Selection

It is the function of the Apache Public Library to provide adult and juvenile books and other materials of quality that meet the educational, informational, cultural and recreational interests and needs of the community. To fulfill this purpose the library endeavors to maintain a carefully selected collection which covers as wide a field of knowledge as is practical within the budget.

The librarian is responsible for selection of materials and development of the collection and for discarding worn and out of date materials and is responsible to the Library Board of Directors. The Library Board of Directors has the responsibility for the adoption of Library policies.

How Books Are Chosen

Since the book budget is limited, books must be chosen on a highly selective basis, taking into consideration the accuracy of information, authoritativeness, readability, and social significance of the titles considered for acquisition. Generally, except for items of special local interests, or when it is possible to evaluate the books directly, a basic choice for book selection will be the favorable reviews in critical libraries and other books review journals.

The requests of the library patrons will be considered within the limitations of finances, quality of material requested and other library needs. Books may be purchased because of their popularity and the great interest which they have aroused despite the fact that they may not meet the usual standards of literary quality.

The library does not purchase books written to trade on a taste for sensationalism or which are pornographic. Serious works presenting an honest aspect of some problem of life are not excluded because of language or frankness. The library will provide controversial works representing different points of view thus enabling citizens to make up their own minds about serious and important questions. Books will not be excluded because of the race, nationality or freedom of speech and press. Censorship of books, urged or practiced by volunteer arbitrators of moral or political opinions will not be accepted.

Challenged Materials

In the event an individual within the community questions having a particular item in the library collection, that person may request it be withdrawn. The individual will need to request in writing stating their reason for asking that the book be withdrawn. The item will then be reconsidered by the library staff and board. Written notice of their decision will be given to the patron making the request.

Donated Materials

The library welcomes gifts but reserves the right to make use of these materials as it sees fit. Gifts of materials are accepted with the understanding that they will be evaluated according to library needs and either assigned to the library collection, offered to another library, or discarded as the board sees fit. Once given to the library, no gift will be returned. Memorial gifts are welcomed and will be identified with a suitable book plate.
Monetary gifts are often appropriate since the librarian knows the needs of the library and can purchase new books at a discount.

To maintain a vital, relevant collection, as well as for space considerations, there is a continuing re-evaluation of the existing collection based upon the same critical standards as those used for recently purchased items. Materials may be withdrawn or weeded because of duplication, outdated content or poor physical condition. These withdrawn materials will be utilized by donation to some other library or in book sales. Discarding materials will be the last resort.

Behavior

Apache Public Library seeks to provide a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment for library patrons and staff. In order to effectively accomplish this mission, it becomes necessary to outline certain prohibited behaviors. A complete understanding of what is and is not permissible within the library benefits patrons, staff, and any visitors to the premises.

Individuals or groups engaging in activities defined as unacceptable conduct will be subject to library use restrictions, up to and including loss of library privileges. The nature and length of such restrictions will be decided by the Library Director (or Library Director’s appointed representative) based on the circumstances of the infraction.

Unacceptable Behavior

• Acts such as mutilation, defacement, or theft of library property.

• Acts of violence or threats of such acts.

• Acts or actions that disrupt the peaceful use of library service by any person or group.

• Comments, acts, or actions that involve harassment based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or handicap, including those that create a “hostile environment”.

• Bathing or shaving in public restrooms and/or fountains.

• Smoking and/or usage of any tobacco products in the Library, as well as within 25 feet of the building.

• Bringing any animals into the building, except guide animals.

• Entering unauthorized workspaces, loading, and building equipment areas.

• Blocking of aisles, elevators, or traffic-ways that impedes access by others.

• Eating or drinking within the library, except in cases of medical necessity.

Any other acts or actions not otherwise listed that would constitute criminal action, whether misdemeanors or felonies.

Internet

Content filtering is done in accordance with relevant legislation for the protection of all library users.

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Apache Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of our community. It is within this context the library offers access to the Internet. All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all users, with the understanding that it is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using public library resources and facilities.

Internet Disclaimer and Children’s Use of the Internet

The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. It is also an unregulated medium. While it enables access to a wealth of information that is personally, professionally and educationally enriching, it also opens doors to materials that may be offensive, disturbing, false, and/or illegal. Since not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information, the user must become a good information consumer. The user must evaluate Internet sources, questioning the validity of its content. The library does not monitor, and has no control over, information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of controversial or mature nature. The library neither censors access to materials nor protects users from information they find offensive. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion and they are solely responsible for any access points they reach. Parents and guardians of minor children, not the library or staff are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet through the library’s connection. Parents may wish to supervise their child’s Internet sessions.

Internet Use

The Apache Public Library requires all users to comply with the following before using the library’s access to the Internet:

Parents must sign for minors under the age of eighteen. Forms are available at the circulation desk and must be signed in the presence of library staff. No forms may be taken home for signature

Children ten years of age or under may use a computer with Internet access with a parent or guardian present to assist the child.

Persons using the Internet bear the responsibility for the material that they choose to access, send, or display. The library cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may offend them. Use of information obtained is at your own risk.

The Apache Public Library denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of Information obtained through its electronic communication services.

Internet computers may not be used by anyone, including minors, for illegal activity, to access illegal material, or to access material that by local community standard would be obscene. Library employees are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce the Rules of Conduct, and/or prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet and Computer Acceptable Use Policy as stated or implied herein.

Parents are responsible for their children’s use of the library’s resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.

Rules of Conduct

1. Internet and computer use is free. However, users who incur charges for printing, other authorized fees, or willful damage to equipment require prompt payment. Users agree to pay $0.25 for each black and white printed page and $0.50 for color pages.

2. Users will be able to use the Internet or public computers on a next available terminal basis. Terminals will not be reserved for persons who are not in the immediate vicinity. Telephone reservations will not be taken.

3. Unless otherwise authorized by the librarian in charge, access sessions will be limited to one hour per day.

4. Users must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by library staff, even if they have not completed their access session or task. Computers must be shut down at least 15 minutes before library closing time. The library does not provide email service. Users may send and receive Email through a free email service of her/his choice.

5. Internet computers may not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standard would be obscene. The library board has given the library staff the authority to make the decision as to what is deemed inappropriate.

6. Users must not attempt to gain access to restricted files or networks or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.

7. Users are to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements

8. Misuse or abuse of the computer or Internet access will result in suspension of privileges. Persons using this equipment agree not to make any changes to the set up or configuration of the software or hardware of the library computers.

9. Users are to respect the privacy of other users and refrain from viewing or attempting to view or read materials being used by others. To do so is a violation of the Privacy Act.

Do not reboot, restart, or otherwise attempt to fix any computer, if there are problems, notify staff immediately. Failure to comply with the Internet Acceptable Use Policy and/or the Rules of Conduct will result in the loss of computer privileges. Illegal acts involving library-computing resources may also be subject to local, state, and/or federal authorities.

Termination or Prohibition of User Access

When Library employees believe that the user has failed to comply with the Internet and
Acceptable Use Policy, they are authorized to terminate any user’s access session.

Internet users whose access session has been terminated or prohibited will be given information concerning the process to protest the action and/or request that Internet access privileges be reinstated. They may request a hearing before the Library Board to protest the action or request that Internet privileges be reinstated.

Users Under 18 Years of Age

For users under 18 years of age, the undersigned parent (or Guardian) further acknowledges that a child may find Internet materials that are offensive to the child or to the parent. The parent (or Guardian) agrees to assume complete responsibility for the Internet activities of his/her child. Apache Public Library assumes no liability for any damages, direct or indirect, that may occur to any child (or the child’s data) as a result of being connected to any Internet services at the library

Children In the Library

The Library is a public place open to the community for the purposes of research, study, communication, and leisure-time reading. Parents and caregivers of children should be aware that although the staff will do their best to protect children, the library is not necessarily a safe place for young children to be left unattended.

Restricting Material

The Library staff will suggest age or reading level appropriate material if asked. The staff will not, however, restrict a child’s reading. Therefore parental guidance is vital.

Disruptive Children

Children who come to the Library on their own and are disruptive will be asked to leave. Disruptive children who are accompanied by parents or caregivers will be escorted to these persons who will be asked to monitor their child’s behavior. Children who are dropped off at the Library, left unattended, and are disruptive will be permitted to use the Library phone to call to be picked up. If no one they know is available to pick them up, the police will take custody of them and make arrangements for them.

Closing Time

Library staff will not take children home nor will staff wait for any length of time with a child for a ride to come at closing time. Staff will wait only long enough for the police to take custody of any children still at the Library at closing time.