Library Policies

The Code of Conduct, available at any service desk, is for the comfort and protection of all. Persons who fail to follow the library's rules or who engage in unacceptable conduct will be required to leave the facility. Repetitive violation could mean permanent exclusion from the library.

All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by library personnel. These inspections are intended to prevent theft of materials. The library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the library.

Respect toward the library, its staff and other patrons:

• No loud talking or shouting
• Use of obscene or abusive language will not be tolerated.
• Do not play audio equipment so that others can hear it.
• Smoking is not allowed in the building or within 100 feet of the entrances.
• Seating is limited to the number of persons for whom the furniture is designed.
• Sleeping is not allowed in the library.
• Bicycles are not allowed in the library or at the entrances. All bicycles must be placed in the rack provided to the rear of the building.
• Skating of any kind (ie. rollerblading, skateboarding, heelys, etc.) is prohibited in the library or on the grounds.
• Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
• Eating or drinking is only allowed in designated areas - the exception is bottled water which may be consumed anywhere in the library.
• No cell phone use is allowed in the library. Phones should be turned off or to vibrate mode before entering and answered outside the library.
• Begging, panhandling, petitioning, soliciting, or loitering in or outside the library building is not allowed.
• Playing in or on the elevator or playing with the elevator telephone is prohibited and may violate the law.
• Running, horseplay, general rowdiness and throwing objects in the library are not allowed.
• Sexual harassment or misconduct will not be tolerated.
• Use of computers to view obscene or pornographic Internet sites is prohibited. (Please see Internet Acceptable Use Policy)
• Animals except for assistance dogs are not allowed in the library.
• No conduct deemed by library staff to be disruptive or offensive.

Children under 9 years of age:

The Children's Department is reserved for use by children, their parents or guardians, and adults interested in children's literature. Please make sure your young children are properly supervised and never left unattended. The Library can not assume responsibility for the care or supervision of children.(see Policy on Child Safety).

Revised by the Board of Library Trustees, June 22, 2009

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INTRODUCTION

The Billerica Public Library welcomes children of all ages to utilize our materials and services. We encourage the use of the library by children and parents together, especially as children are introduced to the services the library can provide.

The role of the staff at the Billerica Public Library is to assist children and parents in selecting materials, answering questions about library services and to encourage the use of additional programs and services as they are developed. In addition, our goal is to provide a safe atmosphere where children and adults alike feel welcome in the library. The Library is not equipped, and it is not the Library's role to provide long or short-term childcare.

DEFINITIONS:

For purposes of this policy the following definitions will be used:

Unattended Children:

• Under 9 years old and unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, or other caregiver;
• Under 9 years old and on a different floor of the Library from a parent, guardian, or other caregiver; or otherwise unsupervised by an adult/caregiver.
• Under 9 years old and being "supervised" by someone under 15 years old.

Caregiver:

• Any individual, at least 15 years of age who is responsible for a child.

STATEMENT OF POLICY:

Parents/attending caregivers are responsible for the child's behavior at all times while in the building. Children under 9 years old must remain in the company of the parent, guardian or caregiver age 15 years or older unless the child is participating in storytime or any other library program, in which case, the parent, guardian or caregiver is expected to remain in the Children's Room area and to join the child immediately at the end of the program.

Children age 9 and older may use the Library unattended providing they are mature enough to stay alone and observe proper conduct. Such children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the Library.

Library staff will not seek out unattended children but if an unattended child or a child being supervised by a child under 15 yrs old comes to the attention of staff, staff will attempt to locate the caregiver.

Revised by vote of the Board of Library Trustees 6/22/09

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"...that part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record as defined by clause twenty-six of section seven of chapter four."

Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 26 of the Massachusetts General Laws Annotated, entitled "Public Records," states the following:

"...'Public records' shall mean all books, papers, maps, photographs, recorded tapes, financial statements, statistical tabulations, or other documentary materials or data, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received by any officer or employee of any agency, executive office, department, board, commission, bureau, division or authority of the commonwealth, or of any political subdivision thereof, or of any authority established by the general court to serve a public purpose, unless such materials of data fall within the following exemptions in hat they are...that part of the registration or circulation records of every public library which reveals the identity of a borrower."

In accordance with the previously mentioned Massachusetts laws, the Billerica Public Library will only release patron records information as follows:

1. Delinquency information consisting of overdue materials will be released only to the patron whose card has such a delinquency. If the patron is under 14 years of age, said information may also be released to a parent or guardian.

2. Upon a patron's request, a list of materials checked out on their card only may be obtained. In the case of a patron under age 14, a parent or guardian may also request such information.

3. Under the provisions of the USA Patriot Act, which supercedes state confidentiality laws, a subpoena or search warrant presented by the FBI requires the library to turn over all information requested. A subpoena will allow time for the collection of the information, whereas, if a law enforcement officer presents a search warrant it may be executed immediately.

Revised and adopted March, 2003

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In order for a public library to be certified in Massachusetts it must meet certain minimum standard of funding and service mandated by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. A public library that does not meet the minimum standards is "decertified" by the Massachusetts Board of Library commissioners and is not eligible to receive state aid funding, apply for LSTA grant funds, or enter into any contracts with the region to provide supplemental services.

Massachusetts General Laws (605 CMR 4.01) state that certified public libraries are not required to loan materials to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries.

This policy aims to address the issue of the fair and appropriate use of Billerica tax dollars spent on public library service by limiting the reliance of a municipality with a decertified library on the Billerica Public Library and it?s resources.

The Billerica Public Library upholds the importance of maintaining at least the minimum standards of public library service required for public library certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and therefore will not loan materials to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries.

Public libraries that receive a waiver from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners are considered certified. Residents of municipalities in which the library has received a waiver will be permitted to borrow materials.

As stated in the Mass. General Laws (605 CMR 4.01) "all residents of the Commonwealth shall have access to reading and reference rooms under the same conditions as residents of the community." Therefore the Billerica Public Library welcomes residents of all municipalities. However, residents of municipalities with decertified libraries are only able to use library resources within the bounds of the library building.

The Board of Library Trustees of the Billerica Public Library therefore direct the Library Director to deny borrowing privileges, including interlibrary loan, to residents of communities with closed or decertified libraries.

12/03

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     The Library endeavors to present a broad spectrum of opinion and a variety of viewpoints, as it relates to displays and exhibits. As is the case with book selection, the Library will exercise judgment as to current usefulness or interest, authority and competence of presentation, importance as a record of the times, relevance to the collection and standards of quality in content and format. All sides of an issue deserve equal representation over time. In presenting displays and exhibits, the Library does not imply endorsement of the beliefs or viewpoints of their subject matter.

General Guidelines

1. Use of exhibit spaces for Library purposes takes precedence over other uses.
2. Exhibit spaces may not be used for entrepreneurial or commercial purposes, for the solicitation of business, for profit or for fundraising.
3. Religious proselytizing and partisan political recruitment are similarly prohibited; educational exhibits on these subjects are allowed.
4. No display materials will be offered for sale through the Library.
5. Permanent exhibits will not normally be accepted, although the Library itself may solicit exceptional materials if available without conditions.
6. The Library will not charge for the use of exhibit space.
7. Press releases or other promotion of the exhibit shall not imply endorsement of the viewpoints put forth in the exhibit. Publicity shall be written or approved by the Library.
8. Displays will be for a prescribed time with the owner responsible for installation and removal. The Library will not provide storage prior to its installation or subsequent to its removal.
9. The Library does not provide insurance coverage for exhibit items. Exhibitors are responsible for providing coverage for items exhibited or they exhibit at their own risk.
10. The Library reserves the right to determine which area in the Library will be used for any display.

Booking Procedures

     Exhibit space may be booked through the Library Director's office or by a designee on a first come, first served basis. Exhibits may be booked up to one year in advance. The duration of most exhibits will be a month; however, the Library reserves the right to deviate from the one month rule when deemed appropriate.

Community Bulletin Board Policy

     As a public information agency, the Library provides space on a bulletin board located inside the main entrance for the purpose of announcing items of general interest, which are non-profit in nature. Information on the bulletin board does not necessarily represent the views of the Library, its staff or the Board of Library Trustees and does not imply their endorsement.

General Guidelines

1. All postings must be approved (stamped and dated) by the Library Director or designee on duty. Any questionable posting will be brought to the attention of the Library Director who will make the final determination of appropriateness within the policy.
2. No posting may exceed 8" 1/2 X 11"
3. Postings may be displayed for up to three weeks prior to an event and will be removed immediately following the event. Due to space restraints, it is at the discretion of the Library Director to determine how long a posting for a series of events will remain.
4. Postings must state the specific date of an event and contact person.
5. Postings of any one event will be limited to one (1).
6. Commercial advertising or solicitation of any kind can not be accepted. Personal advertising for services or products is prohibited as well.
7. Inquiries regarding events and activities described on postings must be directed to the sponsors of the event, program, etc. and not to the library staff.
8. Priority will be given to community-sponsored postings.
9. Materials not suitable for posting on the Library's bulletin board may be considered "Give Away" materials.

"Give Away" Materials

     The Library accepts flyers, newspapers, college and university class offerings and schedules, etc. for "Give Away" areas in the Library. These materials should be referred to the Library Director or a designee for distribution.

Revised and Adopted May, 2002

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INTRODUCTION:

     To fulfill our mission, the Billerica Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet. The Billerica Public Library makes this service available in order to offer a broadly defined program of informational, educational, recreational, and cultural enrichment opportunities to all patrons regardless of age and background. Billerica Public Library's access to the Internet is provided through the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.

     The Billerica Public Library subscribes to and fully supports the principles of intellectual freedom laid out in the American Library Association's Bill of Rights and the American Library Association's Statement on Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.

DISCLAIMER OF RELIABILITY:

     Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. Some information accessed electronically may not meet the standards of the Billerica Public Library's Material Selection Policy. The accuracy and authenticity of electronic information is not guaranteed by the Billerica Public Library.

A MESSAGE TO PATRONS ABOUT THE SERVICES AVAILABLE:

     Library staff cannot provide in-depth training but may be able to assist on an informal, one-on-one basis. Staff is available to offer suggestions for search strategies and to answer questions about the Internet and to provide you with the information on how to evaluate websites. The staff will be happy to help you find circulating books and reference materials in the Library about the Internet to further assist you.

SPECIFIC RULES:

1. Use of the Internet is limited to 60 minutes when other patrons are waiting for the computer.
2. No more than two people may use any workstation at a time.
3. The Library cannot provide e-mail accounts to patrons.
4. There is a cost for printing materials from the Internet. Downloading material from the Internet to a home computer or a floppy disk is acceptable and preferred for larger documents. 3.5 floppy disks may be purchased at the Reference Desk.
5. Documents may not be saved on the library's computers.
6. Personal software may not be installed on the library's computers.
7. You may use computers at the Billerica Public Library for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
8. The library strives to balance the rights of patrons to access all types of information resources with the rights of patrons and staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and visuals. Patrons are reminded that the library's computer terminals are located in public areas that are shared with library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images. You may not send, receive or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene by any local, state or federal laws. The deliberate display of obscene¹ materials is prohibited as a violation of Massachusetts General Law.²
9. Use of a public Internet workstation to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others, or to seek disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet is prohibited.
10. Any unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification regarding minors is prohibited.
11. You may not use Billerica Public Library computers to solicit funds or sell products or services.

     The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. Individual users are reminded that they are responsible for the sites they choose to access. The Billerica Public Library will not deny or abridge access to information available via electronic resources because of alleged controversial content, because of perceptions of the value of the material, or because of the age or background of the user.

     However, as a reasonable balance between the above-stated commitment to provide information freely and the presence of material and graphics on the Internet that are unsuitable for children, the Library will provide filters on computers in the children's room to guard against inadvertent and often unwanted access to this material. Children, for whom the filter restricts research, will be able to access needed information on the computers in the adult area.

     Parents of minor children are responsible for their child's use of the Internet while in the Library. As with all library materials, any restriction of a child's access is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian, not the library staff. Parents are encouraged to work closely with their children in selecting Internet sites. You may wish to supervise your children's Internet sessions.

LOCAL LIABILITIES:

     All users of this service agree to hold the Billerica Public Library harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to the use of the Internet. Patrons are responsible for any intentional destruction or damage to computer equipment. As with all library material, unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials available on the Internet is illegal. Library staff reserves the right to ensure compliance with the Internet policy. Staff may ask users to remove themselves from Library equipment if they observe any behavior that they judge to be in conflict with this policy. Any purchases that your child makes, with or without your knowledge, will be your responsibility.

     Violation of the policies and guidelines governing the use of the library's Internet resources may result in a suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources.

     The Trustees of the Billerica Public Library reserve the right to set policy and rules relating to every aspect of Internet use in the Library.

Revised and adopted 3/31/03

¹ The standard for "obscenity" was set forth in Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973).

² MGL, Chapter 272, Section 29: Crimes Against Morality, Good Order - Dissemination or Possession of Obscene Matter; and Chapter 272, Section 31: Crimes Against Morality, Good Order - Definitions.

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OBJECTIVES OF THE LIBRARY

The Billerica Public Library provides free service to all individuals in the community, both children and adults. Its objectives include the provision of expertly selected materials in various formats to aid the individual in the pursuit of education, information, pleasure, or research, and in the creative use of leisure time. The Library recognizes that it must assume leadership in the battle against ignorance, intolerance and indifference.

To achieve these ends, the Library provides educational service to adults, seeking thereby to direct the individual toward a continuous learning process. It also provides special service to children and young people and seeks to direct and stimulate these readers by offering them a carefully selected collection of books and other materials, as well as, skilled individual guidance.

Careful consideration is given to the introduction of new formats to Library collections. Budget considerations, community needs, and the probable impact on existing resources are all reviewed before items are selected and introduced to collections in a new format.

The selection of material in any new format may result in the Library's decision to retire specific items or material formats from its collections in order to accommodate responsibly trends in user demands and/or changes in technology.

The Library provides service to all, within the context of library objectives, regardless of race, creed, color, age, occupation, or financial position.

Basic to the Library's materials selection and gift policy is the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom To Read, and Freedom to View Statements adopted by the American Library Association.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIAL SELECTION

Ultimate responsibility for material selection lies with the Board of Trustees. The Board delegates to the Library Director the authority for the selection of materials and the development of the collection.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

"Material" is defined in the broadest possible context. The key criteria is useful content not form.

The objective of material selection is to provide those print and non-print materials that meet the standards of good literature and to collect other library materials that will inform, entertain and contribute to an appreciation of good literature, as well as, those materials which meet the needs and interests of the library user.

Library materials are selected by the Director and by the Library staff. Competent and authoritative reviewing media and basic lists of standard works are consulted as an aid in selection. Serious consideration is given to recommendations by library users for materials to be added to the collection.

The Director will review individual decisions regarding specific materials upon written request. (see attached form) However, the Library resists at all times the efforts of any individuals, organizations or pressure groups to dictate purchase or removal of so-called objectionable books or other materials from the shelves.

Within the standards of purpose and quality, the Library's collection will be built to meet the needs and interests of the community. Every print and non-print selection is subjected to the following criteria as they are applicable:

1. Current interest and usefulness
2. Permanent value
3. Comprehensiveness in scope
4. Importance as a record of the times
5. Relevance to the existing collection
6. High standards of quality in content, format etc.
7. Authority and competence in presentation

MATERIAL SELECTION FOR CHILDREN

The same principles that guide the selection of materials as stated in the adult materials selection policy are applicable to the selection of materials for children. The Billerica Public Library cooperates with the school libraries so that the services of the two agencies may compliment each other. It recognizes that it is the function of the school library to furnish curriculum-related materials, whereas, the public library provides a more comprehensive collection.

The children's collection is carefully selected, by professionals trained in children's literature, for children of all ages and abilities, with emphasis on materials to stimulate imagination and help in the development of a taste for good literature, as well as, stimulating a taste for reading, in general.

Materials for young people are selected to help teenagers to know and understand the world at large and to aid them in becoming mature and knowledgeable adults.

USE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

The Library recognizes that many materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selections will be made not on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the work in relation to building a broad based collection and to serving the interest of library users.

Library materials will be not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and no catalogued book or other item will be sequestered, except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft.

The use of rare and scholarly items of great value may be controlled to the extent required to preserve them from harm, but no further.

Responsibility for the reading, viewing and listening of children rests with their parents and legal guardian. Library materials selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that items of a controversial nature may inadvertently come in to the possession of children.

SCOPE OF THE COLLECTION

The Library takes cognizance of the collections of neighboring libraries and of regional and national resources and will not needlessly duplicate services and materials. Every effort is made to locate and borrow from other libraries, through Interlibrary Loan, those specialized materials that are beyond the scope of the Library's collection.

Textbooks are not ordinarily purchased by the Library except in those subject areas where material in another form is not conveniently available.

The Library acknowledges a particular interest in local and state history, and in the works of local authors. The same standards of selection are applicable.

GIFTS

The Library welcomes gift books, materials and other items of a permanent nature with the understanding that it will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria and objectives by which purchased materials are judged. When the Library receives a cash gift or something along the lines of a memorial, the selection will be made by the Director in consultation with the donor. The name of the donor or person memorialized may be entered or attached to the item as is fitting.

MAINTAINING THE COLLECTION

The same criteria will be used in "weeding" materials from the collection as is used in the acquisition of materials. The goal of weeding the collection is to maintain an up to date, relevant and attractive collection.

Request for Reconsideration of Purchase by Library

REVISION OF THE POLICY

This statement of policy will be revised as times and circumstances require.

Revised and Adopted, April 2009

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     The Trustees of the Billerica Public Library have set forth the following policy in an attempt to ensure fair access to those who wish to use the meeting room facilities of the Library. There is a large Meeting Room on the lower level. It seats 70-75 people. This room is also divisible into two smaller rooms seating 20 on one side and 50 on the other. The Conference Room, located on the second floor, has seating for 12 people.  

     Use of Library Meeting Rooms by any group signifies acceptance of the terms of this policy.

General Guidelines

1. Library meeting areas are used primarily for library-sponsored activities and therefore, the library retains the right to give priority to library-sponsored meetings, events, and programs in scheduling meeting room use.
2. Meeting rooms at the Billerica Public Library are designed for groups that engage in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities.  All meetings must be free and open to the public. Groups which are affiliated with a business or commercial organization, enterprise or any other type of entity which exists primarily for profit may not use the meeting facilities.
3. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the meeting rooms.
4. Meeting rooms may not be used for social gatherings such as showers, birthday parties, dances, or any other closed meeting.
5. Meeting Rooms are available for use during regular service hours on days the Library is open. NO ONE may enter the Library prior to 9a.m. No meeting may extend beyond 8:45p.m.
6. Room set up is not provided by the Library. Time for setting up and cleaning up afterwards should be included in the meeting time requested.
7. The Library assumes no responsibility for private property brought into the building.
8. Library staff will not take or deliver messages for meeting participants except in an emergency.
9. Groups are responsible for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and for providing qualified interpreters or auxiliary aids, upon request, for their programs.
10. Study groups are permitted to use the meeting rooms upon availability but must fill out an application and follow all rules and regulations. There is a five (5) person minimum for each room.
11. Non-profit organizations may collect donations to cover incidental expenses only, but may not solicit donations for fund-raising purposes or make sales, except for the sole benefit of the Library.
12. Use of the Library's meeting rooms does not constitute or imply an endorsement of viewpoints by participants in the program in the program by any library staff or by the board of Trustees.

Reservations

1. Requests for use of a meeting room may be made in person or by telephone.
2. Reservations from organizations for use of the meeting space must be made on the Library's application form submitted to the Assistant Director. Reservations for meeting space is not guaranteed unless an application form is signed and submitted 72 hours in advance. It is your responsibility to return the signed application 72 hours in advance. no one from the Library will contact you. if a signed application is not received, your reservation may be canceled.
3. Applications for use of the meeting space may be obtained at the reference desk or online. Completed applications must be returned or mailed to the Billerica Public Library -- Attention Meeting Room Reservations.
4. Requests will be honored on a first-com, first served basis.
5. Rooms may be booked no more than 60 days in advance.
6. Notice of cancellation should be made as soon as possible.  After 30 minutes, a group may forfeit its reservation if it fails to appear as scheduled.
7. If a group fails to show for two meetings in a row and does not call to cancel, all future reservations are forfeited until the group calls to reschedule.

Care and Use of Facilities

1. Please leave meeting rooms as they are found.  If the furniture is rearranged, it should be returned to the original arrangement at the end of the meeting.
2. Furniture and/or equipment from the main area of the Library may not be brought into meeting rooms.
3. Equipment, supplies, or personal effects cannot be stored or left in Library meeting rooms before or after use.
4. Attendance at meetings will be limited to the capacity of the individual meeting rooms.  Seating and/or supplementary furniture are not allowed in corridors outside the meeting rooms.
5. Simple refreshments may be served.  Only clear liquids (e.g. apple juice) may be served -- no fruit punches or grape juice. The Library will provide a coffeepot, but cups, utensils cream, sugar, or other equipment, and supplies will be the responsibility of the group.
6. There will be no cooking or food preparation on site.
7. Please clean the kitchen facilities thoroughly if used; trash must be bagged.
8. The individual making the reservation, as well as the membership of the group as a whole, will be held responsible for any and all damages that may occur as a result of the use of the facilities.
9. The contact person for each user is responsible for ensuring that each member of his or her group is aware of and abides by these regulations.
10. Users of the meeting space may be asked to leave if use is deemed disruptive or in anyway contrary to library policy.
11. Groups failing to comply with any part of this policy or the established procedures will be denied further use of the meeting room.
12. Any question of interpretation of this policy will be referred to the Director.  Final determination rests with the Board of Trustees.

Use of Library meeting rooms by any group signifies acceptance of the terms of this policy.

Revised April 29, 2002

Effective July 1, 2002

Meeting Room Application Agreement

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The Library does not allow solicitation by any for-profit organizations in the Library. Permission to solicit for non-profit organizations in the Library will be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees and will be limited to those organizations whose mission is in keeping with the stated mission of the Library or those which provide a direct financial benefit to the Library.

 Adopted by the Board of Trustees
November 25, 2002

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Purpose:

The Study Rooms are available to small groups for non-profit, educational, civic and cultural purposes. The rooms are not available for partisan political meetings, operating a business, selling merchandise or services, soliciting for later sales, or for social events. For-profit use is permitted under limited circumstances consistent with the Library's objective of providing a suitable learning environment for research, study and reading. On example of an approved for-profit use is a paid tutor. Although individuals may use the Study Rooms, when available, the rooms are intended for group work or study rather than individual office space. The rooms are not sound-proof and reasonable noise may be heard between rooms. No noticeable noise should be heard outside of the room while it is in use. The Library offers a number of quiet and secluded study carrels throughout the second floor for use by individuals.

Monitoring:

All Study Rooms are monitored by electronic surveillance equipment. Staff will ask individuals to leave if they disturb others or engage in destructive behavior.

Registration and Rules:

1. The person responsible for the condition of the room must register and give their name and phone number to the staff person at the Reference Desk.
2. The person responsible must leave either a picture ID, an MVLC library card, or car keys with the Reference Librarian.
3. When more than one person will be using a Study Room, one person from the group must leave either a picture ID, library card, or keys and will be responsible for the Study Room's condition during use.
4. The limit is 4 people per study room.
5. The Study Room will be unlocked by the Reference Librarian. The key will kept at the Reference Desk.
6. Rooms shall remain unlocked during use.
7. When the room is vacated, the responsible person must come to the Reference Desk to receive their ID or other identifying item back.
8. The Study Rooms are not storage areas. Once a group or individual signs up for the room, it may remain unoccupied for no more than 20 minutes. The Library is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen property. The Library reserves the right to remove items left unattended in the rooms for 20 minutes or more.
9. Study Rooms are occupied on a first come, first served basis. Study Rooms may not be reserved in advance. The Library reserves the right to allocate a Study Room for a Library sponsored program or meeting.
10. Study Rooms may be booked for four hours at a time. After that time, a person or group may continue for an additional one hour if no one is waiting for the room.
11. Users may not move tables or chairs into or remove them from Study Rooms without permission.
12. No alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or food may be used in the Study Rooms. Only bottled water is allowed.
13. Windows may not be opened in any Study Room.
14. Heaters are provided for each Study Room. They must be turned- off and unplugged before leaving the Study Room.
15. All Study Rooms must be vacated 15 minutes prior to closing.
16. Cell phones are not permitted anywhere in the Library including Study Rooms.
17. All Library policies apply to persons using the Study Rooms including but not limited to the Library Code of Conduct and the Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

Responsibility of Study Room Users:

1. The person who registers for the room with be held financially responsible for any damage done to the room and its furnishings by anyone during the time period registered.
2. The responsible person will inspect the room prior to use and repost any damage or vandalism of the room to staff at the Reference Desk.
3. The person who registers for the room will be held responsible for any unreported damage.
4. The room will be left in clean condition. No eating, smoking or drinking (except water) is allowed in the Study Rooms.
5. Failure to abide by any of the rules pertaining to the use of the Study Rooms will result in the suspension of further Study Room privileges.

Revised and Approved 11/23/09
Billerica Public Library Trustees

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Selection of Volunteers

     Volunteers are selected based on their qualifications in relation to the needs of the library at any given time, and based on their ability to commit to a consistent schedule of volunteer hours.

     Prospective volunteers are requested to fill out an application form and will be interviewed by the appropriate staff member.

Roles and Responsibilities

      The library depends on its volunteers for a wide variety of tasks. We ask that volunteers be reliable in their commitment to the library and notify the library in advance if they are unable to work their regularly scheduled time slot. In turn, volunteers will be notified immediately on any given day when the library opens late or closes early for any reason.

      Volunteers are expected to refer all requests for information to the library staff, other than purely directional questions (e.g. where is the bathroom; where is the children's room, etc.)

      Volunteers are asked to keep an accurate record of the hours they work each week. Training and Supervision

     Volunteers will receive specific training in their assigned duties. All reasonable care will be taken to ensure the safety of volunteers and to make sure the volunteer feels comfortable in their assignment.

      Typically, a volunteer works a 2-3 hour time slot each week. Individual work schedules and specific time commitments will be mutually arranged in advance.

Community Service

     Persons who seek volunteer assignments at the Billerica Public Library to meet a requirement set by an outside agency for the performance of community service shall be subject to the above selection process and all other provisions of this policy.