Policies
Edgerton Public Library
Statement of Values
- We believe that every resident of Southwest Minnesota is entitled to excellent and effective library service, regardless of age, gender, race, creed, or geographic location.
- We protect the right of every American to express his or her thoughts without censorship, and to have physical and intellectual access to the published thoughts of others.
- We encourage parents to join with their children in exploring the world of knowledge and ideas.
- We believe that continual learning is essential to a productive and fulfilling life, and we encourage an ethic of lifelong learning in our staff and our patrons, and in the staff and patrons of our member libraries.
I. Mission Statement
Internet access at Edgerton Public Library is an extension of the library’s commitment to meeting the community’s information needs. In addition to using the Internet as an information resource, the library also seeks to provide the opportunity for internet use to the public, via desktop computers and wireless internet service.
II. Library Responsibility
Edgerton Public Library does not collect browsing history or personal information entered into websites or applications. Customer use records are not maintained. The Library will not reveal any personal information or internet browsing or usage information unless required by law or court order.
Children are allowed to access the internet on library computers and also on their personal devices using the library’s wireless internet. Library staff cannot act in place of parents and hold no responsibility for what children access online at the library. Parents must monitor and be aware of their children’s internet usage.
To aid compliance with Minnesota and Federal obscenity laws, the Library does filter Internet access on Library-owned computers and wireless internet. Filtering software works to block access to information and materials considered obscene or harmful to minors. However, filtering software is not perfect, so no filtering program is able to block all material under these categories; likewise, some information that is harmless may inadvertently be blocked.
III. Library Disclaimers
Patrons are advised that the internet is not controlled as to content, and may contain materials deemed by some to be inappropriate for themselves or others. Edgerton Public Library assumes no responsibility for the materials users access, what they may come across online, or for any damages, injury, or harm a user may suffer by viewing any materials they access, intentionally or otherwise.
Users are advised to use caution in placing personal information into the computer. Edgerton Public Library assumes no responsibility of any kind for outcomes which may result from entering such information into the computer, or from downloading personal data or documents onto library computers.
IV. Access
A patron’s use of Library equipment or the wireless service to access the Internet constitutes agreement with this Policy. Failure to comply with this policy may result in the loss of computer and/or library privileges.
Patrons may access computers anytime during regular Edgerton Public Library hours of operation. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will not be reserved. Computer use is limited to 30 minute sessions. However, if no other patrons are waiting for the computer, you may use the computer longer.
Users are expected to have a basic knowledge of how to use the computer and the software available for patron use. Library staff will provide assistance to users only as their time permits.
V. Charges
There will be no charge for the use of the computers or access to the Internet. There is a charge for copies printed out on the library’s printer. Users should inquire with library staff about current rates. Patrons will be held responsible for any charges incurred as a result of the purchase of items or subscriptions on the internet.
VI. Acceptable Use
- Installation, downloading, or modification of software on Library computers is prohibited.
- No more than one person may use a computer, unless prior arrangements have been made with staff.
- Users will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
- The computers are configured to not allow downloads, in attempt to protect the computers from viruses. If you need to download something from a trustworthy site, ask the staff about the possibility of overriding that protection.
- Patrons should always log out of any accounts or applications when they have completed their computer session. Customers handling financial transactions or other activities that require confidentiality do so at their own risk.
- Patrons should use headphones when viewing material accompanied by sound. Headphones are provided at all desktop computers for patron use.
- Internet computers will not be used to access illegal sites or obscene sites as defined by local community standards or those potentially harmful to minors.
- Users will obey copyright laws and licensing agreements.
- Users will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted library or internet files or networks, or to damage, or modify computer equipment or software at the library or at another location by using library connections.
- Parents or guardians bringing children to the library will not leave them unattended or allow them to violate noise and behavior policies while using the computers and internet.
Adopted by the Edgerton Public Library Board, May, 2019
Rules of Behavior on Library Premises Policy
Edgerton Public Library
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that patrons of the Edgerton Public Library have access to and use of Library facilities and grounds in a quiet, orderly, and safe atmosphere, along with being undisturbed by the disruptive actions and behavior of others.
This policy is also intended to protect the rights and safety of Library staff members and patrons, to preserve and protect the Library’s materials and facilities, to ensure the orderly management of the Public Library, and to ensure that Library facilities and materials are available for the use for which the facilities and materials are intended. Failure to comply with the rules in this policy may result in the loss of Library use privileges.
Grounds for Loss of Library Privilege:
Staff has the authority and responsibility to enforce this policy as they see fit to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all patrons.
Whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that an individual has committed any of the acts listed below, he or she will be warned to cease the behavior, and may be told to leave the Library building and property for the remainder of the day.
The severity of the violation, and/or any past or subsequent violations, may result in additional restrictions of Library privileges beyond having them rescinded for a day. Any further restriction shall be determined by the Director and/or the Library Board of Trustees, and is documented in the Five Levels of Restriction listed on page 3 of this policy. In the most severe cases, the determination process should be done in coordination with the City of Edgerton.
Reasons for asking patrons to cease their behavior, or in some cases leave the premises for the day, shall include but are not limited to, the following:
- Willfully disregarding the instruction and/or requests of Library staff.
- Entering the Library while closed without the express permission of Library Staff.
- Physical abuse of grounds, furniture, material, or equipment. Also using the grounds, furniture, materials, or equipment in a manner inconsistent with its proper and intended use.
- Physical abuse of other patrons or staff.
- Theft, vandalism, and mutilation of Library property.
- Public intoxication, or consumption of alcohol on the premises.
- Smoking, consumption, or any other use of tobacco on the premises, including vaping and e-cigarettes.
- Illegal Activities
- Using a computer or device to view pornographic images/videos or viewing images/videos of an inappropriate sexual nature.
- Public masturbation or other acts of a sexual nature.
- Engaging in disorderly conduct, harassment, or behavior that causes or creates and unsafe environment or an interference with the quiet, peaceful or orderly use and management of the Library by patrons and employees. This includes intimidation by words (verbal abuse, profanity, hate language, and name-calling), gestures, body language or any type of menacing or bullying behavior.
- Excessive loudness or extreme outbursts, making noise, loud talking or shouting, excessively loud use of audio equipment, engaging in boisterous behavior, running, throwing things, pushing, shoving, all in a manner that causes or creates interference with the orderly use and management of the Library by patrons and employees.
- Cell phones must be used in a way as to not disturb other users of the Library. Loud conversations must be moved outside the Library.
- Interfering with obstructing or blocking open spaces on all Library property. This includes restricting passage with bicycles, skateboards, backpacks or anything that creates unsafe obstacles in the way of exit, or takes up seating or table space.
- Failing to safeguard personal belongings. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen property and library premises shall not be used for storage of personal belongings.
- Soliciting, petitioning, or distributing written materials, or canvassing for business, political, charitable, or religious purposes without prior approval from Library staff.
- Bringing any type of weapon or firearm into the Library, unless otherwise permitted by law.
- Bringing animals into the Library, except as required for persons with disabilities, or for library programming.
- Bringing motorized vehicles into the library, except as required for persons with disabilities.
- Making use of the restrooms for purpose for which the restrooms were not intended, including but not limited to, bathing, shaving, washing hair, or washing clothing.
- Improper attire: shirts and shoes must be worn in the library. Skates must be carried in the Library.
- Interfering with other’s use of the Library facilities because of poor personal hygiene or offensive body odor.
- Not actively supervising children under the age of six (6) years who are in their charge/care.
- Interfering with another person’s enjoyment of library service and facilities.
If patrons are asked to leave the library, an incident report form shall be made by, or given to, the Library Director. Library staff are required to complete an incident report form at the conclusion of an incident.
Staff should never use physical force or abusive words in patron confrontations. On a per incident basis, local law enforcement may be called if patrons are abusive or unresponsive to the rules and restrictions prescribed by this policy or by staff. If Library staff has fear of - or feels threatened by - a Library patron, they are directed to call the local police or sheriff’s department and leave the building.
The Five Levels of Restriction
Based upon the circumstances of the incident(s), the Library Director and/or the Board of Trustees may elect to impose any of the following restrictions upon the offender at the time of the incident or after it has occurred:
- Offender restricted from using a part of the facility/equipment/service for the remainder of current day, with restrictions provided to the offender both verbally and in writing if and when possible;
- Offender directed to leave the library for one (1) week, both verbally and in writing if and when possible;
- Offender escorted out of library by local law enforcement with no admission for one (1) month, both verbally and in writing if and when possible;
- Offender escorted out of library by local law enforcement and banned for a certain amount of time determined by Director, Board of Trustees, City Manager, and City Attorney;
- Offender removed by local law enforcement with no further admittance to Library until further action is decided by Director, Board of Trustees, City Manager, City Attorney, and/or police. Options may include a permanent ban from Library.
Violation of any of these restrictions by entering the Library premises or loitering on the grounds will result in Staff immediately contacting law enforcement to remove the offender from the property.
The decision to restrict Library privileges to a patron will be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: severity of the violation, number of warnings, and other violations documented about the patron.
Any patron whose privileges have been restricted may appeal the decision in writing to the Library Board of Trustees within 5 days of the occurrence. Any such letter must be received by the Library in that time frame.
Rules of Behavior on Library Premises Policy
Edgerton Public Library
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that patrons of the Edgerton Public Library have access to and use of Library facilities and grounds in a quiet, orderly, and safe atmosphere, along with being undisturbed by the disruptive actions and behavior of others.
This policy is also intended to protect the rights and safety of Library staff members and patrons, to preserve and protect the Library’s materials and facilities, to ensure the orderly management of the Public Library, and to ensure that Library facilities and materials are available for the use for which the facilities and materials are intended. Failure to comply with the rules in this policy may result in the loss of Library use privileges.
Grounds for Loss of Library Privilege:
Staff has the authority and responsibility to enforce this policy as they see fit to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all patrons.
Whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that an individual has committed any of the acts listed below, he or she will be warned to cease the behavior, and may be told to leave the Library building and property for the remainder of the day.
The severity of the violation, and/or any past or subsequent violations, may result in additional restrictions of Library privileges beyond having them rescinded for a day. Any further restriction shall be determined by the Director and/or the Library Board of Trustees, and is documented in the Five Levels of Restriction listed on page 3 of this policy. In the most severe cases, the determination process should be done in coordination with the City of Edgerton.
Reasons for asking patrons to cease their behavior, or in some cases leave the premises for the day, shall include but are not limited to, the following:
- Willfully disregarding the instruction and/or requests of Library staff.
- Entering the Library while closed without the express permission of Library Staff.
- Physical abuse of grounds, furniture, material, or equipment. Also using the grounds, furniture, materials, or equipment in a manner inconsistent with its proper and intended use.
- Physical abuse of other patrons or staff.
- Theft, vandalism, and mutilation of Library property.
- Public intoxication, or consumption of alcohol on the premises.
- Smoking, consumption, or any other use of tobacco on the premises, including vaping and e-cigarettes.
- Illegal Activities
- Using a computer or device to view pornographic images/videos or viewing images/videos of an inappropriate sexual nature.
- Public masturbation or other acts of a sexual nature.
- Engaging in disorderly conduct, harassment, or behavior that causes or creates and unsafe environment or an interference with the quiet, peaceful or orderly use and management of the Library by patrons and employees. This includes intimidation by words (verbal abuse, profanity, hate language, and name-calling), gestures, body language or any type of menacing or bullying behavior.
- Excessive loudness or extreme outbursts, making noise, loud talking or shouting, excessively loud use of audio equipment, engaging in boisterous behavior, running, throwing things, pushing, shoving, all in a manner that causes or creates interference with the orderly use and management of the Library by patrons and employees.
- Cell phones must be used in a way as to not disturb other users of the Library. Loud conversations must be moved outside the Library.
- Interfering with obstructing or blocking open spaces on all Library property. This includes restricting passage with bicycles, skateboards, backpacks or anything that creates unsafe obstacles in the way of exit, or takes up seating or table space.
- Failing to safeguard personal belongings. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen property and library premises shall not be used for storage of personal belongings.
- Soliciting, petitioning, or distributing written materials, or canvassing for business, political, charitable, or religious purposes without prior approval from Library staff.
- Bringing any type of weapon or firearm into the Library, unless otherwise permitted by law.
- Bringing animals into the Library, except as required for persons with disabilities, or for library programming.
- Bringing motorized vehicles into the library, except as required for persons with disabilities.
- Making use of the restrooms for purpose for which the restrooms were not intended, including but not limited to, bathing, shaving, washing hair, or washing clothing.
- Improper attire: shirts and shoes must be worn in the library. Skates must be carried in the Library.
- Interfering with other’s use of the Library facilities because of poor personal hygiene or offensive body odor.
- Not actively supervising children under the age of six (6) years who are in their charge/care.
- Interfering with another person’s enjoyment of library service and facilities.
If patrons are asked to leave the library, an incident report form shall be made by, or given to, the Library Director. Library staff are required to complete an incident report form at the conclusion of an incident.
Staff should never use physical force or abusive words in patron confrontations. On a per incident basis, local law enforcement may be called if patrons are abusive or unresponsive to the rules and restrictions prescribed by this policy or by staff. If Library staff has fear of - or feels threatened by - a Library patron, they are directed to call the local police or sheriff’s department and leave the building.
The Five Levels of Restriction
Based upon the circumstances of the incident(s), the Library Director and/or the Board of Trustees may elect to impose any of the following restrictions upon the offender at the time of the incident or after it has occurred:
- Offender restricted from using a part of the facility/equipment/service for the remainder of current day, with restrictions provided to the offender both verbally and in writing if and when possible;
- Offender directed to leave the library for one (1) week, both verbally and in writing if and when possible;
- Offender escorted out of library by local law enforcement with no admission for one (1) month, both verbally and in writing if and when possible;
- Offender escorted out of library by local law enforcement and banned for a certain amount of time determined by Director, Board of Trustees, City Manager, and City Attorney;
- Offender removed by local law enforcement with no further admittance to Library until further action is decided by Director, Board of Trustees, City Manager, City Attorney, and/or police. Options may include a permanent ban from Library.
Violation of any of these restrictions by entering the Library premises or loitering on the grounds will result in Staff immediately contacting law enforcement to remove the offender from the property.
The decision to restrict Library privileges to a patron will be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: severity of the violation, number of warnings, and other violations documented about the patron.
Any patron whose privileges have been restricted may appeal the decision in writing to the Library Board of Trustees within 5 days of the occurrence. Any such letter must be received by the Library in that time frame.
Additional Library Services Policy
Edgerton Public Library
Printing and Photocopying
Prints and copies may be made at the rate of 25 cents for a black and white copy per page, and 75 cents per page for color copies. Patrons may print from the patron computers and printer, or may as the library staff to print for them via email. Copies need to be made by library staff.
Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the library patron requesting the copies.
Scanning
Scans may be made at no cost, unless there is a print made in conjunction with the scan. Scans will be sent to the desired email address of the patron.
Laminating
Items up to 24” wide may be laminated at $.08 per inch. Patrons need to inform the staff if the laminated item will need to be hung with tape, as tape will not stick well to items that are laminated with the cold laminator. If an item needs to be hung with tape, staff will need to laminate it using the hot laminator.
Disc Repair
CDs, DVDs and video games may be run through the disc repair machine for $2.00. There is no guarantee that the machine will be able to repair the disc, however, if it doesn’t work the first time, we will run it through again at no additional cost.
CIRCULATION OF MATERIALS POLICY
Edgerton Public Library
Registration
See also the PCLS Patron Registration Policy.
All borrowers must be registered and must have a current PCLS library card to borrow library materials. Materials cannot be checked out until a Library card is issued.
Patrons must fill out an application form to apply for a Library card. Applicants under 18 yrs. old must have a parent or guardian give their consent on the application form before a new card can be issued.
In order to obtain a free Library card, patrons over 18 yrs. old must be a resident of a signatory county or municipality of the Plum Creek Library System (PCLS), or must own property therein. They must produce identification at the time of application, such as a driver’s license or student ID or a document listing both name and current address. To renew a Library card, a patron must clear all outstanding fines and bills and update their information.
Anyone who lives outside of the Plum Creek Library System and has a valid library card from his or her home library and resides in an area that has signed the MN Library Reciprocal Borrowing Compact is also eligible for free library service.
Persons who are residents of other states or residents of communities in Minnesota that do not participate in the MN Reciprocal Borrowing Compact may purchase a nonresident library card for $5.00, which will allow checkout of physical items for three years.
Cards may also be issued to businesses, institutions or organizations at no charge. The patron registration shall be signed by the owner, administrator or person in charge. A list of persons allowed to use the card shall be included in the patron registration notes.
Replacement of lost cards shall cost $2.00.
Loan Periods
Books may be checked out for 2 weeks and may be renewed twice, by phone, email, or on-line, unless a hold has been placed on them by other patrons. Further renewals will need to be approved and completed by library staff. Books in popular demand (best sellers, etc.) may be checked out for the 2 week loan period, but will not be renewed because of patron demand.
Periodicals will be checked out for one week, and may be renewed twice.
Audiobooks may be checked out for 2 weeks and follow the same rules for renewal as books.
DVDs may be checked out for one week. DVDs may be renewed twice, by phone, email, or on-line, unless a hold has been placed on them. Further renewals will need to be approved and completed by library staff.
Puppets, activity kits, puzzles, etc. may be checked out for 2 weeks and will follow the same rules for renewal as books.
Mobile hotspots may be checked out for one week. Renewals are not allowed. You will need to return the hotspot to the library after one week. If we have enough available, and there are not people waiting for a hotspot, it may be possible to check it out again.
Some items that do not fall into a normal category may be checked out for one week, and others for 2 weeks, depending on how the system determines them at checkout.
Holds
Any patron in good standing may request the interlibrary loan of materials they need which are not available at the Edgerton Public Library. In return, requests for materials from other libraries will be honored under the terms of the Plum Creek Library System.
Any patron in good standing may also request the interlibrary loan of materials from outside the Plum Creek Library System. In return, requests for materials from outside the library system will also be honored.
Holds may be placed by patrons either in person, on-line, or over the phone. Patrons will be notified by telephone or email when the materials are available. There is no charge to the patron for placing a hold or for interlibrary loan services.
Fines, Charges, and Overdue Notices
There is a fine of 10 cents a day for overdue books, audiobooks, magazines and puzzles. There is a fine of $1.00 per day for overdue DVDs, video games, cricut cartridges, and some misc items. There is a fine of $5.00 per day for mobile hotspots.
In order to remind users that they have outstanding overdue material, two notices in writing will be sent. The written or email notices will be sent to the last known address of the person detaining the material after it was due. The notices shall state the type of material borrowed, the title of the material, the author’s name, the Library from which the material was borrowed and the date by which the material was to have been returned to the Library. Patrons who have been sent an overdue notice shall be denied borrowing of additional materials until those items are returned (in good condition) or paid for if lost and damaged.
If materials are not returned within sixty days after the first notice in writing is sent, the patron will be in violation of Minnesota Statute 609.541 Protection of library property:
Subd. 3. Detention of library materials. A person who detains a book, periodical, pamphlet, film, or other property belonging to any public library, or to a library belonging to the state or any political subdivision, for more than 60 days after notice in writing to return it, given after the expiration of the library’s stated loan period for the material, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. The written notice shall be sent by mail to the last known address of the person detaining the material. The notice shall state the type of material borrowed, the title of the material, the author’s name, the library from which the material was borrowed, and the date by which the material was to have been returned to the library the shall include a statement indicating that that if the material is not returned within 60 days after the written notice the borrower will be in violation of this section.
The second notice shall be sent when sufficient time has passed for the material to be considered Long Overdue (Lost). The Integrated Library System (ILS) will automatically consider the material Long Overdue (Lost) when 68 days have passed after the expiration of the loan period, and the cost of replacing the materials will be added to the patron’s record.
Referrals for violation of Minnesota Statute 609.541 will be made to law enforcement at the sole discretion of the Library Director.
Lost or Damaged Materials
Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out on their library card. If an item is damaged, lost or not returned, the patron is responsible to pay the replacement cost of the materials and any other accrued fines. In the case of materials checked out on a patron’s card that is less then eighteen years of age, the parent or guardian who signed the Library application shall be the person held responsible for the materials.
Confidentiality
All records, formal and informal, in the Edgerton Public Library relating to patron registration and the subsequent circulation by patrons of materials provided by the Library are considered to be confidential in nature.
In order to prevent an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy, the contents of registration and circulation records shall not be available to anyone except under the written order of the Library Director, such order having been issued pursuant to a proper legal process, order or subpoena under the law.
Upon receipt of any process, order, or subpoena, the person named and/or served shall immediately report to and consult with the Library Director and the legal counsel of the City of Edgerton to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is proper and in full compliance with proper legal authority. In the event the legal process fails to sufficiently identify or name in specific terms or specifications the records on file in respect to an identified library patron, the request is considered to be defective and not binding upon the Library and its personnel, except under further due process of law.
Any problems or conditions relating to the privacy of a patron through the records of the Edgerton Public Library which are not specified in the policy shall be referred to the Library Director, who after consultation with the Library Board and/or legal counsel shall issue a written decision as to whether to heed the request for information.
PATRONS AGREE TO ABIDE BY THIS POLICY WHEN THEY SIGN THEIR LIBRARY CARD REGISTRATION FORM. PERSONS WHO HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS SHOULD CONTACT THE DIRECTOR.
Donation Policy
Edgerton Public Library
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to specify the type of donations that the Library will accept and how the Library will handle donations.
Acknowledgements
Donations are accepted in honor of or in memory of a person. Acknowledgment of such a donation will be sent to family members upon request. Library staff will acknowledge all monetary donations through Our Giving Tree – Library Legacy mural, based on the amount given.
The Library reserves the right to decline, discard, or sell any item donated to the library. Library staff will provide a letter acknowledging the receipt of a donation upon request. The Library does not provide appraisals of donations of materials.
Donations of Money
The Library accepts donations of money in any amount. The donor may indicate how the money is to be spent. The money may be specified for a particular type of material, furniture, equipment, service or activity. The Library reserves the right of final selection on furniture or equipment in order to meet the space, utilization and design of the building. The Library will decide the best use of the donation if nothing is specified.
Donations of Books and Other Material
The Library accepts donations of used books and other materials with the understanding that the items will be added to the collection only if appropriate and/or needed. The Library has the right to decline any donation of used material based on condition, copyright date or lack of storage space. The Library does not accept encyclopedias or text books.
Donations of Memorabilia
The Library does not collect plaques, artifacts or other museum-type pieces, unless they pertain directly to the collection of the library or they have value for ongoing display. Donations of memorabilia accepted by the Library become the exclusive property of the Library.
Donations of Artwork
The Library retains the right to accept or reject any work of art for the Library. Donations of artwork accepted by the Library become the exclusive property of the Library.
Gifts of Furniture and Equipment
The Library retains the right to accept or reject any donations of furniture or equipment for the Library. Donations of furniture and equipment accepted by the Library become the exclusive property of the Library.
Weeding Policy
Edgerton Public Library
Purpose:
The Edgerton Public Library strives to maintain a collection that meets the needs of the community. In doing so, a regular and systematic weeding of the library’s material (including books, periodicals, pamphlets, audio, and visual items) will improve the efficiency and vitality of the Library’s resources.
General
Materials whose contents are still of value but have worn out or have fallen into disrepair will be repaired or replaced if possible. If newer editions have been released, the newer edition will supersede the older copy. Materials only used occasionally will be weeded. Patrons may use interlibrary loan services to obtain items not available in the Library.
Due to space limitations, judgments of priority often need to be made in the discarding of library materials. In terms of use, staff may need to discard materials that are used but used less frequently than other materials.
All materials no longer suitable for the collection will be withdrawn.
Most items withdrawn will be added to our next book sale, or donated if not sold there. Books in disrepair with be discarded.
Final responsibility for deciding which materials to discard or sell rests with the Library Director. He or she may delegate this authority to other members of the staff.
Criteria for Weeding:
- Appearance: Books of an antiquated appearance which might discourage use, worn out volumes whose pages are dirty, brittle, yellow or missing and those with frayed bindings, broken spines, or dingy, torn covers will be considered for weeding.
- Unnecessary Titles: Titles which no longer are needed include duplicate titles, older editions of currently held works, highly specialized works whose information is included in other materials or subjects of little interest.
- Poor Content: Materials which contain outdated, inaccurate, or incorrect information; unfair interpretations; poorly written or performed works; or items that have been superseded by newer, improved editions.
- Usage: Items with very few checkouts and/or have not circulated in a set number of years, different for each collection, will be weeded unless the item is considered a classic or has another benefit of staying in the collection.
Reference Service Policy
Edgerton Public Library
Reference service and materials are available to all persons during the hours the Library is open and provided in response to all forms of inquiry including - but not limited to - patrons in the Library, the telephone, e-mail, and other facsimiles of communication.
The Edgerton Public Library will assist patrons in the use of the Library and teach instruction in the use of reference sources when appropriate. The Library will encourage patrons who will need to use reference tools repeatedly to learn the use of the tools.
In the instance of legal, medical, investment or tax reference questions, the staff may only guide the patron to the material available on the topic of interest and not offer advice. The staff may not evaluate or interpret the information provided nor may the staff define the meaning of terms, offer investment advice, or select income tax forms.
The Edgerton Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind. The Edgerton Public Library is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at The Edgerton Public Library are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. The Edgerton Public Library will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.