Pend Oreille County Library District Policies

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· Freedom to View
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· Patron Code of Conduct
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Bulletin Board

As an educational and cultural institution and as part of its public service, the Library welcomes announcements of interest, information, and enlightenment to the community through bulletin board announcements in the designated bulletin board area of each library in the Pend Oreille County Library District.

Bulletin Board

Priority and Approval - Approval for all bulletin board announcements rests with the Library Director or appointed designee(s). Unapproved materials will be disposed of at the Library's discretion.
Eligibility and Space Availability - Bulletin board materials may be provided by the Library or other nonprofit organizations, community groups, individuals, or governmental agencies. Bulletin board display space is available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting this service.
Limitations

Bulletin board material is limited to the size of the bulletin board display space area.
Bulletin board material cannot be placed on top of another display item and must maintain a neat and orderly appearance.
Bulletin board material will be removed once the event has expired or at the end of each calendar month.
Each piece of bulletin board material must be dated, include a sponsorship line, i.e. name of organization, group, agency, or individual, and a phone number (if phone is available).

Endorsement - Distribution or posting of materials by the Library does not necessarily indicate the Library's endorsement of the issue or events promoted by those materials.
Fees - All bulletin board display materials are offered to the Library on a voluntary, non-fee basis.
Security and Liability - The Library assumes no liability in the event of damage, destruction, or theft of the bulletin board display.

Sales

The Library does not allow soliciting or the sale of goods or service by members of the public in the library building, on the grounds, or in the parking lot. The only merchandising activities permitted are Library or Friends of the Library sponsored sales or activities.

Adopted by the Pend Oreille County Library District Board of Trustees 1/14/2002

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Collection Development

POCLD Policy

Chapter 6

Operations

6.12 COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

1. Purpose and Scope

The Pend Oreille County Library District's Mission Statement guides the selection of materials as it does the development of services and the allocation of resources:

The Pend Oreille County Library District strives to be the best possible rural library system by providing information in an environment that is conducive to thinking, learning and personal development.

This collection development policy has been adopted by the POCLD Board of Trustees to guide District staff and to inform the public about the guidelines conditioning the selection and evaluation processes, which are:

a. Books and other library materials are selected on the basis of literary, educational, informational, and recreational value. The ultimate responsibility of selection rests with the District Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the POCLD Board of Trustees.

b. No title is excluded on the basis of moral, racial, religious, or political prejudice. Titles are selected, within the limitations of the budget, on the basis of critical consensus among recognized subject authorities. Suggestions from patrons are encouraged and will be given due consideration.

c. The District Director will review written complaints concerning specific titles. Ultimate decision-making authority for the retention or deletion of materials rests with the POCLD Board of Trustees.

d. POCLD endorses the American Library Association's Freedom To Read statement, The Library Bill of Rights, and the statements on Labeling Library Materials , Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks , and Free Access to Libraries for Minors .

2. Responsibility for Selection

Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the District Director, who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Board of Trustees. The District Director delegates to those staff charged with collection development responsibilities regarding the acquisition, cataloging, and processing of materials. Any staff member under such delegation by the District Director may participate in the selection of library materials.

The authority and responsibilities of the District Director consist of the following:

Authority to approve or disapprove selection recommendations from the selection librarians, other staff, and the public.
Authority to make final decisions on the withdrawal of circulating materials, the rebinding of books, repackaging of audiovisual materials, replacement orders, and the addition of gifts to the cataloged circulating collection.
Authority to review various collections in the Library, evaluate the contents, and submit written reports to the Board of Trustees.
Authority to initiate any weeding projects as a result of collection evaluations.

3. Selection Guidelines

Selection is a discerning and interpretive process, involving a general knowledge of the subject area in question and its important literature, a familiarity with the materials in the collection, an awareness of the bibliographies on the subject, and a recognition of the needs of the community.

3.1 Criteria
Literary merit; enduring value; accuracy; authoritativeness; social significance; importance of subject matter to the collection; timeliness; popular demand; cost; scarcity of material on the subject and availability elsewhere; quality and suitability of the format; other considerations may be applicable in specific subject areas. Selectors should choose materials that will build a well-rounded collection which includes all viewpoints and opinions and which will meet patrons' needs.

3.2 Tools

Professional journals; trade journals; subject bibliographies; publishers' catalogs and promotional materials; reviews from reputable sources; lists of recommended titles; and sales representatives for specific materials. Purchase suggestions from patrons are also an important source.

Standard review sources include the following: Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Chicago Tribune Book section, Horn Book, Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Voya, Wilson Library Bulletin.

More specialized review sources may be mentioned in their respective collection development profiles.

3.3 Goals

Materials are selected to meet the objectives of public library service. It is the goal of the Pend Oreille County Library District that County residents have access to innovative library services, delivered in an efficient, effective, and professional manner within comfortable facilities and with responsible fiscal planning. These services will

provide the materials, programs, and services needed to meet their recreational needs;
provide the information services needed to answer their personal and work-related questions;
enable them to develop their ability to find and use information in a variety of formats;
assist them to continue growing and learning throughout their lives.

3.4 Scope

The scope of the collections in POCLD branch libraries refers to the formats offered, the treatment, and the level of difficulty. Materials selected for the District's collections are intended to meet the cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs of the residents of Pend Oreille County. The scope of the collection is intended to offer a choice of format, treatment, and level of difficulty so that the needs of a majority of individuals can be met and service given to individuals of all ages, within current budget parameters and constraints. The District encourages the use of interlibrary cooperation to better serve the needs of its clientele by expanding available resources. The emphasis is on acquiring materials of wide-ranging interest to the general public. The collection is not archival, and is reviewed and revised on an on-going basis to meet contemporary needs.

POCLD branches are not designated depository libraries at either the state or federal level. POCLD libraries will collect federal and state government documents according to the criteria set forth above. Similarly, collection and retention of government documents below the state level (e.g., County or municipal levels) will follow best practice as determined by the District based on usefulness of such materials to the population served.

3.5 Format

Materials are purchased in the most appropriate format for library use based on format offerings by the publishers and suppliers of print and audiovisual materials. Collected formats include both print and audiovisual materials, and extend to electronic resources used either via single or multiple access by onsite or offsite patrons. The District recognizes the place of non-print formats in the collection as legitimate educational and recreational resources for the community it serves. District staff monitors the development of new formats and, within budgetary and technical limitations, adds these to the collection.

3.6 Multiple Copies

While the Library does not have the budgetary resources to buy multiple copies of every title it owns, it does buy multiple copies of titles that have high patron demand. Titles with reserves or titles with broad popular appeal are generally ordered in duplicate. For titles with more than four reserves, an additional copy of the title will be acquired. In subject areas where patron demand is extremely high, the District prefers to buy one copy of several different titles instead of buying numerous copies of one title.

3.7 Audiovisual Materials (DVD and VHS)

The audiovisual collection contains adult and juvenile feature film and informational titles in VHS and DVD format. The collection includes a varied selection of feature films, including current high interest, old classics, and foreign films. Informational titles include such popular subjects as travel, sports, exercise, parenting, cooking, business, language, documentaries, arts, hobbies, and home repair. With few exceptions the collection is for home use only, but the District may puchase some public performance videos when the price is acceptable. (Videos for home use are restricted to individual or family viewing. Public performance videos are those for which the Library has purchased the rights for group viewing, for either in-library programs or for organizations' use with their members.)

In the case of feature films bearing a rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the District accepts the rating standards of the MPAA as described here:

The movie ratings system is a voluntary system operated by the MPAA and the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO). The ratings are given by a board of parents who comprise the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA). CARA's Board members view each film and, after a group discussion, vote on its rating. The ratings are intended to provide parents with advance information so they can decide for themselves which films are appropriate for viewing by their own children. The Board uses the same criteria as any parent making a judgment: theme, language, violence, nudity, sex and drug use are among content areas considered in the decision-making process. (cf. http://www.mpaa.org/FilmRatings.asp)

The District will limit its selection of rated film titles to those with a rating of G, PG and PG-13.

In the case of films without an MPAA rating, the District supports the objective of selecting titles that fall within the range of content and level considered appropriate for the rated films it acquires, but disavows any function in loco parentis, leaving to parents the responsibility for pre-screening library materials for use by children.

The audiovisual collection exists to serve the general informational, educational, and recreational needs of the user community. Appropriateness and expected long-term use and value to the collection are deciding factors in the selection of adult and children's videos. Closed-captioned films are purchased whenever available to meet the Library's commitment to serve the hearing-impaired. Patron requests for specific videos/DVDs will be considered and purchased if the film is appropriate to the collection for the long term.

3.8 Circulating CD-ROM Software

The District purchases interactive multimedia CD-ROM software on a variety of topics for children and adults, appealing to a broad range of interests and subject areas. Criteria for selection for CD-ROM software include materials that are informational, educational, and creative in nature. Recreational materials that meet the above criteria for selection are also purchased. Titles which operate on both PCs and Macintoshes are purchased whenever available.

The CD-ROM collection exists to serve the general informational, educational, and creative needs of the user community. Appropriateness and expected long-term use and value to the collection are deciding factors in the selection of interactive multi-media CD-ROMS. Patron requests for specific CD-ROM software will be considered and purchased if the title is appropriate to the collection on a long term basis.

3.9 World Wide Web Sites

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the District endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of its user community throughout Pend Oreille County. It is in service to this goal that the District offers access to the Internet and its multitude of resources. To facilitate navigation through the enormous diversity of resources on the Internet, the District provides link lists on its website, which form a part of the District's collection development process.

Links posted to the POCLD website are selected to enrich, broaden, and complement print and audiovisual library materials. These online resources may be selected to provide home or in-library access to types of material available in print form at the Library, or they may be selected to provide more current and more esoteric material than that available at the Library. In selecting resources available on the Internet, the Library attempts to use to its full advantage the unique nature of the Internet by providing access to government databases and other reliable online sources for the whole spectrum of reference needs and for popular culture, special interest and entertainment sites for both children and adults.

Standard professional print publications are increasingly publishing reviews of online resources. Profesional Web review sites, such as the Internet Scout Report and Librarian's Index to the Internet (LII), as well as computer-related journals, general itnerest magazines and newspapers, regularly have articles or features on the best Internet resources. These should be considered the first step for assigned Library staff in choosing sites for the Webrary Links. Criteria for the selection of Web sites for the District include the following:

1. Sites should originate from the creating or responsible institution, not a third party.
2. Sites maintained by individuals should be closely monitored.
3. Material should be up-to-date, preferably with a date and e-mail address available.
4. When dealing with controversial topics, sites with differing points of view should be provided whenever possible.
5. Information should be verified if source is unknown.
6. Sites should be examined and reevaluated regularly for the quality and validity of information, access, design, and currency of content.

Each subject area in the print and audiovisual collections should be supplemented by their assigned selectors with links to useful, accurate, and informative websites. Each website should be evaluated before incorporation into the POCLD website for validity and timeliness. Each site should be reviewed periodically to insure that the link lists contain only active, live links. As links become inactive or out-of-date, they should be removed immediately from the links referral page of the District's website.

4. Weeding of District Collections

In order to maintain an up-to-date, useful collection, worn and obsolete materials are continuously weeded. Materials may also be withdrawn if they are little used or superseded by a new edition or better work on the same subject. Depth and breadth of varying degrees are desirable in various areas of the collection. This Collection Development Policy serves as a guide for weeding and maintaining the collection as well as for the selection of replacement materials.

Titles are withdrawn from the Library's collection through systematic weeding by staff or because of loss or physical damage. Other factors applicable when deciding on replacements include the number of copies of a title the Library owns, the availability of newer materials on the subject, the importance of the work in its subject area, its listing in standard bibliographies, and its cost. Audiovisual materials which are withdrawn will be replaced in most cases with new, popular titles, as these collections are designed to meet current interest.

Systematic evaluation and weeding of the collection is required of every selector in order to keep the collection responsive to patrons' needs, to insure its vitality and usefulness to the community, and to make room for newer materials. For this reason, subject areas should be reassessed for relevancy and currency every two years, at a minimum, although certain areas may require more frequent review.

Weeding identifies damaged items, ephemeral materials which are no longer used, out-of-date materials, extra copies which are not being used, and materials which are inappropriate for the collection. Weeding also helps a selector evaluate the collection by identifying areas or titles where additional materials are needed; older editions which need to be updated; and subjects, titles, or authors that are no longer of interest to the community. Titles can be checked against standard bibliographies in the subject to see if the items have historical or literary value. Holdings which are readily accessible in other libraries may also be considered when making weeding decisions. Withdrawn materials which are in good condition will be put in the book sale. Materials withdrawn from the Reference collection which retain informational value may be transferred to the circulating collection.

5. Reconsideration of Library Materials

A singular obligation of any public library is to reflect within its collection differing points of view on controversial or debatable subjects. The Pend Oreille County Library District does not promulgate particular beliefs or views, nor does the selection of an item express or imply the District's endorsement of the author's viewpoint. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, nor will items be sequestered, except for the purpose of protecting them from damage or theft.

Comments from members of the community about the collection or individual items in the collection frequently provide librarians with useful information about interests or needs that may not be adequately met by the collection. The Library welcomes expression of opinion by patrons, but will be governed by this collection development policy in making additions to or deleting items from the District's library collections.

Patrons who request the reconsideration of library materials will be asked to put their request in writing by completing and signing the form (cf. Appendix A) entitled "Request for Reconsideration of Library Material."

Upon receipt of a formal, written request, the District Director will make a decision regarding the disposition of the material. The District Director will communicate this decision, and the reasons for it, in writing, to the person who initiated the request for reconsideration at the earliest possible date. The District Director will inform the Board of Trustees of all requests for reconsideration of library materials and their disposition.

In the event that the person who initiated the request is not satisfied with the decision of the District Director, he/she may appeal for a hearing before the Board of Trustees by making a written request to the Board's Chair. The Board will determine whether the request for reconsideration has been handled in accordance with stated policies and procedures of the District. On the basis of this determination, the Board may vote to uphold or override the decision of the District Director.

6. Collection Evaluation and Assessment

The District's collections need continuous evaluation in order to keep on target with the District's mission to provide materials to meet patrons' interests and needs in a timely manner. Statistical tools such as circulation reports, collection turnover rates, document delivery studies, fill rates, reference fill rates, statistical samplings, and new materials counts should be used to determine how the collection is being used and how it should change to answer patron needs. The materials themselves should be assessed for their physical condition and their use. The use of conspectus instruments available to the District through consortial or group projects also figures into its evaluation methodology.

Qualitative evaluation includes checking subject areas against standard bibliographic tools and recommended subject lists to be sure that the District is acquiring recommended materials. Patron input and community/user surveys should also be used to aid in the evaluation of the Library materials collection.

Through these ongoing quantitative and qualitative methods, the District Director and designated staff selectors can monitor the collection to see that it is serving its public.

This Collection Development Policy will be reviewed and, if necessary, revised at least once within every five year period from its date of adoption to insure a document that continues to answer the needs of the District's libraries and their user communities.

_______________________________________________________________________

Adoption and Revision History

Adopted December 2008

APPENDIX A

Pend Oreille County Library District
Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials

Title: _________________________________________________________________

Author: ____________________________ Publisher: ________________________

This is a: ____book ___magazine ___recording ___video ___other: ___________

Request initiated by (your name):

__________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________ State: ________ Zip: ____________

Phone: ____________________________

Do you represent:
____ yourself
____ an organization (name): ________________________________________
____ other group (name): ___________________________________________

1. To what in the work do you object (please be specific; cite page numbers):

2. Did you read/view/listen to the entire work? ____yes ____no
If not, which parts have you read/viewed/listened to?

3. What do you feel might be the result of reading/viewing/listening to this work?

4. For what age group would you recommend this work?

5. What do you believe is the theme of this work?

6. Are you aware of judgements of this work by literary critics?

7. What would you like the District to do about this work?

8. In its place, what work would you recommend that would convey as valuable a picture and perspective of the subject treated?

Signature _________________________________

Date __________________

Computer Use and Internet Safety Policy & Disclaimer for Public Access to the World Wide Web

1. The Library cannot control the information available over the Internet and is not responsible for its content, which may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal. Access the Internet at your own risk.

2. Access to obscenity, child pornography, material harmful to minors, or on-line gambling is not permitted on Library computers. Unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal information regarding minors is not permitted on Library computers.

3. The Library provides access to the Internet to facilitate research, learning, cultural enrichment, recreational pursuits, and personal development. It is the intent of the Library to be a non-public forum that offers filtered access to the Internet on all computers.

4. The Library is acting in good faith by using a filter to block obscene material, child pornography, material harmful to minors, or on-line gambling but is not responsible for Internet content or any filtering errors.

5. Disabling the filter: The Library Director or designated Library staff may disable the filter, upon request, in the following situations:

5.1 When an Internet site was erroneously blocked by the filter; provided, however the site is not obscene, does not depict child pornography, is not material harmful to minors, or does not involve on-line gambling.
5.2 For patrons 17 or older, the filter may be disabled in a timely manner for any lawful purpose.

6. Access by patrons under the age of 17: Parents or guardians shall be responsible for assuring that children are cared for, safe, and secure when visiting the Library.

6.1 Patrons under 17 years of age are allowed only filtered access to the Internet.
6.2 A parent/guardian with a child under 17 years of age, working together on a computer, is required to use filtered Internet access.

7. In-Library Access: Prospective users must have a valid Library card (or be properly identified), in good standing with the Library, and must sign an Internet Use Contract. Good standing – shall mean the prospective user has no overdue materials, no fines outstanding, or lost materials not returned or paid for.

7.1 Visitors age 17 and over may use the public use computers for 30 minutes for personal use without having a Library card when there is a computer available.
7.2 Patrons under 17 years of age shall have parental or guardian permission to access the Internet. Parents or guardians shall guide, determine, and monitor their child's use of the Internet, email and other forms of direct electronic communications.
7.3 Internet access is available on a first come, first serve basis and use is limited to one-hour per day. Depending on availability, exceptions can be made for additional time.
7.4 Users of Library computing resources must comply with federal and state laws, Library rules, and policies, and the terms and conditions of any Library contract, including software licenses, while using Library computing resources. Examples of applicable laws, rules, and policies include but are not limited to the laws relating to libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity and child pornography, trespass, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Users who engage in electronic communications with persons in other jurisdictions or on other systems or networks may also be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions and the rules and policies of those other systems and networks.

8. Users may not use computing resources to gain unauthorized access to local or remote computers or to impair or damage the operations of Library computers, networks, or peripherals. This includes, but is not limited to, blocking communication lines and running, installing or sharing virus programs. Any attempt to circumvent data protection or other security measures is prohibited. The Library “Patron Code of Conduct” shall also apply to the use of all computers.

12. Inappropriate use of the computers may result in revocation of computer use privileges. “Inappropriate use” includes, but is not limited to: 1) using the computer for illegal activities; 2) hacking or accessing a computer system without permission; 3) damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software; 4) interfering with systems operations, integrity or security; 5) gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files; 6) harassing other computer users and persons; 7) altering or attempting to alter the Library computer settings; 8) violating copyright laws and software license agreements; and (9) violating this policy in any manner.

13. The Library computer stations are set up for optimal usage by a single individual. In some cases, such as a parent/guardian with a child, it may be important for two or more people to work together at a computer. Because of limited space, a maximum of two persons may sit/work together at any one computer. If two or more people are using a computer, at least one person must have a Library card. In circumstances where anyone under the age of 17 is working with another person on a computer, both people shall have a valid Library card and parent/guardian of the person under age 17 shall have signed the Internet Use Contract.

The Pend Oreille County Library District affirms its commitment to help patrons use the Internet effectively. The Library will continue to monitor changes and trends in Internet technology that could improve our ability to provide electronic access for Library patrons and will revise this policy as necessary.

Approved by the Board of Trustees 7/12/1999
Revised 8/9/1999; Revised 3/13/2000; Revised 6/12/2000; Revised 8/12/2002; Revised 5/18/2004; Revised 11/21/2006

Confidentiality of Library Records

1. Library records are held confidential by Pend Oreille County Library District in accordance with the R.C.W. 42.17.310(l). Information gathered about patrons shall be limited to that which is absolutely necessary to retrieve borrowed materials.

2. Employees of the Pend Oreille County Library and members of the Board of Trustees for Pend Oreille County Library shall not divulge information that identifies patrons with the material borrowed to anyone, except by a legal order from an appropriate court of law.

3. Library circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users’ with specific books or non-print material are confidential in nature.

4. Also confidential in nature are files of patron names, addresses and personal information, including data-related logs, digital records, and system backups.

5. Measures will be taken to protect the privacy of patrons having access to the Internet.

6. Such records and files shall not be made available to any individual, organization
nor to any agency of federal, state, or local government 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.

7. The library staff member receiving the request to examine or obtain information relating to circulation or other records identifying the names of library users will immediately refer the person making the request to the Library Director, who shall explain the confidentiality policy.

8. The Library Director, upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, shall consult with the Pend Oreille County Library District’s attorney concerning the proper response.

9. Any problems relating to the privacy of circulation and other records identifying the names of library users, which are not provided for above shall be referred to the library director.

Displays

As an educational and cultural institution and as part of its public service, the Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information, and enlightenment to the community. The Library provides information to the community through displays, handouts, announcements, and exhibits in designated areas.

Adopted by the Pend Oreille County Library District Board of Trustees 11/12/2001

Eligibility for Use

BASIS FOR DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY:
Pend Oreille County Library District is a junior taxing district and its major source of revenue is a property tax dedicated to library services. Eligibility for obtaining a library card to use District facilities, services, and the Internet is based on residency or property ownership in Pend Oreille County or any specific service agreement entered into with other cities, towns, and counties within the state of Washington or outside the state of Washington.

In addition, the Library District will extend borrowing and Internet privileges to anyone who has a library card from any library system. By showing us your library card and identification, in person, this authorizes you to receive a library card from the Pend Oreille County Library District after you have filled out and signed the proper registration forms. This is done as a courtesy to residents of other communities that provide tax supported public library service.

Any person living outside Pend Oreille County who does not have a library card, is not in a tax supported library district, or is not someone traveling through the area who has a library card from another library system may obtain a non-resident library card. The cost for a non-resident card is $25 per year per person; $15 per year per person for senior citizens age 62 and over; $10 per person for a three-month card.

LIMITATIONS TO USE:
The use of District facilities and/or services may be limited when excessive demands of groups or individuals may curtail services to others.

Only residents (those living within Pend Oreille County) or walk-in patrons are allowed access to the Library's databases, which are subscribed to and paid for by the Library District. An “Authorized User” according to the vendors for the Pend Oreille County Library District is considered to be staff, Pend Oreille County patrons or walk-in patrons. Remote use is limited to the residents of Pend Oreille County only.

DENIAL OF SERVICE:
The use of District facilities and/or services may be denied for due cause. Due cause includes, but is not limited to, failure to return library materials or pay associated charges, and violations of the District’s Patron Code of Conduct Policy, Requirements for Computer Use or other policies adopted by the Pend Oreille County Library Board.

PROCEDURES:
The Director is responsible for establishing administrative procedures necessary to carry out this policy.

Adopted by the Pend Oreille County Library District Board of Trustees 7/9/2001
Revised 4/8/2002; Revised 6/15/2004

Freedom to View

The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore, we affirm these principles:

1. It is in the public interest to provide the broadest possible access to films and other audio-visual materials because they have proved to be among the most effective means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.

2. It is in the public interest to provide for our audiences films and other audio-visual materials, which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.

3. It is our professional responsibility to resist the constraint of labeling or pre-judging a film on the basis of the moral, religious or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker of on the basis of controversial content.

4. It is our professional responsibility to contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public’s Freedom to View.

5. In accordance with Washington State Law, RCW 19.188.030, we actively encourage parents and guardians to preview videos or to watch them with their children, so that they may use this opportunity to teach their children their own views on violent or improper behavior. Parents who visit the library with their children are encouraged to help them with selecting videos to take home or to watch in the library.

6. Library clerks will not attempt to impose their political, religious, or moral beliefs on members of the public, regardless of their age, in matters of selecting videos or other materials, but will check out whatever circulating material is brought to the desk by the patron.

Gift Policy

Purpose: To make provisions for the acceptance of gifts or donations to Pend Oreille County Library.

Within the provisions of the State Laws, the Board of Trustees adopts the following policies:

1.The Pend Oreille County Library welcomes gifts of both materials and money to purchase materials. These gifts are examined and may be added to the collection under the same criteria used for purchasing materials. Gifts are accepted if the donor agrees that they may be added, sold at book sales, or otherwise disposed of at the discretion of the director of the library district or designated personnel. Gifts that are added to the collection are shelved with other materials in normal sequence.

2. The Library does not provide special shelving or separate locations for gift items. Gift books may be plated with a library bookplate if the donor wishes. Books donated as memorials are identified with an appropriate plate with the donor?s approval. Gift items, including memorials, are weeded according to the same criteria used for purchases.

3. Monetary gifts to purchase books are welcomed. Donors may specify types of materials to be purchased with the understanding that the specific titles may not be available.

4. Donations of special or unique collections that are of local or historical interest that further the mission of the Library will be considered for addition to Library holdings. Such material will be added to the Library?s collections according to established policies and procedures and space availability. All donated material becomes the property of the Pend Oreille County Library District upon donation.

5. Gifts of money, real property, and/or stock will be accepted if conditions attached thereto are acceptable to the Board of Trustees and the County Commissioners.

6. The library will not accept for deposit materials, which are not outright gifts.

7. The library personnel cannot evaluate library materials for tax purposes for IRS regulations do not permit this. If a donor requires an official tax statement, the donor must make arrangements with a book dealer to evaluate the gift. The donor will meet the cost of making the evaluation, which is a tax deduction.

Interlibrary Loan Policy

The Pend Oreille County Library District provides Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services to patrons in accordance with the provisions of this policy.

Materials Selection

The Pend Oreille County Library's selection process has been developed as a guide for those concerned with selecting books, materials, and information access for public use. Pend Oreille County Library District links websites that fulfill the service roles of our library district.

The Board of Trustees of the Pend Oreille County Library recognizes that within the service area are groups and individuals with widely separate and diverse interests, backgrounds, cultural heritages, social values, and needs. The Board further recognizes that the library was created to serve all the people within the county regardless of age, race, creed, national origin, or political or social views. Therefore, the selection policy for library materials shall be as follows:

This selection policy is to be periodically reviewed and revised by the Library Director at the direction of the Library Board.

Adopted April 1982
Revised August 1996; Revised 7/12/1999; Revised 8/9/1999; Revised 7/9/2001; Revised 3/11/2002

Meeting Room Use

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of the County Library to provide meeting rooms in the various libraries for the community as a free public service for non-commercial purposes, giving preference to library-sponsored programs. All meetings must be open to the public at no charge; meetings must not be restricted to any particular group.

While using the meeting rooms, no admission may be charged; no dues, fees, or contributions may be solicited, collected, or accepted; no products, services, or memberships may be advertised, solicited or sold.

Groups using library meeting rooms must avoid advertising and publicity which imply their programs are sponsored, co-sponsored or approved by the library, unless written permission to do so has been previously given by the Library Director.

Use of the meeting room may be scheduled only when a library employee is on the premises.

The Board delegates to the County Library Director or his/her designee the authority to develop and implement procedures and practices, which carry out the provisions of this policy. Exceptions to this policy may be granted only by the Library Board.

If permission for use of the meeting room is denied, the applicant may appeal to the County Library Director; if that officer further denies permission and the applicant is dissatisfied with the reasons offered, an appeal may be made to the Board of Trustees.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees 10/8/1984
Revised 12/11/1995 (with an addendum)

Patron Code of Conduct

Violation of these rules may be cause for temporary or permanent prohibition from future use of library facilities; such decisions made by Library Staff.

Public Records

Public Relations

Purpose: To reach the general public, the civic leaders and the county's governing officials so that they might understand the objectives and services to the library; and to encourage increased use of the services offered by the library by making the community aware of and interested in the Library's services.

1. The Board of Trustees recognizes and accepts the responsibility to promote understanding of the Library's objectives throughout the community. The library director has the responsibility for promoting adequate publicity for library activities.

2. The Library Board and professional staff are encouraged to make talks and to participate in community activities. A reasonable amount of library time is allowed staff members for preparation and speaking.

3. Any public release made, which is related to library policy or the Library District should be approved by the Library Director.

4. Citizen comments and complaints are referred to the Board of Trustees for action and information. Similarly, the director should be informed by the Board of any inquires directed to them.

Selection Criteria

These general criteria are taken into account for all materials selected for the Pend Oreille County Library District. All items selected must meet several of the criteria listed below.
1. Current and anticipated needs and interests of the public.
2. Accuracy of content.
3. Timeliness of information.
4. Author’s, artist’s, or publisher’s qualifications and/or reputation.
5. Evaluations in review media.
6. Contribution to diversity or breadth of collections.
7. Presentation of unique or controversial points of view.
8. Inclusion of title in standard bibliographies or indexes.
9. Receipt of or nomination for major awards or prizes.
Other specific criteria are considered for individual categories of materials.

VIDEO
Within budgetary constraints, the video collection includes preschool, juvenile, and adult titles in non-fiction and fiction format. All fiction videos for adult and juvenile will be based upon a book title with a rating of PG, PG13, or general.

AUDIO CASSETTES
Audio Cassette selections include Preschool, Juvenile and Adult titles, including some music; popular fiction and non-fiction books on tape; and non-fiction renditions of speeches and self-help material of interest to adult members of the community will be selected within budgetary constraints. The collection will not include current popular music titles.

CS’s (computer software)
Educational computer software will be selected within budgetary constraints to be installed on kids’ computers placed within the library buildings.

CDs (books on CD)
CD selections include preschool, juvenile, and adult titles, including some music; popular fiction and non-fiction books on CD; and non-fiction renditions of speeches and self-help material of interest to adult members of the community will be selected within budgetary constraints. The collection will not include current popular music titles.

DVDs
Within budgetary constraints, the DVD collection includes preschool, juvenile, and adult DVD titles in non-fiction or fiction format. All fiction DVD’s for juvenile and adult will be based upon a book title with a rating of PG, PG13 or general.

INFORMATION ACCESS within budgetary and legal constraints:
1. Select Web sites for Pend Oreille County Library's Home Page that fulfills the service roles of the library district.
2. Select online databases for library use and/or remote use with a valid library card.
3. Select Internet sites.

GIFT MATERIALS
The Library may accept gifts of materials with the understanding that the same standards of selection are applied to gifts as to materials acquired by purchase. The Library reserves the right to evaluate gifts, and to give those, which are not appropriate for inclusion in the current collection, to the Friends of the Library for their annual book sale. Proceeds from the book sale are used to support library programs.

Violence Policy

Violence in the workplace or in the library facilities or on library grounds can have harmful or devastating effects on the productivity, quality of life and on the environment relating to employees, patrons, and visitors. It is the policy of the Library District to make a reasonable effort to provide an environment that is free from threats to personal safety resulting from aggressive or threatening behavior or any other overt actions or statements involving patrons, visitors, or employees. Conduct, behavior or threatening statements that constitute violence or threats of violence will not be tolerated.

Any person who makes substantial threats, exhibits threatening behavior, or engages in violent acts on Pend Oreille County Library District property shall be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits, and shall remain off the premises pending the outcome of an investigation. Pend Oreille County Library District will initiate a timely response considering the facts and circumstances as determined by director or management representative. This response may include, but is not limited to, suspension and/or termination of any business relationship, reassignment of job duties, suspension or termination of employment, rescission of patron’s card privileges or use of any library facilities, and/or criminal prosecution of the person or persons involved.

All Pend Oreille County Library District personnel are responsible for notifying the management representative, director, or library trustee of any threats which they have witnessed, received, or have been told that another person has witnessed or received. Even without an actual threat, personnel should also report any behavior they have witnessed which they regard as potentially threatening or violent when that behavior is job related or might be carried out on a library controlled site by patrons or staff. Employees are responsible for making this report regardless of the relationship between the individual who initiated the threat or threatening behavior and the person or persons who were threatened or were the focus of the threatening behavior. If the designated representatives are not available, personnel should report the threat or action to a member of the management team.

Pend Oreille County Library District acknowledges the sensitivity of the information requested and has developed confidentiality procedures, which recognize and respect the privacy of the reporting employee(s) or patron.

One of the purposes of this document is to provide employees with the identification, guidelines, and work plan for addressing workplace violence which will reduce certain workplace violence hazards. The document focuses on violence committed by non-strangers, co-workers, managers, clients, patrons, friends, and relatives within a common work site.

3.1 Violence
Violence is defined as any act or speech that is assaultive, hostile, or aggressive behavior by employees, patrons, or visitors occurring in the normal course of regular job duties that results in physical or emotional injury to employees or non-employees in the workplace or damage to District property. It may involve, but is not limited to, name calling, use of offensive language, threats, use of a weapon, assault and/or battery, or other types of physical actions. “Violence” does not include reasonable force in the defense of oneself or others.

3.2 Weapon
A weapon is defined as any firearm, switchblade knife, or knife with a blade longer than four inches, dangerous chemicals, explosives, blasting caps, chains, and other objects intended to injure or intimidate others.

4.1 Library Responsibilities
The following guidelines will assist management to minimize the potential of violence and threats.

4.1.1 Conduct pre-employment screenings on all new employees.
4.1.2 Provide training on what to do in the event of violent confrontation, how to avoid being a victim, and to know how and where to report violent acts or threats.
4.1.3 Provide a means to alert others to a dangerous situation.
4.1.4 Establish ground rules of acceptable behavior by employees and patrons.
4.1.5 Conduct formal security surveys, document findings, and insure review.
4.1.6 Limit former employees from unlimited access to the workplace.
4.1.7 Develop policy regarding visitor access within facility.
4.1.8 Establish a written policy requiring the exclusion of all weapons from all buildings and parking lots
4.1.9 Take reasonable security measures when a threat of violence has been made to or by an employee.

4.2 Employee’s Responsibilities
4.2.1 Employees are not permitted to bring a weapon or any object not normally used in the workplace.
4.2.2 Employees are expected to treat other people and property with respect. No employee is permitted to commit or threaten violence against any other employee, patron, or visitor. This includes but is not limited to verbal threats to inflict physical harm, vandalism, arson, and the use of weapons.
4.2.3 Employees shall immediately report threats or incidents of violence to their supervisor, the Director, or the Library Board of Trustees.
4.2.4 Even without an actual threat either verbal or physical, employees shall report any behavior they have witnessed which they regard as threatening or violent or does not come under the concept of normal behavior.**
4.2.5 Employees are responsible for completing the POCLD Threat/Assault/Sexual Harassment Incident Report immediately after a threat has been initiated, or the subject of threatening behavior regardless of the relationship between the parties involved.
4.2.6 If the employee has reservations about any person, he/she should discuss the matter with his/her immediate supervisor.
4.2.7 Whenever an employee leaves the building during normal business hours, they will inform the branch manager or director of their planned destination and estimated time of return.
4.2.8 If an employee notices a weapon either real or potential in the facility, they will expedite the removal of said object from the building and grounds immediately and inform the Director or the management representative of the situation.

**[normal defined as: according to, constituting, or not deviating from an established norm, rule, or principle; conformed to a type, standard, or regular form; performing the proper functions; regular, average, natural.]

5.1 Training of employees will be provided to enhance the awareness of violence in the workplace.

5.2 Prior to the hiring of any new staff member, management will validate the following items and incorporate them into the individual’s safety training record:
5.2.1 Check references and inquire of any incidents of violence or threats.
5.2.2 Conduct a law enforcement background check to ascertain if there has been any conviction of a crime within the last seven years.
5.2.3 Medical, substance abuse, or other lawful examinations may be required by the Library District.

5.3 All doors are secured at closing of each business day. Whenever an employee enters the building during non-business hours, they will lock the door behind them preventing any unauthorized entry.

The Violence Policy and plan have been reviewed and approved by the Library District Board of Trustees.

There is no exact method to predict when a person will become violent. One or more of these warning sings may be displayed before a person becomes violent but does not necessarily indicate that an individual will become violent. A display of these signs should trigger concern as they are usually exhibited by people experiencing problems.

Irrational beliefs and ideas
Verbal, nonverbal, or written threats or intimidation
Fascination with weaponry and/or acts of violence
Expressions of a plan to hurt him/herself or others
Externalization of blame
Unreciprocated romantic obsession
Taking up much of supervisor’s time with behavior or performance problems.
Fear reaction among co-workers/clients
Drastic change in belief systems
Displays of unwarranted anger
New or increased source of stress at home or work
Inability to take criticism
Feelings of being victimized
Physical reactions indicating use of alcohol or other substances
Expressions of hopelessness or heightened anxiety
Productivity or attendance problems
Violence towards inanimate objects
Steals or sabotages projects or equipment

RECOMMENDATIONS TO STAFF
PERSONAL CONDUCT TO MINIMIZE VIOLENCE
Follow these suggestions in your daily interactions with people to de-escalate potentially violent situations. If at any time a person’s behavior starts to escalate beyond your comfort zone, disengage!

Volunteer Policy

A volunteer shall be considered as any individual, 16 years or older, who performs work by agreement and without remuneration at any branch library of the Pend Oreille County Library District. Exceptions to the age requirement may be made by the District Director.

A student intern shall be considered as any middle school, high school or college student who performs volunteer work, without remuneration, as part of an authorized school program to earn academic credit. Individual Boy Scouts working on advanced awards are also classified as student interns.

The Pend Oreille County Library District shall use the services of volunteers to:

The Pend Oreille County Library District shall make use of the services of interested volunteers to supplement and not to replace the work done by library staff.

Recognition is an important component of a volunteer program and is often the only way in which the District can express its gratitude to its volunteers. Although individual, informal recognition of volunteers should be ongoing, it is important that volunteers be recognized formally as a group on a regular basis, at least annually. District staff and the POCLD Board of Trustees shall find ways of recognizing volunteers throughout the year.

Nothing in this policy shall be deemed to create a contract between the volunteer or intern and the Pend Oreille County Library District. Both the volunteer and the District have the right to terminate the volunteer's association with the District at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.

The only benefit the District will provide to its volunteers is coverage, paid for by the District, under the Washington State Labor and Industries industrial insurance program (also known as "worker's compensation").

Prior to engaging in any volunteer activity each volunteer will be required (a.) to submit a volunteer application form ( (Appendix A) to the District Administration office and (b.) to have an orientation session with a supervisory staff member. Once those steps are completed, the information on the application has been verified, and the District has conducted a background check, the volunteer may be scheduled for training and work assignments.

Volunteers may be asked to work on projects that are supportive of staff efforts. Examples include: shelving books, returning books, processing new materials, storytelling, helping to prepare for programs, assisting with maintenance of the vertical files, discarding materials, maintenance of periodicals, and public relations activities. Final determination concerning the scope and range of volunteer work assignments rests with the District Director.

Hours of volunteer service will be determined by the supervisory staff member in discussion with the volunteer and recorded on a volunteer timesheet for submission with staff timesheets. Volunteers are expected to arrive at the library in time to begin work as scheduled or call the library if they will be absent. All volunteer work must be completed within normal library hours. Exceptions may be made by the Library Director.

Volunteers will be sought through a variety of methods (e.g., newspaper announcement, in-library publicity, requests through volunteer coordination organizations), to meet specific as well as general project needs. Recruitment shall be the responsibility of the District Director and the branch supervisors.

Volunteers will work directly with library staff members to receive training and complete projects. All volunteers will be assigned one primary staff member to guide them in their work; however, staff members may offer guidance to any of the volunteers.

When appropriate and affordable, the District may fund the cost of workshop-based training for volunteers who have made a long-term commitment to the Library and who may benefit from the information provided. Recurrent training, such as academic coursework for credit, will not be reimbursed by the District for volunteers.

A job description will be tailored for each school program that may offer student interns. The job description must stress the value of the project for both student and the POCLD branch library. A representative of the school or college will usually be involved in developing the job description and outline of the project.

The professional staff member who shapes an individual project will be responsible for the training and supervision of the student intern. Interns can be very valuable to the Library, but the Library must also offer a genuine educational opportunity. Because much staff time will be required, each project must be carefully planned and approved by the District Director before the intern is accepted. Participation in student internship programs shall be an arrangement by mutual consent which can be terminated at any time by the District or the student intern. All schedules will be arranged between the student intern and the supervising staff member and should not conflict with school schedules.

A method and schedule for evaluation will be agreed upon between the supervising staff member and the school or college representative before the student intern is accepted. The supervising staff member will follow this schedule and report student progress to the educational institution's responsible representative.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION FORM

8. Do you have a current driver’s license, insurance and use of an automobile?

I authorize Pend Oreille County Library District at the time of my application for volunteer work and during the course of my volunteer work to verify information contained in this application as it relates to the position for which I am being considered, or in which I may be employed. I hereby affirm that the information given on this application for employment is complete and accurate. I understand that any falsification or omission will be immediate grounds for dismissal. I authorize a thorough investigation to be made in connection with this application concerning my character general reputation, employment and education background, and criminal record, whichever may be applicable. I understand what this investigation may include and I hereby authorize the release of documents and personal interviews with third parties, such as prior employers, family members, business associates, financial sources, friends, neighbors or others with whom I am acquainted. I further understand that I have the right to make a written request within a reasonable period of time for a complete and accurate disclosure of the nature and scope of the investigation. I hereby release said employers or third party people and Pend Oreille County Library District from any liability or damages for receiving or releasing information.

Federal law requires anyone employed by the Library District, which is a Junior Taxing District of Pend Oreille County, to present proof of identity and proof of authorization to work in the United States. I understand I must be able to prove this authorization. I understand that employment with Pend Oreille County Library District is at-will and the employment relationship may be ended by either party at any time with notice or in the cases of gross misconduct without notice.