Adams Public Library Policy
The circulation policy is intended to ensure access to our collection and electronic resources by imposing as few restrictions as possible while protecting the community’s library resources.
Our circulation policy exists to facilitate fair and equitable community access to the materials and information contained within the library collection.
Any resident within the Umatilla County Special Library District may use the library’s facilities, services, and materials within the limitations set forth below. The library does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.
Library cards are valid for three years from the date of issue for residents, or one year from date of issue for non-residents. Cards can be renewed upon expiration and records can be updated at that time if needed.
The American Library Association and the Adams public library oppose censorship and restricting access to library materials and services for minors. Library staff does not determine the suitability of materials borrowed by a child and does not accept responsibility if a parent deems items checked out to be unsuitable.
Patrons in good standing are eligible to check out all circulating library materials. Items that are not returned or renewed by the due date will incur a fine. Patrons with a balance of $5.00 or more owed on their account will have their privileges suspended until it is paid. Any amount under $5.00 will not affect the ability to check out materials.
Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of items that have been damaged or lost. The library does not accept replacement items in place of lost or damaged materials.
The Adams Public Library protects the privacy and confidentiality of all library users. The library adheres to Oregon State Law, which exempts libraries from public disclosure of library records (ORS 192.502,22.)
Patron information is strictly confidential and is not to be given to non-library staff, including parents or family members of borrower, friends of borrower, law enforcement, or city officials. Only a court order can require the disclosure of patron records.
Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors as necessary. Failure to comply with the library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the library for a period of one day to one year. Expulsion for more than one day may be appealed in writing to the Library Director.
If a patron’s behavior is disruptive or interferes with library operations but does not require police intervention library staff will follow the steps outlined below:
• Photographing Groups of Adults/Children Using the Library
No permission is needed to take photos of crowds using the Library or attending programs. However, library staff will verbally announce they will be taking pictures for possible public space use before taking photos.
• Photographing Adults
If photographing one adult or a small group (3 or less), patrons will first be asked if they mind having their picture taken. No written consent is needed. However, library staff will verbally announce they will be taking pictures for possible public space use before taking photos.
• Photographing Minors
If photographing one child, parental consent will be obtained prior to taking the photo. Parents will be advised that the photo may be used in future library publications, on the library website, or in the local newspapers. In order to publish the child’s name in conjunction with the photo, written consent from the parent will be obtained and documented.
If photographing a group of children, library staff will first announce and ask if anyone would not like to be included in any published photos.
All users must register to use the computers and the internet. Restriction of a minor’s access to the internet is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. A parent/guardian must sign a permission form for a minor under the age of 16 to use the internet.
Users should not download, install, or save any software or files on the library computer. Users should bring their own flash drive should they wish to save any documents.
Users are responsible for properly closing their internet sessions and logging out of accounts prior to leaving the workstation. Any documents not closed will not be saved.
Unacceptable uses include but are not limited to:
Use of the workstations is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of this privilege. Library staff has the authority to determine whether sessions should be interrupted, or privileges revoked.
Policy Statement of Purpose
The Adams Public Library strives to inform, enlighten, and empower all of our community members. The Library upholds the right of all Americans to freely express their thoughts and ideas. We support the right of each individual to read, listen, and view the full range of published thoughts and ideas.
In support of these ideals, the library offers a collection of materials that is diverse, inclusive, and protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I of the Oregon State Constitution.
Objectives of the Collection:
The library is responsible for providing materials to residents and taxpayers of all ages, backgrounds, and opinions. The library collection taken will be an unbiased and diverse source of information representing as many viewpoints as possible. Subjects will be covered in sufficient depth and breadth within existing financial resources to meet anticipated and expressed individual and community needs.
The collection is presented to provide individual access to information and materials in various formats that serve a wide variety of needs.
The library neither encourages nor discourages any viewpoint. No material will be excluded because of the race, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, political or social views of the author. Selection of materials by the Library Director does not mean endorsement of the contents or views expressed in those materials.
The library does not have unlimited financial resources. Selection of materials will be consistent with budget allocations and will contain a variety of materials to expand our collection and meet the needs of area residents. The Adams Public Library has an agreement with the Sage Library System which allows patrons access to over one million items to borrow from in eastern oregon free of charge. Selection of materials may be determined by availability of the item within the Sage Library System.
Responsibility for Collection Development
Responsibility for selection of materials within the collection development policy guidelines is vested in the Library Director. Suggestions from the public are welcomed and given serious consideration within policy guidelines. Final decision rests with the Library Director. The goal will be the development of collections that maintain a balance between diverse points of view and reflect the interest and cultural values of the community.
Selection Criteria and Protocols
The library may consult a variety of resources including but not limited to professional and amateur publications, websites, blogs, reviews, bestseller lists, current media, and local sources. Items will be selected considering the following criteria:
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the ALA, defines young adults as persons between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Young adults are persons who no longer see themselves as children but whom society does not see as adults. Adams public library young adult (YA) section consists of materials geared to middle school and high school aged youth. Materials selected for this section must meet the same selection criteria as all other library materials.
In selecting materials for young adults, special consideration is given to information, situations, and characterization that accurately reflect the adolescent experience. The use of incidental profanity or frankness in dealing with social issues is present in some materials. The value and impact of such materials must be examined as a whole; the significance of an entire work often transcends the words, phrases, or incidents out of which it is made.
The YA collection serves as a bridge between the children’s and adult collections and as such overlap at both ends of the collection is inevitable to ease users transitions and to accommodate the wide variation in young adults reading levels and interests, sophistication, and maturity.
The Adams Public Library respects the reading, listening, and viewing privacy of every individual. Parents and guardians have responsibility to guide and direct the use of the library by their children and young adults. The library does not stand in place of the parent.
Collection Maintenance
In order to keep the collection vital and useful and to conserve space the library will remove items from the collection as needed that are worn, outdated, of little historical significance, or no longer in demand. All collections are reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis as needed to meet the contemporary and future community needs.
The library uses the CREW method (Continual Review, Evaluation, and Weeding) for small and medium sized public libraries. The library uses the following criteria developed from the CREW method to determine when an item is weeded from the collection:
Gifts
The library is grateful for unconditional gifts. Acceptance of gifts are subject to the following stipulations:
Adams Public Library policies are written by the Library Director, reviewed by Library Board, and voted into effect by the Adams City Council. Policies will be made available upon request at the library and will be posted to the library webpage
- Circulation Policy
The circulation policy is intended to ensure access to our collection and electronic resources by imposing as few restrictions as possible while protecting the community’s library resources.
Our circulation policy exists to facilitate fair and equitable community access to the materials and information contained within the library collection.
Any resident within the Umatilla County Special Library District may use the library’s facilities, services, and materials within the limitations set forth below. The library does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.
- Borrowing Privileges
- Library Card Registration
- Driver’s License or Identification Card
- Voter registration card
- Utility bill
- Lease agreement
- Mail with current address listed
Library cards are valid for three years from the date of issue for residents, or one year from date of issue for non-residents. Cards can be renewed upon expiration and records can be updated at that time if needed.
- Library Cards for Children
The American Library Association and the Adams public library oppose censorship and restricting access to library materials and services for minors. Library staff does not determine the suitability of materials borrowed by a child and does not accept responsibility if a parent deems items checked out to be unsuitable.
- Identification
- Borrower Rights and Responsibilities
Patrons in good standing are eligible to check out all circulating library materials. Items that are not returned or renewed by the due date will incur a fine. Patrons with a balance of $5.00 or more owed on their account will have their privileges suspended until it is paid. Any amount under $5.00 will not affect the ability to check out materials.
Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of items that have been damaged or lost. The library does not accept replacement items in place of lost or damaged materials.
- Confidentiality
The Adams Public Library protects the privacy and confidentiality of all library users. The library adheres to Oregon State Law, which exempts libraries from public disclosure of library records (ORS 192.502,22.)
Patron information is strictly confidential and is not to be given to non-library staff, including parents or family members of borrower, friends of borrower, law enforcement, or city officials. Only a court order can require the disclosure of patron records.
- Patron Relations
Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors as necessary. Failure to comply with the library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and expulsion from the library for a period of one day to one year. Expulsion for more than one day may be appealed in writing to the Library Director.
- Patron Rules of Conduct
If a patron’s behavior is disruptive or interferes with library operations but does not require police intervention library staff will follow the steps outlined below:
- Patron will be informed that their behavior is inappropriate and that if it does not stop, they may be asked to leave.
- If the behavior continues, they will be asked to leave for the day.
- If the patron refuses to leave or becomes threatening library staff will call the police.
- The Library Director will file an incident report.
- If a Patron’s disruptive behavior is habitual or serious in nature the Library Director is authorized to ban the patron from the library for any length of time deemed appropriate. Patrons who violate this ban will be considered trespassing and law enforcement may be contacted.
- Disruptive Behavior
- Patrons may not verbally or physically threaten or harass patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sexual acts or indecent exposure.
- Patrons shall not fight, challenge to fight, run, push, shove, or throw things.
- Trespassing in nonpublic areas is not allowed and patrons can not be in the library building without a staff member present.
- Patrons may not use telephones, workstations, or other resources designated for library staff.
- Yelling, screaming, banging on keyboards, or other disruptive noises are not allowed.
- Audible devices such as music, videos, and cellphones should be used with headphones or at a volume that does not disrupt other patrons or staff.
- Patrons are encouraged to not enter the building with offensive body odor or poor personal hygiene that could impact the safety of others or be disruptive to the library environment.
- Vandalism and Damage to Library Property
- Food and Drink
- Smoking and use of tobacco or marijuana products
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Photo Policy
• Photographing Groups of Adults/Children Using the Library
No permission is needed to take photos of crowds using the Library or attending programs. However, library staff will verbally announce they will be taking pictures for possible public space use before taking photos.
• Photographing Adults
If photographing one adult or a small group (3 or less), patrons will first be asked if they mind having their picture taken. No written consent is needed. However, library staff will verbally announce they will be taking pictures for possible public space use before taking photos.
• Photographing Minors
If photographing one child, parental consent will be obtained prior to taking the photo. Parents will be advised that the photo may be used in future library publications, on the library website, or in the local newspapers. In order to publish the child’s name in conjunction with the photo, written consent from the parent will be obtained and documented.
If photographing a group of children, library staff will first announce and ask if anyone would not like to be included in any published photos.
- Computer Policy
All users must register to use the computers and the internet. Restriction of a minor’s access to the internet is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. A parent/guardian must sign a permission form for a minor under the age of 16 to use the internet.
Users should not download, install, or save any software or files on the library computer. Users should bring their own flash drive should they wish to save any documents.
Users are responsible for properly closing their internet sessions and logging out of accounts prior to leaving the workstation. Any documents not closed will not be saved.
Unacceptable uses include but are not limited to:
- Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library
- Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material
- Violation of computer system security
- Violation of library usage policies and regulations
- Violation of another person’s privacy
Use of the workstations is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of this privilege. Library staff has the authority to determine whether sessions should be interrupted, or privileges revoked.
- Collection Development Policy
Policy Statement of Purpose
The Adams Public Library strives to inform, enlighten, and empower all of our community members. The Library upholds the right of all Americans to freely express their thoughts and ideas. We support the right of each individual to read, listen, and view the full range of published thoughts and ideas.
In support of these ideals, the library offers a collection of materials that is diverse, inclusive, and protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I of the Oregon State Constitution.
Objectives of the Collection:
The library is responsible for providing materials to residents and taxpayers of all ages, backgrounds, and opinions. The library collection taken will be an unbiased and diverse source of information representing as many viewpoints as possible. Subjects will be covered in sufficient depth and breadth within existing financial resources to meet anticipated and expressed individual and community needs.
The collection is presented to provide individual access to information and materials in various formats that serve a wide variety of needs.
- To provide resources for the pursuit of happiness, education, entertainment, and enjoyment of life according to the full exercise of free choice.
- To assist in developing the skills and abilities needed for economic success.
- To develop the social awareness and knowledge needed for self-government and successful participation in a diverse community.
- To encourage and enhance personal, artistic and intellectual growth.
The library neither encourages nor discourages any viewpoint. No material will be excluded because of the race, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, political or social views of the author. Selection of materials by the Library Director does not mean endorsement of the contents or views expressed in those materials.
The library does not have unlimited financial resources. Selection of materials will be consistent with budget allocations and will contain a variety of materials to expand our collection and meet the needs of area residents. The Adams Public Library has an agreement with the Sage Library System which allows patrons access to over one million items to borrow from in eastern oregon free of charge. Selection of materials may be determined by availability of the item within the Sage Library System.
Responsibility for Collection Development
Responsibility for selection of materials within the collection development policy guidelines is vested in the Library Director. Suggestions from the public are welcomed and given serious consideration within policy guidelines. Final decision rests with the Library Director. The goal will be the development of collections that maintain a balance between diverse points of view and reflect the interest and cultural values of the community.
Selection Criteria and Protocols
The library may consult a variety of resources including but not limited to professional and amateur publications, websites, blogs, reviews, bestseller lists, current media, and local sources. Items will be selected considering the following criteria:
- Local demand
- Community needs and interests
- Popularity
- Artistic, literary, historic, and/or scientific merit
- Clarity and accuracy
- Ease of use
- Availability, format, and durability
- Budget and space considerations
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the ALA, defines young adults as persons between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Young adults are persons who no longer see themselves as children but whom society does not see as adults. Adams public library young adult (YA) section consists of materials geared to middle school and high school aged youth. Materials selected for this section must meet the same selection criteria as all other library materials.
In selecting materials for young adults, special consideration is given to information, situations, and characterization that accurately reflect the adolescent experience. The use of incidental profanity or frankness in dealing with social issues is present in some materials. The value and impact of such materials must be examined as a whole; the significance of an entire work often transcends the words, phrases, or incidents out of which it is made.
The YA collection serves as a bridge between the children’s and adult collections and as such overlap at both ends of the collection is inevitable to ease users transitions and to accommodate the wide variation in young adults reading levels and interests, sophistication, and maturity.
The Adams Public Library respects the reading, listening, and viewing privacy of every individual. Parents and guardians have responsibility to guide and direct the use of the library by their children and young adults. The library does not stand in place of the parent.
Collection Maintenance
In order to keep the collection vital and useful and to conserve space the library will remove items from the collection as needed that are worn, outdated, of little historical significance, or no longer in demand. All collections are reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis as needed to meet the contemporary and future community needs.
The library uses the CREW method (Continual Review, Evaluation, and Weeding) for small and medium sized public libraries. The library uses the following criteria developed from the CREW method to determine when an item is weeded from the collection:
- Misleading or factually inaccurate
- Worn, or damaged beyond repair
- Superseded by a new addition or by a much better book on the subject
- Item is of no discernable literary or scientific merit
- Irrelevant to the needs and interests of the library’s community
- Item is easily obtainable from another library
Gifts
The library is grateful for unconditional gifts. Acceptance of gifts are subject to the following stipulations:
- The library reserves the right to decide whether a gift should be added to its collection or donated to the Friends of the Adams Library.
Adams Public Library policies are written by the Library Director, reviewed by Library Board, and voted into effect by the Adams City Council. Policies will be made available upon request at the library and will be posted to the library webpage
