Upper Darby Township + Sellers Memorial Free Public Library

Upper Darby Twp./Sellers Memorial Free Public Library Behavior Policy

The Library is a shared public space. As such, staff and public are expected to behave in a manner that demonstrates mutual respect for all patrons and staff.

All patrons will be served equally regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, in accordance with the Library’s mission.

Use of the Public access Internet and word processing computers is governed by the Delaware County Library System Electronic Information Network policy. This can be found on the DCLS website, www.delcolibraries.org.

Beverages in closed containers are permitted only in designated areas.

Food is not permitted in any area of the library.

Use of cell phones is limited to the lobby or other designated area.

Sports equipment such as balls, skateboards, roller blades, scooters, etc. must be left in designated areas. Bikes are to be left locked in the designated area outside. The Library is not responsible for any personal property left in these, or any other areas of the building.

All children must behave as defined by this policy. Parents accompanied by children are responsible for supervising those children at all times while on library property. If not, at the discretion of the staff, the parents will be asked to remove the child(ren) from the library. Library staff may attempt to notify the parents/legal guardians of any unaccompanied patron under 18 who has been asked to leave the library.

Anyone engaging in the following behavior in the library or on library property will be asked to leave:

• Fighting or physical abuse

 • Verbal abuse or profanity directed at staff or other patrons

Anyone engaging in the following behaviors will be asked to leave after one warning.

•Disruptive behavior including, but not limited to:

> Running

> Yelling

> Damaging or misusing library property

• Campaigning, petitioning, or soliciting

• Smoking

• Eating

• Bringing animals into the library, except as guide animals or as part of a library-sponsored program

• Dressing inappropriately. Shirt and shoes must be worn at all times.

All staff members are responsible for enforcing this code of behavior. Patrons taking exception to its enforcement are encouraged to contact the Director’s office.

If you have a question or concern please feel free to ask any available staff member to assist or help you.

Approved by the Upper Darby Twp/Sellers Memorial Free Public Library July 29, 2004.

DELAWARE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORK AND INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

Approved by the Delaware County Library System (DCLS) Board of Library Directors 2/6/97, Rev. 8/7/97, Rev. 11/4/1999

Revisions to include CIPA and County requirements approved by the Board on February 7, 2002

Revisions approved by Board on May 4, 2006 after public hearing on 3/2/06, Rev. 5/1/2008

In formulating our policy with regard to the Electronic Information Network (EIN) access, we have been guided by the following: The idea of free and unrestricted access to information is a fundamental principle of the public library tradition, and the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States. A library, as a public facility, must maintain an atmosphere conducive to enjoyment by all members of the public. Individuals afforded the freedom to use the library have a responsibility not to engage in offensive or disruptive conduct. The duty and obligation to guide the development of children and the discretion to restrict their access to information lies with the parents/legal guardians. A public library should be receptive to parental concerns, and seek means to cooperate with parents exercising their responsibility, consistent with the overall mission of the library. In compliance with County of Delaware network requirements and the Federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), technology protection measures have been placed on all computers in libraries.

GENERAL POLICIES

1. As specified by the County of Delaware and in the CIPA, the technology protection measure (filter) is intended to block access to adult materials and to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornographic or harmful to minors*. If you feel a web site was blocked or permitted incorrectly, please notify the library staff with the complete URL (web address) of the site.

2 Although the technology protection measure (filter) is in place, it is not infallible and parents/legal guardians should continue to guide their child’s use of the Internet. Parents/legal guardians should be aware that the Internet includes online sites that contain or make reference to explicit sexual materials as defined in 18Pa.C.S. 5903 (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances.) Parents/legal guardians are expected to supervise their children's Internet sessions. Legal documents are available on the web site of Commonwealth Libraries: http://www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/libraries/cwp/view.asp?a=15&Q=50578

3. The appropriateness of materials viewed by minors that is not covered by the technology protection measure (filter) should be determined by the parents/legal guardians.

4. Parents are expected to guide their child’s use of the Internet. DCLS and this library have information available on such guidance.

5. DCLS and this library cannot be held responsible for the Internet's content, or for any misuse of copyright or any other violation.

a. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population, and library patrons use it at their own risk.

b. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Users need to be a good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information you find.

6. DCLS and library staff are not obligated to provide computer training.

7. DLCS and this library do not provide e-mail accounts.

8. DCLS and this library shall not be a party to any purchases of services or merchandise between any in-library Internet user and any other Internet user, and shall not be liable for any costs or damages arising out of such a transaction.

9. DCLS and this library are not responsible for any liability or expense users may incur in connection with the use of the Internet.

10. DCLS and this library strongly caution minors that they should not disclose personal identification information either in e-mail, chat rooms, or other direct electronic communication.

11. DCLS and this library advise adults to use extreme caution when disclosing personal identification information.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To insure that the user has agreed to library policies, a user must have a current Delaware County library card. All other adult non-card holders must agree in writing on behalf of themselves or their children to follow Electronic Information Network policies. Users must also follow the local library’s behavior policies.

2. Use of the Electronic Information Network computers is on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make the EIN service available to as many people as possible, library users share access to the EIN.

3. Users are provided a minimum of 40 minutes uninterrupted use, up to two hours each day.

4. Use beyond one hour may be granted at the discretion of the library staff based on demand. Users agree to make the computer available immediately if asked by staff.

5. Maximum of two people allowed at a computer at one time.

6. Users may not use their own software programs on the Electronic Information Network computers. This will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers.

7. Users must not download to the computer’s hard disk. Files downloaded from the Internet may not be opened on library Internet only computers.

WARNING: Although DCLS uses a virus-scanner on the Electronic Information Network computers, this will not completely protect users from the chance of getting a virus. Software and other data downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus, and users need to have virus scanning software on their home computer. Neither DCLS nor the local library is responsible for damage to a patron's disk or personal computer or other electronic device, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the library's computers.

8. Users will be charged $.30 per page printed in color, $.20 for black and white.

9. Computers must not be used to gain access to the library's administrative networks or computer system.

a. Users must not make any attempt to damage the library's computer equipment or software.

b. Users must not make any attempt to alter software or hardware configurations.

c. Users must not make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance.

10. Users shall be considerate of others and use this service in a non-disruptive manner.

a. Users must not consume large amounts of system resources or deliberately crash any library system computer.

b. Users must at all times comply with the local library code of behavior.

c. Users of the Electronic Information Network must be mindful that they are in a public building and must respect the presence of others.

d. Users must not view inappropriate images or materials as defined by the Federal Children’s Internet Protection Act, including visual depictions that are obscene, child pornographic or harmful to minors.

e. DCLS has procedures for implementing this policy for use in libraries.

11. Users must not use any library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose. Users must not violate copyright laws or licensing agreements in their use of library computers.

12. Violators may be prosecuted under Pennsylvania Law (24 P.S. Section 4427, P.L. 324, Art. IV Section 427, June 14, 1961 - Damaging Library Property). Violation will result in loss of access. Unlawful acts will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner, including, but not limited to, all costs to restore equipment and the Electronic Information Network to their proper operating condition. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for minors who violate this policy.

13. Conduct in violation of this policy, or the library’s behavior policy, will result in loss of access to the Electronic Information Network.

14. Users may not always be able to access the Internet sites they want to visit due to conditions on the Internet or the host site which are beyond the control of DCLS and this library.

The policy is subject to periodic review and revision as needed

Display Area Policy of the Upper Darby Township Libraries

The Upper Darby Township Free Public Libraries (“the Library”) maintain several display areas in its buildings. These areas are intended to be a channel of communication with the public. Use of these areas is governed by this policy.

The display areas are of two types:

■
Areas reserved for organized displays;

o These areas showcase displays of books, pictures, information, or objects on a specific theme for a pre-determined length of time. The displays may be organized and presented by the Library, community groups, or members of the general public.

o Currently, only the Sellers/Main Library has display facilities available for non-Library displays.

■
Areas reserved for temporarily posting informational notices.

o These areas are for the purpose of posting information by the Library, community groups or the general public. Community and public notices may be posted for a period of up to 30 days; Library notices may remain for longer periods.

o These facilities are available at all Library branches.

Displays and notices are subject to the following:

1. All displays or exhibits must be scheduled in advance with the Library. Library displays take precedence in a scheduling conflict.

2. The Library may reserve all or part of the notices areas for posting Library information only.

3. The Library must approve notices either in advance or at the time of posting. Approved notices will be stamped, dated and posted by designated staff.

4. Displays and notices may not advertise for-profit organizations or services of any type.

5. Non-profit organizations may display or post notices of fund-raising services, items, or activities with Library approval.

6. The Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to items on display.

7. The Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to posted notices or resulting from posted notices.

8. The Library is not responsible for the accuracy of any information presented in displays or notices not developed by the Library.

Contact the Reference Department or Branch Librarian for information on scheduling displays or posting notices.

Contact the Library Office at Sellers/Main for information or with questions concerning this policy.

Revised on 1/14/2005 5:06 PM

UPPER DARBY TOWNSHIP AND SELLERS MEMORIAL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES

LIBRARY MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY

POLICY STATEMENT

The Upper Darby Township & Sellers Memorial Free Public Library (Library) provides library services to all individuals within its service area regardless of age, race, creed, color, occupation, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status. The Library endeavors to represent all members of the community in its collection.

Library materials are selected, organized, preserved, and made freely and easily available to users within the assigned library service area. As part of various cooperative agreements, materials are also made available from within Delaware County, the state of Pennsylvania, and nationwide. No distinction is made based on the intended use of the materials.

The Library endorses both the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, adopted by the Council of the American Library Association (ALA).

1. Purpose:

   This policy will clarify for patrons and other concerned parties the principles and guidelines used by the Library to acquire, present, preserve, and when necessary, remove materials from its collections.

2. Definitions:

   The term library “materials” refers to print, non-print, ephemera, memorabilia, and electronic materials and resources. Formats are varied and will change over time due to popular interest and the necessity to remain technologically current.

3. Scope of the Collection:

   The collections of each library location in the Upper Darby system is considered when selections are made. While collections may overlap it is not possible to provide all resources at all locations. Certain collections may rotate between locations, while others are maintained at only one. Materials can be borrowed from any location and may also be available through the county delivery system.

   The Library’s collection is supplemented by access to the collections of the other member libraries of the Delaware County Libraries and by requests through the Interlibrary Loan Service of Delaware County Libraries, AccessPA, and WorldCat.

4. Responsibility for Selection:

   The responsibility for selection is shared by the professional members of the library staff under the supervision of the Library Director. Any library material so selected or rejected shall be held to be done so by the Library Board of Directors.

   Suggestions from staff members and the general public are welcome and are given consideration based on the criteria outlined in this policy.

5. Selection Principles:

   Professional resources, standard basic lists, popular “bestsellers” lists, and previewing and examination are used in the selection process.

   The following factors, in no specific order, are considered when selections are made:

   • Authority and competence in presentation

   • Accuracy of factual material, where pertinent

   • Quality

   • Currency

   • Potential interest of patrons/users

   • Contemporary significance

   • Permanent value

   • Relationship to the existing collection

   • Relative importance in comparison with other works on the subject

   • Scarcity of information in the subject area

   • Historical value

   • Usability/accessibility

   • Price

   • Format

   • Ease of use

   The Library collects non-book materials for recreation and education regardless of “permanent” value. Experimental and ephemeral materials are collected in limited numbers.

   Regarding electronic resources, the Library is not the owner of the resource or information but only facilitates or provides access to it. This access may be changed, reduced, or eliminated without notice by the producer, or other involved party, with no recourse possible on the part of the Library

   Certain materials, such as movies, video games, manga, and comic books, are rated by third party, non-library organizations. The ratings are generally included within the cataloging or otherwise indicated on the item. The Library takes no position on the accuracy or effectiveness of these ratings. It is the patron’s responsibility to use, interpret, or ignore these ratings when choosing materials. Cataloging or other labelling as “children’s” should be interpreted as guidelines only, intended to assist parents in supervising their child(ren)’s choices.

6. Gifts

   The Library applies the same selection principles to gifts as it does to materials it purchases. Gifts are welcome and accepted with the understanding that if they do not meet the needs of the Library’s collection, they will be disposed of in a suitable manner.

   Generally, books more than 5 years old will not be considered for the collection, unless it is related to or covers a special community event, person, or place. In that situation, it will be evaluated for inclusion in the Library’s Special Collection.

   In most cases, items that are not added to the library collection will be sold through the Friends of the Upper Darby Township & Sellers Memorial Free Public Library book sale, with the proceeds benefitting the Library. Any other disposition must be approved by the Director of the Library before the donation is accepted for review.

7. Special Situations:

   Self-Published Works

   While the Library attempts to use the standards outlined by this policy in evaluating self-published works, it recognizes that standard professional reviewing resources are rarely available for these items. In addition, these items are often sent directly to the Library by the author or someone acting on his/her behalf. Unsolicited items, whether received by mail or delivered in person, will be considered gifts and will be treated as described above. If an item is considered for addition to the collection but there are no third party reviews or evaluations available, the decision will be based on the judgment of the professional staff.

   Textbooks

   Textbooks and other curriculum-related materials are generally not collected by the Library.

   Special Collection

   The Library maintains a small collection of written materials, memorabilia, electronic recordings and other ephemera by, about and covering Upper Darby, several prominent residents, and in particular the Sellers Family. Access to these items may be limited due to the condition or form of the item or to its uniqueness. Where technologically possible, the Library will endeavor to make these items “virtually” accessible.

   Maintenance of the special collection is additionally governed by certain general accounting best practices requirements. To comply with these requirements, the Library formally adopted the policy that this collection cannot be sold unless the proceeds are used to acquire other collections or items of the same nature.

8. Maintenance of Collection

   As a part of ordinary operations, reasonable efforts will be made to repair items that have deteriorated or been damaged in the course of normal use.

   Periodically, it is necessary to remove or “weed” materials from the library’s collection. The process is performed by professional staff using professionally accepted standards and procedures. This may be required by any combination of the following factors:

   • Physical space needs

   • The physical condition of individual items or portions of the collection

   • Changing circulation patterns

   • The age of the item and the collection

   • Technological changes or advances

   Items that are lost, severely damaged or have deteriorated beyond use in the course of patron use will not be automatically replaced with a duplicate. The decision to replace items will be based on factors including but not limited to the currency of the item, its continued popularity, and its status as a “classic” or core component of a basic collection.

9. Restricting Access to Material/Censorship

   The Library Board of Directors recognizes the principle that while anyone is free to reject items for him/herself, no one can restrict the freedom of others to read or to access library resources.

   The Library, through the Board of Directors, strongly reaffirms that it defends the principles of the freedom to read and declares that whenever censorship is involved, no Library material shall be removed from the Library collection save under the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

   Parents/legal guardians are solely responsible for a child’s reading and other library use. The parent/legal guardian’s signature, required at registration, is considered acknowledgment of, and agreement to abide by, this provision. Access to materials is not and cannot be limited by the Library. Parents/legal guardians may limit or regulate access to materials for their child or children only.

   Any Delaware County Libraries cardholder or resident may request reconsideration of library materials by using the form provided by the Library. Items may be re-cataloged or their placement changed at the discretion of the Library Director if warranted after review.

   The Upper Darby Township & Sellers Memorial Free Public Library shares a catalog and collection with 26 other libraries. All requests for reconsideration of materials must be made to the entity owning the title in question. The policies and procedures of the owning entity will govern any such request. Any patron/community member may request ownership information of any item in the collection.

   As a member of the Delaware County Libraries, the Library complies with the DCL Electronic Information Network and Internet Safety Policy as it pertains to:

   • Appropriate use of the Internet and its resources

   • Filtering and accessibility of resources

   • Other user rights and responsibilities

   A copy of this policy may be found at

   http://www.delcolibraries.org/sites/default/files/einpolicy.pdf

10. Revision of Policy:

    This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Directors as needed.

Reviewed and Approved by the Board of Directors April 19, 1990.

Revised, reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors September 26, 2016.

Revised, reviewed, and approved by the Board of Directors September 26, 2022.

REQUEST TO RECONSIDER LIBRARY MATERIALS

The Board of Directors of the Upper Darby Township and Sellers Memorial Free Public Library has the responsibility to evaluate and select the resources and materials offered by the Library. The Board has delegated this responsibility to the Library Director. A copy of the Library Materials Selection Policy can be found at any Library location.

The UD Libraries endorse both the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement developed by the American Library Association (www.ala.org). The Libraries also recognize the right of Upper Darby Township residents with valid Delaware County Libraries cards to ask for reconsideration of specific resources or materials. Completion of this form initiates reconsideration of materials owned by UD Libraries. The Library Director and a committee of professional librarians will review this request.

The form to submit a Request to Reconsider Library Materials can be obtained from any Upper Darby Library branch. The form must be used in order to submit a request. For more information, please call the Upper Darby Libraries main branch at 610-789-4440.

Delaware County Library System Confidentiality Policy

September 2005

The Delaware County Library System (DCLS) and its member libraries adhere to Pennsylvania's Library Code (P.L. 324), including the confidentiality of circulation records. The law reads as follows:

4428: Library Circulation Records: Records related to the circulation of library materials which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of the State Library or any local library which is established or maintained under any law of the Commonwealth or the library of any university, college or educational institution chartered by the Commonwealth or the library of any public school or branch reading room, deposit station or agency operated in connection therewith, shall be confidential and shall not be made available to anyone except by a court order in a criminal proceeding.

The following policies govern the use of the DCLS shared patron database:

• Patron names will not appear on any circulation records available to the public (e.g. book cards).

• The patron database will not be used to generate any form of mailing lists: for example fundraising, programming, special appeals, etc. Such mailing lists should be developed from other sources of information, and maintained in a separate database.

• Notices of overdue or lost materials or the availability of reserved materials will not be sent on postcards.

• When notifying patrons of the availability of reserved or requested materials (e.g. ILL or holds), titles will not be given unless speaking to the person who made the request.

• Patrons will not be allowed to write their names directly on book reserve lists, because they would then have access to names and phone numbers of others on the list.

• Library staff will not tell someone the name of the patron who currently has material checked out or who has reserved or requested material.

• Library staff will not give out names, addresses, or phone numbers of patrons to the public.

Other policies

• Internet search history is cleared from the local computer each time the browser is closed.

• Libraries should make all reasonable effort to maintain patron confidentiality on computer sign-in sheets.