Library Policies

Many people don't realize that libraries deal with many sensitive situations while working with the public, especially children and their safety.  Most libraries have created policies and procedures to handle these types of situations.  What are these issues that may arise? Here are a few of the top areas where policies are needed:

• Unattended children
• Codes of Conduct
• The Internet
• The Library Collection/Censorship

Because more issues arise each day, it's critical for libraries to constantly evaluate, modify and add to their existing policies to reflect new problems they encounter.  This way, the library staff can know and uphold the policies to create a safe environment for all library patrons.  It's also a way to protect library staff.  It's critical to be informed as to what your library's policies are as a patron and a staff member.  The American Library Association, or ALA, is the basis for library "Best Practices."  These are guidelines that as librarians and library staff, we are supposed to follow as far as services we offer.

Click here for ALA's Guidelines for the Development and Implementation of Policies, Regulations and Procedures Affecting Access to Library Materials, Services and Facilities.

Library Staff should also be aware of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners' "General Laws of Massachusetts" and "Code of Massachusetts Regulations"  (click on public libraries).

Many times, as individuals we may not agree with these policies, but as librarians we must follow these guidelines to provide the best possible service.  For example, we are absolutely not supposed to censor what anyone, including children, check out of the library.  This can be controversial, but we are not to make ANY judgement on patron's selections regardless of age.  It's also important to note that we are supposed to enforce existing policies without making any personal judgements about the patron. The best way to enforce policies is by merely stating what the policy is and why it exists without making the patron feel like we are condemning their actions.

My first assignment for my Children's Programming and Services Class is to compare two different libraries policies, specifically regarding children.   I chose the Ames Free Library as one of them and we have our policies prominently displayed on our website:
http://amesfreelibrary.org/About_policiesx.htm

Surprisingly, many libraries do not have detailed policies on there websites.  Because of this, I ended up choosing New Bedford Public Library as my second choice because they have a detailed list of policies on their website:
http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/Library/

I thought the two libraries would be a good comparison since the Easton is a small community and New Bedford is a large city.  I'll let you know my findings when I complete my research!

Fall Update

Hi blog friends and followers! It's time for a new semester and that means exciting new installments of my library blog! As a quick wrap-up, I finished my summer class (with an A!) and took a vacation in August.  The fall semester starts this week and I'm enrolled in Library Programming and Services for Children and Information Organization (aka Cataloging).  From the looks of the syllabi, it's going to be quite a tough semester with lots of work but very interesting, engaging and fun.  Look for new blog entries discussing these subject areas coming soon!

Summer Reading

Hi all! Remember how each fall, your English teachers would ask what you've read over the summer? I've been trying to do some fun reading in my time off.  Here are some of the books I've enjoyed:

Heat Wave by Nancy Thayer- A young widow with two small children must figure out how to keep her home on Nantucket so she opens a bed and breakfast.

The Sixes by Kate White-A gripping mystery where an investigative writer tries to find out if a secret society exists at the small private college where she teaches.  As she digs further, she places herself and others in danger trying to find the truth.  A real page turner!

Groundswell by Katie Lee-One of my favorite cookbook authors (and ex-wife of Billy Joel) tries her hand at fiction.  A young woman falls in love with an older a-list actor and marries.  His fame allows her to become a successful screenwriter, but when she finds out he's cheating on her with her best friend she sets off to find herself in Mexico.  She learns how to surf and begins to accept that her marriage has failed.  Sound vaguely familiar? A fun, quick read.

Silvergirl by Elin Hilderbrand-After finding out her husband was the mastermind behind a huge Ponzi scheme, Meredith must retreat until the investigation is finalized.  What's worse, she and her son are also being investigated as accomplices.  She calls an old friend whom she hasn't spoken to in years. She agrees to let Meredith stay with her at her summer house on Nantucket.  The two rebuild a struggling friendship over an eventful summer and begin to accept the loss and love they've each experienced while trying to forgive one another.


Let me know what you've read over the summer! I'd appreciate any comments, thoughts and recommended titles!