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Mission Statement The mission of the Avon Lake Public Library is to provide users with:
Borrower's Card
Patron Access to the Internet The purpose of access to the Internet at Avon Lake Public Library is to provide educational opportunities and greater access to information through the use of technology via the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN). This service may be used to access any resource, engage in any communication, or conduct any activity available on the worldwide Internet or OPLIN provided such activity can be done with standard web browsers. The following are exceptions:
General Guidelines
Wireless Internet Access The Library has installed data jacks so that patrons with laptop/notebook computers may enjoy high-speed Internet access through the Library's network, free of charge.
Disclaimer The Avon Lake Public Library is not responsible for the accuracy or the content of any information found in any site not created by the Library itself. When using any links from the Library’s website, or any link that leads to a non-Library resource, users are responsible for determining the value and accuracy of the information. It is recommended that particular caution be exercised when obtaining financial, medical or legal information from the Internet. As with other library materials, it is the parent/legal guardian of minor children who must assume ultimate responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library. Effective April 21, 2003 Circulation Policies For additional information, call the Library at 440-933-8128
Guidelines for Patron Conduct
Confidentiality of Circulation Records Based on the powers invested in the Library Board of Trustees of the Avon Lake Public Library in the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3375.40 and pursuant to the recommendations of the American Library Association and the Ohio Library Council, the Avon Lake Public Library adopts the following policy on confidentiality of Library records: The Avon Lake Public Library specifically recognizes that its circulation records and other records identifying the names of Library users with specific materials are confidential in nature. No such records will be made available to any agency of federal, state or local government, or to any individual not specifically authorized by the Director for legitimate business purposes, except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to federal, state or local law relating to civil, criminal or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power. Under receipt of such process, order or subpoena, the Library’s officers will consult with their legal counsel to determine if such process, order or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance in a court of competent jurisdiction. If the process, order or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, the Library will insist that such defects be cured. As per the Ohio Revised Code, Section 149.432, the Library records of minor children must be provided to parents/guardians upon request. The USA Patriot Act [full title: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001] provides a law enforcement agency official with a warrant the right to execute a search immediately. Staff must permit the search but the Library’s officers will request than an attorney be present during the search. DiscoveryWorks Policies Attendance Fee Patrons from outside of Lorain County will be charged $1.00 per head to attend DiscoveryWorks programs. However, their supervising adults will not be charged. Starlab Anyone renting the Starlab must attend training beforehand. The rental fees are:
The following fees apply when a DiscoveryWorks employee provides a Starlab program:
Starlab programs are given free of charge to public and private primary
and secondary schools, located in Avon Lake. Display Facilities Policy Three (3) display cases and a gallery facility at Avon Lake Public Library are available free on a reservation basis to local individuals and groups to exhibit collections, art, crafts, etc. The individual or group seeking use of the display case(s) or gallery shall make application to the Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator. The Board of Trustees may adopt a form to be completed by the applicant. The Library Director reserves the right to accept or reject any application. Items to be displayed should be suitable for viewing by persons of all ages. Items must be of such size, composition and weight that they will not necessitate alterations to or cause damage to the cases or hanging systems. The exhibitor shall provide information regarding items, identification of exhibitor, etc., if such information is to be part of the exhibit. The Library will publicize exhibits in local news media. The Library will display items which are for sale and will post a price
list, if same is provided by Exhibits may be scheduled for one (1) month, with set-up and removal times determined by the Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator or the Library Director’s designee. Disposition of Surplus Policy Upon written recommendation of the Administration, equipment and furnishings deemed no longer useful are to be declared surplus property. Periodically, the Clerk-Treasurer will present a list of obsolete equipment to the Board of Trustees who will vote whether to dispose of or sell the surplus items to the public. Items to be sold will be on view in a designated area, and a silent
auction of said items will be advertised to the public. Investment Policy Introduction Investment Authority Defined Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Policy Review Legislative Changes Investment Philosophy Maintaining the Public Trust Objectives Preservation of Principal Maintenance of Liquidity Maximization of Income Minimization of Risk Minimization of Costs Authorized Investments Bills, notes, bonds, or other obligations of, or guaranteed by the United States, or those for which the faith of the United States is pledged for payment of principal and interest thereon. Bills, notes, bonds or other obligations or securities issued by any U.S. Government Agency, whether or not guaranteed by the United States including, but not limited to Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association, Student Loan Marketing Association, etc. Certificates of deposit, including but not limited to passbook accounts, in any eligible institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and having an office within the 50 U.S. states. Checking and savings accounts, including money market deposit accounts, in any eligible institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and having an office located within the territorial limits of the State of Ohio. The amount of Library funds in depository accounts at any one eligible institution shall not exceed the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (12 C.F.R. 330.15) Bonds or other obligations of the State of Ohio that are rated A or better by Moody’s or SP-1 or better by Standard and Poor’s, or its equivalent. No-load money market mutual funds consisting exclusively of Treasury or Federal Agency obligations and Repurchase Agreements secured by Treasury, or Federal Agency obligations made through eligible institutions. Repurchase Agreements collateralized as required by the Ohio Revised Code with Treasury or Federal Agency obligations and made through eligible institutions for no longer than thirty days. STAR Ohio, the State Treasury Asset Reserve of Ohio. Maturity Guidelines Authorized Financial Institutions and Broker/Dealers The Investing Authority shall deal only with brokers or dealers who are registered as such with The Securities and Exchange Commission and, which are licensed as a dealer with the Ohio Division of Securities and as defined in O.R.C. 135.03. Such brokers or dealers should also be members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Securities brokers and dealers shall be utilized only after an analysis performed by the Investing Authority has revealed that the broker or dealer is adequately financed to conduct business with the Library, and that there are no regulatory actions or issues nor lawsuits pending that would materially affect the firm’s business. The Clerk-Treasurer shall maintain a current list of financial institutions and security brokers or dealers who have been specifically authorized by the Board of Trustees to provide services to the Library. Certification by all Parties Filing Requirements Credit of Interest Reporting Materials Selections Policy I. Mission StatementThe Mission of Avon Lake Public Library is to provide its users with 1) the information needed to support their lifelong learning; 2) materials on a broad array of topics related to their life, work, school and recreational interests; 3) the staff to assist in finding and using information effectively; and 4) meeting spaces for the community to come together on issues that affect us all. II. Policy Statement The purpose of the Avon Lake Public Library Materials Selection Policy is to guide library staff and inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made. A policy cannot replace the educated judgment of Library staff, but stating goals and criteria will assist them in choosing from a vast array of available materials. The Library’s major goals in materials selection are:
Basic to the policy is the Library Bill of Rights as adopted by the American Library Association, which states, in part: “As a responsibility of library service, books and other library materials selected should be chosen for values of interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community. In no case should library materials be excluded because of the race or nationality or the social, political or religious views of the authors. Libraries should provide books and other materials presenting all points of view concerning the problems and issues of our times; no library materials should be proscribed or removed from libraries because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” III. General Criteria for the Selection of Materials A. In order to afford citizens an understanding of the world in which they live, the Library will provide materials that present widely diverse points of view, including those which may be controversial or unorthodox. B. The Library will provide materials of excellence and lasting value. Ephemeral, topical materials of current interest will also be added. An attractive, useful collection will be maintained through a continual discarding (i.e., weeding) and replacement process. C. The Library will include in its collection appropriate titles listed in bibliographies of notable books, library materials and electronic resources. D. The selection of materials is influenced by the following factors:
E. Non-book materials, including electronic resources, will be added and incorporated into the collection as needed. F. The Library staff and trustees recognize the changing nature of the Internet and provide access to Internet resources within this understanding. The Library staff selects electronic resources, some of which may change in format or content after selection. When selection involves the provision of access to a remote source, e.g., an Internet-accessible database or a Web site, it is possible that content of the resource may not conform to the Library’s selection criteria at any given time. The Library staff will review the content of such resources on a regular basis to assess their continued value in terms of interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community. G. The Library will not acquire textbooks or other curriculum-related materials except as such materials also serve the general public. H. The Library will use other available avenues, e.g., interlibrary loan, appropriate referral and redirection, etc., to serve the individual whose needs are either outside the scope of the Library’s collection or are remote from the acknowledged collective needs of the community the Library primarily serves. IV. Responsibility for Selection The Director delegates the authority and responsibility for materials selection and management to the appropriate department managers. However, ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Board of Library Trustees. Any book, library material or electronic resource so selected shall be held to be selected by the Board. V. Use of the Library’s Materials A. The Library recognizes that many library materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selections will not be made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the interests of readers/viewers/listeners. B. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and no book or other item will be sequestered, except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft. Selection of any material should not be construed as an endorsement by the Library of the views contained therein. C. The Library staff does not serve in loco parentis. Decisions concerning children’s use of specific library materials and/or electronic resources are the responsibility of their own parents or guardians. Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession of minor children. D. The Board of Library Trustees believes that censorship is a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to reject for her/himself books, library materials or electronic resources of which she/he does not approve, she/he cannot extend this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of others to read, view or listen. E. The Board of Library Trustees defends the principles of intellectual freedom, and declares that whenever censorship is involved, no book, library material or electronic resource shall be removed from the Library save under the orders of a court of competent jurisdiction. VI. Collection Maintenance Guidelines A. Weeding - The weeding of the Library’s collection is a form of selection, in reverse. Weeding is a thorough and conscientious effort to achieve a well-balanced collection suitable to the clientele served and should be a continuous, consistent process. Factors to consider in weeding are:
B. Disposal of Library Materials - Materials discarded from the Library are in unusable condition, present obsolete information, or have been weeded from the collection for reasons outlined in VI. A.
C. Patron and Staff Recommendations - The Library welcomes suggestions for purchase of library materials or for the inclusion of links to specific Internet sites. Decision for purchase or inclusion is made by the selecting staff person according to the Materials Selection Policy. D. Challenged Materials – A patron critical of materials in the Library’s collection can record their complaint on a “Citizen’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form. This form must be signed by the individual challenging the item. The item will be reviewed by the Director, as per the selection criteria; an appropriate reply will be sent to the individual. If the challenger is not satisfied, she/he may request that the item be reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees, whose decision is then final. VII. Donations A. Donated material is accepted with the understanding that any donated item is evaluated according to the Materials Selection Policy. The cost of processing, the availability of space, the suitability of the format and the physical condition of the item are factors in the selection process. The Library accepts donated materials only with the understanding that they are used or disposed of as the Library determines is appropriate. No donated item can be accepted with restrictive conditions unless the conditions are specifically approved by the Director. (See also, Gifts.) B. The Library will not provide evaluations of donated items for tax purposes. VIII. Gifts A. A gift for the Library collection may consist of materials or of funds for the purchase of materials. Funds may be given for acquiring materials recommended by Library staff or for the purchase of specific items suggested by the donor. The Library encourages gifts not earmarked for specific items in order to permit the most flexible use of the donation for the enrichment of the collection. B. Gifts are accepted subject to the following limitations:
C. Donors of funds to the Library are encouraged to direct their donations to the “Avon Lake Public Library Endowment Fund” at The Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County. Gifts in any amount are welcome. However, a gift of $100.00 to the Library’s endowment fund entitles the donor to a sentiment on the roster in support of the “Enchanted Fairy Garden” glass mural* in the Children’s department. Gifts to the Library’s endowment fund are sent on to The Community Foundation by the Director, with the proper acknowledgements, as per the wishes of the donor. IX. Memorial Books * The “Enchanted Fairy Garden” mural is comprised of eight, 3’x3’ acid-etched and sandblasted glass panels. The mural was created by local glass artist and Avon Lake resident, Nancy Adler Kearns. It depicts four fairies and a garden gate against a lush landscape. The mural was dedicated in January 2003, and serves as a memorial to many loved ones in the Avon Lake community. Meeting Room Policy Meeting rooms of Avon Lake Public Library may be used by nonprofit, educational, cultural, civic, and/or business/government groups when the rooms are not in use for Library activities. Rooms are not available for political purposes or religious services. Use of fire (open flames, etc.) and of alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Programs should reflect the mission statement of the Library [the intellectual and cultural core of the community] and must be non-soliciting in nature. Fees may be charged at the discretion of the Director or Assistant Director. Rooms are available during regular Library hours.
Avon Lake Public Library reserves the right to alter or amend the rules governing the use of meeting rooms without notice, and to cancel any authorization granted pursuant to this application for any reason deemed sufficient by it. This policy will be read to group members at the first meeting in Library rooms each year. Proctoring Policy and Guidelines I. Purpose Long-distance learning programs and some professors/instructors provide opportunities for independent study on the condition that exams are proctored by an outside agency. Although the Avon Lake Public Library is not a test center, to meet this need of our community and in our role of supporting lifelong learning, the Library provides this service, at the convenience of staff. II. Guidelines A. The Library does not charge a fee for this service. All expenses, including copying and postage, are the responsibility of the test-taker. When a test is to be mailed to the school or professor/instructor, a self-addressed stamped envelope with appropriate postage must be provided by the school or the test-taker before the test is administered. The Library will arrange for courier pick-up if provided with a return envelope or label. Copies of completed exams will not be retained. The Library will not fax test materials. B. The Library provides a public computer workstation with word processing software and Internet access for online exams. These workstations do not allow installation of any additional software. It is the test-taker’s responsibility to ensure that the Library’s computer resources are adequate for their test-taking requirements. C. The exam or the instructions for taking the exam online must be forwarded to: Reference Librarian or, via e-mail to refdesk@avonlake.lib.oh.us, at least one (1) week in advance of the intended test date. The test-taker must contact the Library’s Reference desk, by e-mail, phone or in-person, at least 48 hours in advance to schedule an appointment to take the test. A member of the Adult Services staff will proctor the test. D. The Library cannot guarantee quiet conditions for test-taking. The test-taker will be seated in sight of the Reference desk. The Library does not guarantee that the test-taker will be under observation at all times. E. Staff will verify the identity of the test-taker by requiring presentation of picture identification before administering the exam. Test-takers should not bring cellular phones or other equipment or materials prohibited by the exam instructions into the Library. If such materials are brought into the Library, they may be left at the Reference desk during the exam; however, the Library is not responsible for them. F. Test-takers are responsible for supplying all materials, including paper, pencils and calculators. G. The Library will not hold tests beyond their expiration dates. If the test has not been taken by that time, it will be destroyed. H. Due to legal and ethical concerns, staff will not sign a proctoring verification that attests to more than they are able to do. III. Reservation of Rights If it is determined that the proctoring request is unreasonable or its demands are too burdensome to administer, the Library reserves the right to deny this service. Procedure for Public Comment at Meetings of the Board of Trustees Meetings of the Avon Lake Public Library Board of Trustees are public meetings, that is, meetings that may be observed by the public. However, Library Board meetings are not open meetings, in that observers may not participate in the work of the Board. The agenda of a Board meeting will include an item for “public comments,” which is a time for the public in attendance to contribute to the meeting. The Board accepts comments, but may choose not to respond to them, preferring instead to consider them at another time. In order for the Board to fulfill its obligation to complete the scheduled agenda in an effective and efficient manner, a maximum of thirty (30) minutes of public participation will be permitted during the “public comments” section of the agenda. Each person wishing to make comment to the Board (a) will be given three (3) minutes to speak, and (b) will provide their name and address for inclusion in the official record of the Board. The minutes of the Board meeting will reflect the comments made by members of the public. Copies of Board meeting minutes are available upon request in accordance with Ohio public records law. Public Records Request I. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the public’s request of public records from Avon Lake Public Library, in compliance with Ohio state law. II. Contact Information and Cost for Obtaining Public Records A. Contact/Records Custodian: The Library’s Administration department. B. Location: Avon Lake Public Library D. Cost: Hard copies are five cents ($.05) per page, unless a specific fee is otherwise established by law. Copies in other media are charged at actual cost. Payment for copies must be made in advance. Records may be inspected without cost. III. Responding to Requests A. All responses to public records requests are to be made in compliance with Ohio Revised Code, Section 149.43. This policy is intended to summarize these provisions. Any interpretation of this policy or matter not specifically provided for herein will be in accordance with R.C. 149.43. B. Records are to be organized so as to be available promptly and within a reasonable time after allowing for examination and redaction of exempted information. This may include seeking legal assistance. C. The records custodian cannot require the requester to provide identity or reason for request.
You are not mandated by law to make your request in writing, E. The records custodian is not required to allow the requester to make copies. IV. Refusing Requests A. If a public records request is refused, an explanation for the refusal must be provided, which includes the legal authority. If a public records request is in writing, the refusal must be in writing. B. If the refusal is because the request is overly broad, ambiguous or worded so one cannot identify records, the records custodian must inform the requester how records are maintained and accessed in order to assist the requester in revising the request. C. If redactions [deletions of exempt information] are made to public records, the records custodian must notify the requester of redactions and make redactions plainly visible. Avon Lake Public Library
Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of Library Material Author ________________________________________ Format _________________________ Title ________________________________________________________________________________ Publisher (optional) ___________________________________________________________________ Request initiated by ___________________________________________________________________ Telephone _____________________________ Address _____________________________________ City ________________________________________________ Zip code _______________________ E-mail (optional) _____________________________________________________________________ Complainant represents:
2. What do you object to in the work? (Be specific, e.g., cite pages. Use the back, if necessary.) _____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What do you think may be the result of reading, viewing or listening to this work? _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. For what age group do you recommend this work? _________________________________________ 5. Does the Library have materials representing opposing viewpoints on this subject? Yes ___ No ___ 6. Have you read reviews of this material? Yes ______ No ______ 7. If so, where? _______________________________________________________________________ 8. What do you think is the central theme of this work? _______________________________________ 9. What would you like the Library to do about this material? 10. In its place, what titles of equal quality on this subject would you recommend? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Employee's initials _____________________ Original to Director / Copy
to Assistant Director Records Retention Policy Records of the Avon Lake Public Library fall into two (2) categories: Permanent and Non-Permanent. The following list shows the retention period for specific records, which is compiled from recommendations of the Auditor of State and the Ohio Historical Society. The Clerk-Treasurer will adhere to this list and dispose of records accordingly. PERMANENT
NON-PERMANENT
ADDITIONS
Safe Child Policy I. Purpose The purpose of the Safe Child Policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the Library, and to maintain an atmosphere of constructive library use throughout the building. II. Guidelines A. Responsibility for the welfare and behavior of children using the Library rests with the parent, guardian or responsible caregiver. Though staff will respond with care and concern, they cannot assume responsibility for children’s safety and comfort when they are unattended. The Library defines “unattended children” as those who are under the age of eight (8) years who are without close supervision even though a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver may be in the building. B. Supervision of children: 2. Children eight (8) years of age and older who are able to maintain proper library behavior may use the Library unattended; otherwise, they should be adequately supervised by a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver. C. As needed, staff may: 2. Contact the police to assist with the enforcement of proper library behavior and/or to ensure the safety of an unattended child. D. Staff will make a reasonable effort to assure that children leave the Library comfortably and safely at closing time. A minimum of two (2) staff members will remain in the Library if a minor child is in the building after closing. If any children remain at the Library fifteen (15) minutes beyond closing, staff will contact the Avon Lake Police Department to ensure safe transport.
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