Policies
Mission Statement
The mission of the Blackwell Public Library is to provide quality materials and services which fulfill educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful, and businesslike and to support a culture of lifelong learning and stay responsive to the changing information needs of the community while linking to resources available globally.
Goal Statements
The general library goals of the Blackwell Public Library shall be:
To serve all residents of the community and the surrounding region with respect for human diversity including race, color, religion, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or any other identifying characteristics.
To acquire and make available to all residents of the above area such books and other information resources and other services as will address their needs to a) become well informed, b) locate answers to important questions, c) cultivate the imagination and creative expression, d) develop skills for career and vocational advancement, and e) enjoy leisure by means of reading and other media services.
To acquire the means to provide the most frequently requested material locally and upon demand.
To maintain a program of service which locates information, guides reading, organizes and interprets material for people of various backgrounds, provides opportunities for acquiring knowledge and stimulates thinking and intellectual development in individuals of any age.
To serve the community as a central resource center to access information.
To support educational, civic, and cultural activities of individuals, groups, and organizations.
To strive consistently to discover new methods and improvements for better service for the library’s customers.
To review regularly these goals of the Blackwell Public Library and, if necessary, revise them in the light of new developments.
Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
Patron Code of Conduct
It is a patron’s responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. Patrons are expected to adhere to the social norms and customs associated with public places.
If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the library facilities. Limited privileges may be instituted for the following reasons:
Damaging library property
Stealing library materials
Physically or verbally threatening staff or patrons
Being disruptive
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Failing to abide by the computer/internet policies
Not wearing appropriate attire; i.e., shoes and shirts
Leaving a child under the age of six unattended
An individual who violates these standards of conduct will be requested by library staff to abide by the rules. If the individual refuses to comply with the request, he/she will be asked to leave the library premises. 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 considered to be trespassing and the staff will phone “911” for assistance.
The amount of time for restriction will be determined by the director, assistant director and/or the library board on the basis of the severity of the violation
Unattended Child Policy
Blackwell Public 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 six 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.
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 he/she must settle down or will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.
Telephone Use
Library patrons may ask to use the library telephone to arrange from transportation from the library. No other use of the library’s telephone lines by patrons is permitted. The calls may only be made from the circulation desk.
Patrons may not receive phone calls on library phones. If a caller asks to speak to a library patron, the staff will not confirm the patron’s presence in the library, respecting the right to privacy. The exception to this is parents seeking their children.
Permission must be given by library staff for patron telephone use. The staff member may inquire if the call is for transportation needs. If a patron uses the phone without permission, the librarian may ask the patron to end the call immediately.
All calls placed by patrons are to be completed as quickly and quietly as possible.
Patrons are not permitted to use the library telephones to place toll-free or long distance calls.
Library staff may refuse all use of the library telephones to a patron who uses the phone inappropriately or who appears to rely on the library for phone service.
Cell Phone Use
Library patrons are expected to use a quiet voice in making or receiving cell phone calls at the library. Patrons should set their phones on silent, vibrate, or a low volume ring setting so as not to disturb other patrons.
Patrons may be asked to take their phone calls outside if they disturb others in the building.
Patrons are permitted to make or receive phone calls at the circulation desk as it pertains to their business at the library.
Library Services and Circulation
Library Use
Blackwell Public Library makes its collections and services available to all persons on an equal basis with respect to diversity
Library Borrower Registration
Patrons wanting to borrow library materials must hold a valid library card. In order to register as a borrower, an individual must complete a registration form which includes the following information:
Name
Address
Phone
Email (Optional)
Birthdate
Preferences on Notifications
A valid picture ID, driver’s license, or a piece of mail with name and address is required for initial registration.
Juvenile cards need a parent or guardian signature and permissions for movie checkouts and computer use granted in order for the child to take out movies and unlimited books. Children may take the borrower’s application home for signature but permissions may only be granted if the parent comes in to the library.
Any child may obtain a student library card and be limited to a two (2) book loan. Full privileges may be granted with a parent’s signature.
By completing registration for a library card, the borrower (or parent/guardian) agrees to abide by library rules, pay fines or damages to library property and give notice of change of address or phone number.
Library cards are renewed every year from the original date of issue. Library staff will verify registration information and note changes. Any library card which is not used for a period of three years or more will be deleted from the system.
Library cards are available at no cost. However, the fee for a replacement card is $2.00
Limits on Borrowing
New borrowers are limited to borrowing five (5) items on the first checkout. If materials are returned on time and in good condition, the patron may borrow up to ten (10) items at a time for a three (3) month period. After the probationary period, if items continue to be returned on time and in good condition, the patron may check out as many items as they would like. Borrowing restrictions may be imposed if a patron’s fines stay in arrears or if lost or damaged books are not paid for.
Loan Periods
All library books, magazines and audiobooks, except “new releases” have a loan period of fourteen (14) days. New releases, videos, and DVDs may be borrowed for 7 days. Borrowers may check out three (3) movies at a time.
Returns
Library materials may be returned in person or in the book drop with the exception of audiobooks, videos, and DVDs, which must be returned inside.
Renewals
Patrons may renew materials in person, by phone, or by accessing their library account online. There is a limit of one (1) renewal per item. Exceptions may be made by the Library Director or Assistant.
Fines
Blackwell Public Library is a fine-free library, in order to provide better customer service and establish good long-term relationships with our customers. Research does not support that charging fines is an incentive to returning books on time. The library will increase its efforts to reach out to customers with overdue loans. Juvenile borrowers “read off” any fees associated with lost or damaged materials one (1) time per calendar year.
Reserves and Inter-Library Loans
Materials currently in circulation but unavailable at the time of request may be reserved. This may be done in person at the library or online. Library staff will notify patrons when the materials are available.
If the patron is looking for a book that the library does not hold in its collection, the patron may inter-library loan the items through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. Request forms will be available at the circulation desk. Library staff will contact patrons when materials come in. Any patron who orders a book through interlibrary loan and does not claim it will be charged a $5 postage and handling fee.
Patrons may request interlibrary loans at no cost for the first loan every six-month period. Subsequent requests will require a charge of $3 for postage per loan.
E-Books
Blackwell Public Library is a member of the OK Virtual Consortium, a digital collection of reading and listening materials. The OK Virtual Library is available to cardholders of the Blackwell Public Library. The collection includes thousands of eBooks and audio books as well as hundreds of videos.
Blackwell Public Library pays an annual fee to OverDrive, based on population, to be a member of the consortium. A portion of the fee goes toward maintenance and the rest toward collection development.
Patrons are not charged late fees or fines for any service connected to the OK Virtual Library.
Lost and Damaged Materials
Any cost incurred due to lost or damaged materials is the responsibility of the library patron that borrowed those materials. Cost of replacement will be assessed according to the degree of damage or age of the book.
Computer & Internet
Public Computers
Blackwell Public Library maintains computers for patron use. Computer use is limited to one (1) hour per day. If computer use is for school research, arrangements may be made for more time.
Computers will be shut down thirty (30) minutes before close of business each day.
Patrons may not save information nor download anything on library computers. All printing is done at the circulation desk. Patrons are encouraged to use “print preview” before printing as they are responsible for anything printed.
Library staff is available to answer technical questions but are not able to assist patrons in completing any tasks which involve the patron’s personal information.
Patrons must receive an access code to log on to library computers. These are obtained at the circulation desk.
Internet Access and Use
The library maintains access to the internet as an electronic tool for patrons and staff to locate information. The library affirms the right of individuals to have access to digital materials. Because there are no controls on what may be published on the internet, Blackwell Public Library is not responsible for information found on the internet that a patron may feel is inappropriate, dated, or offensive, nor is it responsible for the accuracy or content of information available on the internet.
Safety of Children and the Internet
Blackwell Public Library will take steps to assure compliance with state and federal laws, including the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), laws pertaining to obscene materials, child pornography, and materials harmful to minors as defined by OS Supp. 200, 1040.75, and Copyright law (US Code Title 17). Library patrons using the computers agree to abide by all laws and policies governing computer and internet use. To meet this requirement, content filtering devices and/or software are in use to protect computer users from accessing anything in violation of the laws. Anyone not complying with the policy may forfeit computer privileges.
Acceptable Use Policy
Users are also bound by the Acceptable Use Policy of Bolt Fiber Optic Services, the internet service provider and may not engage in any of the following:
This Acceptable Use Policy applies to Television, VoIP, Internet and related services (“Services”) delivered Bolt Fiber Optic Services. This policy is designed to encourage our customers and others (“Users”) to use the Services
responsibly and to enable us to provide our Users with secure, reliable and productive Services.
General Conduct
BOLT FIBER OPTIC SERVICES’s Fiber Optics network and the Services may be used only for lawful purposes.
BOLT FIBER OPTIC SERVICES is not responsible for the content of any websites linked to or accessible by the
Services; links are provided as Internet navigation tools only.
Users may not use the network or Services in order to transmit, distribute or store material
(a) in violation of any applicable law,
(b) in a manner that will infringe the copyright, trademark, trade secret or other intellectual property rights of others or the privacy, publicity or other personal rights of others,
(c) that is obscene, threatening, abusive or hateful or contains a virus, worm, Trojan horse, or other harmful component; or
(d) that contains fraudulent offers for goods or services, or any advertising or promotional materials that contain false, deceptive or misleading statements, claims or representations.
Users are also subject to the acceptable use policies, as amended from time to time, of any third party provider of Services to BOLT FIBER OPTIC SERVICES.
Computer Policy for Juveniles
Children age eleven (11) and under may use the computer if supervised by their parents are in the library. Permission for juveniles under the age of 18 to use the internet may be indicated on the library card application, must be signed by the parent, and will be noted on the patron record.
Wi-Fi Use
The library offers free Wi-Fi for patrons to utilize on their laptops, tablets, phones, etc. Library patrons using Wi-Fi agree to abide by all laws, policies, and regulations governing the use of computers in the library.
Patrons may experience fluctuating bandwidth on the library’s public wireless, depending on how many people are using the wireless connection and what they are downloading or streaming.
The library is not responsible for the privacy of information a patron may transfer over the library’s network. The library assumes no responsibility for the damage, theft, or loss of a patron’s software, data files, or other personal property brought into or used at the library.
Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance regarding any personal computer equipment nor can they make any guarantee about the compatibility of a patron’s equipment with the library’s network.
The library has no control over computer programs available through the Internet. Any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of programs obtained through library access is not the responsibility of the library.
Tablet Use Policy
The library has a variety of Tablets which are available for loan with in-library use only
Samsung Galaxy Tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tabs are available for loan to adult patrons in good standing.
Customers using the tablets must sign a patron agreement at the first checkout, which will be kept on file.
Borrowers agree to the library’s internet and acceptable use policies.
Minor children ages 12-17 must have permission granted by the parent to use the tablet.
Adults may check out these tablets for use by minors age 11 and under, but must supervise the minor during use.
Tablets may be checked out for a period of one (1) hour.
Borrowers must remain in sight of the circulation desk while using the tablet.
Tablets are loaded with library recommended apps. Additional apps or eBooks may not be downloaded nor the preloaded apps & eBooks deleted.
Only one tablet may be checked out at a time.
Tablets must be returned at the end of the hour or 30 minutes before the library closes. Tablets may not be checked out within the half hour prior to close.
Patrons may not leave the tablet unattended.
Patrons must keep food and drink away from the tablets.
Patron is responsible for any loss or damage to the tablet while checked out. Replacement cost for the Samsung Galaxy Tab is $500.
Playaway Launchpad & AWE Learning Tablet
Playaway Launchpads and the AWE Early Learning Tablet are designed for children and are preloaded with high quality ad-free learning apps. They are appropriate for ages 3-8. These tablets are not web-based.
Tablets are available for loan to adult patrons in good standing for use with children. Adult borrowers will supervise any children using the tablets individually.
Children’s Tablets may be checked out for a period of one (1) hour.
Borrowers must remain in sight of the circulation desk while using the tablet is being used.
Tablets are preloaded with learning apps. No changes to the apps may be made.
Only one tablet may be checked out at a time.
Keep food and drink away from tablets at all times.
Tablets must be returned at the end of the hour or 30 minutes before the library closes. Tablets may not be checked out within the half hour prior to close.
Borrowers are responsible for any loss or damage to the tablet while checked out. Replacement for the Playaway Launchpads is $200. Replacement cost for the AWE Early Learning Tablet is $2500.
Collection Development
Purpose, Goals & Objectives
The purpose of the Blackwell Public 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.
Collection development and materials selection is the process of deciding which materials are added to the collection, which materials are retained, and which materials are removed.
The goal of a collection development policy is to assure a comprehensive collection of materials in various forms.
Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs.
The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.
The materials selection/collection development policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.
The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Blackwell Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy.
Responsibility for Selection
The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the library director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Blackwell Public Library Board of Trustees, which adopts the policy. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff. Staff recommendations and public recommendations will be considered.
Criteria for Selection
The widest possible selection of subjects and viewpoints are included in the selection process with 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
Selection Tools
Reviews are a major source of information about new materials. The primary source(s) of reviews is (are) Booklist, School Library Journal, Library Journal, the Horn Book, Publisher’s Weekly, the New York Times book reviews, other published reviews and patron requests.
The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title which is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and books discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.
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.
In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Blackwell Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network, and to make an effort to have its current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.
Gifts and Donations
The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information the director can dispose of them as he/she sees fit. The same criteria of selection which are applied to materials purchased by the library are applied to gifts. Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of a patron if the request meets the criteria established by the Board. It is desirable for gifts of or for specific titles to be offered after consultation with the library director. Book selection will be made by the director if no specific book is requested. The Blackwell Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.
By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.
Weeding
An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. On average, approximately three percent (3%) of the collection may be weeded annually. Replacement 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. The library uses the CREW Method of Deselection. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.
Request for Reconsideration
The Blackwell Public Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy.
Responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection 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.
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 reconsideration” form which is available in the library. The inquiry will be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Blackwell Public Library Board of Directors. The library director will provide justification to the Board as to the selection criteria used and the Library Board will determine if the material was selected according to policy. The person requesting reconsideration will be notified by the Library Board’s decision.
The personal views of the library director, the members of the Board, or the perceived views of the community will not be used as criteria in making a ruling. All decisions will be made based on the compliance with the Collection Development Policy.
Reference Services
The Blackwell Public Library:
will 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 correspondence;
will 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);
will 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;
may refer library users to other agencies and libraries in pursuit of needed information;
may use not only the Library’s resources in printed form, but consult appropriate digital resources as well as the regional resource library and other agencies by telephone in pursuit of “ready reference” information.
Displays & Exhibits
As an educational and cultural institution, the Blackwell Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community. Displays of handiwork, 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 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 owner’s risk.
Areas available for displays and exhibits and accessible to the public may be determined on a case by case basis, depending on the nature of the exhibit. A release must be signed by the exhibitor before any artifact can be placed in the library.
Programs & Workshops
A “program” or workshop is a planned interaction between the library staff and the program participants for the purpose of promoting library materials, facilities, or services, as well as offering the community an informational, entertaining, or cultural experience.
Programming includes such activities as story times, films, activities on no-school days, summer library program, speakers, book or author discussion groups, makerspace activities, classes, and other programs which are deemed appropriate for the development of library services.
The board, in conjunction with the library director, will establish a budget and goals for programming to facilitate the effective implementation of this service.
Meeting Room
The room is available to individuals or organized groups in the Library service area. Exceptions may be made by the Library Board if the Board deems extenuating circumstances are involved.
The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the Library staff or Board.
The room may be reserved no more than ninety days in advance.
It is understood that library programming will have first priority in room use.
There will be no charge for use of the meeting room.
No admission may be charged by the group.
Refreshments may be served and shall be provided by the group. No smoking is allowed.
The people using the room shall leave it in neat, clean, orderly condition; if not, the group/individual will be given notice that continued offense will result in denied access to the meeting room.
The Library is not responsible for any equipment, supplies, materials, clothing, or other items brought to the Library by any group or individual attending a meeting.
The Library Board and staff do not assume any liability for groups or individuals attending a meeting in the Library.
Children in the Library
Unattended Child Policy
Blackwell Public 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 10 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.
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 he/she must settle down or will be asked to leave the library.
If after a second warning the child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.
Behavior in the Library
Patron Code of Conduct
It is a patron’s responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. Patrons are expected to adhere to the social norms and customs associated with public places.
If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron may be restricted from the Library and from the use of the library facilities. Limited privileges may be instated for the following reasons:
Damaging library property
Stealing library materials
Physically or verbally threatening staff or patrons
Being disruptive
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Failing to abide by the computer/internet policies
Not wearing appropriate attire; i.e., shoes and shirts
Leaving a child under the age of 10 unattended
An individual who violates these standards of conduct will be requested by library staff to abide by the rules. If the individual refuses to comply with the request, he/she will be asked to leave the library premises. 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 considered to be trespassing and the staff will phone “911” for assistance.
The amount of time for restriction will be determined by the director, director of operations and/or the library board on the basis of the severity of the violation.