Library Use Policies

Policies

The Elizabeth Taber Library is a member of the SAILS library network, a group of over 60 libraries in southern Massachusetts linked by a common computer database, a “computerized card catalog”. Your library card gives you access to materials in any library in the network, as well as its on-line databases.

Library Card

1. Any person 5 years or older may apply for a library card by presenting a legal form of identification with address. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to apply for a library card. When applying for a library card, please consider becoming a member of the Marion Library Association, our Friends of the Library organization.
2. Replacing a lost library card costs $3.00.

Borrowing Rules

Please have your library card with you to check out an item!

1. Books, magazines and sound recordings and CDs:

Check out for 2 weeks
Have no limit to the number which may be taken out
Will be automatically renewed 2 more weeks if no one else is waiting for them
Cost $.10 a day for each day overdue
If fines reach $10.00, card use is blocked at all SAILS libraries
May be returned to any SAILS library

2. Audio Books and DVDs:

All DVDs are complimentary, no fee to rent
Check out for 14 days
Limit of 3 DVDs on a card
Can be renewed at no charge for 2 more weeks, in person or by phone, if there are no holds on them
Cost $1.00 a day for each day overdue
$10 max overdue fine

3. Reference

Reference materials cannot be checked out; they are for use in the library.

4. Holds

You may reserve (place a “hold”) on items in the Sails network catalog and have them sent to the library most convenient for your pick up.
You may not place holds on reference or non-circulating materials, and some libraries’ museum passes.
Reserve items in any of these ways
- In person at the library, either through the Librarian or the OPAC computer
- By calling the library at 508-748-1252
- On-line at home at http://sails.ent.sirsi.net/client/default

You will need your library card and your PIN (usually the last 4 digits of your phone number) to reserve items.

Computers

OPAC

We have one computer dedicated to allowing patrons to search our “online card catalog”. Use them to find materials owned by all or any of the libraries in the SAILS network, to place holds, and to use the SAILS and SEMLS databases.

Internet

Available in 45 minute increments by signing in with your library card or guest pass. Parents are responsible for their childrens’ use of the Internet; please supervise them. Printing costs $.25 per page or $1 for color.

Faxing

$1 per page

Scanning

$.25 cents per page

Advisory to Internet Users and Parents

Material on the internet may be inaccurate, deceptive, distasteful, or illegal. Parents should guide their children’s access to the internet, TV, movies, books and magazines.

No “filtering software” censors this Library’s computers, because the Federal Courts have found that such software interferes with constitutionally protected speech.

You have a legal right to privacy. Library staff will not interfere with anyone’s access to information, within the limits of state and/or federal law.

No one may use Library computers to receive or transmit material harmful to minors, pornographic images of children, or materials that are obscene, dangerous, harmful or unlawful.

“Hacking” with Library computers is illegal.

Criminals have frequently used the internet to set up fraud, and even kidnappings. For your own safety, never disclose personal information such as your name, address, telephone number, social security number, computer passwords, credit card account numbers, or school location to strangers whom you know only over the internet.
The Library discourages the use of e-mail, instant messaging and chat rooms on its computers.

Other

Unattended Children – Young children may not be left unattended in the Library; we do not have the staff or facilities to ensure their welfare.

Cell phones – As a courtesy to other library patrons, cell phone use must be limited to the outer lobby area.

Library Behavior Policy

Patron Behavior Policy

The Elizabeth Taber Library encourages people of all ages to visit the library. Those using the library and its resources have the right to expect a safe, comfortable environment that supports appropriate library services. Use of the Library requires respect for others who are also enjoying the library facilities and services. Certain activities are inconsistent with the mission of the Library and will not be tolerated. Among these are the following:

Disruptive behavior, such as but not limited to: running, playing audio equipment so that others can hear; threatening or harassing behavior; public intoxication; talking loudly; or engaging in any other behavior which would hinder the Library from carrying out its mission
Harassment of patrons or staff including using threatening language, inappropriate behavior, or attention, or intimidating language or behavior.
Stealing or vandalizing any property of the Library, Library Staff, or Library Patrons
Soliciting of any kind including seeking or collecting signatures for a petition, unless permission has been granted by the Library Director and/or Board of Trustees
Smoking or the use of other tobacco products in the Library or on the premises
Possession or the use of alcohol or illegal drugsPossession of weapons including but not limited to: knives, guns, clubs, and blades
Misuse of restroom (e.g. using them as a laundry or washing facility)
Bringing animals into the Library, except service animals, or with permission from the Library Director and/or Board of Trustees
Sleeping
Recording patrons without their consent
Attempting to record or obtain patron records or personal information of patrons or staff without permission including requesting check-out records, contact information, etc.
Monopolizing staff time, singling out staff members, or requesting services beyond library appropriate service offerings
Entering staff only areas without permission

In addition:

Shoes and shirts must be worn in the library

Cell phone use: cell phones should be set to silent or vibrate mode; keep conversations short and speak softly; conduct long conversations outside.

Parents are responsible for ensuring the safety and appropriate behavior of their children. The library has an established policy on unattended children in the library. If a child is disruptive when a parent is present, the library staff will make every effort to speak to the parent so that they can handle the situation. If the parent is not readily available, the staff may need to approach the disruptive child so that the behavior can stop.

We set these guidelines so that all who use our facility may feel their library visit is pleasant and safe.