Library Policies
The Vision
Some folks call this “No Man’s Land,” and others call it “God’s Country.” For the surrounding states that wanted no part of the territory that now makes up the Oklahoma Panhandle, and many of the modern people who have never visited our vast rolling plains and blue skies, this was and is “No Man’s Land.” For the outlaws and Native Americans who first came here, and later for the pioneers who settled here, this is “God’s Country.”
The people who thrive here today are strong, resilient, hard working, and visionary. Some fled the area after “seeing the elephant,” the endless grandeur of God’s creation which made them realize the smallness of man. Others ran after facing economic disaster during the Dust Bowl. Those who stayed became stronger than ever. They had vision to see the water beneath the semiarid land. They had vision to see their children and their children’s children loving the land and it’s people as much as they did. They had vision to see the potential of this Great Plain.
Those hardy pioneers who had vision also believed in the value of hard work. They kept their vision, but developed a plan to implement that vision every step of the way. The visionaries brought schools and churches, businesses and a sense of community. It has seen great leaders of our state, nation, business, industry, agriculture and education come from the place no one else wanted.
The sons and daughters of those visionaries have become the visionaries, the leaders, of today. The vision remains strong, having been refined by the fires of time. Now the vision includes stewardship of this great land and it’s water, the best education for our children, immediate access to information, and developing the very best resource we have—our people.
We at the Beaver County Pioneer Library want to live up to the heritage and the meaning of our name. We want to be the Pioneer, the leader, both now and throughout the twenty-first century. We have a vision. We have a plan.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Beaver County Pioneer Library is to encourage the citizens of Beaver County, Oklahoma to be life-long readers and informed citizens. The Library is therefore committed to providing opportunities to learn, read and gather information, whether through traditional or non-traditional means. By developing informed citizens, the Library helps provide a solid foundation for excellence, leadership, and citizenship within Beaver County, the State of Oklahoma, and the United States for the twenty-first century.
Goals and Objectives
Year One: Fiscal Year 2004-2005
1. Maintain Equipment and Staff Development
1.1 Maintenance: The Library will renew its contract with Deb’s Computer Service for maintenance of the Library’s circulation and internet network systems.
1.2 Staff will continue training on all new equipment, as well as updating skills on existing computers and other technology. Local training sessions and opportunities for training through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries will be available to all staff.
2. Telephones and Telecommunications. Maintain the two existing phone lines for voice and fax service, and for toll-free incoming calls. Upgrade to T-1 direct connection for internet service with grant funds through Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Gates Library Foundation.
3. Universal Service: Apply for Universal Service discounts. Use budgeted maintenance and operations monies to pay for all charges after discounts.
4. Educate county voters for the need to change the way we are funded, through the weekly Library News column in the Beaver Herald-Democrat, any available public speaking opportunities and the Library website.
5. Regularly update and maintain the library website: www.beaverpl.okpls.org
6. Maintain four Internet computers for public access, and purchase a public access catalog computer with printer using sales tax revenue, county funds, State Aid or LSTA grant money if available.
7. Upgrade the Internet network filtering system to meet CIPA standards for public/children’s Internet access standards.
8. Upgrade 2 computers to the highest technology available with county funds, sales tax revenue, State Aid and/or LSTA grant funds if available.
9. The Librarian will report to the Library Board of Trustees at the June meeting all objectives set and goals met during the fiscal year 2004-2005.
Year Two: Fiscal Year 2005-2006:
1. Change to either mill levy or increased sales tax revenue with the November or February election, effective fiscal year 2006-2007. Educate Library Board members concerning changes in their responsibilities, if any.
2. Apply for Universal Service discounts and all technology grants. Maintain existing telecommunications and telephone service. Add a dedicated fax service, as budget allows.
3. Upgrade two computers to highest technology levels available, using sales tax revenue, county funds, State Aid or LSTA grant funds if available.
4. Continue staff training both locally and through Oklahoma Department of Libraries on latest technology and library issues.
5. Continue contract with Deb’s Computer Services for maintenance of Library computers.
6. Regularly update and maintain library website: www.beaverpl.okpls.org
7. The Librarian will report to the Library Board of Trustees at the June meeting all objectives set and goals met during the fiscal year 2005-2006.
Year Three: Fiscal Year 2006-2007:
1. Upon passage of either mill levy or increased sales tax revenue, consider upgrading to web-based circulation software, and upgrade circulation computer network to highest technology levels available using sales tax revenue or millage funds.
2. Renew contract with Deb’s Computer Services for maintenance of all computer networks.
3. With Friends of the Library, apply to private foundations for funds to remodel/expand current facilities. Include additional computer service computers for children’s library and a separate computer lab.
4. Upgrade two computers and software to the highest technology levels available, using sales tax revenue or millage funds.
5. Apply for all Universal Service discounts and all available appropriate LSTA grant funding.
6. With foundation grant funding, establish a meeting room with super-adequate electrical and telecommunications supply, a listening lab and video-conferencing capabilities. Purchase additional equipment as needed.
7. Continue educational opportunities for staff through both local training and Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
8. Regularly upgrade and maintain the library website: www.beaverpl.okpls.org
9. The Librarian will report to the Library Board of Trustees at the June meeting all objectives and goals set and met during the fiscal year 2006-2007.
“The only thing constant is change.”
Like all plans, this one is subject to change. As the world around us changes and as technologies advance, motives and motivations once set in stone must be chiseled and fired to make them meet the demands of the modern man. One thing is certain: we at the Beaver County Pioneer Library will continue to lead our county during the twenty-first century.
The Beaver County Pioneer Library cannot control the information available over the Internet and is not responsible for its content. The Internet contains a wide variety of material and opinions from various points of view. Not all sources provide information that is accurate, complete or current, and some may be offensive to you.
1. Internet access is available on a first-come, first-served basis during regular business hours for 30 minutes at a time, up to a 1-hour maximum, if no one is waiting for access.
2. Students working on school projects will have first priority over recreational use.
3. A sign-up sheet is provided to maintain fairness in order and time of use. All patrons must sign in and out when using the internet computers.
4. Two persons maximum at one time per Internet computer.
5. Children aged 18 years and under must be supervised by an adult and/or have written permission of parent/guardian. The Librarian on staff is not always available to supervise your child. Although we make every effort to help, do not count on the Librarian for adult supervision.
6. The fee for printing information is $.25 per page for all documents.
7. No outside floppy discs may be used unless previously purchased at this library and subsequently scanned for viruses. Discs are available for purchase for $.50 from the librarian on duty. CD-RW discs are available for $1.00.
8. Email is considered private and may only be read by the addressee.
9. No chat rooms or sites unfit for public viewing. Singles ads, want ads, and posting items for sale on Internet auctions are prohibited.
10. No food or drinks at the Internet computers.
11. All Beaver County patrons must have a signed Internet Access Contract on file at the library, and an active library card with current address and phone. Minor children may use their parent's card or family card.
12. The Library firmly believes every patron has a guaranteed freedom through the United States Constitution to obtain information. However, this freedom does not extend to information intended to harm others, information used to incite others to violent action, or other illegal activities. The Library reserves the right to ask patrons to leave a web page, stop using the computer/internet, and/or revoke library privileges if the patron is gathering or disseminating information for these purposes. Illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities.
13. The Library is not liable for any personal information which may be accessed because you chose to use the Library’s public access Internet computers.
14. Music and other information may be downloaded onto re-writable CD’s for personal use one time only. Subsequent downloads may be considered violation of current copyright laws.
15. The Beaver County Pioneer Library fully cooperates with all authorities under the Patriot Act of 2002.
16. Any person or persons who cause damage to any computer for any reason, or who downloads information to the hard drive without authorization, or for any reason knowingly or unknowingly causes additional staff time or outside consultant time to be used to remove programs and/or repair a computer may be held liable for all charges incurred in repair or replacement of a computer.
The Library’s computers are for recreational and educational purposes, with limited business applications. Any abuse of this policy is grounds for immediate loss of library privileges, fines, and/or criminal action.
Adopted by the Beaver County Pioneer Library Board of Trustees, 12/31/2003.
Collection Development Policy
The Beaver County Pioneer Library believes strong libraries make strong families and therefore strong communities. We believe everyone has the freedom to read, and a variety of formats, styles and subjects must be available to meet those needs. Therefore the following policies are set forth for choosing materials, both print and non-print.
All materials will be chosen as budget constraints allow. Priority will be given to materials that balance the viewpoint (or genres) currently in the collection and to Oklahoma authors. With the exception of filmstrips, all materials will be accepted as gift materials that meet the established criteria. (See Appendix A.)
Adult Print Materials
Large Print: Large print materials will be selected using the same criteria as for adult fiction or non-fiction.
Audiotapes: Cassette audio books will be chosen using the same criteria as adult fiction and non-fiction materials. Audio music cassettes will not be purchased due to changes in technology. Books on CD-ROM will be accepted as donations. Whenever available, music cassettes will be purchased in CD-ROM format, based on patron demand and/or awards won.
Videotapes: Videotapes will be purchased in VHS format, based on awards won for motion pictures. For non-fiction, other criteria will be the same as for adult non-fiction. Adult videos are defined as those with a PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) rating or higher, or those non-rated that deal with subject matter parents or other adults may consider inappropriate for juvenile viewers.
Kits: Kits are materials that combine a variety of media, including but not limited to print, audio, cd, and video. Adult kits will meet the criteria for adult non-fiction.
Electronic Media: Electronic media such as computer software or cds will be purchased based on the same criteria as adult non-fiction. Electronic books will not be purchased until patron demand necessitates doing so.
Art: Art will be accepted as gift materials, or displayed on behalf of the Beaver County Art Club.
Maps, Globes, and Other Two- or Three-Dimensional Media: Maps, globes, posters, and etc. will be purchased as current materials are outdated, changes occur in political/geographical world situations, or are worn beyond repair.
Filmstrips: Due to changes in technology, adult filmstrips will no longer be purchased or accepted as gift materials.
Fiction: Juvenile fiction will be purchased based on reviews from two of the aforementioned review sources, awards won, or demand from at least six (6) patrons. Except for budget constraints or Oklahoma authors, all fiction books will be purchased in trade (hardback) or library binding.
Non-fiction: Juvenile non-fiction books will be purchased based on the same criteria as for adult non-fiction, with the emphasis on balancing the current collection. Special consideration will be given to award-winning material.
Magazines/Serial Publications: Juvenile magazines/serial publications will be selected for current issues/news, science, sports, entertainment, inspiration, and technology.
Juvenile Non-Print Materials
Audiotapes: Juvenile audio books will be chosen based on the same criteria as juvenile print fiction and non-fiction books. Whenever available, music will be purchased in CD-ROM format.
Video Tapes: Juvenile video tapes will be purchased in VHS format, for educational and entertainment purposes. Selection criteria will be the same as for adult videos. Juvenile videos are defined as those having a “G” (General Audience) rating, or subject matter suitable for all ages.
Kits: Juvenile kits are as defined under Adult Kits, and will meet the criteria for either juvenile fiction or non-fiction materials.
Electronic Media: Electronic media such as computer software or cds will be selected based on the same criteria as juvenile fiction and non-fiction. Like adult electronic book, juvenile electronic books will not be purchased until patron demand necessitates doing so.
Gifts to the library are appreciated. Money for purchase of materials will be accepted only with the understanding that the Library exercises the final responsibility for deciding which materials will be purchased. Gift funds will be spent on titles that the library could not otherwise afford. Whenever possible, the librarian will consult with the donor to ensure a mutually satisfying selection.
Gifts of materials will be accepted with the understanding that the materials will be evaluated according to the current library needs, using the same criteria as for new materials. Gifts of mass-market paperback books will be evaluated as to the needs of the collection, as determined by the criteria for adult and juvenile fiction and non-fiction. The materials will then be assigned to the collection or the paperback exchange shelf, offered for sale to the public at the Friends of the Library booksales, or discarded. The library does not evaluate or appraise gifts for income tax purposes. A receipt will be given for money donated or for the number of books donated.
Guidelines for Library Gifts
Gifts are meant to enhance and upgrade library collections. Using the proceeds from the sale of donated items for the purchase of new materials or other library needs can do this. Occasionally, a special gift may be needed to meet a specific library need.
When deciding to enter used items into the collection, please carefully consider the following:
1. Physical condition of the item
· Is it dirty? Don’t keep it.
· Is it complete? Please check for missing or torn pages, pictures, cassettes, etc.*
· How long will it last? Has it been repaired before? **
*Please note: Always completely watch/listen to gift audios/videos. We’ve had some “interesting” tape-overs.
**Rebinding is expensive and the cost must be taken from the materials budget. Hardback books should last 15-20 circulations before needing repair and paperbacks 5-10.
2. Age of the item is important!
· Fiction: newer paperbacks may be more attractive to patrons than older hardback books whose covers scream, “Old! Boring!”
· Non-fiction: operate by the five-year rule (The value of the information decreases exponentially after five years.) Exceptions are medicine, law, and technology, where the rule is two years.
· Paperbacks: has the book been wet, hot, or otherwise damaged? Are the pages yellowed or loose? Thickened books and unglued covers are good indicators of damage.
3. Do we already own it?
· Check the automated card catalog before deciding to donate the book.
· If we own it please ask a librarian if we need more copies.
· No? Is it worth the cost of processing the book? Staff time for cataloging, processing, shelving, etc. costs the library, even when the book doesn’t.
· Is this book truly public library material? Could a research library or perhaps the public school library use the material better?
Thank you for your gift to our library. Our staff appreciates your remembering our needs when determining your donation. Please remember that once you have donated the material to us, it belongs to the library. The librarians will decide the best use of the material for our library.
Challenged Materials
Occasionally someone will disagree with a book or other material selected by the librarian. Everyone has the right to disagree agreeably. If a patron challenges a specific item, the library will follow these established guidelines.
1. The patron will be asked to fill out and return within two weeks the “Challenged Materials Review.”
2. The librarian will subsequently have two weeks to review the material. The librarian will then read the completed “Challenged Materials Review” and have an additional week to meet with the patron to try and diffuse any misunderstandings.
3. If an agreement cannot be reached between the librarian and the patron, the Library Board will then have thirty days (30) to review the material and meet with the patron.
4. If an agreement cannot be reached between the Library Board of Directors and the patron, the matter will be referred to the County Commissioners of Beaver County, Oklahoma, with an additional thirty days (30) for them to review the material before meeting with the Library Board of Directors and the patron.