By-laws of the Melton Public Library Board of Trustees

         Article I:    Membership
         Article II:   Officers & Committees
         Article III:  Meetings
         Article IV:  Director
         Article V:   Amendments


    Collection Development Policy

         Material Selection Policy
         Gifts and Donations Policy
         Weeding Policy

    Internet Policies

         Internet Acceptable Use Policy
         Internet Use Policy
         Permission for Minors

   Purchasing Policy

   Unattended Children Policy

   Melton Public Library Meeting Room Policy

       Meeting Room Equipment

Article I:  Membership

1.  In accordance with the provisions of IC20-14, the library board of the Melton Public
Library shall consist of seven (7) members chosen for their fitness for public library
trusteeship.

2.  Members shall be appointed by the following authorities:

 three (3) by the Springs Valley School Board
 three (3) by the Orange County Commissioners
 one(1) by the Orange County Council

3.  Members shall be appointed for four (4) year terms and may serve a maximum of four
(4) consecutive terms.

Article II:  Officers and Committees

1.  Officers of the board shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

2.  The officers shall be elected at the January meeting for a term of one year.  Vacancies
in office shall be filled at the next regular meeting of the board after the vacancy occurs.

3.  Committees will be appointed as needed.

4.  Duties of the Board of Trustees

 The Library Board of Trustees shall:

 a.  govern and set written policy for the library.  It has the power to make all rules
and regulations for the discharge of its responsibility.

 b.  employ a competent and qualified library director to carry out its policies and
shall evaluate the director on an annual basis.

 c.  plan for the future of the library in light of the needs of the community, securing
adequate facilities and funds to carry out the library’s program of service.

 d.  monitor and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the library.

 e.  act as an advocate for the library in the community and actively support library
legislation.
 
 
 

 f.  monitor financial affairs of the library by discussing and approving the proposed
annual budget, studying monthly financial reports, and approving all claims lawfully
incurred on behalf of the library.

 g.  attend Board meetings as often as possible.

Article III:  Meetings

1.  The Board of Trustees of the Melton Public Library will meet on the last Monday of
each month at 4:00 PM in the library.  Special meetings may be called by the President
whenever necessary.

2.  All meeting agendas will be posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

3.  Board meetings shall be held in accordance with the Open Door Law of Indiana.

4.  Four members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  A majority
vote of any quorum present shall pass any resolution or motion.

5.  Robert’s Rules of Order, last revised edition, shall govern the parliamentary procedure
of the board.

Article IV:  Director

1.  The Director of the Melton Public Library shall possess an Indiana Library Certification
V or above.

2.  The Director shall:

 a. be responsible for the administration and management of the library.

 b. implement all policies adopted by the Board with responsibility for supervising
personnel and recommending such policies and procedures that will promote and improve
library service.

 c.  attend all board meetings and prepare an agenda and monthly usage and
financial reports.

 d.  prepare an annual budget for the board’s approval.

 e.  be knowledgeable about library laws and actively support library legislation.

 f.  participate in continuing professional education opportunities.
 

Article V:  Amendments

These by-laws may be amended at any regular meetings of the Library Board of Trustees
with a quorum present, by majority vote of the members present, providing the
amendment was stated in the agenda for the meeting.

I.  Material Selection Policy

The Melton Public Library selects library materials which:

1. meet the informational and recreational needs of the community
2. reflect a variety of opinions on a subject
3. support cultural, recreational, civic and business activities in the community
4. enhance occupational knowledge and skills

Criteria for Selection

The responsibility for selection lies with the professional staff. The ultimate responsibility for
materials selection rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of
policies approved by the Library’s Board of Trustees. The general public and all staff are
encouraged to make suggestions or comments on materials. Tools for such methods include
the library’s suggestion box and the Request for Consideration form.

All acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the following standards.

• Present and potential relevance to community needs.
• Suitability of subject, style, and reading level for the intended audience.
• Insight into human and social conditions and consideration of all sides of issues.
• Importance as a document of the times.
• Clarity and accuracy.
• Reputation and/or significance of the author.
• Demand for the material.
• Critics’ reviews.
• Relationship to existing materials in the collection on the same subject.
• Price, in relation to budget.

The choice of library materials by patrons is an individual matter. Responsibility of the
reading or viewing of materials by children and adolescents rests with their parents or
legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for himself or for his children, he
cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others. Material selection
will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

II.  Gifts and Donations Policy

Gifts to the Melton Public Library of money for the purchase of books or other materials
are gladly accepted. A paper bookplate indicating the donor and/or the honoree will be
placed in a donated book at the request of the donor.

The library welcomes book donations but accepts them with the understanding that it has
the right to handle or dispose of them in the library’s best interest. Such material may be
added to the collection provided it meets the library’s standards of selection.

Donations of books will be examined and reviewed by the library staff, using the Weeding Criteria
listed below, in order to determine if the books should be put on the shelves for circulation or
if they should be placed in the book sale or discarded.

III.  Weeding Policy

The Melton 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 materials will improve the efficiency
and vitality of the library’s resources. Weeding has been shown to increase the quality and use of a library’s collections.

Criteria for Weeding

1.) Appearance: Books of antiquated appearance that might discourage use; badly bound volumes
with soft or frayed bindings; broken spines; missing pages; poorly printed works, poor illustrations
or paper which is yellowed or translucent; dingy or torn covers are all candidates for weeding.

2.) Unnecessary titles: Examples of titles which are no longer needed include duplicate titles whose
popularity has waned; inexpensive reprints; older editions of currently held works; highly specialized
works whose information is included in other materials or subjects of little interest.

3.) Poor content: Materials that contain obsolete or incorrect information; poorly written or
performed works; or items which have been superseded by newer, improved editions.

4.) Age: Items that have not circulated in ten (10) years unless deemed worthy by other criteria.

Mission

The mission of the Melton Public Library is to provide a learning atmosphere in which the patron
has the opportunity to explore his/her individual values and goals and to build his/her own
self-esteem and personal worth.

Technology Mission

The technology mission of the Melton Public Library is to provide the appropriate informational
technology to allow the patron to have the opportunity to explore his/her individual values and
goals.  The library also strives to teach individuals that technology is a tool to improve the
effectiveness of the individual and enhance life-long learning.

Philosophies

In making decisions regarding patron access to the Internet, the Melton Public Library considers its
own information mission, goals and objectives.  Electronic information research skills are now
fundamental to preparation of citizens and staff.  Access to the Internet will enable patrons to
explore thousands of libraries, databases, and other resources while exchanging messages with
people throughout the world.  Families bear the responsibility of guidance of Internet use just as
they do at home with information sources such as television, radio, telephones, movies, and other
possibly offensive media.

The Melton Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by any patron.  It is
not possible for library staff to control specific information patrons may locate on the Internet.  It is
the responsibility of the user, or, in the case of minors, of the parent, guardian, or care giver of the
user, to determine what is appropriate.  Parents are encouraged to set their own rules and discuss
them with their children.

INTERNET USE POLICY

The Internet, as an informational resource, enables the library to provide information
beyond the confines of its own collection.  It allows access to ideas and information from
around the world.  The Internet is an unregulated medium.  As such, while it offers access
to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to
individuals of all ages, the Internet also enables access to some material that may be
offensive, disturbing and/or illegal.  Patrons use the Internet at their own risk.

I understand that:

 -I must be a card holder of Melton Public Library, in good standing, before I can
 access the Internet.

 -Patrons 18 and under must have a signed permission slip by their parent or legal
 guardian before they can use the Internet.

 -I must sign in at the circulation desk before I use the Internet computer and then I
 must sign out when my time is over.

 -I am allowed to use the Internet computer for 30 minutes (this includes printing
 time).  If no one is waiting to use the computer at the end of my 30 minutes, then I
 may stay on until someone else wants to use it.

 -Use of the Internet computers is on a first-come, first-served
  basis.

 -Internet hours are from opening to half an hour before closing.  The last half hour
  will be set aside for staff use.

 -20 cents will be charged for each page I print.  Paper supplied by the library must
 be used.

 -the computer in the adult department will be used by patrons age16 and over - the
 computer in the children's department will be used by patrons age 15 and younger.

I also understand that, as a user, I

 -cannot send or receive e-mail, access newsgroups or subscribe to listservs.

 -cannot download/save files.

 -may not use own software programs.

 -will not attempt to violate the integrity of any information on the Internet or any
 part of the library.

 -will obey all local, state and federal laws while using the Internet, including, but
 not limited to copyright, software licensing agreements, fraud, obscenity, and
 privacy legislation.  I recognize that unauthorized reproduction or use of accessed
 material may be a criminal offense under the U. S. Copyright Act.

 -will not engage in any activity which is disruptive to other library users.

 -will not tamper with or attempt to access other files/programs on the Internet
 computers.  I realize that these computers are dedicated solely for Internet use.

 -will be considerate in my use of the Internet - I am in a public place where
 children may be present.

 -realize that online shopping services exist on the Internet and I agree to assume
 responsibility for any charges that might incur.

Failure to use the Internet stations appropriately and responsibly may result in revocation
of Internet use privileges, Library privileges and/or criminal prosecution.

I have read this Internet Use Policy of the Melton Public Library and I fully understand
and agree to abide by the principles and guidelines it contains.
 
 

Adult User Signature ___________________________________________
 

Print Name __________________________________________________
 

Date  __________________________
 
 
 

Minor User Signature ___________________________________________
 

Print Name __________________________________________________
 

Date ___________________________
 

PERMISSION FOR MINORS

I hereby give permission for my child to use the Internet at the Melton
Public Library.  I understand that the Internet, as an informational
resource, enables the library to provide information beyond the confines
of its own collection.  It allows access to ideas and information from
around the world.  The Internet is an unregulated medium.  As such,
while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally,
professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, the
Internet also enables access to some material that may be offensive,
disturbing and/or illegal.

The Melton Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the
Internet by children.  It is not possible for library staff to control
specific information youth may locate on the Internet.  It is the
responsibility of the user, or, in the case of minors, of the parent,
guardian, or care giver of the user, to determine what is appropriate.
Parents are encouraged to set their own rules and discuss them with
their children on such issues as chat rooms and giving out personal
information over the Internet.

Parents wishing to control the materials to which their children are
exposed are expected to provide sufficient supervision of their children
to accomplish this.

Furthermore, my child and I have read, understood, and signed the
library's Internet Use Policy.  I have also been given a copy of the
document Child Safety on the Information Highway.
 
 

CHILD'S NAME  _______________________________________
 

SIGNATURE OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN  _________________________________
 

DATE  ____________________
 

The Melton Public Library Board is a governmental body that is authorized to enter into
contracts under the Indiana Public Purchasing Law. [IC 5-22-1-1]  The Melton public
Library Board is the “Purchasing Agency.”

The “Purchasing Agent” of the Melton Public Library is the Director of the Library.  The
Youth Services Librarian is also authorized by the Purchasing Agency to make routine
purchases as are the custodians.

The Purchasing Agent may purchase supplies costing up to $1,000.  Any supplies costing
$1,001 or more require the approval of the Director and/or the Melton Public Library
Board.  The Director and the Youth Services Librarian may charge such purchases to the
library’s credit card but such charged purchases may not exceed $1,000 in price as the
credit limit for the card is $1000.  All purchases under $25,000 will be made on the open
market.  All items costing between $25,000 and $75,000 will be purchased only after
inviting three quotes from persons known to deal in the lines or classes of supplies to be
purchased unless another procedure is authorized by statute.  [IC 5-22-8-1]

In accordance with state statute, all items costing over $75,000 will be purchased
following competitive bidding procedures unless another procedure is authorized by
statute.  [IC 5-22-7-1]  The Melton Public Library will follow all the proper steps for
competitive biding procedures or the inviting of quotes as required by statute or by the
guidelines of the appropriate state agency.

The Board of Trustees or the Purchasing Agent will purchase services on the basis of
provisions of the contract, cost, experience of the offeror or any other factor deemed
appropriate to the services being purchased.

The Melton Public Library is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming, exciting and safe
environment for people of all ages.

The safety of children left alone in the library building is a serious concern of the library
staff.  The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the
parent/caregiver and not with library personnel.  Librarians cannot be responsible for
children who are unattended or demonstrating inappropriate behavior.  Parents/caregivers
need to realize that there is a public restroom and a back door downstairs when
considering the safety of leaving a child unattended downstairs.  The following guidelines
will be followed concerning the care and behavior of young library users:

Children from birth through age 6 must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate
vicinity of the child.  The assigned caregiver must carry emergency contact information.
An exception would be children ages 3, 4 and 5 attending a story hour or other library
program without a parent/caregiver in the room.  However, the parent/caregiver must go
to the children’s department to pick the child up after the story hour or program is over.
Parents/caregivers will be asked to fill out an information sheet at the beginning of each
story hour year so library staff will know what to do and who to contact in an emergency.

If a child in this age group is found unattended, library staff will locate the
parent/caregiver in the library and inform him/her of the rules.

If a child in this age group violates library general rules and policies, the child and the
parent/caregiver will be informed of the rules.

Children ages 7 through 17 may use the library on their own.  However, parents are still
responsible for the actions of their child(ren).  Children using inappropriate behavior will
be informed of the rules.  If inappropriate behavior continues the child’s parent/caregiver
will be called.

If a child in this age group is not able to leave the library without an adult, he/she should
not be in the library without an adult.  This is of particular concern in inclement weather
and after dark.  All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist
them in an emergency.

Closing time.  Children who do not have transportation at closing time will be allowed to
use the telephone to call for a ride.  If transportation is not available within 15 minutes
after closing, staff will use their judgment as to whether the police should be called to
escort the child home.  Staff is not permitted to drive children home.

The Melton Public Library's meeting room may be used for the informational, educational
and cultural needs of the community. It has seating capacity for 48. It is available during
regular library hours with the following restrictions:

1.Since the library is a public institution supported by public funds, all programs must be
open to the public at large.
2. No admission may be charged.
3. Groups using the meeting room must not use advertising or publicity which imply that
their programs are sponsored by the library.
4. Library programs take precedence in scheduling. The room may be scheduled up to two
months in advance. The library reserves the right to cancel a reservation when necessary as a
result of conflicts with library activities or when it appears to be in the best interest of the library.
5. The library cannot provide storage for any organization's property.
6. Meetings must start and end no earlier than 15 minutes after opening or 15 minutes before
closing.
7. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building.
8. Youth must have adequate supervision.
9. Each group using the meeting room must sign a statement accepting responsibility for damage
or loss of library property. Should any special cleaning or repair be required as a result of a
group's use of the meeting room, a charge will be made to cover costs.

4 tables (2 additional available if requested in advance)
48 chairs
Markerboard
Podium
Projector screen
Coffeemaker
Microwave
Full size refrigerator (not for storage)
Presentation easel (no paper)

Groups may not use any library commodities such as coffee, sugar, napkins, etc. The room, kitchen and appliances (if used) should be left clean.

The Melton Public Library Board and staff retain the right to review and amend the meeting room policy at any time.

Adopted September 24, 2001