Materials Selection and Access
The selection policy of the Ann Arbor District library supports the general mission of the Library, the Library Bill of Rights* and the Freedom to Read Statement*.
All acquisitions, before being purchased or accepted as gifts, are evaluated in terms of the following criteria and in the context of economic and space considerations. An item will not necessarily be judged against all criteria, but against those appropriate and applicable to it. These same standards determine the replacement, duplication, and withdrawal of materials.
A. The Library will:
- Provide a collection that anticipates the needs and numbers of potential users.
- Consider public demand, both specific and general, as expressed through requests, suggestions, and use to develop the collection.
- Consider the availability of the same, or similar, materials in other libraries or agencies.
- Consider the need for all subjects covered and viewpoints expressed.
- Consider the effect that subjects and viewpoints selected have on developing a balanced collection.
- Consider the appropriateness to scope of the collection as it is developed.
B. Selectors will consider these characteristics when selecting:
- Literary or stylistic quality
- Reputations, qualifications, and significance of author, producer, or publisher
- Accuracy, currency, timeliness, and validity
- Importance and uniqueness
- Physical quality and effectiveness of format
- Appropriateness of format to subject
- Cost, as measured against competing materials on the same subject
- Suitability for intended audience
*As adopted by the Council of the American Library Association
Policy adopted by the Ann Arbor District Library Board December 12, 1995
Revision adopted May 20, 2002
Consistent with our mission and this library’s adoption of the Library Bill of Rights, the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement and the American Library Association’s Freedom to View statement, the Ann Arbor District Library affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment Rights, intellectual freedom, and a commitment to a balanced collection of materials.
The Ann Arbor District Library Board is legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the library. It delegates the responsibility for selection of library materials to the library staff as assigned through the Library Director. Suggestions for the library collection are welcomed from customers. While a particular item may offend some customers, selection of materials will not be based upon any anticipated approval or disapproval, but rather on the merits of the material and its value to the collection. The final responsibility for the selection decision rests with the Library.
The use of library materials by patrons is an individual matter. Responsibility for children’s use of library materials rests with their parents or legal guardians.
Library patrons may object to selected library materials by completing the attached Request for Reconsideration form. Once a completed form is received by the Library Director, a thoughtful, deliberative process for reconsideration of the library materials identified by the library patron will begin. The patron will be informed of the objectives of the process, the timeline, the review structure and the opportunity for appeal in accordance with the Request for Consideration Procedure.
Policy adopted by the Ann Arbor District Library Board December 12, 1995
Revisions adopted December 1998, and March 15, 1999
In keeping with our stated mission, Ann Arbor District Library in accordance to Michigan state laws provides limited public access to the Internet. Public access to the Internet is available to all users of the Ann Arbor District Library on selected computers throughout the Library system. The Library is making the Internet available to the public as an information and educational resource in support of our role as this community's information and lifelong learning center.
Consistent with our mission and the professional principles of public librarianship, this Internet Use Policy affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equity of access, confidentiality of information about users and their use of all library resources including electronic, and individual responsibility. The Library affirms the following principles and user rights as delineated in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights in Cyberspace:
- Electronic information, services, and networks provided by libraries should be readily, equally, and equitably accessible to all library users.
- Libraries and librarians should not deny or limit access to information available via electronic resources because of its controversial content or because of personal beliefs or fears of confrontation.
- Information retrieved or utilized electronically should be considered constitutionally protected unless determined otherwise by a court with appropriate jurisdiction.
- Responsibility for, and any restriction of, a child's use of the Internet rests solely with his or her parents or legal guardians.
The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Library makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet. If a Michigan court decision states that a particular website contains obscene material or sexually explicit material harmful to minors, the Library will block that site.
Users are cautioned that ideas, points of view, and images can be found on the Internet, which are controversial, divergent and inflammatory. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary, which may be found on the Internet.
The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. Library staff have attempted to identify on the Library's home page specific starting points for searches and links to sources on the Internet, which are consistent with the Library's mission and roles. But, because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library's collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Because of this and the fact that access points on the Internet change often, rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect individuals from information and images they might find offensive or disturbing.
Our users are required to comply with our Internet Service Provider’s Acceptable Use Policy.
Computers available to the public, which can be used to access the Internet, must be shared by library users of all ages, background and sensibilities. Since staff cannot consistently and effectively monitor the public's use of the Internet, customers are asked to be sensitive of others' values and beliefs when accessing potentially controversial information and images. If requested, the Library will provide filtered Internet access on a per session basis.
Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet can not be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.
Access to stations dedicated to children under 18
Access to the Ann Arbor District Library Youth Department internet stations at the Downtown library are restricted to users aged 14 and under and their parents. Parents must be accompanied by a child.
Child Safety on the Internet
Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Children, under 18 years of age, who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children's use of the Internet.
To assist parents, the Library has available on-line the pamphlet Child Safety on the Information Highway published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The pamphlet site includes "Guidelines for Parents" and "My Rules for On-line Safety." Parents are encouraged to review this information with their children.
User Responsibilities
All users of the Internet are expected to use this library resource in a responsible and courteous way, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use including, but not limited to, those of the Library. Responsible, courteous use of the Internet includes:
- Recognizing that the Internet, like all of the Library's information sources, must be shared and used in a manner, which respects the rights of others and refrains from activities that prevent others from using it.
- Using the Library's Internet resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.
- Refraining from using the Library's Internet resources to conduct a business or commercial enterprise, or engage in commercial activity such as the distribution of advertising.
- Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the Internet.
- Respecting intellectual property rights my making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet.
- Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
- Refraining from damaging or altering the setup of the equipment used to access the Internet at the Library.
- Refraining from altering or damaging software or data residing in the Internet.
- Refraining from the deliberate propagation of computer worms and/or viruses.
- Refraining from the transmission of threatening, harassing or abusive language and images.
Staff Assistance
Computing resources at the Library are self-serve. When time permits, staff will be available to answer specific questions about computer applications and Internet searching.
E-mail
The Library is not able to offer e-mail accounts to library users at this time.
Policy adopted by the Ann Arbor District Library Board August 22, 1996
Revisions adopted March 24, 2003
Purpose
The purpose of MichNet is given in Article II of Merit Network Inc.’s Bylaws which state in part that "…in pursuance of its mission in instruction, research, and service… it is the role of Merit as [the operator of] a high-speed digital communications network to contribute broadly to educational and economic development in Michigan …".
Acceptable Use
This statement represents a guide to the acceptable use of MichNet. Any Member or Affiliate connected to MichNet in order to use the Michigan statewide network or any other networks which are used as a result of their MichNet connection must comply with this policy and the stated purposes and Acceptable Use policies of any other networks or hosts used.
Each Member and Affiliate organization is responsible for the activity of its users and for ensuring that its users are familiar with MichNet Acceptable Use Policy or an equivalent policy. In addition, it is expected that each Member and Affiliate will maintain and enforce its own Acceptable Use policies. At a minimum, Merit expects such policies will include:
- To respect the privacy of other users; for example, users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users, or represent themselves another user unless explicitly authorized to do so by that user.
- To respect the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.
- To respect the integrity of computing systems; for example, users shall not intentionally develop programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system and/or damage or alter the software components of a computer or computing systems.
The following policies and guidelines will be applied to determine whether or not a particular use of MichNet is appropriate:
- The intent of this policy is to make clear certain uses which are consistent with the purposes of MichNet, not to exhaustively enumerate all such possible uses.
- Merit may at any time make determinations that particular uses are or are not consistent with the purposes of MichNet.
- If a use is consistent with the purposes of MichNet, then activities in direct support of that use will be considered consistent with the purposes of MichNet.
- Malicious use is not acceptable. Use should be consistent with guiding ethical statements and accepted community standards. MichNet may not be used in ways that violate applicable laws or regulations. Use of MichNet and any attached network in a manner that precludes or significantly hampers use by others is not allowed.
- Connections which create routing patterns that are inconsistent with the effective and shared use of the network may not be established.
- Unsolicited advertising is not acceptable. Advertising is permitted on some mailing lists and news groups if the mailing list or news group allows advertising. Announcements of new products or services are acceptable.
Remedial Action
When Merit learns of possible inappropriate use, Merit staff will notify the Member or Affiliate responsible, which must take immediate remedial action and inform Merit of its action. In an emergency, in order to prevent further possible unauthorized activity, Merit may temporarily disconnect that Member or Affiliate from MichNet. If this is deemed necessary by Merit staff, every effort will be made to inform the Member or Affiliate prior to disconnection, and every effort will be made to re-establish the connection as soon as it is mutually deemed safe.
Any determination of non-acceptable usage serious enough to require disconnection shall be promptly communicated to every member of the Merit Board of Directors through an established means of publication.
Policy adopted by the Ann Arbor District Library Board April 9, 1996
INTERNET USE POLITENESS STATEMENT
Please be considerate of others in the Library when you are accessing images over the Internet that may be disturbing or offensive. We count on your discretion in this matter. Thank you very much.
Policy adopted by the Ann Arbor District Library Board July 22, 1996
POLICY FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO COMPUTER-BASED RESOURCES
Purpose
The Ann Arbor District Library provides public access to digitized information through a variety of resources in order to assist Library users to do the following:
- find educational, informational and cultural resources through computers which complement other media in the Library's collection;
- have opportunities to develop and explore through hands-on experience computer and media technology; and
- have the opportunity through self-instruction to interact with computers and to learn basic computer concepts.
Library computers and terminals may be used free of charge during regular Library hours (up to 15 minutes before closing in the Computer Center). However, fees for printing will be charged.
The Library reserves the right to establish and implement policies and procedures related to computer use as needed. These may include, but are not limited to: user registration, scheduling, and regulation of use. Such policies and procedures are intended to make such equipment and services available to everyone on an equitable basis, to protect the rights of staff members to conduct Library business, and to safeguard the Library's equipment against misuse or abuse. Users of the equipment are financially liable for any damages inflicted by them on Library equipment or software.
Library staff will provide assistance for basic operating questions and problems with the machinery and in selecting the most appropriate software application.
Policy adopted by the Ann Arbor District Library Board December 12, 1995
Revisions adopted March 17, 1997
INTERLIRARY LOAN (ILL) SERVICES
Purpose
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services at the Ann Arbor District Library assist card holders in obtaining library materials which are not available in the library’s own collection. These services are coordinated by the Adult Services Department. ILL services are offered subject to the guidelines and limitations outlined below and in accordance with established procedures.
Structure and Scope
The ILL resources of the Ann Arbor District Library include library cooperative arrangements and an extensive national network of public, academic and special libraries. Access to this service will be provided in the most convenient manner possible for customers.
Costs and Fees
Interlibrary Loan Services are provided as a service to cardholders of the Ann Arbor District Library.
Overdue fines on ILL materials are in accordance with the Library's Circulation Department policy.
Replacement costs for unreturned and damaged ILL materials are determined by the lending institutions.
Policy adopted by the Ann Arbor District Library Board December 12, 1995
Revisions adopted November 16, 1998 and June 19, 2006
PHOTOCOPYING AND FAX SERVICES AND FEES POLICY
Most photocopying of Library materials for a customer’s use is to be done directly by the customer on copiers provided for that purpose at all Library Branches. When necessary, Library staff will assist customers in learning how to use copiers and to make photocopies. The Library does not provide fax machines for the personal use of the public. The Library will, however, receive faxed documents on a customer's behalf which are located through library research, with appropriate charges levied.
In addition, the Library will photocopy and mail, fax, or when appropriate, E-mail, materials to Library cardholders in reply to requests using the procedures and fees established by Library Administration. The purpose of this activity is to offer the results of quick, "ready-reference" service in a timely and convenient manner to Library customers. The Library is not able to conduct and offer the results of extensive research or fulfill homework assignments in this manner. The Library will not make a profit on articles copied and distributed to customers through this policy.
Out-of-district customers should be encouraged to consult their own local libraries for assistance with obtaining materials directly from them or through inter-library loan. The Library cannot provide general reference service to out-of-district customers unless they come to the Library in person. However, when an individual resides outside the service area and is unable to make copies himself/herself because of distance and has asked for information that in the judgement of the reference librarian is information that is unique to or primarily available solely from this Library, the Library will provide copied materials either by fax or by mail with appropriate fees which will include an hourly rate for staff time, to be set by Library Administration.
The Library will not receive E-mailed documents on behalf of customers. Customers who wish to receive a document by E-mail for downloading or printing at the Library will be instructed in the mechanics of establishing a personal E-mail account.
In all situations, adherence to the Library’s Copyright Guidelines, 2.13 proc, will be required. All material photocopied or faxed by staff which is not self-evidently in the public domain must include a copyright warning notice specified by the Library. In addition, all required royalty fees will be collected from the customer and paid through the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.
Policy adopted by the Ann Arbor District Library Board December 12, 1995
Policy repealed March 16, 1998
Policy reinstated April 20, 1998
Revisions adopted November 16, 1998
