Circulation Policy
Circulation Policy
Library Cards
Residents and property owners of Bernards Township are entitled to free, full Library privileges. Proof of residency or property ownership must be shown.
Courtesy Cards
If an individual does not have a library card from any of the communities with reciprocal programs listed above, the following groups are entitled to a free Bernards Township Library Courtesy Card. Each of these “courtesy” cards has a different level of privileges (see Privileges by Library Card Type table):
- Workers employed in Bernards Township
- Temporary residents of Bernards Township residing in group living homes
- Students who attend school in, but do not live in, Bernards Township
Registration is for a defined period and must be updated regularly as appropriate. Library cards will not be updated for patrons with fees of $10.00 or higher charged to their Library account.
Reciprocal Borrowing
Members in good standing of libraries in communities participating in the following reciprocal programs are welcome to use their community’s library card at Bernards Township Library. Each of these library cards has different levels of privileges.
- Main Library Alliance
- Morris Union Federation (MUF)
- Raritan Valley Federation (RVF)
- Somerset County Library System (SCLS)
- Open Borrowing communities – LMxAC (includes libraries in Middlesex County and some libraries from Monmouth, Somerset, and Union Counties), PALS (Passaic Library System), Sussex County, and Warren County
Confidentiality
Library records are confidential. Bernards Township Library records on individual users are for the sole purpose of protecting public property and are not to be used to identify types of materials used or personal information about individuals. Bernards Township Library operates in compliance with the New Jersey Confidentiality of Library Records Law (N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43.1).
(See Confidentiality of Library Records Policy.)
Loan Periods
In order to make Library items available to all patrons on an equal basis, the Library sets specific loan periods. The cardholder agrees to be responsible for items while on loan and for their return when due. Patrons are responsible for the timely return of all items borrowed.
Upon return, all material must be returned to the collection and may not be immediately re-borrowed by the user for 24 hours.
Many Bernards Township Library patrons can borrow items from other libraries. For all items, the loan period of the owning library prevails.
Renewals
The Main system will automatically renew eligible materials checked out on patrons’ accounts for the same period of time that it was originally checked out, as long as there are no other holds on the item. This period varies from library to library and material type to material type.
A three-day courtesy email notice will inform library patrons of items that are eligible and ineligible for automatic renewal. The notice will also indicate the updated due dates of the renewed items.
Overdue Items
Bernards Township Library items accrue fines when overdue. All parts of a multi-piece item, such as an audiobook with multiple discs, must be returned for the item to be considered returned.
Fines
The total fine per item will never exceed the replacement cost.
The maximum fine for most Library items is $5.00 per item.
Patrons with fees of $10.00 or higher will not be able to borrow Library items.
For items borrowed from other libraries, the overdue fine set by the owning library prevails.
Lost and Damaged Items
Patrons are responsible for all items checked out and are expected to return them in the same condition as when they were borrowed.
When an item is lost or damaged beyond repair, the patron will be liable for the replacement cost as determined in the Main catalog. If part(s) of a multi-piece library item are lost or damaged, the patron will be liable for the replacement cost of the missing or damaged part(s).
Damaged items will be returned to the patron after the replacement cost is paid.
Replacement costs must be paid directly to the owning library.
For items borrowed from other libraries, the replacement policy of the owning library prevails.
Reciprocal Borrowing and Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Bernards Township Library recognizes that library cooperation and the sharing of materials between libraries is an integral element in the provision of quality library service and meeting the information needs of users when local resources do not meet those needs.
In view of this, Bernards Township Library participates in reciprocal borrowing arrangements with its partner libraries in the Main Library Alliance. Users may borrow in person at these libraries, and items in the Main Catalog may be requested online and delivered to the patron’s chosen library. There is no charge for this service.
Bernards Township Library also participates in reciprocal borrowing arrangements with its partner libraries, the Morris Union Federation of Libraries (MUF), and the Raritan Valley Federation of Libraries (RVF). Users may borrow in person at these libraries.
Bernards Township Library also endorses the New Jersey Interlibrary Loan Code and offers full participation in JerseyCat, the free statewide interlibrary loan program, as its resources allow. Interlibrary loan is a transaction in which one library borrows an item directly from another library on behalf of a patron. Interlibrary loan service is available to Bernards Township residents holding a valid library card; out-of-town residents must place interlibrary loan requests through their home libraries.
An agreement with OCLC allows JerseyCat members to request items from out-of-state libraries if what they need is not available in New Jersey.
There is not normally a charge to the user for interlibrary loan, but lending, photocopy, and mailing fees for materials borrowed from other libraries may be passed on to the user.
Interlibrary loan is not a substitute for developing the local collection but may be used to obtain specific items outside the scope of that collection or no longer available from the publisher.
Adopted 06/24/2015
Revised 04/27/2022
Children’s Policies
Unattended Children Policy
Bernards Township Library
The Bernards Township Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services. Parents and caregivers, not Library staff, are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of their children in the Library.
- Children must be eleven or older to be left alone in the Library.
- Children age ten and under must be attended and adequately supervised by an adult, mature teen, older sibling, or caregiver while they are in the Library.
Parents and/or caregivers are expected to remain in the Children’s Library area while the child is attending a Library program.
Children, like all patrons, are expected to behave appropriately while using the Library, being respectful of other patrons, staff, and materials.
(See “Patron Behavior Policy.”)
Children who are disruptive or behaving inappropriately will be told by a staff member that their behavior is unacceptable in the Library and given a warning. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child may be asked to leave the Library.
If the Library is closing — at the regular time or in an emergency situation — and a child’s parent or caregiver cannot be located, the Bernards Township Police Department will be called after fifteen minutes of trying.
Under no circumstances will Library staff transport or take the child away from the Library building and grounds. Two staff members will be required to stay with the child to ensure safety.
Adopted: 04/1991
Revised: 03/24/2010, 11/18/2015, 05/25/2022
Patron Behavior
Patron Behavior Policy
Bernards Township Library
Bernards Township Library is responsible for maintaining a welcoming and shared community space, as well as a calm and orderly environment. Patrons are expected to respect the Library, staff, and other patrons so that everyone may enjoy the experience to the fullest extent possible. The Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following standards of behavior to ensure a safe and usable facility for all Library patrons.
Library Patrons Shall:
- Be courteous and respectful to Library staff and other patrons.
- Only engage in activities associated with the use of a public library.
- Uphold the Children’s Room as an area for parents, caregivers, and children in their care, or adults using resources that are only available in that area.
- Be aware that the extended use of the Teen Space and Teen Space computers is for the exclusive use of teens ages 12–18 (grades 7–12 or equivalent). Other patrons may access the collection briefly.
- Wear appropriate clothing in the Library and maintain a generally accepted standard of personal hygiene.
- Use Library computers and the Internet ethically and responsibly (see Internet Use Policy).
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior includes actions in the Library or on Library premises that interfere with the use of the Library by others, create risk of injury, disrupt staff work, disturb the peaceful enjoyment of the Library, or risk damage to Library or personal property. Examples include, but are not limited to:
a. Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, local law, or Library policy.
b. Disruptive behavior, including disorderly conduct, excessive noise, physical abuse, abusive or threatening language, or misuse of Library equipment or furnishings.
c. Harassing or disturbing others.
d. Using audio devices without headphones or at a volume audible to others.
e. Entering staff-only areas.
f. Interfering with Library staff in the performance of their duties (e.g., monopolizing staff time).
g. Using cell phones or other devices in areas or manners that disturb others.
h. Any behavior that presents imminent danger to the life or safety of others, including intentional activation of fire alarms or exits.
i. Carrying weapons on Library grounds, unless authorized by law.
j. Soliciting, gambling, panhandling, distributing materials, signing petitions, or conducting surveys unless authorized by the Library.
k. Leaving children ten and under, or adults needing supervision, unattended (see Unattended Child Policy).
l. Littering.
m. Smoking or vaping tobacco or other substances.
n. Bringing animals into the Library, except for service animals or those approved by the Library Director.
o. Consuming food anywhere in the Library other than in the downstairs hallway.
p. Consuming beverages except from lidded containers.
q. Misusing restrooms, including bathing, shaving, or any activity of a sexual nature.
r. Photographing patrons or staff without permission.
s. Defacing or damaging Library materials or property.
t. Threatening or intimidating behaviors (e.g., abusive language, harassment, or staring).
u. Refusing to leave the Library at closing time.
v. Possessing, distributing, or using alcohol.
w. Possessing, distributing, or using controlled substances.
Temporary Health and Safety Requirements
During times of contagious disease outbreak, epidemic, or pandemic, the Library Board may require patrons to observe the following:
- Wearing a protective face covering over the nose and mouth.
- Maintaining six feet of physical or social distancing.
- Complying with all measures required by local, county, or state health departments and government regulations.
Sanctions for Policy Violations
- The patron will be asked to stop the offending activity. If the behavior continues, or if it involves illegal activity, threats, or intoxication, the patron will be asked to leave for the day.
- Continued violations or serious misconduct may result in suspension of Library privileges by the Library Director or designee. Privileges may be revoked by the Library Board of Trustees upon notice and an opportunity to be heard.
- A patron whose privileges are suspended may appeal to the Library Director for reinstatement.
- During suspension, the patron may not enter the Library. If they do, they will be asked to leave and escorted out.
Law enforcement may also be notified if the situation warrants it.
Adopted: 11/1994
Revised: 06/16/2003, 11/28/2012, 07/29/2020
Reaffirmed: 05/25/2022
Collection Development Policy
Collection Development, Deselection, and Reconsideration Policy
Bernards Township Library
Library books and materials are selected to meet the educational, informational, health, cultural, and recreational needs of the local community.
The inclusion of a book or material in the Library’s collection does not in any way constitute an endorsement of its content or ideology. Some works on certain subjects may not meet the approval of all members of the community. In order to fulfill the Library’s public obligation and organizational mission, controversial works may be included in the collection.
Final authority for the determination of policy in the acquisition of books and other library materials is vested in the Library Board of Trustees. Responsibility for book selection within this policy and expenditures for materials rests with the Library Director.
Criteria for Selection of Materials
Selection of materials is based on one or more of the following:
- Potential use and interest in the community
- Popular appeal
- Importance of the subject to the balance of the collection
- Long-term value
- Literary and artistic recognition
- Accuracy of information
- Authority of author and publisher
- Scarcity of material on the subject
- Importance and inclusiveness of the material to diverse individuals
- Accessibility of material in other libraries
- Format
- Reviews from professional library, literary, and educational sources
- Cost of item
- Update to older, superseded items
Requests for specific materials will be given consideration. If it is determined by the Director or other designated staff that the material does not meet the criteria for selection, every effort will be made to obtain the required book or material through interlibrary loan. Donated books will be reviewed with the same criteria as materials for purchase. The Library may or may not be able to receive donations of books or other materials at the discretion of the Library Director.
Selection of Materials for Youth
Youth materials are selected with the same criteria outlined above. The Library affirms that it is the role of the parent, and not library staff, to supervise the use of library materials of minors in their care. Library staff are not responsible for withholding materials or information from any minor.
Digital Collections
Electronic resources refer to electronic journals, ebooks, digital media, bibliographic or full-text databases, and Internet resources. Some of these resources, with ebooks picked directly by the staff, will observe the same collection policies as print materials.
Resources provided by the State Library of NJ, or the Main Library Alliance, as well as vendors that provide base collections of their own for their resources will have items selected by those organizations’ individual collection development policies. These collections are subject to vendors’ and publishers’ collection development policies and licenses.
Textbooks
It is not the Library’s specific mission to provide textbooks, but a book will not be excluded because it is a textbook. Some textbooks may be available through interlibrary loan. Many colleges and universities offer textbook reserves for courses within their institution.
Self-Published Books Policy
The Bernards Township Library welcomes the growing opportunities that new self-publishing methods offer local writers for expression. The Library receives many requests from out-of-area and local authors to add their self-published books. Typically, these works have not received reviews in standard published sources (Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus) and may not meet the criteria that the Library normally sets for inclusion in its collections.
The Library desires to support local authors while maintaining the standards needed in the permanent collections and has subsequently set specific guidelines for inclusion of self-published materials.
Selection Conditions
Authors must be Somerset Hills residents, or the book must take place in Somerset Hills or otherwise demonstrate a strong local interest. Each book must be approved by the appropriate librarian before being accepted for placement.
Books will be accepted as donations from the author or publisher; however, at the discretion of the Director or Librarian, a book may be considered for purchase if published reviews in standard sources are available or there is strong evidence of appropriateness.
Books will not be purchased at patron request unless they have been reviewed in standard sources.
Patrons may donate copies of authors’ self-published books. These will be evaluated in accord with the Library’s gift policy and are not guaranteed inclusion in the collection.
Self-published family histories or other similar genealogical materials will be added to the Special Collection at the discretion of the Local History Librarian or the Director.
Donated items become the property of Bernards Township Library. The Library cannot guarantee that those items not added to the collection will be returned to the donor. Items may be weeded from the collection at a future date.
Maintenance of the Collection
All parts of the collection will be reviewed, weeded, and added to as possible by the Library Director or designated staff.
Information used to make decisions about removing a title from the collection includes:
- Prior circulation of item
- Physical condition, including normal wear
- Guidance provided by professional lists or bibliographies employed by library staff
- Popular appeal
- Currency and accuracy of information
- Importance of the material or format to diverse individuals
- Availability in other libraries in consortium
- Multiple copies of title no longer required
- Space considerations
Withdrawn books and materials will be sold, given away, or discarded at the discretion of the Library Director or appointed staff.
Reconsideration of Library Materials
Complaints concerning the content of material will be given formal recognition when the complainant completes and submits a Request for Reconsideration Form, available at the circulation desk. Concerned individuals are encouraged to seek understanding of the Library’s collection development process and the vast diversity of opinions, experiences, and needs in the community. Reconsideration determinations from the Board are final.
Reconsideration Regulation
When a completed and signed Request for Reconsideration Form is received, the Library Director shall communicate the request to the Board of Trustees at the next regular public meeting. Individuals are encouraged to raise their concern informally with the Library Director prior to escalating to the formal request.
The Board will review the Request for Reconsideration at the next regular public meeting, or opt to appoint a Reconsideration Committee consisting of the Board President, the Library Director, an additional member of the Board, and one to three community members selected by the Nominating Committee to review the request.
The Committee will present its determination to the Board as to whether the material or service should be maintained or discontinued at the second regular meeting following the Board’s receipt of the request.
The acceptance or rejection of the Request for Reconsideration shall be determined by a majority roll call vote of eligible Trustees who are present.
The Nominating Committee may include non-residents in the formation of a Reconsideration Committee if they offer relevant expertise in the matter of the material or service in question. The complainant may not serve on the Committee. If the complainant is the Library Director or Board President, another Trustee will serve in their place. If the complainant is a member of the Library Board of Trustees, they shall not participate in the review beyond the submission of the request or public comment.
Review of the material may or may not include reviewing the material itself in its entirety if professional reviews indicate the material’s satisfaction of the Library’s selection criteria.
The Director will inform the complainant of the Board’s determination in writing. The Board or Committee will strive to respond within sixty days following the initial public meeting.
Requests in excess of two per year by the same individual or organization, or by non-residents of Bernards Township, may be declined by the Board.
The Board or Committee will review resident requests with due diligence and guide their determinations using governing laws, administrative codes, the ALA Library Bill of Rights, and the Library’s own policies.
Adopted 03/29/2023
Computer, Internet and Printing Acceptable Use
Computer, Internet, and Printing Acceptable Use Policy
Bernards Township Library
The Board of Trustees of the Bernards Township Library has adopted the following policy to fulfill its mission to inform, enrich, and connect our community by providing open public access to all types of information.
Unlike other library resources, the information found on the Internet is not subject to the selection policies of the Library. However, the Internet is an unregulated medium and provides access to information that may be inaccurate, illegal, or offensive. While the Library identifies specific Internet sites that may interest users, it cannot control access to all Internet content. Patrons should therefore exercise critical judgment and evaluate the validity and reliability of sources.
This policy applies equally to the Library’s wired and wireless networks, Library devices, and any patron-owned equipment used on Library premises. Any patron not abiding by these standards may be required to terminate a computer session and/or leave the Library premises. If illegal or unlawful activity is observed or suspected, the Bernards Township Police may be contacted. This policy is posted in the building.
Parents and/or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the information selected or accessed by their children. Supervision of minors’ Internet sessions by parents or guardians is encouraged and advised.
Display or transmission of sexually explicit material that is violent, obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors is strictly prohibited in the Library.
Internet Code of Conduct
- Uses that violate the law or encourage others to do so.
Includes transmitting offensive or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any illegal substance; or viewing, transmitting, or downloading illegal pornographic materials. - Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property.
Includes defamation, uploading malicious software (e.g., viruses, trojans, worms), or engaging in unauthorized access (“hacking”) to other systems or networks. - Uses that jeopardize network security.
Includes disclosing passwords, impersonating others, using personal software on Library computers, altering system settings, or damaging equipment or software. - Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors.
Minors under age 17 should not share personal information (such as credit card or Social Security numbers) or arrange face-to-face meetings with online contacts without parental permission. - Uses that violate confidentiality.
The New Jersey Confidentiality of Library Records Law (N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43.2) prohibits unauthorized disclosure or use of personal information about Library users. Users should note that absolute privacy on public networks cannot be guaranteed. - Session time limits.
The Library reserves the right to impose time limits on computer sessions if other patrons are waiting. - Staff assistance.
Time and expertise permitting, Library staff are available to assist patrons with computer, software, or Internet use.
Failure to Comply with This Policy
Library staff members are authorized to immediately terminate any computer session—on Library or patron devices—that violates this policy or the Patron Behavior Policy. Suspension or loss of Library privileges may result from violations. Continued noncompliance will result in forfeiture of computer and Internet access privileges.
Users’ Security and Limit of Liability
The Internet is not a secure medium. Third parties may intercept communications or attempt to obtain personal information.
The Library’s public computers and wireless network are open and unsecured. The Library assumes no responsibility for any direct, indirect, or consequential data loss or damages related to the use of Library computers or Internet connections. The Library is not responsible for loss of data, damage to patron equipment, or the security of information transmitted or received on Library networks.
Disclaimers
While the Library strives to provide high-quality access to information, it disclaims any warranty as to accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness, or fitness for purpose. The Library is not liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from information accessed through its Internet services.
Printing Policies
- Public photocopiers: 15¢ per page (black & white); 25¢ per page (color).
- Public computer or microform printer output: 15¢ per page.
- Payment is made at the Adult or Children’s Circulation Desk.
Adopted: 06/18/1997
Reviewed: 09/20/2004
Revised: 09/16/1998, 04/15/2009, 04/30/2013, 11/29/2017, 04/27/2022
