Confidentiality of Records

It is a law of the State of North Carolina (N.C.G.S. Chapter 486-"Library Privacy Act") and a policy of the High Point Public Library that library transactions are confidential in nature, and that information identifying the names of library users and/or the nature, titles or subjects of the library materials they use will be held in confidence.

All employees of the library have been informed that circulation and other records are not to be made available to any person or to any agency or local, state or federal government except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, local, state or legislative investigative power.

Upon receipt of such process, order or subpoena, library authorities will consult with legal counsel to determine if such process, order or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance. If the process, order or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, such defects must be corrected before the library can comply.

It is further a policy of the library that no staff member will discuss with any person for any reason the names, reading habits, or inquiries of any library user. Such discussions would be an abridgment of the individual's right of privacy and a serious violation of library policy.

What this means to each staff member: all library use is confidential.

Under no circumstances should a library staff member provide access to circulation records to any individual, even if that individual is a police or enforcement official.

Under no circumstances should a staff member discuss with any individual or enforcement official the nature or titles of books read by another individual.

Under no circumstances should a staff member discuss with any individual the nature of another individual's requests for information.

Any representative of a local, state or federal agency, or any law enforcement officer who requests access to such information must do so through the Director of the Library, or in his absence, through the Assistant Director.

Any official request for access to such information must be reported immediately to the Director of the Library, or in his absence, to the Assistant Director.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, July 1986

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Disruptive Behavior

It is the policy of the High Point Public Library to offer a full range of library services to all residents of the community. It is the intent of the library to provide its services with as few regulations and restrictions as possible, adopting only those which are absolutely essential to the library's operation.

The library recognizes that the users of the library are in fact owners of the library. As user-owners, the public has certain expectations of the library. These include an outstanding collection of library materials; pleasant, attractive surroundings; and courteous, efficient and effective service from the staff.

Library users have a right to assume that visits to the library will be free from harassment; free from physical discomfort and danger; free from psychological and emotional stress.

The library staff has basically the same rights. Each member of the staff should be able to to his/her work free of harassment, abuse, discomfort and undue psychological stress.

The rights of both the public and the staff are sometimes violated by the attitudes and behavior of a very small minority of persons.

It is the intent of this policy and procedure to minimize the effects of a variety of unacceptable behavior patterns by defining unacceptable behavior.

DEFINITIONS

It shall be the policy of the Library Board of Trustees to maintain the library, and library property in a quiet, pleasant environment conducive to serious study as well as casual use. To assure the successful implementation of this policy, the board considers the following to be unacceptable behavior and has instructed the Library Director to permit no trespassing on library property by those whose behavior is unacceptable:

  1. Engaging in loud conversation or laughter which is disturbing to others.
  2. Using obscene or abusive language.
  3. Bringing into the building or displaying knives, guns or other dangerous weapons.
  4. Bringing animals other than lead dogs into the building.
  5. Using radios or other sound-producing devices in a manner which is disturbing to others.
  6. Soliciting or selling of any kind.
  7. Loitering, sleeping or roving through buildings with no apparent intention of using library materials or resources, or following staff members or other library patrons around the building or otherwise engaging in harrassing behavior.
  8. Consuming food or beverages brought into the building by individuals.
  9. Possessing alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
  10. Smoking in the library, which is officially designated as a smoke-free facility.
  11. Blocking or in any way interfering with the free movement of any person or persons.
  12. Willfully destroying or damaging any library property.
  13. Using rest rooms for meetings, loitering or other inappropriate behavior is not permissible.
  14. Removing any library property from the building without authorization through the established lending procedures.
  15. Distributing leaflets or posting notices not specifically authorized by the Library Director or his designated alternate.
  16. Using library telephones without specific permission by a member of the library staff.
  17. Moving any library furniture or equipment from one location to another without authorization by a library staff member.
  18. Failing to obey the rule which requires that shoes and shirts be worn by all who are inside the building.
  19. Using skateboards, inline skates, bicycles and similar equipment on library property except as transportation to the building to use library resources.
  20. Finally, engaging in any other misbehavior that infringes on the rights of other patrons to use the library and its facilities peacefully and with enjoyment.

It is the intention of the Board of Trustees of the High Point Public Library that those who refuse to abide by these rules of behavior may be asked to leave the building or to surrender their rights to use these library facilities for an extended period, if efforts by the Director and his staff to reach understanding and agreement with such persons are unsuccessful. The Library Director is directed to create and maintain a system of procedures to accomplish this purpose.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees on February 15, 1995
Revised July 19, 2000

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Exhibits Policy

As part of its service to the community, the High Point Public Library provides exhibit facilities for community groups, agencies, and organizations. These facilities include gallery space and a public community bulletin board.

Any use of these facilities must be for purposes considered by the Library Director to be consistent with the general mission, goals and objectives of the library. These include the communication of ideas, promotion of an enlightened citizenry, enrichment of personal life, and the general support of educational, cultural and civic activities of the community.

The principles of intellectual freedom adopted by the Library Board of Trustees in its Materials Selection Policy shall guide the Library Board and Library Director in determining the appropriateness of materials to be exhibited, posted or distributed in the library.

The fact that a group is permitted to exhibit, post or distribute material in the public library does not constitute an endorsement by the library of the group's beliefs, policies, or programs. The group will issue no publicity indicating library sponsorship, and the library reserves the right to post disclaimers with the exhibited material. The Library Director or his appointed representative has a right to preview exhibits and materials to be posted.

The library is not a distribution point for free local magazines and newspapers, and therefore will not display bulk quantities of these publications. The library will display single issues of free local magazines and newspapers with the other magazines and newspapers it provides for public use.

Upon adequate notice and for adequate reasons, the library reserves the right to revoke permission to use the library's exhibit facilities. The Library Director may deny or terminate the use of the exhibit facilities by any group which is in willful violation of these regulations.

GALLERY SPACE:

No fees are charged for use of the gallery space, and groups using the gallery space may not charge an admission fee, request donations, or in any way solicit funds. The gallery space may not be used for sectarian or denominational exhibits nor for political exhibits designed to serve specific candidates, campaigns or parties. Commercial use of the gallery space is not permitted.

Exhibits may not disrupt the use of the library by others, and persons viewing the exhibit are subject to all library regulations and policies. The library assumes no responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage of any part of an exhibit.

Reservation of the gallery space must be made by an adult representative of the organization who, by making the reservation, agrees to be responsible for payment for repairs of any damage to library property resulting directly from the exhibit. Access to the gallery space will only be available during regular library hours.

PUBLIC COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD:

The library maintains a public bulletin board for use by community groups, agencies, and organizations for posting announcements of general interest to the community such as upcoming events, meetings, or available services. The general interest requirement would preclude announcement of events open only to members of a single group or organization. Commercial use of the library's public bulletin board is not permitted.

All materials to be posted on the library's public bulletin board will be submitted to the Library Director or his appointed representative for posting. Materials posted in the library without the knowledge and approval of the Library Director or his appointed representative will be discarded.

The Library Director will be responsible for developing procedures to insure that the library's public bulletin board is maintained in a neat, orderly, timely manner.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, July 19, 1995

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Gifts Policy

The High Point Public Library is pleased to accept gifts and donations with the following conditions:

  1. The library reserves the right to dispose of a gift of library material without notifying the donor if later examination indicates that the library cannot use it.
  2. The library cannot appraise any item for tax purposes, but will acknowledge gifts in writing, if the donor provides name and address.
  3. At the direct request of the donor, a standard library recognition or otherwise approved plate will be inserted in items being added to the library's collections.
  4. Gifts of cash or other financial vehicles may be donated through the Friends of the Library to be spent as directed by the donor and agreed to by the library.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, February 1982
Revised December 2001

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Interlibrary Loan

From time to time library customers will request specific library resources not owned by the High Point Public Library.  These resources include, but are not limited to, specific book titles, books on specific subjects, specific periodicals or individual articles, genealogical records on microform, videos, audiotapes, and compact discs. Whenever fiscally feasible and appropriate, the library will purchase the requested items for the library’s collections.  Items that are no longer available for purchase, or are not appropriate for permanent inclusion in the library’s collections may be borrowed from another library through the interlibrary loan system.

High Point Public Library makes its interlibrary loan service available with the following conditions:

  1. Titles currently owned by the library cannot be borrowed through interlibrary loan.
  2. Customers may borrow the same title through interlibrary loan one time only.
  3. Non-print materials, other than microforms, are not available through the interlibrary loan system.

Approved by the Board of Trustees
March 20, 2002
Revised- April 19, 2006

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Internet                  

Internet use disclaimer:

The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of materials and opinions from varied points of view. Since the Internet is a global, electronic network, there is no state/county/local control of its users or contents. It is not possible to use the same selection criteria as are used for other materials. In offering the Internet, library staff cannot control access points which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Furthermore, the Library Board has determined, after careful consideration, that the use of filters or other devices designed to restrict access to the Internet electronically are impractical. Therefore, Internet users are hereby notified that they are responsible for the access points they reach. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and library customers use it at their own risk. The library's policy prohibits access to inappropriate materials by setting forth acceptable and unacceptable uses of the Internet. Parents and legal guardians of minor children have the responsibility for monitoring their children's use of the Internet through the library's Internet connection. Our Children's staff can provide many helpful suggestions and resources for your child's safety on the Internet.

The High Point Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages or losses, of any nature whatsoever, direct or indirect, loss of data, or loss of privacy arising from use of the city's web server or from its connection to other Internet services. Although the library uses virus detection software on its Internet computers, this will not completely protect you from the chance of getting a virus. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus and you need to have virus detection software on your home computer.

The accuracy of information gained through the Internet is the responsibility of each originator/ producer. Therefore, the High Point Public Library does not guarantee the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet. You need to be a good information consumer, questioning the validity and accuracy of the information you find. Often the information you need is available in other sources at the library.

Internet Use Policy:

Users of the Internet (wired and wireless) while in the High Point Public Library are expected to observe the following conditions for use as set by the Library Board of Trustees:

Respect for the privacy of others.

Attention to the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.

Consideration for the security and functioning of computer networks and systems; for example users shall not develop programs that harass other users, or cause harm to other computer systems. Examples of such programs are computer viruses and worms.

The following are defined by the Library Board of Trustees as unlawful online activities on the library's Internet connection:

•    It is not acceptable to use the High Point Public Library's Internet connection for any purposes which violate U.S. or state laws, to transmit threatening, obscene or harassing materials, or to interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms and viruses, and hacking, or using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network. Illegal acts involving the library's Internet connection may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

•    It is assumed that information and resources available via the Internet are private to the individuals and organizations which own or hold rights to those resources and information, unless specifically stated otherwise by the owners or holders of those rights. It is therefore not acceptable for a connection to access information or resources unless permission to do so has been granted by the owner or holder of rights to those resources or information.

•    Malicious use is not acceptable. Use of the High Point Public Library's Internet connections and any attached network in a manner that precludes or significantly hampers its use by others is not allowed.

•    Unsolicited advertising is not acceptable.

•    Computing resources shall not be used to access inappropriate matter, e.g. obscene websites.

•    Failure to comply with staff requests to discontinue any of these practices will result in the immediate termination of your Internet session.

•    Repeated failure to comply with staff requests to discontinue any of these practices will result in termination of your library Internet privileges.

The High Point Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

Internet and Computer Use Procedures

1.    To use an Internet workstation you must have a library card. Library cards are issued at the Lending Desk on the first floor of the library.

2.    Computer workstations for independent Internet surfing, e-mail, and desktop publishing applications are available in the Public Computing Center located on the third floor. Workstations for staff-assisted Internet searches and access to online databases are located in Research Services.

3.    Our Public Computing Center staff, reference librarians and other library staff cannot provide immediate in-depth training concerning the Internet, computer jargon, or personal computer use. Therefore, the library reserves the right to require inexperienced computer and/or Internet users to attend an orientation session as a condition for access to the library's Internet stations. The orientation session is provided regularly by the library for the general public and will include training in the use of software and hardware, and guidelines for the responsible care of library equipment. Reference staff will be available to offer searching suggestions and to help you locate additional information on using the Internet from among our books, periodicals, and videos.

4.    The Internet computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must use the barcode number on your library card in order to initiate and time your Internet session. You are allowed a total of one hour of computer access each day. You will be prompted a few minutes before your hour of daily access expires. If no one else is waiting you may request additional time at the computer you are using.  Amounts of additional time will vary depending on overall demand for access to the computers at that time.

5.    The Internet computers are intended for public searching of the Internet, and databases  the library makes available. Customers may not install personal software on any of the  Library computers, and may not upload or run any programs from external devices. Customers should not change the configuration of any of the software on the computers, or use the hardware in a manner that could cause damage.

6.    Customers should not download any files onto the hard drives of the Internet computers. All downloaded files must be downloaded onto an external device. (Flash drives may be purchased from the service desk located in the Public Computing Center.)

7.    In order to print from a library computer workstation you must have sufficient cash value  in your account to cover the cost of your entire print job. We will calculate the total cost of your print job and will deduct that amount from your account before printing begins. You can make deposits to your account at the Public Computing Center service desk. You will be charged for each page you print. You need to be aware that when you print from the Internet the size of the print job may be larger than you anticipated and may contain material that you did not intend to print. You will be charged for each sheet of paper in your print job regardless of its usefulness at the public service desk in the area where you are working. Current printing costs will be posted. Refunds are not available.

8.    Customers who use the Internet connections and computers at the High Point Public Library are expected to be familiar with and abide by these library policies and procedures.  Refusal to abide by these policies and procedures may result in the loss of your Internet and computer privileges for a length of time to be determined by the Library Director.


Approved by the Library Board of Trustees – 12/17/08


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Library Card Policy

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of the High Point Public Library that these library users shall receive library cards free of charge:

  • Residents of High Point or Guilford County
  • Members of households paying Guilford County taxes
  • Current and retired employees of the City of High Point
  • Former library board members

Other library users should pay the current fee established by the Board for obtaining library cards.

To further the library's role in the education of the citizens of High Point and Guilford County, the Board has exempted the following from paying for library cards:

  • Students in public and private educational institutions in High Point.
    Free library cards, which expire at the end of the current academic year,
    will be issued on evidence of enrollment in an educational institution of formal education, kindergarten through graduate school, in High Point plus Westchester Academy, and will have a common expiration date of August 31each year.
  • Teachers in public and private educational institutions in Guilford County.
    Free library cards, which expire at the end of the current academic year, will be issued on evidence of employment as a teacher in an educational institution of formal education, kindergarten through graduate school, in Guilford County, and will have a common expiration date of August 31 each year.
  • Volunteers in educational programs.
    Volunteers who work with students in educational programs in educational institutions in Guilford County, as defined above, may be eligible for free library cards.  These cards will be issued on a case by case basis upon application to the Library Director and will be good for a length of time decided by the Library Director.

Library Board of Trustees
April 27, 1994

Revised May 21, 1997
            January 20, 1999
            October 17, 2001    
            March 19, 2003
            April 16, 2003
            September 20, 2006

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Local History Policy

Coordinating the Collection of Local History In Print Between The High Point Museum and the High Point Public Library

A statement of policy approved by the Trustees of the High Point Museum
and the High Point Public Library

The printed word plays an integral role in recording the history of our city, region, and state. As a research tool it can inform and educate. As an artifact, it can enlighten and inspire as it teaches about the past.

The High Point Museum and the High Point Public Library share a common purpose in the task of collecting, preserving, and presenting to the public our history in print. The purpose of this policy is to coordinate the efforts of each institution toward the accomplishment of this task.

General Principles

  1. Usually a book, periodical, monograph, or pamphlet which contains historical information is valued primarily as an aid to historical research. Printed materials used primarily for research need to be housed where they can be preserved, organized, cataloged, and made available for use by the public with advice and assistance from trained staff.
  2. Usually an object, artifact, or photograph of historical significance is valued primarily as a visual aid to interpreting and understanding the past. Visual materials of this type need to be housed where they can be preserved, organized, cataloged, and displayed for the public by trained staff.
  3. Occasionally printed material can be an informational resource and an historic artifact. The importance of preserving and displaying the item as an artifact takes precedence over its use as a research tool. In this situation the information contained in the material shall be made available in an alternate format for research and the original material shall be handled as an artifact.

Specific Guidelines

  1. Books, periodicals, pamphlets, and monographs on High Point, Guilford County, or North Carolina shall be made available for research in the Heritage Research Center at the High Point Neal F. Austin Public Library.
    1. These materials shall have been determined to have research value only, and shall not be considered historic artifacts.
    2. Printed material fitting this definition shall be accepted from the High Point Museum by the library on the following conditions:
    3. Donated items meet the selection guidelines established for the Heritage Research Center;
    4. Physical condition of donated items meets library collection standards, or can be restored to acceptable condition;
    5. Donated items become the property of the library;
    6. Provision shall be made for museum staff to have full access to the Heritage Research Center during normal library hours and to remove items from the collection on short-term loan with permission from the head of Research Services or the Library Director.
    7. Printed material determined to be artifacts of local historical significance shall be made available to the public at the High Point Museum where the item can be displayed properly in a protected environment.
      • Printed material fitting this definition shall be accepted from the High Point Public Library by the museum on the following conditions:
      • Donated items meet the acquisition guidelines established by the museum for its collections;
      • Authenticity can be established and documented for the donated items;
      • Physical condition of donated items meets museum collection standards, or can be restored to acceptable physical condition;
      • Donated items shall be accessioned to the museum's collections
      • Microform copies of the items shall be made by the library for retention in the Heritage Research Center prior to transfer of the original to the museum.
      • The museum and library directors shall notify their respective boards of items being transferred according to the guidelines set forth in this policy.
      • It is not the purpose of this policy to discourage or restrict donations of private materials to the library or the museum, but rather to guarantee that donated materials of local significance are preserved and presented for maximum benefit to all.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of the High Point Historical Society, October 26, 1993
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the High Point Public Library, November 17, 1993

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Materials Selections Policy


STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

  1. The purpose of this policy is to set forth clearly the principles and criteria for the selection of library materials, and is intended to:
  2. guide the library staff in the selection of materials;
  3. inform the public about the principles and criteria upon which selections are based;
  4. guide the library board and library director when hearing challenges to materials in the library's collections.

 

OBJECTIVES OF SELECTION

  1. This policy clarifies the library's objectives relative to the selection of materials for its various collections.  The objectives are:
  2. to provide exceptional resources that are attractive, relevant, and dynamic;
  3. to provide a broad collection of premium products for information and research;
  4. to provide high-demand and time-honored titles for recreational reading, listening, and viewing;
  5. to develop collections of special-interest materials such as business and North Carolina;
  6. to provide materials in alternative formats as necessary to meet the needs of all library users, making High Point Public Library the provider-of-choice for print, non-print, and electronic resources.

 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION   

Materials selection as a privilege belongs to every member of the professional staff; as a responsibility, it rests finally with the Director.

Professional librarians apply their judgment and experience in selecting materials according to the following criteria.  All criteria do not apply to each item. Works of imagination are judged by different standards than are works of information and opinion. Works that present an aspect of life honestly are not necessarily excluded because of frankness of expression. Materials are judged as a whole rather than on isolated portions. In considering individual titles in the selection process, librarians consult reviews, bibliographies and other evaluative sources. However, the library generally purchases best sellers and other high-demand titles, giving higher priority to demand than to reviews or other relevant criteria.   

 

GENERAL SELECTION PRINCIPLES

Basic to this policy are the principles of intellectual freedom established by the American Library Association in its Library Bill of Rights, and as interpreted in its various companion documents.

The library acquires and provides access to new resources and formats as they are judged feasible, suitable, and relevant to the community.  Expanding areas of knowledge, technological advances, changing social values, and cultural differences require flexibility, open-mindedness, and responsiveness in the evaluation and re-evaluation of all library resources.

Each resource must be considered for its usefulness, its format, and the audience for which it is intended. No single criterion is applicable to all purchase and access decisions. Some resources may be judged primarily for their artistic merit, scholarship or value to humanity; others are chosen to satisfy the informational, recreational or educational interests of the community.

The library does not restrict access to any library materials.  The library may control use of any collection or material in order to protect items deemed susceptible to theft or damage by users, or to ensure the widest possible use of materials by library customers.

The library does not act in loco parentis by restricting a minor's access to the library, its services, or its collections.  The responsibility for monitoring reading, listening, and viewing choices made by children and adolescents belongs to the parents.

The standards set forth in this policy shall also apply to donated materials.  The library shall not accept gifts of materials which do not meet its standards for purchased materials.

The library shall not accept gifts of materials with special conditions or restrictions imposed by the donor such as separate shelving, guaranteed acquisition or permanent retention, or appraisal of value.  Exceptions shall not be permitted by the Library Board of Trustees.

Challenged materials which meet the criteria set forth in this policy shall not be removed under any legal or extra-legal pressure nor to satisfy the partisan or doctrinal views of any individual or group.  Any attempt to regulate or suppress materials in the library's collection shall be closely scrutinized by the Library Board of Trustees to the end that protected expression is not abridged. 


Only the Library Board of Trustees can remove or relocate library materials in response to challenges of those materials by the public.

Any person who wishes to challenge an item in the library's collection for the purpose of having it removed from the collection must follow the procedures outlined in the library's companion document entitled Request for Review of Library Materials.

GENERAL SELECTION CRITERIA

  1. Selection is based on the merits of a work in relation to the needs and interests of the community.  Determination of a work's merit shall be based on its ability to provide for the interest, information, and enlightenment of the library's community, as well as its value, in relation to the existing materials collection.
  2. The library shall strive to provide materials and information which present all points of view on current and historical issues.  The collection shall contain materials which present opposing views on controversial topics as well, with the goal of striking the best possible balance among all sides of public issues.
  3. Selection must meet the anticipated needs of the potential user as well as the known needs of the regular user.
  4. Materials containing emphasis on sex or using profanity shall not be automatically rejected without consideration of literary value.  However, the selection process will exclude materials which are characterized by calculated eroticism in the absence of redeeming social or literary value.
  5. Materials shall not be automatically excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

SPECIFIC SELECTION CRITERIA

  1. Material shall meet high standards of quality in content, expression, and format.
  2. The content shall be authoritative and significant.
  3. Materials shall have either current interest or permanent value or both.
  4. The significance of the work should compare favorably with other material on the same subject.
  5. The work shall have received some favorable critical attention.
  6. The physical condition of the work shall be of sufficient quality to withstand library use.   

   

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR SPECIFIC COLLECTIONS

ADULT FICTION

  1. Works of adult fiction shall contribute to the value of the library's total collection.
  2. Works of historical or regional fiction should be authentic.
  3. The work should have vitality and originality.
  4. No work shall be automatically excluded because of the origin, background, or views of the author.  Rather, the literary reputation and prominence of the author shall be considered, as well as the public's current level of interest in the author's work.
  5. A representative sampling of experimental or short-lived material should be purchased so that the library makes available materials for enlightenment and recreation which reflect significant social or literary trends even if not widely recognized as enduring in value, interest or accuracy.


ADULT NON-FICTION:

Non-fiction shall be selected on the basis of its content as a whole, and shall be characterized by accuracy, integrity, and authenticity.  No work shall be automatically excluded because of the origin, background, or views of the author.  Rather, the author shall be a recognized subject authority, whose writing is characterized by competence and objectivity.


NON-PRINT

Non-print materials shall meet both recreational and informational needs of library customers through the provision of various formats. These formats will change as customer use patterns and technology changes.

To build non-print collections of merit and significance, materials are evaluated according to one or more of the following standards.

  1. Attention of critics and reviewers.
  2. Requests by the public.
  3. Reputation or significance of author/performer
  4. Compatibility of format.
  5. Subject and style for intended audience.
  6. Present and potential relevance to community needs.
  7. Insight into the human and social conditions.
  8. Importance as a document of the times.
  9. Relation to existing collection and other materials on the subject.
  10. Cost and space considerations

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Print Subscriptions

  1. The purpose of the periodicals collection is to serve the diverse informational, educational, and recreational needs of the community.
  2. The development of the periodicals collection is intended to supplement and enhance the book collection.   The development of the collection should emphasize:       
  •     Community needs and interests
  •     Accuracy and objectivity
  •     Variety of viewpoints
  •     Diverse topics and subjects
  •     Current issues and trends
  •     Variety of needs and learning styles

3.  Journals, which are highly technical, scholarly, or cost prohibitive are generally not included in the collection.

 

Electronic Subscriptions:

  1. Online electronic databases supplement the collection by providing timely and versatile access to information in electronic format.
  2. Some databases contain specialized information beyond the scope of the library’s book collections; others have information that does not exist in print form.
  3. Some databases duplicate print sources, and are carefully evaluated for retention, taking into consideration cost, frequency of use, and ease of access to library customers.
  4. Electronic subscriptions can often be searched in ways that print resources cannot while others can be made accessible to library customers remotely.

 

CHILDREN'S MATERIALS:

  1. The general principles and criteria of the materials selection policy of the library applies to the selection of childrens' materials.
  2. A wide variety of materials appropriate for children from birth to age 12 will be selected on the basis of literary merit, quality, accuracy, authenticity, and objectivity.  Popular books and books of special appeal and current interest to children, while not emphasized, will not be excluded.
  3. The children's collection of materials will provide for the individual needs of children, including educational pursuits.  The local school curriculum will be considered, but will not be the basis, for the selection of children's educational materials. 
  4. Sexual incidents, profanity, and themes about controversial societal values appearing in books shall not automatically be a reason for rejection from the children's collection.  The decision will be based on the accuracy, integrity, and literary merit of the book.
  5. The children's collection shall strive to foster intercultural communication by including multicultural materials that portray various cultures and minorities in a positive way.


Library Board of Trustees

1956

Revised: 11/72,  7/87,  5/93,  7/95, 7/08


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Safe Children Policy

High Point Public Library welcomes children of all ages. Children are important and deserve attention, supervision, positive interaction and love. We provide materials, services and programs for the benefit of children in our community. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming, fun, and safe environment for all library customers.

The safety of children in the library is a serious concern to library staff and the Library Board of Trustees. The library is a public building and as such, anyone can enter it. Library staff have many duties to perform in order to serve all library customers. They cannot monitor the whereabouts of customers, including children. Staff can not assume responsibility for the care and safety of unattended children in the library. Parents and responsible caregivers are expected to provide supervision for children in the library.

We especially want children to have positive experiences in the library. Children left unattended in the library may become frightened or anxious. An unattended child may wander through the building and encounter hazards such as stairs, electrical equipment, doors, or furniture. An unattended child might be tempted to leave the building with a stranger. An unattended child could get mixed in with a school group and become lost. An unattended child could become ill. Emergency situations can occur in public buildings, requiring evacuation. An unattended child could panic and become lost in the building.

It is for the safety of each child that High Point Public Library has adopted this Safe Children Policy. Parents and caregivers are expected to ensure a pleasant and safe experience for the children in their care by abiding by this policy.

For the purpose of this policy, responsible caregiver is defined as the person who accompanies a child to the library and attends to the child while in the library. Responsible caregivers may be a parent, guardian, adult relative, teacher, day care staff, adult baby sitter, or sibling at least age 16. The responsible caregiver must have information to be able to contact a parent or guardian if needed.

Children under age 9 must have a responsible caregiver within sight and conversation distance at all times. The caregiver is expected to supervise the child and ensure that the child's behavior is not disturbing to other library customers. Children ages 3-8 who are attending a library sponsored program may be unattended by a responsible caregiver during the program. The caregiver must be present in the library, readily accessible if staff should require assistance with the child.

Children ages 9-11 must have a caregiver present in the library during the entire time that they are using library resources. The caregiver must be readily accessible if staff should require assistance with the child. The caregiver should clearly inform the child about his/her location in the library before leaving the child alone.

Children ages 12 and older may be present in the library unaccompanied by a responsible caregiver. The child must have information to be able to contact a parent or guardian if needed. Unaccompanied children who disturb other library customers or become otherwise disruptive may be asked to leave the library if their behavior is not acceptable after reasonable warning.

Approved by Library Board of Trustees, September 20, 2000

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Parent/Caregiver Library Partnership

We want all library customers to have successful, positive experiences during library visits. This is especially true for children who are developing reading and information seeking practices. We want to work with parents and caregivers to provide positive experiences for children. We invite parents and caregivers to join us in the following partnership.

  1. We encourage library customers to tell us if they are unsuccessful in finding the information or materials they want. We welcome suggestions for materials that will broaden the collections and improve service.
  2. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate in children's library experiences. We expect parents to be responsible for the materials their children borrow from the library. Parents are also responsible for children's Internet use. Please remember that the library's staff's professional services do not include baby-sitting or childcare.
  3. We expect parents and caregivers to understand and to explain library procedures and appropriate behavior to children. Procedures for library use have been developed to safeguard library materials and to ensure fairness for all library users.
  4. We expect that children under age 12 will be accompanied by a responsible caregiver while visiting the library.
  5. We expect all library customers to use appropriate language and behavior while on library property. Those who do not may be asked to leave.
  6. We expect parents and caregivers to manage children's inappropriate behavior during library visits and to demonstrate appropriate behavior by monitoring their own voices and socializing.
  7. We expect parents and caregivers to set age appropriate time limits for children's library visits. Parents and caregivers are expected to know the library's operating hours and pick up children before the library closes.
  8. We expect parents to see that overdue fines and other fees are paid promptly. Parents are financially responsible for charges incurred by children. We appreciate your support and cooperation in this partnership.

We appreciate your support and cooperation in this partnership.

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Code of Service

Employees of the High Point Public Library endorse these principles as our code of service to our customers, our co-workers in the library, and our colleagues in other City departments.  This code applies to all library employees wherever they are representing the library in our community.

  • A positive library experience requires a competent, courteous staff; current, attractive, and relevant collections that are easily accessible; and a safe, clean, and attractive environment.
  • We will endeavor to provide every library customer with a positive experience by focusing on meeting or exceeding the individual needs of each customer without discrimination.
  • Library policies and procedures are tools to help us meet the needs of library customers.  Policies and procedures should not become barriers to providing good service.
  • Every library customer deserves a prompt, friendly greeting and an offer of assistance.
  • Serving library customers is more important than internal paperwork and communications.
  • Information provided to library customers must be accurate, and based on verifiable, current sources.  Information will be communicated clearly, privately, and provided in a timely manner.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees
10/17/2001

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