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SHPL- MISSION, GOALS, POLICIES
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The Sterling Heights Library serves as an information center for our community, offering a wide variety of materials and services for education, entertainment, and enrichment in a welcoming and helpful environment.
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- To seek partnerships within the city and community organizations to promote awareness of library services and to explore opportunities for cooperative initiatives.
- To provide library materials that meet the needs of our diverse community.
- To improve access to the Internet and other electronic resources for information, lifelong learning, and leisure.
- To provide an attractive, welcoming and functional library environment.
- To promote and enhance skills in children through programs, outreach, and collections.
- To support library staff as a key component in providing outstanding library service.
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User satisfaction is important. It is
realized through friendly, accurate, and timely service. |
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The Library will provide information, collections, and services which deliver the
maximum value to residents within the framework of available financial resources. |
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Technology
and networking will be evaluated and implemented to provide enhanced
and cost-effective service. |
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Staff will be given the training, authority and autonomy to make effective
decisions to ensure quality public service. |
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The library will support each individual's right to access information without
bias or discrimination. |
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The Sterling Heights Public Library subscribes
to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the American Library Association Code of
Ethics, the Library Bill of Rights, and the American Library Association's Freedom to
Read, Freedom to View, and Intellectual Freedom Statements and associated policies.
The Sterling Heights Public Library's own policies include:
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Library
Code of Conduct
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The purpose of the library's Code of Conduct is to protect
the rights of individuals who are in the library to use library materials and
services, to protect the rights of staff members to conduct library business
without interference, and to preserve library materials and facilities.
To guarantee these rights and create a safe and welcoming
environment, it is the policy of the Sterling Heights Public Library Board of
Trustees:
- To require that patrons wear shirts and shoes at all
times while in the library.
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To
prohibit foods or uncovered beverages in the library except in staff or
other designated areas.
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To ban pets and animals in the library, except for
service dogs and pets participating in library programs.
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To
prohibit patrons from interfering with the use of the library by other
patrons, or interfering with library employees' performance of their duties.
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To
prohibit all campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey taking, sales,
or other speech and conduct which results in the disruption of normal
library activities.
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To ban
conversation and sounds in louder volume than quiet conversations required
to carry on library programs or business.
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To
prohibit gambling or other games of chance on library property.
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To
prohibit the disturbance of other library patrons and staff, or interference
with other's use of the facilities through extremely poor personal hygiene.
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To
prohibit the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or drugs, to
be intoxicated to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired,
or to endanger the safety of another person or property.
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To
prohibit the defacement or damage to library materials including books,
magazines, newspapers, recordings, or other items of the library
collection. To prohibit defacement or damage to library furnishings, walls,
machines, or other library property.
- To prohibit the use of cell phones except in the
library’s lobby and to require ringers to be turned off or set to mute.
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To
prohibit the use of audible devices without headphones or with headphones
set at a volume that disturbs others.
- To prohibit lying down or sleeping in the restrooms
or on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the library, or to block aisles,
exits, or entrances by sitting or lying down in them.
Each patron shall be responsible for any fines, fees, or
other charges due in accordance with the library's standard schedule. Failure
to pay these fines will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges.
According to Michigan Statutes, the Library Board may
exclude from the use of the library any and all persons who shall willfully
violate such reasonable rules and regulations as the Library Board may adopt. (MCL
397.206) Such exclusion from this library shall occur on the orders of the
Director or Director designee. Additionally, the Sterling Heights Public
Library staff will contact the police if deemed necessary.
Library Board of Trustees 03/06
Unattended Children
The purpose of this policy is to enable library staff to
deal with unattended children whose parent or adult guardian is not in the
building with them. This policy also focuses on the library's concern with the
safety and protection of young patrons.
Parents may not leave children under age nine alone in
the library as the library’s staff cannot be responsible for those unattended
children. In addition, unless participating in a program for children only, any
child that is age seven and under must be within visual and physical contact of
a parent or adult guardian at all times while using the library.
Even if parents or adult care givers are not present, the
parents or care givers are responsible and liable for their children's behavior
in the library including any disruptive or unruly behavior; damage to materials,
equipment, and furnishings; or injury to themselves or others.
Unattended Children, Under Nine Years
Official library hours are widely publicized in the City’s
quarterly magazine, city calendar, cable channels (Comcast Channel 12 and Wow
Channel 11), and postings in the building. Parents, not library staff, are
ultimately responsible for the supervision and transportation of their
children.
Fifteen minutes before closing, staff members will remind
young patrons of closing time, and allow children to call for transportation or
to locate family members using the library telephone. At closing, if a child
(or children) remains, a staff member will try to obtain the child's name, age,
phone or address, and reason for lack of transportation home. Two staff
members, including the librarian in charge of the building, must remain after
closing time to assist the young patron. Staff members or the child will try to
contact a family member by phone. All attempts should be made to reach someone
by phone. If the parent or other adult has not arrived within fifteen minutes
after closing, a staff member will contact the Operations Officer at ext. 2801
to identify (him) herself, the nature of the situation, and to inform the
officer that the child is being brought to the Police building. The two staff
members should secure the library building front entrance and accompany the
child to the police building while maintaining a calm attitude, so as not to
alarm the child. The Operations Officer will handle the situation from that
time on.
Unattended Children, 9 – 12 Years
Concern should be shown for children age 9 - 12, if they
appear abandoned or overly stressed with regard to the library's closing. If
necessary, the same procedure as above will be followed. If not, children may
wait for their parents outside the building.
Unattended Children during Regular Library Hours
Any children under nine (9) left at the library on a
weekly basis for two hours or more should be considered abandoned, intentionally
and purposely left for supervision by library staff. Care should be taken to
document dates and times. This record should be submitted to Administration in
a timely manner, in order for further action to be
taken.
Library Board of
Trustees 05/2005
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Circulation Loans/Fees
* One renewal unless reserved for another patron
** Maximum fine never exceeds price of materials
CIRCULATION
LOANS/FEES
Items
# Day Loan Renewable Daily
Fine Max. Fine
Books – Hardcover 21
Y* .15 $7.50
Books – Paperback
21 Y* .15 3.00
Cassettes – Audio
21 Y* .15 7.50
Cassettes – Video
21 Y* .15 7.50
Compact Discs
21 Y* .15 7.50
Computer CD Software
21 Y* .15 7.50
DVD
21 Y* .15 7.50
DVD – Classic Movies
7 Y* .15 7.50
E-Book Reader
21 N 5.00 **
Engravers
7 N 1.00 **
Magazines
21 Y* .15 3.00
Magnifiers
21 Y* 1.00 **
Materials Holders
21 Y* 1.00 **
Pamphlets
21 Y* .15 3.00
Polaroid Camera
7 N 1.00 **
Posters
21 Y* .15 3.00
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Michicard Statewide Library Card Program
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The Sterling Heights Public Library participates in the Michicard
Program coordinated by the Library of Michigan. This is a statewide library card program
allowing our Sterling Heights resident library card holders to borrow print materials from
more than 270 of Michigan's public and academic libraries. You can get a free Michicard
sticker for your library card and a list of member libraries by asking at the circulation
desk. For more information on Michicard,
click here to see the Library of Michigan homepage.
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Internet Policy:
Guidelines for Library Internet Access
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Library Internet Public Use Policy
Guidelines for Library Internet Access
In-library use of the library’s Internet computers is for activities relating
to accessing information for reference, research, and recreation. Information
such as news, weather, sports, stock quotes, movie reviews, encyclopedias, and
educational and entertainment resources on virtually any topic is available.
Staff will assist patrons with basic Internet use as time permits, but cannot
offer detailed instruction.
In offering Internet, the library cannot control access points which change
rapidly and unpredictably. The Internet is an unregulated medium and while it
offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and
culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some
material that may be offensive or disturbing. The library is not responsible for
the content, quality, accuracy, or timeliness of the information on the
Internet.
Users of the Internet Public Access Computers shall:
- Respect the privacy of others.
- Observe the legal copyright license and protection to programs and data.
- Follow the library’s rules for Internet access.
Unacceptable Uses:
- Use of any computer for illegal or commercial purposes. Users may not
display, view, or download graphics or content that is obscene. Adult users
may not display, view, or download graphics or content that is harmful to
minors when in the presence of, or when the content is visible to, minors.
Minors may not display, view, or download graphics or content that is
harmful to themselves or other minors. Internet activity which violates
local, state, or federal laws is prohibited and will be subject to
prosecution.
- Violation of computer system security.
- Violation of another user’s privacy.
- Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data.
- Unplugging the library’s Internet connection.
Youth Access to the Internet
Please be aware that some information on the Internet is of a mature nature
and may not be suitable for children. Parents or guardians are ultimately
responsible for information selected and accessed by children. Although
filtering software is installed on the computers in the children's section,
parents concerned about their children’s use of the Internet are ultimately
responsible for setting standards and establishing guidelines. It is not
possible for library staff to control the flow of information that may be
inappropriate for children. Filtering software does not guarantee a safe
Internet environment.
Internet Use Procedures and Rules of Conduct
- Use of the Internet computers is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please be courteous. Use of the Internet will be limited if others are
waiting.
- It is requested that a parent or guardian remains with children under the
age of 12, and that parents supervise all use of the Internet by their minor
children.
- No more than two persons may use an Internet computer station at any one
time.
- In compliance with Public Act 212 of 2000, computers with filtering
software installed and activated are available for use by individuals of any
age. Individuals who are 18 years of age or older, and minors who are
accompanied by their parent or guardian, may access computers without
filtering software or with such software deactivated. Minors who are not
accompanied by their parent or guardian may not use a computer with
deactivated filtering software.
- Library employees may monitor the terminals being used or observed by
minors. Terminals may be arranged in a configuration that allows a Library
employee to view the terminals at all times. All Library employees have the
authority to terminate computer access for a violation of these rules.
- Internet users should be aware that material on the Internet and the
World Wide Web is copyrighted. It is the user’s responsibility to be aware
of the display of any notices concerning the copyright of information on the
Web and to respect the copyright laws of the United States.
Any violation of the Internet Public Use Policy will result in immediate
termination of Internet access. Internet users whose access session has been
terminated or prohibited will be given information concerning an appeals process
to the Library Board of Trustees to protest the action and/or request that
Internet access privileges be reinstated.
Copies of PA 212 of 2000 are available at all Library Service
Desks.
Library Board of Trustees 06/2004
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Revised: April 14, 2008
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40255
Dodge Park Road - Sterling Heights, MI 48313