Objective:
The collection supports the Library’s mission statement by “responding to the expressed and anticipated informational and lifelong learning needs of its diverse community.” Selection criteria are utilized for the acquisition and deleting of materials. Management of the collection falls to reference librarians for collection development and circulation staff for shelving and stack maintenance. The print and non-print collections reflect the present and expected research and recreational needs of the community.
Selection Criteria:
The selection level is Basic (see selection levels below) for all subject areas with more advanced levels of coverage for high demand/high usage topics. The Library seeks to acquire authoritative materials representing all points of view on all sides of controversial issues, insofar as they meet the standards of accuracy and accountability. Criteria considered by the selector include
• Does the title improve the quality of the collection?
• Is the title of general interest?
• Does the item meet standard literary criteria for good writing, such as factual accuracy, effectiveness of expression, authoritativeness, indexing and table of contents?
• Is the title of good technical quality with respect to to production value, binding, printing, illustration, on-screen “help,” technical support and overall design?
• Does the work relate to other stated needs of the collection?
• Does the work offer information specific to the city of Vineland, or the Cumberland County region?
• Is the source of the data reliable and documented?
• The entirety of the work of each title is judged as a whole, and isolated passages in themselves are not used as criteria.
Items are not selected that
• Contain outdated, unaccountable, inaccurate or false information
• Exist only to promote a specific person, cause, or belief
• Would ordinarily be used only to complete school assignments, specific to a particular curriculum of local educational institutions
Selection is based primarily upon reviews in accredited/peer-reviewed journals of librarianship and the book trade, as well as additional reputable national magazines. The professional judgment of the librarians, with intimate knowledge of community needs and demands, also comes into play during the selection process. In addition to library user requests or suggestions, selection aids as of April 2007 include
• New York Times Book Review
• Library Journal
• School Library Journal
• VOYA
• Booklist
• Horn Book
• What Do Young Adults Read Next?
• Children’s Catalog
• Middle & Junior High School Catalog
• Senior High School Library Catalog
• Fiction Catalog
• Public Library Catalog
Donations and gift materials will be held accountable to the same criteria and evaluated on an individual basis. No conditions may be imposed relating to any gift after its acceptance by the Library.
Selection Levels:
1. Comprehensive/Exhaustive Level: Complete coverage related to topic
2. Research Level: Broad coverage with reasonable depth
3. Reference/Study Level: Resources such as current dictionary, encyclopedia, history, and/or a few texts on topic
4. Basic Level: Standard works sufficient to meet usual demands
5. Minimal/Skeletal Level: A few carefully selected books or a dictionary where there is light demand
Electronic Media:
Electronic media considered for selection should provide improved access to or be an enhancement or enrichment of current library collections. Selection of materials is based on subject need, popularity, and equipment appropriateness. Resources chosen for direct library user use should require a minimal level of computer literacy. Products with the best on-screen instructions, graphic displays, and printing protocols which match current products are preferred. Highest priority choices will address the needs of a significant portion of the Library’s users. Purchases also should be broadly accessible under current copyright and licensing laws.
Stack Maintenance:
Collection maintenance entails shelf maintenance as a necessary element of upkeep. Maintaining the shelves in correct call number order enables easy access to materials and information by Library users. A 24-hour turnaround time for the re-shelving of materials ensures easy access in a timely manner for Library users. Periodic shelf reading for the Reference collection is completed by the student assistants, supervised by the Reference librarians. Shelf reading of the circulating adult and young adult collections will be performed by the shelvers on an ongoing basis.
Weeding (De-selection):
Weeding is an important part of maintaining the collection. Reasons why items must be removed from the collection include damage, wear, being out of date, inaccuracy, lack of current relevance, lack of interest by Library users and lack of space. Lack of space for new acquisitions is an ever-present problem. Ideally, weeding should be done on a continual basis, but when this is not possible, it should be done periodically. Decisions concerning which items should be removed from the collection are made by librarians although other staff may assist in the routine weeding tasks such as pulling items from the shelves. *CREW recommendations are followed concerning removal of items that have not been circulating. Weeded items in reasonable condition are placed in the Library’s book sale. Items that do not sell and are not useful to other public libraries, nursing homes, etc. are eventually discarded.
*Segal, Joseph P. Evaluating and Weeding Collections in Small and Medium-sized Public Libraries: The CREW Method. American Library Association, Chicago. 1980
Summary Statement:
The Vineland Public Library adopts the Library Bill of Rights, as amended January 23, 1980, of the American Library Association Council and incorporates the same herein with the same force and effect as if set forth at length. The library also adopts the Freedom to Read Statement, as revised on January 28, 1972, by and of the American Library Association Council and incorporates the same herein with the same force and effect as if set forth at length. The Library Director is responsible to the Board of Trustees of Vineland Public Library for the selection of materials and for the development of the collection. In the selection of materials for inclusion in its collection, the Library recognizes its obligation as a public institution serving the informational needs of a large group of people with varied backgrounds, languages, preferences, interests, and purposes.
Approved by Library Board of Trustees
June 28, 2007
Please observe the following policies and procedures so that the many people who wish to use this limited resource are treated fairly:
Vineland Public Library uses CASSIE, a computer management system, to help manage our public computer log-ins, time tracking, and printing.
INTERNET USE:
Patrons ages 13 and older must sign into CASSIE using only their own Vineland, Millville or Bridgeton library card and password.
GUEST PASSES:
A guest pass may be purchased for $2.00 at the Information Desk by showing your state-issued photo ID and current proof of address if you live outside of Vineland, Millville and Bridgeton.
TIME LIMITS:
JOB SEARCH COMPUTERS:
*Violations of these rules will result in suspension of your computer privileges or your being banned from the library. Additional library rules can be found in the Patron Conduct Policy.
Approved by Board of Trustees April 26, 2004
Reviewed revised policy and approved August 26, 2010
Reviewed revised policy and approved February 22, 2012
Reviewed revised policy and approved June 23, 2016
It is the responsibility of each staff member to assist in maintaining a welcoming environment at the Vineland Public Library. Since the library is free and open to the public, there are occasions where a person or group of people may behave in a manner that is disruptive to other patrons or staff. The Library has a Patron Behavior Policy in place to help define what conduct is not allowed in the Library.
An Incident Report should be completed by the staff member(s) directly involved in or witness to an incident. In cases of major incidents, witnesses will submit emails of their observational account to be attached to the incident report. If a Library Security Guard is involved, the guard should complete the report. Reports will be kept on file at the Information Desk, with a copy kept in Administration.
Any staff member is permitted to request that a patron leave the library property and may contact the Vineland Police when that patron has violated the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy. If an individual is banned for a period of time other than a same-day ban, a letter shall be mailed to the individual stating the reason(s) for the restriction as well as the date the individual is allowed to return to Library property. If an individual has Library material checked out at the time of the ban, the individual will still be held responsible for having the material returned by the due date or the individual will incur any applicable charges. For convenience, materials may be returned in the 24-hour book drop located on the wall near the front entrance doors.
Any persons banned from the Library are required to present photo ID and provide staff with their legal names and mailing addresses. Card numbers of VPL card holders should also be obtained in case any notes need to be made to the patron account. If any persons refuse to provide their information or give false information, further disciplinary actions may be taken, possibly resulting in loss of library privileges.
Below are examples of what type of conduct would lead staff to request that a patron vacate the Library property. Actual disciplinary actions may vary according to individual incidents.
Same-Day Ban:
• Being excessively loud after being warned
• Use of foul language in a non-threatening manner
• Offensive hygiene
1-Month Ban:
• Refusing to provide personal information upon reasonable request by staff
• Refusing to leave Library property when requested
• Failure to heed repeat warnings from Library staff
• Returning to Library property during a banned period
3-Month to Indefinite Ban – at the discretion of the Library Director:
• Repeated misconduct or recorded incident
• Threatening language or behavior toward Library patrons, staff, or self: verbal, physical, or via electronic communication
• Physical violence on Library property
Information, including any photos if available, regarding any banned patron will be distributed to all Library staff. Adult Services/Children’s/Security will maintain a log to track banned patrons and the dates on which they are allowed to return to Library property.
An individual banned for a period of 3 months or longer may submit a written appeal. The appeal must be submitted to the Library Board at least two weeks prior to the Board’s scheduled monthly meeting to be placed on the agenda. Meeting dates can be located on the Library webpage at www.vinelandlibrary.org/pr/boardmeetings.html. Appeals must be submitted to Board of Trustees, Vineland Public Library, 1058 E. Landis Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360 Attn: Appeal Request. The appeal must specify all disputed material facts and issues that are to be addressed at the meeting as well as all arguments you wish the Board to consider. If your appeal fails to set forth any disputed facts, the Board of Trustees has the right to deny the appeal and the proposed sanction will become effective the day after the Board meeting. If the appeal is denied, this decision will constitute the Board’s final judgment in this matter. The presence of the individual filing the appeal shall not be required.
Approved by Library Board of Trustees – February 22, 2007
Updated policy approved by the Library Board of Trustees – July 23, 2015
It is the responsibility of each staff member to assist in maintaining a welcoming environment at the Vineland Public Library. Since the library is free and open to the public, there are occasions where a person or group of people may behave in a manner that is disruptive to other patrons or staff. The Library has a Patron Behavior Policy in place to help define what conduct is not allowed in the Library.
An Incident Report should be completed by the staff member(s) directly involved in or witness to an incident. In cases of major incidents, witnesses will submit emails of their observational account to be attached to the incident report. If a Library Security Guard is involved, the guard should complete the report. Reports will be kept on file at the Information Desk, with a copy kept in Administration.
Any staff member is permitted to request that a juvenile patron leave the library property and may contact the Vineland Police when that patron has violated the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy. If a Juvenile patron is banned for a period of time other than a same-day ban, a letter shall be mailed to his or her parent or guardian stating the reason(s) for the restriction as well as the date the individual is allowed to return to Library property. If an individual has Library material checked out at the time of their ban, the individual will still be held responsible for having the material returned by the due date or the individual will incur any applicable charges. For convenience, materials may be returned in the 24-hour book drop located on the wall near the front entrance doors.
Any persons banned from the Library are required to provide staff with their legal names and mailing addresses. Card numbers of VPL card holders should also be obtained in case any notes need to be made to the patron account. If any persons refuse to provide their information or give false information, further disciplinary actions may be taken, possibly resulting in loss of library privileges.
Actual disciplinary actions may vary according to individual incidents.
Exceptions may be made to the banning, on a case by case basis, for students through grade 12 who may enter the library only to work on school assignments and only under direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Such exceptions will be made at the discretion of the Library Director and will be outlined in the letter sent to the student’s home address.
Below are examples of what type of conduct would lead staff to request that a patron vacate the Library property.
Same-Day Ban:
• Being excessively loud after being warned
• Use of foul language in a non-threatening manner
1-Month Ban:
• Refusing to provide personal information upon reasonable request by staff
• Refusing to leave Library property when requested
• Failure to heed repeat warnings from Library staff
• Returning to Library property during a banned period
3-Month to Indefinite Ban* – at the discretion of the Library Director:
• Repeated misconduct or recorded incidents
• Threatening language or behavior toward Library patrons, staff, or self: verbal, physical, or via electronic communication
• Physical violence on Library property
*The parent or guardian of any juvenile who has received a sanction of 3 months or more may be required to meet with the Library Director and his/her child for a discussion of the behavioral standards of the library before the juvenile will be permitted on the library premises again.
Information, including any photos if available, regarding any banned patron will be distributed to all Library staff. Adult Services/Children’s/Security will maintain a log to track banned patrons and the dates on which they are allowed to return to Library property.
The parent or legal guardian of an individual banned for a period of 3 months or longer may submit a written appeal. The appeal must be submitted to the Library Board at least two weeks prior to the Board’s scheduled monthly meeting to be placed on the agenda. Meeting dates can be located on the Library webpage at www.vinelandlibrary.org/pr/boardmeetings.html. Appeals must be submitted to Board of Trustees, Vineland Public Library, 1058 E. Landis Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360 Attn: Appeal Request. The appeal must specify all disputed material facts and issues that are to be addressed at the meeting as well as all arguments you wish the Board to consider. If your appeal fails to set forth any disputed facts, the Board of Trustees has the right to deny the appeal and the proposed sanction will become effective the day after the Board meeting. If the appeal is denied, this decision will constitute the Board’s final judgment in this matter. The presence of the individual filing the appeal shall not be required.
Approved by Library Board of Trustees – February 22, 2007
Updated policy approved by the Library Board of Trustees – July 23, 2015
The Vineland Public Library offers Internet access as part of its mission to provide access to a wide range of information and ideas.
The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside of the library. However, the Internet is currently an unregulated medium. It offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, but it also enables access to some material that may be inaccurate, offensive and/or illegal. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.
To assist users in their exploration of the Internet, staff librarians will recommend resources that are informative and age appropriate. This will include identifying appropriate sites for children exploring the Internet. However, the library upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of all library materials and resources. Library users, whether children or adults, are the final selectors in using the Internet and are responsible for their individual choices and decisions. The library endorses the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights.
The Vineland Public Library’s computers may not be used for purposes contrary to state or federal laws, or in ways that interfere with or disrupt other users, service or equipment. Activities which are not allowed include, but are not limited to, unauthorized access to any network or computer system; causing degradation of system performance; damaging computer equipment or software; violation of copyright laws; and display of graphic pornography which is inappropriate for an open public environment. Such display could be considered sexual harassment. The library does not offer server space for email accounts or web pages, but patrons may establish and use web-based email accounts
Failure to use the Internet computers appropriately may result in loss of computer privileges and criminal prosecution.
The library disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.
Approved by the Vineland Public Library Board of Trustees
Revised Dec. 17, 1999 and April 26, 2001
Approved revision by Vineland Public Library Board of Trustees April 7, 2011
Mission Statement
The Vineland Public Library, as a cornerstone of Vineland’s educational and cultural foundation, is dedicated to responding to the expressed and anticipated informational and lifelong learning needs of its diverse community. To accomplish this mission, the Library relies on a highly qualified staff, a balance of print and technology, and a network of resources beyond its walls.
Conduct is considered unacceptable when:
• It could result in injury to oneself or others.
• It interferes with another person’s use of the Library.
• It interferes with staff performance.
• It is harassing or intimidating.
• It violates the law.
• It could result in loss or damage to Library or patrons’ property.
Persons failing to follow the Library’s conduct rules or reasonable requests of staff will be asked to leave and such actions may result in suspension of Library privileges. The police will be notified immediately if a person is asked to leave and refuses to do so. The rules of conduct will apply to the Library property, both inside and outside of the building, as well as Library-related electronic or telephone communications.
Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:
• Harassing or intimidating conduct toward staff or Library users. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to: insults or offensive language or comments; sexual or suggestive advances, comments, jokes or images; unwanted physical touching; oral, written, or implicit threats; degrading or discriminatory comments or gestures.
• Leaving a child below the age of nine (9) or any other individual requiring supervision unattended by an adult. (See also Unattended Children Policy)
• Loud or abusive language.
• Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, or use of any tobacco products.
• Use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Being visibly intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics.
• Possession of a weapon.
• Engaging in excessive or disruptive conversations.
• Having offensive bodily hygiene or odor that constitutes a nuisance to others.
• Use of cell phones for conversations outside of designated areas (lobby, vending, Doris Tripp Room). Persons using the Children’s Department in accordance with Library policies are permitted to use cell phones outside of Library programs if use does not disrupt other patrons or staff. Ringers should be turned off or set to vibrate while in the library building.
• Having food or beverages near any Library computer. Any damage to Library property resulting from food or beverages will be the responsibility of the patron.
• Use of personal electronic equipment at a volume audible to others.
• Running, fighting, roughhousing, throwing objects, and other like behavior.
• Sleeping.
• Misuse of restrooms such as bathing, washing clothes or dishes, shaving, using the wrong restroom.
• Recreational bicycling, skateboarding, skating/in-line skating on Library property.
• Bringing bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates/roller skates, and other like modes of transportation into the Library. A bicycle rack is located outside of the Landis Avenue entrance.
• Gambling.
• Unauthorized solicitation including selling items, begging, circulating petitions, distributing printed materials, and conducting surveys.
• Bringing any animal on the premises, except service animals required because of a disability or those authorized for participation in a Library program.
• Vandalism to Library property. Damage to Library property may result in suspension of Library privileges and/or criminal prosecution.
• Inappropriate attire. Must be fully clothed. Footwear must be left on while in the Library at all times. Bathing suits are not considered appropriate attire.
• Carrying in bedrolls/bedding/blankets. Bags or backpacks are subject to being searched by Library staff.
• Loitering.
• Use of the children’s area by unattended adults except when the adult is researching and/or retrieving materials. (see “Adults in the Children’s Department” Policy)
• Unauthorized access to staff areas.
• Being on Library property in excess of 15 minutes prior to opening or after closing.
Note: Please remember that unattended possessions represent a safety and security risk. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen personal property. Please keep your belongings with you at all times.
Approved by the Vineland Public Library Board of Trustees June 25, 2015
To provide for a clean, pleasant and safe environment for Library users, the Board of Trustees of the Vineland Public Library has established standards to be enforced by Library staff and the Vineland Police if necessary. All standards apply to the Library building and the Library property.
Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:
• Inappropriate or disruptive behavior.
• Leaving a child under the age of 9 or an individual requiring supervision unattended in the Library without direct supervision of an adult. (See also Unattended Children Policy)
• Physical, sexual or verbal misconduct.
• Vandalism or deliberate misuse of Library facilities, materials or equipment.
• Use or possession of drugs or alcohol, or being under the influence of either.
• Disobeying the reasonable requests of Library staff.
• Cell phone conversations outside of the vending area, lobby, or Doris Tripp Room. Use of a cell phone for texting, apps, and other WiFi use is allowed in other areas of the Library provided that any audio is not noticeable to other Library users and staff.
• Misuse of restrooms such as bathing, washing clothes or dishes, shaving, using the wrong restroom.
• Offensive hygiene that disrupts another’s Library work or experience.
• Listening to any audio that is noticeable to other Library users and staff. Earbuds may be purchased at the Information Desk.
• Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, or use of any tobacco products on Library property.
• Gambling.
• Sleeping.
• Peeping, staring at or following another person.
• Onscreen display of images inappropriate for a public environment.
• Sales and/or solicitations, unless authorized by the Library.
The following are examples of items that may not be brought into the Library:
• Weapons
• Recreational and sports equipment including bicycles, skateboards, balls, and bats
• Bedrolls/bedding/blankets
• Animals, except those needed to assist a person with a disability and authorized program animals
Please remember that unattended possessions represent a safety and security risk. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen personal property. Please keep your belongings with you at all times.
If you would like to review the complete Vineland Public Library Patron Conduct Policy, please ask at the Information Desk.
Thank you for helping us make our Library a better place.
Approved by the Vineland Public Library Board of Trustees July 28, 2011
Update approved by the Vineland Public Library Board of Trustees June 25, 2015
It is the responsibility of each staff member to assist in maintaining a welcoming environment at the Vineland Public Library. Since the library is free and open to the public, unattended children may be at risk for of injury, illness, interaction with strangers, and emergency situations.
While children are encouraged to visit the library and use resources for educational and entertainment purposes, parents and caregivers must be aware that Library staff have many duties to perform and cannot monitor the whereabouts of individual patrons – child or adult. The Vineland Public Library cannot assume parental responsibility for the care and safety of children or the supervision of children displaying disruptive conduct.
The Library has established the following policies in the best interest of Library staff and Library patrons.
• All Library patrons, regardless of age, are expected to follow the Patron Behavior Policy.
• Children under the age of 9-years-old must be accompanied by an adult while on Library property or in the Library building.
• Children displaying or participating in disruptive or prohibitive conduct (see Patron Behavior Policy) may be asked to leave the Library property, individually or as a group.
• Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their children’s conduct while on Library property, whether they are with the child or not.
• If any child, below the age of 9, is left unattended by an adult when the Library closes, Library staff will attempt to contact a parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian cannot be contacted or has not arrived to pick the child up within 15 minutes of the Library’s closing, the local police will be notified.
Approved by the Vineland Public Library Board of Trustees – July 23, 2015
Monday: 11am – 2pm & 3pm – 6pm
Tuesday: 11am – 2pm & 3pm – 6pm
Wednesday: 11am – 2pm & 3pm – 6pm
Thursday: 11am – 2pm & 3pm – 6pm
Friday: 11am – 4pm
Saturday: 10am – 2pm
Sunday: CLOSED