Mission Statement

The mission of the Hillsboro Public Library is to provide materials and services to help community residents of all ages and cultural backgrounds to meet their informational, educational, professional, and recreational needs.  Materials are collected, organized, and made conveniently accessible in various formats and ability levels.  Services are provided in a friendly and timely manner.

Special emphasis is placed on obtaining current, popular materials in various formats, providing information in a cost-efficient manner, stimulating children’s interests and appreciation for reading and learning, and supporting students.

Because a democracy is maintained by an informed citizenry, the City of Hillsboro promotes lifelong use of its libraries as resources for daily living and decision-making.

Rules of Behavior in the Hillsboro Public Library

The Hillsboro Library Board is committed to providing an atmosphere where people of all ages may come to read, browse, do research, or study in safe, clean, and quiet surroundings.  This policy does not prohibit quiet conversation between patrons and/or staff members or conversations required to conduct library business.  It is designed to preserve a reasonably quiet atmosphere where library patrons may use library services and materials without disturbance.  Please respect the right of everyone in the Library to enjoy a pleasant environment.

While in the Library, please do:

• Abide by all Library rules and policies and procedures and comply with requests of Library staff.
• Obey all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Report immediately any behavior that is disruptive, threatening, abusive, bothersome, or questionable in any way.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Turn off or disable any audible devices or equipment before entering the Library (cellular phones, pagers, radios, toys, etc.).
• Respect other users’ privacy.
• Park bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, etc., outside.
• Wear footgear and shirts.
• Remain on the premises to supervise children under the age of 11.
• Adhere to the posted Internet Access and Computer Use Policy
• Check out your library materials before leaving.

Please do not engage in prohibited behavior:

• Smoke inside the library or outside near the front door.
• Eat in stacks, reading, or computer areas.
• Bring pets into the library.
• Remain on the premises after the posted library hours.
• Enter areas posted for use by library staff only.
• Run, engage in loud, boisterous behavior or create a public disturbance.
• Disobey the reasonable direction of a library staff member.
• Bring into the building large bags or bundles which create an obstacle or take up seating.
• Disturb others because of poor personal hygiene.
• Use the restrooms to bathe, shave, wash hair, etc.
• Place feet on furniture.
• Sleep, loiter, or camp on library premises.
• Panhandle or solicit for sales or charity.
• Conduct surveys, petitions or distribute material within the library.

Do not engage in illegal behavior:

• Harass patrons or staff.
• Damage or deface library property.
• Possess, sell, distribute, consume or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
• Engage in sexual conduct.
• Possess weapons on the premises.

Inappropriate behavior includes any activity that disturbs others, interferes with library operations or the rights of other patrons, monopolizes library resources, creates a safety risk to self or others or damages or has the potential to damage library materials, facilities, and property, as well as rudeness, profanity, or any other behavior generally considered unacceptable in a public place.

This policy has been established for all patrons.  If a patron is not responsive to the needs of other library users or disregards the policies protecting patrons, staff, and library property, the patron will be asked to leave the library.  In addition to the above, violation of any Federal or State statute or local ordinance will be regarded as a violation of library rules.  Any illegal activity will be immediately reported to the Hillsboro Police Department.

The City of Hillsboro reserves the right to suspend the library privileges of any individual who willfully violates library regulations, creates disorder, or engages in illegal activity.  Individuals may be issued an exclusion notice per Hillsboro Municipal Code 12.28.100-120 and may be served with a criminal trespass notice, up to and including exclusion.

Internet Access and Computer Use Policy

Purpose

The Hillsboro Public Libraries’ mission is to provide materials and services to help community residents of all ages and cultural backgrounds to meet their informational, educational, professional, and recreational needs. The libraries provide access to a variety of information resources, including those available through the Internet.  It is the libraries’ intent that access to the Internet be provided primarily to serve patrons’ research needs.

Librarians reserve the right to interrupt non-research Internet activity so that others may use the stations for research.  Be considerate in your use of the Internet.  You are in a public place where children may be present.

 Internet computers will not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials which by local community standards would be obscene.

 Users need to be at least eight years of age to use the Internet stations without close adult supervision since basic reading, writing, typing, and familiarity with computer machinery are necessary for appropriate use of the equipment.

Optional Use of Internet Filters

In the adult reference areas, most of the Internet access computers are filtered by default but give the user the option of turning the filter off at the start of the session.  Users should be aware that filtering software is far from perfect; it does allow some inappropriate content to pass through and can also block appropriate sites from view.  The youth computers are filtered all the time, with no option to turn the filter off.

Rules of Computer Use in Adult Reference Areas

The Library Rules of Behavior also apply to patrons using computers.  In addition:

1. Each user is limited to 1 hour per day.  Computers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Reservations are not available.
2. Vewing sexually explicit sites or playing online games is not permitted.
3. Users must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by Library staff.
4. Users will respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
5. Users will not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.
6. Users will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
7. By mutual agreement, two or more persons may share one access session as long as their behavior and conversation does not disturb other users or library staff and they do not physically block or impede access within the library.
8. Printing costs 10 cents per side printed, and applies whether the user brings paper or uses library paper. 
9. Selected stations allow users to save documents or personal files to a floppy drive.  The computers do not allow users to permanently save to the hard drive.  The Library is not responsible for loss of data that may occur when saving documents.  Documents are not saved when a computer station times out.

Children’s Computer Stations

The Library Board has installed software designed to filter sexually explicit content on the Internet computers in the children’s areas of our buildings.  The Board recognizes that filtering software is far from perfect and no filtering system is an absolute guard against objectionable content or a substitute for parental supervision.  It is the libraries’ policy that responsibility for a minor’s use of library resources, including the Internet, must rest with the parent or guardian, not with the libraries.  Librarians cannot know the maturity of every child nor know every parent’s wishes in this area.  As with other library materials, supervision or restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

Playing simple games is allowed on the computers in the youth area.  However, the Library reserves the right to block any sites or activities that degrade computer network performance.

If someone is waiting to use a computer station in the Youth Services area, use is limited to 30 minutes per session, up to 1 hour per day.  Students (preschool through grade 12) have priority use at all times; however, adults may use the youth area computers during school hours or when no children are waiting to use them.

Wireless Network

The library provides a wireless network at the Main facility.  Patrons may use their own portable computers to access the Internet through the wireless network.  Patrons using the network must comply with the “Rules of Computer Use in Adult Reference Areas” (see above) except that users are not subject to time restrictions.

The network may not be used to send “spam” email.  Users may not make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance or obstruct other people’s work by consuming excessive system resources.

Disclaimer

The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information.  However, it is important that users realize the Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and information content and that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information.  It is up to the user to evaluate the validity of information found.  It is also important to note that the libraries cannot completely censor access to materials or protect users from materials they may find offensive.

Users should be aware that it is their responsibility to protect their privacy while sending information via the Internet.  Interactions involving personal information such as credit card numbers, home address and phone, etc. should be used with caution.

In order to allow sufficient access to the Library catalog and subscription Internet research sources, some terminals may be restricted to use of Library databases.  For library network security reasons, personally owned computers shall not be connected to the Internet utilizing any of the connections provided by the Hillsboro Public Library

Internet and Software Instruction

In order to serve all patrons’ needs, the library reference staff may only be available for limited assistance at the computer terminals.  Therefore, users are expected to use software applications and explore the Internet on their own.

Privacy Protection

Although privacy screens are available, users should also be aware that library Internet terminals are in a public area and offer little privacy for the individual user.  The staff does reserve the right to ask a patron not to access a site that displays images that may be offensive to other library users.

The library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of library patrons and will only disclose your records as required to do so by law.  Every public access Internet workstation in the library uses software that essentially destroys the content of each user’s session at log off.

The Library Bill of Rights

The Hillsboro Library Board endorses the American Library Association’s document “Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks: an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.” http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/electacc.html

Programming 

The Hillsboro Public Library will present programs that offer information, education, and recreation to the residents of our community.  These programs will often be presented in cooperation with other agencies and institutions as well as other public and private resources.

As part of the Library’s role as an educational and cultural community center, programs will be planned to meet the interests and needs of the community.  Programs will also help the library to meet information needs, to enhance and extend the library collections and to promote and increase awareness of library materials and services.

Programs may represent the wide range of ideas and views contained in our materials collection and will represent the library’s philosophy of free access to information.  The ultimate responsibility for selection of library programs rests with the Hillsboro Library Board.

Library sponsored programs will be free and open to the public.  Programs will not be allowed to serve as a platform for generating income for any sponsoring group or individual, except funds to support the library.  Products or services will not be sold during the presentation at the library.  Excepted from this are authors who come to speak about books they have authored and performers who have recordings available for sale.  Books or recordings related to the presentation may be sold before or after the presentation.

In our promotion of programs, organization names or business affiliations will be used.  This does not constitute endorsement, merely acknowledgment.

Confidentialty of Library Records and the USA Patriot Act

Hillsboro Public Library recognizes that all Library users, regardless of age, have a right to privacy regarding questions asked and materials used or borrowed. 

Circulation records, including information which identifies materials checked out by a customer currently or in the past, will not be divulged voluntarily to anyone except the customer or someone who can produce the customer's Library card number.  Circulation records subpoenaed by a court of competent jurisdiction for a legal proceeding will be released by the Library Director, or her designee, if the subpoena is legal and binding upon the Library.

Registration records, the information required of the customer by the Library in order to obtain a Library card, will be released by the Library Director, or her designee, only as required by law.

After a question has been answered, in no case will the Library keep a record of the question that includes the customer's name.  Work notes used in answering questions will be divulged only to other Library employees involved in working on the same question.

Circulation and registration records may be used only by a Library employee working within the scope of his/her duties or by outside agencies charged with the enforcement of Library rules and policies or collection of Library property, unpaid fees, fines or other charges.

RATIONALE

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of Library users is a paramount Library value.  Oregon's public records law, under ORS 192.502(22), establishes an exemption from disclosure without conditions for:

The records of a Library, including circulation records, showing use of specific Library materials by a named person or consisting of the name of a Library patron together with the address or telephone number, or both, of the patron.

This law allows the Library to set policies to protect Library circulation and registration records from disclosure, in setting these policies, the Library tries to strike a balance between the privacy of the user and convenience for that same user.

APPLICATION

This policy applies to all requests for information about a Library user, including whether or not the person has a Library card, who is registered to a particular barcode, who has checked out particular books, address or telephone number information connected to a Library record, or any other information retrievable from the records.  The rights of all customers regardless of age are the same under this policy and are to be respected equally.  Requests for information pursuant to legal or law enforcement investigations are to be handled according to the policy outlined below.  Library employees are allowed access to this information only to carry out legitimate work duties.

PROCEDURES

Following are the most common situations that may arise and how each should be handled based upon the policy:

1. An individual who has the Library card number in any form or has supplied acceptable ID to prove that the individual is the cardholder has full access to all information contained in the record and may checkout material.

 An individual does not have access to the information on another customer's record without having the cardholder's Library card or number.  This includes, but is not limited to, titles of items checked out, number of items checked out, titles of items which are overdue or may not be renewed, address, telephone number or other registration information.  At the point items become overdue, records pertaining to those items will become open to the person financially responsible for payment of monies owing.

It is the customer's responsibility to inform the Library if the Library card is no longer in his/her possession, or he believes someone has obtained his Library card or Library card number and is using it without his permission

2. These actions MAY be done without the Library card or Library card number by an individual other than the cardholder:

a. Materials may be renewed by another individual, but the receipt listing the titles will not given to anyone but the cardholder.

b. Balance of charges due may be given to another individual, but the screen printout listing titles will only be given to the cardholder or to the person who is the financially responsible party.

c. Address or telephone number changes may be taken from another individual in order to update records, but the address and/or telephone number already entered in the customer's record is not to be divulged.

d. A report of a lost or stolen card may be taken, and the status of the card may be changed.

e. Payment for charges may be accepted.  Receipts for payments which are automatically generated by the receipt printer are not given unless the individual already knows the titles which generated the charges, or if the individual is the person financially responsible.  If the individual does not know the titles and wishes a receipt, a generic receipt may be completed with the customer's name, date paid, amount paid, and agency at which it is paid.

3. A customer may pick up material that is being held for a different individual if the customer has the card or card number for the other person.  If a customer indicates he/she has received a call to pick up material, and no material can be located under his/her name, ask if the customer has the card or number of other members of his/her household for whom the call may have been intended.

If the individual does not have a Library card with him/her, then:

a. If the hold is for the person picking up the material, you may check out the material to him/her after obtaining acceptable identification.

b. If the hold is being picked up by someone other than the card holder, the material is checked out only on the card of the individual picking up the material if he/she knows the titles being held or the general subject.

4. Following are some legal or law enforcement situations that may occur and how to proceed:

a. A law enforcement official requests information as to the name and/or address of the customer who checked out material recovered at the scene of a crime, etc.

This information would be denied.  Explain to the individual that this information is confidential and may not be released.  If the individual inquires as to how the information may be obtained, explain that a subpoena would be necessary.  All subpoenas are directed to the Library Director's office.

b. An individual asks for information regarding a particular borrower, such as the address, and that individual has the Library card in hand.  In the course of your conversation with the individual, you learn that it is a law enforcement official who has recovered the card at a crime scene, or it is a private individual who has found the customer's wallet and wishes to contact the customer.

The information would be denied.  The reason for this is that it is not reasonable to assume that this person has the cardholder's permission to have access to their record.

It is appropriate to take the name and telephone number of the individual and explain that we will try to contact the cardholder and pass on a message.  The status of the Library card is to be changed to lost with a special message explaining the circumstances.

Information may be released upon presentation of documentation that this is a true representation of the situation.

USA PATRIOT ACT

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism

 The USA Patriot Act, enacted October 26, 2001, broadly expands law enforcement authority for investigating cases involving foreign intelligence and international terrorism.  The Act amends over 15 federal statutes including criminal procedures, computer fraud and abuse, foreign intelligence, wiretapping, immigration, and the privacy of student records.  These amendments increase FBI and law enforcement authority to gain access to business records, medical records, educational records and Library records, including stored electronic data and communications.  They also expand the laws governing wiretaps and "trap and trace" phone devices to Internet and electronic communications. 

 There are many questions about how to comply with the Act, and how it relates to state and local privacy laws and practices.  The issues are complex and will be sorted out over time.  The enhanced surveillance procedures of the Act may challenge privacy and confidentiality in the Library.

Protecting user privacy and confidentiality has long been an integral part of the public Library mission and of Hillsboro Public Library.  ORS 192.502 (22) provides a legal basis for treating Library records with privacy and confidentiality.  That law exempts from disclosure circulation records showing use of specific Library material by a named person, or the name of a Library patron together with the address or telephone number, or both.  The Library has defined Library records broadly to include computer logs, Internet sign-up sheets, call slips, and similar records created by the Library.

The purpose of this document is to remind staff of the Library's practices regarding requests for access to Library records.  Only the Library Director, acting with the advice of the City Attorney, may authorize release of patron records.  Therefore, record requests or court orders or warrants for Library records received by any Library employee or volunteer must be referred to the Library Director.  Likewise, requests or court orders to install surveillance technology on Library computers or other surveillance must be referred to the Library Director.

1. What is the USA Patriot Act?

On October 25, 2001, Congress passed the “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act” (USA PATRIOT Act.)  The Act broadly expands law enforcement’s surveillance and investigative powers.

2. How are requests under the USA Patriot Act different from requests the Library has had in the past?

Typically, a court of competent jurisdiction must subpoena requests for patron records.  The Library Director released the records if the subpoena is legal and binding upon the Library.  The Director or her designee determines this on the advice of the City Attorney.

It is not clear how requests for information will be presented to us under the Act.  Some requests will be the same as in past instances: that is, oral and informal, progressing to a subpoena or court order, in a few cases.  Under the Act, requests may also come in the form of a search warrant from law enforcement authorities.  Inquiries may or may not be identified as being made under the Patriot Act, or for purposes of homeland security.  Experience will tell us this.

3; Does the USA Patriot Act change the procedures staff should follow concerning requests for patron records, including from law enforcement authorities?

No.  The procedure remains the same as outlined in the Library’s policy on Confidentiality of Library Records.  This policy is located in the Board Policy Manual.  Please review the policy and the procedures therein.

4. What is the protocol for referring requests to the appropriate authority in the Library?

The protocol for referring requests is as follows.  Library personnel should:

• The supervisor/PIC explains that the Library Director or her designee authorizes requests (in any form), and,
• Expedites this by informing the Director and helping the person presenting the request to make contact with the Director.
• In the event that the Director is not available, designees including the following:
• Assistant Library Director
• Reference and Adult Services Manager
• Youth Services Manager

5.         What if the request is after normal Library business hours?

The protocol for reporting the request is the same as for other incidents requiring a Library official.

• The supervisor or PIC should contact the Library Director or her designee at home.
• During all other Library hours, the supervisor or PIC will determine the urgency of contacting the Library Director or her designee.

6. What if the law enforcement authority insists on executing a search warrant; for instance, confiscating computers?

In this event, staff should obtain a copy of the warrant, the identity of the presenting authority and a receipt for property removed from the Library.  Identity of the presenting authority includes: name, agency, and identification number, such as a badge number.  Library personnel should not challenge such action.  They should report the incident as soon as possible to the supervisor/PIC or directly to the Director’s office, or to her designee, whichever is most expeditious.

7. I have heard that the USA Patriot Act includes a “gag” provision.  Does this mean I may not speak about requests for information or related actions at all?

The “gag” provision means that you cannot inform the person about whom the information is requested, nor speak to co-workers, press, or to other government officials about the inquiry.

As a matter of course, you must refer and report only to a higher authority within the Library.  To disclose the information more broadly, whether inside or outside of the Library, is a potential liability for the employee, the Library, and the City.

You may convey the information about the incident to Library officials at the appropriate levels.  You are acting within the scope of your job to refer requests for Library records to the Director’s office and to report related incidents. In our Library, the Director is authorized to release records, acting on the advice of the City Attorney.  The Library Director delegates to Library persons-in-charge authority to handle and report incidents.

8. What is an appropriate response to questions from the public about the Library’s position on the USA Patriot Act and about the Library’s practices relative to the Act?

The US Patriot Act is law, and the Library will comply with it, as we are required to do.  The Library’s long-standing policies relating to privacy and confidentiality of information sought and received, developed with the advice of the City Attorney, have not changed as a result of the Act.  These policies protect the confidentiality of patron records subject to state and federal laws.  We will respond to specific requests for information as we have done in the past, that is, in keeping with these policies and procedures.

9. In regard to Library confidentiality of user records, what kind of information does the Library keep about books checked out or other information services used by patrons?

A patron’s Library record includes name and mailing address.  This identifying information is retained as long as the patron continues to use the Library card.  The Library also maintains current information: items currently checked out or on hold, as well as overdue materials and fines.  The Library does not routinely maintain a history of what a customer has previously checked out once books and materials are returned on time.  At the customer’s initiative, he or she may choose to use the library’s automated system to keep a record of the items he or she has checked out.  This information is also confidential.  Similarly, the Library’s computer search stations are programmed to delete the history of Internet use and information searches once an individual session is completed.  The Library treats reference questions, whether in person or online, confidentially.  Personal identifying information related to these questions is purged on an ongoing basis.  Refer to the accompanying table for a more detailed description of information retained.

These USA PATRIOT Act Guidelines have been adapted with permission from those established by the Multnomah County Library.  For more information, see this website:  http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/usapatriotact.html

YOUTH SAFETY

The library has adopted the following policy to provide security for youth using the libraries.  Library staff members attempt to ensure the safety of children in the library, but their duties as providers of library services prevent them from being able to supervise each individual child in the library.  Therefore, when children are using the library, it is the responsibility of parents, not that of the library staff, to supervise their children.  Parents and guardians may designate a responsible adult to act as their representative for a child in the library.

Staff are responsible for:

• being familiar with and following the guidelines of the City of Hillsboro Personnel Policies: 7.6 Corrective Action, Discipline, Dismissal and Appeal; 7.4 Harassment; and 8.1 Violence in the Workplace
• using the buddy system and having two adults present at all times during any excursions involving youth off Library premises, and avoiding one-on-one contact with youth during any excursions and events.
• refraining from unacceptable behavior that falls into three basic categories:
1. behaviors that are clearly unacceptable such as grabbing someone inappropriately, voicing insults, blocking someone’s way, or stalking.
2. behaviors that are offensive to some people such as telling off-color jokes, using suggestive inflection or tone of voice, swearing, displaying pictures, and teasing.
3. behaviors that may or may not be offensive depending on how they are done such as touching, giving compliments, or asking someone out on a date.

 Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that:

• Children act in accordance with the library rules.
• Children’s behavior does not present a safety hazard to themselves, other users, or library property.
• Children’s behavior does not interfere with the use of the library by others.  Children left unattended are vulnerable and may become frightened or anxious.  If left unsupervised for an extended period of time, they can become restless and bored, disturbing the enjoyment and study of others.

Suggestions for parents and guardians:

• Introduce children to library staff and assure them that if they were ever to become lost or frightened, staff members are there to help.
• The library can be a very busy place, and it is open to the public.  Make sure children know that if they should ever feel uneasy or uncomfortable with another person in the building, they should tell a staff member immediately.
• Parents should be familiar with the library hours of operation and should not leave children at the library before opening or after closing.

Unacceptable behaviors will not be tolerated.  Violations of these policies and rules by Library employees are subject to discipline, up to and including termination.  Violations of these policies and rules by patrons may result in expulsion from Library premises.  Serious violations by anyone may also result in prosecution under state and/or federal law.

LETTER TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS ON CHILDREN’S LIBRARY CARDS

Congratulations!  Your child has recently received a library card from the Hillsboro Public Library system.  This card allows FREE access and checkout privileges to thousands of books, magazines, CD’s, videos, DVDs, and other resources at all public libraries in Washington County.  The card represents an important step in your child’s educational and recreational experience, as well as a major step in learning responsibility.

It is both the right and responsibility of parents to guide their children in making reading and viewing choices since public libraries contain information and materials representing a broad spectrum of values and ideas, as well as a wide variety of interests and abilities.  The library staff does not act in the place of parents; it is up to each family to set guidelines for use of library materials.  The following information is provided to help you guide your child’s responsible use of the library.

Due to limitations in our online checkout system, borrower barcode numbers that are blocked for any reason are not able to renew items via the Internet.

• FAMILY GUIDELINES:  The library does own R-rated movies that your children can check out unless you stipulate that they be blocked from doing so.  To put this restriction on your under-17 child’s borrowing, please fill out the form below under “Motion Picture Association of America ‘R’ rating” and give it to a Clerk at the Checkout Desk or mail it to the library:  Hillsboro Public Library 775 SE Tenth Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97123.
• PRIVACY RIGHTS:  The library protects the privacy of its cardholders.  The Library Circulation Policy states we cannot give out information about materials borrowed to anyone other than the cardholder.  If a parent or other family member is picking up an item that is on hold for a child, or seeks information about what is checked out on a card, they must have the child’s card with them or know the card number of the child.
• FINES & FEES:  Library materials can be very expensive and charges will be made for lost, damaged or overdue items.  Show your child how to treat library materials with care.  Even if a child’s friend or pet does the damage, charges will be placed on the account of the child whose card was used to check the item out.  Please note:  A parent or guardian is financially responsible for all charges on their child’s library card.  Overdue fines for entertainment DVDs are $1.00 per item per day.  Other materials are 15 cents per item per day.
• INTERNET:  Access to the Internet is open to all.  Internet stations in the Youth Services areas employ filtering software.  Those in the Reference area employ filtering software with the option for patrons to choose not to filter.  Those in the Digital Bridge/Puente Digital area at Shute Park are currently not filtered.  It is a parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to provide guidance in its use.  To assist you, the document “Child Safety on the Information Highway” may be viewed at this Internet address:  http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm and the document “Parents’ Guide to the Information Superhighway” may be viewed at this Internet address:  http://www.childrenspartnership.org/.

• SAFETY:  Young people of all ages are welcome in the library.  Because of safety concerns, library policy states, “Children under the age of 11 shall, at all times, be attended and adequately supervised by a parent, another adult, or a responsible adolescent while using the libraries to find materials or to study.”  This includes children’s use of technology.
• HOMEWORK:  To help students develop good study skills, encourage them to take the lead role in doing their own homework and research.  Students should plan ahead for their assignments, since needed materials are often checked out but may be borrowed from other Washington County libraries within a few days’ time.
• RENEWALS:  Most materials can be renewed twice, if no one else has reserved them.  Items must be renewed on or before the date that the item is due in order to avoid overdue charges.  On-line renewals are available through the website:  www.wccls.org.  For automated telephone renewals, please call 503-846-3245. We encourage families to use the library together and we hope this background information is of help to your family.  If you have questions regarding any aspect of your child’s library use, please let us know.

• MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA “R” RATING:

R:  Restricted, Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent Or Adult Guardian:      “In the opinion of the Rating Board, this film definitely contains some adult material.  Parents are strongly urged to find out more about this film before they allow their children to accompany them.  An R-rated film may include hard language, or tough violence, or nudity within sensual scenes, or drug abuse or other elements, or a combination of some of the above, so that parents are counseled, in advance, to take this advisory rating very seriously.  Parents must find out more about an R-rated movie before they allow their teenagers to view it.”

If desired, bring this information to the Circulation Desk at the Hillsboro Library:

I want my child’s library card annotated so that he/she will not be allowed to check out R-rated videos from the library.

Parent’s name (please print)                                                                             

Parent’s signature

Date

Address                  

Phone

Child’s Name 

Child’s date of birth                                   

Child’s library card barcode number  

UNSUPERVISED AND UNATTENDED CHILDREN

This policy is intended to be a guideline to staff and to establish enforceable boundaries regarding the behavior of children in a public place.  However, it is necessary to exercise professional judgment, as each situation is different.  Enforcement based on age alone, for example, or on the measurable distance of the parent from the child in the building, is not a good use of the policy.  The circumstances of each family’s actions while using the public library should be taken into account.  Examples follow the policy to provide guidance in this area.

The staff of the Hillsboro Public Library occasionally experience behavioral problems with children who are not adequately supervised or are left unattended in the libraries.  The following policy shall apply:

• Persons using the library are required to produce identification upon request by library staff.
• Children under the age of 11 shall, at all times, be attended and adequately supervised by a parent, another adult, or a responsible adolescent while using the libraries to find materials or to study.  When children are not adequately supervised or are engaging in behavior which is disturbing others or the operation of the library, the library staff will attempt to locate the person in charge of the children and discuss the problem.  Should behavior which violates the library’s Policy on Behavior continue on that or later occasions, staff have the authority to ask the children and the person in charge of the children to leave the premises.  If the person in charge of the children under the age of 11 cannot be located, the children will be referred to the Hillsboro Police Department for their own safety.
• Children aged 11 to 18 are responsible for their own behavior.  When they are engaging in behavior which is disturbing others or the operation of the libraries, the problem may be discussed with them at the time.  Should the behavior continue on that or later occasions, staff have the authority to ask them to leave the premises.
• During library programs, persons responsible for the activity and behavior of children aged five and younger should remain in the activity area with the children unless crowding requires that adults be asked to leave the room.  Persons responsible for the activity and behavior of children aged 6 through 10 may leave the activity area during library-sponsored programs but should remain within the library.  If responsible parties find it necessary to leave the library, the children should be provided with a note concerning how they may be reached in case of an emergency, and the responsible parties are required to return by the time the program is scheduled to be over or the Police may be contacted for the safety of the children.

DISPLAY AND DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE

Bulletin Board/Display Policy

1. Space permitting, the Hillsboro Public Library, at Main and at Shute Park, will post for display announcements for regional events and ongoing programs of cultural, educational, recreational and social service interest.
2. Items will only be posted by library staff, or designated volunteers, who will follow guidelines developed by library management under this policy.
3. Library programs and library-sponsored events will receive top priority.
4. No signs advertising sales of products or services will be posted.
5. Posting of an announcement or distribution of printed materials does not indicate library or City endorsement, approval, or responsibility for content or activity listed therein.
6. In all instances, the Hillsboro Public Library reserves the right to refuse to post or refuse to distribute any announcement or publication.

Policy on printed materials for distribution

1. Individuals are strictly forbidden to distribute advertising literature inside the libraries, to circulate or post petitions, or to solicit funds for any purpose. 
2. The libraries will not act as agents to sell any type of materials, except on the behalf of the Hillsboro Library Board, the Library Foundation of Hillsboro, and/or the Friends of Hillsboro Public Library.
3. As space permits, the libraries will perform the function of distribution center for free printed materials.  Space for distribution of these materials is provided as a public service. 
4. Priority is given to materials most frequently requested by the public.

HILLSBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOMS

There is one meeting room at the  Main Library and another meeting room at the Shute Park Branch Library.  These meeting rooms are primarily intended for the Library’s use and for programs sponsored or co-sponsored by the Library.  As a community service, these rooms may also be used by non-profit community organizations, when they are not needed for Library activities.

Use of the meeting rooms does not constitute an endorsement by the City of Hillsboro or by the Library of the viewpoints expressed by participants in the program or meeting.  All publicity shall carry the name of the organization sponsoring the program or meeting.  The Library shall not be identified or implied as a sponsor.

• Public meeting rooms may only be reserved by non-profit organizations.
• There is no charge for use of meeting rooms.
• Rooms may not be used by the public for private social events such as birthday parties or wedding or baby showers.
• Gatherings in these facilities are considered open, public meetings that anyone may attend.
• The meeting rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis only during regular open hours of the Library.
• An organization may have a maximum of two reservations at any given time.
• Reservations may be made up to three months in advance and should be made at least 24 hours before intended use.
• Groups holding reservations must notify the Library at least two days in advance of any cancellation.
• Requests for using the rooms will by made using the Library’s online application form.  The organization representative will receive confirmation when approved.  The meeting rooms will not be considered “scheduled” until confirmation is sent.
• Groups are responsible for their own set-up/clean-up of tables, chairs, and equipment and should allow time needed for this in their reservations.
• Groups using the meeting room must abide by the Rules of Behavior in the Hillsboro Public Library except that light refreshments may be served.
• The Library retains the right to use the meeting room for its own purposes at any time and will give reasonable notice if it is ever necessary to cancel or change a reservation.
• Reserved meeting room use is not allowed to serve as a platform to generate income for any group or individual.  No exchange of monies is allowed in connection with, prior to, during, or as a result of any events held in Library facilities or on the premises.  Four exceptions are noted below:
• Library-sponsored programs which garner funds to support the Library are allowed.
• Piano teachers are allowed to reserve the meeting room for student recitals (at Main only).
• The Friends of the Hillsboro Public Library, the Library Foundation of Hillsboro, City of Hillsboro Departments, AARP Tax Aide, Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS), the Washington County Commission on Children and Families (WCCF), and Portland Community College are allowed to charge fees and/or to have more than two reservations at one time.
• Meeting room use by tutors and their students are allowed under certain circumstances.  The meeting rooms may not be reserved for private tutoring or study sessions.  However, if a meeting room is not in use when a tutor/student(s) arrive at the Library, the tutor/student(s) may use the meeting room with the knowledge that:
• they are expected to abide by all policies established for meeting room use, including cleaning up and vacating the room before any scheduled groups arrive, and
• other drop-in groups or other drop-in tutor/student(s) will be allowed to use the room at the same time, and
• the tutor/student(s) may be asked to leave the meeting room if Library staff/volunteers need use of the room.
• All groups must enter and exit through the front door except in emergencies.
• Attendance will be limited to the room capacity posted by the Fire Marshall.
• Smoking or alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
• Red or dark-colored punch is not allowed.
• Candles or any fire-lighted materials are not allowed.
• Activity involving and/or causing abnormal wear and tear on any part of the facility is not allowed.
• Paints, stains, adhesives or similar materials are not allowed.
• Children must be supervised by an adult.
• No non-emergency Library telephone usage is available.
• Storage for meeting materials is not available for groups or individuals.
• The piano (at Main only) must be covered with the protector when not in use and should not be moved.  Patrons not having arranged for the use of the piano must not uncover or play the piano.
• Other musical instruments or other activities which may create noise, including singing or whistling, are not allowed in the meeting rooms unless they are part of a program sponsored by the Library.
• Fire regulations prohibit the set-up of chairs or tables in the north wall corridor at Shute Park or near the west meeting room exit at the Main Library.  These are fire escape routes.
• Behavior deemed disruptive, disturbing, or contrary to Library policy is not allowed.
• All groups are expected to put away chairs and tables and leave the room clean.  (Two tables and four chairs are to be left set up.)
• All groups are expected to remove from the premises any garbage that is in excess of what the meeting room trash containers can hold.
• The representative shall be in charge of restoring the meeting room and equipment to its proper order.  If any damage occurs, the representative will be assessed full charges for repair and/or clean-up costs.
• The representative will remain on the premises and maintain supervision during the time the group has reserved the meeting room.
• The representative for the group must be at least 21 years of age.
• Youth groups must have ratio of 1 adult (21 years of age or older) to a maximum of 10 youths on the premises at all times.
• The representative for the group will be responsible to see that the group adheres to Oregon Revised Statute 659A.403, which states: "(1) All persons within the jurisdiction of this state shall be entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of any place of public accommodation, without any distinction, discrimination or restriction on account of race, religion, sex, marital status, color or national origin; (2) It is an unlawful practice for any person to deny full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of any place of public accommodation in violation of this section."
• In consideration for the use of a meeting room, each organization or individual agrees that it will pay for all damage to any property of the City of Hillsboro resulting directly or indirectly from the conduct of any member, officer, employee, or agent of the organization or any of its invitees.
• The applicant shall hold the City of Hillsboro, its employees, volunteers, and agents harmless from any claim, loss, or liability arising out of or related to the applicant’s use of the premises, or from any condition of the used premises, including any such claim, loss or liability which may be caused by or contributed to in whole or in part by the City, its employees and agents.  The applicant shall indemnify the City, (1) for any damage to the City’s property occurring during the use thereof, whether or not the applicant is responsible therefore, and (2) for expenses and costs, including attorney’s fees incurred by the City or its employees and agents in defending against any claims or demands for losses or liability arising from or related to the applicant’s use of the premises.
• Applicant, and the organization applicant represents, hereby fully and unconditionally waive their individual and collective rights to recover from the City and its officers, employees, agents and volunteers, any loss, damage, restitution or compensation arising out of this agreement or out of the use of any City property associated with this agreement.  The City and its officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall in no event be liable, for any loss or damage suffered or incurred by applicant, the organization applicant represents, or their agents, employees, customers, invitees or licensees for any reason whatsoever.  Such waiver includes, without limitation, waiver of liability for death, personal injury, theft, damage to motor vehicles, loss of property from within motor vehicles, business interruption, lost profits, consequential damages, and rights of subrogation.
• By applying online, the representative agrees that he/she has read and understands the rules for the use of the meeting rooms and will be responsible for the group abiding by the rules.  In order to reserve the Library meeting room, prospective users must apply online at http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Library’MeetingRoomPolicy.aspx and signify agreement with the policy by clicking on the “agree” link after this paragraph:

          I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the rules of the Hillsboro Public Library Meeting Room Policy.  All of the provided information is true and correct.  I will provide at least 48 hours notice of cancellation.  Failure to adhere to any Library policies can cause loss of meeting room privilege.

Interpretation of these policies will be made at the discretion of the Library Director.  This policy is subject to amendment at any time by the Hillsboro Library Board.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

I.        PUPROSE OF THIS POLICY

II.       COMMUNITY SERVED

III.      COLLECTION GOALS

IV.      FACILITY ROLES

V.       RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION

VI.      GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF MATERIALS SELECTION

VII.     SPECIFIC CRITERIA IN SELECTED AREAS

VIII.    COLLECTION MAINTENANCE AND EVALUATION

IX.      ACCESS

X.       REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL OR ADDITION OF MATERIAL

I.  Purpose of this policy

It is the intent of this policy to provide for public understanding of the purpose and nature of the library’s collection and to give guidance and direction to library staff for collection development and maintenance.

The Collection Development Policy will be periodically reviewed by the Library Director and the Hillsboro Library Board to ensure that it is responsive to both the changing goals and objectives of the Hillsboro Public Library and the changing nature of the community.

II.  COMMUNITY SERVED

Hillsboro has rapidly grown from a small farming community and government center into a city of approximately 82,000 residents in fast-growing Washington County.  High tech industry employs many of the newer residents in the area.  As a member of Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Hillsboro Public Library provides equal service to any Washington County resident.  In return, Hillsboro patrons may borrow from any other library within the Washington County Cooperative Library Services.  The two City of Hillsboro library buildings serve the City residents as well as the geographic area around the City, much of which is developed but unincorporated.

The population in this service area is estimated to be over 150,000.  About 40% of the households have children under age 18 in the house and 20% of the population speak a language other than English at home (Census 2000).  The most commonly spoken language is Spanish (11%).  The majority of Spanish speakers are within the City limits and the census tract area immediately next to the Shute Park Library shows over 50% of the people speak English less than “very well”(Census 2000).  Within the City limits, 22% of the population speaks Spanish at home.)

Other languages spoken include Vietnamese (2%), Chinese (1.5%), Korean (1%), German (1%), Hindi (1%) and a variety of other languages spoken by less than 1% of the population.

Populations of both children and older people are spread throughout the community.

III.  COLLECTION GOALS

Hillsboro Public Library system will obtain, organize, and make conveniently available to all the people of the community educational, recreational, and informational materials in convenient forms, including print, non-print and electronic.  It is the policy of the libraries to maintain an up-to-date collection of standard works in all fields of knowledge that are of permanent value, plus timely materials on current issues and items in current demand.

As reflected in the Mission Statement:  Special emphasis is placed on obtaining current, popular materials in various formats, providing information in a cost-efficient manner, stimulating children’s interests in and appreciation for reading and learning, and supporting students. 

Materials will be selected to meet the needs of the entire community, including consideration of the needs of individuals with visual, physical, mental, and learning disabilities. Both the adult and youth collections will serve as supplementary sources for student use.  The Library will strive to meet or exceed the Oregon Library Association standard for "adequacy" in collection development.

IV.  FACILITY ROLES

Main:  The Main Library provides popular materials for all ages, supports formal curriculum needs from K-14 grade levels, and supports lifelong learning. Materials needed for business, technical and more advanced research will be housed here.  Small collections of materials in various languages spoken in the area are provided. 

Shute Park:  The Shute Park Branch provides popular materials for all ages and supports children’s curriculum information needs up through 9^th grade.  A substantial collection of materials in Spanish and learning English as a Second language is housed here.

Both libraries include a full range of materials for children, as well as materials on current affairs, consumer research and general adult interests.  The collections of both Main and Shute Park will be tailored to meet the cultural and format needs of each service population.

V.  RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION

Collection development and the selection of materials is the responsibility of the Reference and Adult Services Manager and the Youth Services Manager.  Appropriate staff members are assigned to review sources of purchasing information, monitor collection usage and make selections based on an assigned budget.  In addition, all library staff members and members of the general public are encouraged to submit suggestions for possible library purchases.

VI.  GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF MATERIALS SELECTION

Any materials selection policy must be fairly general, and librarians must always exercise their knowledge and experience of all library materials and of the community served. All librarians have a professional responsibility to be inclusive, not exclusive in developing materials collections.

A.  Criteria

Each type of material must be considered in terms of its own merit and intended audience.  All selections, both purchases and gifts, must meet some of the following criteria:

1. Appeal to the general and overall interests and needs of individuals in the community.
2. Widespread popularity of an author or series.
3. Encourages the enjoyment of reading.
4. Permanent value as source material or interpretations.
5. Vitality and originality of thought.
6. Contemporary significance.
7. Artistic excellence.
8. Entertaining presentation.
9. Accuracy and objectivity.
10. Appropriateness to interests and skills of intended audience.
11.  Skill, competence, and purpose of the author.
12. Relations to other materials and existing areas of coverage in order to maintain a diverse collection
13. Accessibility through independent indexes
14. Technical quality and durability of physical form to library use
15. Price, budget and shelf space constraints.

B.  Reviews

Reviews in professionally recognized periodicals are a primary source for materials selection.  Standard bibliographies, book lists by recognized authorities, and the advice of competent staff and other people in specific subject areas will also be used.

C.  Requests

All requests from patrons for specific titles or subject requests will be considered, based on the above criteria. 

D.  Specialized Materials

Specialized materials of limited community interest will not ordinarily be purchased.  Referral to other library collections and interlibrary loan will be used to supply patrons with these materials.  Supplementary materials for students and information for specialists are provided in a limited number of fields, the libraries taking cognizance of and avoiding unnecessary duplication in subject areas which are the special prerogative of other community resources.  Textbooks are purchased only when the information also serves the general public or is unavailable in other form.

E.  Gifts

Gifts of library materials will be accepted by the library with the understanding that they will be evaluated and treated using the same criteria as purchased materials.  Donors may not place any special conditions upon the loan or handling of the items.  All donations to the library will be subject to all provisions of the Hillsboro Library Board Policy on Gifts.

F.  New Formats

New formats will be added to the circulating collections as reading or viewing equipment becomes widely available in our community and quality materials are available at reasonable prices.

VII.   SPECIFIC CRITERIA IN SELECTED AREAS

A.        Collections for Adults

It is the libraries’ responsibility to protect the rights of mature readers.  Materials which, taken as a whole, lack literary, artistic, political, or scientific value may be excluded, but no material will be eliminated because of coarse language, or violence, or frank discussion of sexual episodes, any one of which may be objectionable to some people. 

1.         Fiction

The library acquires popular best sellers and fiction in a wide range of genres including literary classics and standard titles, multicultural, historical, gothic, mystery, thrillers, espionage, fantasy, science fiction, western, horror, romance, inspirational and foreign language titles in translation.  Materials may be purchased in various formats, such as hardback, paperback, large print and graphic novel formats.  Efforts are made to complete series, purchase award winning titles and to represent local (Northwest) authors, publishers and subject matter.  An effort is also made to purchase multiple copies of titles that are on school and book club reading lists.  However, the primary purpose of the fiction collection is to satisfy the heavy demand from recreational readers for popular new titles.

Newly published fiction is shelved in the “New Books” collection for up to one year after the library acquires it.  Depending on space considerations of the individual library building, books in the following genres may be shelved separately from the general fiction collection to allow easier browsing of titles.

Romances:  The romance collection consists of newly published titles in a mass market paperback format.  A love story is the main focus of the story and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying, although the setting can be anywhere from historical to contemporary to time travel. 

Fantasy/Science Fiction:  The fantasy genre consists of stories that exhibit elements such as magic, adult fairy tales, paranormals, futurists and time travel.  The science fiction genre explores the influence of real or imagined science on society or individuals.  These novels often address topics such as space travel, alien contact, robotics and artificial intelligence.

Mysteries:  The mystery section includes a wide range of detective and mystery writers, with a heavy emphasis on the American and British mystery.  Special emphasis is given to popular new titles and completing a series, whether current or classic.

Westerns:  Basic to the appeal of the books in this section is the lure of the American frontier.  Although heroism, action and adventure usually dominate the plot, they are secondary to the setting, a compound of scenery and history. 

 2.   Nonfiction

The library acquires materials of both permanent and current popular interest in all subjects, based upon the merits of a work in relation to the needs, interests, and demands of the community. Emphasis is placed on obtaining timely, accurate and useful informational materials that are in demand by our community.  The library’s goal is to have a diverse collection of both standard and popular titles, with a balance of viewpoints represented in areas of controversy.  Each item is evaluated in its entirety and not on the basis of a particular section.  Materials are selected for a wide range of reading levels and in a variety of formats.  We recognize that people learn in different styles, and visual, audio and computer aided instruction is especially useful in many subjects such as dance, travel, exercise, learning languages and software programming.   In professional subject areas, non-scholarly materials written for the lay reader are purchased. 

Nonfiction on any subject that is too large to fit onto the shelves for that subject (generally 30 centimeters) is placed into the Oversized collection.  Newly published nonfiction is shelved in the New Books collection for up to six months.

Depending on size of collections and available space in the libraries, nonfiction collections may be separated into:

Reference materials

Reference materials are for in house use. They provide quick, concise and up-to-date information. Included are indexes, encyclopedias, dictionaries, bibliographies, biographical resources, almanacs and directories.   Materials with information on purchasing products are grouped together on the Consumer Information table.  Materials aimed at helping investors make decisions may also be grouped at a table for ease of access.  Some books of local historical value are kept in the reference section to ensure future availability.

Learning English Materials

Materials in various formats are shelved together in this collection.  Included are materials designed to aid in learning English, whether only in English or bi-lingual.  Dictionaries and grammars designed for the English as a Second Language learner are also shelved here, as well as materials for studying for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). 

Literacy

Materials designed to aid the adult learning to read are shelved together here.  Both low vocabulary-adult interest materials and teaching aids are included.  This collection includes a variety of subject matter.  Materials for the student are written at a basic reading level, while books for the teacher are specifically geared for teaching adults basic literacy skills.

Northwest

This is a collection of nonfiction materials about Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska. The collection emphasizes natural history, travel, recreation, local folklore, biography and history. 

Oregon Documents

As the full depository library for Washington County, the Hillsboro Public Library receives all public documents deposited with the State Library, makes these documents accessible to the public free of charge, and enters them in the library's online catalog. Depository documents are retained as required by the Oregon Administrative Rules. Documents of local historical interest may be retained longer than required.

 3.   Collections Shelved by Format

Magazines and Newspapers

A diverse range of popular magazines, news and opinion, business and investment, newspapers and local periodicals are provided.  Particular emphasis is given to titles included in most heavily used periodical indexes, without full text available online.  Most back issues are loaned to library patrons.  Microfilm/fiche copies are maintained for back issues of some titles.

The libraries maintain current issues of major and local area newspapers.  Back issues of the "Hillsboro Argus" are retained on microfilm.  Newspapers are for in-library use only.

Some magazines and newspapers are purchased in languages other than English.  These are shelved with the books in that language.  The periodicals collection is reviewed yearly for additions and deletions.

Large Print

The large type book collection helps meet the needs of an increasing number of visually impaired patrons.  The core of the collection is popular fiction, including bestsellers, mysteries, romances, and westerns.  The smaller nonfiction section consists mainly of high-interest titles such as biographies, true crime, inspirational, and health related materials.

Paperback Browsing Collection

This collection contains a variety of mostly donated books that are not cataloged by title or shelved in specific order.  They check out but no fines are accrued.  They are recommended for patrons who are going on extended trips and do not want to worry about renewing their books and for patrons otherwise ineligible for a library card.

MUSICAL RECORDINGS

The recorded music collection consists of titles in the standard classical repertory, current popular songs, movie scores, Broadway musicals, children’s entertainment and music representing worldwide cultures.

SPOKEN WORD RECORDINGS

The Library selects, acquires and maintains a collection of spoken word recordings in both fiction and non-fiction titles.  Current popular titles as well as classics and perennial favorites are acquired.     Selection decisions are made based on patron demand, quality of recording and production, cost, shelving space, and durability of materials.   In response to patron preference, the library primarily chooses unabridged recordings except in those cases where unabridged is not available.

VIDEORECORDINGS

Theatrical-release feature films are purchased to satisfy the public’s need for recreational materials and to serve differing tastes and interests.  Award-winners, classics, and movies which are well-reviewed by the critics have priority in acquisition, with the intent of building a long-term, quality collection.  Those with short-term popularity and easily obtained at retail video outlets are included as the budget allows and patron waiting lists indicate.  The video collections are designed for the individual viewer and no videos are eliminated because of coarse language, violence, sexual episodes, or an R rating, any one of which may be objectionable to some people.  It is the libraries’ responsibility to protect the rights of mature viewers.

MULTIMEDIA AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE

A circulating collection of informational and educational software is available for home computer users.  This software covers a broad range of subjects but does not include gaming software.  Care is taken in selection that the software cannot be entirely copied onto a home computer to avoid copyright violations.  Software that can be used on older and inexpensive computer systems is preferred. 

NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE COLLECTIONS

Spanish Language Collection at Shute Park:  To meet the needs of a large Spanish- speaking population in the immediate area, the Shute Park Branch strives to maintain a diverse collection of Spanish language materials.

The Spanish language collections emphasize practical material that is of immediate use to our patrons in their daily lives.  This includes such subjects as auto repair, parenting, carpentry, GED test books, study guides for driver’s licenses, health, etc.  Non-fiction takes precedence over fiction.  Emphasis in the print collection is on materials written in Latin American, rather than Iberian Spanish.  Since the majority of our Hispanic patrons have their roots in Mexico, subject matter pertaining to that country will be added whenever possible.  Multiple copies of audio-visual and print material for learning the English language are made available at both locations.

Language Collections at Main: Currently, the Main Library maintains collections of adult literature and nonfiction materials (including newspapers and magazines) in a wide variety of languages, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, Hindi, Bengali, French, German, Italian and Russian. Books are available for children in these languages as well as Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Khmer, Tibetan, Vietnamese and more.

Newitles are purchased through a standing order service specializing in the selection, acquisition, and cataloging of non-English language library materials.

Patron requests, census information and community surveys are used to determine which languages are included, as well as the availability of materials and of cataloging information.

B.  Collections for Youth and Their Families

The Youth Services Division selects both fiction and nonfiction materials on subjects of interest to and within the comprehension of children from preschool through young adult.  Specialized review sources are consulted as well as the standard journals.  Standing orders are used to ensure automatic purchase of selected popular authors, illustrators and series.  Multiple copies of some titles are purchased to support heavy classroom use; however, the library cannot replace the classrooms’ or media centers’ responsibility to support their own curriculum.

To assist youth in locating reading materials, spine labels are used throughout the collection.  This is due to several factors: children may be shy or otherwise reluctant to approach library staff for assistance; children enjoy exercising their independence; and children enjoy selecting their own reading materials and are especially drawn to genre fiction.  A wide variety of stickers are used to enhance both browsing and specific searches, including holiday stickers (such as Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah);stickers for frequently-requested genres which include, but are not limited to, mysteries, historical fiction, Christian and LDS fiction, and science fiction;

ABC and counting stickers; and dinosaur and horse story stickers.  Once introduced to the meaning of each sticker, children and families are better able to quickly locate items they are interested in without being required to consult booklists or to locate and ask assistance from a librarian.

Many juvenile and young adult books which have been newly acquired are shelved in the “Children’s New Books” collection for up to six months after the library acquires them.  These books are on special display but circulate normally.

1.  Fiction

BOARD BOOKS

This collection contains sturdy books designed for children up to age two.  An emphasis is placed on selecting books which are developmentally appropriate for infants and toddlers and which encourage pre-literacy development and early skills such as knowledge of colors and counting.

PICTURE BOOKS

This collection serves preschooler through primary grades, as well as teachers of these ages. It reflects a diverse and multicultural society while introducing children to fictional stories, concept books and award winners.  Picture books develop literacy skills by enhancing a child’s imagination and intellect through vivid illustration and enriching vocabulary.

EARLY READERS

This collection primarily serves children in Kindergarten through second grade who are learning to read.  Phonics-based readers and simple stories with controlled vocabularies make up the bulk of the collection.

JUVENILE FICTION

This collection serves older readers who are ready for chapter books.  It addresses two types of readers – those who are ready for traditional chapter books and those who are just beginning to read chapter books.  Children who are proficient in early readers move into this collection with our transitional titles. These books are marked with a yellow overlay on their spine label.  They are chapter books, but they have short chapters and usually have illustrations. Traditional chapter books typically have few, if any, illustrations and often exceed 200 pages.  Genres of every type are represented within this collection as well as a diverse and multicultural society.

YOUNG ADULT

This collection is reserved for the mature child or teen reader.  Because of the nature of these books and their audience, the primary focus is teens and their lives and interests. Thus, they may contain mature language or sexual content.  Genres of every type are also represented within this collection, as well as adult titles that include teen characters, or are classics and recommended by community schools.

2.  Nonfiction

Please see the adult information above for a basic description of the library’s non-fiction collections.  Youth Services collects and classifies non-fiction for three age levels: Easy Non-fiction for preschoolers and first and second grade, Juvenile Non-fiction for elementary students, and Young Adult Non-fiction for grades seven through twelve

PARENTING

The focus of this collection is parenting information, early childhood development and instruction, and resources for daycare providers.  It includes picture books on common topics of concern to youth and their families throughout childhood, i.e. bullying, medical problems, potty training and separation anxiety.  The collection holds a representative selection of parenting topics, but due to space and budget considerations, the bulk of parenting resources are found in the adult non-fiction collection.

JUVENILE REFERENCE

The items in the Juvenile and Young Adult Reference collections are not circulated.  In this way, we can ensure that some information on almost any topic will be available at all times, even when all the circulating materials on a particular topic are checked out.  This is especially critical when large numbers of local students are studying one particular subject.

J and YA Reference collections usually contain the most up-to-date information available in the Juvenile and Young Adult non-fiction collections.  One general encyclopedia (World Book) and several specialty encyclopedias are included in this collection.  General reference works such as almanacs and dictionaries are included to a lesser extent.  We rely on the Adult Reference collection for the most up-to-date editions of major general reference works.  J Reference and YA Reference include items for staff, parents, and teachers such as readers’ advisory tools and programming books for preschool and school programs.  Items that support student reports such as books on astronomy and constellations, medieval history, colonial history, and historical and ethnic cookbooks are included.  In particular, materials covering the sciences, geography, and history are updated on a regular basis, often annually.

3.         Collections Shelved by Format

MAGAZINES

Juvenile and teen magazines are selected to cover a wide variety of topics for various ages.  Juvenile magazines are available for infants through sixth graders.  They focus on animals, stories and entertainment.  Young Adult magazines contain more mature content and are for seventh through twelfth graders.  They focus on popular culture and teen interests.  Space considerations may limit both the depth of this collection and the number of titles held.

VIDEORECORDINGS

The Hillsboro youth services collection includes films in video or digital video disc (DVD) format. It is intended to serve the recreational and educational needs of infants through elementary school children. The collection includes theatrical release feature films (rated G, PG and occasionally PG-13), award winning classics, perennial favorites and popular children’s television shows. Educational films are purchased to enhance the book collection.

MUSIC

The Hillsboro youth services collection includes popular music, educational songs, and music representing many cultures. It is intended to serve infants through elementary school children. The formats include compact discs and some cassette tapes.  The Young Adult segment of this collection focuses on current popular songs and music of interest to teens and is intershelved with the adult collection.

MULTIMEDIA KITS

The Hillsboro youth services collection includes a selection of multimedia kits which include a book and audio cassette or a book and compact disc. The collection includes award winning children’s books, popular current titles, non-fiction and foreign language items. The collection is intended for ages through elementary school.

SPOKEN WORD RECORDINGS

The Library selects, acquires and maintains a collection of spoken word recordings in both fiction and non-fiction titles.  Current popular titles as well as classics and perennial favorites are acquired.  Selection decisions are made based on patron demand, quality of recording and production, cost, shelving space, and durability of materials.  In response to patron preference, the library primarily chooses unabridged recordings except in those cases where unabridged is not available. 

JUVENILE COMPUTER SOFTWARE

The Juvenile CD-ROM collection emphasizes educational software; gaming software is not usually purchased unless it has a strong educational component.  This collection covers a broad range of subjects with emphasis placed on early childhood education, reading and phonics, grammar, spelling, and mathematical computation.  To avoid copyright violations care is taken in selection that the software cannot be entirely copied onto a home computer.  The collection incorporates both recent and older software because many families cannot afford the newest computer hardware and continue to operate older hardware.

SPANISH LANGUAGE COLLECTIONS

The juvenile Spanish language collection at Shute park emphasizes reading readiness, basic concept development, and cultural literacy (both American and of countries of origin) for infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers whose families are native Spanish-speakers.  Early readers, juvenile and young adult fiction, and non-fiction subjects that would support school curriculum are also selected.  A small collection of audio-visual materials is also maintained.

The Main collection emphasizes Spanish language instruction materials and bilingual Spanish/English books for children through sixth grade. 

Other non-English Language Collections

In addition to larger collections of Japanese and Chinese materials, the Main library juvenile collection also includes representative titles in a variety of foreign languages, such as Hindi, Vietnamese, Russian and Somali.  This collection also includes juvenile American Sign Language and Braille titles.

C.  Electronic and Online Resources

The Library provides a portal to the world of online information via World Wide Web access to the Internet for public use. Many valuable local, national and international sources of information are available online at no charge to the searcher.  The Youth Services library staff provides information on use of the Internet and advice in effective search techniques as time allows.  In addition, the Libraries may purchase subscriptions to online databases when that format best fits the needs of the community and the price is competitive.  As a member of the Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Hillsboro Public Library shares in the access to the databases purchased cooperatively, and several are of use to juveniles.  Librarians take into consideration the availability and accessibility of information available online when purchasing library materials.

VIII.  COLLECTION MAINTENANCE AND EVALUATION

The libraries keep their collections vital and useful by retaining or replacing essential material, and removing on a systematic and continuous basis those works which are worn, outdated, of little historical significance, or no longer in demand.

A.   Replacement of Materials

Items will not automatically be replaced because of loss or damage.  Replacement decisions will be based upon:

1. Demand for title.