the library’s computer workstations by their children, just as they are for monitoring their children’s use of all other library resources. The library cannot act in loco parentis.
The Patterson Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, or loss of privacy, arising from use of its computer workstations.
Computer Acceptable Use Policy
All use originating from the Patterson Library computer workstations shall be in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy. Failure to abide by the policy will result in the loss of computer and/or library privileges.
Acceptable Use
Use of the library’s computer workstations shall be guided by the following principles:
• Respect for the privacy of others
• Attention to the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.
• Consideration for the security and functioning of computer networks and systems.
• Demonstration of consideration and respect in the use of computer workstations in a public environment.
Computer Use Procedures
• Users must sign in at the circulation desk. Full name, starting time and computer numbers will be recorded.
• Two users may occupy a computer workstation at one time. Each must sign in at the circulation desk.
• Users may book up to one hour at a time.
• A minimal charge for printing at 10 cents a page will be collected.
• If a user’s behavior is deemed unruly by library staff, the user will have to leave the computer workstation.
• Users may not install software on any of the computers and may not run any program not already installed. Users are not allowed to alter or attach equipment to the library’s hardware. There will be no exception to these rules.
• Downloading is only allowed on the 3 ½ floppy drive or the printer.
• Do not damage the equipment. Do not change the configuration of any of the software on these computers. If you experience problems or if the computer is not working, report the problem to library staff.
• Staff will be happy to assist the public in accessing software, but only limited assistance is available due to other duties staff members must perform. Library staff cannot provide in-depth personal instruction in the use of the Internet or personal computers. ]
InterLibrary Loan Policy
InterLibrary Loan (ILL) is the borrowing and loaning of materials from one library that owns a particular book or journal to another library that does not meet the special interests or research needs of individual library users. InterLibrary Loan service, sometimes called just Interloan, is provided because no single library can own everything.
What Can be Requested?
Books and magazine articles primarily but other kinds of material, such as government documents, technical reports and patents, or materials in special formats such as large type books may also be available.
Who Can Request?
Any library card holder from a public library in Chautauqua or Cattaraugus counties who does not have any lost books or fines on their library card. All public libraries in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties have InterLibrary Loan service available through the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System.
How Do I Request Information?
You may check the System Catalog using “ALL” to indicate your wish to check all libraries using the online catalog or ask your library staff to help. You may be able to place a hold for the title you want. Otherwise, there are two types of InterLibrary Loan forms: Book-ILL forms for title or subject requests; and Periodical-ILL forms for your magazine article requests.
How Does InterLibrary Loan Work?
Your request will be forwarded from your local library to the InterLoan Department of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. InterLoan staff will try to locate the item you want in one of our local libraries. If it is not available in our region, they will search OCLC - an international computerized network of over 6,700 libraries. Approximately 95% of items requested are found and provided for those who ask for them.
How Long Does it Take to Get My Book or Copy?
It depends on where we have to go to locate your material and on the delivery time. Quite often you can receive your information in one week, but it may take up to 2-3 weeks. Please specify on your request the date by which you need it.
How Long Will the Library Hold My Book or Copy?
The Patterson Library will call or send a post card if no telephone number is available to notify you that your InterLoan item has arrived. The Library will hold your book on reserve at the circulation desk for you for 7 days before returning it.
What Does InterLlibrary Loan Cost?
Most often it is FREE if the item you are seeking is located within Chautauqua or Cattaraugus public libraries. If the book you want is owned outside our two county service area, we charge $1.00 to help cover the cost of postage. Medical journal articles can cost $11.00 each. Some lending libraries charge for postage ($1.00-2.00). Please mark on your form the maximum you are willing to pay for your information. There is a space on each form for charges. Remember, most often your information will be free.
A service of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System
INTERLIBRARY LOAN DEPARTMENT
Chautauqua - Cattaraugus Library System
106 W 5th St
Jamestown NY 14701
Phone: (716) 484-7135
Fax: (716) 483-6880
http://www.cclslib.org/ ]
Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy Statement
Adopted by Board of Trustees 9/8/05
The Board of Trustees of the Patterson Library complies with the Open Meetings Law of New York State. Its meetings are open to the public.
The State’s Open Meetings Law does not include any provisions about the public addressing the Board during its meetings. However, the Library Board does allow visitors to its meetings to address it. In order for the Board to fulfill its obligation to complete its scheduled agenda in an effective and efficient fashion, a maximum of 30 minutes of public participation will be permitted at the beginning of each meeting.
All persons wishing to address to the Board are required to sign-in prior to the call of order and will be recognized in the order in which they signed in. Each speaker is given a maximum of five (5) minutes to address the Board. If several persons wish to speak, each will be allotted a maximum of five (5) minutes until the total public participation of 30 minutes is used. Persons who address the Board may speak only once per meeting and for no longer than a maximum of five (5) minutes each. Speakers must limit their topic to library matters only.
The Board President or the trustee presiding at the meeting will introduce each registered speaker and will keep track of the time. The Board appreciates comments from the public, but may not address the issue.
If the speaker wishes to share additional comments, he/she may schedule an appointment with the Library Director or in lieu of that, he/she may present comments in writing. The Library Director will then present a summary of the meeting or written communication to the Board.
The Patterson Library Board of Trustees meets on the second Thursday of the months of January, March, May, July, September, and November at 7:30 p.m. at the Patterson Library. ]
Patterson Library Volunteer Guidelines
Adopted by Board of Trustees 7/6/06
Although Library volunteers are unpaid staff, they are subject to the following Library personnel policies and procedures:
1. Sign in and out on the volunteer log sheet.
2. Use assigned storage space for personal items.
3. Report to your area supervisor at the beginning of each work period.
4. If you are going to be late or absent from work for any reason, please notify your supervisor as far in advance as possible.
5. Wear your name tag for identification whenever you are working.
6. Friendly, prompt, and efficient service should be given at all time. Patience, poise, tact, and self-control are essential in all contacts with both library users and colleagues. Volunteers should be courteous, dependable, and willing to cooperate with others. Adaptability to all situations, even though they may not be personally pleasing, is essential. Dress must be appropriate for meeting the public.
7. Smoking is not allowed in the library.
8. The cooperation of everyone is requested in maintaining a quiet library.
9. Report any injury IMMEDIATELY to your supervisor.
10. Work according to established procedures and approved scheduling. If the volunteer develops a different method, discuss with the area supervisor to see if it is feasible to implement.
11. Practice professional ethics. Do not divulge confidential information to which you have access.
I. Confidentiality of Library Records
According to the laws of the State of New York:
“Records related to the circulation of library materials which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.”
12. If you decide to terminate your service to the library, notify your supervisor as soon as possible.
13. Access to the Internet using Patterson Library facilities/equipment is authorized only for approved Patterson Library business related purposes while on volunteer duty.
14. Requests and complaints by volunteers shall first be presented to the Director. If no satisfactory solution is found, they shall then be presented in writing through the Director to the Board of Trustees.
15. Any volunteer may be dismissed immediately by the Director, with the concurrence of the Personnel chairperson, for known and deliberate violations of Library policies and/or improper conduct. In the Director’s absence, the Administrative Assistant shall make any dismissal decisions in concert with the Personnel Committee.
CARDINAL RULE: Never say "I don't know" to a customer. Always take the
customer to a staff member who will try to fill the customer's request.
Patterson Library has formally adopted the Library Bill of Rights as a part of its Materials Selection Policy:
LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services:
1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961, June 27, 1967, and January 23, 1980, by the ALA Council