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Internet Acceptable Use Policy

To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a variety of formats, the Ossining Public Library provides public access to the Internet. The Internet is a global network comprised of information, multimedia resources and social networks representing a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives.

A. Open Access

1. The Library provides access to Internet resources equally to all Library patrons, and upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material in accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations.

2. Patrons must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including laws governing the transmission and dissemination of information while accessing the Internet, copyright law and with all Library policies and procedures.

3. Library staff members are available to assist patrons of all ages to become information literate: to access information efficiently and effectively, evaluate information critically and competently, and use information accurately and creatively.

4. Patrons are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette and shall not use Library equipment, the network or the Internet for antisocial activities. Such activities include but are not limited to hate mail, harassment, profanity, obscenity, misrepresentation, and impersonation.

5. It is both the right and responsibility of parents and/or legal guardians to guide their own children’s use of Library resources in accordance with individual family beliefs. In that regard, parents and legal guardians are solely responsible for supervising their child’s use of the Library’s computers. Parents and guardians are reminded that the Library is not responsible for the supervision of minor patrons and that such minor patrons may be able to access age-inappropriate or unlawful materials via the Library’s computers.

6. Library administration reserves the right to establish rules governing Internet use and consequences for misuse that are consistent with this policy.

7. The Library maintains web sites for use by all patrons to help guide them to sources that are accurate, complete and current. However, not all information found on the Internet is accurate, complete, up-to-date, or otherwise acceptable to all individuals. The Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet, changes in content of the sources to which the Library home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links.

B. Security and Privacy

1. The Ossining Public 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 Library.

2. The Library disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to, or use of, information obtained through electronic information systems.

3. The Library is not responsible for the privacy practices or security of any web sites accessed by patrons.

4. The Ossining Public Library accepts no liability for any loss of privacy or data patrons may experience, or any damage or harm arising from such loss.

5. Patrons are prohibited from making any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify Library owned computer equipment or software; and will refrain from installing software on Library owned computers.

6. Patrons may download or save items on their own computer or peripheral storage device.

C. Public Internet Access with Library Owned Equipment

1. Library administration reserves the right to set the number of Internet session(s) a patron may have per day with Library owned equipment.

2. Library administration reserves the right to set a time limit for patrons’ Library Internet session with Library owned equipment.

D. Public Wireless Internet Access

1. The Ossining Public Library provides access to the Internet via a wireless network (WiFi) for patrons to use with their own personal notebooks, laptops and other mobile devices.

a. WiFi access provided by the Library is unsecured. Anti-virus, security, and privacy protection are the responsibility of the patron.

b. Patrons using Library provided WiFi must comply with this policy and any additional rules published in conjunction with this policy.

c. Patrons are responsible for having the proper hardware, software and network settings on their wireless device to connect to the Library provided WiFi. Library staff are not to make changes to personal devices’ network settings, software and/or hardware configuration, or to install any equipment, accessories or software onto patrons’ devices.

d. Printing is not available via the Library’s WiFi service.

e. The Library is not responsible for any theft, damage or misuse of patrons’ personal notebooks, laptops and other mobile devices while in use in the Library.

E. Compliance

1. Failure to comply with this policy, or misuse of the Library’s networks or computers, including patrons' personal laptops and other mobile devices connected to Ossining Public Library's WiFi, may result in the loss of computer access privileges and potential loss of Library privileges. Any person observed using a computer for illegal activities may be subject to legal recourse and permanent expulsion from the Library premises.

2. Any attempts to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, to damage or modify Library owned computer equipment or software, or to intentionally download or save items to Library owned computers may result in the loss of computer access privileges, potential loss of Library privileges, and if such activities are illegal, possible prosecution.

Adopted April 20, 2009 by the Ossining Public Library Board of Trustees

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Circulation Policy

The Board of Trustees of the Ossining Public Library encourages the use and borrowing of the library’s print and non-print materials. The library seeks to have as few restrictions on the flow of information as possible while protecting its resources. In order to provide an adequate selection and equal access to materials, the Library charges overdue fines and sets limits on the length of loan periods, renewals and reserves.

The library does not maintain records of what individuals have borrowed and returned in the past, except when overdue fines have not been paid or materials have not been returned. The library will not disclose a borrower’s personal information to others unless required to do so by law.

Borrowing Privileges

Adults and children who live in the Ossining Union Free School District are eligible for a free library card. Adults and children who live outside Westchester County and who work, attend school, or own property in Ossining are eligible for a free library card. The card will be honored at all Westchester County public libraries. Appropriate personal identification is required with proof of name and street address of residence. Those who reside outside Westchester County must provide proof of school attendance, place of work, or ownership of property in Ossining as well the street address of residence. A parent’s or guardian’s identification is required for children under 12 or in grade 6 and under. Users are responsible for notifying the library of subsequent address, phone number, e-mail or name change.

The borrowing privileges of a library card holder in good standing are limited only by the restrictions upon specific kinds of circulating materials. Restrictions may include, but are not limited to, type of material, number of books on a particular subject and total number of items that may be borrowed at any time.

Library users are responsible for the library materials checked out on their cards and for overdue fines and charges incurred for lost or damaged materials. If a library card is lost or stolen, the user must notify the library immediately. The library charges a fee to replace a lost library card.

To ensure confidentiality and expedite service, library users must present a library card in order to borrow materials. Should the library user not have his or her library card, the library will require valid photo ID with name and address for identification.

Renewals

Material may be renewed in person, online and by phone. Material may be renewed for one additional circulation period. An item may not be renewed when it is on reserve for another library user. There is no limit on the number of items that may be renewed.

See attached Materials Lending Schedule for details.

Reserves

Requests for material owned by the Ossining Public Library and other libraries within the Westchester Library System may be placed in person, online, or by phone. Regular circulating material other than Speed Reads, Express DVDs and magazines may be reserved. Library users are notified by telephone, e-mail or U.S. Postal Service when reserved material becomes available. Items are held for 7 days after notice is sent.

Interlibrary Loan

Requests for the interlibrary loan of print materials owned by libraries outside the Westchester System Library are accepted at the Reference Desk. Library users are notified by telephone, e-mail or U.S. Postal Service when materials become available. Items are held for 7 days after notice is sent. Borrowing rules are set by the Westchester Library System and may vary.

Overdue Fines

See attached Materials Lending Schedule.

Lost or Damaged Material

The Library charges full replacement cost for materials which are lost or damaged so badly that they can no longer be used. Patrons have the option of replacing the lost or damaged material with an item in good condition that duplicates the content and format of the lost or damaged copy, but must do so within 30 days of receiving the bill. If lost material is returned within 30 days of payment or replacement, the patron will receive a refund, less the fine. If the replacement cost cannot be easily determined, the library will use default prices as determined by the Westchester Library System.

Suspension of Borrowing Privileges

The Library may deny borrowing privileges to library users who accumulate overdue fines or fail to return lost material with cumulative replacement costs exceeding $50.00. If a patron account has fines, fees, and/or replacement costs in excess of $30.00, the Library reserves the right to use the services of an outside agency to collect the monies owed and/or the materials. In such an event, the Library may include an additional fee to the patron account for the cost of hiring the outside agency. Borrowing privileges will be reinstated upon restitution.

Adopted May 20, 2009 by the Ossining Public Library Board of Trustees
Revised June 15, 2009 by the Ossining Public Library Board of Trustees

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Ossining Public Library Trustee Code of Ethics
and Conflict of Interest Policy

The Ossining Public Library recognizes that sound, ethical standards of conduct serve to increase the effectiveness of the Library’s Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers.  Actions based on an ethical code of conduct promote public confidence and the attainment of the Library’’s goals.  The Board also recognizes its obligation, under the provisions of New York General Municipal Law, to adopt a code of ethics setting forth the standards of conduct required of all Library Trustees and employees.

The OPL Board of Trustees is also committed to avoiding any situation in which the existence of simultaneous, conflicting interests of any Library Trustee or employee may call into question the integrity of the management or operation of the Library.  The Board affirms its commitment to adhere scrupulously to all applicable provisions of law regarding material conflicts of interest:

• Gifts:  No Trustee or employee shall directly or indirectly solicit, accept or receive any money or gift having a value of $50 or more, whether in the form of cash, check, loan, credit, services, travel, entertainment, hospitality, thing or promise, or any other form, from any person or organization doing business or intending to do business with the library, or rewarding a library employee or trustee for any official action on his or her part.  However, the Board welcomes and encourages the writing of letters or notes expressing gratitude or appreciation to staff members.

• Confidential Information:  No Trustee or employee shall disclose confidential information acquired by him or her in the course of his or her official duties or use such information to further his or her personal interest.  In addition, he or she shall not disclose information regarding any matters discussed in an executive session of the Board of Trustees regardless of whether or not such information is deemed confidential.

• Representation Before the Board:  A Trustee or employee shall not receive or enter into any agreement, express or implied, for compensation for services to be rendered in relation to any matter before the OPL Board of Trustees. 

• Representation Before the Board for a Contingent Fee:  A Trustee or employee shall not receive or enter into any agreement, express or implied, for compensation for services to be rendered in relation to any matter before the OPL Board, whereby the compensation is to be dependent or contingent upon any action by the Board with respect to such matter, provided that this paragraph shall not prohibit the fixing at any time of fees based upon the reasonable value of the services rendered.

• Disclosure of Interest in Matters before the Board:  A member of the Board of Trustees and any Trustee or employee of the library, whether paid or unpaid, who participates in the discussion or gives official opinion to the Board on any matter before the Board shall publicly disclose on the official record the nature and extent of any direct or indirect financial or other private interest he or she has in such matter to the extent permissible by law. In all cases of potential or actual conflict, the OPL shall be made aware of the situation by the person in conflict by written disclosure.   The term “interest” means any participation, connection or involvement of any sort whether direct or indirect, pecuniary or non-pecuniary which may result in a benefit.

• Disclosure of Interests in Contracts:  To the extent known, any Trustee or employee of OPL who has, or will have, or subsequently acquires any interest in any contract, including purchase agreements, lease agreements or any other agreement including oral agreements with OPL shall publicly disclose the nature and extent of such interest in writing to the Library Director as soon as he or she has knowledge of such actual or prospective interest to the extent permissible by law.

• Investments in Conflict with Official Duties:  No Trustee or employee of the Library shall invest or hold any investment directly or indirectly in any financial, business, commercial or private transaction that creates a conflict with his or her official duties of OPL.

• Certain Real Property Interests Prohibited:  No Trustee or employee of OPL who has or will have an interest in any property, either individually or as a Trustee or employee of a corporation or partnership, shall participate in the acquisition or plan for acquisition of such property if such a transaction would create or appear to create a conflict with his or her official duties. In all cases of potential or actual conflict, the OPL shall be made aware of the situation by the person in conflict by written disclosure.   Additionally, Trustees or employees of OPL who have, or will have an interest in any property adjacent to the property of the Library, must inform OPL of such interest by written disclosure. If the acquisition of adjacent property would result or reasonably be perceived to result in a conflict of interest, the employee or Trustee must recuse him/herself. The term “participate” shall include the promotion of the site as well as the negotiation of the terms of the acquisition.

• Prohibited Conflicts of Interest:  No OPL Trustee or employee shall have an interest in any contract between the Library and a corporation or partnership of which he or she is a Trustee or employee when such Library Trustee or employee has the power to negotiate, prepare, authorize or approve the contract or authorize or approve payment there under, audit bills or claims under contract, or appoint a Trustee or employee who has any of the powers or duties set forth above, and no chief fiscal officer, treasurer or his or her deputy or employee shall have an interest in a bank or trust company designated as a depository paying agent, registration or for investment of Library funds of which he or she is a Trustee or employee.  The provisions of this section shall in no event be construed to preclude the payment of lawful compensation and necessary expenses of any OPL Trustee or employee in one or more positions of public employment, the holding of which is not prohibited by law.

• Certain Prohibited Actions:  No person employed by OPL shall hire, supervise, evaluate, promote, review or discipline any other employee who is a member of the same family.  In the event that marriage, promotion, or reorganization results in a situation not in compliance with this policy, the executive director shall provide supervision on a case by case basis. Every employee and Trustee related closer in degree, by blood or by marriage, than first cousin to any persons seeking employment with the Library shall disclose such relationship to OPL.

• Private Employment:  No Trustee or employee of OPL shall engage in, solicit, negotiate for or promise to accept private employment or render services to private interests when such employment or service creates a conflict with or impairs the proper discharge of his or her official duties.

• Future Employment:  No Trustee or employee of OPL shall, after the termination of service or employment with the Library Board, appear before the Board or any panel or committee of the Board, in relation to any case, proceeding, or application in which he or she personally participated during the period of his or her service or employment or that was under his or her active consideration.  This shall not bar or prevent the timely filing by a present or former OPL Trustee or employee of any claim, account, demand or suit against OPL on his or her own behalf or on behalf on any member of his or her family arising out of any personal injury or property damage or for any lawful benefit authorized or permitted by law.

• Use of Library Property:  No OPL Trustee or employee shall use or permit the use of property, owned or leased to OPL, for anything other than official purposes or for activities not otherwise officially approved by the Ossining Public Library Board of Trustees.

• Duty to Disqualify:  It is incumbent upon any OPL Trustee or employee, whether paid or unpaid, to disqualify him or herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists.

• Duty to Report Conflicts of Interest:  In the event that any OPL Trustee or employee knows of or perceives a direct or indirect conflict of interest, he or she shall report it to the OPL Board of Trustees.  Any resolution of such conflict by the Board shall hold OPL’s interest paramount, as well as maintain the Board’s integrity in its governing role.

• Duty to Report Violations of this Policy:  Any library Trustee or employee or any member of the public noting or suspecting a violation of this policy is encouraged to report the matter, either in confidence or in public, to the OPL Board of Trustees.

Distribution of the Ossining Public Library Trustee and Employee Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy
The Ossining Public Library Board of Trustees shall cause a copy of the Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy to be distributed to every Trustee and employee of OPL.  Each Trustee and employee elected or appointed thereafter shall be furnished a copy before entering upon the duties of his or her office or employment.  In addition, the Board shall ensure that a copy of Article 18 of the General Municipal Law shall be posted in a place conspicuous to OPL Trustees and employees, including the OPL website.

Penalties
In addition to any penalty contained in any other provision of Law, a OPL Trustee or employee who shall knowingly and intentionally violate any of the provision of this Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including the imposition of fines, suspension, and/or dismissal in the manner provided by Library policy and applicable law.

Approved by the OPL Board of Trustees on December 15, 2008

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Collection Development and Materials Selection Policy

The Ossining Public Library is a School District Public Library chartered by the State of New York to serve all residents of the Ossining School District who we refer to here as patrons. As a member of the Westchester Library System, it also provides services to a larger community.

The Ossining Public Library will select and maintain, without bias or limitation on the right to know, a comprehensive collection of print, non-print, and electronically accessed materials to meet the informational, educational, recreational, and cultural needs of the Ossining community. Further, the Library will develop wide-ranging collections to meet the various ages, interests, educational and reading levels, and cultural backgrounds of its citizens.

The Board of Trustees believes that while anyone is free to reject for him or herself materials of which he or she does not approve, this cannot be exercised to restrict freedom of others to read or inquire.

The Ossining Public Library supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read, and the Freedom to View statements, all of which are included as a part of this policy statement.

Responsibility for Materials Selection

Selection of library materials is and shall be vested in the Director of the Ossining Public Library and members of the staff designated by the Director who are qualified by reason of education, training, and experience.

Selection Guidelines

Materials for the library collection, including periodicals, are chosen for a wide variety of reasons such as information, self-education, and the recreational pursuits of library users. The decision to add an item to the collection by purchase is usually the result of selection based on demand or need.

Selection based on demand: Patrons are invited to request the purchase of specific items by the Library. The final decision rests with the Director, who must consider the special need of one individual or group against the needs of the whole community.

Selection based on need: Library materials are added to the collection for the purpose of updating and further developing certain subject areas. Materials are selected from reviews, availability lists, vendor catalogs, bibliographies, and local experts.

The Library does not exclude books that are biased, partisan, or anti-social, or which may offend the tastes of some citizens for reasons of frankness of vocabulary or description, unless these books are below our accepted standards of selection. A balanced collection strives to represent all points of view on a subject, even those that might be considered extreme. The purchase of any item by the Library does not constitute endorsement of the views expressed.

The decision to include or exclude a particular item in the library's collection is based on a number of considerations, although they may not all be applicable to each item:

• Timeliness
• Effective expression and artistic excellence
• Evaluations in professionally recognized critical guides
• Significance of subject
• Educational and informational value
• Representation of various points of view
• Availability of material elsewhere
• Cost
• Interests and needs of individuals in the community
• Permanent value as source material
• Vitality and originality of thought
• Entertaining presentation
• Relation to other materials and existing areas of coverage in order to maintain a well-balanced collection
• Author's reputation or significance
• Accuracy and authoritativeness of content

Classic and Contemporary Materials
In purchasing new materials, the Library makes a distinction between those which depict prejudice as an aspect of real life and those which offer derogatory stereotypes as valid representations. The latter are not added to the collection. However, materials which authentically portray a period or way of life are accepted even if stereotyping is included. Materials which portray the prejudices of real or fictional characters are also considered acceptable. Materials recognized as classics are acceptable even though they may contain passages widely viewed as objectionable by current standards.

Professional and special materials
Professional and special materials, such as legal, medical, and religious works, are purchased only if they are of general interest.

Textbooks
The Library does not support educational curriculums through the purchase of textbooks. Textbooks may be added to the collection if they provide the best or only source of information on a subject, or to complement an existing area with another perspective.

Audiovisual material
Audiovisual material is added to the Library's collection with consideration to patron demand and budget constraints. The Library acquires this material primarily in the most popular format.

Local history
Local history materials are not confined to the printed word, but the Library does not attempt to include artifacts as part of the collection. Books by local authors and books on local matters may be purchased even though they may not meet the standards set forth for the general collection.

Gifts
The Library accepts gifts of library materials, but reserves the right to evaluate and to dispose of such gifts in accordance with the criteria applied to purchased materials.

Children's Materials
Children's materials are purchased by the same general principles that govern selection of adult materials. Responsibility for the choice of reading material for minors rests with their parents or guardians. Selection of materials for the library collection is not restricted by the possibility that minors may obtain materials their parents consider inappropriate, nor are children limited to the children's collection.

Reconsideration of Library Materials

Whenever any patron objects to the presence or absence of any library material, the patron will be given a fair hearing. All complaints that cannot be readily resolved by staff members will be referred immediately to the Director, who will discuss the matter with the patron. Materials subject to complaint shall not be removed from use pending final action.

If the patron wishes, he or she may submit the form "Request for Withdrawal of Library Materials" or "Request for the Addition of Library Materials."

If it is a request for the withdrawal:
• the Director will examine the item
• check reviews of the item
• determine if it conforms to the standards of the materials selection policy

If it is a request for the addition of an item:
• the Director will check reviews of the item
• determine if it conforms to the standards of the materials selection policy
• determine if there are any budget restraints

The Director will decide whether to add, withdraw, or restrict the material in question and will write to the patron, giving the reasons for the decision. The Board of Trustees will also be notified of the complaint and of the Director's decision. If the patron wishes to contest the decision, he or she may present the complaint to the Board of Trustees. This may be done by letter or by attending a Board meeting. The Board will consider the complaint and the Director's recommendation. The written decision of the Board shall be final and shall be reported to the patron.

Material Withdrawal Policy

The Library continually withdraws items from the collection, basing its policy on:
• the elimination of outdated or erroneous materials
• availability of newer or more valid materials
• materials no longer of community interest or in demand
• unneeded duplicates
• worn or mutilated material
• availability of newer or more valid materials
Some materials may be exceptions including some items dealing with local history, special editions, and award-winning children's books.

This policy was adopted by the Board of Trustees on January 11, 2010.

Ossining Public Library | 53 Croton Avenue Ossining, NY 10562 | T (914) 941-2416 | F (914) 941-7464