Library Policies

**** Circulation Policy****

OSL Cards:   OSL cards are available to Rhode Island residents free of charge.  Proof of identity and current Rhode Island address is required.   Hope Library computers are available by signing the “Hope Library Computer Use Agreement” form.  There are no age restrictions on library cards.  Patrons under eighteen must have their registration and “Hope Library Computer Use Agreement” forms signed by a parent or legal guardian in the presence of a staff person.  Replacement for a lost card is available for a $1.00 fee.  Old and worn out cards are replaced for free.  You must have your library card with you to borrow materials or use the computers.  You are responsible for all items, including damages to those items or their cases, as checked out on your card.

Rights:  Information about your registration and borrowing habits are protected under Rhode Island law and all information will remain confidential.  All print and non-print materials are freely available without restriction* to all library patrons.
*Restrictions:  OSL policy prohibits patrons from checking out library materials if they have overdue fines totaling more than $5.00.  Patrons can not check out materials or use the computers if restitution for lost or damaged items has not been made and/or their record shows overdue items of more than one month.

Loan Period:  Materials are generally loaned for a three-week period.  Exceptions are as follows:

Magazines: Loan period is 1 week.  Patrons are limited to three new magazines.  A “new” magazine is defined as the current month, the next month and the previous month.
Videos/DVDs.  Feature films and children’s videos circulate for 1 week.  All videos/DVDs are limited to 3 per family. 
Music CDs & Audiobooks:  Loan period is 3 weeks.
Downloadable Books & Videos:  2 week loan period.  Downloadable materials cannot be downloaded onto library computers.
Note:  The library reserves the right to limit the number of materials borrowed at any one time, especially in times of heavy demand (school assignments, holidays and best sellers.)  Reference books, historical books and certain magazines do not circulate.

Renewals:   Most materials may be renewed if there is no hold on the item.  Phone renewals are accepted by calling 821-7910 or by using our website:  web.provlib.org/hpelib and clicking on Search For Books, Movies, & Music.

Overdue Fines:  Hope Library items not returned on time are subject to the following fines:

Videos/DVDs & Audiobooks: $1.00 per day with a maximum of $10.00 per item.
Music CDs :  $1.00 per day with a maximum of $5.00 per CD.

*** Note:  You are responsible for any overdue fines as set by the lending library.***

Note:  Hope Library items not listed above do not accrue fines, however, patrons are asked to make a donation in lieu of fines.

Book Drop:  All items, except for CDs (including Books on CD) and DVDs, may be returned in the book drop when the library is closed.  CDs/DVDs must be returned inside during normal hours of operation, or in a designated AudioVisual Dropbox.  Fines will be assessed if CDs/DVDs are placed in the book drop.  If these items are damaged after placement in the book drop, full replacement value will be charged.

Holds:  Patrons may place a hold on material by speaking to a staff member at the circulation desk, or by placing a hold on the item through the on-line catalog in the library or from home.  Our web address is web.provlib.org/hpelib.  Patrons will be called by an automated phone system when the material is available.  The item will be held for up to seven business days. *** Note:  You are responsible for any overdue fines as set by the lending library.***

Interlibrary Loans:  Materials not owned by the Hope Library and not available within the OSL system may be requested from other libraries through the interlibrary loan system.  Please speak to a staff member for further information. *** Note:  New books may not be available and you will be responsible for fines as set by the lending library.***

Library Closings:  The library is closed on the following holidays:
Martin Luther King DayMemorial DayIndependence DayVictory Day
Labor Day Columbus DayVeterans DayThanksgiving
Christmas DayNew Year’s Day                             Presidents Day

*The library may also close during inclement weather for the safety of our patrons and staff.
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****Hope Library Computer/Internet Use Agreement****

In keeping with the Hope Library’s Mission Statement to enrich the quality of life and meet the educational and informational needs of users of all ages, we are pleased to offer Computer/Internet access to the public.  The Internet offers global access to information with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own discretion.  Patrons should be aware that not all information found on the Internet is accurate, complete, current or inoffensive and the Hope Library does not imply sponsorship or endorsement through provision of access.   Since the Hope Library is unable to monitor or control the content of the material available, parents/legal guardians of their children, and only their children, are responsible for monitoring and or restricting their access to the Internet.  Parents/legal guardians are encouraged to not only provide supervision for their children, but also to share in the exploration of the resources available on the Internet.  Following are a list of regulations, which govern the use of computer workstations at the Hope Library:

1.All Web station users shall have a current OSL (Ocean State Libraries) card with no blocks.  Parental consent is required for users under the age of 18.  Users must sign up at the circulation desk where OSL cards will be held while the workstation is in use.
2.Library patrons age 10 and over may use computers with Internet Access.  Children younger than 10 must be supervised by an adult at all times while using the internet.
3.     At the discretion of the staff, out-of-state visitors may use the workstations upon presentation of a photo I.D.
4.     The user shall make no changes in the setup or configuration of system hardware or software.  The user will not try to modify or gain access to the system files, passwords, or data.
5.     The user will not seek unauthorized access to any computer system or network.
6.     Instant messaging is not allowed.
7.Personal software may not be used on the library Computer/Web stations.
8.Computer/Web stations shall be available in half-hour blocks of time.  Time may be renewed if no other patrons are waiting.  Maximum time is limited to 2 hours per day.  Computer/Web station times may be reserved one day in advance.
9.No food or beverages are allowed at the computer stations.
10.No more than two people (both of whom have signed a Computer/Internet Use Agreement) at a time shall be allowed at the same Computer/Web station.
11.Users must have basic computer skills.   Library staff will try to assist users when possible but their availability may be limited.
11.   Black and white print outs are available at $.25 per page, color print outs are available at $1 per page. 
12.Files can not be saved to the hard drives; therefore, users may download to a USB (flash) drive only.  Due to limited bandwidth, downloadable books and videos cannot be downloaded onto library computers.
13.Misuse or abuse of computer or Internet access as well as failure to abide by this agreement may result in damage charges and the suspension of Computer/Internet use privileges.
14.Some Internet resources are inappropriate to a library setting.  Because the library is a public place, the staff has the authority to end an online session when inappropriate material is displayed on the screen. This may include material that you do not find personally offensive.
15.Filtering software is installed on all computers in compliance with CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act).  To unblock a site, please see a librarian.


User Name (print):

User Signature:

Date:

(If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement.)

As the parent or guardian, I have read the above Computer/Internet Agreement with the user.  I recognize it is impossible for the Library to restrict access to controversial materials and I will not hold the library responsible for materials acquired on the Computer/Internet.

Parent/Guardian Signature: :

Date:
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****Hope Library Association****
Mission Statement

Hope Library will anticipate and respond to the community's needs, which will meet the interests of all ages and enrich the quality of life through the following:
•Providing recreational, informational, educational and leisure materials in                print and non-print format.
•Striving to keep its collection, facilities, services, equipment and                                    technology current.
•Acting as an access point for information and materials not available at the               Hope Library using the State Interlibrary Loan System.
•Serving as a community center for social and educational activities.
•Providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with helpful and competent             staff.
•Maintaining the level of service, materials, programs and facilities as                            required by the Minimum Standards for Public Libraries in the State of                        Rhode Island.
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****Code of Service****
Hope Library

Hope Library follows the ALA Library Bill of Rights in making its collections accessible to all regardless of age, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation or physical characteristics.

Hope Library will provide a safe, clean, organized and appropriate environment staffed with friendly, professional and courteous people.

Service to the public will take precedence over the library's internal paperwork and internal communications.

Information given to the library public will be based on verifiable current sources, clearly communicated, given in a timely manner, and without discrimination, comments or value judgments.

Confidentiality rights of all library patrons will be upheld as provided in the ALA Code of Ethics.

In keeping with the mission statement, the Hope Library in purchasing materials, will provide a variety of formats and subjects that are recreational, informational, educational and leisure in nature.  However, the Hope Library is unable to provide non-fiction materials of a scholarly or advanced research level.
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Approved by the Hope Library Board of Trustees,      July 2008.

  ****HOPE LIBRARY MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY****
                    
The Board of Trustees of the Hope Library Association has adopted the following Materials Selection Policy to guide librarians and to inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made.

The mission statement of the Hope Library Association guides the selection of materials as it does the development of services and the allocation of resources.

Hope Library will anticipate and respond to the community's needs, which will meet the interests of all ages and enrich the quality of life through the following:
•Providing recreational, informational, educational and leisure materials in print and non-print format.
•Striving to keep its collection, facilities, services, equipment and technology current.
•Acting as an access point for information and materials not available at the Hope Library.
•Serving as a community center for social and educational activities.
•Providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with helpful and competent staff.
•Maintaining the level of service, materials, programs and facilities as required by the Minimum Standards for Public Libraries in the State of Rhode Island.

The Hope Library Association supports the individual’s right to have access to ideas and information representing all points of view.  The Board of Trustees of the Hope Library Association supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.  The Freedom to Read and The Freedom to View statements.  See Appendix A, B and C.

Objectives:
The Hope Library Association acquires and makes available materials which inform, educate, entertain and enrich persons as individuals and as members of society.  Since no library can acquire all print and non-print materials, selection decisions must be made.  The library provides, within financial limits, reliable materials covering broad areas of knowledge including works of enduring value as well as timely materials on current issues.  Selection is based on community needs.
Other area library resources are considered in selecting materials.  Hope Library belongs to Ocean State Libraries, a system of thirty-nine public libraries.  Hope Library users have access to materials in these libraries.  Through interlibrary loan agreements, librarians may obtain for patrons of the Hope Library materials available throughout New England and the United States.  Other information may be obtained through electronic access of remote databases.
New formats will be considered for the collection when a significant portion of the community has the necessary technology to use the format.  Availability of items in the format, the cost per item and the Library’s ability to acquire and handle the items will also be factors in determining when a new format will be collected.  Similar considerations will influence the decision to delete a format from the Library’s collection.


Responsibility for Selection:
The Library Director and the Youth Services/Reference Librarian(s) are responsible for selecting all materials within the framework of policies determined by the Board of Trustees.  The Library Director and the Youth Services/Reference Librarian(s) considers recommendations from the staff and patrons of the Library.  Selection is a discerning and interpretive process, involving: a general knowledge of collection development, familiarity with the materials in the collection, awareness of the bibliographies on the subject and recognition of the needs of the community.  Analysis of the circulation reports and interlibrary loan requests also assist the Library Director and Youth Services/Reference Librarian(s) in the allocation of funds for materials selection.  Among standard criteria applied are:  literary merit, enduring value, accuracy, social significance, importance of subject matter to the collection, soundness of the author’s attitude and approach, cost, scarcity of material on the subject and availability elsewhere.
Tools used in selection include professional journals such as Library Journal, Booklist and the New York Times Book Review.  Subject bibliographies, publishers’ promotional materials and reviews from reputable, unbiased sources also aid in selection of materials.

Weeding:
In order to maintain an up-to-date, useful collection, it is reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Resources are removed for the following reasons:  damage, obsolescence, insufficient use or unsuitability.  The disposal of such materials shall be at the discretion of the Library Director who will maintain a list of such discards for a period of 3 years.  Preservation of the collection is fostered by correct handling of books, education of the public and timely repair.

Gifts:
All gifts are gratefully accepted at the discretion of the Library Director with the understanding that they will be considered for addition to the collection in accordance with the Materials Selection Policy.  Gifts of more than fifty items or items more than five years old should be discussed with the Library Director in advance.  The Library reserves the right to sell or otherwise dispose of gift materials not added to the collection.  In cases where the donor may desire appraisal, it shall be the responsibility of the donor.
Gifts of funds are always welcome.  Recommendations from the donor are honored in so far as the suggestions are in accordance with the Materials Selection Policy.

Reconsideration of Library Materials:
The obligation of the public library is to reflect within its collection different points of view.  Hope Library does not promote particular beliefs or views, nor does the selection of an item express or imply endorsement of the viewpoint of the author.
Comments from members of the community about the collection or individual items in the collection frequently provide librarians with useful information about interests or needs that may not be adequately met by the collection.  The Library welcomes expressions of opinion by patrons, but will be governed by the Materials Selection Policy in making additions to or deletions from the collection.
Patrons, who request the reconsideration of library materials will be asked to put their request in writing.
Upon receipt of a formal, written request, the Library Director, in consultation with the staff will make a decision regarding the disposition of the material.  The Library Director will communicate this decision and the reason for it, in writing to the person who initiated the request for reconsideration at the earliest possible date.  The Library Director will inform the Board of Trustees of all requests for reconsideration of library materials and their disposition.
In the event that the person who initiated the request is not satisfied with the decision of the Library Director, he or she may appeal to the Board of Trustees for a hearing by making a written request to the President of the Board.  If a hearing is granted, the individual will be notified when he or she may address the Board.  The Board of Trustees reserves the right to limit the length of presentation and the number of speakers at the hearing.  The Board will determine whether the request for reconsideration has been handled in accordance with stated policies and procedures of the Hope Library Association.  On the basis of this determination, the Board may vote to uphold or override the decision of the Library Director.
The Materials Selection Policy shall be reviewed every three years.
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Revised and Adopted:  June 2008








****HOPE LIBRARY MEETING ROOM POLICY****

The Hope Library is pleased to offer the meeting room for the use of nonprofit groups who wish to offer programs of an instructional or educational nature or to use for meetings.  Meeting Room Use requests should be made to the Library Director at least two weeks in advance, using the Hope Library Meeting Room Use Request Form.  Priority for the use of the meeting room will be given in the following order:  library programs, Scituate non-profit groups, other Scituate organizations, and out of town organizations.  The library reserves the right to charge a fee for library-sponsored programs.

Use of Meeting Room Fees

$0.00Scituate non-profit organizations of a community or educational nature where no
admission is charged.

$0.00Scituate non-profit organizations or groups conducting an event for which admission is charged with all profits going to community betterment or other public service.

$0.00Out of town non-profit organizations or groups conducting an event without an admission fee.

$25.00Scituate non-profit organizations , groups, or individuals conducting an event with an admission charge. 
                           * If this is an event or group meeting, which will involve use of the room on a weekly basis over a period of
                             several weeks then there is an additional charge of $20.00 per week. (All fees are non-refundable with a
                            maximum of eight weeks.) Fees may be waived if the program has been initiated by the library.


$50.00Out of town non-profit organizations, groups, or individuals conducting an event with an admission charge. 
                           * If this is an event or group meeting, which will involve use of the room on a weekly basis over a period of
                             several weeks then there is an additional charge of $25.00 per week. (All fees are non-refundable with a
                            maximum of eight weeks.) Fees may be waived if the program has been initiated by the library.

(The Board of Trustees reserves the right to change the fee structure without notice.)
HOPE LIBRARY MEETING ROOM RULES

1.The group or person sponsoring the program is responsible for the behavior of individuals in attendance and for any damage that may occur.  Adults must be present at all meetings involving children and teens.

2.Smoking and open flames (including candles and matches) are not permitted in any part of the library, including the restrooms.  Alcoholic beverages, illegal substances and weapons are strictly prohibited.

3.The group or person sponsoring the program is responsible for cleaning up the Meeting Room and returning it to the condition in which it was found.

4.Meeting Room programs may only be conducted during normal library hours. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis with a staff or Board of Trustees member in attendance.

5.Meeting Room use is limited to the meeting room, adjoining kitchen and restroom, unless special permission is granted.
      At no time will any person, unless accompanied by staff or Board of Trustees member, be allowed in any other areas of the library when the facility is  
      closed.

6.Use of the library telephone is prohibited except for emergencies.

7.Meeting Room use is limited to a maximum of forty-eight people at one time, in accordance with the fire code.

8.Meeting Room use outside of regular library hours:  entrance to and exit from the library must be through the rear door adjacent to the Meeting Room.  .

9.The building must be vacated by 9:00pm.

10.Hope Library reserves the right to withhold permission to use the meeting room should any of these rules be
violated.                                                             
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****NONRESIDENT BORROWERS****


PURPOSE:  To allow those libraries which find it necessary to collect a nonresident fee to do so and to provide guidelines for issuance of local nonresident borrowers cards by some OSL libraries.

POLICY:  The Hope Library is open for all people to enter and use its resources.  Borrowing privileges may be extended to nonresidents on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the library director or his/her designee.  The Hope Library does not charge any nonresident borrowers fee except those required by OSL.  Fees required by OSL for a nonresident library card are $25.  A nonresident library card is to be used only at the library that issued the card, per OLS policy.

*Approved by the Board of Trustees July, 2008.
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****Rules and Regulations for Public****
Behavior in the Library

The Board of Trustees is responsible for determining the rules for public behavior in the library, which is necessary:

1. To protect the rights of individuals to use library materials and services.

2.    To protect the rights of library employees and volunteers to conduct library
                  business without interference.

3.    To ensure the use of the building, materials, and services by the greatest
    number of individuals.

4. To preserve those materials and facilities from harm.

5. To ensure the safety of library patrons, employees, and volunteers.

The Board authorizes the director or his/her designee to revoke or restrict library privileges of any individual who behaves contrary to these rules. The Board also authorizes the director to file charges against individuals who continually transgress these rules.

The rules for public behavior are listed below.  Employees are authorized to bring to an individual's attention any act or omission, which violates the rules and detracts from the decorum of the library. Such an individual will be asked to change his behavior to conform to the rules. If such change is not evident or forthcoming that individual will be asked to leave the library building and library property. If the individual does not leave on his own accord, police may be called for assistance.

Depending on the severity of the misbehavior, individuals who have been asked to leave the building and property may be barred from returning to the library. Individuals who have been barred may be asked to talk to the director or his/her designee before being readmitted. Juveniles will be asked to bring a parent or guardian to such a conference.

Any misconduct that hinders use of the library or library materials is prohibited. Such misconduct might include but is not limited to:

1. Loud or boisterous behavior.

2. Conversation that is disturbing to other individuals or employees.

3. Profanity or other abusive and threatening language toward other individuals or toward employees.

4. Possessing any weapon on library property except those in the possession
    of safety forces.  Weapons may include, but are not limited to, firearms.

5. Damaging, defacing, stealing or misusing any library property.

6. Running in a library facility.

7. Harassing others, either verbally or through actions. Harassment may include initiating  unwanted conversations, impeding the entrance or exit from the building, etc.
                   
8. Fighting on library property.

9. Using tobacco in any form while inside a library building.

10.  Possessing, selling, or using alcoholic beverages or illegal substances on
      library property.

11. Buying or selling of any kind, or soliciting for personal gain or charitable purposes while on library  property.  (The library reserves the right to fundraise in order to support its programs.)
              
12. Using radios, tape players, or other personal listening equipment at a level that can be heard by other  individuals.

13. Using skateboards, roller-blades, roller-skates or any other sports equipment anywhere on library property.

14. Distributing literature, taking surveys, or asking individuals or employees to sign petitions or similar  activities.

15. Tampering with, altering, editing or damaging library computers, software or equipment.

16. Leaving children unattended. (See Safe Children Policy)

17.  Cell phone conversation is prohibited inside the library.  Visitors should set their phones on vibrate.
                           
The above rules are based on powers granted to the library board of trustees under Rhode Island Law. They will be posted prominently in the library.

An Incident Report must be completed by any staff member involved with patrons who, because of the severity of their infraction of the above rules, have been asked to leave a library building.
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****Safe Children Policy****

In order to maintain a suitable environment for all of our library users, we ask that the posted Rules of Conduct established by the Library Board of Trustees be observed, and that parents and caregivers be aware of the following policy concerning children in the library.

Children are welcome in our library. We care about their safety and welfare. However, the responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent or caregiver and not with library staff.

•Children ages 10 and up may use the library on their own. Parents, however, are still responsible for the actions and safety of their children. Children are subject to the same rules of conduct and consequences as other library users, including being asked to leave the library.   Please note:  it is sometimes necessary for libraries to close due to unusual or emergency situations. All children should have the telephone number of someone to call in an emergency.


•Children under the age of 10 must have a parent/caregiver in the same area of the library as the child. If taking the place of a parent, the caregiver must be at least 13 years old and must have emergency contact information. If a child under nine is found unattended, or violates the Rules of Conduct, the parent/caregiver will be informed of the rules. If a second instance occurs, library privileges may be revoked.


It may be necessary to notify appropriate law enforcement or child care protective authorities if:

                    - an unattended child is being disruptive.
                    - a child is habitually left unattended for long periods of time.
                    - a child is deemed to be at risk of coming to harm (as in the case of a child being left alone when the library closes).

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  TECHNOLOGY PLAN
(PDF Document)



PRESERVATION PLAN
(PDF Document)


"Libraries are not made;
they grow."

Augustine Birrelll
"When I read about the way library funds are being cut and cut, I can only think that American society has found one more way to destroy itself."

Isaac Asimov
Hope Public Library


374 North Rd.   
Hope, RI  02831
                (401) 821-7910                
Hours:
Monday  10-5
Tuesday  1-8
Wednesday  1-8
Thursday  1-8
Friday  10-5
Saturday 9-4