Library Policies - Douglas Library

Our Policy Manual is also available as a downloadable PDF for ease of printing and reading.

Strategic Plan

Please review the below document to learn more about our strategic plan for 2022-2027:

W.I.S.E. Decisions 2022-2027

Mission Statement

The mission of the Douglas Library of Hebron is to support the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of all members of the Hebron community by providing access to a professional staff, a state-of-the-art facility, quality resources, programs, and services and preserving records of the town’s history that are entrusted to the library. (Amended August 8, 2016)

Vision Statement

The Douglas Library of Hebron is an integral part of our community offering a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment to pursue lifelong learning by utilizing our ever-evolving collections, services, and technologies. (Amended July 11, 2022)

General Objectives

The Douglas Library promotes the freedom to read, to learn and to discover by serving as a learning and community center for all residents of Hebron. The Douglas Library supports and encourages life-long learning and fosters a literate, informed, and culturally-aware community. Working together, library personnel strives to provide equal access to information, ideas, and knowledge through books, programs, and other resources. (Amended March 13, 2023)

Purpose of this Manual

This manual is the central reference point for the policies of the Douglas Library. These rules establish boundaries for behavior and guidelines for best practices for library staff and users while ensuring fair and equal access to Library materials. The Library and the Board of Trustees reserve the right to modify, change, or delete policies when appropriate. Each policy is current and accurate as of the date indicated therein.

The Douglas Library of Hebron subscribes to the principles found in The American Library Association Bill of Rights, American Library Association Code of Ethics, American Library Association Access for Children and Young Adults, American Library Association Freedom to Read, and the American Library Association Statement on Labeling. (Amended 3/13/2023)

Circulation Policy

The Circulation Policy of the Douglas Library exists to facilitate free and equal access to the materials and information contained in the Library’s collections. A Douglas Library card allows a patron to check out materials, remotely access content in online databases, utilize digital media from library vendors, and more. The Douglas Library and its collections are available for use by residents of Hebron. In addition, under the Connecticard reciprocal borrowing system of the Connecticut State Library, any resident of another Connecticut town or city may borrow items from the Library’s collections provided he/she presents a valid borrower card in good standing from his/her hometown public library.

Library materials are the property of the Town of Hebron. Library cards are issued to identify users of library materials and to provide a means of recovering materials that have not been returned. Loan periods are designed both to allow adequate time for borrowers to use materials and to provide timely loans of materials that are in high demand. Borrowers assume responsibility for payment of fees or fines for materials not returned on time or those that are lost or damaged.

Confidentiality of User Records

Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes, Sec. 11-25(b) (1), “records maintained by libraries that can be used to identify any library user, or link any user to a library transaction, regardless of format, shall be kept confidential, except that the records may be disclosed to officers, employees and agents of the library, as necessary for operation of the library.”

Registration and Library Cards

Any person over the age of eighteen (18) who shows proof of a current residential address within the Town of Hebron may receive a Douglas Library card free of charge. Library cards will be valid for three (3) years. At time of renewal of library card, applicants will be asked to verify address and other information on the patron record. A suspended account may not be renewed until the account has been brought back into good standing. Library users are responsible for all materials checked out on his/her card.

Parents/Legal Guardians of children between the ages of four (4) and seventeen (17) may obtain a library card for their child/children by meeting the same requirements. Parents must have a valid Douglas Library card. Parents are financially responsible for all items borrowed on a child’s card.

Proof of residency includes a photo ID with current address. Identification with only a post office box number will not be accepted. If a photo ID with a current address cannot be produced, a photo ID along with a significant piece of mail received at the current address will suffice. ‘Significant mail’ includes utility bills, phone bills, bank statements, lease agreements, car registrations, and any piece of mail deemed worthy of proving residency by the Director.

Library cards are not transferable. Library cards or photo IDs must be presented to use certain library services. Summer residents who own property in Hebron whose permanent residence is outside of Connecticut may obtain a library card by showing proof of tax payments. A fee of $2.00 will be assessed for the replacement of a lost library card.

Loan Periods and Limits

Loan periods and limits on the number of items that may be borrowed are established to provide users with an adequate amount of time to use materials and return them so they are available to others.

Library users may have a maximum of forty (40) items checked out at any one time. Adult and Children’s Reference materials are available for overnight loan at the discretion of the Director, Head of Circulation or the Children’s Librarian. Local History and current periodicals are not available for loan but may be used in the library. Materials may be borrowed for one (1) loan period with one (1) renewal, except new DVDs, interlibrary loan books, museum passes, and summer reading materials. Items on hold for another patron may not be renewed. Borrowers may renew items in person, by phone, or through the online public access catalog.

Loan Periods

New Adult Books	14 days
Adult and Children’s Books	21 days
New Audiobooks	14 days
Audiobooks	21 days
Music CDs	21 days
New DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K discs	3 days
DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K discs	7 days
Interlibrary Loan items	21 days
Magazines	21 days
Passes	1 per family for 3 days
Book Discussion items	21 days
Summer Reading	14 days
Overdrive Downloadable Materials	7 per patron for 14 days
Other Digital Media	Varies; at the discretion of the vendor

Holds

Materials that are “on order” or in circulation may be reserved in person, by phone, or through the online public access catalog.

Interlibrary Loans

Materials that are not owned by the Douglas Library may be borrowed from another library through the interlibrary loan service (ILL). All ILL materials must be returned to the Douglas Library.

Fines and Fees

Museum Passes	$10.00 per day
Wi-Fi Hotspots	$10.00 per day

It is the responsibility of the borrower to know the due date of all items checked out. Borrowing privileges are suspended if there is an overdue item for which the replacement cost has been assessed or a fine(s) has accrued in excess of $5.00. Prompt payment of overdue fines, replacement costs, and processing fees for lost materials is expected. No refunds of any of these charges will be made if lost item is found after payment. No overdue fine will exceed the cost of the item.

Fees for Lost Items

The fee for replacing an item which is lost or damaged beyond repair is the current replacement cost of the item. Fees for repairs are as follows.

Adult Hardcover & Trade Paperback Books	$5.00
Audiobooks	Cost of Repairs
DVDs	$5.00
Children’s Hardcover Books	$5.00
Music CDs	$2.50
Magazines	$2.50

Hotspot and Tablet Lending Policy

The Douglas Library of Hebron lends out both Hotspots and Tablets to Connecticut public library card holders in good standing ages 18 and above (i.e. library card is not blocked due to unpaid fines or lost material) accompanied by a valid photo ID. The lending period for the hotspots and tablets are one (1) week. The hotspots or tablets may not be reserved or renewed. The Douglas Library reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who abuse equipment or are repeatedly late returning electronic devices. The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages or expense resulting from use or misuse of the device, connection of the device to other electronic devices, or data loss resulting from use of device. Illegal use of this device is prohibited.

A patron must present his/her library card along with a government issued photo identification to the circulation desk. Once a hotspot or tablet is checked out to a patron, it becomes the responsibility of the patron.
Only one device may be checked out to a family or household at one time.
Any changes in condition, of the device, or content while in the patron’s care will be the patron’s responsibility. The patron is responsible for damage, loss or theft. Patrons should have a basic working knowledge of the device on checkout. If any technical issues are encountered while in the care of the patron, patron should notify the library immediately.
Items must be returned directly to a staff member. They are not to be returned to another library or in the book drops. Devices returned in a book drop or at a different library will be fined $10.00. Each item will be examined upon return and any damage discovered will be billed to the patron.
A returned hotspot or tablet must remain available in the library for 24 hours before the same patron, or another patron living in the same household, may check it out again.
An overdue fee of $10.00 per day up to the full replacement cost of $180.00 will be charged for a hotspot or $120.00 for tablet. Damaged devices or parts will be charged at full replacement cost.
If the borrower refuses to pay the replacement cost for the device, he/she will be blocked from further borrowing privileges until the amount is below $5.00. If the patron returns the hotspot or tablet late three (3) times, he/she will be barred from borrowing electronic devices.
Patrons must fill out the Hotspot and Tablet Lending Agreement upon checkout.

Museum Passes

Museum passes are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Only one pass per family is allowed at any given time. A family may use a maximum of two passes in a given week.
Passes must be returned inside the library or in the DVD drop.
Patrons are responsible for the full replacement value for lost or damaged passes.

Collection Development Policy

The Library Board of Trustees recognizes that individuals within the community have diverse interests, backgrounds, cultural heritages, social values, and needs. The Board further recognizes that the Library serves all the people within the community regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, national origin, or political or social views. The Library does not exclude materials that are biased, partisan, antisocial, or which may offend the tastes of some residents. A balanced collection will represent all points of view on a subject as much as possible.

The Douglas Library supports the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statements which are included as part of this document.

Responsibility for Collection Development

The ultimate responsibility resides with the Library Director. The Library Director will designate members of the staff who are qualified by reason of education, training, and experience to participate.

Selection Tools

Library staff will use a variety of tools to choose items that are needed and appropriate for addition to the collections:

Professional Journals
Patron and Staff requests
Newspapers
Publisher lists
Online reviewing sources
Sales figures

Selection Guidelines

Materials selected for inclusion in the Library’s collections include fiction, nonfiction, reference, large print, foreign language materials, periodicals, and electronic resources. Formats for inclusion include print, books on CD, music CDs, DVDs, and electronic resources. Material selection will be based on individual merit of each item, popular appeal/demand, and suitability of material, existing library holdings, and cost.

Special Consideration

The Library will endeavor to collect materials relating to the history of the town of Hebron. The Library may purchase multiple copies of materials for school reading lists. Material that complements curriculum studies in the schools may be added to the collection. Textbooks for class assignments will not be purchased for the collection. The Library will try to obtain books highlighted in state and national award lists such as the Nutmeg, Newbery, and Caldecott medal winners from the American Library Association.

Donations

The Douglas Library accepts donations of books, audio/visual materials, games and puzzles on a continuous basis.
The library reserves the right to add items to the collection, and to sell or discard items via the Friends of the Library.
Donations should be left in the bins supplied by the Friends outside the building. If the donor plans to leave a large donation that exceeds the capacity of the designated outdoor area, the donor needs to give advance notice by contacting the Friends of the Library so that they will have a representative to meet them at the library to accept the materials.
If the donor requires a tax receipt, they must have a representative of the library or of the Friends, to assess the materials at the time of the donation. The receipt will only designate the type of materials donated and the number of items. No monetary value will be given to the donation.

Deselection/Weeding

Judicious and systematic discarding of Library materials is necessary to keep the collection appropriately-sized, relevant, attractive, and current. The Library will engage in withdrawal of materials which are worn, outdated, duplicated or no longer of interest, as well as donated items which the Library chooses not to add to the collection. These items will be offered to the Friends of the Douglas Library or made available to the general public. Deselection criteria outlined in CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries will be used.

Items removed from the collection may be offered to the public, other libraries, schools, or other town entities. Some, due to deteriorated conditions, will be recycled. If appropriate, an attempt will be made to contact the donor or family when an item is to be removed.

Gifts

The Douglas Library welcomes gifts of money, books, materials, equipment, art, objects, and documents of any kind that promote the mission of the library. Items not added to the collection remain with the Friends for inclusion in their book sales. Gifts and memorial donations must meet the same standards for inclusion in the collection as items that we select and purchase. Donated material is accepted with the understanding that any donated item is evaluated according to the Collection Development Policy. Gifts will only be accepted without restrictions.

Memorial Gifts

Monetary gifts are frequently made to the library in memory of, or in honor of, an individual. The Library benefits from the monies donated to memorialize a loved one. While the subject matter of a memorial gift generally is suggested by the donor, the library staff selects and purchases the item. The same criteria for weeding will be applied to memorial items as are applied to weeding the rest of the collection. A memorial plaque is placed in the item.

Requests for Reconsideration

The Library strives to maintain a collection with a broad appeal for all residents of Hebron. To this end, the Library has adopted the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement.

Patrons and members of the staff may advise the Library if they feel that material has been added to the collections in violation of this policy. The concerned person should contact the Library Director and complete a “Statement of Concern about Library Materials” form available at the Circulation Desk.

The Library Director will report this information to the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Board will then determine if the material in question was selected according to this Policy. The concerned person will be notified by the Library Director in writing of the Board’s decision. Challenged materials will remain in the collection until the Board’s final decision. Under no circumstance will the personal view or taste of either the Library Director or members of the Board be criteria in making the ruling. The determination will be made solely on the basis of compliance with the Collection Development Policy.

Library Use Policy

The Douglas Library is the public library of Hebron. It is open to the public and does not discriminate. All are welcome to use its resources. Use of the Library requires respect for others who are enjoying the Library facilities, services, and programs. For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of Library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property. This list is not exhaustive or exclusive. Included are:

Disruptive behavior, such as but not limited to, running, playing audio equipment loudly, threatening or harassing behavior, public intoxication, talking loudly, or any other behavior that would hinder other patrons, volunteers, or staff.
Stealing or vandalizing any property of the Library, Library staff, or Library users.
Use of skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, or roller scooters on Library property.
Soliciting of any kind including seeking or collecting signatures for a petition.
Smoking, vaping, or the use of any alcohol or tobacco products in the Library.
Possession or use of illegal drugs.
Bicycles or scooters except in designated areas.
Entering the library barefooted, or without a shirt.
Personal hygiene which may present a health or safety issue to patrons, volunteers or staff.
Misuse of restrooms, e.g. no bathing or washing clothing.
Bringing animals into the Library, except service animals.
Sleeping.

The Library Director or designated staff shall be responsible for the enforcement of the Library Use Policy. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the Library will institute discipline ranging from a verbal warning, through denial of specific privileges, such as use of the Library computers, to denial of the right to use the Library for a specified time period. Upon refusal of such person to obey the directives, the Director or designated staff is hereby authorized and directed to make a complaint to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Library staff will complete the appropriate incident report form. Appeals relating to suspension of Library service privileges and/or revocation of privileges shall be made to the Board of Trustees.

Unattended Children Policy

Children and adults alike are welcome and encouraged to use the Douglas Library. In order to maintain a safe, orderly, and proper environment for library use and library property, the following guidelines regarding the supervision of minors are in effect.

Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct of their children/minors at all times when on library premises. The Douglas Library staff assumes no responsibility for the safety, care, or supervision of children/minors.
Children under age twelve (12) must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times and in all areas of the library.
If the library must close in an emergency, library staff will make an effort to alert parents to make sure that the child will be picked up.
1. If a child is alone at the library closing, library staff will call the parent/caregiver. If staff cannot reach a parent/caregiver, the police will be called to assume responsibility for the child. A staff member will remain with the child until the parent/caregiver or police arrive in clear view of a library camera.
It is the responsibility of parents or caregivers to make certain that work and home telephone numbers are on file with the library application to use in the event of an emergency.
Parents or caregivers should be aware of the library’s openings and closing times and make suitable arrangements to meet and transport their children.
Parents or caregivers will not direct their children to the library in the event of an emergency or town or school closing in that the same conditions that caused the school closing may also affect library operations.
Staff will not transport children home or to any other destination.

Storytime Policy

Storytime is a free service offered to the community of Hebron and to surrounding towns. Storytime is open to the public.
Due to room capacity and staffing, enrollment is restricted in compliance with safety standards.
Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis and is limited to parents and caregivers in the private sector. We reserve the right to refuse commercial caregivers, i.e., nursery schools, home and public daycare providers, and playgroups. Alternate services are offered to these types of institutions.
Children may not be left unattended at any time. The library and library staff may not be held responsible for loss or injury due to lack of supervision by a parent or caregiver.

Photocopier, Scanner, and Fax Use

The Douglas Library provides a photocopier, scanner, and Fax machine. The copier and scanner are self-service; however, Library staff will operate the Fax machine.

The per copy charge for public use of the photocopier and scanner is $.25 or $.50 for color.
- Library employees wishing to make photocopies and scans for personal use will be charged the same as the public.
Organizations wishing to produce photocopies/scans, which will benefit the library, may do so at no charge. Appropriateness of subject matter to be copied or scanned will be left to the discretion of the librarian or librarian’s designee.
Municipal organizations requiring photocopier/scanner use in emergency situations may use the library copier at no charge. Other nonprofit groups may be granted the same privilege at the discretion of the Director. Copy paper will be supplied by the user.
Fax transaction fees: $2.00 for first page and $1.00 for each additional page including cover sheet. Fees apply to send or receive.

Community Bulletin Board

The Douglas Library will post meeting activities of civic, cultural, educational, or recreational groups on the Community Meeting Bulletin Board located at the main entrance near the elevator.
Notices must meet the following criteria: neat, no larger than 8 x 11, and legible lettering.
No notices of a personal nature, business solicitations, religious tracts, petitions, campaign literature, or articles for sale may be posted.
Priority will be given to announcements of events of Hebron organizations.
Priority will be given to events occurring during the month.
Notices must be approved by Library staff and dated.
The right side of the bulletin board is reserved for library related postings. The left side is available for public postings following above guidelines.

Food and Beverages

The Douglas Library strives to create a welcoming, clean, and comfortable environment for all to enjoy. Covered beverages are allowed in the Library including bottled water and hot beverages Trash should be disposed of in the provided receptacles. Spills must be reported to Library staff immediately.

Meeting Room Policy

The Board of Trustees of the Douglas Library of Hebron views the use of the facilities of the library as an extension of the library services. The rooms shall be available to the Hebron community in its broadest sense and reflect the educational, cultural and social role the library plays. The Board subscribes to Article IV of the Library Bill of Rights which states: “…that facilities should be made available to the public served by the given library on an equitable basis regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”

Availability and Eligibility for Use

There are two meeting rooms and three (3) study rooms available for public use by groups (hereinafter referred to as meeting room(s)):

Community Room (capacity not to exceed 282 people with chairs only in the space and 132 people with tables and chairs in the space)
Board Room (capacity not to exceed 15 people)
Study Rooms (first come first served, except in special situations, (up to 8 people))

Meeting rooms are generally available during normal library operating hours. Meeting room use may extend beyond normal operating hours provided that prior arrangements have been made with the Director or authorized representative and provided that the meeting began during normal library operating hours.

When the meeting rooms are not needed for library activities, nonprofit organizations headquartered in Hebron and/or serving the Hebron community may apply for use of the meeting rooms for educational, civic, and/or cultural programs intended for and open to the public. No commercial or private use of the meeting rooms is permitted.

All meeting room reservations are on a first come, first served basis, however, the following priorities will prevail in using the meeting rooms:

Douglas Library
Board of Trustees
Town of Hebron
Douglas Library Association
Friends of the Douglas Library
Hebron non-profit organizations

Youth groups may use the meeting rooms provided that there is at least one adult supervisor (age 21 or older) for each ten youths in attendance. The adult supervisor shall sign the application for the use of the facility and shall assume full responsibility for the entire group from the time the first member arrives until the last one has left the premises.

For profit organizations will not be allowed to use the meeting rooms for any fund raising purpose.

Non-Library related organizations may not use the Community Room and the Conference Room more than six times total in a calendar year without special permission from the Director.

The group making application for the use of the building and grounds shall agree to indemnify, relieve from all responsibility, and to render harmless from any claims, actions, or causes of action of any kind which may arise out of the use of the facility by such individual or group, the Douglas Library of Hebron and its employees or the Town of Hebron for any damage or loss to property or person of any individual attending the event. Groups must provide their own insurance coverage: $1,000,000 Bodily Injury and Property Damage Single Limit Liability naming the Douglas Library of Hebron and the Town of Hebron as additional insured. Certified verification of such insurance will be required to be filed no less than eight (8) business days before the event.

If group does not have the necessary insurance, they may use the Town of Hebron’s Insurance; Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA) for a fee under the Tenant User’s Liability Program (TULIP). Please call the Town Office Building at 860-228-5971 to set this up.

Use of the meeting rooms is at the discretion of the Library Director.

Application and Charge for Use

A written application must be submitted to the Director or authorized agent for each use of the meeting room at least thirty days prior to the requested meeting date. The director or authorized agent will notify the requestor within seven days of receipt of the request as to whether or not the request can be granted. An approved application must be on file and any and all fees paid prior to use of the meeting room.

Any person or group denied use of the meeting room for any reason other than unavailability may come before the Board of Trustees for review.

The standard fee for use of the meeting room beyond normal library operating hours for Hebron Community organizations or other non-profit organizations in the Hebron Community will be as follows:

Meeting Rooms	$25 per hour or major part thereof
Use of Kitchen	$25, No food preparation allowed; only warming and plating

General Rules and Limitations

Groups using the meeting rooms will be responsible for:
1. Setting up chairs, tables, etc. and putting them away after the meeting
2. Proper adult supervision
3. Restoring the meeting room to the same condition in which it was found
4. Costs arising from any damage or loss during use
Smoking, alcoholic beverages, and gambling is strictly prohibited in the meeting rooms.
No admission charge or tuition may be required.
No products or services may be sold.
Personal information from program attendees may not be solicited.
Reservations for the meeting rooms may be made up to one year in advance.
If a group requires audio-visual equipment, the user must be thoroughly trained and be held responsible for any damage to hardware or software.
Groups showcasing media in the meeting rooms must secure all necessary performance rights or agree to indemnify the library for any failure on their part to do so.
No materials may be affixed to wall surfaces.
The name, address, and phone number of the Douglas Library may not be used as the official address of any group or organization using the meeting rooms nor may any non-library group using the meeting rooms to publicize its activities in such a way as to imply library sponsorship.
All individuals and groups must submit a completed ‘Application for Use of Meeting Room‘.

Governing the Handling of Library Policy

All children, when moving chairs, tables or other items in the library, shall be supervised by adults
No child shall move any object that is not appropriate to the child’s size and/or which could cause harm or damage to them.
Any failure of adults to provide appropriate supervision or guidance to children under their care as stated above will be taken seriously and could result in a denial of their application to use the library’s meeting rooms or to participate in programs or events held at the library.

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of inclement weather, the Library Director in consultation with the Library Board President or designee and the Town Manager’s Office will determine if the library should open for regular hours, delay opening or in the event that the library is already open, that the library will close early. The Director will base the decision upon weather reports, assessment of area road conditions, and the condition of the library parking lot and walkways.

Once a decision has been made, the Director will contact the news media and affected staff members. In the event that the Director is not available, the head of circulation and/or the children’s librarian will make the decision not to open or delay opening. If the library is open and a weather situation develops during which the Director, head of circulation, and children’s librarian are not able to be reached, then the senior staff member in the building may make the decision to close.

The Director will use the internal library board policy stating the criteria for closing in the February 15, 2008 policy passed by the library board. The library will not automatically close when schools close.

Part-time staff will be paid for at least three hours if already on duty for their scheduled work shift if the library closes early. They will not be paid for time missed beyond what they have worked, or if they have already worked three hours and the library closes for inclement weather.

Full-time employees are expected to report to work according to their regular work schedules, unless the Town Manager’s Office closed Town Offices due to inclement weather. No employee will be required to stay at work or come to work if they choose not to. They have the option to use previously accrued personal time, or vacation time to make up missed hours.

Volunteer Policy

The Douglas Library uses the services of volunteers to supplement the work of paid Library staff in meeting demands for quality public service. The services of volunteers do not take the place of work done by paid Library staff. Volunteers aid the Library in making the best use of its fiscal resources and contribute to a positive image of the Library in the community. Volunteers are expected to act in accordance with Library policies and to reflect a positive customer service attitude to all library patrons.

A volunteer in the Children’s Department will be at least twelve (12) years of age; a volunteer in the Adult/YA Departments will be at least sixteen (16) years of age. Volunteers contribute time, energy, and talents and are not paid by Library funds. Volunteers must fill out a Volunteer Application and an Emergency Contact Form before being accepted. Volunteers under the age of eighteen (18) must have the application signed by a parent or legal guardian. Approval of a volunteer is at the discretion of the Library Director or his/her designee based on an applicant’s qualifications in relation to the Library’s needs.

The Library has absolute discretion to deny an application; however, the Library will not discriminate on the basis of sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, race, color or disability or any other legally protected characteristic.

The Friends of the Douglas Library is a volunteer organization established as a 501(c)(3). A Board of Directors sets their policies and oversees their operations and expenditures. The Board or its designee is responsible for their volunteers.

All transactions between Library users and staff or volunteers are strictly confidential. Volunteers may not perform activities that could reveal confidential patron information or use the Integrated Library System (ILS).

Display Case

The Douglas Library welcomes and encourages individuals, community organizations, and groups to use the display case located near the front entrance to the Library. The display case is available for presentations of an educational, civic, cultural, or artistic nature. Displays of materials on controversial topics must cover a range of views, and does not constitute endorsement by the Douglas Library. Access to all will be on an equitable basis. The display case is not available for commercial use or benefit. No prices or price lists are to appear with any exhibit item.

Requests for use of the display case are made by completing the Douglas Library Display Application Form. Final approval for the display will be made by the Library Director. Display case exhibits are generally for a thirty (30) day period and scheduling is on a first come, first served basis. The Library reserves the right to limit the frequency and length of all displays. No display materials may be left anywhere at the Library in preparation for the setting up or removal of a display. Placement and removal of exhibits will be the responsibility of the exhibitors. The Library assumes no responsibility or liability for the preservation, protection, loss or damage to any part of the exhibit. All items placed in the Library’s display case are done so at the owner’s risk.

Computer, Internet, and Wi-Fi Use

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Douglas Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of Hebron’s diverse community.

In compliance with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Douglas Library filters all its computers, and all access to the Internet through its network, to protect against access to obscene visual depictions, child pornography, and/or other material harmful to minors, as required by law.

The filter may unintentionally block sites that have legitimate research value and fail to block objectionable content. Users should be aware that Internet filtering software installed for CIPA compliance should not substitute for individual judgment and/or parental involvement and oversight. Library staff will disable filtered Internet access to persons 18 or older who request it for bona fide research or any other lawful purposes.

While restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is ultimately the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, the Library strives to provide a safe and secure experience for minors using direct electronic communications (including e-mail, chat rooms, and instant messaging) by providing educational resources to parents and staff observation around its public computers.

Acceptable Use of Computers, Internet, and Wi-Fi

These resources are to be used in a responsible manner consistent with educational, professional, informational, and recreational purposes. Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide guidance to their children when using these resources. The Library does not assume liability for the reliability of the local network, the Internet, the content, or the accuracy of information found on the Internet.

Patrons must sign in at the Circulation Desk with their library card. The computer stations may be used in 60-minute increments. If no other patrons are waiting to use the computer station, the user may extend time on the computer. Those wishing to download information or store information must bring their own storage devices. Charge for printing from computer workstations or scanner is $.25 or $.50 for color per page.

As with other Library resources, staff will attempt to assist patrons with computer applications. However, due to time constraints, Library staff cannot provide in-depth instruction to users. A basic understanding of computers and the Internet is required of users.

Computers in the Children’s Library are intended for use by children age 12 and younger. Adults supervising children may use them as well, but children have first priority.

The Library’s computers may not be used to for any activity in violation of federal, state, or local laws.

Unacceptable Use of Computers, Internet, and Wi-Fi

Interference with or disruption of other computer users, computer services, or equipment
Violating software license agreements and copyright laws
Deliberately accessing or displaying obscene images or language
Providing minors with access to materials that are harmful to them as defined by CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act). This includes:
- Unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online
- Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
Disclosing or sharing a user’s library card information with others or impersonating another user

Wireless access is provided as a free service to the public. The wireless Internet network is not secure and provides no data encryption between the access points and the patron’s device. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s Wi-Fi network. Users must take appropriate precautions when using this service.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in loss of Computer, Internet, or Wi-Fi access privileges.

Proctoring Policy

The Douglas Library of Hebron supports the goal of lifelong learning. Distance learning and correspondence courses are a convenient way for individuals to continue their education locally and in a cost-effective way. To support this endeavor the library will offer proctoring services with the following guidelines:

Fees

The cost of proctoring service is $25 per hour. Cash or Check only. The maximum charge per test session will be $75. Test sessions may not exceed 4 hours.

Scheduling Examinations

Tests may be proctored Monday through Friday during the library’s normal operating hours. Advanced notice of one week is required. We cannot provide drop-in proctoring services.

To schedule the proctoring please call the Head of Circulation at (860)228-9312 x310.
The exam taker will be asked to sign an ‘Acknowledgment of the Douglas Library of Hebron’s Proctoring Policy’ (Appendix K) form.

Guidelines/Responsibility of Library

The Library will accept emailed, mailed, or faxed exams to the library.
The Library will provide a quiet space for exam takers.
Proctors may be working on other tasks while student takes the exam.
Proctors will enforce any given time limits that are placed on the exam, as well as other rules that are set forth in the examination materials.
The Library will return completed tests as directed by the examining institution.
The Library shall not be responsible for any exam once it leaves the library.
The Library will not keep copies of completed exams.
The Library reserves the right to deny this service, if it is determined that the proctoring request is unreasonable or places an undue burden on the Library’s facilities or staff.

Responsibility of Exam Taker:

The student will schedule the exam, at least one week in advance.
The student will arrange for the examining institution to send the exam to the library at least 48 hours before the scheduled test.
The student is responsible for ensuring that the computer resources at the library are adequate and available for taking the test.
The student will arrive prepared with the necessary or required supplies to take the exam. These supplies will be made available for approval by the proctor if required.
The student will provide proper identification.
The use of cell phones or visiting with others is prohibited during the test session.
The student is responsible for the return postage and envelope for any exam which does not include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Further, if it is required to fax the test to the institution the student will be responsible for that cost.
The finished exam will be handled with other library mail including electronically. Every effort will be made to meet mailing deadlines.
Exam takers are responsible to pay for the costs of faxing and copying if such activities are required. They will pay the same rates as the public for these services.

Responsibility of Examining Institution:

Prior contact between the examining institution and the proctor is required so that credibility and testing requirements can be verified.
The examining institution is responsible for informing the test taker of any exam guidelines, instructions, and any pre-exam requirements.

Memorial Donations

Donations of materials for the collection and monetary contributions may be accepted by the library director. All other memorial donations must be accepted by the Board of Trustees. Any donations or gifts to the library must be consistent with the library’s policies, goals and objectives, and/or mission.