Library users who have lost their card may apply for a new one by showing valid identification and paying a non-refundable $1.00 replacement charge.
Borrower Blocks
Patrons will be blocked from borrowing materials if any of the following conditions exist:
1. If their fines are at least $5.00
2. If they have more than two (2) active claims returned
3. If the Library has reason to believe that the user has changed address; when this is the case, the library user may be asked to present current address verification before being permitted to check out materials.
4. If there is reasonable doubt of the person’s identity or permission to use the card.
Waiver of Fines and Fees
The Library staff has the option of waiving or reducing charges if they determine that extenuating circumstances are warranted.
Lost and/or Damaged Items
Lost, damaged or destroyed materials must be paid for at replacement cost. Refunds will be issued if the item is returned within 1 month.
Media Parts Missing
Before media items are checked in, staff will verify that all parts are present, in good condition, and in the correct box. If an item has part(s) missing, the staff will immediately attempt to notify the patron by phone or via email. If the attempt is unsuccessful, staff will mail an appropriate letter and make a notation on the patron’s record. The item in question will remain checked out until the patron returns the missing part of pays for the item.
Internet Use
In accord with our Mission Statement, the Jamestown Philomenian Library endeavors to develop resources and services to meet the informational needs of our community. Advances in technology have made possible many new library resources, some of which are used and accessed in ways different from print media. This statement is intended to outline library policies and user responsibilities regarding electronic resources and the Internet.
Most electronic information resources, including the Internet, are accessed through public-access computer workstations at the Library. Use of any computer workstation shall constitute acceptance by the user of the Library's policies, and agreement to follow these policies. This acceptance is reaffirmed each time a workstation is used.
The Internet is a global electronic network that offers access to a nearly unlimited variety of materials and information. However, the quality of that information varies greatly. Not all resources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current, or legal. Some Internet sites contain material that you may find to be offensive, disturbing, and inappropriate for children. The Jamestown Philomenian Library does not monitor and has no control over the content of materials on the Internet, which often change rapidly and unpredictably.
Users are responsible for the choice of Internet sites that they visit, and the Jamestown Philomenian Library cannot be held responsible for the contents of any site. Just as the Library does not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of written materials, we do not do so for electronic information, including Internet sites.
Library staff can provide guidance to users, and suggest appropriate sites. Our home page offers easy and convenient access to valuable local, national, and international resources.
In no event shall the Jamestown Philomenian Library have any liability for lost profits or for any direct or indirect special, punitive, or consequential damages, or any liability to a third party, even if the Library is advised of the possibility of such damages, arising from the use of its connection to the Internet.
As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The Jamestown Philomenian Library does not serve in loco parentis; the Library cannot usurp the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to supervise children's use of the Internet. Please read "Basic Internet Safety" by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for more information.
All users of computer workstations must agree to abide by the following rules:
Computers will not be used for illegal activities, to access illegal materials, or to access materials which by local community standards would be obscene.
The installation, downloading, or modification of our software is prohibited.
Users will make no attempts to modify or gain access to our system files, passwords, or data.
Users will make only authorized copies of software or data, and are responsible for compliance with all international, national, and state laws governing copyrighted materials.
Users will end their session and leave the workstation when asked to do so by Library staff.
Users shall not behave in a way that intrudes upon the rights of others. Users are prohibited from invading the privacy of other library users, harassing the Library staff or users, and damaging or disrupting computer equipment.
No library user is permitted to use a computer to view obscenity, child pornography, or to display any illegal content, or, if a minor, to view materials harmful to minors in violation of federal, state and/or local laws.
All users agree to abide by the decision of Library staff regarding any and all use of computer equipment.
The Library reserves the right to restrict access to particular Internet sites, or to limit use of equipment for any reason.
Any individual whose behavior violates Library policies or otherwise misuses computer resources will be subject to the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible prosecution.
Adopted October 15, 2002
Service & Interlibrary Loan Policy
The Jamestown Philomenian Library is a member of the Ocean State Libraries consortium which means a library card issued from any OSL library will allow you to borrow materials through any OSL member library. In compliance with state law, the Jamestown Philomenian Library extends full access to all and borrowing privileges without charge to all Rhode Island residents. Information about library services, including hours and locations, are available on the library’s website.
Rhode Island library users are able to borrow materials from non-OSL Rhode Island libraries and out of state libraries using the Interlibrary Loan service. The Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) is governed by the Library of Rhode Island standards. You can request materials through ILL at any the Jamestown Philomenian Library by contacting a library staff member. There is no guarantee that the materials requested will be available from another institution. There is no charge for placing an ILL request and the patron is subject to normal fines and fees for overdue and lost materials. Interlibrary loan requests are limited to 5 items per week per patron.
The Jamestown Philomenian Library participates in resource sharing of all circulating materials with the exception of those materials classified as equipment and those materials classified as special loan.
Approved
The Jamestown Philomenian Library Board of Trustees
June, 2018
Prohibited Activities
In order to ensure that the best possible environment for study and research is provided for all users, each user of the Library is required to comply with the following restrictions:
1. Removal or attempted removal of Library materials or property from a Library building or controlled area without authorization.
2. Mutilation of Library materials or files by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding or stapes, removing security devices, tampering electronically, or in any other way damaging or defacing library materials.
3. Deliberately concealing or misfiling Library materials in the Library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
4. Refusal to abide by the Library regulations regarding the return of materials and payment of fines and/or penalties. These would include penalties on lost or damaged items, “blocks” (preventing the patron from using “circulation” services until penalties are paid or books returned) as outlined in the Library publications.
5. Any disturbance or behavior which interferes with normal use of the Library. Such inappropriate behavior includes activities that are distracting or disruptive to others. Examples of inappropriate behaviors include rowdiness, noise, prolonged conversation, abusive behavior, loitering, skateboarding, obstruction of facilities or access.
6. Bringing animals into the Library building except those which are needed to assist persons with disabilities.
7. Harassment or assault of Library staff or users.
8. Cell phone use inside the Library.
9. Consumption of food or drinks within the library.
10. Access to or use of any Library facility, equipment or service without proper permission by authorized persons.
11. Entering or being in a restricted area of the Library, remaining in the Library after closing or when requested to leave during an emergency exercise.
12. Damage or defacement of the Library building or equipment, inside or outside.
13. Refusal to abide by policies or regulations pertaining to matters of health, safety and security.
Disciplinary Procedures
Upon investigation of a complaint which is deemed to be a breach of the Library Policies as defined, a person designated by the Library Director may conclude that action is warranted. At this point the person designated by the Library Director will decide on the appropriate disciplinary procedures to follow.
Generally, the Library Director will deal with breaches of the Library policies using the authority given by virtue of the office. In cases of persistent breach of the policies, or extremely inappropriate conduct, the Director will generally consider whether the conduct constitutes disciplinary action.
The person designated by the Library Director to consider the case may impose the following sanctions or combinations of them upon Library users found to be in breach of these regulations.
1. Formal written reprimand. In the case of a student or staff member, a copy of the written reprimand may be sent to the Library user’s Chair, Director, or Supervisor.
2. Denial of access to the Library and its services for a period of up to 1 year. This denial of access will be confirmed in a written notice to the Library user found to be in breach of this Regulation. In the case of a student or staff member, a copy of the written notice may be sent to the Library user’s principal, dean, or director.
In addition, Library users who are in breach of this policy may be placed on conduct probation for a period not to exceed 1 year, with the provision that one or more of the sanctions, as appropriate, will be applied if the conduct probation is violated.
3. Appeal Procedures. A Library user who has been notified of the denial of access to the Library and its services has up to 10 days (from the mailing of the notice) to appeal the decision.
The Library Director, or his/her designate (other than the person who considered the case and imposed the sanction being appealed) will hear the appeal and will render a decision to uphold or dismiss the appeal, or possibly to vary the sanction imposed. The accused Library user or users may be assisted in the appeal by another person who may be legal counsel.
Privacy Policy
The Library strives to protect the patron confidentiality in relation to items used in the Library or checked out, and to information sought through Librarysystems or the Library’s reference services. In accordance with state law, registration and circulation records are confidential and disclosure of these records is limited to the patron him/herself or to that person’s designee as indicated in writing, and to Library staff in the performance of their duties.
All other disclosure of these records is permitted only by court order. Protection of confidentiality does not extend to records of outstanding fines or fees; payments for the use of Library premises or equipment; or communications directed to the Library regarding Library services.
As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs.
Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.
We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.
The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.
- We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
- We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
- 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.
- We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
- We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
- We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
- We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
- We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
Adopted by the ALA Council, June 28, 1995
Adopted by the Trustees of the Jamestown Library, 2001
Rules of Conduct
These rules of conduct are for the comfort, safety and protection of all Library patrons and library staff. Library staff and Library security guards will firmly and courteously enforce these rules. We ask your cooperation in maintaining an environment conductive to enjoyable use of the Library for all.
1. Dangerous, destructive or illegal conduct, including but not limited to the following, will not be tolerated:
a. Physical abuse or assault;
b. Fighting or challenging to fight;
c. Making violent and threatening statements;
d. Engaging in or soliciting any sexual act; and
e. Damaging or destroying Library property.
2. Any patron displaying any of these behaviors will be instructed to leave the Library immediately. Police will be called and appropriate legal action will follow. In addition, based on the severity of the situation, a suspension of Library privileges for up to one year will be applied without advanced warning or prior suspension.
The following behaviors are also prohibited:
a. Using harassing or insulting language.
b. Leaving children under the age of 7 unattended by a parent or authorized adult.
c. Blocking Library entrances or exits with bicycles, strollers, etc., or leaving animals unattended on Library property.
d. Participating in any activity in the library or at public entrances/exits which interferes with any person’s comfort or safety.
e. Entering the Library with animals other than service animals authorized by law.
f. Entering the Library with bicycles, roller skates, roller shoes, scooters, skateboards, or other similar devices.
g. Smoking, eating, or drinking.
h. Possessing, consuming, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
i. Lying on the floor or sleeping.
j. Unreasonable use of the rest rooms, including laundering, bathing and shaving.
k. Failing to wear a shirt, pants/skirt, and shoes.
l. Disturbing or annoying anyone with loud and/or unreasonable noise, including but not limited to using electronic equipment or mobile phones at a volume that disturbs others.
m. Carrying weapons of any type.
n. Petitioning, soliciting or selling merchandise or services without written permission from the Library.
o. Personally monopolizing Library space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff.
p. Fraudulent use of another’s Library card for any purpose.
q. Refusal to follow reasonable direction from Library staff.
Any patrons displaying these behaviors will be addressed in the following manner:
a. First Violation: Initial warning; given a copy of Library rules of Conduct.
b. Second Violation: Library privileges suspended for 1 day.
c. Third Violation: Library privileges suspended for 7 days.
d. Fourth Violation: Library privileges suspended for up to 1 year.
Library Volunteer Policy
In order to achieve our mission, our Library encourages the active participation of citizens, of a variety of ages, as a valuable resource to theLibrary. The Library Volunteer Program is designed to expand and enhance public service to the community. Volunteers are valued by the Library as an important support system for paid staff and as a demonstration that residents appreciate the positive impact of the Library on the quality of life in their community.
