Library Policies

MISSION STATEMENT

The Chelmsford Public Library provides a welcoming, inviting public space for users of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The Library seeks to be an integral part of its community by offering a variety of materials, services, and programs to enrich daily lives, extend personal and intellectual development, and enhance educational endeavors. Users will be assisted by a friendly, knowledgeable staff committed to excellent customer service; collections will reflect diverse interests, ideas, and information, and the library facility will exist for both library and community activities.

Approved by the Library Trustees, January 20, 1993
Revised, June 9, 1999

LONG RANGE PLAN FY2007 [pdf]

SECTION I: PERSONNEL

Please contact Library Administration 978-256-5521 x100 for information.

SECTION II: LIBRARY SERVICES

2.1     PUBLIC SERVICE POLICY
2.2     CIRCULATION POLICIES
2.3     PATRON INFORMATION POLICY
2.4     INTERLIBRARY LOAN / NETWORK TRANSFERS
2.5     USE OF THE LIBRARY
2.5-1 APPROPRIATE LIBRARY BEHAVIOR
2.5-2 UNATTENDED CHILDREN
2.6     CHILDREN'S SERVICES
2.6-1 SAFE CHILD POLICY
2.7     REFERENCE SERVICE
2.8     COMPUTER USE POLICY
2.9     INTERNET POLICY
2.9-1 HYPERLINK POLICY
2.10   HOMEBOUND SERVICE
2.11   MEETING ROOM POLICIES, PROCEDURE
2.13   PUBLICITY IN LIBRARY FACILITIES
2.14   ART EXHIBIT POLICY
2.15   PUBLIC DISPLAY/NON-ART POLICY
2.16   GROUP VISITS
2.17   LOST & FOUND ITEMS POLICY

SECTION III: LIBRARY BUILDINGS / EMERGENCIES

3.1   ACCIDENTS / INCIDENTS
3.2   STORM PROCEDURES / CLOSINGS
3.3   TELECOMMUNICATIONS GUIDELINES
3.4   EMERGENCY EVACUATION
3.5   SAFETY AT CLOSING POLICY
3.6   PERSON IN CHARGE
3.7   PAGING SYSTEM GUIDELINES

SECTION IV: COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

4.1   LIBRARY PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES
4.2   MATERIALS SELECTION
4.3   GIFTS AND DONATIONS
4.4   ACQUISITIONS

APPENDIX

1. ALA Freedom to Read Statement
   ALA Code of Ethics
   ALA Library Bill of Rights
   How Does the Federal Patriot Act affect your right to privacy?
2. Materials Reconsideration Request Form [pdf]
3. Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
4. Customer Service Handbook, Town of Chelmsford