General Library Policies

Collection Development
Confidentiality
Internet Acceptable Use
Wireless Access at Irving Street Library
Wireless Access at College Hill Library
Programming
Request for Reconsideration
Standards of Acceptable Behavior
Unattended Child

Collection Development

Vision Statement

Westminster residents of all ages and groups will find City of Westminster Libraries to be a dynamic, responsive environment that works to meet their cultural, informational, intellectual, and social needs.

Mission Statement

The City’s mission is to provide superior customer service and library materials to everyone in its community.

Organizational Goals

1. Operate as a community center for City of Westminster citizens.

2. Provide current materials in a variety of formats to meet the interests of the community.

3. Equitably meet the needs of library patrons who visit the library in-house and those who visit electronically, from their homes or workplaces.

4. Provide programming that is responsive to the changing needs of the community.

5. Respond to the community’s need for personal growth and development by providing opportunities for life-long learning through services, facilities, outreach, programming, and collections.

6. Provide services at or above the levels or peer libraries.

7. Operate utilizing City Council’s Stategic Plan Goal of:

• Financially sound city goverment
• Safe and secure community
• Vibrant neighborhoods and commercial areas
• Balanced and sustainable local economy
• Beautiful city attractive developments, green spaces, vistas

From the Library Services Master Plan: 2007-2012

Background of Westminster Public Libraries

The Westminster Public Library (WPL) is a municipal library that serves an area of roughly  33 square miles, with a population of  108,710 according to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, January, 2006.  52 % of Westminster residents reside in Adams County and 48 % in Jefferson County.  The Westminster Public Library is a division of the City of Westminster Department of Parks, Recreation and Libraries.  Westminster Public Library’s current facilities consist of two libraries: College Hill and Irving Street.

The Irving Street library was built in 2004, replacing the old 76th Avenue facility.  It has 15,000 square feet of space and houses approximately 93,000 items.  The collection includes popular fiction, nonfiction materials, large print, literacy, audio/visual, music CDs, Spanish language materials, ESL and a reference collection for both adults and children.  The Irving Street Library has a separate children’s area, a reading area with newspapers and magazines, a patio, study rooms and a meeting room.  This facility is located in the southwest area of Westminster in the city’s oldest neighborhood.

The College Hill Library, built in 1998, is a joint City of Westminster and Front Range Community College  (FRCC) library.  The entire building covers approximately 79,000 square feet, including both public service and library technical services space.  The Westminster Public Library portion of the collection has approximately 177,000 items.  The College Hill Library has a separate children’s library room with fiction, nonfiction, Spanish language fiction and nonfiction, reference materials, audio/visual materials, and CD-ROM workstations.  Young adult materials are housed in the main section of the library.  The main collection consists of fiction, nonfiction, large print, literacy, audio/visual, musical compact discs (CDs), Spanish and English as a Second Language (ESL) materials. The reference collection is shared with Front Range Community College as a combined collection and is located on the second floor of the library.  Purchase costs and ownership of reference books, electronic databases, newspapers, periodicals, and microforms are divided between WPL and FRCC, for the use of all.  The College Hill Library houses study and meeting rooms and is located in the rapidly growing north end of the City of Westminster.

Both library locations offer free public access to the Internet and to electronic databases purchased by the Library.

The collections of the Westminster Public Library strive to reflect the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of its community.

Primary Roles

Popular Materials Library: The library will give high priority to those materials most wanted by our patrons, if they meet the selection criteria.

Preschool and School-Age Door to Learning: The library encourages young children to develop an interest in reading and learning through services for parents and children.

Secondary Roles

Educational Support Center: The library serves in a support capacity for students working within the context of an educational provider.  In this role the library staff strives to communicate and coordinate with educational providers and students to determine their needs and how we can best meet those needs.

Independent Learning Center: The library supports individuals of all ages pursuing a sustained program of learning independent of any educational provider.

Community Information Center: The library is a clearinghouse for current information on community organizations, issues, and services, and actively provides timely, accurate, and useful information for our patrons.

Policies

In the selection of materials, the library adheres to the guidelines of the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights , Freedom to Read Statement , and Libraries: An American Value Statement.  

Conservation

Materials purchased by the Westminster Public Library represent a contemporary working collection rather than a research collection.  As a result, the library does not conduct extensive preservation and restoration efforts.  Staff and volunteers perform routine repairs of items that have not been severely damaged.  Titles requiring rebinding are evaluated by the appropriate selector.  If the decision is made to retain them, they are sent to a library bindery.

Controversial Materials

The library believes in freedom of information for all.  Ideally, all points of view are included to provide a balanced collection.  Materials selection will not be determined by pressure from outside groups or organizations.  Instead, the library will apply the ideas outlined in the general selection criteria for the selection and retention of materials.  Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and nothing will be sequestered except for the express purpose of protecting it from mutilation or theft.  Procedures for patron requests for reconsideration of library materials are outlined in the Requests for Reconsideration of Materials section.

Gifts and Donations

The library accepts donations.  The library staff makes decisions as to the use, housing, and final disposition of the gifts.  Donated items chosen for the library collection must meet the same selection criteria as purchased materials.  Gifts not added to the collection are either donated to the Friends of the Westminster Library book sale, given to another area library, donated to a charitable organization, or, if none of these are possible, discarded.

Parental Responsibility

Children’s librarians select materials that are appropriate for this area of the Library.  Other areas contain books, music, and films that are of interest to young adults and adults.  Staff cannot be responsible for materials viewed by children and young adults in  the Library.

Replacement

The library does not routinely replace all lost, damaged, or worn items.  The number of copies in the total collection, existing coverage of the subject, public demand, and newer materials of greater value are some of the factors considered before a replacement purchase is made.

Requests for Reconsideration of Materials

All requests for reconsideration of materials will be handled in the following manner:

• Patrons with questions about the appropriateness of library materials will be referred to either an Adult Services or Youth Services librarian, depending on the material. 
• After speaking with a librarian, if a patron wishes to file a formal complaint, the patron will be asked to complete the “Request For Reconsideration of Library Materials” form.  Copies are available at reference and information desks.
• When the form is returned to the library, the Parks, Recreation and Parks, Recreation and Library Board will reevaluate the material at their next regular meeting.
• After the material is examined by the Parks, Recreation and Parks, Recreation and Library Board, the patron will be notified in writing what decision has been made and why.
• Items will be removed from the library collection only upon unanimous vote of the Parks, Recreation and Parks, Recreation and Library Board.

Withdrawal/Weeding

Materials are removed continually from the library collection because of age or obsolescence, multiple copies in system, damage, normal wear and tear, space availability, insufficient use, or misleading information.  Each item is carefully examined by professional library staff, using various established weeding methods based on The CREW Manual: A Unified System of Weeding, Inventory and Collection-Building for Small and Medium-Sized Public Libraries by Joseph P. Segal.  This process is an integral part of collection development and maintenance.

Materials that are removed are stamped with the discard stamp, purged from the catalog, and thereafter considered to be withdrawn from the library’s holdings.  Withdrawn items may be given to charity, donated to and resold by the Friends of the Westminster Library, or discarded.

Updated: August 2007

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Confidentiality

  In accordance with Colorado State law, Westminster Public Library requires that patron records and any other information that identifies a person as having used the library are confidential.
Concerning privacy of library user records, Colorado law (Colorado Revised Statutes 24-90-119) states:

Privacy of user records:

(1) Except as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, a publicly-supported library or library system shall not disclose any record or other information which identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials or service or as otherwise having used the library.

(2) Records may be disclosed in the following instances:
     (a)  When necessary for the reasonable operation of the library;
     (b)  Upon written consent of the user;

• Pursuant to subpoena, upon court order, or where otherwise required by law.
• To a custodial parent or legal guardian who has access to a minor’s library card or its authorization number for the purpose of accessing by electronic means library records of the minor.

(3) Any library or library system official, employee, or volunteer who discloses information in violation of this section commits a class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars.

Updated: August 2007

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Westminster Public Library and Front Range Community College Library affirm the guidelines found in the Library Bill of Rights. In keeping with their missions, the Libraries provide access to information in a wide variety of formats including online subscription research resources and free access to the Internet. The Libraries have no control over the information, images or views shared over the Internet.

All computers with Internet access are located in public areas of the Libraries. In order to create an environment that is comfortable for all library users, computer users should refrain from visiting websites that display obscene material.

To access the Internet, library patrons log on using their library card and pin numbers. Visitors may obtain a visitor’s card for this purpose. To use the Internet, all library patrons, regardless of age, must accept this Acceptable Use Policy at login. Internet access sessions are limited to 30 minutes when other patrons are waiting. Internet access is not available to library patrons owing more than $20.00 in library fines.

Parents or legal guardians must decide which library resources are appropriate for their children. In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act  and Colorado House Bill 04-1004  Internet Protection for Library Users, the Libraries have installed software to filter sexually explicit websites. The filter operates at all times on the computers in the children’s areas of the Libraries and on any library computer where a child under 17 years of age is logged in.

No filtering software is 100% effective. Westminster Public Library encourages parents and guardians to educate themselves and their children on the safety issues regarding Internet access. We recommend viewing Child Safety on the Information Highway  , produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and NetWise  , a project of the Internet Education Foundation  .

If the filter blocks a site a minor wants to see, he or she may access the site with a parent’s permission using the parent’s card. Automation Services staff will override the filter only for sites that are obviously blocked in error.

• Users may not use this resource for any illegal purpose.
• Users may not use this resource to view obscene material.
• Users may not engage in any activity that is harassing,defamatory, disruptive, or inappropriate in a public setting.
• Users may not invade the privacy of others.
• Users may not modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; nor seek unauthorized access to any computer system or damage or alter software components of any network, host server or database.
• Users may not distribute unsolicited advertising.
• Users may not damage computer equipment or software.
• Users must abide by requests from authorized Library staff to end their sessions when their time is up.

Compliance

The Libraries will take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy. Violation of the rules may result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner, including notification of police if necessary.

Downloading from the Internet is done at the user’s own risk. The library is not responsible for damage to any user’s disk or computer, or any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of library computers.

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. Westminster Public Library and Front Range Community College Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or as necessary for the proper operation of the Libraries.

This policy may be revised from time to time.

Last updated: July, 2004

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Public Wireless Access at Irving Street

Westminster Public Library is pleased to announce the availability of wireless Internet access at the Irving Street Library branch beginning Friday, October 17th, 2008. The Library's network is open to all visitors free of charge and without filters. Below are some guidelines to help make your wireless experience at the library successful.

Requirements:

• The library’s wireless network is open to all visitors. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required.
  
• You will need a notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device with 802.11a or 802.11g wireless networking. If you are not sure if your notebook/laptop computer or other device has this functionality, please check with the manufacturer or supplier of your equipment.
• If your notebook/laptop computer or other device does not include wireless networking, you may be able to purchase a variety of external notebook/laptop pc cards and USB devices. The manufacturer or supplier of your equipment, or local technology merchants can help you find the right product for your notebook/laptop computer or other device.

Network Settings:

Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library's wireless network. Patrons are responsible for making modifications to the settings on their own laptop/notebook computers.

General laptop settings:

• DHCP needs to be enabled (set your computer to obtain an IP address automatically).
• No WEP encryption is required.
• Network name (SSID) - Search for the wireless network called: "library" and connect.

For additional help, read through the Wireless Troubleshooting: Network Tips  page.

Coverage areas:

• We have tried to make wireless access as available as possible throughout the building, but you may encounter some "dead" spots where wireless reception may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the Internet or staying online please move to a different location within the library.
• The wireless network is also available on the library patio and may be available in portions of the park near the library.

Limitations and Disclaimers:

• Library staff members are not able to provide technical assistance or configure your equipment to connect to the service. Patrons are responsible for knowing how to utilize wireless hot spot services.
• Printing is not available through the wireless network in the library.
• No guarantee can be made as to the compatibility of your equipment with the library’s wireless network or that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
• The wireless Internet access we offer is unfiltered and unsecured.
• By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the Library’s Internet Acceptable Use  policy. This policy states the limitations of Internet access, your responsibilities for using that access, and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses.
• Information sent to and from your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of your traffic across the wireless network, for files on your laptop resulting from connection to the wireless network, or for ensuring the security of your laptop/notebook computer or other wireless device. It is your responsibility to ensure adequate and up-to-date virus protection.

Database Access:

For purposes of accessing our databases, your laptop will be treated as if you are on a workstation outside the library and you will need to login with your library barcode and PIN.

Updated: October 2008

Public Wireless Access at College Hill

Wireless access at the College Hill Library is provided by Front Range Community College. The primary intention of this network is to provide wireless access for FRCC students, but it may be used by members of the public visiting the library also.

Requirements:

• The library’s wireless network is open to all visitors. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required.
• You will need a notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device with 802.11b or 802.11g wireless networking. If you are not sure if your notebook/laptop computer or other device has this functionality, please check with the manufacturer or supplier of your equipment.
• If your notebook/laptop computer or other device does not include wireless networking, you may be able to purchase a variety of external notebook/laptop pc cards and USB devices. The manufacturer or supplier of your equipment, or local technology merchants can help you find the right product for your notebook/laptop computer or other device.

Network Settings:

Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library’s wireless network. Library staff members are not able to provide technical assistance or configure your equipment to connect to the service. Patrons are responsible for knowing how to utilize wireless hot spot services.

General laptop settings:

• DHCP needs to be enabled (set your computer to obtain an IP address automatically).
• No WEP encryption is required.
• Network name (SSID) - Search for the wireless network called: "FRCC Student" and connect.

For additional help, visit the Wireless Troubleshooting: Network Tips  page.

Coverage areas:

• Full coverage on the 2nd floor from the meeting rooms by Library Administration to the media viewing room.
• Some coverage on the 1st floor.

Limitations and Disclaimers:

• The FRCC Student wireless network is unsupported and there are no guarantees of availability or bandwidth.
• The FRCC Student wireless network is not a secure network and no encryption of transmitted data is provided. Information sent to and from your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of your traffic across the wireless network, for files on your laptop resulting from connection to the wireless network, or for ensuring the security of your laptop/notebook computer or other wireless device. It is your responsibility to ensure adequate and up-to-date virus protection.
• Printing is not available through the wireless network in the library.
• No guarantee can be made as to the compatibility of your equipment with the library’s wireless network or that you will be able to make a wireless connection.

Database Access:

For purposes of accessing our databases, your laptop will be treated as if you are on a workstation outside the library and you will need to login with your library barcode and PIN.

Updated: October 2008

Request for Reconsideration of Materials Policy

All requests for reconsideration of materials will be handled in the following manner:

1. Patrons with questions about the appropriateness of library materials will be referred to either an Adult Services or Youth Services librarian, depending on the material.

2. After speaking with a librarian, if a patron wishes to file a formal complaint, the patron will be asked to complete the “Request For Reconsideration of Library Materials” form. Copies are available at reference and information desks.

3. When the form is returned to the library, the Library Board will reevaluate the material at their next regular meeting.

4. After the material is examined by the Library Board, the patron will be notified in writing what decision has been made and why.

5. Items will be removed from the library collection only upon unanimous vote of the Library Board.

Updated: October 2004

Standards of Acceptable Behavior

The library is supported by taxes paid by the citizens of Westminster. The citizens have a right to expect the library to be a clean, pleasant and safe building in which to study, read, request information, use computers and audio/visual equipment, and attend programs.

Unfortunately, the behavior of some library visitors can create problems. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it infringes on the rights of others, when it could result in injury to oneself or others, or when it could result in damage to library equipment.
Such behavior can lead to a patron being asked to leave the library. Refusal to leave upon request will result in the police being called and possible prosecution of the patron.

Examples of this kind of behavior include:

• Abuse/vandalism of library facilities, materials or equipment
• Bathing/washing clothes
• Child abuse
• Excessive public displays of affection
• Exhibitionism/flashing
• Gambling
• Harassment: physical, sexual or verbal abuse of other library users or library staff
• Loitering, including refusing to leave at closing
• Obscene language
• Screaming or running in library
• Sleeping
• Smoking
• Soliciting/Panhandling
• Unruly/offensive behavior
• Use of radios, CD players, or televisions without headphones
• Voyeurism/peeping
• Improper attire: patrons should wear shoes and shirts in the library
• Intoxication/drugs or noticeable alcohol on breath
• Body odor which is noticeable
• Any other behaviors that disrupt library operations

The following may not be brought into the Library:

• Weapons
• Animals except for service dogs
• Beverage coolers
  

Thank for your courtesy and support of these policies.

Updated:  June 2007

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Programming Policy

Programming Objectives

To provide programs for the citizens of Westminster that will further our mission: The mission of the Westminster Public Library is to provide materials and services to support lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, literacy, recreational reading, and access to information for all members of the Westminster community.

Policies

The primary goal of all programs is to provide information, entertainment, or otherwise enrich the lives of our customers. Programs that promote reading, literacy, computer literacy, and enhance the quality of life in Westminster will be given high priority.

• All programs must be free and open to all members of the public.
  
• Advertisement or sale of merchandise or services must be minimal.  WPL will collect 10% of all sales revenue generated.
  
• Programs are only permitted during regular library hours.
  
• Programs must end at least 30 minutes before closing time.  Programs must begin at least 30 minutes after opening.
  
• The library does not provide childcare.  Parents attending programs cannot leave their young children unattended in the library.
  
• The Library has final approval rights over programming.

Application

Presenter must submit a written request by the following deadlines:

• September 15 for all programs offered January-May
• January 15 for all programs offered June-August
• May 15 for all programs offered September-December

All requests must include the following:

• Presenter name, address, phone number, and email address
• Company or organization the presenter/program represents
• Title of program
• Preferred date(s) and times for program
• Alternative date(s) and times for program
• Complete description of the program.
• An explanation of how this program will help us to further the mission of the Westminster Public Library.
• A complete list of all products or services to be promoted or sold during the program.
• A list of facility requirements, for example: room size, table setup, computer equipment needed, projectors, other equipment or materials needed.
• Time needed before and after the program for setup and takedown.

Presenter Responsibilities

• Presenters are responsible for supplying all handouts and/or materials unless previously arranged with the library.
• Presenters are responsible for room setup.
• The use of any electronic equipment that does not belong to the library must be tested for proper functionality in advance.
• Programs that involve food, drink, craft supplies, or other potentially messy materials must be pre-approved by the library.
• The library will advertise programs in the Westminster Parks, Recreation and Libraries Activities Guide, on our website, and with flyers and handouts at the library.
• Any additional advertising is the responsibility of the presenter. The library must approve all advertisements.
  

The Library reserves the right to amend these policies at any time.

Updated: August 2007

Unattended Child Policy

To ensure a safe and pleasant environment for all patrons at the Westminster Public Library, children 12 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult or otherwise qualified caretaker (as determined by library staff). An adult or responsible group leader must also accompany classes of children attending the library for the purpose of research tours or programs.

All children or groups of children will be expected to follow the Library Standards of Acceptable Behavior Policy while using Library facilities. Because staff cannot be responsible for the safety of an unattended child, the library reserves the right to notify the parents or legal guardian of the child, the police, or Social Services. At College Hill, Front Range Community College Security may also be notified.

If a patron younger than 18 has been left at the library at closing time, the library staff may try to notify the parents or legal guardian. If no one can be reached, the Library may notify, at College Hill, Front Range Community College Security and at Irving Street and College Hill, the Westminster police. In the event the police are notified, police may inform a nearby patrol to pick up the child and try to contact the parents.

The Library closes at 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The library at College Hill is open from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Library staff may make exceptions to any of the rules listed above, at their discretion.

Updated: October 2007

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