Madison Public Library Bulletin Board Policy
Bulletin boards and a pamphlet display rack are provided in the Library’s lobby for
publicizing upcoming programs and fund-raising activities of community organizations
and institutions.
In order to accommodate the demand for bulletin board space the following policies will
apply to all such organizations except for the Friends of the Library giving consideration
to its special relationship to the Library.
- Displayed items will be restricted to non-profit agencies and public institutions.
- Announcements should preferably be no longer than 8 ½ x 11 inches in size.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for the viewpoint expressed in any brochure or poster.
- Announcements will not be posted earlier than one month prior to the event. All materials for bulletin board display must be left with the Circulation Desk staff who will hang them.
- The Library will not display partisan political materials.
- All materials are subject to approval by the Library Director.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, on June 9, 2010.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
Mission Statement
The Madison Public Library is the community’s center for ideas, information, learning, and connections. The Madison Public Library seeks to provide enjoyment, education, information and guidance through materials suited for the Borough of Madison.
Purpose
This policy is intended to provide guidance for acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the Library. This will allow all patrons of the Madison Public Library to use its facilities to the fullest extent during regularly scheduled hours.
Responsibility
The responsibility for these guidelines ultimately rests with the Library Board of Trustees. The authority and responsibility for setting these guidelines rests with the Library Director, who delegates this task to qualified professional staff.
Patrons Shall:
- Comply with this and all other Library policies.
- Engage in activities associated with the use of a public Library.
- Patrons not reading, studying or using Library materials and/or services may be required to leave the building. Sleeping, except for young children under the supervision of the parent or caregiver, is not allowed.
- Respect the rights of other patrons.
- Patrons shall report concerns about the activities or behavior of other patrons to a member of the Library staff, but shall not approach other patrons directly, to criticize or complain about their activities or behavior.
- Patrons shall not harass or annoy others through noisy or boisterous activities, or
- by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person,
- by following another person about the building,
- by using cell phones or playing audio entertainment equipment so that others can hear it except in designated areas as directed,
- by singing or talking loudly to others or in monologues,
- by behaving in a manner which can be reasonably expected to disturb others.
- Comply with special posted rules that are specific to areas of the Library regarding computer use, tutoring, quiet spaces, etc.
Appropriate noise levels and behavior standards are determined by the Library staff.
Patrons Shall Not:
- Consume food or beverages in any areas of the Library where it is specifically prohibited.
- Smoke, use tobacco or tobacco products, use non-tobacco products, vape or use e-cigarettes or other similar products in the building.
- Be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or engage in any manner of substance abuse.
- Engage in any sexual activity on Library premises.
- Engage in any activity or conduct that is in violation of federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Illegal activity is strictly prohibited on Library premises.
- Engage in any behavior that presents an imminent danger to the life or safety of others:
- including intentional non-emergency activation of alarmed exits or fire alarms,
- bringing any object, including but not limited to weapons, into the Library that is unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of others.
- Leave a child under the age of seven unattended in the Children’s wing of the building, or under the age of eleven unattended in the Library without the supervision of an adult.
- Interfere with the use of the Library by other patrons, or interfere with Library employees’ performance of their duties.
- Violate the privacy of others in the Library, including capturing the images of others by photograph or video without their consent, or the consent of the Library Director.
- Use another patron’s Library card and/or account number for any fraudulent purpose.
- Use obscene or threatening language, or words or actions likely to provoke an immediate reaction which may lead to confrontation or violence.
- Create obstructions to the free flow of pedestrian traffic with their personal items or by moving Library furniture or materials in any aisle, walkway, Library entrance or exit or sidewalk.
- Steal, deface, mar, destroy or make inoperable Library property*
- *Library property includes books, magazines, newspapers, recordings or other items in the Library collection; Library furnishings and decor; windows or other Library architecture; restroom or kitchenette fixtures; audio/visual and office equipment; or other items in the Library.
- Manipulate or interfere with Library computers, software, Library data, networks, audio/visual equipment settings, office machines and/or print management systems.
- Enter or occupy staff-designated areas without permission and/or a staff escort.
- Enter or remain inside Library facilities before or after posted hours of operation without permission of the Library Director and/or the Board of Trustees.
- Engage in selling, panhandling or soliciting, including distributing printed materials, signing petitions or conducting surveys, except by permission of the Library Director and/or the Board of Trustees.
- Enter the building without a shirt or shoes.
- Patrons over the age of 3 must wear a covering of their upper bodies and shoes or other footwear. Those wearing wet bathing suits, cleats or other wearable items that may cause damage may not enter the building. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other patrons may be required to leave the building.
- Use the Library restrooms for anything other than their ordinarily intended purpose, it being understood that such purposes do not include bathing, shaving, or washing hair or clothing.
- Use skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades, roller-skates, non-medical scooters or hoverboards, etc. on the Library property.
- Bring animals inside the Library with the exception of trained service animals as per the ADA and New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. No other animals are allowed unless as part of a pre-approved Library program.
- Service and approved guest animals are subject to these condition
- Animals must be kept in custody and under control at all times.
- Patrons may be required to pay for any damage caused by their animal.
Staff Enforcement Procedure
A staff member observing a violation of the Library’s rules shall:
- approach the patron observed violating the policy courteously
- tell the patron that the behavior is unacceptable, and ask the patron to refrain from the behavior.
- If the Library staff cannot identify an individual in a group, the group may be addressed as a whole.
If the behavior continues:
- the staff member may approach the patron a second time, reiterate the relevant policy, and warn that he/she may be asked to leave the Library.
- If the behavior is so disruptive, or if the staff member believes a second warning is inappropriate under the circumstances, the staff person need not approach the patron a second time.
In the event the behavior does not cease:
- the staff member is to direct the patron to leave the Library immediately.
- If the patron refuses to leave, the staff member may warn the patron that he/she has no choice but to call the police, or may call the police without warning if deemed appropriate.
- The staff member shall meet the police officer at the door (or a second staff member shall be alerted to meet the police) to instruct the officer that an individual has been asked to leave the Library and has refused to do so.
Any Librarian or Library assistant is empowered to enforce this behavior policy. Anyone ejected under enforcement of this policy may not re-enter the Library that day and up to an additional two (2) days. A suspension of longer than three days is covered under the Suspension Policy and Procedure.
Suspension Policy and Procedure
Any patron ejected through the procedure explained in the Staff Enforcement Procedure section may be subject to a longer suspension for habitual improper behavior.
Suspension from the Library means:
- the patron may not enter the Library.
- If the suspended patron enters the Library the police will be called to remove the patron and the patron may be subject to criminal charges.
The Library Director may recommend the suspension of a violator’s Library privileges, including the right to enter the Library, for a period of time greater than three days for repeat offenders, egregious behavior or incidents within the Library that result in a police report by notifying the Board Officers.
Written notices will be sent to the patron or, in the case of a minor, to the patron’s parents, with a date upon which the suspension will go into effect and a date upon which the suspension will end. In the event of a suspension, the patron may appeal the decision to the Library Board of Trustees.
The patron may appear at the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees.
The term “Library” when used herein encompasses the Library Building, the Chase Room, and the Library grounds except where the context indicates otherwise.
Amended and approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, on February 9, 2023.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Mission Statement
The Madison Public Library is the community’s center for ideas, information, learning, and connections. The Madison Public Library seeks to provide enjoyment, education, information and guidance through materials suited for the Borough of Madison.
Purpose
This policy is intended to provide guidance, within budgetary and space limitations, for the selection and evaluation of materials, both physical and electronic, which anticipate and meet the needs of the Madison community. It also defines the scope and standards of the various collections, and provides guidance for deselection of materials. As the community changes, the Library will need to reassess and adapt its collections to reflect new and differing areas of interest and concern. Therefore, the collection development policy will be evaluated and revised as necessary to provide guidance for implementing changes in the collection.
The responsibility for the Library’s collection ultimately rests with the Library Board of Trustees. The authority and responsibility for selection of materials rests with the Library Director, who delegates this task to qualified professional staff.
The Library Board of Trustees has adopted and declared that it will adhere to and support: The Library Bill of Rights; The Freedom to Read Statement; The Freedom to View Statement; The Restricted Access to Library Materials Statement; and The Free Access to Libraries for Minors Statement adopted by the American Library Association. The Library upholds the principles set by the First Amendment to the US Constitution and the right of the individual to secure information, even though the content may be controversial, unorthodox, or unacceptable to others. Responsibility for the reading/viewing/listening material of children and adolescents rests with their parent or legal guardian. The Library does not stand in loco parentis. Materials shall not be removed from the collection except under the established procedures of collection maintenance and as outlined in the Library’s Reconsideration of Library Materials form adopted by this Board of Trustees. No Library materials shall be excluded based on expressions of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical/intellectual abilities, or social views. Materials available in the Library present a diversity of viewpoints, enabling citizens to make informed choices.
Scope of the Collection
The primary responsibility of the Madison Public Library is to serve the citizens of Madison by providing a broad choice of materials to meet their needs for informational, educational, cultural, and recreational resources. Some materials may be acquired primarily on the basis of their artistic merit, scholarship, and/or value to humanity. Other materials are selected to aid individuals, groups, and organizations in attaining practical solutions to daily problems. All materials are selected to enrich the quality of life for all community members. Budget and space limitations, as well as need, limit the collections to materials of high interest to library patrons.
The selection of Library materials is based on a comprehensive knowledge of the characteristics of the Madison community. All materials, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the criteria listed below. An item need not meet all of these standards in order to be added to the collection. Youth materials are selected with the same criteria outlined below.
- Popular interest and demand
- Contemporary significance
- Currency of information
- Accuracy and authoritative treatment of the subject matter
- Readability or ability to sustain interest
- Reputation of author, publisher, producer, or illustrator
- Creative, literary, and/or technical quality
- Critical reviews in a variety of journals
- Format and ease of use
- Relationship to existing materials in collection
- Relationship to materials in other area libraries
- Cost and availability
Multiple copies of materials may be purchased in response to user demand evidenced by number of holds, anticipated popularity, repeated requests, and monitoring of the collection.
The Library encourages input from the community concerning the collection. All suggestions for purchase are subject to the same selection criteria as other materials and not automatically added to the collection. It is the Library’s intent that suggestions for purchase be used to help the Library in developing collections which serve the interest and needs of the community.
Donations
The Library gratefully accepts donated materials on a limited basis but reserves the right to decline donations without explanation. Staff have the sole discretion to determine the use and disposition of donated materials. Donated materials in good condition which meet a need or fill a gap, and satisfy the aforementioned criteria, may be added to the collection. Donated materials in good condition which do not meet a need or fill a gap will be added to the Friends of the Library’s book sale. Donated materials in poor condition will be recycled. The donation of outdated or deteriorated materials is discouraged.
Maintenance of the Collection
All parts of the collection will be reviewed, weeded, and added to as possible by the Library Director or designated staff. Information used to make decisions about removing a title from the collection includes:
- Review of statistical information such as circulation reports
- Physical condition, including shelf wear and disc markings
- Currency of the work in popular appeal.
- Importance of the material or format to diverse individuals
- Recommendations from professional resource lists by library science publications
Electronic Resources
- The library provides access to electronic resources, designed to complement the physical collection by providing access to information of a broad nature in the form of multiple electronic formats. Some of these resources are proprietary, while others are offered through the MAIN Consortium and the New Jersey State Library. Criteria for selection of these electronic resources include authority, coverage, accuracy, relevance, quality of information, accessibility, organization, and timeliness.
- With the only constraints being budgetary, the library does not limit access to the information within these resources. The contracted vendors follow the same practices and guidelines of collection development used by libraries.
Censorship
Censorship is a matter of individual decisions. Every patron has the right to accept or reject material for personal use, but does not have the right to restrict it for others.
Requests for Reconsideration
Madison Library cardholders may seek reconsideration of materials. Requests for appeal must be made in writing to the Library Director, using the library’s approved Request for Reconsideration Form. The Director will determine the retention or withdrawal of challenged materials in consultation with the library staff and Trustees.
When a completed and signed Request for Reconsideration Form is received, the Library Director shall communicate the request to the Board of Trustees. A Reconsideration Committee, comprised of the Library Director, at least one Trustee and at least one librarian will be formed, to review the request. After review, based on the collection development criteria including available professional reviews, the Reconsideration Committee will present their determination to the Board. The acceptance or rejection of the Request for Reconsideration shall be determined by a majority roll call vote of eligible Trustees who are present. The requester will be notified of the date and time of such meeting.
In the event that the complainant is the Library Director or a Library Trustee, they shall not participate in the material’s review beyond the Request for Reconsideration Form or opportunities for public comment.
The Director will inform the complainant of the Board’s determination in writing. Such determination is final. Requests in excess of two per year by the same individual or organization may be declined by the Board for examination. Requests from individuals who do not reside in the Borough of Madison may be declined by the Board for examination. The Board or Reconsideration Committee will review resident requests with due diligence and guide their determinations using governing laws, governing administrative codes, the most current publication of the ALA Library Bill of Rights, and the Library’s own policies and regulations.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, on May 12, 2022.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY COMPUTER & INTERNET RULES
All users of the Library’s Internet service (whether with the users personal computer or the Library’s computer) are expected to follow the Code of Conduct Policy, other library policies as well as those outlined below.
- All users of the Internet are expected to use the Internet in a responsible manner, consistent with the education and informational purposes for which they are provided.
- A valid Madison Library Card, or MAIN library card will be required to access the Library’s computers or Internet services. Guest passes are offered to patrons who do not have a valid card.
- The following activities are specifically prohibited with use of the Library’s Internet service and/or computers:
a. Modifying or gaining access to or attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others.
b. Introducing viruses to others, the Library’s computers or the Library System.
c. Seeking or obtaining unauthorized access to any computer system.
d. Damaging or altering the software components of any network or database.
e. Interfering with the right of other users to use computers at the Madison Public Library.
f. Making unauthorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or other information.
g. Sending, receiving or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene or offensive to others.
h. Using the Library’s computers in a disruptive, unauthorized, illegal or improper manner.
i. Impersonating another person or taking action to lead another to believe that the user is another person. - All users of the Library Internet service and computers must respect the privacy of others.
- The Library reserves the right to set time limits on the use of any of the computers in the Library.
- Generally, no more than 2 people will be allowed to use a computer at a time. Library staff members may use their discretion in specific instances to allow more than 2 people on a computer.
- Any adult using a computer in the Children’s Services Department must be accompanied by a child.
- Children fifth grade and under must use the computers in the Children’s Services Department. (see Child Safety on the Internet section below).
- All discs, portable drives or memory devices must be scanned for viruses by the user before they are used on a Library computer.
- A user can only access the Library’s Wireless service with the user’s own computer. A user is not permitted to access any other library network with the user’s personal computer.
COMPUTER & INTERNET POLICY
Mission Statement
The Madison Public Library (the Library) is the community’s center for ideas, information, learning, and connections. The Madison Public Library seeks to provide enjoyment, education, information and guidance through materials suited for the Borough of Madison.
Purpose
This policy is intended to provide guidance for the use of library computers and library internet networks.
Policy Acceptance
Use of a library computer or the Library’s wireless connection constitutes acceptance of this policy.
Responsibility
The responsibility for these guidelines ultimately rests with the Library Board of Trustees. The authority and responsibility for setting these guidelines rests with the Library Director, who delegates this task to qualified professional staff.
Provided Resources and Costs
The Madison Public Library provides access to computers and Internet service in recognition of the Library’s role as a community center for education and information. The Internet allows library users to access information beyond the confines of the collection located in the Library.
Access to the Internet and Microsoft’s Office software is available on certain computers located in the Adult Services and Children’s Services Departments. Unfiltered wireless Internet connectivity without printing capabilities is also offered in most areas of the main building for users who bring their own wireless enabled laptops or other devices.
Use of the Library’s computers is free; however, there is a charge for printing by the Madison Public Library. Users agree not to incur any costs for the Library through their use of the Internet service. Any costs incurred will be the users’ responsibility and the Library will pursue the collection thereof.
Time permitting, library staff is available to assist a patron in their use of the computer, software or Internet. Staff will try to answer specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching. Staff can also provide information about Internet training opportunities and Internet books and manuals. However, each user is responsible for his or her own searches on the Internet.
Filtering software is activated at all times on computers in the Children’s Services Department.
The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents, or guardians to decide, guide, and monitor their children’s use of the Internet. Parents, caretakers and guardians should be aware that children who use the Internet may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Avoiding this exposure is the responsibility of parents, caretakers and guardians, not the Library.
Privacy
Users should be aware that transactions and files from a User’s computer session may not be private. The Library does not routinely review its computers to examine usage history, but it reserves the right to do so when a violation of the law, this Acceptable Use Policy, the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy, or any other library policy is suspected. All users are advised that they have no right to privacy in illegal activities including but not limited to accessing child pornography or information regarding the commission of a crime.
Compliance with Library Polices
The Library reserves the right to terminate immediately a computer session (whether on the User’s computer or the Library’s computer) upon suspicion of a violation of the law, this Acceptable Use Policy, the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy, or any other library policy.
Violation of the law, this Acceptable Use Policy, the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy, or any other library policy, may be subject to criminal prosecution or suspension and loss of privileges at the Library. While Library staff do not and will not monitor the use of the computers on library property, in the event that they see or receive a report that suspicious activity is occurring, the Library staff will take action, including potentially contacting law enforcement.
Library staff is authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of library computers and the network and to enforce this policy. This includes confiscating any removable media, requiring a user to leave a computer or the Library, and contacting law enforcement authorities.
Illegal activities or activities that interfere with or disrupt the network, users, services or equipment are prohibited and are not protected under the Library’s privacy policy. Response by the Library to the commission of any such prohibited activities will be at the sole discretion of the Library Director, or designated alternate in the Director’s absence.
Disclaimer
The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from it providing access to the Internet. The Library is not responsible for damage to a patron’s disk, computer, portable drive, any peripheral, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library’s computers or Internet connection. The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.
Updated and approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, on October 13, 2022.
Madison Public Library Customer Service Standards
These Customer Service Standards are the foundation of our work and interactions with
the public. The Madison Public Library has the following service standards that can be
expected by our patrons:
- Prompt, friendly, courteous and respectful service at all times.
- Courtesy and efficiency in resolving complaints.
- Provision of accurate, timely and useful information.
- Clearly identified library procedures and services.
- A staff knowledgeable in library policies and services and a willingness to work on a creative solution to all patron inquiries.
- A quiet and orderly atmosphere conducive to every patron’s use of the facilities.
- Opportunity for the public to submit suggestions, comments and concerns.
- All patron interactions and transactions are conducted in accordance with our Patron Records Policy.
The Madison Public Library is supported by the Borough of Madison through residential
and commercial real estate taxes as well as support in kind. Substantial monetary support
is provided by gifts and contributions of citizens and users of the Library, the Friends of
the Library, and the Endowment. Therefore, the Library’s primary goal is to support the
people of Madison. At the Library’s discretion, Madison residents may be given priority
for some Library events and services. Patrons should recognize that library staffing and
services may be affected by budget constraints. Accordingly, our services may have to
be limited and may impact on individual requests.
Each staff member is a representative of the Library and is expected to offer a gracious
and welcoming attitude to the Library’s patrons. In return, we ask our patrons to treat our
staff with respect.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, on June 9, 2010.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY EXAM PROCTORING GUIDELINES
Availability
- Please contact The Adult Services Staff in advance to schedule proctoring for any exam.
Guidelines
- Each school and organization has different procedures and rules for its proctored exams. It is the responsibility of the proctored student to ensure that the Madison Public Library staff has been approved to proctor by their institution and advised of all procedures and rule.
- Exams are scheduled according to the availability of a proctor, a study room, and a computer (if required).
- All test taking materials must be received from the issuing educational institution, before any test are taken.
- Online access codes must be sent directly to the proctor from the school or organization.
- Students must provide photo ID before taking any exam.
- Library staff cannot sit or monitor a student while they are taking an exam.
- Library staff cannot proctor online exams that require public access computer setting to be modified.
- Exams will be scheduled during library hours and must be completed no later than 45 minutes before closing.
- If photocopying or printing is necessary, whether for printing out an exam or to make a photocopy after completion, the student will be responsible for paying .15 cents per page for black & white copies and .25 cents per pages for color copies.
- Exams cannot be sent to the school or organization by fax.
- If exams need to be scanned, library staff cannot guarantee the completed exam will be sent the same day the exam is taken.
- Please provide postage or a prepaid envelope if necessary.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, on September 9, 2021.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY NOTARY POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Madison Public Library offers Notary services free to all patrons.
Notary services are available most days during normal Library hours, but not less than 45
minutes before closing. Please call 973-377-0722 (press 2) before visiting to ensure availability
of appropriate staff.
Library Notary service is not available for deeds, mortgages and other real estate-related
documents, wills, living wills, living trusts, codicils, depositions, birth certificates, marriage
licenses, I-9 forms, or powers of attorney.
The Library does not provide witnesses. If your document requires witnesses, please bring
them with you. Make sure they have proper identification with them as well.
(See below, valid photo ID) You may not approach strangers in the library to serve as
witnesses. Witnesses must be personally known to you and be willing to stand up in court on
your behalf, should that become necessary in the future.
Notary service will be declined if the document, the identification, the circumstances or the
capacity of the signer to understand the proceedings raises any questions of authenticity, or if
the Notary does not understand the language of the document. Library Notaries reserve the
right to decline service for any reason.
A current valid photo ID is required for Notary services. Acceptable forms of ID are:
- Driver’s license
- Non-driver ID issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission
- US or foreign passport
- US military ID
- Green card
Procedures
A Library Notary will witness a person signing a document or signing a sworn statement on a
document. The Library Notary certifies that:
- The signer of the document appeared before the Notary
- The Notary positively identified the signer, and
- The signer both acknowledged the signature as their own, and that the signature was made willingly.
The notaries at Madison Public Library are not attorneys licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matter or accept fees for legal advice. A Library Notary will, however, explain the difference between taking an oath or affirmation, and an acknowledgment, so that you can make the best choice of notarization if your document has no notarial wording.
Do not sign the document in advance
Notarization requires that you sign the document in the presence of the Notary.
All other blanks in a document must be filled in before notarization, with N/A if not applicable.
Certain public documents cannot be copied and notarized (also referred to as copy
certifications.) Examples of these are passports, birth certificates, death certificates and
marriage certificates.
Notaries can only notarize in a language in which they are fluent. New Jersey law requires that
a Notary and the patron seeking notarization be able to communicate directly with each other.
Library Notaries are not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with a Notary
service customer.
Updated and approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice on October 10, 2019.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON RECORDS AND COMPUTER PRIVACY POLICY
Mission Statement
The Madison Public Library is the community’s center for ideas, information, learning, and connections. The Madison Public Library seeks to provide enjoyment, education, information and guidance through materials suited for the Borough of Madison.
Purpose
This policy is intended to provide guidance for the safeguarding of patron records by the library and patron privacy in the use of library computers and library internet networks.
Responsibility
The responsibility for these guidelines ultimately rests with the Library Board of Trustees. The authority and responsibility for setting these guidelines rests with the Library Director, who delegates this task to qualified professional staff.
1. The Madison Public Library is bound by state statute to treat certain library records as confidential and to protect them from disclosure. Records of library users shall not be made available to any individual, organization, business or government agency except pursuant to such process, order, subpoena or search warrant as may be authorized, under authority of, and pursuant to federal, state or local law relating to civil, criminal or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory powers. (See N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43.1 and 43.2 reproduced below.)
2. In addition, all records containing personal information of Library patrons are to be
treated as confidential. Personal information includes name, address, telephone number, email address, photograph or any other similar information that is maintained by the library.
3. Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 – 2 of this policy, a patron may see his or her own
borrowing record, and a parent or legal guardian may see the borrowing record of his or
her child until the age of 18 or otherwise emancipated. The parent or guardian is
considered to be the library user with the child.
Computer Privacy
Patrons should be aware that transactions and files from a user’s computer session on library computers may not be private. The library does not routinely review its computers to examine usage history, but it reserves the right to do so when a violation of the law, the Computer /Internet Acceptable Use Policy, the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy, or any other library policy is suspected. All users are advised that they have no right to privacy in illegal activities including but not limited to accessing child pornography or information regarding the commission of a crime.
Library public computers that require patrons to log on using a library card or guest pass have software that deletes all temporary files. This software is not on the library computers in the children’s room or library computers designated for catalog browsing.
Our public library WiFi is free, does not require a password, and is an open network. The library is not responsible for safeguarding personal information of patrons when they are using the library’s WiFi or library computers.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees
October 8, 2009
Updated and approved by the Library Board of Trustees
March 9, 2023
Portions of the law regarding Library Records are reprinted below:
18A:73-43.1 “Library” and “library record” defined for the purposes of this act:
a. “Library” means a library maintained by any State or local governmental agency, school, college, or industrial, commercial or other special group, association or agency, whether public or private.
b. “Library record” means any document or record, however maintained, the primary purpose of which is to provide for control
of the circulation or other public use of library materials, 18A:73-43.2 Confidentiality of Library Users’ Records
Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:
a. The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library:
b. Disclosure is requested by the user; or
c. Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court or court order.
Updated and Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, on March 9, 2023.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
Title ___________________________________________________________
Author/Producer ________________________________________________
Format__________________________________________________________
Request initiated by _______________________________________________
Address _______________________________ Telephone _________________
Organization you represent (if applicable) _______________________________
Please answer all of the questions below. Please attach separate page(s) as needed.
- To what in the work did you object? Please provide specific page numbers, passages, lyrics, etc.
- What brought this title to your attention?
- Have you read/listened to/viewed the entire work? YES NO (please circle)
- Please comment on the work as a whole.
- What do you feel might be the result of reading/listening to/watching this work?
- Are you familiar with reviews of this title by literary or other critics? YES NO
- What do you believe is the theme of this work?
- Have you seen, read, or heard reviews of this work? If yes, please name the source(s) of the review(s).
- What would you like the Library to do about this work?
- In place of this work, what work would you recommend which conveys as valuable or more valuable a picture of and perspective of the subject addressed?
Signature __________________________ Date ________________
Return to: Library Director
Madison Public Library
39 Keep Street
Madison, New Jersey 07940
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, on May 12, 2022.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY SCANNER AND SCANNER COMPUTER (PC) POLICY
Mission Statement
The Madison Public Library is the community’s center for ideas, information, learning, and connections. The Madison Public Library seeks to provide enjoyment, education, information and guidance through materials suited for the Borough of Madison.
Purpose
This policy is intended to outline appropriate use of the library’s public scanner.
Responsibility
The responsibility for these guidelines ultimately rests with the Library Board of Trustees. The authority and responsibility for setting these guidelines rests with the Library Director, who delegates this task to qualified professional staff.
Guidelines
- Patrons may use the public scanner with a valid library card from any library in MAIN or a guest pass.
- The scanner PC (computer) is only to be used when a patron has documents or images to scan.
- When a patron has completed their scanning, they are required to move to another computer.
- Patrons are limited to 60 minute sessions on the scanner PC. If no other patrons are in need of the scanner, time sessions can be extended in 60 minute intervals.
- If another patron needs the scanner while it is in use, the patron using the scanner will be notified that their time will not be extended beyond the current 60 minute interval.
- Library staff has the discretion to end a patron’s session if the patron does not comply with any library policies or procedures.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an Open Public Meeting following proper notice, on June 08, 2023.
Madison Public Library Social Media Policy (Public Policy)
The Madison Public Library (Library) recognizes that social media sites are providing communication means that are new and evolving and that will assist the Library in informing the public about its programs, events (including those co-sponsored with other organizations), services, and collection. Special announcements, such as employment opportunities, may also be included.
Purpose
The Library is establishing sites that will provide limited forums that facilitate this sharing of ideas, opinions, and information on library-related subjects and issues. At this time, these include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. Other sites will be considered, subject to the Library Board of Trustees and administration approval. We foresee an evolutionary growth of the Library’s social media activities beginning with a selected subset of these sites, as there are concerns about the amount of time and effort required to maintain this service. Creating different sites that can be updated in parallel from a single post will be considered. The following guidelines will be used to manage the public use of the Library sites.
- Consistent with the Library objective of communicating ideas, opinions, and information only on library-related subjects and issues, the Library reserves the right, within its sole discretion, not to post and to remove or revise submissions or comments that are unlawful or violate this policy, and to the extent applicable, its Code of Conduct and other policies. The Library also reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to bar any user who violates this policy from the Library’s social networking sites.
- By posting on the Library’s social media sites, users give the Library permission to use their name, profile picture, and the content of any posting or comment they make without any compensation to the individual who made the post or liability on the part of the Library. This permission ends only if the user who made the post deletes his or her post.
- For purposes of this Policy, Library sponsored social media and related technology includes, but is not limited to, the aforementioned sites, video, or Wiki posts, other networking sites, chat rooms, podcasts, discussion forums, blogs or other similar forms of online journals, diaries or newsletters affiliated with the Madison Public Library. This policy also includes future social media technologies and applications that may not yet be contemplated.
Public Use Disclaimer
The Madison Public Library is not responsible or liable for the content of postings by third parties on any Library sponsored social media site, and postings do not reflect the opinions or positions of the Madison Public Library, its employees, or the Board of Trustees.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, on May 15, 2015.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY STUDY ROOM POLICY
Mission Statement
The Madison Public Library is the community’s center for ideas, information, learning, and connections. The Madison Public Library seeks to provide enjoyment, education, information and guidance through materials suited for the Borough of Madison.
Purpose
This policy is intended to outline appropriate use of the Library’s study rooms.
Responsibility
The responsibility for these guidelines ultimately rests with the Library Board of Trustees. The authority and responsibility for setting these guidelines rests with the Library Director, who delegates this task to qualified professional staff.
Guidelines
The Library has multiple rooms which may be used for tutoring, studying, and small group programs, when available. However, Library use takes precedence over any other use of these spaces. The Rushmore Room has a limit of 10 people and The Taber Room has a limit of 15 people (this room is not available on Tuesdays and Thursdays). The Training Room can accommodate up to 5 people, the Study Room has a limit of 5 people. Use of these rooms is scheduled by and at the discretion of the Adult Services staff.
- Reservations may be made by groups of two or more.
- Reservations may be made only one session ahead of time.
- Reservations can be made over the phone, by email, or in person.
- The maximum amount of time that can be reserved will be three hours.
- Reservations will be forfeited if not claimed within 15 minutes of the reservation time.
- Patrons may use the room individually if one is available but reservations cannot be made for one person. Reservations take precedence over unscheduled use.
- Talking loudly or engaging in other disruptive conduct is not permitted. Please see The Patron Code of Conduct for more guidelines.
- Patrons should bring headphones if they need to use telecommunication software.
- Vacating the room during the time reserved is not recommended, but if necessary, should only be for a short time span. The Library is not responsible for patron belongings that are left unattended.
- Lights must be turned on at all times.
- The tables, chairs, and posted signs should be returned to their original locations before vacating the room, if moved by patrons during use of the room.
- All users of the room must vacate the room 10 minutes before Library closing.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an Open Public Meeting following proper notice, on May 11, 2023.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY TUTORING POLICY
Mission Statement
The Madison Public Library is the community’s center for ideas, information, learning, and connections. The Madison Public Library seeks to provide enjoyment, education, information and guidance through materials suited for the Borough of Madison.
Purpose
This policy is intended to outline appropriate tutoring practices at the library.
Responsibility
The responsibility for these guidelines ultimately rests with the Library Board of Trustees. The authority and responsibility for setting these guidelines rests with the Library Director, who delegates this task to qualified professional staff.
Guidelines
Tutoring is an activity that falls under the Library’s role as an educational support center and is in keeping with its mission to be the community’s center for ideas, information, learning and connections.
- The Library does not provide individual tutoring services.
- The Library does not endorse or recommend tutors.
- Library staff will not supervise tutoring sessions.
- Tutors may provide instruction to others either on a paid or volunteer basis which is mutually agreed upon between the tutor and client. The Library highly recommends that families perform background and reference checks as part of the hiring process on any tutors the family elects to employ. The Library accepts no responsibility or liability in this regard.
- The Library provides workspace for tutors and students on a space-available basis. Library staff may limit where and when tutors meet with their students, to ensure the equitable use of resources.
- If tutoring requires the use of computers, phones, or any items that can be disruptive to other patrons, library staff can prohibit the use of said devices.
- All patrons are required to follow the Library’s Patron Code of Conduct
Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an Open Public Meeting following proper notice, on June 08, 2023.
MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY
Mission Statement
The Madison Public Library is the community’s center for ideas, information, learning,
and connections. The Madison Public Library seeks to provide enjoyment, education,
information and guidance through materials suited for the Borough of Madison.
Purpose
This policy is intended to provide guidance for leaving a child unattended, or without a
responsible caregiver, in the library.
Responsibility
The responsibility for these guidelines ultimately rests with the Library Board of
Trustees. The authority and responsibility for setting these guidelines rests with the
Library Director, who delegates this task to qualified professional staff.
Guidelines
The Madison Public Library encourages children of all ages to visit the Library.
However, the well-being and security of young children left unattended is a serious
concern as the library is a public building.
Parents and caregivers, not the Library and Library staff members, are responsible for
the safety, behavior, and supervision of the child at all times. At no time will the Library
or Library staff members stand in loco parentis, or in place of, a parent or caregiver.
Definitions.
- “Appropriate Caregiver” refers to a parent, guardian, or caregiver aged 13 or
over. - “Unattended Child” refers to a child of any age, who is apparently not
accompanied by an Appropriate Caregiver.
Following are the guidelines which must be met by an Appropriate Caregiver
accompanying or leaving a child unattended in the Library:
- Children under the age of 8 years must be in direct supervision (within sight or conversation distance) by an Appropriate Caregiver at all times.
- Children ages 8-10 may be under the indirect supervision of an Appropriate Caregiver, but this individual must be present on library property at all times.
- Individuals ages 11 and older may be left alone in the library.
- An Appropriate Caregiver is required to be at the Library no later than 15 minutes before closing to pick up an unattended child. If no Appropriate Caregiver can be contacted after closure, the Madison Police Department will be called.
Unattended Children and Programming
- An Appropriate Caregiver must remain on library property, preferably in the children’s room or in the vicinity of where the program is located, while a child under the age of 11 is attending a program.
- Staff members will not release a child from a program without an Appropriate Caregiver being present.
- Family/All-ages programs require an Appropriate Caregiver to be present at all times.
Unattended Children and Computer Use
- Please refer to the Children Safety on the Internet section in the Computer & Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
General Behavior
Children, like all of our patrons, are expected to behave appropriately while in the
Library. Please refer to our Patron Code of Conduct for these guidelines. Children of
any age who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the
Library or on Library grounds at any time and must have adequate supervision from an
Appropriate Caregiver.
● If these guidelines are not adhered to, a staff member will issue a warning that
the current behavior is unacceptable under the Patron Code of Conduct.
● If the unacceptable behavior continues, library staff may ask the child to leave or
contact an Appropriate Caregiver.
● If an Appropriate Caregiver cannot be contacted, the Madison Police Department
will be called.
Updated and approved by the Board of Trustees of the Madison Public Library at an open public meeting, following normal public notice, April 13, 2023.
