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!