Borrower's Information
The library lends
books, magazines, audio books, and movies for two weeks. Materials more
than 2 months old may be renewed. Borrowing priviledges are free for
Buckfield, Sumner and Hartford Residents. Others may pay $10 per year
for borrowing privileges.
Children's
Services
A variety of children's programming is available.
Check out the Kid's Page or
our Programs Page for more
info. Children are also invited to participate in the annual Summer
Reading Program.
Services
The library provides the public full Internet access
at its four public computer workstations with T-1 Internet Connection.
Print-outs and Photocopies are 10 cents per page. We also offer
Interlibrary Loan free of charge to our registered patrons.
Policies
Who May Use the Library
The library serves all
residents of Buckfield, Hartford, and Sumner. Service will not be
denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or
political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical
condition; age, or sexual orientation.
The use of the library may be denied for due cause; such cause may be
failure to return library materials or to pay penalties, destruction of
library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal,
disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises or violation
of any library policy.
Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
It is a patron's responsibility to maintain necessary
and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his or her
individual rights, and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a
patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from
the use of the library. Those who are unwilling to leave or do not
leave within a reasonable amount of time, after being instructed to do
so by the staff, will be subject to the law.
Young Children: The library encourages visits by
young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both
memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff is not expected to
assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the
library. Therefore, it is library policy that all children under age
eight must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person
while in the library. Also, if the young child is attending a library
program, we require the parent/responsible person to remain in the
library throughout the program and assist their child when necessary
during the program.
Disruptive children: Children of all ages are
encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and
program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be
noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more
commotion. However, children (whether with parents or not) who are
being continually disruptive will be given a warning that s/he must
settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If after a warning
the child continues to be disruptive, s/he will be asked to leave the
library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so then
wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.
Revocation of Borrowing
Privileges
The Library reserves the right to legal prosecution to
reclaim material(s) or for payment of overdue materials.
If a patron violates any policy or posted rule set forth
by the Zadoc Long Free Library Director or the Library Board of
Trustees, his/her borrowing privileges may be revoked.
The cardholder is responsible for any lost or damaged
materials borrowed on his/her patron number. The charge for a damaged
or lost item will not exceed the replacement cost of materials plus a
$5.00 processing fee. Parents or legal guardians of juvenile
cardholders will be held responsible for damaged or lost materials
checked out to their children. Replacement costs will be determined by
the Library Director.
When a juvenile cardholder has not complied with the
library loaning rules and/or has not returned materials as required,
notice of this patron's final notice/bill will be attached to parent(s)
records. This notice will automatically restrict borrowing privileges
for these users at this address until the overdue items are returned.
The responsible adult patron may not use another patron card at this
address until all responsibilities to the library have been fulfilled.
Behavior Guidelines
The Library is open to members of the public for the
purpose of reading, studying, researching, use of library materials,
facilities, equipment, and participating in Library programs. While at
the Library patrons are to be engaged in the activities associated with
the use of a library and they may not:
- Harass patrons or staff
- Use obscene, threatening, or abusive language
- Tamper with, alter, edit, or damage Library
computers, software, or equipment
- Violate posted computer usage rules
- Talk loud enough to disrupt the use of the Library by
others
- Damage, deface, steal, or misuse library property
- Leave children or dependent persons unattended
- Act in any disorderly manner
- Litter
- Use tobacco
- Be under the influence of, or distribute alcohol or
other drugs; or engage in the use of illegal substances
- Interfere with other library patrons' use of the
library because of extremely poor hygiene
- Bring animals into the library unless required for
personal assistance
- Go barefoot or shirtless
- Play audio devices except through headphones at a
level not audible to others
- Block aisles or entrances in a manner that limits
access to Library materials or services
- Enter unauthorized work spaces or office areas
- Engage in conduct which interferes with the use of
the Library by others.
- Have fook or drink near computers or other electronic
equipment
- Violate any written or posted library policy
- Loiter
Please Note:
Parents are responsible for the conduct of their
children in the Library. Improper or illegal behavior in the Library or
on the Library grounds is prohibited. Those engaged in such behavior
will be asked to leave. The police may be called. Indviduals may be
prosecuted.
Services of the Library
The library provides materials and resources for
information, entertainment, intellectual development, and enrichment of
the people of the community. The library should endeavor to: select,
organize, and make available necessary books and materials. Provide
guidance and assistance to patrons. Sponsor and implement programs,
exhibits, displays, book lists, etc., which would appeal to children
and adults. Cooperate with other community agencies and organizations.
Secure information beyond its own resources when requested, by use of
interlibrary loan, and other resource sharing methods provided through
the state. Lend to other libraries upon request. Develop and provide
services to patrons with special needs. Maintain a balance in its
services to various age groups. Cooperate with, but not perform the
functions of, school or other institutional libraries. Provide service
during hours that best meet the needs of the community, including
evening and weekend hours. Regularly review library services being
offered. Use media and other public relations mechanisms to promote the
full range of available library services.
Volunteers and Friends
The Trustees encourage individuals and groups to
volunteer their time and efforts in the service of the Zadoc Long Free
Library. The library friends group will help to plan and execute any
special projects that enhance library service and promote stronger
library-community relationships.
Collection Development
Objectives: The purpose of the Zadoc Long Free
Library is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully
selected books and other materials to aid the individual in the pursuit
of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of
leisure time. Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the
limitations of budget and space, the library must have a collection
development policy with which to meet community interests and needs.
Collection Development is used by the library staff in selection of
materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the
principles of selection. The American Library Association Library Bill
of Rights, and the Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by
Zadoc Long Free Library board of Trustees.
Responsibility for Selection: The ultimate
responsibility for selection of library materials rest with the
Director who operates within the framework of the policies set by the
Board of Trustees. This responsibility may be shared with other members
of the library staff. The Director has the authority to reject or
select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.
Criteria for Selection: The main points
considered in the selection of materials are:
- Individual merit of each item
- Popular appeal/demand
- Suitability of material for the clientele
- Existing library holdings
- Budget
- Accuracy
- Current
Weeding: An up-to-date, attractive and useful
collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement
process. Replacements of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand,
usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer
editions. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the
library Director and is authorized by the Board of Trustees. Withdrawn
materials will be handled in similar manner and under the same
authority as donated materials.
Potential Problems or Challenges
The library recognizes that some materials are
controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons.
Selection of materials will not made on the basis of anticipated
approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles
stated in this policy. Responsibility for monitoring the reading or
selection of materials by children rests with their parent or legal
guardian. Selections of library materials will not be inhibited by the
possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.
Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or
disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be
sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.
Challenged Materials
Although materials are carefully selected, there can
arise differences of opinion regarding suitable materials. Patrons
requesting that material be withdrawn from, or restricted within the
collection may complete a "Request for review of library materials"
which is available in the library. The inquiry will be placed on the
agenda of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Gifts and Donations
The Zadoc Long Free library accepts gifts of library
materials, real property, and monetary donations or bequests for the
purchase of collection materials, furnishings, programming, or other
areas of need that is consistent with the mission and policies of the
library. Funds may be given as an outright gift, in memory of, or in
honor of individuals. Memorial books may be designated by a memorial
bookplate upon request. Gifts of furnishings or equipment may be
identified with a small plaque.
All donations become the sole property of the library. The library is
not obligated to keep donated materials for any length of time.
Gifts of books and other library materials are accepted without
conditions attached. For example, special housing or permanent shelving
cannot be promised, nor can the library guarantee to keep intact a
group of donated materials. The library is not responsible for
notifying donors of withdrawal or replacement of gift items.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial Gifts received by the library that are not
restricted by the donor for a specific purpose may be designated for a
specific fund or purpose by the Library Board of Trustees. Donations
may be made to this fund at any time. Expenditures from these funds do
not require prior approval of the Library Board if they meet the
donor's designated purpose. Memorial Gifts added to the library's
collection may be withdrawn in the same manner as purchased materials.
Monetary Donations
Monetary donations made to support one-time material
purchases will not replace regularly budgeted library expenditures and
will not be used to replace already funded activities.
Monetary gifts of over $500 shall be reported to the
library board for special recognition. The Board may grant additional
recognition for major gifts, with details of size, location and manner
of recognition at the Board's sole discretion.
The Zadoc Long Free Library is not allowed to provide an
appraisal of the value of donated books and other materials, however,
we are happy to provide an acknowledgement of receipt of the materials.
Donating Used Books
The library always welcomes the donation of gently used
books, audio books, and dvd's. We are unable to accept Reader's Digest
Condensed, encyclopedias, computer manuals, textbooks, outdated health
books, or books that may contain mold or are in poor condition. Any
books that we may not use on the shelf may be put in our annual used
book sale.
Monetary Donations
The library welcomes monetary donations in the form of
cash or checks and can be dropped off at the library, or checks can be
mailed to: Zadoc Long Free Library, PO Box 158, Buckfield, ME 04220.
Circulation
Registration: All borrowers must be from
Buckfield, Hartford, or Sumner to obtain a borrowers card. Others may
pay an annual $10 fee to obtain a card. Patrons must fill out proper
paperwork and show valid ID to obtain a card. Those under the age of 14
years of age must have a parent give their consent and sign their card
before one will be issued. Materials cannot be borrowed until a library
card is issued.
Loan Periods: The
loan period for books, and other material is two (2) weeks.
Interlibrary loans are due by date indicated by the lending library.
Material may be renewed if it is not a new title and there is no
waiting list. New titles may be loaned for two weeks with no renewal.
Non-current periodicals may be checked out for two (2) weeks. The
Director may establish the loan period for materials which are
temporarily in high demand, such as for student projects. As a rule, no
limit will be placed on the number of books, which may be borrowed at
one time. DVD's are limited to 2 checked out each time. At
the staff's discrection, however, a limit may be set on certain
categories if, in their opinion, the collection would be overly
depleted in these categories without such a limit.
Reserves: Books may be reserved by patron by
phone, email, or in person. Patrons will be notified by telephone, or
email when the materials are available. Reserved material will be held
for three business days before being put back on the shelf or given to
the next person in line. There is no charge to the patron for placing a
reserve.
Interlibrary Loan: Because of limited budget and
space the library cannot provide all materials that are requested.
Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries
those materials that are beyond the scope of this library's collection.
Interlibrary Loan material will be held for 1 week after
notification. If it is not picked up, it will be retruned at the end of
the week. If the item is requested again, patron will be responsible
for the return postage. If patron decides they do not want the material
requested and does not contact the library within 24 hours to cancel
the request, the patron will be responsible for return postage.
Overdues and Fines
The primary purpose of fines is to have the overdue
item(s) returned to the library.
Fines are $.25 a day or $1.00 a week per item. Borrowing privileges are
automatically suspended when your unpaid fees accumulate to $5.00.
Interlibrary loan overdue fees are set by the lending library and will
be collected from the borrower by the Zadoc Long Free Library along
with a handling fee of $5.00.
A first notice reminder phone call will be placed after the materials
are due. If a second notice is necessary, that notice will be a bill
for the cost of the replacement of the material and a processing charge
of $5.00. Patrons with outstanding library materials will be denied
library privileges until the matter is resolved.
Lost, or Damaged,
Materials
If materials are lost, or damaged so as to be judged by
the library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay
the replacement cost.
If the replacement cost cannot be determined the following fee schedule
will be applied.
|
Category
|
Replacement Cost
|
| Adult Fiction |
$30.00 |
| Adult Nonfiction |
$40.00 |
| Adult Trade Paperback |
$18.00 |
| Adult Mass Market Paperback |
$10.00 |
| Juvenile Picture Book |
$25.00 |
| Juvenile Fiction and Beginning Readers |
$17.00 |
| Juvenile Nonfiction |
$28.00 |
| Juvenile Trade Paperback |
$10.00 |
| Young Adult Book |
$25.00 |
| Young Adult Paperback |
$18.00 |
| Audio Book |
$30.00 |
| DVD |
$20.00 |
A $5.00 processing fee per item will be added to any
replacement costs.
Reference Services
Provide information in the form of short answers to
specific questions and guidance in locating material for patrons who
appear in person, call on the telephone, or request information through
other forms of correspondence.
Assist patrons in the use of the library and teach basic
research methodology, when appropriate (this includes providing help in
developing a research strategy and advice on whether a trip to the
library would be worthwhile for individuals who telephone)
Provide bibliographic verification of items both in the
library and not owned by the library and will assist patrons in
obtaining materials through interlibrary loan, when appropriate.
Equipment use
A computer is available to patrons on a first come,
first served basis. Instructions for operating hardware are displayed
near the computer. There is no charge for the use of the computer;
however, in order to make the service available to as many patrons as
possible, a time limit of one (1) hour when there is one or more
patrons waiting. Library staff is available for general assistance in
using the computer. However, staff are not expected to train patrons in
the use of application programs.
No food or drink is permitted near the computers or other electronic
equipment.
A printer is available. When a print is made a fee of .10 ¢ per sheet
will be applied.
A photocopier is available to patrons who wish to copy materials at a
rate of .10¢ per sheet.
Also see: Computer
Policy
Internet Use
The library is providing free access to the internet as
a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for users
of the library. The Board of Trustees has established the Internet Use
Policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of this resource. Access
to the internet is available to all patrons; however, this service may
be restricted at any time for use not consistent with the guidelines.
Parents of minors must assume responsibility for their childrens use of
the library internet service; prior to being granted access to the
internet, anyone under eighteen (18) years of age, along with a parent
of guardian, must sign the "Internet Use Permission Agreement".
Also see: Internet
Use Policy and Computer and
Internet Use Rules
Meeting Room
The library Board and staff do not assume any liability
for groups or individuals attending a meeting in the library.
Displays and Exhibits
As an educational and cultural institution the library
welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and
enlightenment to the community. Displays of historical material, nature
study, or any other material deemed of general interest may be
exhibited. The Director shall accept or reject material offered for
display based on its suitability and space availability. The library
assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection, and no
liability for possible damage or theft of any item displayed or
exhibited. All items placed in the library are there at the owners
risk. Those wanting to do so must fill out the appropriate forms.
Public Notice Bulletin Board
Bulletin board materials may be submitted for posting by
non-profit organizations for civic, educational, or cultural purposes.
Such organizations may submit literature publicizing a specific event.
Limited space generally allows only short-term notices. The Director
must approve all postings and may prohibit postings, which do not meet
library standards. Each item posted must be dated and signed.
Confidentiality
Title 27: Libraries, History, Culture and Art
Chapter 4-A: Library Records
§121. Confidentiality of library records
Records maintained by any public municipal library, the Maine State
Library, the Law and Legislative Reference Library and libraries of the
University of Maine System and the Maine Maritime Academy that contain
information relating to the identity of a library patron relative to
the patron's use of books or other materials at the library are
confidential. Those records may only be released with the express
written permission of the patron involved or as the result of a court
order. [1997, c. 146, §1 (amd); §2 (aff).]
Revision of Library Policies
The preceding statements of Zadoc Long Free Library's
policies shall be subject to review and needed revision at least every
five (5) years by the Board of Trustees. Individual policies will be
reviewed or added as needed.
Adopted: Feburary 22, 2005
Amended: January 7, 2010
Basic Computer Policy
The Zadoc Long Free Library offers free computer use
and Internet access as part of its services it provides to the citizens
of Buckfield, Hartford, and Sumner. Computers are an invaluable tool
for researching, preparing reports, communication, training, and
education. The Library Trustees expects those who use the computers to
treat them, the library, and the staff and other patrons with respect.
The computers are for all users and must be shared fairly and
conveniently for everyone needing access to them.
Users of the computers must legibly record their name (first name only,
or with last initial is fine) and the time they begin using the
computers at the sign-in book, which will be at the circulation desk.
This is so the library is able to determine computer use (for
statistics) and how long a specific computer has been in use. The
library does not make reservations for using the computers; they are
available on a first come, first served basis only.
To provide equitable access to the computers, users will be limited to
one hour of use when other patrons are waiting to use a computer. The
library staff may specifically approve additional time if circumstances
deem it necessary, for example a student taking a test.
To prevent unnecessary maintenance problems and to maintain a uniform
appearance, computer users will not download information to any
computer's hard drive (C:), change any setting, set-up, or file on the
computers.
All users must use the computers in a responsible manner, in accordance
with ethical standards of the library, which prohibit:
- Violation of computer security, on or off site.
- Unauthorized use of computer accounts or access
codes.
- Use of computers which impede the activities of
others.
- Violation of software license agreements.
- Violation of user privacy.
- Unauthorized monitoring (or disruption) of
electronic communications.
- Unauthorized use or destruction of data belonging
to others.
- Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected
material.
- Harassing, libeling or slandering of other users.
Given the limited amount of space in the library's computer area, no
more than one person is allowed at each computer, except for an adult
and child sharing a single computer.
Materials may be printed from the computers. To recover operating
expenses for the printer, each page printed will be at a cost to be
determined by the Trustees.
Adopted January 11, 2006
Internet Use Policy
In keeping with our mission to provide accessible
information in a variety of formats, the Zadoc Long Free Library
provides public access to the Internet.
It is the policy of the Zadoc Long Free Library
to prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission
of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other
forms of direct electronic communications; prevent unauthorized access
and other unlawful onlince activity; prevent unauthorized disclosure,
use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors;
and comply with the Childrens Internet Protection Act (CIPA) [PUB. L.
No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
While the Library computers are filtered through the Maine School and
Library Network (MSLN) it cannot control and is not responsible for the
content, quality, currency, or accuracy of any information accessed
over the Internet. Any restrictions beyond those shown above of a
child's access to the Internet are the responsibility of the parent or
legal guardian.
Use By Minors:
It is the policy of the Zadoc Long Free Library that the full
responsibility for the use of materials and resources by a minor (use
by children under the age of 18) rests with his or her parents or legal
guardian. Any minor not accompanied by a parent or guardian will need a
permission slip (which will be kept on file) signed by a parent or
guardian allowing for unsupervised use of the Internet.
Library computers are available for the use of authorized persons and
activity only, and activity may be subject to monitoring. Library
equipment may not be used to harass others or for any illegal activity.
Even with a parental permission form on file, the Library reserves the
right to deny access to a minor not accompanied by a parent or legal
guardian when the minor is found to be inappropriately using the
Internet or violating any policy of the library.
Warnings and Restrictions:
- Confidentiality and Privacy - The Library does NOT
guarantee that any username, password, email, credit card number,
financial, or any other information entered is private or secure. We
recommend you do NOT use public workstation for any financial,
confidential or private transaction.
- The user agrees to hold the Library harmless from
any claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities relating to
the use of information obtained from the Library's electronic
information system.
- The Library does not maintain email accounts for
users.
- At its discretion, the Library Administration
reserves the right to deny use of the Internet to anyone violating the
policies of the library.
- The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17,
United States Code) governs the reproduction, distribution, adaptation,
public performance, and public display of copyrighted material.
Responsibility for any possible copyright infringement lies solely with
the user. The Library disclaims any responsibility or liability
resulting thereof.
- Users may not attempt in any way to alter, damage,
abuse, or sabotage computer equipment or software, alter
configurations, or install any software. Damage to Zadoc Long Free
Library computers or attempts to access non-public areas of the network
system may result in prosecution.
- Users may not use any Library computer for illegal
purposes that violate local, state, or federal laws.
- Users may not use library computers for viewing
sites that are inappropriate (violent or sexual nature) in a public
setting, that offend other patrons or staff, or that create a
disturbance.
- Users may not disregard time limits on the use of
a Library computer while others are waiting.
The library does not guarantee that any
particular web site or electronic transaction will work, or be
compatible with, library equipment
Those wishing to use the library's computers or its Internet service
shall read and understand the policies regarding use, which will be
posted at the circulation desk and at each computer area. Use of the
library's computers shall be evidence of the user's acknowledgment and
acceptance of these policies.
Any patron whose privileges have been suspended or terminated may
appeal to the Board of Trustees, who would discuss the suspension or
termination of privileges at their next meeting. The patron may attend
the meeting and will be notified by the Board of their decision within
two weeks of the meeting. Users will be held responsible for any damage
to the equipment caused by misuse. Malicious damage to equipment will
result in suspension of library services and/or prosecution of criminal
charges.
Adopted January 11, 2006
BASIC
COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE RULES
- Please treat the computers, library staff, and
other patrons with respect at all times.
- Please sign in at the circulation desk. If others
are waiting to use a computer, there will be a one hour limit.
Computers can not be reserved, they are available on a first come,
first served basis.
- NO downloading to the hard drive (C:)
- NO chat rooms or instant messaging.
- Please do not change any setting, set-up, or files
on the computer.
- Only one person per computer, except for an adult
sharing with a child.
- Minor children (under 18 years of age) must be
accompanied by a parent or guardian or must have a permission slip
signed by a parent or guardian on file at the library granting them
unsupervised access to the Internet. (permission slips are available at
the circulation desk)
- Please do not display especially violent or sexual
graphics that may offend other library patrons or staff.
- Please be extremely cautious before giving any
personal information, such as name, phone number, or address over the
Internet.
- Users who abuse the computers or any of the posted
policies, may have their privilege of use suspended or terminated.
- NO Food or drink near computers or other
electronic equipment.
To help defray the operating costs of the printer
and photocopier, the following fees apply:
Photocopies 10¢ per page
Printouts 10¢ per page
Thank you for your cooperation!
|