Mission Statement and Policies

The Mission Statement of the Windsor Public Library:The Windsor Public Library encourages all community members to pursue knowledge, enrichment, and enjoyment through shared reading materials, digital resources, programs and events.

Policies:

    Rules of Conduct

  1. Standards: The Windsor Public Library will meet the Vermont State minimum standards for such a library. The Windsor Public Library does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, income or disability with regard to employment or patron practices.
  2. Borrowers: Permanent residents of the community may register as borrowers without charge. Non-Windsor residents will be charged a yearly fee of $30 per individual, $60 per family, or $80 per institution per year.
  3. Hours: The library will be open at times that reflect the needs of the community, including some hours during the evening or weekend.
  4. Privileges: All patrons are encouraged to participate in library programs, borrow books and materials, request interlibrary loan service when required, ask for staff assistance, and use patron computers (see Internet Policy). Service and loan privileges will be denied only for due cause as determined by the librarian. For example, “due cause” may include a misuse of library materials or the building; negligence in returning library materials when due; failure to make proper restitution for lost materials; unruly, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior.
  5. Limitations: The library will not be used for the following purposes: Political advertising, by party or candidate; cash donation boxes of any sort (other than the library’s own “conscience box”); sale of commercial products, except for charitable purposes specifically authorized by the librarian and trustees; signing of petitions.
  6. Library Bill of Rights: The Windsor Public Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement.
  7. Selection Policy of the Library:The Board of Trustees has adopted the following Selection Policy along with the ALA “Library Bill of Rights,” and its “Freedom to Read” statement. The authority for the selection of specific materials rests with the librarian, within the framework of these policies. The librarian utilizes their professional judgment and expertise, enhanced by an understanding of our community needs, from the pre-school child through adult. For the process, they will use authoritative professional reviews, standard lists of basic works, and recommendations from professional journals. The public may also recommend materials which will receive careful consideration in terms of overall objectives and the existing book collection.
         Regarding the selection and/or withdrawal of library materials, the librarian will consider the above-mentioned functions of our library, the overall needs of the community, and the possible budgetary restrictions. The librarian may borrow requested materials that are beyond the scope of our collection through the Vermont Department of Libraries. All materials acquired should meet high standards of quality in content, expression, and form.
         Evaluative factors are: factual accuracy and authoritativeness, effective expression, significance of subject, sincerity and responsibility of opinion, current usefulness, interest, and permanent value. Relevance to the reading public and to the existing collection is very important. Each work shall be appraised as a creative unified whole with consideration given to the total purpose of the items. Works which do not meet all of the standards, but are of great interest, may be purchased to meet a strong, though temporary, need.
         The form of materials (books, periodicals, video cassettes, pamphlets, tapes, films, recordings, maps, pictures, etc.) should be appropriate to the content and use. The physical condition of the medium and the quality of its technical production must be evaluated. The criteria used in selection will apply to the systematic removal or replacement of materials. Each withdrawal or replacement should be judged individually with reference to standard library tools and catalogs, and the existing collection as a whole. Special collections will be an exception, i.e., Vermont authors. The librarian will dispose of withdrawn materials at his or her discretion.
         Areas of Special Concern: Works of fiction should meet the literary standards of the period in which they were written. The language and style should be suitable to the content and author’s purpose. Current novels which might be considered experimental in nature, objectionable or sensational by some members of the community should nevertheless be included in the collection, if they meet the general criteria.   
         Textbooks are not generally purchased, except in cases when suitable material is not readily available in other forms. The public library collection should serve as a complement to the resources already available to students and should enrich their resources for personal interest or individual projects.
         The library does not attempt to develop a comprehensive research collection in any one field, with the exception of local history. The library does not provide facilities specific to the preservation of historic materials. Books of a highly technical or specialized nature are inappropriate to the general needs of the library community. Selections in the area of law, medicine, and related subjects are restricted to those of interest to laymen.
         An attempt is made to acquire authoritative material representing all points of view and all sides of controversial issues. The library does not promote particular beliefs or views, but instead presents quality materials containing opposing views for examination by the public. The presence of an item in the library does not indicate endorsement of its content by the library. The library will resist efforts to force inclusion of proselytizing works representing political, economic, moral, religious, or other vested positions when these materials do not conform to the selection policies. In no case should any material be excluded from the collection because of the race or nationality, or the political or religious views of the author.
         The trustees of the Windsor Public Library affirm the confidentiality of library materials borrowed or requested by any individual patron and will protect the confidentiality insofar as possible. Circulation records are likewise protected.
  8. Procedures for Patron’s Complaint on Selections: A reader’s complaint is to be treated with courtesy, respect, and promptness. He or she is asked to complete a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form, which is to be submitted to the Board of Trustees. The Board and the librarian will then reexamine the item, and answer the complaint with reasons cited from library policy statements.
  9. Interlibrary Loan Policy: The librarian may loan books to other libraries in the state for use of their members without charge, subject to the rules and regulations of the Windsor Public Library. Such libraries shall be held responsible for the safe return of the books so loaned.
  10. Censorship: Materials of the required quality, serving the purposes of the library, and relating to an existing need or interest, will not be removed from the collection because of pressure by groups of individuals expressing disapproval. Children have free access to all library materials. It is deemed the responsibility of parents to determine what their children, and only their own children, may read. The selection of materials will not be restricted by the possibility that young people may obtain materials which their parents consider inappropriate. In the event a library user wishes to protest the inclusion of a particular item in the collection, he or she must submit a written complaint (see item 8 above). This form should be completed in full and submitted to the librarian, who will refer it to the Board of Trustees with a recommendation for appropriate action.
  11. Use of Library Materials: All members of the Windsor Public Library may borrow books and audio materials for a period of two weeks, renewable for another two weeks with the consent of the librarian at the desk. Local educators may borrow books for classroom use for a month at the discretion of the librarian. Visual materials may be borrowed for a period of one week. No one shall remove any library material for any purpose without the knowledge and consent of the librarian. The books are the property of the Windsor Public Library and the library staff are the custodians of that property. The librarian shall be in charge of ordering all library materials, in keeping with the allotment for the annual budget.
    Lost Items: A patron is billed for an item reported lost or not returned. A $2.00 processing fee per item will be added to the patron’s bill. Service and loan privileges will be withdrawn if the bill is not paid.
    Damaged Items: The procedure for lost items is followed for an item returned in a condition that makes it unusable.
    Overdue Items: Patrons are expected to return borrowed items on time. It is the policy of the Windsor Public Library to encourage the return of borrowed items. “Conscience box” donations are accepted in lieu of fines for late items. Borrowing privileges may be curtailed if the items are not returned within one month from the due date.
  12. Acceptance of Gifts: The library itself is pleased to accept donations of books as well as money. All gifts to the Library in excess of $100, except books and unrestricted cash donations, shall be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval and acceptance. The library will accept gifts with the understanding that the materials will be added to the library or its collection only when needed; if not added, the library has the right of disposal and may sell, give away, or discard the item(s) at its discretion. If disposal is through sale, the library will retain the proceeds. Once the library accepts a gift it will not be returned. The items may not be retained or catalogued as an inclusive collection. The Windsor Public Library offers no services for pick up of donated materials. The library will, if requested, provide a written acknowledgment of the receipt of gifts, but in accordance with income tax regulations will leave the determination of a value of the donation to the donor. (See Release of Donated Materials Form)
         The library cannot afford to integrate into the collection any material it would not buy, if money were available, and will screen gifts of periodicals, pamphlets, newspapers, books, audiovisual materials, etc., using the same selection policies as are used for purchase.
    Memorial Books: Memorial books are accepted by the library. Patrons wishing to make such a gift should consult with the librarian before making a choice of book(s).
    Exhibits: The library will not accept as a gift any item or objects if the condition of acceptance requires permanent exhibition of the item or object, or requires that the material be kept together as a separate physical entity. The library is not a museum and will rarely accept objects. Except for temporary exhibit purposes, the library will not accept storage responsibilities for historical documents or objects owned or controlled by groups or individuals.
  13. Fundraising: Prior to any fundraising activities to benefit the Library, including activities by members of the Board of Trustees, the Friends of Windsor Public Library, and affiliated or independent organizations or individuals, a proposal describing the fundraising activity shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval and acceptance at least a month prior to the event. Such proposals shall include, but not be limited to:
    • Description of the event, including date and time
    • Expense and profit projections
    • All written language that shall be used in publicly presented documents, materials and other presentation formats
    • Purpose or goal of the event including specific designated use of funds
    • The amount or percent of funds raised that will directly benefit the Library within the calendar year shall be clearly stated on all materials as well as purpose or goal of the fundraising event
    • An explanation on all public materials shall be furnished relating to any funds which shall not benefit the library within the calendar year
  14. Public Advocacy and Relations: Prior to any advocacy or public relation activities to benefit the Library, including activities by members of the Board of Trustees, the Friends of Windsor Public Library, and affiliated or independent organizations or individuals, a proposal describing the activity shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval and acceptance at least a month prior to the event. Such activities shall include but not be limited to: letter writing, public solicitations, and other general activities where the name Windsor Public Library is presented to the public.
  15. Non Book Acquisitions: The Director of the Library shall submit timely proposals for acquisition of non-budgeted items or expenditures to the Board of Trustees for approval and acceptance.
  16. INTERNET USE and PUBLIC WIRELESS ACCESS POLICY: By choosing to use library computers, Internet access or public wireless service, patrons of the Windsor Public Library agree to abide by the following Internet Use Policy.
  • INTERNET USE
    Introduction: The Windsor Public Library provides community access to the Internet for information and research, intellectual development and freedom, and for enrichment and encouragement of lifelong learning. The Internet is accessible via the patron computer stations as well as wirelessly. Anyone with a WiFi-enabled device (laptop, smart-phone, tablet, etc.) can access the wireless network. Abusive or illegal activities are prohibited while using the Library’s Internet or wireless service.

    Internet Access: The Internet, an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting valuable information of all types, is unregulated and offers access to information that is inaccurate, biased, illegal, or that may be offensive or disturbing to some users. The Library does not monitor an individual’s use of the Internet; nor does the Library employ filtering software.

    Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users: Library staff will not electronically monitor a user’s Internet use. Time limits will be monitored in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user, or the parent/guardian of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet activity at all times. The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or in the event that a user violates Library policy. The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, not the Library, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.

    Disclaimer: The Library strives to provide citizens with access to information of the highest quality; however, the Library specifically disclaims any warrant as to the accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, or usefulness of content located via the Internet. The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library’s Internet service.

    Using the Library Computers
    Computer Use - General:
  • Patron computers will be available for use on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • All users must check-in at the main desk before each use.
  • Use is limited to 1/2 hour per patron per day
  • Only 2 people may use a computer workstation at one time.
  • Printing through the workstation costs 15 cents per black and white page, or 75 cents per color page. The library reserves the right to suspend or terminate an individual’s use of the computer workstation for:
    • Delinquent library accounts including overdue materials. *
    • Violation of computer system integrity;
    • Unauthorized tampering with computer hardware or software;
    • Storage of data to anything other than a personal storage device;
    • Violation of software license agreements or copyright laws;
    • Violation of another user’s privacy;
    • Displaying sexually explicit material;
    • Compromising the safety and security of others or the property of others.

Unacceptable Uses of Library Computers
Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
  • Response to Violations: Failure to comply with this policy and related library procedures may result in the suspension of access to library computers or to Internet service in the library.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the library’s position regarding accessibility to library records by individuals or institutions other than library personnel. The Windsor Public Library respects the right of privacy of all its patrons regarding the use of this library. Library records are protected under Vermont Statute, Title 22, Chapter 4, Sections 171-173.

  1. The Windsor Public Library Board of Trustees recognizes that, in accordance with 22 V.S.A. chapter 4, its patron circulation records and transaction records identifying the names of library patrons are confidential in nature. This policy is upheld in the ALA Policy Manual, Code of Ethics, point III: “We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.” Confidentiality of patron records is also protected in 1 V.S.A, chapter 5, § 317 (c), paragraph 19 and 22 V.S.A. chapter 4 §171.
  2. All library employees and volunteers will be advised that such records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power. Should such cases arise, the Library Director will consult with legal counsel, who will provide advice on the correct procedure to follow.
  3. Certain records may be shared at the library’s initiative in matters relating to the safety and security of library facilities, collections, personnel, and patrons, under exemptions as defined in 22 V.S.A chapter 4 § 172.
  4. All cases involving confidentiality shall be reported to the Board of Trustees, unless prohibited by existing federal legislation.

Records Retention

Library records containing personal information on a patron that are protected by V.S.A. 1, section 317, will be retained according to the schedule below:

 

TYPE OF RECORD 

RETAIN

Public Access Computer session history

Current session only

Adult patron registration forms

Until patron is no longer active (card expires and one year passes with no renewal.)

Teen patron registration forms

Until patron is no longer active (card expires and one year passes with no renewal) or transitions to adult card

Juvenile patron registration forms

Until patron is no longer active (card expires and one year passes with no renewal)or reaches 12th birthday and transitions to teen card

PATRON DATABASE 

ACTION

Patron card expired with no items out

Retain 1 year

Adult patron request to be removed from database

Immediate upon proof of ID and written request 

Parent or legal guardian request to remove juvenile (under 11-years-old) registration record from database

Immediate upon proof of ID and written request

Policy developed with input from Brooks Memorial Library’s policy and VT Department of Libraries.

II. WIRELESS ACCESS
This service is free of charge and subject to the terms of the Windsor Public Library’s Internet Use Policy and terms and conditions of use as follows:

A. LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS: Wireless access is provided as a public service free of charge on an as-is basis with no guarantee and no warranty. The Library’s wireless network is subject to periodic maintenance and unforeseen downtime. There are risks involved with connecting to a public wireless connection, such as possible viruses, malware, loss of data, possible hacking/snooping by others connected, and possible hardware/software failure. It is the user’s responsibility to protect his/her information from all risks associated with using the Internet, including any damage, loss, or theft that may occur as a result of using the Library’s wireless access.

All Library Wi-Fi users should have up-to-date antivirus software installed on their computers/devices. The laptop computer/device owner is responsible for setting up his/her own equipment to access the Library’s wireless network. The Library cannot provide more than general assistance in getting connected to the wireless network. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety or security of equipment; users must keep their equipment with them at all times.

In using this free Internet access, users agree and hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless, the Windsor Public Library, its officers and employees, and any affiliate, from any damage that may result from a patron’s use of the Library’s wireless access. While using this wireless access, users acknowledge that they are subject to, and agree to abide by all laws, and all rules and regulations of the Town of Windsor, the State of Vermont, and the federal government that is applicable to Internet use. At its sole discretion, the Windsor Public Library may terminate this public service at anytime without prior notice. Printing is not available via the wireless connection at this time. If the user desires to print, the file can be saved to a flash/thumb drive or emailed and printed from a public computer for a fee of 15 cents per page for black and white or 75 cents per page for color.

Any attempt to circumvent library procedures or any unauthorized attempt to access or manipulate library equipment may result in suspension of use of the Library’s Wi-Fi network. The Windsor Public Library reserves the right to update, change or otherwise modify its computer use policy at any time without prior notice.