LIBRARY LAW AND ORDER!

Policies and

Procedures

Mission Statement

BELOW YOU'LL FIND A BASIC OUTLINE OF LIBRARY POLICIES FOR THINGS LIKE CONDUCT, BORROWING, FINES, AND MORE.

THE MISSION OF THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY IS TO PROMOTE THE READING INTERESTS AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING OF THE CITIZENS OF WEST WARWICK AND ALL OTHER USERS BY PROVIDING FREE AND OPEN ACCESS TO A VARIETY OF CULTURAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES, MATERIALS, AND SERVICES.

Service Policy

NO RESTRICTIONS BETWEEN SERVICES OFFERED TO WEST WARWICK RESIDENTS AND ALL OTHERS.
BASIC LIBRARY SERVICES ARE FREE FOR ALL REGARDLESS OF AGE, GENDER, RACE, RELIGION, OR POLITICAL VIEWS.
SERVICES INCLUDE PHYSICAL ACCESS, OWNING A LIBRARY CARD, ACCESS TO DATABASES, CHECKOUT OF MATERIALS, INFORMATIONAL ASSISTANCE, AND ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY.
PROMISED ASSURANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY.
THE LIBRARY REMAINS SAFE, CLEAN, AND ADA-ACCESSIBLE.
PROMPT, COURTEOUS SERVICE FROM TRAINED STAFF.
RELEVANT, CURRENT MATERIALS THAT REPRESENT A WIDE VARIETY OF VIEWS.
ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR ALL INTERESTS AND DEMOGRAPHICS.
EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND MEANS TO DELIVER INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES.

Rules of Conduct

PATRON BEHAVIOR THAT IS DISRUPTIVE WITH INTENT TO ANNOY, HARASS, VIOLATE PRIVACY, OR INTERFERE WITH OTHERS EXPERIENCE OR A STAFF MEMBER'S ABILITY TO PERFORM JOB DUTIES WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING:
- A VERBAL WARNING.
- IF BEHAVIOR PERSISTS, THE PERSON(S) WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE BUILDING. IF THEY REFUSE, STAFF WILL CONTACT THE POLICE.
- IF BEHAVIOR PERSISTS, THE PERSON(S) WILL RECEIVE A 5-DAY SUSPENSION.
- FURTHER POOR BEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN UP TO A YEAR OR PERMANENT SUSPENSION, AS DECIDED BY THE DIRECTOR.
ALL WARNINGS AND ACTIONS ARE DOCUMENTED.
IF A PATRON'S ACTIONS ARE THREATENING, POLICE ARE CALLED IMMEDIATELY.
A MINOR EVICTED FROM THE BUILDING MORE THAN TWICE OR RESULTED IN POLICE INTERVENTION MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN IN ORDER TO RETURN.

Library Card Registration

YOU MAY REGISTER FOR, RENEW, OR REPLACE A LIBRARY CARD AT CIRCULATION DESKS IN RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PHOTO ID AND PROOF OF ADDRESS IS NECESSARY.
FOR PATRONS 18 YEARS AND OLDER:
- A VALID RI DRIVER'S LICENSE, RI STATE ID, OR DRIVER'S PERMIT.
- A PHOTO ID AND PROOF OF ADDRESS MAY BE PRESENTED IN ABSENCE OF OTHER ID. EXAMPLES INCLUDE UTILITY BILLS, COLLEGE ID, A PASSPORT OR VISA.
FOR PATRONS UNDER THE AGE OF 13:
- PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST ACCOMPANY AND PROVIDE THE ABOVE IDENTIFICATION ON THEIR BEHALF.
FOR PATRONS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 - 17:
- MAY APPLY WITHOUT PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN WITH PROPER ID (ABOVE). STUDENTS MAY USE SCHEDULE OR REPORT CARD IN ADDITION TO PHOTO ID.
- MAY INSTEAD HAVE A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN ACCOMPANY AND PROVIDE THE ABOVE IDENTIFICATION ON THEIR BEHALF.

Inter-Library Loans

IF NO STATE LIBRARY OWNS THE MATERIAL A PATRON WANTS, STAFF MAY REQUEST IT FROM AN OUT OF STATE LIBRARY.
A $5.00 PROCESSING AND MAILING FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR EACH MATERIAL REQUESTED.
THE FEE PAID WILL BE RETURNED TO THE PATRON IF THE ORDER IS NOT COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY.

Cell Phone Use

RINGERS SHOULD BE SET TO VIBRATE OR SILENT.
MAKE ALL CALLS OUTSIDE SO AS TO NOT DISTURB OTHERS. TAKE YOUR BELONGINGS WITH YOU.
A BRIEF CALL MAY BE MADE AT ANY DEPARTMENT DESK.
VIDEO CHAT IS TREATED THE SAME AS A CELL PHONE CALL.
REFUSAL TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Lost or Damaged Items

A PATRON IS FINED ANY OVERDUE CHARGES PLUS THE REPLACEMENT FEE LISTED IN THE BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOURCE.
AN OUT OF PRINT BOOK REPLACEMENT FEE IS $15.00.
A TRANSACTION RECEIPT IS PRINTED.
IF A PATRON FINDS THE ITEM WITHIN 90 DAYS AFTER PAYING, THE LIBRARY WILL REFUND THE AMOUNT PAID IF PROPER RECEIPT IS SHOWN.
ITEMS TWO OR MORE YEARS PAST DUE INCUR A REPLACEMENT FEE. EVEN IF THE ITEM IS RETURNED, THIS FEE MUST BE PAID.
THE SEVERITY OF DAMAGE TO AN ITEM IS LEFT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE HEAD OF CIRCULATION.
IN THE CASE OF A DAMAGED ITEM BEYOND REPAIR, A REPLACEMENT FEE WILL BE CHARGED.
IF THE ITEM IS JUDGED AS ABLE TO BE REPAIRED, A $5.00 FEE WILL BE CHARGED TO COVER MATERIALS FOR REPAIR.
PURCHASING REPLACEMENT COPIES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED.

Volunteer Policy

THE LIBRARY AIMS TO GIVE VOLUNTEERS MEANINGFUL RESPONSIBILITIES, TRAINING, AND RECOGNITION.
ACCEPTED VOLUNTEERS INCLUDE:
- STUDENTS PARTICIPATING FOR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
- PATRONS AGE 18+ WITH BACKGROUND CHECK.
- TEENS IN GRADES 7 - 12 WITH PARENTAL CONSENT.
- PATRONS PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY PROGRAMS.
THE LIBRARY CANNOT GUARANTEE A POSITION FOR EACH PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEER AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY APPLICATION.
SCHEDULES WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE VOLUNTEER AND STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR WORK.
THE LIBRARY WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY MEDICAL, ACCIDENT, OR WORKER'S COMPENSATION BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS.
UPON REQUEST, A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION CAN BE PROVIDED FOR VOLUNTEERS THAT COMPLETE SERVICES.

Meeting Room Policy

THE LIBRARY HAS TWO MEETING ROOMS FREE OF CHARGE FOR ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS.
- MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
- MUST BE EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL, OR CIVIC IN NATURE.
- CANNOT BE SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS, PRIVATE, OR COMMERCIAL.
- LIBRARY PROGRAMMING IS PRIORITIZED.
- USE DOES NOT IMPLY LIBRARY ENDORSEMENT.
- BOOKINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITH 2 WEEK NOTICE.
- ADVERTISING OR SELLING PRODUCTS IS PROHIBITED.
- NO FEES CAN BE COLLECTED WITHOUT LIBRARY CO-SPONSORSHIP.
- RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE ONE WEEK PRIOR.
- NO GROUP CAN HAVE MORE THAN TWO MEETINGS PER MONTH.
- AVAILABILITY IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
- ROOM FURNITURE CAN BE ADJUSTED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS.
- USERS MUST ABIDE BY ALL LIBRARY RULES AND POLICIES.
- PERMISSION IS GIVEN BY THE DIRECTOR OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

Unattended Children

THE LIBRARY IS NOT EQUIPPED, NOR IS IT THE LIBRARY'S ROLE, TO PROVIDE LONG OR SHORT-TERM DAYCARE.
CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHT MUST ALWAYS BE ACCOMPANIED BY A RESPONSIBLE ADULT.
IF A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHT IS ATTENDING AN EVENT, A RESPONSIBLE ADULT MUST STAY WITHIN THE LIBRARY.
PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR.
IF LEFT UNATTENDED, TRAINED STAFF WILL AID THE CHILD IN LOCATING THEIR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.
POLICE ARE NOTIFIED OF ANY CHILD LEFT ALONE AT THE TIME THE LIBRARY CLOSES.
POLICY MUST BE DISCUSSED WITH THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF A CHILD LEFT UNATTENDED. REPEAT OFFENSES WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
IN THE EVENT OF A LOST OR MISSING CHILD, THE LIBRARY HAS A COMPREHENSIVE PROCEDURE TO ENSURE SAFETY.

LIBRARY LAW AND ORDER!

Policies and

Procedures

Mission Statement

BELOW YOU'LL FIND A BASIC OUTLINE OF LIBRARY POLICIES FOR THINGS LIKE CONDUCT, BORROWING, FINES, AND MORE.

THE MISSION OF THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY IS TO PROMOTE THE READING INTERESTS AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING OF THE CITIZENS OF WEST WARWICK AND ALL OTHER USERS BY PROVIDING FREE AND OPEN ACCESS TO A VARIETY OF CULTURAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES, MATERIALS, AND SERVICES.

Service Policy

NO RESTRICTIONS BETWEEN SERVICES OFFERED TO WEST WARWICK RESIDENTS AND ALL OTHERS.

BASIC LIBRARY SERVICES ARE FREE FOR ALL REGARDLESS OF AGE, GENDER, RACE, RELIGION, OR POLITICAL VIEWS.

SERVICES INCLUDE PHYSICAL ACCESS, OWNING A LIBRARY CARD, ACCESS TO DATABASES, CHECKOUT OF MATERIALS, INFORMATIONAL ASSISTANCE, AND ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY.

PROMISED ASSURANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY.

THE LIBRARY REMAINS SAFE, CLEAN, AND ADA-ACCESSIBLE.

PROMPT, COURTEOUS SERVICE FROM TRAINED STAFF.

RELEVANT, CURRENT MATERIALS THAT REPRESENT A WIDE VARIETY OF VIEWS.

ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR ALL INTERESTS AND DEMOGRAPHICS.

EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND MEANS TO DELIVER INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES.

Rules of Conduct

PATRON BEHAVIOR THAT IS DISRUPTIVE WITH INTENT TO ANNOY, HARASS, VIOLATE PRIVACY, OR INTERFERE WITH OTHERS EXPERIENCE OR A STAFF MEMBER'S ABILITY TO PERFORM JOB DUTIES WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING:

A VERBAL WARNING.​

IF BEHAVIOR PERSISTS, THE PERSON(S) WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE BUILDING. IF THEY REFUSE, STAFF WILL CONTACT THE POLICE.

IF BEHAVIOR PERSISTS, THE PERSON(S) WILL RECEIVE A 5-DAY SUSPENSION.

FURTHER POOR BEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN UP TO A YEAR OR PERMANENT SUSPENSION, AS DECIDED BY THE DIRECTOR.

ALL WARNINGS AND ACTIONS ARE DOCUMENTED.

IF A PATRON'S ACTIONS ARE THREATENING, POLICE ARE CALLED IMMEDIATELY.

A MINOR EVICTED FROM THE BUILDING MORE THAN TWICE OR RESULTED IN POLICE INTERVENTION MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN IN ORDER TO RETURN.

Library Card Registration

YOU MAY REGISTER FOR, RENEW, OR REPLACE A LIBRARY CARD AT CIRCULATION DESKS IN RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PHOTO ID AND PROOF OF ADDRESS IS NECESSARY.

FOR PATRONS 18 YEARS AND OLDER:

A VALID RI DRIVER'S LICENSE, RI STATE ID, OR DRIVER'S PERMIT.

A PHOTO ID AND PROOF OF ADDRESS MAY BE PRESENTED IN ABSENCE OF OTHER ID.​ EXAMPLES INCLUDE UTILITY BILLS, COLLEGE ID, A PASSPORT OR VISA.

FOR PATRONS UNDER THE AGE OF 13:

PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST ACCOMPANY AND PROVIDE THE ABOVE IDENTIFICATION ON THEIR BEHALF.​

FOR PATRONS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 - 17:

MAY APPLY WITHOUT PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN WITH PROPER ID (ABOVE). STUDENTS MAY USE SCHEDULE OR REPORT CARD IN ADDITION TO PHOTO ID.​

MAY INSTEAD HAVE A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN ACCOMPANY AND PROVIDE THE ABOVE IDENTIFICATION ON THEIR BEHALF.

Inter-Library Loans

IF NO STATE LIBRARY OWNS THE MATERIAL A PATRON WANTS, STAFF MAY REQUEST IT FROM AN OUT OF STATE LIBRARY.

A $5.00 PROCESSING AND MAILING FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR EACH MATERIAL REQUESTED.

THE FEE PAID WILL BE RETURNED TO THE PATRON IF THE ORDER IS NOT COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY.

Cell Phone Use

RINGERS SHOULD BE SET TO VIBRATE OR SILENT.

MAKE ALL CALLS OUTSIDE SO AS TO NOT DISTURB OTHERS. TAKE YOUR BELONGINGS WITH YOU.

A BRIEF CALL MAY BE MADE AT ANY DEPARTMENT DESK.

VIDEO CHAT IS TREATED THE SAME AS A CELL PHONE CALL.

REFUSAL TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Lost or Damaged Items

A PATRON IS FINED ANY OVERDUE CHARGES PLUS THE REPLACEMENT FEE LISTED IN THE BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOURCE.

AN OUT OF PRINT BOOK REPLACEMENT FEE IS $15.00.

A TRANSACTION RECEIPT IS PRINTED.

IF A PATRON FINDS THE ITEM WITHIN 90 DAYS AFTER PAYING, THE LIBRARY WILL REFUND THE AMOUNT PAID IF PROPER RECEIPT IS SHOWN.

ITEMS TWO OR MORE YEARS PAST DUE INCUR A REPLACEMENT FEE. EVEN IF THE ITEM IS RETURNED, THIS FEE MUST BE PAID.

THE SEVERITY OF DAMAGE TO AN ITEM IS LEFT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE HEAD OF CIRCULATION.

IN THE CASE OF A DAMAGED ITEM BEYOND REPAIR, A REPLACEMENT FEE WILL BE CHARGED.

IF THE ITEM IS JUDGED AS ABLE TO BE REPAIRED, A $5.00 FEE WILL BE CHARGED TO COVER MATERIALS FOR REPAIR.

PURCHASING REPLACEMENT COPIES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED.

Volunteer Policy

THE LIBRARY AIMS TO GIVE VOLUNTEERS MEANINGFUL RESPONSIBILITIES, TRAINING, AND RECOGNITION.

ACCEPTED VOLUNTEERS INCLUDE:

STUDENTS PARTICIPATING FOR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.​

PATRONS AGE 18+ WITH BACKGROUND CHECK.

TEENS IN GRADES 7 - 12 WITH PARENTAL CONSENT.

PATRONS PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY PROGRAMS.

THE LIBRARY CANNOT GUARANTEE A POSITION FOR EACH PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEER AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY APPLICATION.

SCHEDULES WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE VOLUNTEER AND STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR WORK.

THE LIBRARY WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY MEDICAL, ACCIDENT, OR WORKER'S COMPENSATION BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS.

UPON REQUEST, A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION CAN BE PROVIDED FOR VOLUNTEERS THAT COMPLETE SERVICES.

Meeting Room Policy

THE LIBRARY HAS TWO MEETING ROOMS FREE OF CHARGE FOR ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS.

MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.​

MUST BE EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL, OR CIVIC IN NATURE.

CANNOT BE SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS, PRIVATE, OR COMMERCIAL.

LIBRARY PROGRAMMING IS PRIORITIZED.

USE DOES NOT IMPLY LIBRARY ENDORSEMENT.

BOOKINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITH 2 WEEK NOTICE.

ADVERTISING OR SELLING PRODUCTS IS PROHIBITED.

NO FEES CAN BE COLLECTED WITHOUT LIBRARY CO-SPONSORSHIP.

RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE ONE WEEK PRIOR.

NO GROUP CAN HAVE MORE THAN TWO MEETINGS PER MONTH.

AVAILABILITY IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.

A VERBAL WARNING.

A PHOTO ID AND PROOF OF ADDRESS MAY BE PRESENTED IN ABSENCE OF OTHER ID. EXAMPLES INCLUDE UTILITY BILLS, COLLEGE ID, A PASSPORT OR VISA.

PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST ACCOMPANY AND PROVIDE THE ABOVE IDENTIFICATION ON THEIR BEHALF.

MAY APPLY WITHOUT PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN WITH PROPER ID (ABOVE). STUDENTS MAY USE SCHEDULE OR REPORT CARD IN ADDITION TO PHOTO ID.

STUDENTS PARTICIPATING FOR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.