Policy | RFPK Public Library

Policies

Library Card Policy

Library cards that are accepted at Ridgefield Park Library as well as at all libraries that belong to BCCLS are issued free of charge once the following requirements have been met:

Adults (over 18 years of age) - must prove their residency in Ridgefield Park by producing an unexpired driver's license with their Ridgefield Park street address or must produce a utility bill (water, gas, electric, phone, cable) in their name and containing their current Ridgefield Park street address.

Children must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian who is able to demonstrate residency by producing one of the documents listed above. Ridgefield Park public school children whose residency cannot be demonstrated through the accompanying adult's identification can be verified through the public school system but such verification cannot be accomplished immediately and there will be a delay in issuing a library card.

In case where the applicant has no acceptable form of identification but can show a letter addressed to them at a Ridgefield Park address or a Bergen County identification card, or cannot provide a telephone number at which he/she can be reached, a courtesy card that can be used only at the Ridgefield Park library will be issued.

In cases where the applicant provides a letter from a Ridgefield Park business stating that the applicant is employed in Ridgefield Park, a courtesy card that can be used only at Ridgefield Park Library will be issued.

The Library Director may institute additional regulations as deemed necessary for later ratification by the Board of Trustees.

Internet Policy

All members of the public are welcome to access the Internet at the library, either using the library’s public computers or via the library’s wireless network.

A parent or adult caregiver must accompany those under 7 years of age while accessing the internet. Students in grades 7 and above must use the internet stations in the adult library, while students below grade 7 are to use the internet stations in the children’s library. Adults may only use the internet stations in the adult library.

All users of the library’s public computers, and any accompanying parents or adult caregivers, are required to sign in and out on the library’s internet log sheet before accessing any computer

Because the Mildred Olson Wing is the only quiet study area in the library, the computers in that wing cannot be used as teaching devices, nor can they be shared. Each station may be occupied by only one person. Teens needing to work together may use the internet station located in the young adult section, and adults needing to work together may use the internet station in the adult reading room. Those using the public computers as listening stations must wear ear phones and must keep the volume at a reasonable level.

Sessions are limited to 30 minutes each. Sessions can be extended if no other person is waiting to use the computer. Those who have already used the internet and wish to use it again may do so until such time as someone who has not used it that day arrives. Repeat sessions may or may not be 30 minutes in length depending upon whether others are waiting. The staff member on duty is the final authority on length and frequency of daily use. When staff is informed in advance that a member is taking an online examination or completing an online job application, every effort will be made to allow that member additional time on an Internet session.

10 cents will be charged for each black and white page printed. 35 cents will be charged for each color page printed.

Reservations for internet use will not be accepted, except for those who are taking online examinations. Access to the library’s computers is on a first come, first served basis only.

Library staff members are available to assist with brief questions, but it is assumed that those who wish to use the internet know how to access it on their own. Those needing help in learning to accomplish their work on a personal computer should register for one of the library’s computer workshops. If a member of the public resists registering for the internet workshop and continuously is in need of extensive help at the computer, the director of the library may limit the amount of staff assistance that person receives. Staff members cannot complete job applications or provide any assistance other than technical assistance to those who are completing online examinations.

Users shall not under any circumstances access any websites containing pornographic content, nor shall they access any site that displays images that may be disturbing or offensive to other library users. Those doing so will be directed to terminate their session and, if such behavior persists, will no longer be able to use the library’s internet stations. As dictated by law, anyone who is found to be displaying child pornography will be immediately reported to the Ridgefield Park Police Department.

The Library Director may suspend the internet privileges of any user who creates a disturbance during his/her session or fails to use the equipment properly, as well as to institute additional regulations as deemed necessary for later ratification by the Library Board of Trustees.

Materials Selection Policy

The purpose of the Materials Selection Policy of the Ridgefield Park Public Library is to guide the Library staff in their assigned areas of collection management and to inform the public of the principles which govern the management of the Library’s collections. The Ridgefield Park Public Library collects and provides access to a wide range of materials to meet the leisure, cultural, informational and educational needs of the community. The Library provides materials in a variety of formats which will be of interest and value to its patrons.

Selection Criteria

Professional Librarians use their educated judgment and expertise to make selection decisions, including choosing titles, identifying quantities for purchase, selecting locations for materials, and choosing materials for topical library displays, highlighting different collection areas. Highest selection priority is given to those materials having the broadest appeal.

Multiple criteria may be used to evaluate and select items for the collection. Selected items are not required to meet all of these criteria which include:

Popular demand
Relevance to community interests and needs
Quality (including awards received, literary or artistic merit, opinions of professional reviewers, reputation or qualifications of the author or publisher)
Existing holdings in relation to patron demand
Currency, contemporary significance, or historic importance
Price and availability
Relation to existing collection
Relation to the BCCLS collection
Availability of materials via reciprocal borrowing, interlibrary loan, and from other sources
Suitability for the intended audience
Suitability of format for library circulation and use

While the Library does endeavor to support school curricula, textbooks are not purchased. New formats are considered and collections established when a significant portion of the community has access to the technology to make use of the format.

Withdrawal/Deselection of Materials

To maintain the quality of the collection, all materials are periodically evaluated by staff to ensure they are still useful to the public, are in good condition, and do not contain obsolete information. Items may be withdrawn due to:

Low usage
Multiple copies that are no longer circulating
Space considerations
Superseded editions of formats
Outdated or inaccurate information
Items that are worn, soiled, badly marked, or in disrepair

Formats and special collections are discontinued when they are no longer widely used. Withdrawn materials may be given to the Friends of the Ridgefield Park Public Library, offered to other organizations or discarded.

Patron Suggestions for Purchase

The Library encourages input from the Ridgefield Park community concerning additions to the collection. All suggestions for purchase are subject to the same selection criteria as other materials.

Donations

The Ridgefield Park Public Library accepts donations of books and other materials. The Library retains the right to accept or reject donations based on the same evaluative criteria that are applied to purchase materials. Not all donations can be accepted. Personal property, art objects, memorial or commemorative objects, displays or plaques, portraits, artifacts and similar materials are generally not accepted as gifts by the Library. Library staff and/or representatives of the Friends of the Library make all decisions as to the use, housing, and final disposition of donations.

Responsibilities

Responsibility for the policy governing the management of the Library’s collection rests with the Board of Trustees. Librarians select materials based on their knowledge of the community’s needs. It is the responsibility of the Library staff to see that collections are developed appropriately. The final responsibility for the selection of materials and displays rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Board of Trustees.

Intellectual Freedom

The Library is committed to the principles expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements.

To this end, the Library has the responsibility to provide materials representing a wide range of ideas and opinions, including controversial, unpopular and unorthodox viewpoints and expression. Language, situations, or subjects that may be offensive to some community members do not disqualify material whose value is to be judged on its entirety based on the outlined selection criteria. Inclusion of an item in the collection does not constitute an endorsement of its content. While patrons are free to reject titles of which they do not approve for themselves, they cannot restrict the freedom of others to choose what to read, hear, or view. There are no age restrictions on the borrowing of Library materials. The responsibility for monitoring library material used by minors rests with the parent or guardian.

Concerns About Library Materials

Patron concerns about a title will be referred to the appropriate Manager (Adult &Teen or Children’s), depending on the classification of the material. If the initial response is not satisfactory to the patron, the patron will be referred to the Library Director.

Code of Conduct

To allow people to use and enjoy the Library we have established a Code of Conduct. Where applicable, these rules also apply to the exterior Library property.

Code of Conduct

In general, behavior that violates the law, behavior that interferes with the use and enjoyment of the Library by others, and behavior that interferes with Library employees in the performance of their duties, is prohibited. Smoking, sleeping, carrying a weapon (unless authorized by law), and disruptive behavior will not be allowed. In cases like these, the police daprtment may be notified.
Public health codes must be observed. Library customers must be fully clothed and wear shoes.
Although an attempt is made to keep noise levels low, customers can expect a completely quiet environment only in the Mildred I. Olsen wing which houses the library’s reference collection.
Children under the age of seven must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver over the age of eleven.
Opening and closing times as posted are to be observed by the staff and customers. The Mildred I. Olsen wing closes fifteen minutes prior to the Library’s posted closing time. All computers are turned off ten minutes prior to closing.
Restrooms may not be used as a laundry or changing room.
Except to assist a customer who has a disability, animals may not be brought into the library.
Use of the Library’s program room is restricted to programs sponsored by the Library and/or the Friends of the Library.
The Library Director must authorize the distribution and/or posting of materials. Material must be submitted for review and approval.
Solicitation within the library is prohibited unless the Library Board of Trustees has approved such sales.
All library materials must be returned in the same condition as when first received. Replacement charges are assessed for damaged library materials. All library materials must be checked out at one of the circulation desks. Each adult borrower assumes responsibility for materials checked out on his/her library card until the library has been notified that the card has been lost or stolen. A parent or guardian of borrowers who are younger than 18 years of age assumes responsibility for materials they check out.
Overdue fines are charged for late return of materials. The Library Director is authorized to employ a collection agency with the approval of the Library Board and to seek other legal remedies, such as referral to the Ridgefield Park Municipal Court to enforce Ridgefield Park Ordinance 23-85, which exists to ensure the return, or replacement cost of overdue materials. Library privileges will be temporarily suspended until the borrower meets financial obligations of $10.00 or more; or if library materials are more than 60 days overdue.
Replacement cost for library materials that are overdue by more than six months are automatically added to the borrower’s library card account and the material is considered lost. Such added charges must be paid before the library card can be used again or before the borrower can sponsor another person for borrowing privileges. Materials borrowed from other Bergen County Cooperative Library System members are subject to the lending library’s policies.
Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
Separate policies exist that govern personal computers, Internet access, use of the children’s department by adults, use of the adult department by children.

Children's Section Code of Conduct

The Children's Department is for children ages infant - 6th grade or 11 years old. 7th grade, 12 years old and over must use the teen/adult rooms.

A parent/guardian, or responsible caregiver, or older sibling (ages 11 and over) must accompany children under the age of 8 years old for their safety and comfort while using the library.

No child under the age of 8 may use the computers in the children's department. There are special computers in the Early Literacy Room for children 7 years and under.

Visitors of all ages are subject to the same rules and consequences. No patron is allowed to engage in inappropriate behavior in the children's department. Examples include but are not limited to the following: yelling, inappropriate language and sounds, bullying, and harassing patrons and staff members. Children engaging in this behavior will be asked to leave the library and a parent may be notified if the behavior persists.

Children ages 8 and over can sign up for a computer for 1/2 hour sessions.

The Early Literacy Room is for children 7 years old or younger and must be supervised by an adult or tween (ages 11 or over).

Food and drink is only allowed in designated "Snack" tables.

Children are to use "inside" voices while in the children's department.

Children or adults are not permitted to take photos of any type while in the library.

Children and/or adults are expected to clean up after themselves.

Cellphones are to be used only in the designated "Snack" areas.

Young Adult Section Code of Conduct

Young Adults (Grades 7-12) are allowed to come to the library without the presence of an adult. The Young Adult section is part of the Adult area of the library, and is open to 7th Grade and above (6th Grade and Under may use the Children's Area). However, there are 3 Core Rules that Young Adults are expected to follow in order to maintain enjoyment of the library space:

Respect the Patrons -- we are not a "shushing library". However, all library patrons can expect a welcoming environment. In order to maintain this, YAs are expected to refrain from offensive, harmful, or extremely loud language; refrain from insulting and bullying one another; refrain from any physical action that may upset, harm or distract other library patrons. Yelling, throwing, or running across the library is unacceptable.

Respect the Space -- YAs are not allowed to leave any garbage behind when they have completed their time at the library. All garbage in an area must be cleaned before leaving the building. Exiting and entering the building constantly is discouraged. Only 4 chairs are allowed per table. If space is being taken up from a YA who is not working or partaking in library activities, they may be asked to free the space for other library patrons.

Respect the Librarians -- librarians are here to assist YAs with their work, and to provide enrichment through library programs, volunteering opportunities, resources and reading materials. Harassment of a staff member (including insulting, name-calling, or back-talk) is not acceptable.

A general, easy way to remember these rules: if it is not acceptable in school, it is not acceptable in the library. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in expulsion from the library, or, if necessary, a revoking of library privileges for a period of time as determined by the Library Director. Sometimes, parents of YAs causing disturbances may be called to be notified of their behavior. If a parent cannot be notified, and the behavior persists, then the police department maybe called.