MATERIALS SELECTION/COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Materials Selection/Collection Development Policy Index
Policy Statement Page 3
Goals Page 3
Objectives Page 3
Definitions Page 3
Responsibility for Selection Page 4
Principles of Selection Page 4
Criteria for Selection Page 5
Requests for the Acquisition of Items Page 6
Materials for Temporary Use or Display Page 6
Internet Resources Page 6
Inter-Library Loan Page 7
Inter-Library Loan outside of our systems Page 7
Gifts and Donations Page 8
Memorials and in Honor Gifts Page 9
Unsolicited Author Submission Page 9
Weeding Page 9
Criteria for weeding Page 10
Censorship Page 10
Library Bill of Rights Page 10
Interpretations of the Library Bill or Rights Page 11
Freedom to Read Statement Page 15
Freedom to View Statement Page 18
Potential Problems of Challenges Page 19
Challenged Materials Page 19
Loan and Renewal Policy Page 20
Special Collections Serving Community Needs Page 21
Children’s Materials Page 21
Teen Materials Page 22
Print Periodicals Page 22
Electronic Books (e Books) Page 22
Audio-books Page 22
Videos Page 23
Registration Page 23
Lost or forgotten cards Page 24
Loan Periods Page 24
Reserves Page 25
Fines and charges Page 25
Confidentiality Page 26
Hold Policy Page 27
Holds Regulations Page 27
Lost or Damaged/Missing Pieces Policy Page 27
Lost or Damaged Regulations Page 27
Customer Service Policy Page 28
- Friendly, Helpful Manner Page 28
- Ethics/Confidentiality Page 29
- Staff Operation Procedures/Instructions Page 29
Library Card Policy Page 30
Fines and Feed Policy Page 31
Collection Development Policy Evaluation Page 31
Materials Reconsideration Form Page 32
Policy Statement
The library selects, acquires, and provides free and open access to appropriate materials regardless of format. As technology advances and the community changes and develops, the Cattaraugus Free Library will be both a physical resource and a “virtual” presence in the lives of each and every one in our community. The library strives to meet the current requirements of the community and to anticipate future needs.
This policy states the guidelines and principles for the process of selecting, maintaining and weeding materials to build and enrich the library collection.
Goals
The library’s primary responsibility is to assist patrons in their pursuit of information, education, and entertainment, and to inspire and stimulate children’s interest in and appreciation of learning and reading. It selects materials in a variety of formats to satisfy the expressed and anticipated interests, tastes, needs, and reading abilities of the diverse community it serves.
Objectives
Collection development refers to the process of building and maintaining the library’s collections.
The purpose of the Cattaraugus Free Library is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid the individual in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time.
There are several factors that have a direct impact on the selection of materials: budgetary and space restrictions as well as the current content of the library’s collection. The library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs.
The Materials Selection/Collection Development Policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.
The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read and View Statements have been endorsed by the Cattaraugus Free Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy
Definitions
Selection – refers to the decision that is made either to add a specific item or types of material to the collection or to retain material already in the collection. It is a means of collection development to meet user needs and does not reflect the opinions or values of the individual selectors.
The words “book,” “library materials” and other synonyms as they may appear in this policy have the widest possible meaning; all forms of recorded communication, from the traditional printed forms to the latest development in non-print media, are therefore included in this definition.
Collection – refers to a group of books or other library material having a common characteristic or located in one place.
Responsibility for Selection
The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Cattaraugus Free Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.
Principles of Selection
The library recognizes that its patrons have diverse interests, backgrounds, cultural heritages, social values, political views, and needs. All patrons are free to reject for themselves any materials which do not meet their approval. This freedom does not include the right to restrict the freedom of others to read and inquire.
The library does not exclude or remove materials from its collection on the basis of the author’s race, national origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, political view or social values.
As long as materials meet our accepted standards of selection and are deemed to contribute to the goals of the library’s collection development, the library does not exclude materials that present extreme points of view; that offer a one-sided representation of opinions, ideas, or events; or that may offend some patrons because of frankness of vocabulary or description,
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The library excludes materials that present derogatory stereotypes as valid representations. However, it may include materials that authentically portray a period or way of life characterized by stereotypical thinking and materials that present the prejudices of real or fictional characters. Materials recognized as classics are considered acceptable even if they contain passages that are widely viewed as objectionable by current standards.
The library does not select, retain, or remove materials on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval of any group of patrons, but solely on the basis of the standards stated in this policy. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents. All patrons will have free access to all materials, and no materials will be sequestered (except items that need protection because of rarity, cost, susceptibility to loss, fragility, or unsuitability of format for heavy use).
The library does not restrict the selection of materials because of the possibility that some minors may obtain materials that their parents or guardians consider inappropriate nor does it deny minors access to any materials in the collection. The library does not stand in loco parentis; if parents or guardians do not want their children to have access to certain library materials or services, it is their responsibility to advise their children. The library has a professional obligation to provide equal access to all library resources for all library users.
The library has adopted and declared that it will adhere to and support the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Free Access to Libraries for minors, and the Freedom to Read and View Statement. The content of these documents is understood to be part of this policy.
Criteria for Selection
To build a collection, materials must be measured by objective guidelines. All acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of standards listed below. An item need not meet all of the criteria in order to be acceptable. Professional judgment will be exercised, and every effort will be made to present a balance of multiple viewpoints on controversial topics.
- Individual merit of each item
- Popular appeal/demand
- Relation to the existing collection and other materials on the subject.
- Quality and reputation of publishing organization, author, or producer. No item will be excluded because of the race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, political or doctrinal beliefs or personal history of an author.
- To assist patrons, individually, and the community, collectively, to achieve their/its potential
- Attention given by critics, reviewers, media and the public.
- Suitability of the subject and style for the intended audience.
- Materials are selected for their positive values and not necessarily excluded because of coarse language or frankness.
- Cost and Availability
- Organization and ease of use; clarity, Accuracy, and logic of presentation
- Patron requests will be considered on an individual basis
Reviews are a major source of information about new materials. The primary source(s) of reviews is (are) professional publications, media, public recommendations, circulation statistics, and subject knowledge and expertise of Library staff.
The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title which is in demand. Consideration is, therefore, given to requests from library patrons and books discussed on public media. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on a part taken out of context.
Requests for the Acquisition of Items
Patrons may request that the library acquire specific items. The library will consider the request in terms of whether the items conform to the goals, principles, and standards outlined in this policy; the availability and cost of the items; and the likelihood of general interest in them.
Materials for Temporary Use or Display
The library sometimes accepts collections, works of art, exhibits, and other items for temporary use or display. The library accepts material offered for loan based on the goals, principles, and standards it applies to its permanent collection and its judgment that the material is of current or general interest to its patrons.
The library will make reasonable efforts to preserve and protect borrowed materials, but all items are placed in the library at the lender’s own risk. The library assumes no liability for the loss, damage, or theft of any item on loan. The lender may be asked to sign a loan release before the library will accept any item for use of display,
Internet Resources
The library offers unrestricted access to the Internet. In addition, the library provides links to selected Internet resources and purchases rights to them such as Ancestry, NY Heritage, Tech-Talk, NovelNY, NY Historic Newspapers, NY Times, Digital Public Library of America, Libby Kanopy films that matter, Comics Plus Teen Library, Comics Plus Children’s Library, NYS History and Value Line.
The library is not responsible for materials found on the internet or world wide web. The library does not exist to limit access to information. Adults and children both have the right to use the computers in our library. We recommend that all children are supervised by a parent or guardian when using the computers.
The library affirms the rights of children to enjoy all the benefits of intellectual freedom that adults enjoy, including freedom of access to information and confidentiality.
Inter-library Loan
Because of limited budget and space, the library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Therefore, inter-library loan through the Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library system with its 38 libraries is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of the library’s collection.
In return for utilizing inter-library loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Cattaraugus Free Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same inter-library loan network, and to make an effort to have its current holdings listed in a way that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.
Patrons must have a valid library card in good standing with accurate contact details to request an inter library loan. The card used to make the request must be used at the time of checking out the inter library loan.
Holds will be placed upon request. The borrower will be notified when the requested material is available for check out.
Items placed on hold will be held for (1) one week after borrower has been notified and then returned to circulation if they have not been picked up.
Items required in a specific order should be requested individually, as their arrival in order cannot be guaranteed.
Most inter library loans come within one week, but it can take up to (6) weeks or longer for an inter library loan request to be fulfilled.
Library users are responsible for all items checked out in their name and parents are responsible for all items checked out by their children. Materials must be returned in the same condition as it was when checked out or the library hast the right to charge for lost or damaged materials.
Inter-library loan outside of the Chautauqua Cattaraugus System
We can request items from libraries outside our system, if our catalog doesn’t have the item, you are looking for.
To request books and journal articles from outside of the Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library system please be sure to search the system catalog first to confirm that we do not own the item at one of our 38-member library building locations.
We can only inter-library loan books and journal articles from outside of our system, no other format such as DVDs and audio books are allowed.
Books must have been published for over nine (9) months to request them.
Try placing a hold on new titles with your library as this title may be on order. If your library does not purchase this title, please submit this request again after it has been nine (9) months from the publication date. Libraries across the country will not loan titles that are six (6) months to one (1) year from the publication date.
Here is how the inter-library loan process for out of systems works:
- Choose the items you would like – we need both the title and the author
- fill out the online form located at: cclsny.org/interlibrary-loan or have one of our library staff complete the form for you.
- We request the materials from the holding institution.
- The request is processed and then transferred to your local library.
- We notify you when your items are ready to be picked up.
- You pick up the items you ordered and return the items when they are due back and we ship them back.
There is a $4.00 per item fee due at the time you order any item from outside our library system. This fee is for the cost of shipping the item to us.
Gifts and Donations
The library welcomes donations of needed material or funds for the purchases of such material. The library reserves the right to evaluate and dispose of donations in accordance with the criteria applied to purchased material. The library discourages the attachment of conditions to donations, and no conditions may be imposed relating to any donation after its acceptance by the library. Donations which do not meet the library’s objectives and policies will be declined. Materials donated by the public are added to the library collection if suitable and in excellent condition. Donated items not needed for the library collection are used in the library book sale.
The Cattaraugus Free Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.
By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.
All gifts received become the property of the Cattaraugus Free Library. No materials received as gifts are returned to donors. If the donors of gifts of exceptional value so desire, they may be identified on mounted bookplates.
No special collections will be established except in accordance with the established collection development policy.
The library will not add instructor edition textbooks to our collection.
Memorials and in Honor Gifts
Monetary or physical gifts can be donated to the library in memory of a deceased person, in honor of a person or organization, or in recognition of a person or organization. Memorial and In Honor gifts have a commemorative plate in front of the book. Memorial and In Honor gifts are shelved with the general collection in the location appropriate to the material.
The Director or a select employee of the library selects material for Memorial and In Honor gifts using the same selection criteria used for all purchases and gifts. Donors may suggest specific titles or donate materials in pristine condition for Memorial and In Honor gifts. Requested titles and/or donated material must meet the same criteria for all Library selections and must be approved by the Director before the material is purchased and/or processed.
Unsolicited Author Submission
Authors may submit physical copies of materials to be considered for inclusion in the library’s collection. The library uses the same selection criteria for independently published and unsolicited material that is used for any materials purchase or gift, including but not limited to:
- positive reviews in professional review sources
- physical suitability and format for library use
- quality content and presentation
- relevance to the needs and wants of the community
The library does not consider materials submitted in electronic format or formats not currently circulated.
Materials may be submitted in person or by mail. Unsolicited items are not returned. Materials not added to our collection are put in our book sales. Materials selected for inclusion are added to the library’s catalog.
Weeding
Library materials are continuously assessed for their condition, accuracy, currency and performance within the context of the total Library collection, as well as for their continuing relevance to library users. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the library director and is authorized by the Board of Trustees. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.
Criteria for Weeding
- Physical condition of the material is such that it cannot be utilized, and repair would be impractical
- The material has been infrequently used for an extended period of time
- The age of the material is such that it is not useful for either current or historical purposes, or it is no longer within the scope of the current collection development policy.
- Space constraints
- Books no longer of interest or in demand
- Duplicate copies of the title exist
- Items that have been superseded by newer or more accurate resources
The library will retain materials, however, which may not circulate frequently but are considered part of a core collection.
Materials withdrawn from the collection may be given to other libraries, sold for the benefit of the library, discarded or offered for sale.
The responsibility for the reading or use of library materials by children rests with their parents and legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that books may inadvertently come into the possession of children.
Censorship
The Cattaraugus Free Library (The Library) has adopted the Library Bill of Rights, The Freedom to Read, and the Freedom to View Statements as approved by the American Library Association. The library recognizes that many materials are controversial and that any given may offend some patrons. Selections will not be made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the works in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the diverse interest of the users.
The library recognizes that censorship is a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to reject for him/herself any library material which he/she does not approve of, he/she cannot exercise this individual right of censorship to restrict from others the freedom to read or view.
Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. 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 of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries 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.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit 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 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.
Although the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic principles that should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning application of these principles to specific library practices. See the documents designated by the Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights.
Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights
Although the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic principles that should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning application of these principles to specific library practices.
Following are those documents designated by the Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights and background statements detailing the philosophy and history of each. For convenience and easy reference, the documents are presented in alphabetical order. These documents are policies of the American Library Association, having been adopted by the ALA Council.
Access to Digital Information, Services, and Networks: Freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government. Freedom of expression encompasses the freedom of speech and the corollary right to receive information. Libraries and librarians protect and promote these rights by selecting, producing, providing access to, identifying, retrieving, organizing, providing instruction in the use of, and preserving recorded expression regardless of the format or technology.
Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors: Library policies and procedures that effectively deny minors equal and equitable access to all library resources available to other users violate the Library Bill of Rights. The American Library Association opposes all attempts to restrict access to library services, materials, and facilities based on the age of library users.
Access to Library Resources and Services Regardless of Sex, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sexual Orientation: The American Library Association stringently and unequivocally maintains that libraries and librarians have an obligation to resist efforts that systematically exclude materials dealing with any subject matter, including sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Access to Resources and Services in the School Library: The school library plays a unique role in promoting intellectual freedom. It serves as a point of voluntary access to information and ideas and as a learning laboratory for students as they acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in a pluralistic society. Although the educational level and program of the school necessarily shapes the resources and services of a school library, the principles of the Library Bill of Rights apply equally to all libraries, including school libraries.
Advocating for Intellectual Freedom: Through education programming and instruction in information skills, libraries empower individuals to explore ideas, access, and evaluate information, draw meaning from information presented in a variety of formats, develop valid conclusions, and express new ideas. Such education facilitates intellectual access to information and offers a path to intellectual freedom.
Challenged Resources: The American Library Association declares as a matter of firm principle that it is the responsibility of every library to have a clearly defined materials selection policy in written form that reflects the Library Bill of Rights, and that is approved by the appropriate governing authority.
Diversity in Collection Development: Intellectual freedom, the essence of equitable library services, provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may be explored. Toleration is meaningless without tolerance for what some may consider detestable. Librarians cannot justly permit their own preferences to limit their degree of tolerance in collection development, because freedom is indivisible.
Economic Barriers to Information Access: A democracy presupposes an informed citizenry. The First Amendment mandates the right of all persons to free expression, and the corollary right to receive the constitutionally protected expression of others. The publicly supported library provides free, equal, and equitable access to information for all people of the community the library serves. While the roles, goals and objectives of publicly supported libraries may differ, they share this common mission.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: Libraries are essential to democracy and self-government, to personal development and social progress, and to every individual’s inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To that end, libraries and library workers should embrace equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything that they do.
Evaluating Library Collections: The continuous review of library materials is necessary as a means of maintaining an active library collection of current interest to users. In the process, materials may be added and physically deteriorated or obsolete materials may be replaced or removed in accordance with the collection maintenance policy of a given library and the needs of the community it serves. Continued evaluation is closely related to the goals and responsibilities of all libraries and is a valuable tool of collection development. This procedure is not to be used as a convenient means to remove materials presumed to be controversial or disapproved of by segments of the community.
Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards: Libraries often provide exhibit spaces and bulletin boards. The uses made of these spaces should conform to the Library Bill of Rights: Article I states, “Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.” Article II states, “Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” Article VI maintains that exhibit space should be made available “on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”
Expurgation of Library Materials: Expurgating library materials is a violation of the Library Bill of Rights. Expurgation as defined by this interpretation includes any deletion, excision, alteration, editing, or obliteration of any part(s) of books or other library resources by the library, its agent, or its parent institution (if any).
Internet Filtering: The negative effects of content filters on Internet access in public libraries and schools are demonstrable and documented. Consequently, consistent with previous resolutions, the American Library Association cannot recommend filtering. However the ALA recognizes that local libraries and schools are governed by local decision makers and local considerations and often must rely on federal or state funding for computers and internet access. Because adults and, to a lesser degree minors, have First Amendment rights, libraries and schools that choose to use content filters should implement policies and procedures that mitigate the negative effects of filtering to the greatest extent possible. The process should encourage and allow users to ask for filtered websites and content to be unblocked, with minimal delay and due respect for user privacy.
Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries: A strong intellectual freedom perspective is critical to the development of academic library collections and services that dispassionately meet the education and research needs of a college or university community. The purpose of this statement is to outline how and where intellectual freedom principles fit into an academic library setting, thereby raising consciousness of the intellectual freedom context within which academic librarians work.
Labeling Systems: The American Library Association affirms the rights of individuals to form their own opinions about resources they choose to read, view, listen to, or otherwise access. Libraries do not advocate the ideas found in their collections or in resources accessible through the library. The presence of books and other resources in a library does not indicate endorsement of their contents by the library. Likewise, providing access to digital information does not indicate endorsement or approval of that information by the library. Labeling systems present distinct challenges to these intellectual freedom principles.
Library-Initiated Programs as a Resource: Library-initiated programs support the mission of the library by providing users with additional opportunities for information, education, and recreation.
Meeting Rooms: Many libraries provide meeting rooms for individuals and groups as part of a program of service. Article VI of the Library Bill of Rights states that such facilities should be made available to the public served by the given library “on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”
Minors and Internet Activity: The digital environment offers opportunities for accessing, creating, and sharing information. The rights of minors to retrieve, interact with, and create information posted on the Internet in schools and libraries are extensions of their First Amendment rights.
Politics in American Libraries: The Library Bill of Rights specifically states that “all people” and “all points of view” should be included in library materials and information. There are no limiting qualifers for viewpoint, origin, or politics.
Prisoners Right to Read: The American Library Association asserts a compelling public interest in the preservation of intellectual freedom for individuals of any age held in jails, prisons, detention facilities, juvenile facilities, immigration facilities, prison work camps and segregated units within any facility.
Privacy: Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. See also Questions and Answers on Privacy and Confidentiality.
Rating Systems: Libraries, no matter their size, contain an enormous wealth of viewpoints and are responsible for making those viewpoints available to all. However, libraries do not advocate or endorse the content found in their collections or in resources made accessible through the library. Rating systems appearing in library public access catalogs or resource discovery tools present distinct challenges to these intellectual freedom principles.
Religion in American Libraries: The First Amendment guarantees the right of individuals to believe and practice their religion or practice no religion at all and prohibits government from establishing or endorsing a religion or religions. Thus the freedom of, for and from religion, are similarly guaranteed.
Restricted Access to Library Materials: Libraries are a traditional forum for the open exchange of information. Attempts to restrict access to library materials violate the basic tenets of the Library Bill of Rights.
Services to People with Disabilities: Libraries should be fully inclusive of all members of their community and strive to break down barriers to access. The library can play a transformational role in helping facilitate more complete participation in society by providing fully accessible resources and services.
The Universal Right to Free Expression: Freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government. Freedom of expression encompasses the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and association, and the corollary right to receive information.
User-Generated Content in Library Discovery Systems: Libraries offer a variety of discovery systems to provide access to the resources in their collections. Such systems can include online public access catalogs (OPAC), library discovery products, institutional repositories, and archival systems. With the widespread use of library technology that incorporates social media components, intelligent objects, and knowledge-sharing tools comes the ability of libraries to provide greater opportunities for patron engagement in those discovery systems through user-generated content. These features may include the ability of users to contribute commentary such as reviews, simple point-and-click rating systems (e.g. one star to five stars), or to engage in extensive discussions or other social interactions. This kind of content could transform authoritative files, alter information architecture, and change the flow of information within the library discovery system.
Visual and Performing Arts in Libraries: Visual images and performances in the library should not be restricted based on content. Librarians and library staff should be proactive in seeking out a wide variety of representational and abstract artwork and performance art, with limitations or parameters set only with respect to space, installation, fiscal, and technical constraints.
Adopted by the Cattaraugus Free Library on 02/11/2021
Freedom to Read Statement
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 or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, 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 counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.
Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free 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.
These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.
Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. 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 controversy and difference.
Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought 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 toward 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, in 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 for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.
The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people 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 that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.
Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of 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 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 should be published 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 one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
- It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.
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 people can flourish that 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 expression 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 values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
- It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.
The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
- It is the responsibility of 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; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.
It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish 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. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.
- 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 this affirmative responsibility, they 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 the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is 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 the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans 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 the written word. We do so because we believe that it is 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 deeply 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.
Adopted by the Cattaraugus Free Library on 02/11/2021
Freedom to View Statement
The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore these principles are affirmed:
1. To provide the broadest access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
2. To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials.
3. To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
4. To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video, or other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content.
5. To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public’s freedom to view.
This statement was originally drafted by the Freedom to View Committee of the American Film and Video Association (formerly the Educational Film Library Association) and was adopted by the AFVA Board of Directors in February 1979. This statement was updated and approved by the AFVA Board of Directors in 1989.
Adopted by the Cattaraugus Free Library on 02/11/2021
Potential Problems of Challenges
The Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the works in relation to building a collection and serving the diverse interests of the Cattaraugus Free Library.
Responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children
Library materials will not be marked or identified to imply or show approval or disapproval of the contents. All materials are kept on open shelves.
The choice of library materials is an individual matter. While a person may reject materials for oneself, he or she may not restrict access to those materials by others.
Challenged Materials
Although materials are carefully selected, there can arise differences of opinion regarding suitable materials. It is inevitable that a library serving a diverse people will be able to please all the people all the time. Selection of materials will be made on the principle that most of the people will be well served most of the time if the library is able to provide diverse ideas and viewpoints, in both fiction and non-fiction. The library will not knowingly violate this principle by taking the side of one group or another and permitting this to affect its selection and weeding decisions. The Library also encourages parents to take an active role in helping their children make their reading, viewing, and listening choices.
Should any patron of the Cattaraugus Free Library (The Library) raise a question about any materials provided by the library being in any way objectionable,
- The complainant must file a written complaint with the Library Director, by filling out the Reconsideration Form completely leaving nothing blank.
- The complainant must reside in the Cattaraugus Little Valley School District.
The complainant must be properly identified before the request is considered.
No action will be taken before the complaint is brought before the Board of Trustees.
The materials will not be removed, withdrawn, or undergo a change in location or status until the entire review process is complete.
The library will not consider the removal of an item on grounds of obscenity or for any other reason covered by law unless a court of competent jurisdiction has ruled against it.
The written complaint will be presented to the Board of Trustees. The Board will consider the challenge at the meeting of the board following the receipt of the form. The Board shall review the challenged material, consider the specific objections to the material voiced by the complainant, weigh the values and faults of the material as a whole.
The Board will, where appropriate, solicit advice or opinion from other library Directors, the Library Systems, the American Library Association office for Intellectual Freedom and the New York State Intellectual Freedom Committee.
The Board shall prepare a written response that includes an explanation for the decision to retain, withdraw, or relocate the material in question, within ninety days to the Director containing its recommendations concerning any complaint.
The Director shall review the report of the Board and notify the complainant.
Materials that has undergone a review may not be re-challenged for one calendar year from the date of the Board decision.
Loan and Renewal Policy
To make materials available to all customers on an equal basis, the Cattaraugus Free Library sets limits on loan periods and on the number of renewals allowed. Some library materials may have shorter loan periods or fewer numbers of renewals due to high demand, limited collection size, material type or lending source.
Regulations:
- The loan or renewal of library materials owned by the Cattaraugus Free Library may be done in person, by telephone or online. See also Inter library Loan for limits and regulations on items not owned by the Cattaraugus Free Library
- Holders of new library cards will be restricted to checking out three (3) items on their first visit. The three (3) item limit will be lifted once those items are returned.
- Extended loan periods may be available upon request at the time of checkout.
- We do not charge fines on any materials; however lost or damaged materials will be charged at replacement cost at the library’s discretion.
- Customers with accounts with a balance of $10.00 or more may not check out or renew materials.
- In compliance with the Library Privacy Act only authorized users, parents or legal guardians will be provided detailed information on any library account.
- The library reserves the right to make some materials ineligible for circulation and only available for in-library use.
- Renewals may be done in person, by email or by telephone during library hours.
- Adults may check out a maximum of (5) DVDs at a time for a period of (1) week and may renew twice for an additional (1) week each time. Patrons under the age of 18 may not check out DVDs.
- Books and Audio books may be checked out for a period of (2) weeks and may be renewed (2) times for an additional (2) weeks each time.
- Magazines may be checked out for a (1) week period and can be renewed for (1) week.
- New Books are limited to (5) at a time, with (2) renewals, older books are not limited
- If a hold exists for a book, DVD or magazine, then there are no renewals.
Special Collections Serving Community Needs
The collection of the library will serve all ages and groups, from preschool through senior citizens, from the recreational reader to the serious student and layperson. An effort will be made to serve each group with materials appropriate to that clientele.
Children’s Materials
The children’s collection provides materials that serve children’s educational, informational, recreational, and cultural needs from infancy through eleven years old, and for all levels of ability. The materials are selected with consideration of the stages of emotional and intellectual development of children, and with particular appeal to children in format and presentation.
Selection of children’s materials is made by the Director following the same general materials selection criteria as all other material purchases and guided by professional review sources. In addition to print books both fiction and nonfiction, children’s materials include graphic novels, e Books and DVDs.
Teen Materials
The library’s teen collection is intended for young people ages 12-17. Its focus is on the recreational preferences and informational interests appropriate to teens. Teen materials are selected by the Director and follow the same general materials selection criteria as all other materials.
In addition to meeting selection criteria, teen material is current and attractive to teen readers, and includes fiction and non-fiction that:
- Has believable characters, dialogue, and plot
- Is in demand and of high interest
- Helps young adults understand themselves and others
- Broadens the reader’s viewpoint of the world
- Expands reading ability and enjoyment
- Has a format appealing to teens
In addition to print books, teen materials include graphic novels, e-Books and DVDs, all selected following the material selection criteria and with particular appeal to teens.
Print Periodicals
Magazines and newspapers are purchased or accepted as gifts for one or more of the following reasons:
- To keep the library’s collections up to date with current information regarding various subjects.
- To provide material not available in books and other media.
- General reading
Electronic Books (e Books)
The library provides access to e Books through the Library’s Libby program plus those freely accessible via the Internet. E books may be borrowed from the library just like paper books for a period of two (2) weeks. There is no charge to borrow an e Book, but you must have a library card to borrow an e Book.
Audio-books
The audio-book collection mirrors the print collection in authors and titles chosen. In certain areas where print versions of a title are not available (such as radio programs, lectures, and motivational speakers) the criteria for selecting other media and print material apply. In most cases, the library buys only unabridged audio-books.
Videos
A diverse collection of videos on DVD is maintained for home use by individual patrons. It consists of informational, instructional, recreational, and cultural materials for a variety of ages and preferences.
Because of the copyright restrictions on audience size mandated by most distributors of home video, most materials are purchased for the individual viewer.
Because film is a highly collaborative art form, a motion picture which achieves high quality in one aspect (cinematography or acting, for example) may fail to do so in others. Such films may be added to the collection if their strengths outweigh their weaknesses.
Serious works which present an honest aspect of life are not excluded for frankness of expression.
Adult Materials
The adult fiction collection comes in regular print and in large print (for the visually impaired) it includes contemporary materials, which fill current demand for popular genres. This collection will supplement modern fiction and a core collection of proven classics. Among the genres represented will be mysteries, westerns, romance, historical fiction, science fiction, adventure and espionage.
The adult non-fiction collection will include subjects of contemporary general interest on national, and local levels reflecting changing currents of thought and opinion. All subject areas in which there is felt to be an interest will be considered when purchasing materials.
The library will acquire materials on local history both past and present, as they are available and needed.
Materials written by local authors, whether donated or suggested for purchase, will be acquired as need is made apparent and will be subject to the same evaluation as any other materials.
Registration
All borrowers must be registered and must have a valid local or system patron card to borrow library materials.
Identification is required. A driver’s license or student ID is preferred, however any other official ID or recent non personal piece of mail may be acceptable.
Borrowers must reside within our service area
Patrons must fill out an application form to register for a new library card. The following statement will be printed on the registration form for the patron’s information and acceptance:
I agree to be responsible for all items borrowed with the library card issued in the above name, including items borrowed with it by others with or without my consent unless I have previously reported the loss of my card. I promise to comply with all library rules and policies both present and future, and to give prompt notice of change of address or loss of library card.
Signature________________________________________
Applicants under 13 years of age must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a new card can be issued. This parental signature is not required for children who are renewing cards.
Materials cannot be checked out until a library card is issued.
All library cards expire after one (1) year. In order to renew a library card, patrons must clear all outstanding fines and bills.
Lost or forgotten cards
If a patron loses his/her library card, he/she should notify the library as soon as possible and request a replacement.
All patrons, adult and juvenile, are expected to bring their library cards with them if they intend to check out items. An individual who repeatedly ignores this exception may be denied the privilege of checking out materials until they present their card at the library.
Loan Periods
- 2 weeks for books and audio books
- 1 week for DVDs and magazines
- Reference books do not circulate. They may be used during library hours in the library
- Books and DVDs may be renewed twice if there is not a waiting list for the title
- Magazines may be renewed once
The director may establish the loan period for special collections, materials which are temporarily in great demand, such as for student projects, book clubs, or materials added to the collection which are in a new format.
phone or email when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a reserve or for inter library loan services among the member libraries. Materials borrowed outside of the member libraries may charge a fee.
Fines and charges
There are no fines for overdue materials. A first notice is sent after the material is due. If the material is not returned within 1 months’ time of the notice, a bill will be sent for the material with the cost of replacement of the material and a service charge for processing, cataloging and postage. Patrons who have been sent an overdue notice shall be denied borrowing privileges until those overdue materials are returned or paid for if lost and /or damaged.
Damaged materials
If materials are damaged so as to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost. A notice of these charges will be sent to the borrower; a sample of the notice follows:
Dear_____________________________________ At the time a library patron borrows materials from the Cattaraugus Free Library collection, the patron assumes the responsibility for the care and timely return of the materials. Recently materials checked out on your library card were returned to the library damaged beyond the point of being usable in the library’s collection. The titles and costs of these materials are listed below:
__________________________________ $______________
Your assistance in clearing this matter promptly will be appreciated and will be necessary in order to retain your borrowing privileges.
Sincerely,
(The board and director need to determine whether patrons who damage and pay for materials owned by the library will be allowed to have those materials once payment has been received. It is a question that will be raised by patrons and it is best to have decided in advance what our practice will be.)
Confidentiality
In keeping with the Consolidated Laws of New York State (Civil Practice Laws and Rules, Section 4509) and the core values of librarianship, Cattaraugus Free Library will hold all library records and inquiries confidential.
For people to make full and effective use of library resources, they must feel unconstrained by the possibility that others may become aware of the books they read, the materials they use or the questions they ask. Therefore, the Trustees of the Cattaraugus Free Library have adopted the following guidelines concerning disclosure.
No information regarding or including:
- A patron’s name (or whether an individual is a registered borrower or has been),
- A patron’s address,
- A patron’s phone number,
- A patron’s borrowing records,
- A patron’s computer database searches,
- The number or character of questions asked by a patron,
- The frequency of content of a patron’s lawful visits to the library,
Or any other information supplied to the library or gathered by it shall not be given, made available or disclosed to any individual, corporation, institution, government agency or other agency without a valid process order or subpoena. Upon presentation of such, the library shall resist its enforcement until such a time as proper showing of good cause had been made in a court of competent jurisdiction. If the process or subpoena is not in proper form or good cause has not been shown, insistence shall be made that such defects be cured before any records are released.
[4509 Library records. Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, inter-library loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio – visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.]
Adopted by the Cattaraugus Free Library Board of Trustees on February _13, 2019
Holds Policy
In order to provide access to library materials at all locations, customers may place a hold on materials that are not immediately available for use but are owned by the Cattaraugus Free Library.
Regulations:
- Residents of the Cattaraugus Little Valley School System with a valid library card may reserve most library materials.
- Customers with an account balance of $10.00 or more may not reserve materials.
- Holds may be placed in person, by telephone or online.
- The library will only notify customers of available holds once. Relay of the message to the appropriate person in the household is the responsibility of the customer.
- Customers will be notified by the preferred method selected in their account.
- Holds will be held for 1 week after notification.
- If not claimed the item will be held for the next person on the waiting list or will become part of the circulation collection.
- Customers listed as authorized users, parents or legal guardians may pick up or cancel held material for another customer.
- In compliance with state law only authorized users, parents or legal guardians will be provided detailed information on any library account.
Lost or Damaged/Missing Pieces Policy
Library customers are responsible for all materials checked out on their library card. Replacement costs and processing fees are the responsibility of any customer who loses or damages library materials. In the case of children under the age of 18, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian who signed the minor’s library card application to pay for lost or damaged items.
Regulations:
- The library will notify the customer of the replacement cost for a damaged or lost item based upon publication date. (A) full replacement cost of the item for materials published in the last 5 years. (B) Half the replacement cost for materials published more than 5 years ago. © Full replacement costs for DVDs.
- A nonrefundable $5.00 processing fee will be charged for replaced items.
- When a damaged or lost item has been paid for, that item will be removed from the customer’s record.
- After one month, the library will not issue refunds for lost items that are subsequently found.
Customer Service Policy
The Cattaraugus Free Library strives to offer excellent library services, which include a welcoming facility and a collection that is varied and current as well as free access to diverse materials, programs, and information. Successful customer service connects customers to what they need, but also leaves them satisfied and happy. Patrons will be eager to return again to the library because they feel that the library is the ideal place to fulfill their needs. The role of the library shall be to provide current, high-demand, high-interest materials for the leisure reading of all age groups; to encourage and foster an interest in reading by children; to serve as a support center for both formal and informal learning, and to do so in a cost-effective manner.
Staff members serve as the link between customers and the library’s resources and services. It is important that the library staff provide accurate, efficient, and friendly service at all times. Each staff member while at work is a representative of the library. The impression made on the customer profoundly affects the library’s image and its ongoing support. It is important to keep in mind that the patron is the customer to whom the staff is ultimately responsible.
The customer service policy of the Cattaraugus Free Library is the foundation for all staff interactions with the general public. All other library policies should be interpreted in light of the principles outlined below.
- The library does not discriminate and offers the same quality of service to all individuals regardless of age, race, gender, nationality, educational background, physical limitations or any other criteria that may be the source of discrimination.
- Patrons are to be treated politely, promptly, with respect, courtesy and helpful attention in all transactions.
- A judgment call will always be made in the customer’s favor. If you make a mistake, it should always be made to the customer’s advantage. If you are unsure, please check with the Director
- If a staff member is unable to comply with a request, the patron will be offered an alternative, such as an inter-library loan request, etc.
- Don’t say “I don’t know.” Try not to let anyone leave the library without following through on every possible avenue for answering the request.
- Staff members will be familiar with and be able to articulate library policies as well as explain the rationale behind them.
Friendly, Helpful Manner
- The manner which a person looks, speaks, and acts conveys an attitude, just as the tone of voice and choice of words affect a message.
- It is imperative that every staff/patron interaction be a positive one for the patron. A friendly, helpful manner usually ensures a positive experience even when the message conveyed is not a pleasant one and will ensure that the patron will walk away feeling that their experience with the library has been a positive one.
- Each staff member, while at work, is a representative of the library. The impression made on the patron profoundly affects the library’s image and on-going support.
Ethics/Confidentiality
- The needs and requests of library customers must always be taken seriously and treated with respect. Equal consideration and treatment will be given to all users within established guidelines and in a non-judgmental environment. All interactions between a library patron or group of patrons and the library will be considered confidential and will be discussed only in a professional context. (Such matters include, but are not limited to, registration information, materials selection, loan transaction records, reference questions, patron card status, etc.) Staff should remember that, although the temptation to discuss or share difficult transactions at the public desk is great, such discussions should be conducted out of range of the public eye and ear. These details are confidential as well.
- Staff members will respond to inquiries with the best factual information available we will refrain from offering personal opinions or advice in response to queries.
Staff Operation Procedures/Instructions
- Every staff member will be punctual and will be at his/her assigned post and ready to work at their assigned time. Service commences at the advertised hour we open and full service is available until the hour the library closes. Phones will be answered, workstations staffed, and doors opened punctually.
- Answer the phone a pleasant manner, using a greeting, identifying the library and yourself and offering help. “Good morning” and “May I help you?” goes a long way.
- Smile
- Greet the patron, if you know their name use it when greeting the patron. Acknowledge the patron’s presence by looking up and making eye contact. If you are busy with another patron, acknowledge the patron who is waiting and explain that you will help the new patron as soon as you can.
- All patrons will be treated courteously and respectfully.
- Conduct transactions in a helpful, pleasant tone of voice. Keep any impatience, annoyance, or implication of ignorance from your voice. Pretend it is the patron’s first visit to the library. It is always better to assume that the customer is unfamiliar with our library and its policies and procedures.
- Keep conversation with other staff members to a minimum. If you need to discuss something in depth, do so when no one is at the desk for help.
- Avoid extended phone calls while you are on the desk. Keep the library phone open for the business.
- Take personal calls away from the desk whenever possible.
- Look up and around periodically. Being helpful to customers takes precedence over desk work. Get up and walk around and notice if there are people in the stacks or at the terminals who might need help. People aren’t an interruption of our work; they are our work.
- Never point. If you are at the service desk, escort the patron to the appropriate area. If you are busy and have a line of people, ask for help.
- Unless there is a specific discipline problem, as noted in our Patron policy, do not reprimand or scold patrons.
- Use plain language when speaking to patrons.
- When there is an incident of unacceptable patron behavior, document it by filling out an Incident report form.
- When a patron complains, refer the patron to the Director if they are available. Suggest that they put their complaint in writing.
- If there will be a lapse of time before you can obtain information for a patron, tell the patron you will call them back. Give the patron your name. Don’t tell the patron to call you.
- Do not neglect service to patrons ever, they are the reason we are here.
Adopted on 3/5/2021
Library Card Policy
1. Library cards are issued in order to identify eligible users
2. A Cattaraugus Free Library Card allows access to all library services and can be used at all
38 member libraries in the Cattaraugus Chautauqua Library System.
3. Library cards are available to any individual who lives or owns property in the Cattaraugus
Little Valley School District.
4. An individual may only have one card.
5. An application process must be completed for each card.
6. Minor resident applicants need a parent or guardian’s co-signature. Co-signers must be
eligible to borrow materials and present proper ID.
8. Holders of new library cards will be restricted to checking out three (3) items on their first
visit. The three (3) item limit will be lifted once those items are returned.
9. Library cards must be renewed on an annual basis. Cardholders must provide the same type
of documentation used to apply for a new card. Minors must renew their cards upon turning
18 years of age to assume legal responsibility for items checked out.
10. The card owner is responsible for all materials borrowed on the card and agrees to abide by
library lending rules and all policies and regulations.
11. If the card owner claims to have returned materials, the library will search for the missing
items for one (1) month. Items not found or located within one (1) month will be billed to
the card holder’s account.
12. There is no charge to replace a lost card. However lost cards should be reported
immediately. The library is not responsible for any debit amounts on lost cards.
Fines and Fees Policy
The Cattaraugus Free Library exists to serve the community and is based on the concept of sharing resources. When one person violates that principle by retaining materials beyond the established limits, that person takes unfair advantage of the community as a whole.
The Cattaraugus Free Library does not charge late fees on its own materials. However, some libraries do charge late fees and you may accumulate late fees on inter library loan materials.
Any customer with an account balance of $5.00 or more shall forfeit borrowing, renewing, and meeting room privileges until materials are returned and fines are paid. Once payment for library fees has been accepted monetary refunds will not be issued.
Collection Development Policy Evaluation
The materials selection/collection development policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises to ensure that it meets community needs. All policies are reviewed every five (5) years as part of the regular library program review process by the Cattaraugus Free Library. This policy may be changed by the Board of Trustees at any time.
Adopted on September 25, 2024
There is no limit on the number of items a patron can borrow at one time, with two exceptions – DVDs and New release books are limited to 3 at a time
Reserves
Reserves may be placed by patrons either in person or over the phone. Patrons will be notified by tele
MATERIALS RECONSIDERATION FORM
The Cattaraugus Free Library, recognizing that it serves a varied community with a wide diversity of tastes and convictions, welcomes expressions of concern about the contents of items held in its collection.
We ask you to please complete all sections of the form below so that we can fully understand your specific concern regarding the item. Incomplete forms will not be considered.
Once the form has been completed, please drop it off at the service desk at the Cattaraugus Free Library. The item in question will be submitted for review.
You will receive a written reply of the library’s decision.
Please print all information
Date: ___________________________________
Resource Title: _____________________________________________
Author(s): ___________________________________________
Publisher: _________________________________________
Type of Material: Print _______ Digital/Non-print____________________
Your Name: __________________________________________________
Street Address: ___________________________________________________________
City, State and Zip Code: _______________________________________________________
E-Mail: ____________________________________________________________
Telephone: _____________________________________________________
Are you speaking for (circle one)?
- Yourself
- On behalf of an organization
If an organization list name and address
Please describe why, in your opinion, the named resource is objectionable.
Why does this resource not fall within the collection development policy of the Library?
To what in the resource do you object? Please be specific, citing pages and/or sections/chapters.
Did you read, see or listen to the entire resource?
What do you feel might be the result of using this resource?
Is there anything good about this resource?
Have you seen/heard any promotions, evaluations or read any reviews about this work? If so, please
identify.
What do you believe is the theme of this work?
Are there any additional comments you would like to make?
Would you like the resource to?
a. be removed
b. be balanced with other materials
If you answered b., what materials would you like to see add to the library?
Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns to us. Please return this form to the Cattaraugus Free Library Director.
Adopted 2/28/2024