EHPL Service 4

Library Policies

EAST HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

BEHAVIOR POLICY

The library wishes to maintain a safe, comfortable environment for all users. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

Be respectful of all library property. Damaging, defacing, or misusing library materials, equipment, or facilities is not allowed.

Treat others and their property with respect.

The library is not responsible for personal belongings.

Shoes and shirts must be worn in the building at all times. Hoods, hats, and jackets are to be removed upon request of the library staff.

If a patron’s lack of personal hygiene is a nuisance to others, the patron will be asked to leave the building.

The library reserves the right to prohibit food and drink within the building.

Parking areas, sidewalks, and lawns should be used safely and for their intended purposes. Vehicles parked improperly are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense.

Noise and activity should be kept at a level that does not disturb others. The use of cell phones and other audible electronic devices is limited to the front and side foyers, or outside the building. Please place your equipment in silent/vibrate mode while in the building.

The following are prohibited:

o Offensive language, behavior, or any form of verbal or physical abuse;

o Smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, intoxication, possession of drugs and /or paraphernalia;

o Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing property;

o Public urination and defecation;

o Bicycling, roller skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, and heelies. Bicycles are not to be brought into the building;

o Loitering;

o Solicitation. This includes, but is not limited to posting notices without prior staff approval, petitioning on library property, and photographing or videotaping within the library without permission;

o Weapons;

o Sleeping in the library;

o Animals, except for service animals;

o Moving library furniture or equipment without permission;

o Shaving, bathing, or laundering clothes in public restrooms;

o Sexual activity, sexual harassment, or indecent exposure;

o All conduct that is disruptive.

Any staff member who is aware that a patron is not adhering to this policy will speak to the patron. If the behavior does not improve, the offender will be asked to leave the library. If the offender does not comply, the East Hartford Police will be called. Violations of our policy may require temporary removal or permanent ban of the offender from the library. Patrons are urged to report inappropriate behavior immediately so that staff may take appropriate action. Copies of this policy will be posted in the library and on the library’s website: www.ehtfdlib.info.

May, 2007

BORROWER RULES AND REGISTRATION

BORROWER REGISTRATION

ADULT

Proof of East Hartford residency is required. We will accept the following: CT Driver's License; state and/or town I.D.; voter registration certificate; postal address, etc.

Borrowers must be 12 or in the seventh grade.

Temporary state residents may receive a card.

Library card is valid for three years.

Lost or stolen cards can be replaced for $1.00.

CHILDREN

A child may receive a card at any age, subject to the approval of a parent or guardian. In special circumstances, children may receive an adult card.

FINES and FEES LOAN PERIOD

BOOKS

ADULT 10 cents per day per item 4 weeks

Children 1 cent per day per item 4 weeks

BOOK CASSETTES 10 cents per item per day 2 weeks

CD'S 10 cents per item per day 2 weeks

CD-ROMS 10 cents per item per day 2 weeks

KITS 10 cents per item per day 2 weeks

VIDEOS 10 cents per item per day 1 week

DVD'S 10 cents per item per day 1 week

Computer Print Copies B/W 10 cents each

Color 25 cents each

GIFTS / DONATIONS

All gifts and/or donations become library property, with all of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities thereof. The library will not offer appraisals for tax purposes. Material added to the collection will be the final decision of the library administration.

EAST HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET POLICY

Effective: January 20, 2005

Welcome to the East Hartford Public Library and Internet Access! The Internet is an interesting and valuable tool that we hope you enjoy using. In order that we can continue to provide this service to as many patrons as possible, we require all patrons to understand and comply with the following guidelines:

	Computers are available on a first come, first served basis.
	Computers can not be reserved in advance. T
	The library reserves the right to limit usage. Typically, a patron will be allowed use of the workstations for one hour per day. Additional time beyond an hour may be granted if workstations are available. Additional sessions may be limited to 30 minutes each.
	Staff assistance is limited. Users must be able to use and/or learn to use the computers and workstations on their own. Basic computer skills are expected.
	The library provides computer print services at 10 cents per copy for black and white documents, and 25 cents per copy for color. Most of our workstations in the adult area send print jobs directly to the Print Release Station, located at the Adult Reference Desk on the second floor. Documents can also be printed at the Adult Circulation Desk and the Reference Desk by the library staff. We can not guarantee that you will be able to print your documents immediately. Please plan accordingly. Print jobs will not be accepted 15 minutes prior to closing. Please check to make certain that you are able to save your work to a disk when beginning your session. We are not responsible for lost time or documents. Please proof read your work. We are not responsible for errors on finished work. The library reserves the right to limit the use of paper.
	DISKS can be PURCHASED at the ADULT CIRCULATION DESK or at THE CHILDREN'S CIRCULATION DESK.
	Our equipment is to be used as provided. Personal hardware devices other than headphones provided by the library are not to be attached to our equipment.
	A maximum of two individuals per workstation is allowed.
	The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged disks.
	Downloading/viewing pornographic material is strictly prohibited.
	No food or drink is allowed at our workstations.
	Children under 14 are not allowed to use workstations in the adult area unless accompanied by an adult, or enrolled in high school.
	Parents or guardians of children under the age of eighteen (18) years old are responsible for their child's use of the Internet.
	Internet workstations in the Children's Room are intended for use by children or children accompanied by adults or guardians.
	The Internet is a global network with few controls. While some of the information available on the Internet is of very high quality, much material may be less than accurate, authoritative, appropriate, or timely. THE EAST HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY IS NOT ABLE TO MONITOR OR CONTROL ALL OF THE MATERIAL AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AND WILL BE HELD HARMLESS ACCORDINGLY.

VIOLATION OF THESE GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF INTERNET PRIVILEGES.

EXCEPTIONS TO THESE GUIDELINES CAN BE MADE BY LIBRARY STAFF.

EAST HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY PLAN

2004-2010

COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN

	Description of the organization
	Long Range Plan
	Work Plan

The East Hartford Public Library consists of a total collection of approximately 200,000 items. The main branch of the system is Raymond Library. Wickham Memorial Library is a small neighborhood branch which primarily serves seniors and children.

ORGANIZATION

The library consists of four divisions: Adult Services; Children's Services; Technical Services; and Branch Services. The following departments function within the divisions: Reference Services, Circulation, Cataloguing, Children's Services, Branch Services, and Maintenance.

COMMITTEES

The library has the following committees: Publicity; Young Adults; Reference Services; Media; Safety; Children's Services; Adult Services; Technical Services; Technology; Outreach Services; Literacy; Museum Services; and Special Collections.

LIBRARY BOARD

A citizen's advisory group consisting of nine members of the community with a minimum of three individuals from the minority party. The Library Director is an ex-officio member.

BRANCH LIBRARY

The branch is designed to serve patrons in the outlying areas of the town. Our attempt is to provide materials emphasizing development in the following areas:

(1) Reference- provide a strong basic collection;

(2) Fiction- provide a representative classical fiction collection and current best sellers;

(3) Non-Fiction- provide the basic, but important, classical works, and current best sellers;

(4) Develop a strong children's collection and supporting activities;

(5) Provide a Literacy Learning Center.

EDWARD E KING MUSEUM

Located on the second floor of Raymond Library, the gift of Edward E. King, this museum contains a unique collection of aviation and tobacco memorabilia. There is no admission charge.

ART COLLECTIONS

Library Purchase Award Collection

The East Hartford Art League purchases an original work of art for the library each year from the award winners at the annual Spring Art Festival.

HENRY HAMMOND AHL COLLECTION

Ahl was an internationally prominent portrait, mural, and landscape painter born in East Hartford on December 20, 1869. The library owns numerous original Ahl works.

LONG RANGE PLAN

COMPONENTS

	MISSION STATEMENT
	LONG RANGE GOALS
	OVERVIEW
	OVERVIEW OF SPECIFIC LONG RANGE GOALS
	WORK PLAN (OBJECTIVES of the LONG RANGE PLAN)

MISSION

Provide the most effective library service possible to our patrons as a provider of popular and scholarly reading materials, quality reference services, and a wide range of activities, materials, and services for children and adults.

The library strives to meet the needs of the community, gathering and selecting all types of material, representing all points of view. The library has an educational or civilizing aim of offering information and knowledge that will lead to an informed citizenry.

Overall Department Mission

Promote and support reading and learning for all ages and provide free and open access to information and ideas.

LONG RANGE GOALS

GENERAL

	Improve library services in all departments by defining and implementing specific goals and objectives;
	Provide state of the art technology in all libraries;
	Improve accessibility for the physically challenged at all libraries; comply with the American Disability Act requirements;
	Develop and improve public relations/fund raising activities;
	Define and implement capital improvements;
	Complete a major addition at Raymond Library.

OVERVIEW

The explosion of new technologies creates the challenge of training both the staff and the general public to become skilled users. The library department will continue the transition from traditional, non-technological methods of delivering library services towards automation. It is important that we maintain the ability to meet the needs of our patrons with the most sophisticated tools. The capital costs for these new services are generally high; not doing them will cost us more in many ways. We will attempt to get more revenues from non-budget sources through increased emphasis on grants and fund raising. A professional fundraiser should be part of any solution. An increasing reliance on volunteerism is necessary. This year particular emphasis will be placed on starting a Friends group.

The physical plants of our libraries have been upgraded to accomodate the increasing demand for a variety of services, but more needs to be done. A new phone system, repairing leaks in our roof, and planning for a future major addition to the building are just a few of the tasks ahead.

We have finished a major renovation of a portion of Raymond Library. The side entranceway is a good example of an improvement that helped postpone a much greater addition by redefining existing space and operational patterns.

A strong public relations/marketing program is essential to draw attention to the quality and diversity of our services.

Improvements in retention and salaries of temporary employees have been achieved. It will be important for us to increase the number of full time and temporary employees in any attempt at better servicing the public. Particular emphasis will be placed on Reference, and Children's services. In many instances, a minimum of two trained individuals per shift are needed in these departments.

0VERVIEW OF SPECIFIC LONG RANGE GOALS

	BUDGET The goal should be to reach the state standard for libraries of 1.5% of the town budget. We are currently funded at approximately half that amount. (Top Priority)
	STAFFING The library staff has decreased from 21 full time employees in 1988 to 14 today. We are far below the minimum recommended staffing levels of any public library in Connecticut of similar size. Greater emphasis on training, particularly public relations courses, greater incentives for professional degrees, and continued movement towards a more competitive salary level with libraries in surrounding towns are important considerations. Additional professional level positions should be reinstated if we are to properly serve the community. Additional positions to be added would include: reference librarians and children's librarians. A minimum of two (2) full time professionals with the MLS and demonstrated experience are necessary. (Top Priority)
	TEMPORARY SERVICES BUDGET This budget should be increased to $110,000. I t is currently $71,400. There is a need to hire professionally trained and experienced librarians for the Children's Department, the Reference Department, and the branch library. Minimum requirements should include an MLS and demonstrated experience and proficiency in this type of work. This is particularly important in any effort to give the public quality professional support with research requests in the Reference Department, as well as supporting the various creative activities in the Children's Room. A minimum of four (4) part-time professionals are needed in both areas. Additional staff will be necessary to properly supervise additional areas created by redefining meeting space. (Top Priority)
	FUND RAISING The library does a limited amount of fund raising through book sales, and such programs as the memorial book fund. We need to have a committed plan with financial goals that have to be met within a reasonable time frame. An on-going relationship with a professional fund raiser could be beneficial. See Marketing/Promotion. (Top Priority)
	CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN This plan reflects stated needs in budget, work plan, architectural plan, etc. The library's physical plant needs a formal plan which addresses short and long range needs. We have seen much improvement since working with the town's facilities manager. Such things as signage, electrical capacities, elevators, A.D.A. compliance, and fire/security systems should be included. This plan should include a study by a professional library architect.
	RAYMOND LIBRARY ADDITION The last major addition addressing the needs of the library collection was completed in 1968. It was projected for a 20 year growth period. A long range architectural plan should be completed. This would help with planning as well as with fund raising. The Capital Improvement plan includes this project. The recent side entranceway project at Raymond Library has enabled us to redefine space to the extent that we should be able to postpone this project for a number of years. Without the side entranceway project, this would not have been true. Planning for the future should begin soon.
	REDEFINE EXISTING MEETING ROOM SPACE The library board and the Library Administration are reviewing a number of options to redefine use of the existing meeting rooms. This will result in the best use of our existing limited space, affording reasonable time to plan for future expansion. (Top Priority)
	A.D.A. COMPLIANCE The library currently follows the mandated plan to improve conditions; it should surpass minimum requirements whenever possible. Improvements such as automated doors, TTY machines, and ramps for the physically challenged have been added in recent years, but there is much more to be done. Our goal is to make the library completely accessible for the staff and the public, serving as a model for any agency.
	FRIENDS There is no Friends of the Library group currently. There is tremendous potential for success with the right leadership. This year we will attempt to organize a viable group.
	COLLECTION PRESERVATION The library has a rich collection which combines general works and some locally important and valuable material which should be preserved. Activities should include creating an archive, a plan for preserving old photos, and properly defining and housing the "East Hartford Collection." Many items should be converted to digital format, i.e., E. H. Gazettes, historically important town photos, town records, etc. This will also aid in maximizing limited space.
	MARKETING / PROMOTION The library relies on the good will of local newspapers and cable television, as well as flyers and promotional pieces made by library staff. A marketing consultant should be hired to help develop a plan .
	PROGRAMS / ACTIVITIES The library currently offers a wide range of activities and programs for both children and adults. We will continue to encourage ideas and suggestions from the public, the friends, the library board and other sources to keep these programs fresh and successful.
	PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY The library has established many new partnerships with community groups. Involving all staff in the local community must continue to be an important part of our service strategy. A recent example is the partnership with Literacy Volunteers CT River East to establish a literacy center at Wickham Library.
	SAFETY / SECURITY The library currently holds membership on the town's safety committee and provides a portion of the library staff with an annual CPR class. The library department will continue to explore and implement improved security for the buildings as well as the collections.
	TECHNOLOGY A long range technology plan exists; it needs continued updating to keep our libraries modernized.

WORK PLAN

The library submits an annual work plan containing the objectives of the Long Range Plan to the Mayor. The work plan is the working tool of the Long Range Plan. It is updated and implemented on a continuing basis, and is completely revised annually. The following is a sample of the items included in the work plan:

OBJECTIVES

DEPT. PLANNED PROJECT BY WHEN STATUS COMMENTS

Ray Lib Evaluate Emergency Lighting July

Ray Lib Acquire coin -op fax machine for public use September

Ray Lib Remodel Community Room Kitchen December

Ray Lib Acquire Display Cases June

Ray Lib Cable TV in Lobby December

Ray Lib Paint Cataloger's Office December

Ray Lib Acquire Digital Camera December

Ray Lib Weekly Farmer's Market July

Ray Lib Paint staff room December

Ray Lib Acquire new Interior Signage December

Ray Ref Establish Genealogy Collection April

Ray Ref Digitize E. H. Photo Collection September

Ray Ref Hire 2 professionally trained ASAP

Reference Librarians

Wick Lib Obtain Historic Building Plaque December

Wick Lib Acquire New Sign December

Ray Child New carpet for entire room ASAP

Ray Child Acquire New Shelving September

Ray Lib Reorganize Meeting Room Space December

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Send mail to pjones@libraryconnection.info with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2006 East Hartford Public Library Last modified: 04/23/10

Send mail to pjones@libraryconnection.info with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2006 East Hartford Public Library
Last modified: 04/23/10