Library Policies

Censorship and Reconsideration of Library Materials

The Palm Harbor Library (PHL), which is an entity of the Palm Harbor Community Services Agency, Inc. (PHCSA), considers all materials selected under this policy to be constitutionally protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. PHL and PHCSA recognize the right of individuals to question the inclusion, or deletion, of materials in the library collection. The library will give serious consideration to each library member’s opinion.

Procedures for Challenged Library Material

Steps in the process regarding library material challenged by a library member:

1. Members who object to the inclusion of any items in the library collection must obtain and fully complete a “Request for Reconsideration” form (available upon request).
   • Incomplete forms will be rejected.
   • Any challenge that does not use this form will not be considered.
2. Only one item shall be reconsidered per form.
   • Forms with multiple items will be rejected.
   • Multiple challenges to the same item, manifestations of the same item, or expressions of the same item, shall not be considered.
3. The completed form must be verified by PHL staff and submitted to the PHL Director.
4. The Director will appoint a committee of individuals with relevant expertise to review the challenge.
5. The committee shall have 45 days to consider the submitted form.
   • An extension may be allowed at the discretion of the Director.
6. The Director and the appropriate Department Head will review the committee recommendation, decide the appropriate action, and contact the member who issued the challenge.
   • Potential actions are retaining the item, removing the item, or relocating the item.
7. Until a final decision is made, no item will be removed or relocated to another area of the library, and shall remain in its current location available for circulation.

Note: In the Director’s absence, responsibility will fall to the Assistant Library Director. The “Request for Reconsideration” form is available at the Palm Harbor Library, located at 2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor FL.

The purpose of the Palm Harbor Library Collection Development Policy is to provide the Palm Harbor community with carefully selected books and other materials to assist them with their information needs, research, and entertainment. Since there are limitless choices of material, these items are chosen with consideration to the limitations of both space and budget. The selection policy must meet community interests and needs. It also acts as a way to educate both the library staff as well as library members about censorship challenges, and provide guidelines for accepting, declining, evaluating, and acknowledging gifts.

A policy cannot replace the judgment of individual librarians, but provides guidelines to assist them in choosing from the vast array of available materials. In selection, the librarian uses professional judgment and expertise, based on understanding of user needs and knowledge of authors, publishers, trends, and information resources in all formats.

The collection development policy, like all other library policies, will be reviewed and revised as the need arises. There are approximately 62,000 residents in the Palm Harbor area tax base and the library hopes to meet the diverse needs of this community, regardless of race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious, social, or political views. The library also hopes to reflect its community in the items it collects, and to provide a place where lifelong learning is possible. Materials should help library members pursue their educational endeavors and recreational interests. The Palm Harbor Library encourages all its members to use the materials provided and would like them to reach their potential as individuals, as members of their family, as well as informed and useful citizens.

The library features a vibrant selection of current and classic materials in a variety of formats in response to community interests and demand. Top priority is given to library member requests for popular materials.

Selection of Library Materials

Selection Aids

Materials are selected from reviews in professional journals and general publications, library member recommendations, conferences, trade shows, and retail outlets. There are also many collection development resources, reviews, websites (both commercial and non-profit), lists, and recommendations on the internet. The Youth Department also utilizes preview boxes from providers such as Mid-America Books.

Principles

Materials are selected and retained on the basis of their content. The collections at the Palm Harbor Library represent diverse points of view. As much as possible, they reflect the community and its diversity of interests, perspectives, and backgrounds. Additionally, the library seeks to bring awareness of those cultures, traditions, and ideas not represented in the local community.

For books in the Children’s Room, factors considered in the selection process include, but are not limited to: current popularity, current usefulness, accuracy of information, quality of content, authority of the author, relationship of the title to other works in the collection (e.g. multicultural variants of the Cinderella story), scarcity of material on a subject, ease of use, availability elsewhere in the PPLC system, correlation with required reading lists in local schools durability of their products and appropriateness of the format (e.g. pop-up books) must also be considered when making purchases for a circulating collection.

Especially for the Children’s Room, other considerations include multicultural and historical perspectives (both literary and cultural); encouraging intellectual, emotional, and social development by stimulating imagination and encouraging inquisitiveness; introducing different values, ideas, and attitudes; promoting an appreciation of beauty, the arts, and human achievement; including books to help deal with personal and social issues (bibliotherapy); and promoting a general atmosphere in which reading and books are part of having fun! Additionally, adult materials will be purchased for the Children’s Room as they related to parenting skills, child development, homeschooling and early childhood education, and other subject matter relevant to parents and caregivers as space permits.

General

In selecting materials for the library collections, the librarian will use the following general criteria, in no particular order:

• Appropriateness to the library’s mission and service roles
• Relationship to existing collection and other titles available
• Requests by library members, advisory groups, and staff
• Relevance to the experience and contributions of diverse populations
• Levels of funding and cost of item
• Anticipated use
• Authority, accuracy, and accessibility of presentation
• Currency of information
• Reputation of author, publisher, or issuing body
• Attention and response of critics, reviewers, and general public
• Subject matter and scope
• Historical significance
• Quality and style of writing
• Durability of materials

Library Displays and Handouts

In the Palm Harbor Library, bulletin boards, tabletop displays, and the glass display cases are used almost
exclusively for seasonal, thematic, or holiday displays created by the staff members. The purpose of these
displays is to educate, inform, and entertain and should reflect a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive approach. At times, outside groups and individuals are invited to put displays in the library that might be of interest to library members and families. All displays are subject to approval by the relevant department head and/or the Library Director.

The Reference Department is responsible for the two glass enclosed bulletin boards located in the lobby. If someone is inquiring about posting, these guidelines are followed:
All items that are placed within the library’s glass enclosed bulletin boards should:

• Advertise not-for-profit organizations (no business cards or for profit venues).
• All outside organization signs must be approved by the Library Director and will only be
  accepted if they are in the Palm Harbor fire district.
• Preference will be given to library events and Palm harbor area organizations.
• Only one flyer will be accepted per organization (not stacks or handouts).

For handouts to be given out at the library:

• Unless they are pre-approved through a partnership with the library, PPLC, or the county, we
  will only accept one handout. The person’s contact information will be taken and given to the
  Library Director along with the handout for approval. The Director will notify the person if it is
  not approved or if they can bring in more handouts. The same guidelines apply to the handouts
  as items for the library bulletin board.

Several permanent displays in the Children’s Room reflect a “Children’s Museum” concept, whereby
people can come into the department to view all of the wonderful collections on display. These include
insects, rocks, minerals, model ships and other replicas.
The Youth Services Department welcomes informational brochures from local non-profit organizations,
agencies, and businesses that serve children and families. We will not display advertising for for-profit
businesses since this might be deemed as tacit approval of these services and programs.

Library Computers and Computer Use

Library computers are provided to members for the purpose of accessing information and reference resources. To make these resources available to as many members as possible and to make sure that the equipment is used in a manner consistent with the Library Code of Conduct, the following rules apply:

• To allow everyone an opportunity to use the equipment, members are asked to comply with sign-in and time limitations. Computer users are allowed 180 minutes of computer access per day. No other
  extensions will be granted.
• Computer users may only use their personal library card or guest pass assigned to them. The use of
  multiple library cards for the purpose of extending computer time is strictly forbidden and may result in the loss of computer privileges.
• Guest passes will be issued to persons visiting from outside Pinellas County. Visitors must have a valid form of photo identification. Visitors are entitled to the same computer privileges as library members and must comply with all library policies and regulations.

Since the computers are located in a public area, one must assume what they view is not private. Please be considerate of other library users and refrain from displaying materials that they might reasonably consider objectionable. In accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapters 847.011(1)a and 847.0133(1), displaying obscene materials to minors or printing such materials may be a violation of the law and could result in penalties up to and including imprisonment. Misuse of library computers will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible prosecution. Such misuse includes, but is not limited to:

• Damaging or altering computer equipment or software
• Downloading or installing any program on the hard drive of any computer
• Sending, displaying, or printing obscene material
• Impersonating other library members for additional time

Internet Use

The Palm Harbor Library offers Internet resources equally to all users. The Internet enables the library to
provide resources not available within the confines of its own collection. However, the Internet is an
unregulated medium. It offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, but it also enables access to some materials that may be offensive and/or illegal. Individual users must accept responsibility for determining the suitability of content for themselves and their children. In addition, users must respect the legal protections to data and software provided by copyright and licensing laws. Users may not represent themselves as another person nor use Internet access to transmit obscene, threatening, or harassing materials. Although library staff and volunteers can offer some assistance with internet searches and answer some questions, they cannot provide in-depth training on the internet or computer use.

Patron Conduct Policies –Updated August 2020

This code of conduct is intended to encourage behavior, which supports the Library’s mission to provide the best possible resources in a warm, welcoming environment. Behavior becomes unacceptable when it interferes with this mission, impinges on the rights of others, causes damage to buildings or equipment, or causes injury to oneself or others. Those willing to modify unacceptable behavior are always welcome to stay. However, those unable to comply will be asked to leave. If necessary, the authorities will be called.

Principles of Conduct

The Library serves various functions for library members, including that of a community information center, a place to study, and a place to find cultural and recreational materials and activities. All of these require traffic, movement, and discourse. In balancing these various roles and functions, a reasonable noise level is expected and generally believed to be acoustically unavoidable. When in Palm Harbor Library, library members must observe the following principles of conduct:

• Speak in normal or quiet tones of voice
• Respect others, including their rights and personal property
• Respect Library property and staff
• Maintain responsibility for the safety, well-being, and conduct of children in their charge
• Refrain from actions that are disruptive to other library members

Library Member Prohibited Activities

The following are examples of behaviors (but not limited to) that seriously interfere with the activities normally associated with the use of a public library and are prohibited in Palm Harbor Library:

• Smoking/Vaping
• Sleeping
• Eating, drinking, or displaying food in open containers (Only permissible item is a water bottle with cap)
• Disturbing or annoying anyone by loud/unreasonable noise or movement, including, but not limited to, using audible devices without headphones, or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Cell phones and pagers are to be placed on vibrate feature. Cell phone conversations are permissible if conducted in a normal speaking voice. All other conversations are to be held either in the foyer or outside of the building
• Use of abusive, threatening, harassing or insulting language
  Palm Harbor Library Policy – Patron Conduct 2
• Having body odor or personal hygiene that is offensive or that interferes with others’ use of the library
• Animals (except trained assistance animals)
• Improper acts which are subject to prosecution under criminal or civil codes of law
• Vehicles and other objects which constitute potential safety hazards to patrons
• Objects placed adjacent to any exit or entrance on the inside or outside of the facility which poses a
  safety hazard to persons entering or exiting the facility
• Lack of shirt or footwear
• Personally monopolizing library space, seating, tables, or equipment to the exclusion of other patrons or staff
• Soliciting, selling, or begging
• Unattended children under the age of 10
• Bathing, shaving, washing clothes, or other misuses of restrooms
• Distribution or posting of printed materials not approved by Palm Harbor Library administration
• Loitering, including refusal to leave at closing or emergency evacuation
• Possessing, consuming, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
• Unruly/offensive behavior such as viewing pornography
• Misuse of the library facility
• Unattended items found on library grounds will be placed in “Lost & Found” for up to one month.
  Thereafter, the item will be discarded.

Violations of Library Member Principles of Conduct and Library Member Prohibited Activities

Maintenance of proper conduct in the Library is one of the responsibilities of Library staff. The Staff has the authority to deal firmly but courteously with library members who are violating the Library Member Principles of Conduct and Library Member Prohibited Activities. Actions taken by staff may include making the library member aware that the behavior violates the principles of conduct or is a prohibited activity, warning the library member that they will have to leave if the behavior does not change, and telling the library member to leave the library. In some cases, the library member may be escorted from the building by staff or the police.
Anyone known to have violated the principles of conduct and prohibited activities of the Library may be
excluded from the Library and its programs as a matter of administrative policy. If the behavior involves illegal activity, such as child molestation, indecent exposure, or destruction of Library property such as computer equipment, library staff has full authority to call the police. Based upon the severity of the situation, a suspension of library privileges may be applied without advance warning or prior suspension. The suspension shall remain in effect pending periodic administrative review and/or a trespass will be issued for an indefinite period of time. The library administrator’s decision shall be final.

Unattended Child Policy Statement –Updated August 2020

The Palm Harbor Library welcomes the use of its services and facilities by children. Staff members are
committed to the well-being and safety of children. However, library facilities are not designed or licensed to provide basic childcare needs or emergency care if the child becomes upset or ill.
Any public place may be dangerous for a child who is left unattended. Arrangements should be made ahead of time for children to be picked up after programs. The Library reminds caregivers to consider the safety and well-being of their children and the needs of other library users of all ages. Children should be supervised at all times and reminded that the materials in the library are to be respected and treated with care.

Children under the age of 10 may not be left unattended in the library and must be directly supervised by a responsible adult or caregiver 16 years or older, WITH NO EXCEPTIONS. This does not apply to children in library-sponsored programs.

Children age 10 and over may use the library unattended provided that their behavior is not
disruptive. Caregivers are responsible for the actions of their children in the library whether or not the caregiver is present. Caregivers will also be responsible for any disturbance or damage done to the library by their child. Disruptive children, ten years of age or older may be asked to leave the library after one warning. In such instances, caregivers will be contacted or, if the caregiver is unavailable, police custody will be utilized. The library must not be used as a childcare service. Any child unaccompanied by a responsible adult or a caregiver for an extended period of time may be approached for information concerning their parent’s availability. The caregivers will be notified of the library policy. If the situation continues, proper authorities will be notified.

If a minor under the age of 18 is left unattended at the time of closing and attempts to reach the caregivers have failed, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will be called to take responsibility for the child.

PHL Events – Food Disclaimer

The following disclaimer applies to any PHL activity, event or program for which food and/or beverages are served. The policy below will be made available at all relevant PHL activities as a waiver to sign, and attendees will be asked to comply with the following:

• I understand that food and/or beverages will be served at this event. I understand that the activities involved in participating in the program contain an element of hazard or risk. I recognize the inherent danger involved and take full responsibility for my intentional or unintentional actions and physical condition before, during or post-program activities. I agree to indemnify and hold Palm Harbor Community Services Agency, Inc. (PHCSA) / Palm Harbor Library (PHL), its officers, agents, consultants, and representatives harmless from any loss, damage, or injury, which may result from my participation in the program activities. This release of liability and indemnity applies equally to losses, damages, or injuries caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of PHCSA/PHL.
• I further agree to release, waive and discharge, and covenant not to sue PHCSA/ PHL, it’s officials, employees or volunteers for any claims, demands or actions whatsoever arising out of any damage, loss, injury or death to the participant that may result from participating in the event described herein. This release of liability and indemnity applies to participant, as well as any personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin.
• Further, I agree to perform the program activities as instructed; and, my participation can be terminated at any time for any reason. I have had the opportunity to consult with a medical provider prior to participating in the program.
• I further acknowledge notification that the food and/or beverages served at this program may contain any of all the following ingredients: Eggs, Fish, Milk, Peanuts, Shell Fish, Soybeans, Tree Nuts, and Wheat and other potential allergens. If a prepackaged food item is being served, the ingredient list will be available for attendees and/or caregivers to view.