MAYSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
All items which are offered to the Library shall be reviewed first by Librarian. After reviewing the work of art, the Librarian may recommend acceptance/purchase/disposition of the item to the Library Board. The Librarian may also invite artists to submit works of art for review. In considering recommendations, to the Library Board the Librarian may also consult with experts at the Library Board’s discretion.
In evaluating which works of art to recommend for Library Board consideration, the Librarian will give preference to art which meets the following criteria:
1. Works of art by Oklahoma area artists
2. Works of art which require little or no maintenance
3, Works of art which are easy & safe to display and store
The Maysville Public Library will not accept or purchase works of art with restrictions or conditions. All works of art which are acquired by the Library become the sole property of the Library. The Library Board reserves the right to dispose of any purchased or donated art work without notifying the donor or artist.
All decisions of the Librarian may be appealed to the Library Board
The AV/Computer equipment in the library is available for public use. A current borrower’s card is required for use of computers and typewriters. An application for the use of the computers and typewriters must be completed. Applications for patrons under the age of eighteen must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
All patrons using the AV/Computer Equipment are required to sign in at the Circulation Desk. Patrons who are under twelve years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Patrons may reserve typewriters and computers on a first come/first served basis up to one week in advance on a Limited Basis. No more than one hour of computer or typewriter time may be reserved in advance. Reservations may be made by telephone or in person. No more than two patrons may use the same equipment at the same time.
Misuse of or damage to any equipment will result in suspension of AV/Computer Equipment privileges. Misuse of equipment also includes reconfiguring computer specifications. Patrons should immediately report any problems with the equipment or software to the library staff. Patrons are liable for any damage incurred during their use of AV/Computer Equipment.
The library does not furnish paper for use on the microcomputers or typewriters. Paper is available for purchase at the Circulation Desk. Patrons using AV/Computer Equipment (typewriters or computers) may not use liquid paper or erasers to correct documents.
The Internet is a complex network of computer networks. It not only links computer systems in the United States but those around the world. The Internet offers a wealth of information on an infinite variety of topics. The Internet is largely unregulated --- anyone with the technical expertise can add or modify content. The Library is able to provide more information to its users by accessing the Internet but the Library has no control over Internet content. The Internet may supply useful ideas, information and opinion from around the world but it may also supply content that may be offensive.
Some Internet terminals at the Library may be equipped with filtering software but customers should be aware that filters may not protect users from all material that may be offensive to them or their children. Users are reminded that there is no guarantee of privacy associated with their use of the Internet.
In using the Internet at the Library, please be aware that:
not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current data;
there are sexually-explicit or other materials which you may find offensive;
Internet sites frequently change addresses or close down;
the Maysville Public Library does not protect you from information you may find offensive
E-mail services are not provided to Library customers.
Dial-up access to the Internet is not provided for remote customers.
Use of the Maysville Public Library’s Internet access terminals to engage in any activity which constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal laws is strictly prohibited.
Only Library cardholders who have signed the Internet Access Form may use the Library’s Internet terminals. This form may be obtained from the Adult Reference Desk or Lending Services Desk.
Internet terminals may be reserved in advance for one 30-minute session. If other users are not waiting, this time may be extended to a maximum of 2 hours. Users that reach the maximum of 2 hours must return another day to continue use of the internet.
Library staff is available, as time permits, to assist you in your use of Internet resources, but may not be familiar with every application you wish to use. WE DO NOT HELP WITH GAMES.
Printing is available at the Internet terminals for a fee. Payment will be made at lending Services Desk.
To prevent the spread of computer viruses, outside floppy disks will not be permitted. Computer disks may be purchased at the Lending Services Desk.
Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library’s Personal Conduct Policy which has been adopted by the Library Board and is posted in the Library.
Customers are expected to demonstrate good taste and sensitivity in their use of the Internet at the Maysville Public Library.
Reservations will be held until 10 minutes after the scheduled appointment time.
Use of the Maysville Public Library’s Internet access terminals is a privilege which may be revoked for inappropriate conduct. Persons who violate Library Internet use policies will be asked to cease those activities and are subject to revocation of privileges. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to:
Use of the Internet for any purposes which violate US, state, or local laws, to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials, or to interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms or viruses, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network.
Users representing themselves as another person.
Violation of copyright and/or license law.
Deletion, installation, or modification of installed hardware or software.
Accessing and viewing materials in a manner which creates the existence of a sexually hostile working environment or those that promote violence.
Failure to use the Library’s Internet terminals appropriately and responsibly, as defined in these policies and guidelines, may result in revocation of Internet use privileges. Illegal activities will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The library has microcomputers loaded with a variety of software for patrons to use. The library does not supply blank disks or paper. Library patrons may not save computer files on AV/Computer Equipment microcomputer hard drives.
Patrons may not reconfigure the computers in any manner. This includes changing paths, changing printer specifications, deleting or adding programs or specifications, reconfiguring hardware settings, etc. Reconfiguring the computers in any manner will result in loss of computer privileges. Patrons are liable for any damage that they cause while using the computers.
Library staff is not available to help with personal programming or personal computing problems. Some software manuals are available either in the AV Computer Equipment or at the Circulation Desk. A brief computer orientation may be scheduled at the circulation desk. Orientations will be scheduled on the basis of staff availability.
AV/COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND INTERNET ACCESS FORM
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Library Card #____________________
AV/COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND INTERNET ACCESS FORM Registered borrowers of the Maysville Public Library may be authorized to use the Library's Internet terminals by signing the agreement listed below. Borrowers under the age of eighteen (18) must have their form co-signed by a parent or legal guardian. I have read the Maysville Public Library's AV/computer equipment and Internet Access Policy and agree to its terms and conditions. I understand that the Library has no responsibility or obligation to restrict access to material on the Internet that I may find personally offensive I understand that the Library is unable to monitor use of the Internet by children and that responsibility remains with the parent or legal guardian. I agree not to use the Library's Internet terminals or AV/computer equipment to libel, harass or threaten others, to engage in unlawful activities or to tamper with hardware or software belonging to the Library or the City of Maysville. In consideration of the privilege of using the Maysville Public Library's Internet terminals and for having access to the free information contained within it, I hereby release and hold harmless the City of Maysville, its officers, agents, servants, or employees, volunteers, representatives, or advisors from any and all legal liability or responsibility for any and all claims, damages, losses, costs or expenses arising either directly or indirectly from the use of the Library's Internet terminals or AV/computer equipment equipment, whether or not caused in whole or in part, by alleged negligence of the City of Maysville, its officers, agents, servants, employees, volunteers, representatives or advisors. User signature:______________________________________________ If this application is for a child, please indicate
which equipment the child has permission to use: _____Computer _____ Internet Parent/Legal Guardian's signature if Internet User is under age 18: ________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________ |
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT AND MATERIALS SELECTION
The Maysville Public Library serves our community as a guide to world-wide information systems, a center for informational learning activities, and a source for leisure materials. The mission of the Library is to expand access to informational, educational, and recreational materials, and electronic resources. We endeavor to meet the informational needs of Maysville residents of all ages, backgrounds, interests, abilities, and levels of education. Within the limitations of space, budget, and availability of materials, the Library seeks to:
1. Nourish the intellectual, aesthetic, creative, and spiritual growth of library users.
2. Meet the basic information needs of the community.
3. Provide practical educational and vocational information that will improve occupational capabilities.
4. Support educational, civic, and cultural activities of the community.
5. Promote the use of books and other library materials for recreation and enjoyment.
6. Support our democratic form of government and the free exchange of ideas by offering a forum where all sides of the many issues and choices confronting our society may be examined.
The Library seeks to serve those members of the community who are not habitual users of the library, as well as those who are, and to anticipate future library needs of the community, whenever possible.
The purpose of this policy is to guide the library staff in the selection of materials and to inform the public about the principles upon which materials are added to or removed from the collection. Library materials are selected by the Librarian and members of the staff to whom the responsibility is delegated.
Recommendations from the public are welcomed. Reviewing media and basic lists of standard works are consulted as aids in the selection process.
The Library fully supports the concept of intellectual freedom articulated by the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, Statement on Labeling, and Intellectual Freedom Statement. It is not the librarians' responsibility to practice censorship, but rather to provide the public free access to materials which discuss all points of view. Selection of library materials is based on the merit of the work as it relates to the Library's purpose and as it serves the needs and interests of the community as a whole.
The Library will not add an item to the collection or remove it from the collection solely because of the race, religion, nationality, or political views of an author, the frankness or coarseness of language, controversial content of the item, or the endorsement or disapproval of an individual or group within the community. The Library takes no stand on public issues, does not attempt to promote any point of view, and does not endorse the opinions expressed in the materials in the collection. Materials which have been selected according to the principles stated in this policy will not be removed from the collection at the request of any individual or group, nor will the Library feel obliged to add to the collection materials which do not meet the criteria stated herein.
Library materials are not labeled or identified in any way to show approval or disapproval of their contents. Access to library materials is restricted only to the extent required to protect them from theft or harm.
Responsibility for the use of library materials by children rests with their parents and legal guardians. Selection of materials for the adult collection is not restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials which their parents consider inappropriate.
Members of the public who wish to comment on a particular library item may do so on a form provided by the Library. (Please see the customer comment form.)
The Library Director, operating within Board policies, is responsible for the selection of library materials.. All staff members may participate in the selection of library materials. The Library also welcomes suggestions on items for purchase from the community. The Director shall be responsible for expending available funds in an equitable manner.
Duplication is to be kept to a minimum. Gifts or an overlapping of interest and reading abilities, may permit some titles to appear twice or in more than one collection. Temporary heavy demand for a particular title should be met with paperback copies, if possible.
Within certain limitations, materials are selected for the Maysville Public Library according to the standards listed below. Because librarians cannot preview all materials, reviews, best-seller lists, standard catalogs, etc., are used in the selection process. The limitations within which the Library staff works are:
1. Cost
2. Availability of materials
3. Format of the material
4. Space in the Library
5. Perceived community need
Standards for selecting library material are:
1. Quality of content and presentation
The Library collects materials which are of high or reasonably high quality. Consideration is given to literary merit, accuracy of content, readability, enduring intellectual and aesthetic significance, and quality of illustration. Reference books are also evaluated for scope, arrangement, basis of authority, and ease of use. Children's materials must be judged to be appealing to children in content, format, and illustration.
2. Appropriateness for the collection and community
A complete collection of local newspapers is maintained, with limited years of back issues bound. Regional and national newspapers may also be purchased if community interest is evident and funding available.
Small, popular collections of music, recorded books, and video recordings are maintained.
Materials relating to the history of Maysville, Garvin County, and Wiley Post are collected for research. Some materials which are useful to local genealogists may also be collected. Demand for genealogical materials that might not be of general interest may be met through interlibrary loan.
Maintenance of a balanced collection, which includes materials on as many subjects and points of view as possible, is a high priority.
Materials are normally excluded from consideration for the following reasons:
Unnecessary duplication of materials within the collection or the community.
Due to budget constraints and space limitations, the Library will purchase
recorded music, recorded books, and video recordings in a single, designated
format. The Library will base its purchasing decision regarding format type on
the dominant format in the market place which offers the widest variety of
titles.
When selecting materials, the staff also takes into account the presence in the community of libraries the public schools. Materials which are of a research or technical nature related to the curriculum are generally not selected. Similarly, the Library attempts to supplement and enrich the public school curriculum, not to provide the basic materials needed by all school children. Nevertheless, in order to meet the fundamental informational needs of Maysville Public Library patrons, some materials which are also owned by the school libraries must be purchased.
Susceptibility to theft or mutilation.
The liability of an item to theft or mutilation is not an influencing factor in its original selection. However, some materials have traditionally been the objects of repeated theft or injury. If the item is judged to be essential to the maintenance of a well-rounded collection, it will be replaced. Materials of marginal importance whose use cannot be adequately controlled may, at times, not be replaced.
Low community interest or demand.
If similar materials in the Library have not been used, an item which otherwise meets the selection standards may not be purchased.
High cost.
Budgetary limitations may preclude the purchase of high cost items which might otherwise meet purchase criteria.
Maintenance of the Collection
The same standards will be used in removing materials from the Library as are used in their acquisition. In order to maintain the collection in its most useful and attractive condition, the Librarian and staff will periodically remove from the shelves materials which are no longer being used by patrons, are outdated or superseded, are worn or damaged, or are unnecessary duplicates. Whenever appropriate, books will be repaired or rebound. Discarded materials may be given to other libraries or sold at the annual book sale for the benefit of the Library. (Please see the Library's weeding policy for additional information.)
Gifts
The Library welcomes gifts and memorial donations, either of materials or of funds for library materials. However, the same standards of selection will be applied to gifts as to other library materials. The Librarian is available to assist patrons in selecting appropriate materials to donate to the Library. Gift items may be removed from the collection for the same reasons that any other item is removed. (Please see Library Gift Policy)
Audio Visual Materials
The Library maintains small, popular collections of recorded music, books, and video recordings. The Library welcomes suggestions from patrons. Each patron request is given serious consideration, but because of a limited budget and space, the Library cannot order every request.
Recorded Books
Recorded books, such as books-on-tape, are chosen according to selection criteria corresponding to those used for book purchases. Emphasis is placed on the purchase of popular/high demand titles less than nine parts. Other considerations include availability of space and funding.
Video Recordings
Selection of materials for this collection will be based on the same principles adopted in the Library's selection policy. Emphasis will be placed on educational, children's and informational tapes rather than popular feature films, since these are readily available from other community sources. However donations of feature films and films that reflect literature may also be included in the collection.
CD-ROM Computer Software
The Library will purchase interactive multimedia CD-ROM software. In considering materials for purchase, preference will be given to the acquisition of reference and educational materials. Materials which are primarily recreational will not be purchased. CD-ROM software will NOT be made available for circulation.
Weeding is the process by which the library's collection of materials is maintained in order to be useful, up-to-date and attractive. It is generally easy for librarians to add materials to their collections but it is a difficult choice to remove something. The volume of publishing makes it impossible for a library to purchase everything, let alone maintain it forever on their shelves. Unfortunately, space is always limited, even in the largest building. Old materials must give way to newer, more popular items. Thus, choices must be made both for selection and for the deselection of materials. Sometimes the choice is not an easy one. What one person perceives as a valuable part of the library's collection is less valued by another. The purpose of this document is to establish some guidelines that can be used for evaluation by the library staff and to aid our users in understanding this process.
It is the goal of the Maysville Public Library to maintain an up-to-date, useful, attractive collection. Library shelves should be stocked with materials most likely to be used by our customers and items that are the least likely to be used, due to age or condition for example, should be periodically removed through the weeding process.
Since removing materials from the library is never an easy decision, the librarian will evaluate the collection based on guidelines that have previously been discussed and agreed upon. Materials that are worn, outdated, of little historical significance or no longer in demand will be candidates for weeding.
Guiding principles in collection evaluation will include quality rather than quantity. A current, up-to-date collection improves the quality of service to our patrons. Weeding enhances the collection that is available to the public and is not a misuse of public funds. The process of weeding the library's collection benefits the customer and staff by saving them time and making it easier to locate quality materials.
Every effort will be made to dispose of materials in a responsible manner. This may be done by donating weeded items to another library in the community that would find them useful or by making them available to the public at a reasonable price through the Library book sale. Items such as newspapers and telephone books will be sent for recycling.
Weeding will be done on a continual basis with each area of the collection being evaluated periodically.
These guidelines will serve as criteria for weeding. Any item that meets one or more of the criteria is a candidate for review, but not necessarily removal, from the collection.
Weeding Based Upon Appearance or Condition:
Worn-out volumes with dirty, brittle or yellow pages, or with missing pages, frayed binding, broken backs, dingy or dirty covers or with a discernible musty odor.
Audiovisual materials with poor sound/video quality or missing pieces.
Weeding of Duplicate Volumes:
Unneeded duplicate titles.
Outdated duplicate issues.
Weeding Based Upon Age:
All ordinary books after 10 years.
Books on medicine, science, and business between 5 and 10 years old.
Geography and travel books after 10 years.
Almanacs at least every five years. Almanacs and yearbooks that have been superseded.
Directories when a new one arrives, but retain local ones indefinitely.
Dated software.
Weeding of Periodicals and Serials:
In most cases, after 10 years if not bound.
Weeding Based Upon Use Patterns:
Items that have not circulated in five years.
Weeding of Special Works:
Memorial Books, works by local authors, and works on local history will not be weeded. (Items will be removed only when condition has deteriorated to the point item is unusable.)
The following sources of information may be consulted in material evaluation:
General Knowledge:
Well-known, popular author
Standard work in field
Rare books, books no longer available
Local History
The Maysville Public Library welcomes your comments. Please be aware that the Library serves people from all walks of life, with a variety of viewpoints and tastes. In selecting materials to meet the diverse needs of this community the Library staff is guided by the Library's Materials Selection Policy. The Library Board and staff support the belief that the right to read and the right to free access to library collections for persons of all ages are essential to the individual's freedom of thought, which is fundamental to democracy. Accordingly, the Library Board has also adopted the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement, all of which represent the Library's interpretation of the first Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This means that the Library will resist efforts to remove or censor "objectionable" materials or authors. If you would like to review copies of the Collection Development Policy, the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, or the Freedom to View Statement, please ask a librarian.
Date:____________________
Customer Name:______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________
State:__________Zip:____________Telephone:__________________________________________________________________
Author:_____________________________ Type of item (book/audio/video):_______________________________________
Title:______________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. To what in this item do you object? Please be specific. Cite pages.___________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What do you feel might be the result of reading/viewing/listening to this item? ________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. For what age group would you recommend this item?_______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Is there anything good about this item?_________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Did you read/view/listen to the entire work?________ What parts?________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Are you aware of the judgment of this book by literary critics?_________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. What would you like your Library to do about this book?
_______ Block my child's card
_______ Reclassify this item
_______ Withdraw this item from the collection
8. In its place, what book of equal literary quality would you recommend that would convey as valuable a
picture and perspective of the subject treated? ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please use the back of this form for additional comments.
The Library Director will provide a written reply to your completed patron comment form
The Maysville Public Library appreciates the many gifts which are donated each year. The library reserves the right to accept, decline, discard, or sell in the Friends' book sale any unsolicited materials which are presented or offered. The Library Director will refer decisions on unusual gifts such as works of art or gifts with significant policy implications to the Library Board for consideration.
The Library will not provide an appraisal for gifts of materials which are accepted for its collection or the book sale. If requested in advance, donors will be furnished with a receipt indicating how many items were donated. Gifts to the Maysville Public Library may be deductible for income tax purposes; please consult your tax advisor.
The American Library Association affirms that all forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views contributing to their creation.
Library should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
Libraries which make exhibits spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948: amended February 2, 1961, June 27, 1978, and January 23, 1980 by the ALA council
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove books from sale, to censor textbooks, to label "controversial" books, to distribute lists of "objectionable" books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as citizens devoted to the use of books and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating them, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.
We are deeply concerned about these attempts at suppression. Most such attempts rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary citizen, by exercising his critical judgment, will accept the good and reject the bad. The censors, public and private, assume that they should determine what is good and what is bad for their fellow-citizens.
We trust Americans to recognize propaganda, and to reject it. We do not believe they need the help of censors to assist them in this task. We don not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a press in order to be "protected" against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.
We are aware, of course, that books are not alone in being subject to efforts of suppression. We are aware that these efforts are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, films, radio, and television. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of feat cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy.
Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of uneasy change and pervading fear. Especially when so many of our apprehensions are directed against an ideology, the expression of a dissident idea becomes a thing feared in itself, and we tend to move against it as against a hostile deed, with suppression.
And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with stress.
Now as always in our history, books are among our greatest instruments of freedom. They are almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. They are the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. They are essential to the extended discussion which serious thoughts requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.
We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture.
We believe that these pressures towards conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, on order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible to the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.
The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free men will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
We therefore affirm these propositions:
It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those which are unorthodox or unpopular with the majority.
Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until his idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept which challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to challenge is vastly strengthened by the freedom to its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation contained in the books they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what books should bepublished or circulated.
Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what own man can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to determine the acceptability of a book on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.
A book should be judged as a book. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free men can flourish which draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
To some, much of modern literature is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters taste differs, and taste cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised which will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
It is not in the public interest to accept with any book the prejudgment of a label characterizing the book or author as subversive or dangerous.
The idea of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for the citizen. It presupposes that each individual must be directed in making up his mind about the ideas he examines. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
It is the responsibility of the publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people's freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large.
It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of and individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society each individual is free to decide for himself what he wished to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive.
It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of the affirmative responsibility, bookmen can demonstrate that the answer to a bad book is a good one, the answer to a bad idea is a good one.
The freedom to read is of little consequence when expended on the trivial; it is frustrated when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for his purpose. What is needed not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of their freedom and integrity, and the enlargement of their service to society, requires of all bookmen the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all citizens the fullest of their support.
We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of books. We do so because we believe that they are good, possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is rather important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.
This statement was originally issued in May 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publisher's Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers.
Adopted June 25, 1953. Revised January 28, 1972, by the ALA Council
Statement on
Labeling
An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
Labeling is the practice of describing or designating certain library materials by affixing a prejudicial label to them or segregating them by a prejudicial system. The American Library Association opposes this as a means of predisposing people's attitudes towards library materials for the following reasons:
Labeling is an attempt to prejudice attitudes and as such, it is a censor's tool.
Some find it easy and even proper, according to their ethics, to establish criteria for judging publications as objectionable. However, injustice and ignorance rather than justice and enlightenment result from such practices, and the American Library Association opposes the establishment of such criteria.
Libraries do not advocate the ideas found in their collections. The presence of books and other resources in a library does not indicate endorsement of their contents by the library.
The American Library Association opposes efforts which aim at closing any path to knowledge. This statement does not, however, exclude the adoption of organizational schemes designed as directional aids or to facilitate access to materials.
Adopted July 13, 1951; amended June 25, 1971; July 1, 1981; June 26, 1990, by the ALA Council.
The Maysville Public Library phones are to be used in the daily function of library business and are not to be considered public telephones. Customer use of phones must be limited to emergencies and or contact between children and their parent or guardians to establish whereabouts (e.g. checking in with mom and dad). Such calls are to be considered as safety courtesy calls and the conversation time of such calls must be kept to a respectable minimum. Customers are not to be allowed unauthorized use of telephones. The librarian and staff reserve the right to refuse unnecessary telephone use.
Disruptive children will be asked to leave the program after one warning and escorted by a staff member to the main library. If the child is a problem in the main library, the parents will be called and asked to come and pick him/her up.
Parents with children who are crying or engaging in other disruptive behaviors such as running, scuffling, and yelling will be asked to take their children away from the program area until the behavior can be corrected.
Day care groups who cannot control their children will be contacted by the library staff. If this problem is not corrected, the day care group will be asked not to return until the problem is corrected.
The Internet is a valuable educational resource for children but because of its unregulated nature there are sites that parents may feel are inappropriate for their children. The Library staff is sensitive to this fact but will be unable to monitor the Internet activities of each child using the Internet. Parents of minor children must assume full responsibility for their child’s use of the Library’s Internet terminals. Parents must co-sign the Library’s Internet Access Form for children under the age of eighteen (18) who want to use the Library’s Internet terminals and children under the age of twelve (12) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while using the Library’s Internet terminals.
There are many interesting and entertaining Internet sites for children and the Library staff will be happy to assist parents by supplying a partial list of these sites. Parents are encouraged to discuss with the children both the benefits and hazards of using the Internet.
Computer terminals are available for public access of the Internet. Some terminals are equipped with filtering software. Children or young people under the age of eighteen (18) may not use internet computers without parent or guardian’s signature.
Adults may use terminals as availability warrants. Only two people will be allowed at any one computer terminal unless a parent is accompanying two children.
Internet access terminals may be reserved in advance at the Adult Reference Desk for one 60 minute session. Customers may reserve Internet workstations on a first come, first serve basis up to one week in advance. An additional 60 minute session may be reserved after the initial one-hour period has been completed. Use is limited to a total of 2 hours per day. Reservations may be made in person or by telephone (867-4748).
The Maysville Public Library meeting rooms are used for conducting the business of the Library and Library programming. The meeting rooms are also available for public gatherings.
Library programs and official City of Maysville meetings receive first consideration in scheduling the use of the rooms. Upon adequate notice (three days) and for appropriate reasons, the Library reserves the right to deny or revoke permission to use the meeting rooms. Groups canceling their room reservation are asked to give three days advance notice.
The following rules must be observed when using the Maysville Public Library meeting rooms:
Meeting Room Regulations:
No unlawful, hazardous or dangerous activities may be conducted in the Library.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the Library.
No smoking is permitted in the meeting rooms.
Meeting rooms must be left in a neat and orderly condition. If not, notice will be given to the group or individuals that a second offense will result in being denied further use of the Library meeting rooms. Failure to adequately clean-up meeting rooms will result in loss of priveledges.
Customers may not reconfigure furniture in meeting rooms
No additional furniture or equipment other than that furnished by the Library is to be used without advance approval. Any outside furniture or equipment approved for use must be removed from the Library at the end of the meeting.
Special seating or table arrangements must be requested at least three days in advance.
Groups using the meeting rooms assume full responsibility for any damage to the room or contents.
Scheduling will take place on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Arrangements may be made no earlier than one year in advance and no later than three business days in advance. The Room may only be scheduled once a week by each group for no more than four hours per meeting. No more than twelve meeting dates may be scheduled in advance.
The Room is only available for use by nonprofit groups.
Neither the name nor the address of the Library may be used as the official address or headquarters of any organization. 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.
Beverages or foods which may stain the carpeting may not be served in the Library.
Groups using the meeting room should make arrangements to conclude their programs at least 15 minutes prior to the closing of the Library.
The Maysville Public Library and the City of Maysville shall be held harmless from any injuries or accidents arising out of any group or individuals use of its facilities.
Groups using the meeting rooms are responsible for providing their own refreshments and supplies such as note paper, flip chart pads, pencils, etc.
The Library reserves the right to require liability insurance for activities.
Groups and or individuals scheduling the Library meeting rooms are required to state the purpose of the meeting.
Groups scheduling meeting rooms must specify the actual time that they need to get into the room including set-up time. Rooms will be closed and secured upon departure of the group.
Groups which fail to notify the Library of a meeting cancellation at least three days in advance, will be subject to loosing meeting room priviledges.
Groups using the Library’s meeting rooms shall comply with the posted fire code capacity limit for each room.
Meeting Room Application
Maysville Public Library
508 Williams
Maysville, OK 73057
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Application for Use of the Library Meeting Rooms |
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Today's Date: _________________________ |
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Date Room Is Needed:______________________ Times Needed:_________________________ |
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Approximate Size of Group:________________________________________________________ |
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Information on Organization |
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Name: _________________________________________________________________________ |
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Address: |
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Phone: (_____)________________________ Fax: (_____)__________________________ |
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Purpose or Function of Organization:________________________________________________ |
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Purpose of the Meeting: ____________________________________________________________ |
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Information of Individual Filing Application |
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Name:___________________________________________________________________________ |
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Phone:________________________________________________________________________ |
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Address: |
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I affirm that I am at least twenty-one years of age. I have read and understand the regulations pertaining to the use of the Maysville Public Library Meeting Rooms, and I agree to abide by the regulations. |
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Signature of Individual Filing Application:___________________________________________ |
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Name of Individual (please print):__________________________________________________ |
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MEMORIAL BOOK DONATION POLICY
The Board of Trustees and the staff of the Maysville Public Library are most appreciative of the many memorials received each year.
A patron wishing to give a memorial may either (1) specify at least two broad subject areas for the book they wish to donate or (2) allow the library to make the selection. In the latter two instances, a staff member will review what books are available, and then select a title, within a given price range, which is most needed by the library. It should be remembered that in the case of a book which must be ordered, that it may take from six to eight weeks for it to arrive at the library.
Unless instructions are given to the contrary, a memorial card will be sent to the closest living relative indicating who the book has been given in memory of and the donor. This same information will also appear on a plate on the front fly page of the book.
A record of all memorial contributions is kept in the library, and shortly after the first of the year, a letter will be sent to all donora listing the dollar amount of their gift(s) for income tax purposes.
All inquiries concerning memorial donations should be directed to the Library Director.
Disagreements concerning any aspect of this policy may be appealed to the Maysville Public Library Board.
The Maysville Public Library charges an annual fee of $5.00 for people living outside of Garvin County who wish to obtain a borrower's card. Residents of Garvin County are not charged a fee for a Maysville Public Library borrower's card.
All applicants for a Maysville Public Library borrower's card are required to furnish proof of identification and address. In-as-much as every single community in Garvin County has rural route addresses lying outside of the county, staff currently requires applicants with rural route addresses to furnish additional proof that they actually live in Garvin County in order to avoid paying the out-of-county fee. Acceptable verification for rural route applicants has included voter's identification card, tax papers from the land, or other forms of identification that confirm the applicant's residence is located within the county limits. This additional verification requirement for applicants with a rural route address has created a certain amount of stress for circulation desk staff, because many people either do not carry or do not have this type of documentation.
In order to maintain a safe, friendly, and productive environment, the following rules and regulations have been established:
The following activities are not allowed on Library property:
any illegal or dangerous activity
unruly or offensive behavior
abuse of Library property
harassment of customers and staff
bathing, shaving, or washing clothes
entering the Library building without a shirt and shoes
sleeping
eating and drinking in public areas (except in meeting rooms)
operating electronic equipment in an audibly disruptive manner
use of tobacco products in the building
soliciting
The following items may not be brought into the Library:
weapons except by law enforcement officers
alcohol and illegal drugs
bedrolls or suitcases (except for authorized Library lock-ins)
pets (except dogs assisting physically challenged individuals)
Individuals will not be permitted to stay in the Library
who are under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
who pose a health or sanitary risk.
Any person found to be in violation of one or more of the above rules and regulations may be asked to leave the Library. Failure to comply with a request to leave will result in the filing of trespassing charges against the offender.
Individuals and or organizations are prohibited from circulating petitions and soliciting business or funds in the Library except as authorized by the City of Maysville.
The Maysville Public Library Board and staff are pleased to welcome children to the library facilities and programs. A top library priority is the provision of a safe environment for all library patrons especially children. To enhance safety, library policy requires the presence of an adult guardian for all children under the age of six visiting the library. Parents of older children should be aware, that the function of the library is to provide access to informational & recreational resources including children's programming. The library is neither equipped or staffed to provide close supervision of children or day care.
The Library Director shall have the discretion to waive fines in extenuating circumstances. Examples include:
Staff is unable to determine whether the patron or library is at fault regarding an overdue item(s)>
Inclement weather makes it dangerous to travel to the library. Inclement weather will be defined as circumstances which would warrent school closings.
The patron or dependant has had a verifiable medical emergency requiring hospitalization or hte patron has had a death in the immediate family
The Library Director shall have the discretion to restore borrowing privileges to a patron in extenuating circumstances. Examples include:
Patron states that the item has been returned, but hte library is unable to locate the item. This policy is limited to one item one time.
The patron's home has been destroyed by fire and library materials are not covered by insurance.
The library will observe FORGIVE MY FINE month annually in February. Patrons who return items during this time will not be charged a fine. The purpose for this program is to encourage patrons who might otherwise shy away from returning grossly overdue books to bring those books back to the library.
Decisions by the Library Director may be appealed to the Library Board.
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Last modified:
06/13/07