TO: Homer Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Library Advisory Board
DATE: May 23, 2006
RE: Library Policies
The new Homer library will require some updated, revised, and new operational policies. The members of the Library Advisory Board have worked for several months to identify, research, and develop these. We ask for Council’s approval by resolution of their adoption into the Library Policy Manual.
The four policies are attached, with their current placement in the policy manual noted. Their contents are briefly summarized here:
1.) Library User Conduct (II.A). This is a revision of existing policy, updating the general rules for behavior within the library and on its grounds. Revisions were made to such areas as drink containers (only water bottles allowed beyond the security gates), service animals (allowed), camping on library grounds (not allowed), and bathing (not allowed).
2.)
Gifts and Donations (I.M).
This is a comprehensive revision of a short existing policy regarding
gifts and donations. It makes clear
that monetary gifts are encouraged, provides for the acceptance of the full
range of possible gifts, makes clear that the authority for gift acceptance
lies with the library director, allows for a gift acceptance committee to
advise the director, and specifies conditions under which gifts are and are not
accepted.
3.)
Display and Exhibit Policy (VII and VIII). This is a revision of existing policy, in
recognition that there will be greater room in the new building for displays
and exhibits of different kinds, including revolving art displays as proposed
by the Percent for Art Selection Committee.
Three kinds of displays and exhibits are recognized: bulletin boards and racks, temporary
not-for-profit ones of educational and cultural interest, and revolving
art. Criteria and processes are
identified for each.
4.)
Space Use Policy. This
is a new policy to address the scheduling of study rooms and the conference
room, the use of library space after hours, the private use of space (with a
fee schedule), and the use of outdoor areas.
We welcome your questions and/or input and look forward to
adding these changes to the Library Policy Manual, which we will continue to
review and update regarding its appropriateness for the new library building
and its programs and services. We very
much look forward to the opening of the new building and to its smooth
operations serving the Homer-area community!