Library Policies
Click on a policy to view it.Library Cards Borrowing Returning Lost Cards Renewing Loans Placing Reserves Interlibrary Loans Overdue Materials Exam Proctoring Use of Recording Devices Confidentiality Standards of Acceptable Behavior Supervision of Children Public Internet Use |
Library Card Policy:
Anyone who lives, works, or owns property in Matawan or Aberdeen may apply for a library card at the circulation desk. Proper identification and a signed application are required. Students become eligible for adult cards in seventh grade. Those children who are younger require a parent's signature on their application. Non-residents may purchase library cards for $10 ($5 for seniors) renewed anually. PROOF OF RESIDENCE GUIDELINES The following documents may be accepted as proof of Matawan or Aberdeen residence when obtaining a library card or renewing an expired card: (The patron should present the expiring card, if available, and one other proof of residence. If the proof of residence is not a photo ID, then a second ID may be required.)
Borrowing Policy:
Returning Policy:
Lost Cards Policy:
Renewing Loans Policy:
Placing Reserves Policy:
Inter Library Loans Policy:
Overdue Materials Policy:
Exam Proctoring Policy:
Use of Recording Devices Policy:
Confidentiality Policy:
The Board of Trustees of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library supports the basic premise that every individual has the right to read what he or she wishes without fear of censure or legal consequences. MAPL will protect each user’s right to confidentiality with respect to all information required for registration, information sought or received, and, materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired. Exceptions to this policy are provided in N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43:2: Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances: a. The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library b. Disclosure is requested by the user; or c. Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court or court order L.1985, c.172,2, eff. May 31, 1985 Exceptions to this policy are also contained within the US Patriot Act, adopted by Congress on October 26, 2001. This Act enlarges the ability of the FBI and law enforcement officers to request court orders, including search warrants and court-ordered subpoenas. Examples of when records may be disclosed for proper operation of the library include, but are not limited to: correspondence with a collection agency to retrieve overdue materials or fines, discussions concerning borrowing and overdue status with other libraries the patron may be using, and inter-library loan requests. Also, registration information may be used in cases of theft or vandalism, if there is a need to contact parents of school-aged patrons, or in circumstances of illegal use of MAPL’s Internet resources (see MAPL’s Public Internet Use Policy). Any questions or problems relating to the confidentiality of library records that are not covered by this policy (or other policies referred to above) should be referred to the Library Director. As necessary, these questions will be discussed with the Library Board of Trustees and the library’s attorney. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit the public’s right to access under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Procedure for Responding to Requests for Confidential Information If the staff is approached by a person making a request for confidential records (registration or usage records, computer or reference use, etc.), the following steps will be taken: 1. The staff member receiving the request will immediately refer the person making that request to the Library Director. If the Director is not available, the staff member will locate a senior staff member (department head or librarian). At the same time, the staff member will notify the Director by telephone, if possible. 2. The Director or senior staff member (as outlined above) will verify and record the identity of the person asking for the confidential materials. Then, the Director or senior staff member will explain the Confidentiality Policy and make a copy available. 3. If the Director or senior staff member receives a subpoena, search warrant or other courtordered process, the library’s attorney will be notified to determine if the request is properly prepared in accordance with local, State or Federal regulations. 4. If the process, order, subpoena, or warrant is not in proper form, the Director must insist that any problems be rectified before any records can be released. 5. Any threats or unauthorized demands (those not properly supported by the necessary legal forms) concerning confidential information will be reported to the Director. Such threats or demands will be reported to the library’s attorney and President of the Library Board. 6. Any problems or questions relating to this policy, that are not addressed above will be referred to the Director. Approved by the Board of Trustees, March 14, 2012. [Revised May 9, 2012] Standards Of Acceptable Behavior Policy:
All patrons of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library are expected to use the Library and its resources in a responsible, lawful, and courteous manner. To better serve all library patrons, the Library Board of Trustees has established the following standards of acceptable behavior to maintain an atmosphere which promotes the use and enjoyment of the resources and services of the Library and which protects the safety of the general public, the library staff, and the equipment and materials of the Library. Any activity which interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the Library, which could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or could result in damage to the facilities, equipment, material or library property and grounds will be considered disruptive and unacceptable. Conduct not acceptable in the Library or on Library grounds includes, but is not limited to: • Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law or Library policy. • Using behavior disruptive to the legitimate use of the Library. This includes disorderly conduct, noise or activity, whether intentional or inadvertent, that interferes with the rights of others, physical abuse, abusive or threatening language, and misuse of library equipment or furnishings. • Using any behavior that disturbs other patrons; for example: talking loudly, staring, or using offensive language. • Using audible devices set at a volume that disturbs others. • Using cell phones and other communication devices. Cell phone audible ringers must be turned off. • Using any behavior that presents an eminent danger to the life or safety of others, including intentional non-emergency activation of alarmed exits or fire alarms. • Carrying any instrument which could reasonably and commonly be classified as a weapon or a dangerous instrument, or could be reasonably used as means of aggression or defense against another, into the Library or onto Library grounds, unless authorized by law to do so. Any person authorized to carry a weapon must notify Library staff of that fact. • Soliciting, gambling or panhandling, including distributing printed materials, signing petitions or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library. • Sleeping, except for young children under the supervision of a parent or caregiver. • Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children. • Running, jumping, yelling, or climbing on library property. • Littering. • Smoking, or the use of alcohol or any drug constituting a controlled dangerous substance as defined by New Jersey law. • Bringing animals, insects, and other living organisms into the Library, other than service animals necessary for disabilities, except as authorized by the Library Director. • Using wheeled devices in the Library or on Library grounds including, but not limited to: skateboards, roller-skates, rollerblades, bicycles, scooters and shopping carts. Exceptions include wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. Patrons are required to wear a shirt and shoes in the Library. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive as to constitute a nuisance to other persons, shall be required to leave the building. No person may use the lavatory facilities other than for ordinary and usual use. Bathing and laundering clothes are specifically not permitted. Library management has the discretion to discard personal items left unattended on Library property in order to preserve a safe environment for library patrons, volunteers and staff. All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by library staff members. The Library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the Library. All patrons must leave the Library premises by closing time, when evacuation of the building is necessary, or at any time when requested to do so by Library personnel. Violation of Standards of Acceptable Behavior: In the event that a patron violates any of these rules, a staff member will tell the individual that his/her behavior violates the Standards of Acceptable Behavior, and that it must stop. If the individual continues the behavior, a staff member will inform the patron that he/she will be asked to leave the Library if the behavior does not stop immediately.If the behavior persists, he/she will be asked to leave the Library. If the patron refuses, the police will be called to remove the patron from the premises. Under no circumstances will a library employee touch the patron. The staff member who interacts with the patron, and any staff members who witness the interaction, will complete an incident report. A patron may be banned from the Library for a specific amount of time. This decision will be made by the Library Director. Notice of the suspension will be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the patron or, in the case of a minor child, to his parents or guardians. A copy of the letter will be kept on file at the Library. Appeal of the suspension may be made, in writing, to the Board of Trustees, Matawan Aberdeen Public Library, 165 Main Street, Matawan, NJ, 07747, within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of suspension. The patron, or in the case of a minor child, the parents or guardians, will be notified by the Board of the date and time of the hearing on the notice of appeal. Multiple activities violating the Standards of Acceptable Behavior executed by the same offender will be considered the second or third offense, even if the action is different. Adopted by the Board of Trustees, February 9, 2012. Approved by the Board of Trustees, February 9, 2012. Supervision Of Children Policy:
The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library encourages all children to visit the Library and use its resources. The MAPL Standards of Acceptable Behavior apply to library users of all ages, and are in place to create a safe environment for all. Parents need to be aware that the Library is a public facility and that it is open to all individuals. It is not the function or purpose of library personnel to supervise or care for children while parents, guardians, or caregivers are outside the Library, or while the adult is occupied elsewhere in the Library. Children visiting the Library should be supervised, for their own safety and the consideration of other patrons. The following guidelines have been established to insure the safety and well-being of children visiting the Library: • No child under the age of 10 may be left alone in the Library or on the Library premises for any reason. Children 9 years of age or younger must be supervised by a caregiver aged 14 or over at all times. • If a child attends a Library program without a parent/caregiver in the room, the parent/caregiver is expected to remain in the Library building and immediately join the child at the end of the program. • If a parent of a child under 10 years of age cannot be located within the Library building, and is not reachable by phone, the police will be called. • Children aged 10 and older may be left alone in the Library for reasonable periods of time. This time may vary with the child's maturity. Parents are still responsible for the actions and well-being of their child. Children behaving inappropriately may be asked to leave the Library, in accordance with the Standards of Acceptable Behavior. Should problems arise, the Library will attempt to contact a parent. • If a child requires close supervision or constant individual attention, regardless of age, the child should not use the library on their own. • If a child is not allowed to leave the Library without an adult, he/she should not be in the library alone. This is a particular concern in inclement weather and after dark. • All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency. • Teenagers are treated as adult users. However, they are still legally the responsibility of their parents. • Parents/caregivers must be aware of the opening and closing time of the Library. All children should be picked up or have arrangements to leave the library at or before closing time. • If a child has not been picked up within 15 minutes after closing time, the police will be called. As a public agency, the Library serves in the best interest of the welfare of all children. The Library is required by law to notify the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) in the event of suspected abuse or neglect of any child. This includes, but is not limited to: mistreatment of a child, lack of proper supervision of a child or repeatedly leaving a child unattended at the Library. Approved by the Board of Trustees, March 14, 2012. Public Internet Use Policy
The mission of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library is to provide resources to help people realize their dreams. One such resource is the Internet, to which the Library provides free access to all cardholders in good standing. Internet access is provided via our computer workstations as well as through wireless connection. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population; library customers use it at their own risk. Internet users should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Parents of minor children should be aware that the Library does not filter content on its computers. Provision of Internet service does not imply that the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library endorses or approves of any material accessed. The Library is not responsible for any damages resulting from use of the library's computers or the library's connection to the Internet, nor can it guarantee privacy of any Internet sessions. If, during routine maintenance, it is perceived that a customer's usage has presented a threat to the security of the library's computer system, appropriate action will be taken. The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library reserves the right to suspend a customer's privilege to use the Internet due to illegal or unethical use or for any other violation of policy or guidelines. Internet and Computer Use Guidelines · Patrons must have a valid Matawan Aberdeen Public Library card to use Internet computers. Non-residents may obtain an Internet Access card after showing a valid ID. · Patrons must use their own library card to access the computers. Sharing of cards for this purpose is not permitted and could result in the suspension of computer use privileges for the cardholder. · Before patrons may use the public computers, they must read and accept the policy and guidelines. · There is a limit of 90 minutes of Internet time per person per day. This 90 minutes includes any time spent on a SAM computer (Internet station) at any LMxAC library in a given day. Additional time may be requested for résumé writing, job searching, or school work if computers are available. · Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or a caregiver aged 14 or over, while using an Internet computer. (See also: MAPL’s Supervision of Children policy.) · Printing and downloading of materials from the internet is encouraged as long as it does not violate generally accepted rules of copyright or plagiarism. · Users may not download or save files to the computer’s hard drive. Downloads should be made directly to a flash drive, disk, or CD. The library has CDs and disks available for purchase ($1.00 each) at the Adult Services desk. · Patrons may print information from the workstations at the cost of $.15 per black and white page and $.35 per color page. Users should be aware of the size of the document they are printing. Users must add money to their library account before printing, and are financially responsible for all printouts. · Personal information such as addresses, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, etc. may be intercepted and misused if transferred electronically. The library is not responsible for damages that may result from information transferred by the user. · Users agree not to incur any costs to the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library through access to fee-for-service information providers. The library is not responsible for any software or shareware fees incurred through downloading of software. · The Library’s computers are not to be used to create, transmit, print or otherwise distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit materials or racist, sexist or homophobic materials. · Patrons must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and abide by general Internet conduct. Acts of behavior which may jeopardize the library’s account of access to resources will result in revocation of Internet privileges at the Library. · Patrons must respect the privacy of other library patrons during their computer sessions. · Patrons may not attempt to circumvent or compromise the library’s web security software. Attempts to do so could result in the suspension of computer use privileges. · Library staff is available to assist computer users, however, patrons who require extra help are encouraged to ask about computer classes and one-on-one sessions offered at the Library. While using library computers, patrons are expected to abide by policies regarding behavior, as outlined in the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library Standards of Acceptable Behavior Policy. The Library reserves the right to modify the Public Internet Use Policy and guidelines as necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of the Internet. Adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 9, 2012. |
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