Helix public Library
Policy and Procedures
Community and Library Description
The Helix Public Library is a small municipal library serving the residential and farming community of Helix, OR. The library’s patrons include town residents and individuals from surrounding communities. The Umatilla County Special Library District chiefly funds the library.
Purpose and Objectives of the Public Library
The mission of the Helix Public Library is to provide resources and services necessary to meet the educational, recreational and informational needs of the public. In addition to providing materials and services, it is the library’s goal to furnish a comfortable and safe facility with adequate space to house both materials and services. It is also the library’s goal to provide adequate, trained staff to assist customers in using the library.
The library attempts to serve the needs of all district residents regardless of age, race, creed, national origin and political and social views. The library provides materials in a variety of formats as well as numerous services that meet the popular materials needs while also supporting independent learning and formal education. Materials include both print and non-print materials and electronic resources. Services include children’s and adult programs, inter-library loan and outreach services.
Library Code of Conduct
The Helix Public Library welcomes every member of the community to use and enjoy the library’s facilities and services. To protect each individual’s access to information and library services and provide a safe and comfortable environment, the following rules have been established.
1. Library users must treat others and staff with respect.
2.Library users must refrain from disruptive or unsafe behavior, loud and/or abusive language, improper conduct and the misuse of library facilities and library resources, i.e. materials and equipment.
3.Library users must comply with all city, county, state and federal laws. Unlawful behavior will be handled by the appropriate law enforcement.
4.Weapons of any type are not allowed in the library.
5.Bicycles must remain outside of the building and away from entry. Skateboards or skates must be held inside the building so as not to create a safety hazard for others.
6.Playing audio equipment that is disruptive to others is not allowed.
7.Pets are not allowed inside the library except if needed to assist for a handicap or used during a program presentation.
8.Shoes, shirts and appropriate attire must be worn in the library.
9.Food and open containers of drink may not be brought into the library. Any food or drink in library will be what is provided during programs.
10.No smoking is allowed in the library.
11.All postings or distributing of materials, notices or announcements must be approved by library staff.
12.Children under the age of 5 must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver when using the library. Parents are liable for damage done by a child under 18. The library is not responsible for the welfare of children who are left unattended in the library. They will be notified if their children require supervision due to disruptive behavior.
Collection Development Policy
Authority for collection development
The authority and responsibility for the selection of library materials is delegated to the Library Director who is qualified for this activity by reason of experience, training and education.
Materials are chosen for inclusion in the Helix Public Library collection by reviewing media and publishers and distributors catalogs. Bestseller lists are consulted, but inclusion on such a list does not automatically qualify an item for inclusion in the library collection. Patron request and suggestions are considered seriously and requested materials are selected if they appear to meet the library’s selection criteria.
Criteria for selection
The following guidelines apply to the selection of all materials for the library collection. Materials selected must be deemed to be of interest to members of the community. They must contribute to the fulfillment of the library’s mission. Their informational content should be judged to be accurate and timely. Library materials should be recognized as containing literary or artistic merit.
Fiction
In selecting works of fiction first priority will be given to current works by popular authors. Works from a wide variety of genres will be selected. The library will try to complete popular series whenever feasible, but will not attempt to collect every book by any given author. Usually the library will collect only one copy of each title except where large demand seems to justify another copy.
Nonfiction
Accuracy and current titles are important criteria in considering nonfiction materials. The library will try to collect materials that express a wide variety of topics and subjects that are likely to interest library patrons in the community. It is beyond the scope of the small public library to collect highly scholarly works or archival materials. These materials are more suitable for larger libraries.
Children’s and Young Adult Materials
The library will make a special effort to provide a collection of high quality, attractive library materials for its younger patrons. While popularity is an important factor in the selection of children’s and young adult materials attention will be paid to collecting educationally important materials and those that have received favorable reviews.
It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to supervise their own children’s reading. What one family finds to be important for its children may be deemed inappropriate by another family. The library cannot enforce each family’s own standards of what is appropriate for each child.
Video Recordings
Video materials that are produced primarily for school use and are of little interest to the general public will be avoided. Instead, the library collects a variety of children’s and adult materials that reflect current interest and popularity.
Donated Materials
Gifts, either new or used, accepted into the collection must meet the same criteria as purchased materials. Physical condition is an important factor in accepting gift materials. Materials not accepted into the library’s collection, but thought to have some value will be used in a book sale or program.
The library may use part of a donation, but not all, or part of a set but not all. Donors may not set circulation policies different from the library’s normal policies. The library will deselect donated materials by the same criteria as other parts of the collection.
Each donor will be informed of this policy and may choose to take back materials not accepted into the collection. The library cannot issue receipts that estimate the monetary value of donated used materials.
Memorial gifts or items donated to honor any person living or dead will be accepted subject to the same criteria that purchased materials meet. The Library Director will work with donors to select items that meet the library’s needs, serve as a fitting memorial to the person being honored and fit the donor’s monetary guidelines. The donor can place a bookplate inside the front cover mentioning the honoree, the occasion, and the donor as appropriate.
Deselection of Library Materials
As library collections age, they deteriorate physically, become outdated or lose their popularity. Very few libraries can continue to grow physically to accommodate every item ever acquired. Factors to consider in deselecting materials include: the declining accuracy of the information, the presence in the collection of newer, more authoritative materials on the same topic, the declining popularity of an item, the deteriorating physical condition of the item, the attractiveness of illustrations and cover art. As parts of a working library, memorials and other gifts must be subject to the same deselection process as other materials except that memorial gifts in good physical condition will not be removed from the collection for at least ten years from their acquisition.
Circulation and Interlibrary Loans
The Helix Public Library makes a variety of materials available to all persons on an equal basis. Materials belonging to Helix are lent to other libraries free of charge through ILL. Reference materials are not lent through ILL. All residents of Helix and the Umatilla Co. Special Library District are eligible to borrow books and other materials from each library through the ILL system free of charge.
With certain exceptions, most materials may be checked out for three weeks. Magazines and videos circulate for seven days.
Fines and Replacement fees
Computer/Internet Use Policy
The Helix Public Library provides access to computers and the internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the community. The use of computers is a privilege, not a right. The privilege requires users to be a library patron in good standing which means that all library materials are returned and no outstanding overdue fines are in place. If library materials are overdue, lost or damaged these items must be paid for before the use of a computer is granted. A permission slip is available for minors. Parents or guardians need to give permission for their child to use computers and the internet service.
Users are responsible for properly closing their internet sessions before leaving their workstation. Internet users are reminded of the rights of other library users, particularly minors, not to be inadvertently exposed to material and/or images they or their parent/legal guardian may find objectionable.
Public Relations/Service Priorities
In recognition of the Helix Public Library’s responsibility to maintain continuing communication and services with users of the library’s services, the following objectives have been established.
Emergency Closing
Emergencies or catastrophes, including, but not limited to extreme weather, utility failure, fire, pandemic or explosion may require closing the library. The primary consideration in any emergency is the safety of all persons in the building. The Library Director is authorized to close the library when these situations arise. If work needs to be done remotely during a closure, library staff will be compensated for those hours.
Holiday Closure
The library will be closed in observance of the following paid holidays:
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Library Board of Trustees
The Library Board of Trustees is the library’s selected governing body with five members approved by the Helix City Council. The Helix Library Board shall act as an Advisory Board and is responsible for supporting the Director and making recommendations to the City of Helix.
The Board delegates to the Library Director direct responsibility for personnel, collection development and other operations conducted in accordance with general policies approved by the Board. Meetings are held in compliance with the Open Meeting Law.
Service Hours
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-6:00 pm
CONTACT PHONE: 541 457-6130
WEBSITE:
http://helixlibrary.weebly.com
EMAIL:
[email protected]
The Helix Public Library is a small municipal library serving the residential and farming community of Helix, OR. The library’s patrons include town residents and individuals from surrounding communities. The Umatilla County Special Library District chiefly funds the library.
Purpose and Objectives of the Public Library
The mission of the Helix Public Library is to provide resources and services necessary to meet the educational, recreational and informational needs of the public. In addition to providing materials and services, it is the library’s goal to furnish a comfortable and safe facility with adequate space to house both materials and services. It is also the library’s goal to provide adequate, trained staff to assist customers in using the library.
The library attempts to serve the needs of all district residents regardless of age, race, creed, national origin and political and social views. The library provides materials in a variety of formats as well as numerous services that meet the popular materials needs while also supporting independent learning and formal education. Materials include both print and non-print materials and electronic resources. Services include children’s and adult programs, inter-library loan and outreach services.
Library Code of Conduct
The Helix Public Library welcomes every member of the community to use and enjoy the library’s facilities and services. To protect each individual’s access to information and library services and provide a safe and comfortable environment, the following rules have been established.
1. Library users must treat others and staff with respect.
2.Library users must refrain from disruptive or unsafe behavior, loud and/or abusive language, improper conduct and the misuse of library facilities and library resources, i.e. materials and equipment.
3.Library users must comply with all city, county, state and federal laws. Unlawful behavior will be handled by the appropriate law enforcement.
4.Weapons of any type are not allowed in the library.
5.Bicycles must remain outside of the building and away from entry. Skateboards or skates must be held inside the building so as not to create a safety hazard for others.
6.Playing audio equipment that is disruptive to others is not allowed.
7.Pets are not allowed inside the library except if needed to assist for a handicap or used during a program presentation.
8.Shoes, shirts and appropriate attire must be worn in the library.
9.Food and open containers of drink may not be brought into the library. Any food or drink in library will be what is provided during programs.
10.No smoking is allowed in the library.
11.All postings or distributing of materials, notices or announcements must be approved by library staff.
12.Children under the age of 5 must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver when using the library. Parents are liable for damage done by a child under 18. The library is not responsible for the welfare of children who are left unattended in the library. They will be notified if their children require supervision due to disruptive behavior.
Collection Development Policy
Authority for collection development
The authority and responsibility for the selection of library materials is delegated to the Library Director who is qualified for this activity by reason of experience, training and education.
Materials are chosen for inclusion in the Helix Public Library collection by reviewing media and publishers and distributors catalogs. Bestseller lists are consulted, but inclusion on such a list does not automatically qualify an item for inclusion in the library collection. Patron request and suggestions are considered seriously and requested materials are selected if they appear to meet the library’s selection criteria.
Criteria for selection
The following guidelines apply to the selection of all materials for the library collection. Materials selected must be deemed to be of interest to members of the community. They must contribute to the fulfillment of the library’s mission. Their informational content should be judged to be accurate and timely. Library materials should be recognized as containing literary or artistic merit.
Fiction
In selecting works of fiction first priority will be given to current works by popular authors. Works from a wide variety of genres will be selected. The library will try to complete popular series whenever feasible, but will not attempt to collect every book by any given author. Usually the library will collect only one copy of each title except where large demand seems to justify another copy.
Nonfiction
Accuracy and current titles are important criteria in considering nonfiction materials. The library will try to collect materials that express a wide variety of topics and subjects that are likely to interest library patrons in the community. It is beyond the scope of the small public library to collect highly scholarly works or archival materials. These materials are more suitable for larger libraries.
Children’s and Young Adult Materials
The library will make a special effort to provide a collection of high quality, attractive library materials for its younger patrons. While popularity is an important factor in the selection of children’s and young adult materials attention will be paid to collecting educationally important materials and those that have received favorable reviews.
It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to supervise their own children’s reading. What one family finds to be important for its children may be deemed inappropriate by another family. The library cannot enforce each family’s own standards of what is appropriate for each child.
Video Recordings
Video materials that are produced primarily for school use and are of little interest to the general public will be avoided. Instead, the library collects a variety of children’s and adult materials that reflect current interest and popularity.
Donated Materials
Gifts, either new or used, accepted into the collection must meet the same criteria as purchased materials. Physical condition is an important factor in accepting gift materials. Materials not accepted into the library’s collection, but thought to have some value will be used in a book sale or program.
The library may use part of a donation, but not all, or part of a set but not all. Donors may not set circulation policies different from the library’s normal policies. The library will deselect donated materials by the same criteria as other parts of the collection.
Each donor will be informed of this policy and may choose to take back materials not accepted into the collection. The library cannot issue receipts that estimate the monetary value of donated used materials.
Memorial gifts or items donated to honor any person living or dead will be accepted subject to the same criteria that purchased materials meet. The Library Director will work with donors to select items that meet the library’s needs, serve as a fitting memorial to the person being honored and fit the donor’s monetary guidelines. The donor can place a bookplate inside the front cover mentioning the honoree, the occasion, and the donor as appropriate.
Deselection of Library Materials
As library collections age, they deteriorate physically, become outdated or lose their popularity. Very few libraries can continue to grow physically to accommodate every item ever acquired. Factors to consider in deselecting materials include: the declining accuracy of the information, the presence in the collection of newer, more authoritative materials on the same topic, the declining popularity of an item, the deteriorating physical condition of the item, the attractiveness of illustrations and cover art. As parts of a working library, memorials and other gifts must be subject to the same deselection process as other materials except that memorial gifts in good physical condition will not be removed from the collection for at least ten years from their acquisition.
Circulation and Interlibrary Loans
The Helix Public Library makes a variety of materials available to all persons on an equal basis. Materials belonging to Helix are lent to other libraries free of charge through ILL. Reference materials are not lent through ILL. All residents of Helix and the Umatilla Co. Special Library District are eligible to borrow books and other materials from each library through the ILL system free of charge.
With certain exceptions, most materials may be checked out for three weeks. Magazines and videos circulate for seven days.
- Renewals are permitted, with the exception of materials on reserve. Two 21-day renewals are allowed.
- Normal loan limits may be extended with permission for circumstances such as illness or vacations.
- Current issues of magazines, newspapers and reference materials do not circulate.
- There is a limit of five videos per library card and ten books.
Fines and Replacement fees
- Fines of .20 cents a day per item with a $5 threshold are put in place when items are late. Until the fine is paid, new items cannot be checked out.
- Lost or damaged items will be replaced by patron with the exact title or charged a replacement fee for a new item.
Computer/Internet Use Policy
The Helix Public Library provides access to computers and the internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the community. The use of computers is a privilege, not a right. The privilege requires users to be a library patron in good standing which means that all library materials are returned and no outstanding overdue fines are in place. If library materials are overdue, lost or damaged these items must be paid for before the use of a computer is granted. A permission slip is available for minors. Parents or guardians need to give permission for their child to use computers and the internet service.
Users are responsible for properly closing their internet sessions before leaving their workstation. Internet users are reminded of the rights of other library users, particularly minors, not to be inadvertently exposed to material and/or images they or their parent/legal guardian may find objectionable.
Public Relations/Service Priorities
In recognition of the Helix Public Library’s responsibility to maintain continuing communication and services with users of the library’s services, the following objectives have been established.
- Promote community awareness of library services to present and potential users.
- Continuing education opportunities shall be made available to library staff members to assure courteous, efficient and friendly contact with patrons.
- Local media shall be utilized to keep the public aware of and informed about library resources and services.
- The library may sponsor programs, classes and other library-centered activities and shall cooperate with other groups in organizing these to fulfill the community’s needs for educational, cultural, informational or recreational opportunities.
- Grant applications or donation seeking is encouraged to supplement budget and in turn help with services provided.
- Children’s services are scheduled during the year and are a priority in our community.
- A copier and laminator are available for public use. Copies are .10 cents each and laminations are $1.00 each.
Emergency Closing
Emergencies or catastrophes, including, but not limited to extreme weather, utility failure, fire, pandemic or explosion may require closing the library. The primary consideration in any emergency is the safety of all persons in the building. The Library Director is authorized to close the library when these situations arise. If work needs to be done remotely during a closure, library staff will be compensated for those hours.
Holiday Closure
The library will be closed in observance of the following paid holidays:
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Library Board of Trustees
The Library Board of Trustees is the library’s selected governing body with five members approved by the Helix City Council. The Helix Library Board shall act as an Advisory Board and is responsible for supporting the Director and making recommendations to the City of Helix.
The Board delegates to the Library Director direct responsibility for personnel, collection development and other operations conducted in accordance with general policies approved by the Board. Meetings are held in compliance with the Open Meeting Law.
Service Hours
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-6:00 pm
CONTACT PHONE: 541 457-6130
WEBSITE:
http://helixlibrary.weebly.com
EMAIL:
[email protected]