Read Library Policies

More policies will be added soon.

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Overdue Policy

The Wagnalls Memorial Library appreciates its patrons returning items on time so that others may use them. If more time is needed, items may be renewed if they are not on hold, have not reached the maximum number of renewals and if the patron owes less that $5.00. If you renew an item that is already overdue, renewing it will stop fines from accumulating, but fines that have accrued before you renewed it must still be paid.  You may renew materials online (Polaris catalog) , by phone using telecirc (614-833-1004), by calling the library circulation desk (614-837-4765, ext 127) or in person. To renew, you need your library barcode and your 4 digit pin number (last four digits of your phone number, unless you used another number)

If materials are overdue, the following fines will be charged. No fines are charged for scheduled library closing days or for days closed due to inclement weather or emergencies.
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Donations and Gift Policy

Gifts of books and other library materials are accepted by the Library with the

understanding that they will be considered for addition to the collection in accordance

with the Collection Development Policy. The Library reserves the right to sell or

otherwise dispose of gift material not added to the collection.

If the title is already in the collection, it will be added based on the following condition:

· It is in good condition

· A duplicate is needed

· Existing copy needs replaced

· Title has not been superseded

If the title is not in the collection, it will be evaluated based on the selection criteria

mentioned above.

Generally, the library cannot accept books with restrictions that necessitate special

housing or which prevent integration of the gift into the general Library collections.

The Wagnalls Memorial  Library will not assign an appraisal value to any gift materials.

However, the Library will make available to patrons a receipt for the total number of

items donated, with comments on overall condition. Monetary donations to purchase

materials are always welcome and appreciated. Recommendations from the donor are

honored so far as the suggestions are in accord with the Collection Development Policy

of the Wagnalls Memorial  Library.

We are glad to accept:

· Books in good to excellent condition and usually

   published in last 1-5 years

· Children’s books that are in excellent condition

· Good condition books-on-tape (audiocassettes or CD)

· Good condition music CDs

· Newer DVDs in excellent condition

We will not accept:

· Older editions of encyclopedias and reference books

· Copied versions of audio or videocassettes

· Music on audiocassettes

· Old magazines

· Materials that exhibit signs of smoke, mold, pests or water damage

· Self Published Materials (unless they are reviewed in established review

   journals; exceptions may be made for materials of local interest that meet the Collection Development Policy)

Board approved 10/20/2005

Material Selection Policy

The Wagnalls Memorial Library exists to provide the community free and public access to a variety of information and materials, and to encourage intellectual and cultural pursuits within this area. With continuous sensitivity to the changing needs of the community, the Library adapts its services and programs to meet these needs.

The essential function to be served in the selection of materials is the realization of the fundamental goals and objectives of a public library. These goals and objectives include, but are not limited to the:

• Dissemination of information
• Expansion of knowledge
• Broadening of interests
• Advance of competency
• Enlightenment of the citizenry
• Effective utilization of leisure time and activities
• Development of skills
• Provision of multiple and diverse resources
• Understanding and appreciation of literature and the arts
• Provision of free access to ideas
• Personal well–being of the patrons
• Entertainment and diversions of the borrower

Principles Of Selection
Selection is based on the merits of a work in relation to the needs, interests and demands of the community. The Wagnalls Memorial Library supports and is supported by the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View Statements which affirm that free and convenient access to ideas, information, and the creative experience is of vital importance to every citizen today. The selection of library materials is based on the library patron's right to read and his/her freedom from censorship by others.

The Library cooperates as fully as possible with other libraries and with community agencies, groups, and organizations whose purposes and activities are related to library objectives. Expanding techniques of interlibrary loan on a county, state and federal level will be utilized to improve service to The Wagnalls Memorial Library patrons.

Responsibility For Selection
The implementation of material selection is a matter of professional staff responsibility as assigned by the Director and carried out under his/her supervision and direction.

In selecting materials for acquisition, the professional staff shall not be subjected to nor respond to influences of censorship or impulsion from any sources, official or private. The professional staff, in acquiring materials, bears the responsibility for achieving the fundamental goals and objectives of the Library and in maintaining a reasonable perspective among these goals and objectives.

Materials shall not be systematically excluded from, or included in, the library's collection in the advocacy of any point of view or persuasion. Acquisition, as used in this statement of policy, includes materials that are offered to the library as gifts, as well as those that are designated for purchase.

Selection Criteria
To build relevant and useful collections, materials must be measured by positive and objective guidelines. All materials whether purchased or donated are considered in terms of the standards listed below. An item need not meet all of the criteria in order to be acceptable.

• Contemporary significance or permanent value
• Accuracy
• Reputation and/or authority of author, editor, or illustrator
• Literary merit
• Relation to existing collection and to other materials on the Subject
• Price and availability
• Format and ease of use, including condition 
• Scarcity of information in subject area
• Availability of material in other area libraries
• Attention of critics, reviewers, media and public

Multiple copies of heavily requested titles will be purchased to meet community needs, as the library’s budget allows.

Nonfiction
Nonfiction will be collected at the Introductory and Basic levels as defined below:

1.   Introductory: The fundamentals of a subject, which provide the main theories and referrals to other sources.

2. Basic: Overview of a subject, adequate to meet general demand.
3. Extended: Expanded collection with sufficient depth to allow for independent study and practical applications.
4. Comprehensive: Major source material and a broad range of specialized monographs necessary to sustain in–depth study.

The nonfiction collection emphasizes timely, accurate, and useful informational materials to support individual, business, government, and community interests. It also emphasizes materials that are current and high–demand. Materials are available for all ages and reading levels and in a variety of formats.

Materials are selected to represent a continuum of opinions and viewpoints when available.

Titles with continued value and those of current, accepted authority are part of the Library collection. Textbooks are included when they are the only source available on a subject, when useful to those doing independent study, or when they give an overview of a subject, but are not added in support of a specific curriculum. As a new field emerges, the Library attempts to respond with timely additions. While most non–fiction materials are selected for their utility, others are acquired for their capacity to enrich and entertain. When choices exist, selection is based on readability, clarity, and appeal. Requests from library users are given high priority.

Fiction
The collection focuses on twentieth and twenty-first century literature including classic and standard titles. There is no single standard for inclusion in the fiction collection. Each work is evaluated in comparison with other fiction works or authors of similar type. Because of the large volume of fiction published, it is possible to purchase only a representative selection with emphasis on major authors and the most popular examples of a genre. Patron requests for materials of this type influence the addition of multiple copies.

The Periodical & Newspapers Collection
Periodicals are serials that are issued at stated intervals, generally more frequently than annually, and which contain separate articles, stories, and other writings. Periodicals are an important source of new ideas and topics before such information is available in book form. In addition they provide recreational, how–to, and consumer information.

Periodicals represent an ongoing commitment in terms of subscription cost and storage. Single subscriptions of a title are maintained with the exception of Consumer Reports – one subscription circulates; one does not.  The periodical and newspaper collection is reviewed annually for additions and deletions.

The Library subscribes to online periodical databases, and articles can also be requested through the Library’s interlibrary loan service.

The Large Print Collection
The Wagnalls Memorial Library seeks to develop a small core collection of large print titles, the majority of which are fiction titles.

Reference Collection
Reference materials are for use in the library. They provide quick, concise, and up–to–date information, and index other material in the collection. Inclusion in the Reference Collection is determined by factors such as cost, complexity, format, authoritativeness, frequency of use, and indexing.

Reference works include such standards as encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, directories, bibliographies, etc., as well as more specialized materials that directly support the various informational needs of library users. When demand dictates and cost permits, additional copies are purchased for lending.

The Local History Collection
The Wagnalls Memorial Library collects and houses local history materials in a historical pamphlet file, the Ohio Reference, and the Local History collections. The Library acquires materials, in all formats, dealing with Lithopolis and Bloom Township, Ohio and the immediate service area. Examples:

• Village documents and reports.
• Newspapers and other serial publications in hard copy.
• Photos
• Local people and genealogy, including oral histories

The genealogy collection focuses on Lithopolis and Bloom Township, and the surrounding areas of Fairfield, Franklin and Pickaway Counties. It includes donated family histories, collections such as photographs and memorabilia, and stories of local people, businesses, organizations and the community.

The materials in the Reference and Local History Collections may only be used within the Library.

Archives

The Wagnalls Memorial Library will archive materials related to The Wagnalls Memorial and its existence in the local community, and to the Wagnalls family, including materials donated by Mabel Wagnalls and Richard Jones that relate to their interests.

Nonprint Materials
Sound Recordings: The Wagnalls Memorial Library's Collection includes music recordings and spoken word recordings on audiocassette and compact discs. Spoken word recordings (e.g., recorded novels, plays, how–to's, etc.) are selected to parallel most areas of the general collection. Efforts are made to select on a variety of topics and to appeal to a range of interests. Quality of recording and suitability of the subject for aural interpretation are among the selection criteria for spoken word recordings.

Music recordings in the Adult Collection are limited to time-enduring titles.

Packaging may also affect selection decisions, particularly for multi–part sets. Necessary purchases are made, however, regardless of how the material is packaged.

Video: Materials are selected in DVD and VHS format. They are acquired by purchase and gifts. The Library makes a concerted effort to purchase a wide variety of video materials to meet the needs of a broad cross–section of users. The aim is to acquire time–enduring titles, and selections are made in these areas:

Non–Theatrical––General interest non–fiction and short fiction works produced for the education and home video markets including items such as documentaries, how–to, self paced learning and instructions, sports, health, etc. Feature––Full–length fiction dramatizations including classic, family, and children's features.

Electronic resources: The library staff and Board of Trustees recognize the changing nature of the Internet and provide access to Internet resources within this understanding. The library staff select electronic resources, some of which may change in format or content after selection.

When selection involves the provision of access to a remote resource, such as an Internet–accessible database or a World Wide Web site, it is possible that the content of said resource may not conform to the Library's selection criteria at any given time.

Maintaining The Collection
Systematic withdrawal of materials no longer useful is necessary in order to maintain an active, accurate and relevant collection. Library materials are discarded for one or more of the following reasons:

• Poor physical condition
• Superfluous because of duplicate titles or because demand no longer exists
• Obsolete, superceded edition, no longer accurate.

If suitable, discarded materials will be given to the Friends of the Library to sell with income to benefit the Library. Reference materials will be offered to local schools first.

Patron Input
Patrons may recommend materials for purchase or may question materials in the collection. The Library will provide appropriate standard forms for patrons to complete when materials are recommended or questioned.

        Approved by Wagnalls Memorial Library Board 8-17-2006
 

Patron Code of Conduct

The Wagnalls Memorial Library seeks to provide quality library service to all patrons.  The following code of conduct has been adopted for the comfort and protection of all those using and working in the Wagnalls Memorial Library.   The library staff will enforce this code in a courteous but firm manner.  We ask your cooperation in helping us provide a safe and pleasant environment for all patrons and staff members.

Any misconduct that hinders use of the library or library materials is prohibited.  Such misconduct might include but is not limited to:

--Loud or boisterous behavior

--Conversation that is disturbing to other individuals or employees

--Profanity or other abusive language

--Abusing library furniture, equipment, or materials

--Running

--Harassing others, patrons and/or staff, either verbally or through actions (harassment may include initiating unwanted conversation, impeding access to the building, etc.)

--Fighting on library property

--Using tobacco in any form while inside a library building

--Possession, sale, or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances on library property

--Buying or selling of any kind, or soliciting for personal gain or charitable purposes

--Skateboarding anywhere on library property

--Sexual conduct which is considered a violation of Chapter 2907 of the ORC

--Bringing animals other than guide dogs into a library building

--Using personal listening devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, etc. at a level that can be heard by others

 The library reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses, briefcases, packs, personal listening equipment, etc. for library materials.

 Additionally, proper attire includes shirt and shoes.

 Children under the age of seven must be accompanied by a responsible party.

 Patrons will be warned once and requested to leave if the unacceptable behavior continues.

 Suspension of library privileges for a period of time deemed appropriate by the library director may occur if a patron is found to have engaged in unacceptable behavior on library property.

 Notice of suspension will be mailed to the last known address of the patron or, in the case of a minor child, his parents or guardian.

 Appeal of the suspension may be made, in writing, to the Board of Trustees, Wagnalls Memorial Library, 150 E. Columbus Street, Lithopolis, Ohio 43136, within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of suspension.  The patron, or in the case of a minor child, the parents or guardian, will be notified by the Board of the date and time of the hearing on the notice of appeal.

 Violators may be prosecuted for a fourth degree misdemeanor under Ohio Revised Code 2911.21 for acts against other Patrons, Library personnel or property.

Adopted by the Library Board 12/12/2007
 

GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF
 PUBLIC ACCESS (INTERNET) COMPUTERS

 
First Time Users:

Ø      Will receive a copy of this policy

Ø      Must have a Wagnalls Library Card {or request 1 time only ‘guest’ status}

If other people are waiting to use a computer, you are limited to 1 hour at a time.  The library further reserves the right to ask patrons to relinquish the computer for reference purposes at any time.  (Library staff cannot provide in-depth training, but we may be able to offer searching suggestions and answer questions.)

Information available through the Internet is not warranted by The Wagnalls Memorial Library to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete.  The availability of networked information via The Wagnalls Memorial Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information.  The Wagnalls Memorial Library is not responsible for the content of networked information available.  The use of the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited.

The public computers will be used for education, information, and recreational purposes only.  School and Business research and word processing have priority for use.  Due to the location of the computer, privacy of usage is not guaranteed.  Users are cautioned against displaying on the screen any materials not appropriate in a public environment. 

Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their child’s use of the Internet.  The Library does not have the resources to regulate your child’s use of the Internet.  Please be advised that they may access inappropriate information.  The parent must choose the child’s access level.

Patrons may use only the software provided on the computer workstations.  Users may not bring in software and load it on to the library’s computers.

You may bring your own diskettes to use, if you are going to save your data.  Diskettes may be purchased at the Reference Desk for $1.00 each.  The Wagnalls Memorial Library is not responsible for damage to a patron’s diskette or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the Library’s computers.

Cost of printing is:

                        $0.10 per page for black and white copies

                        $0.25 per page for color copies

                                    Please pay for your copies at the Reference Desk.

Any activity deemed as inappropriate usage of the Library’s computers or inappropriate usage of Internet access will result in loss of Internet privileges, and may result in loss of Library privileges.  Library fines over $10.00 ($4.99 effective Oct. 19, 2009) will disqualify patrons from using the Internet stations.

Approved by The Wagnalls Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Date  3/07/05.

Inter-Library Loans

Patrons can place requests (or obtain help from a staff member) for items listed in the Wagnalls catalog.  Our catalog list our own items plus items held by the Central Library Consortium.  The Central Library Consortium consists of Alexandria, Grandview Heights, Fairfield County, Pickaway County, Pickerington, Plain City, and Marysville Public Libraries.

If a patron wants an item that is not in the consortium, the patron should go to the Reference Desk to fill out a request form.  The Reference Librarian will go outside the Consortium to search for the item.  Before an item is requested, the patron will need to pay a $3.00 shipping fee at the Reference Desk.  The Reference Librarian will provide a receipt for the patron.  Should the Reference Librarian not be able to fill the request through the Inter-Library Loan system, the $3.00 shipping fee will be returned to the patron.

 Owl’s Nest