Library Policies

I. Guide to Library Rules & Services

LOANS & RENEWALS

3-week loans: books, magazines, all sound recordings, Internet hot spots, puzzles, and TV series on DVD
7-day loans: DVDs (except TV series) and the telescope
All items that belong to the Medway Library can be renewed 2 times. Items borrowed from other libraries through inter-library loan can be renewed 1 time. However, if there is a hold on an item, it cannot be renewed.
Renewals can be done in the Library, over the telephone, or online through the Minuteman Library Network (use your library card number to create an online account).

FINES

All overdue items that are checked out in Medway are now fine free
Lost passes for museums, zoos, parks, etc.: $10.00 replacement charge
Lost book or other library material: current retail price of the item
Damaged materials: cost to be determined based on extent of damage

CHARGES

Color or black & white computer printouts: $0.10 per page
Black & white photocopies: $0.10 per page
Faxes: currently free
Poster-size printouts: $2.00 per poster
3-D printing: $0.05 per gram
Lamination: $0.25 for paper equal to or smaller than 8.5 x 11 inches; and $1.00 for paper larger than 8.5 x 11 inches

LIMIT

Patrons cannot carry a balance of more than $10 unpaid charges for printing. If the balance is more than $10, the patron cannot print or fax until the balance is lowered to $10 or below.

EMAIL NOTICES: Let us email notices about requested and overdue items to you. If you read mail regularly, give us your email address to save time and trees.

REQUESTS: You may request items that are out or not owned by us. We will email or call you when they come in. Please pick items promptly within 7 days.

MEDWAY LIBRARY OUTREACH: This free program serves homebound Medway residents of retirement or nursing facilities, as well as individual homebound Medway residents of all ages. A librarian will coordinate the delivery of books and other circulating library items. Monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly delivery schedules will be arranged for participants. Call the Library: 508-533-3217.

PUBLIC COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS

We offer several public accessible computers that provide:

Office Applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher
Internet access.
Catalog ONLY terminals that allow item searching, requests and even online fine payment.

WiFi ACCESS: The Library provides free wireless access for use with patron laptops and other devices.

II. Computer Use and Public Internet Access (approved 12/4/2018, amended 5/7/19 and 6/11/19)
In keeping with its mission and with advances in information technology, Medway Public Library provides the community with access to the Internet to enhance the Library's existing collection and to provide access to resources available only on the Internet. These resources include information from a wide variety of government, academic, cultural, scientific, educational, business and recreational sources.

The Library has no control over the information accessed and cannot guarantee the content, timeliness, and accuracy of Internet resources beyond those listed on the Medway Public Library web site.

The Library does not filter access to the Internet. Parents or guardians, not the Library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children's Internet sessions.

The Library is not responsible for any loss or damages resulting from use of the Library's computers or the Library's connection to the Internet, nor can it guarantee privacy of any Internet sessions.

The Medway Public Library reserves the right to suspend a patron's privilege to use the Internet due to illegal or unethical use of the Internet or for any violation of policy or rules for use.

Rules for Use: By using a public Internet workstation at the Medway Public Library, you agree to the following guidelines.

Printing is available for a fee.

Downloading: Users must provide their own storage devices.

Assistance: Library staff members are available to assist users in finding resources, but are not able to provide in-depth Internet instruction.

Prohibited Uses:

Illegal, unethical or abusive use of the Internet is not permitted. Such use includes, but is not limited to:

transmitting or displaying obscene, harassing or threatening material or messages
violation of copyright or licensing agreements
violation of another user's privacy
representing yourself as someone else
distributing chain letters or computer viruses
interfering with or harassing other users either in person or online
unauthorized access to the Library's network or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.

Patrons may not access, display, distribute, or print images or graphics of obscene or pornographic materials or material that violates laws relating to child pornography (including but not limited to Mass. G.L. c. 272, §§29A, 29B, 29C), or laws relating to possession and/or distribution of obscene material or material “harmful to minors” (including but not limited to Mass. G.L. c. 272, §29) while using Library workstations or using the Internet connection. For purposes of this policy, a matter is defined as “obscene” and/or “harmful to minors” in accordance with Mass. G.L. c. 272, §31.

Violation of this policy may result in loss of Library privileges.

Operating Policies

Do not install any software onto library computers.
Do not change any settings on Library-installed software.
Leave all equipment turned on. If a problem develops, notify a staff member. Do not attempt to make adjustments yourself.
Group use limits: Only two people may participate in a session at one time, unless prior permission to hold a group session has been obtained.

For more information about child online safety, go to:
http://www.Safekids.com
http://www.Safeteens.com

[III.]

IV. Program Registration Policy    (Medway Board of Library Trustees Approved 7/3/2012)
All free programs held by Medway Public Library are open to the public. Advance-registration programs with limited capacity will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation policy - (Medway Board of Trustees Approved 10/2/2018)
For programs that require advanced registration, a patron who registers and cannot attend should contact the Library via phone or email at medway@minlib.net  as soon as possible so that another patron can use that spot.

If a patron has 3 no-shows over a period of 3 months for programs that require pre-registration, the patron will be put on the bottom of the waiting list for subsequent programs for the next 6 months.   If a patron cannot attend a program previously registered for, and this patron notifies the Library at least 24 hours before the beginning of the program, this will not be considered a no-show.

V. Bulletin Board Policy
It is the policy of the Medway Public Library that the material posted on library bulletin boards be for the benefit of the Medway community, at the discretion of the Director. Information regarding community activitites, events and classes will be given priority. No for-sale flyers, business cards, or hand written notes will be posted. Anything not submitted to the Director for prior approval will be taken down. Items will be removed periodically.

VI. LIBRARY USE POLICY (Medway Board of Trustees Approved 2/6/2019, amended 6/11/19)
The intent of this policy is to ensure a safe and peaceful environment conducive to the use and enjoyment of the Library's resources and services.

Library patrons are expected to behave responsibly and with consideration for other patrons and for the Library staff as well as for Library materials and property.

Patrons who violate any portion of the Library Use Policy may be asked to leave the library for the day, or in some cases, issued a Trespass Notice for an extended period of time depending on the severity of the infraction and the patron's behavior. The Trespass Notice may be appealed to the Medway Library Board of Trustees.

The following guidelines further define appropriate and inappropriate behavior in the Library:

Speak quietly and limit excess noise
Limit cell phone use to brief, quiet conversations
Abusive, harassing, or threatening behavior or language is not allowed
Viewing and/or transmitting pornographic images is not allowed
Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the Library
Refrain from behaviors that interfere with other patrons' enjoyment of the library

Collection Development Policy (Medway Board of Library Trustees Approved 3/1/22)

The Medway Public Library’s collection development goals reflect the principles of intellectual freedom based on the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement. Materials are added for all age groups, differing tastes, and varying viewpoints.
The library does not label or restrict the use of controversial materials. All responsibility for minors’ library use, including materials choices, rests with their parents or legal guardians.

Materials selection is driven by both patron demand and professional review media. In addition to materials that are popular, the library adds material that is relevant and well-reviewed. The library welcomes patron purchase requests, which are subject to the same selection criteria as standard purchases.

The Library’s selection goals are to:

Choose a wide range of print, non-print, and electronic materials for entertainment, education, and inspiration.
Choose diverse materials reflecting many points of view, for patrons of all ages.
Choose up-to-date and popular materials along with well-reviewed works for an enriching and balanced collection.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria are considered when purchasing or adding materials.

Patron Demand

Popularity of title, as indicated by sales and/or circulation
Contemporary significance or current usefulness or interest
Local subject matter or local author
Patron request

Merit

Accuracy and currency of information
Authority and competence of presentation
Creative, literary, artistic, or technical quality
Importance as an historical record or of permanent value
Reputation or expertise of the work’s creator
Quality of physical format (including durability and ease of use)
Professional reviews

Collection Fit

Need relative to existing collection (adds to existing coverage or fills a niche)
Balance of special group interest with general demand
Representation of diverse points of view
Availability from other sources
Accessibility (the library regularly purchases large print items, electronic items in various formats, and audio items in various formats)
Space considerations

Financial Considerations

Cost and value for price
Current materials budget

Selection Responsibility

The Board of Trustees sets library policy, including the policy on collection development. The library director administers policy set by the Trustees, allocates the materials budget, and ensures that the collection is in conformity with the Collection Development policy.

The library director has primary responsibility for adult collection development. The children’s/YA librarian has primary responsibility for youth services collection development. All staff members are encouraged to recommend titles for purchase. All purchases are guided by the criteria outlined in this policy.

Usage responsibility lies with the user or the user’s legal guardian. The staff and Board of Trustees are not responsible for patrons’ material selection or use.

Selection Resources

Professional book review sources regularly consulted include Library Journal,

School Library Journal, and Booklist. Library staff also consult various popular resources, including the New York Times Best Seller List.

Collection Guidelines

The library does not usually purchase textbooks, novelty formats (such as pop-ups), abridged or condensed titles, or outmoded non-print formats. The library purchases materials that support the curricula of the Medway public schools and also supports curricular needs of local preschools, private schools, and homeschoolers. Special efforts are made to provide multiple copies of summer reading list titles.

The library provides unfiltered dedicated and wireless Internet access and provides access to research databases provided through the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Additional databases will be selected that support the library’s mission and fit with selection criteria. Database renewals will be assessed yearly.

Special collections: The library collects historical and/or genealogical materials of significance to Medway. The library does not usually collect general historical materials that are unrelated to Medway.

Gifts and Donations

The library appreciates gifts and accepts book and non-print material donations in good condition, and will either add these items (according to the selection criteria outlined at the beginning of this policy) or will convey donations to the Friends of the Medway Library for their book sale or subsequent disposal.

The library reserves the right to make all decisions regarding the addition or disposal of gift materials. The library is unable to provide donors with an estimate of the value of their donated materials. The library reserves the right to decline a gift or donation.

Weeding/Deaccessioning

Just as materials are regularly added, they are also regularly weeded using the CREW (Continuous Review Evaluation Weeding) method. The library’s mission is to provide dynamic collections, not to serve as an archival institution (except in the case of Special Collections materials). This requires continuous review and evaluation to offer fresh, current, accurate materials.

Items no longer belong in the collection if they:

Are out of date or have been superseded by newer editions
Are obsolete
Are in poor condition (a replacement may be warranted)
Are not circulating
Are duplicates/multiple copies whose popularity has waned

Withdrawn materials are conveyed to the Friends of the Medway Library for their book sale or their donation to another organization.

Request for Reconsideration

Patrons who wish to object to the addition or exclusion of any items in the library’s collection may address the matter to the director. The library director will address the issue with the patron and clarify the collection development policy.

If the patron who is a resident of Medway wishes to file a formal complaint, they may submit a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form (see appendix) to the director. The library director will decide the disposition of the material, and will provide the Board of Trustees and the patron with a written explanation for the decision within a reasonable amount of time. Materials subject to this review will not be removed from circulation during the review period.

Appendix: Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials

Name: _________________________________________ Date: _______________

Contact information:

Phone number: Email address:

Mailing address:

Please provide the following information about the item you would like to be reconsidered:

Title:

Author:

Format (book, magazine, DVD, etc.):

Publisher and year of publication:

What brought this resource to your attention?

____________________________________________________________________________

Have you examined the entire resource? If not, what sections did you review?

____________________________________________________________________________

What concerns you about the resource?

____________________________________________________________________________

Are there other resources you would suggest to provide other information or viewpoints on this topic?

____________________________________________________________________________

What do you request the library do with this item? ⃣ add ⃣ remove

Please indicate whether you are filing this request

⃣ as an individual ⃣ on behalf of an organization called _____________________________

Signature: _________________________________________