Library Use Policies
Collection Development Policies
Departmental Policies and Procedures
Library Use Policies
The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library is located in the six story multi-use Hammond Building and is intended for the use of all the Fitchburg State College students, faculty, and staff in accordance with the mission and goals of Fitchburg State College. The Library policies apply to the areas within the Building dedicated to library work.
The policies are for the benefit of everyone. The Library staff requests everyone to respect library users and the library environment.
Community Access Policies
Community users are welcome to use some of the services in accordance with the established library policies and guidelines. If patron behavior occurs outside of these guidelines, see for example the Acceptable Computer Use Policy, library personnel have the authorization to contact Campus Police and request the patron be evicted from the Library.
Unattended Child
The Library provides an environment for research, study and scholarship. To foster such an atmosphere, library staff cannot oversee unattended or unsupervised children nor be responsible for their safety. Children under 16 must be under the supervision (within view) of a parent or adult guardian. Parents, guardians and/or accompanying adult will be held responsible for the child’s behavior or actions and any resulting damages. Unattended children will be asked to leave the library. High school students working on school assignments may use the library unaccompanied providing they do so in an orderly manner.
Priority for computer use in the library is for Fitchburg State students, staff, and faculty. Responsible computer use is expected. Library patrons agree to abide by the College’s Acceptable Use Policy posted at http://www.fsc.edu/it/policies/acceptableuse.html.
Food and Beverages Policy
The library staff has established Food and Beverage guidelines to aid in the preservation and care of library materials and electronic equipment, to maintain a pest-free environment and damage free furnishings, to reduce litter, and to ensure a safe, clean environment
Food and drink in the Gallucci-Cirio Library are limited as follows:
- The only food brought into the Library should be of the quick snack variety.
- Exceptions are: staff areas, the CIC Library, and special events
- Drinks are allowed in spill proof, covered containers only.
- Food and beverages are not allowed in the following locations: the public computers, Special Collections and Archives, and the Library Classroom.
- Carry out what you carry in.
Cell Phones Policy
Patrons are asked to turn off cell phones, audible pagers and similar devices when entering the Gallucci-Cirio Library. Patrons are asked to set cell phones to “vibrate” when entering. Patrons using cell phones will be asked to leave the Library for the duration of their call.
Display Space Policies
Display Mission
The primary goal of the displays and gallery space is to support the mission of the Gallucci-Cirio Library and Fitchburg State College. Therefore the actual exhibits/displays should be appropriate to an academic setting, support the curriculum and/or instructional missions of Fitchburg State College and/or reflect Gallucci-Cirio Library collections and services. Therefore, prohibited uses and practices shall include:
- Advertising
- Commercial/financial reimbursement
- Prices will not be affixed to any item on display
- Material or equipment in the opinion of the staff is potentially dangerous to people or property will not be presented on displays
- Urge support or opposition to any political candidate or issue or urge support of or opposition to any religion or religious belief.
Exhibit Space
There are 4 display cases 60” x 30” with locks. There is gallery/display space located on the walls on the 1st and 2nd floors: central stairwell, outside room 104 and 106; and outside room 203.
General Guidelines
- The exhibit or display should support the mission of the Library as well as Fitchburg State College.
- The approval for displays will be at the discretion of the Library Director, Robert Foley.
- Displays proposed by campus-affiliated groups or individuals will receive preference over external groups.
- Complete a Display Space Reservation Request Form. (Contact the secretary to the library director, 978 665-3195, for a paper form.) Submit the form to the Library Director for approval at:
- thpierce@fsc.edu
- Fax: (978) 665-3069
- Teresa Pierce ~ Gallucci-Cirio Library ~ Fitchburg State College ~ 160 Pearl St. ~ Fitchburg, MA 01420
- Generally, the displays and exhibits shall be temporary and may extend for up to two months. Displays must be set up within two days of the start date and must be removed by the end of the display time. If you do not do so yourself, the library staff will remove display items and such items will be disposed of at the discretion of the Library Director.
- The sponsoring group or individual will be responsible for providing any necessary permissions or authorizations.
- The person(s) providing the display materials must set up and remove displays. Library staff may assist if asked.
- Library staff is not responsible for ongoing maintenance of the display.
- The library director reserves the right to refuse to exhibit or remove any display that does not comply with these policies and guidelines.
Publicity
Publicity will be the responsibility of the sponsoring individual or organization.
Supplies and Signage
The exhibitor will be responsible for providing supplies and producing appropriate signage for the display. The exhibitor must include a sign indicating sponsor/provider/creator of the display.
Sponsorship or Endorsement
Use of the Gallucci-Cirio Library display space by an organization or individual does not constitute Library sponsorship or endorsement of that organization or individual or the viewpoints or activities they are promoting.
Security and Liability
The Sponsoring Group, not Library staff, will be held responsible for the loss or damage to items on display. Precautions will be taken to safeguard exhibits. Any concerns over insurance, possible damage or theft should be discussed in advance by the exhibitor and the library staff.
The individual or a representative of the sponsoring organization will be asked to complete the request form and agree to abide these policies and guidelines.
Questions not directly answered by these policies/guidelines can be forwarded to the Library director’s secretary at 978 665-3195 or religious belief.
Filming/Photography Policy
Filming and the photography of the library facilities, personnel or patrons must be arranged with the Library Director. Requests should include information regarding the desired date, location within the Library, type of equipment being used, etc. It is also requested that proper credit be given to the Library in the credits. If people are being filmed or photographed, the appropriate paperwork must be completed according to college policy.
Request to Film Online Form
Gifts Policy
The Gallucci-Cirio Library welcomes gifts of appropriate materials from the community that may provide valuable additions to the library collection. All donated materials are expected to meet the same standards of quality and relevance to the collection as all newly acquired titles. Donations should support the curriculum and the mission of the library as well as meet established collection development guidelines and policies.
All gifts will undergo review by professional library staff in charge of collecting for the particular subject area that the material falls under. In the event a reviewer is unsure whether certain material should be added to the collection, other librarians and teaching faculty will be consulted for their views on appropriateness.
The library reserves the right to dispose of any gift materials that it considers not to meet the library collection needs and policy guidelines. The library may dispose of the unaccepted material in a variety of different ways, including: giving to other libraries; giving to local, nonprofit organizations; giving to academic departments; giving to individual faculty, staff, or students; as well as discarding/throwing away. If the donor would like to redeem any materials not being considered for addition into the collection, please indicate this preference on the form below.
If it is the wish of the donor, items that are added to the collection may be recognized as a gift with the attachment of a book-plate stating the donor's name.
***It is the responsibility of the donor to have a monetary appraisal of his/her gift done before it is given to the library, if it is assumed the gift has a large monetary value and if an appraisal is so desired by the donor. This is in compliance with the Tax Reform Act of 1984 and the American Research Libraries' Statement on Appraisal of Gifts.
***All gifts of money must first be discussed with the Library Director.
Please fill out a Donation Form and submit it along with any gift materials to the Gallucci-Cirio Library. You may print out a blank Donation Form (PDF) to complete prior to submitting your gift.
Group Study Room Policies
The Library provides and schedules a group study room for Fitchburg State College students, faculty, and staff. Group Study Room Guidelines are posted online.
Patrons not in compliance with these rules may be asked to leave and/or be barred from future group study room use.
Miscellaneous
Pets, bicycles, and rollerblading are not permitted in the Library.
Privacy and Confidentiality Policies
In a library setting, a user’s right to privacy includes the freedom to inquire about any information without having others question or examine them. The library’s responsibility with regard to confidently is to possess the least amount of personally identifiable information on a user while keeping it private. This includes but is not limited to circulation records, reserve records, interlibrary loan requests, reference interactions, database searches, and web sit visits.
- Circulation information that is maintained includes:
- Registration record: patron’s name address, phone and e-mail address
- Materials currently checked out and/or items a patron has requested
- Unpaid fines and or fees
Unless fines or other exceptions occur, each circulation transaction is deleted when the material is returned. Patron records are deleted when the patron permanently leaves Fitchburg State.
Exception: If a faculty member requests usage information for reserves, items will be placed on physical reserve and manual records will be maintained, HOWEVER, the faculty member will need to notify the students in advance and the staff requests this be done by including a statement on the course syllabus.
- Information for Interlibrary loan and document delivery transactions/requests are handled in the same manner as circulation. All personal information is destroyed when the transaction is completed.
- Reference interactions
- In person and telephone interactions do not require keeping patron information
- E-mail requests are destroyed when the request is completed
- Online database registration requires a username and password, personal information is not kept.
The library staff will only use the patron information for the enforcement of library rules or for resolving research inquiries (except for fines, lost items, interlibrary loan requests, reference questions).
The library staff of the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library protects the privacy of library users. The library staff endorses the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association that states, “We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.” Law prohibits the staff from giving out any information regarding a patron’s library account to ANY other person regardless of their status or identity, without a subpoena, search warrant, or court order.
Code of Ethics of the American Library Association, 1995. (Accessed 10/25/04)
Interpretation of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights
Summary of USA PATRIOT Act:
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. 1861, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56). “The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA Patriot Act”) became law on October 26, 2001…expand[ing] the authority of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement to gain access to business records, medical records, educational records and library records, including stored electronic data and communications.”
Section 215 of this law:
- Allows the FBI to obtain search warrants for library circulation records and Internet use records
- Does not require the FBI to show probable cause that the information being sought is evidence of a crime
- Prohibits librarians from disclosing to the library patron that the FBI has requested or been given information about him/her.
This information was adapted from “The USA Patriot Act in the Library,” American Library Association. http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/ifissues/usapatriotactlibrary.htm. (Accessed 10/25/04)
For more information go to: http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/mediarelations/patriotactmedia.htm
Code of Ethics of the American Library Association
As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs.
Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.
We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.
The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.
- We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
- We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
- We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
- We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
- We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
- We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
- We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
- We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
Adopted by the ALA Council
June 28, 1995
Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
Introduction
Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. The courts have established a First Amendment right to receive information in a publicly funded library.1 Further, the courts have upheld the right to privacy based on the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution.2 Many states provide guarantees of privacy in their constitutions and statute law.3 Numerous decisions in case law have defined and extended rights to privacy.4
In a library (physical or virtual), the right to privacy is the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one’s interest examined or scrutinized by others. Confidentiality exists when a library is in possession of personally identifiable information about users and keeps that information private on their behalf.5
Protecting user privacy and confidentiality has long been an integral part of the mission of libraries. The ALA has affirmed a right to privacy since 1939.6 Existing ALA policies affirm that confidentiality is crucial to freedom of inquiry.7 Rights to privacy and confidentiality also are implicit in the Library Bill of Rights’8 guarantee of free access to library resources for all users.
Rights of Library Users
The Library Bill of Rights affirms the ethical imperative to provide unrestricted access to information and to guard against impediments to open inquiry. Article IV states: “Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas.” When users recognize or fear that their privacy or confidentiality is compromised, true freedom of inquiry no longer exists.
In all areas of librarianship, best practice leaves the user in control of as many choices as possible. These include decisions about the selection of, access to, and use of information. Lack of privacy and confidentiality has a chilling effect on users’ choices. All users have a right to be free from any unreasonable intrusion into or surveillance of their lawful library use.
Users have the right to be informed what policies and procedures govern the amount and retention of personally identifiable information, why that information is necessary for the library, and what the user can do to maintain his or her privacy. Library users expect and in many places have a legal right to have their information protected and kept private and confidential by anyone with direct or indirect access to that information. In addition, Article V of the Library Bill of Rights states: “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” This article precludes the use of profiling as a basis for any breach of privacy rights. Users have the right to use a library without any abridgement of privacy that may result from equating the subject of their inquiry with behavior.9
Responsibilities in Libraries
The library profession has a long-standing commitment to an ethic of facilitating, not monitoring, access to information. This commitment is implemented locally through development, adoption, and adherence to privacy policies that are consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Everyone (paid or unpaid) who provides governance, administration, or service in libraries has a responsibility to maintain an environment respectful and protective of the privacy of all users. Users have the responsibility to respect each others’ privacy.
For administrative purposes, librarians may establish appropriate time, place, and manner restrictions on the use of library resources.10 In keeping with this principle, the collection of personally identifiable information should only be a matter of routine or policy when necessary for the fulfillment of the mission of the library. Regardless of the technology used, everyone who collects or accesses personally identifiable information in any format has a legal and ethical obligation to protect confidentiality.
Conclusion
The American Library Association affirms that rights of privacy are necessary for intellectual freedom and are fundamental to the ethics and practice of librarianship. |
