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The Library is governed by policies adopted by the
Board of Trustees and implemented by
the Director and staff. Some policies are mandated by state law.
Others have been adopted as needed by the library. State library
standards suggest periodic review of library policies. Here is a
list of current library policies.
Please click on the plus sign [+] next
to each policy to read the specific policy. Click the minus sign
[-] to close the policy.
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I. Introduction
A. Purpose
The purpose of the Waukegan Public Library Collection Development Policy is to set forth principles and guidelines to direct the staff in building and maintaining materials responsive to community needs by following the mission and goals of the library.
The policy will communicate to the public how development decisions are made. It presents in one comprehensive document the process and judgments that determine not only the selection of materials but also maintenance of the collection.
B. Description of the Waukegan Public Library
The Waukegan Public Library had its beginning
in November 1845 when the Little Fort Reading Room and
Library Association was founded. Over the next 65 years
various forms of library activities continued to grow.
The Library Association opened a free library on Thursday
and Saturday of every week from November 1895 to 1896
when it convinced city officials to support the library.
In June 1898, the city accepted the library and its
effects as a gift from the association and on November
1, 1898 a tax-supported Waukegan Public Library became
a reality. In 1901, the City Council agreed to provide
land to construct a library at Sheridan Road and Washington
Street. Andrew Carnegie donated $25,000 for the building,
and the City Council approved $2,500 a year support.
The Ionian Greek style building opened to the public
in October 1903. At one time in the 1930s the library
operated three branches. The first bookmobile went into
operation in 1956. As collections and services continued
to grow, the Carnegie building became inadequate. In
1963, a bond issue for a new library building was passed.
At the corner of County and Clayton streets, the facility
opened in December 1965. The library joined the North
Suburban Library Association in 1967. In 1996, the City
Council voted to implement renovation of the libraries
16,000-square-foot unused lower level, which was converted
into the children's and audio/visual departments. In
2001, an integrated computer software system was installed.
As of 2006, the library collection includes more than
213,000 books, 15,000 videos and DVDs, 11,000 CDs, 3,000 cassettes, 2,150 musical scores, 600 CD-ROMS and 220 magazine subscriptions. Approximately 44 percent of city residents are active card holders.
C. Description of the Waukegan Community
The library serves Waukegan, the county seat of Lake County. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Waukegan has a rich history of immigration and diversity. A 2002 estimated population of 90,000 people consisted of 45% Hispanic, 31% white, and 19% black. More than 40 different languages are spoken with 54% speaking English only and 40% speaking Spanish. In 2000, the median family income was $42,335. The business community has expanded from a downtown retail area to many neighborhood clusters of small businesses.
II. Policies
A. Waukegan Public Library Mission Statement
Putting quality in our patrons’ lives
by providing opportunities to learn, gather, be informed
and entertained.
B. Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas. View the Library Bill of Rights in full at: http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/librarybillrights.htm. The Spanish version is Declaracion de los Derechos de las Bibliotecas at: http://ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/spanishversion/spanishversion.htm.
C. Statement on Labeling
The Waukegan Public Library will follow the American Library Association's recommendation to not label materials. View the American Library Association's Statement on Labeling in full at: http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=interpretations&Template=/ContentManagement/Content...
III. Selection Process
A. Responsibility for Selection
Final accountability to the Library Board and the public for the entire collection rests with the Executive Director. The responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the Executive Director, who makes that determination in cooperation and consultation with staff and other professional librarians. A list of material selectors and areas of selection is appended to the end of this document.
B. Selection Guidelines
Criteria:
The standard criteria of literary quality, accuracy, popular interest, timeliness, and significance of content are applied in the consideration of all materials for purchase. An item's contribution to a body of knowledge and/or its specific value in filling a particular need is a primary factor in selection. Because the library serves a public composed of a wide variety of ages, educational backgrounds, languages, and reading abilities, it will always seek to select materials of varying complexity.
Tools:
Selection of materials is done by researching and cross-referencing standard library survey sources, reviews in professional journals, subject bibliographies, lists of recommended titles, Internet blogs, popular media and patron recommendations and requests for specific materials.
Goals:
The Library will collect, organize, produce and make easily available contemporary materials and electronic resources. The library will provide materials in a timely manner which meets patrons' interests and needs. The library will purchase current materials proportionate to levels of demand and use, taking care to anticipate and respond to indications of significant new needs. The library will strive to provide a balance of viewpoints on all subjects in its collections. To maintain the vitality of the collection, the library staff will practice ongoing collection management. Worn, obsolete and dated materials will be weeded from the collection according to procedures. All collections will be inventoried on a regular basis.
Scope:
Materials selected for the library collection are intended to meet the recreational, educational, cultural, and informational needs of the residents of Waukegan. The scope of the collection is intended to offer a choice of format, treatment, and level of difficulty so that most individual library needs can be met and service given to individuals of all ages, within current budget parameters and constraints. The Library collects materials primarily in English and Spanish. The library encourages the use of interlibrary cooperation to better serve the needs of its clientele by expanding available resources. The collection scope is intended to provide only supplemental materials for individuals pursuing educational programs and a beginning point for those seeking more advanced information or materials. The emphasis is on acquiring materials of wide-ranging interest to the general public. The collection is not archival except for the Illinois Collection, and is reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis to meet current needs.
C. Gifts
Gifts of books and other library materials are accepted under the provision of the library's gift policy.
D. Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary loan is a method of expanding the range of materials available to library users. Interlibrary loan is a supplementary tool to access needs not met by the current collection. Standard interlibrary loan procedures are followed when requesting materials.
E. Multiple Copies
Multiple copies are not purchased of every title the Library owns. Both popular fiction and nonfiction titles are purchased in multiple copies if the selector determines a need for more than one copy. For titles with many reserves, additional copies may be purchased to meet public demand.
F. Format
Materials are purchased in the most appropriate formats for library use.
Textbooks are purchased in areas where there is little or no material in any other format or where they add substantially to the collection. The library monitors the development of new formats and, within budgetary and technical limitations, adds these to the collection.
G. Treatment and Level of Difficulty
The library provides a variety of treatments and levels of difficulty for many subjects and audiences. The range of difficulty starts with beginning picture books and progresses through graded readers to college level textbooks and beyond.
H. Archival Holdings
At the library, usefulness is the determining factor in how long material is kept. There is no attempt to be complete in terms of historical coverage. No extraordinary effort is made to preserve or protect the last copy of a title in the collection. Illinois and local history may be retained longer, but even these collections will undergo periodical evaluation and reassessment.
I. Standing Orders
Standing orders offer an automatic process of securing the newest edition of selected works, and popular authors, subjects, and series. The standing order list is reviewed annually and updated as needed. Additions and deletions from the standing order list are approved by the appropriate department manager.
J. Bindery
Rebinding should be reserved for out-of-print books which are of high value to the library collection.
K. Weeding
The Collection Development Plan serves as a guide for weeding and maintaining the collection as well as for the selection of materials. Systematic evaluation and weeding of the collection is required of every selector in order to keep the collection responsive to patron's needs, to insure its vitality and usefulness to the community, and to make room for newer materials. For this reason, subject areas should be reassessed for relevancy and currency every three years, although certain areas may require more frequent review. Materials from the Reference Collection which retain informational value may be transferred to the circulating collection. Withdrawn materials which are in good condition may be put in the book sale. No materials will be held for or given to individuals.
L. Reconsideration of Library Materials
A singular obligation of the public library is to reflect within its collection differing points of view on controversial or debatable subjects. The library does not promulgate particular beliefs or views, nor does the selection of an item express or imply endorsement of the viewpoint of the author. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, nor will items be sequestered, except for the purpose of protecting them from damage or theft.
Comments from members of the community about the collection or individual items in the collection frequently provide librarians with useful information about interests or needs that may not be adequately met by the collection. The library welcomes expression of opinion by patrons, but will be governed by the Materials Selection Policy in making additions to or deleting items from the collection.
Patrons who request the reconsideration of library materials will be asked to put their request in writing by completing and signing the form appended to this policy, entitled "Request for Reconsideration of Library Material."
A formal, written request will be given to the Department Manager responsible for the selection of that material. The Department Manager will prepare a written recommendation for the material being reconsidered and present it, with the specific item and the request, to the Executive Director. The Executive Director will evaluate both the material and the recommendation. If the Executive Director's recommendation is to withdraw the material from the collection, the recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Trustees for its ratification. If the Executive Director's decision is to retain the material in the circulating collection, the Executive Director will respond to the patron in writing stating his or her decision and offering the option that an appeal of the decision may be brought to the Board of Trustees through the Executive Director.
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Confidentiality / Destruction of Library Records Containing Patron
Information
It is the intention of the Waukegan Public Library to protect the privacy of its
library patrons as required by State law (under Library Records Confidentiality
Act). Confidentiality extends to “information sought or received, and materials
consulted, borrowed or acquired,” and includes database search records,
computer use records, reference interviews, circulation records, interlibrary loan
records, and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or
services.
The Waukegan Public Library recognizes that law enforcement agencies and
officers may occasionally believe that library records contain information which
would be helpful to the investigation of criminal activity. If there is a reasonable
basis to believe such records are necessary to the progress of an investigation or
prosecution, the American judicial system provides the mechanism for seeking
release of such confidential records.
Procedures:
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Any staff member receiving a request
to examine or obtain records will immediately refer
the person making the request to the Director or
Assistant Directors.
The Director, upon receipt of specific court order, may consult with the library
attorney. If the library attorney is unavailable, the Director will use his best judgement. Any problems relating to the privacy of records identifying the names of
library users which are not provided for above shall be referred to the
Director.
Disposal of Records:
All records, notices, requests and notes will be destroyed after their usefulness to
Waukegan Public Library has expired.
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The Library Board
and staff will maintain a climate conducive to the purposeful
use of the Library.
Patrons of any age
who are engaging in any activity which disturbs or harasses
other patrons or staff or are damaging Library materials
or facilities, will be asked to display their Library
card or other form of identification and to desist from
such activity immediately.
Patrons who refuse
to comply with such a request will be asked to leave
the Library premises immediately for the balance of
that calendar day. For those who fail to do so, the
police will be summoned. In instances where the offensive
action is one that is a serious misdemeanor or a felony,
the staff member observing the offense will summon the
police and will file charges.
Patrons who exhibit
offensive behavior may be required to surrender their
library cards and may be expelled from the library for
a period to be determined by the Executive Director.
Any behavior resulting
in removal from the Library will be reported in writing
to the Executive Director.
Any disciplinary
action taken under this policy may be appealed to the
Board of Trustees through the Executive Director.
The flyer titled
"Patron Rights and Responsibilities" provides detailed
description of "do's and don'ts" and implements the
policy outlined above.
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Library property (i.e., print and non-print materials, equipment, and supplies) which in the judgment of the Executive Director is no longer necessary or useful for library purposes may be disposed of in the following manner:
Books and non-print materials from the library's collections, or gift materials, may be discarded or, upon the approval of the Board of Library Trustees, be given to local philanthropic, educational, cultural, governmental, or other non-for-profit organizations.
Any other property having an individual current value of less than $1,000 may, at the discretion of the Executive Director, be discarded, traded in on new equipment, or made available for sale.
In the case of individual surplus items having current value of $1,000 or more, the Board may authorize trade in of such items on new equipment or sale of such items in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois library Act. (Section 4-16)
No favoritism shall be shown to members of the Board of Trustees, library staff members, or members of their immediate families who make bids on or purchase any library item declared surplus.
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As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of
codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical
principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information
services, library trustees and library staffs.
This code states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical
responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.
We control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information.
In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession
explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information.
We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present
and future generations.
I. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and
usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate,
unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
II. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library
resources.
III. We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to
information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or
transmitted.
IV. We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
V. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and
advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all
employees of our institutions.
VI. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or
our employing institutions.
VII. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not
allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our
institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
VIII. We agree not to use our official position or powers to solicit gifts, provide
political patronage jobs, or use our position to unduly influence the votes or
actions of others.
IX. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our
own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of
co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the
profession.
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Gifts of books and other materials will be accepted on the condition that the Library
may place, display, acknowledge, and dispose of such material in whatever manner
that the Executive Director deems advisable.
Gifts of money, real property, and/or stock will be accepted if the conditions
attached thereto are acceptable to the Board of Trustees. The Waukegan Public
Library Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization, may receive and administer major
gifts.
The Library will not accept materials which are not outright gifts.
Funds for the purchase of memorial books are accepted with the responsibility for
selection resting with the Library following consultation with the donor.
The Library does not evaluate the worth of gifts for tax purposes.
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The Waukegan Public Library provides access to the Internet as a source of information,
education and communication. The same standards of intellectual freedom, privacy and
confidentiality endorsed by the library for traditional resources apply to electronic media,
including Internet usage.
Patrons with fines in excess of $5.00 will not be allowed to log on to a Waukegan Public Library computer. By logging on to one of the Library’s Internet workstations and beginning a session, it is understood that the patron has read and accepted the terms as stated in this policy.
Library patrons have the right to equitable access without charge, as available resources permit. Library workstations are not private or secure. The library is not responsible for the content, availability, currency, accuracy, or
appropriateness of the information accessed through the library computers. Patrons are
encouraged as consumers to evaluate the validity and quality of the information
obtained. The library provides access to the online resources not available free to users, and
identifies a broad range of useful and qualified Internet sites through the library’s web
page.
Viewing inappropriate Internet pages including child pornography, pornography and other
objectionable material is a misuse of public equipment. Should a patron be observed by library
security or staff viewing child pornography, which is illegal under local, state and federal
statutes, law enforcement authorities will be contacted. The library staff has the right to
terminate an Internet session as follows:
First time – verbal warning Second time – 1 week Computer suspension Third time – 1 month Computer suspension Fourth time – Banned from Computer Use
As with other library materials, the Library is not responsible for the Internet information
accessed or viewed by children. The library expects parents or guardians to supervise their
children's Internet activity. For more information on this, please read Child Safety on the
Information Highway (produced jointly by the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children and the Interactive Services Association) available free at the library or on the Internet
www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm Workshops and other training materials will be offered on a regular basis to patrons interested in in-depth instruction.
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A Media Relations Policy is a tool that ensures accurate, timely, and positive
messages about the Waukegan Public Library are provided on a consistent
basis. By coordinating the message and being prepared, the media can serve
the library by helping to spread the message to a larger population. The library
will make use of a variety of media to advance its message.
Media Requests:
While all staff members and trustees represent the library to the community, the
library director, public relations manager and/or the president of the library board
shall serve as contact persons for the media and will respond to media requests
for information and interviews. If these contact persons are unavailable to take
requests, library staff will take a message from the media and convey it to a
contact person at the earliest opportunity.
When receiving requests for specific program information, the media contact
person may put the reporter in contact with the supervisor or a staff member
involved in the program. When possible, staff members directly involved in
programs will be identified and quoted to afford them more community exposure.
Individual staff may not speak to the public or media on behalf of the library
unless authorized to do so. Staff must be aware that they are always seen as
speaking from a position of authority even when they designate comments as
opinions.
Photography/Film:
All photographers and videographers must ask for permission before taking
photos/filming in the library. They must show official ID. Unattended children
may only have their photograph taken if no personal information is shared and
the photographer leaves a business card, both with staff and the child. In all
cases the public relations manager must be informed as soon as possible.
Board Members speaking for the Board to the Public or Media:
Individual library trustees may not speak to the public or media on behalf of the
Library Board of Trustees unless authorized by the Board to do so.
When speaking to the public or the media about the library or about board action,
library trustees should be careful to define when their remarks represent personal
opinion and when their remarks represent official board position. Library trustees
must be aware that they are always seen as members of the library board even
when they designate comments as opinion.
Crisis Communications:
In the case of media interest in controversial, negative, or crisis issues, every
effort should be made to contact the director, board president, or public relations
manager as soon as possible. They will present an informed response.
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A meeting room, named after Ray Bradbury, is available for public use. The
Bradbury Room will seat approximately 90 people comfortably.
The Bradbury Room is to be reserved for: (1) Library sponsored programs and (2)
meetings and training programs of local governmental bodies and nonprofit social service
organizations and (3) educational, civic, cultural, and public information events
sponsored by community organizations and groups. Profit making firms and
organizations may use the rooms for educational programs open to the general public.
Rooms may not be reserved for:
Private social gatherings
Religious services or proselytizing functions
Private or political fundraising or money making purposes by groups other than library-related organizations
Political meetings of a partisan nature: the rooms are available for town meetings of elected representatives of local, state and national government.
All meetings must be open to the public, free, and for the purpose of educational, civic, or cultural programming or public information.
Participants must not be subject to an entrance fee or collections. An exception may be made and special permission granted for lectures, forums, institutes, or classes involving a small fee to cover expenses, upon application to the board.
Scheduling of the Bradbury Room for any organization does not constitute in any way an endorsement of the organization by the Library.
For, and in consideration of, the use of the Bradbury Room, any person or group using this room shall agree to indemnify and hold the
Waukegan Public Library harmless from any actions, suits, causes of or relating to its use of such room and facilities. Further, such person or group shall agree to indemnify the Library from any costs for repair of any damage that may be caused to the room or facilities by such use.
Room Regulations
The Bradbury Room is available for use at no charge (with proper reservation), on days the Library is open, from 9:00 a.m. - 8:45 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; from 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and from 1:00 p.m. - 4.45 p.m. on Sunday.
No charge is made for use of the room during library hours and no tipping of library employees is permitted.
No storage of materials or supplies is allowed.
Room equipment includes chairs, tables, podium, public address system, screen, and white board. Any additional equipment that will be brought in must be indicated on the application form and approved by the Library.
Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Light refreshments may be served, but must be simple (the equivalent of coffee and cookies). Food or drink items containing red dye or grape juice are prohibited. Coffee makers are the only items of equipment provided in the kitchen. Each group serving refreshments is responsible for cleanup before leaving.
Free public parking is available for two (2) hours in the city's multi-level parking garage with a validated parking ticket except during Genesee Theatre events. No parking is permitted in the staff lot behind the building. Handicapped parking is provided by the City.
Reservations and Cancellations
The Bradbury Room may be used by reservation only.
Applications for the use of the room are available in the Library and on the Library's website.
Reservations will be taken in the order of receipt of completed application.
Reservations will be accepted for a twelve (12) month period.
Cancellation of meetings should be made with as much advance notice as possible. Failure to notify the Library of cancellation may result in an organization being excluded from further scheduling at the Library.
The Library reserves the right to reschedule or cancel meetings when necessary.
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The Waukegan Public Library may wish to recognize those who have given gifts or service to the Library. Naming of facilities or items may be offered to those whose accomplishments or generosity advance the mission of the Library, further the capacity of the Library to meet its goal to serve the library community, and/or enhance the reputation of the Library.
There are five classes which may be named.
Class I. Endowments:
Endowments shall be acknowledged by the Waukegan Public Library Foundation Board.
Class II. Portable Items:
Examples are art prints, artifacts, and equipment. Recognition is provided with a brass plate approved by the Library Director.
Class III. Tribute Markers:
Examples are plaques or other markers in association with trees, benches, sculpture, and other such items shall be approved by the Board of Trustees after recommendation by the Waukegan Public Library Foundation Board.
Class IV. Inside Space:
Examples are reading rooms, classroom, Boardroom, galleries, lounge. Naming and signage shall be approved by the Board of Trustees after recommendation by the Waukegan Public Library Foundation Board.
Class V. Facilities that are part of the outside environment:
Examples are building, courtyard, gardens, etc. Naming and signage in this class will be approved by the Board of Trustees after recommendation by the Waukegan Public Library Foundation board.
During their tenure, members of the Staff, the Board of Trustees, the Waukegan Public Library Foundation Board, and elected officials are not eligible for a naming under Class IV and V.
Requests for naming under class III, IV and V shall be directed in writing to the Waukegan Public Library Foundation.
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I. Users
Use of the Waukegan Public Library is open to all residents of the City of Waukegan under rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Library. Use may be extended to nonresidents under rules adopted by the Library, the North Suburban Library System or the Illinois State Library.
Use of the Library or its services may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return library materials or to pay penalties, destruction of Library property, misuse of Library computers, disturbance of other patrons, or other objectionable conduct on Library premises.
Use of the Library or its services may be limited when excessive demands of groups or individuals tend to curtail services to the general public. Such demands may include those made by students, puzzle contestants, and others whose demands for staff time, available materials, or space would prohibit attention and service to other individuals or groups.
Borrowers must register and obtain a Library card to borrow Library materials for use outside of the building. Proof of current residence is required and determined by the Executive Director to include a photo ID. Library cards remain valid until the expiration date shown on the card as long as the address on file at the Library is current and the patron's account is in good standing.
Library borrowers are registered under the following classifications:
Adult Residents:
Adult Residents are patrons in the ninth (9th) grade and above or age 14 and older. Adult patrons who are under eighteen (18) years of age may borrow non-educational videocassettes/DVD's with parental permission. Cards are issued for three (3) years.
Youth Residents:
Youth Residents are patrons who are below the ninth (9th) grade or under age 14 and whose parents have indicated that they may check out all materials, including educational videocassettes and DVD's but excluding all other videocassettes, DVD's and equipment. The adult signing the young person's application will be held responsible for materials borrowed and fines accumulated on this card. Cards are issued for three (3) years.
Property Owners:
Property Owners are patrons who do not live in Waukegan but who pay real estate taxes for property owned within the city limits. These patrons are entitled to full privileges. Cards are issued for one (1) year.
Special Borrowers:
Special Borrowers are patrons who are residents in the ninth (9th) grade and above or age 14 and older whom may not check out non-educational videocassettes/DVD's unless authorized by a parent or legal guardian. Cards are issued for three (3) years.
Organizations:
Organizations with a Waukegan mailing address, verified in a form determined by the Director or Circulation Manager, are issued a card in the name of the organization. Cards are issued for one (1) year and have the same rights and responsibilities as individual patron cards.
Temporary:
Temporary borrowing privileges are given patrons who are temporary residents of the community. There is a borrowing limit of two (2) items at a time with this privilege. Videocassettes/DVD's and Interlibrary Loan materials are not allowed borrowing rights with this privilege. Borrowing privileges are extended for three (3) months.
Staff, Board and Volunteers:
Staff, Board, and Volunteers are patrons who are current members of the Library staff or Board or who volunteer at the Library. Cards are effective while serving the Waukegan Public Library and are issued for three (3) years. Staff, Board, and Volunteers are granted a five-day grace period, for books only, before fines begin. There is no grace period for videocassettes, DVD's, or other Library materials. Overdue fines will be assessed and payment is the responsibility of the individual. All other charges, circulation periods, and fees apply to Staff, Board, and Volunteers.
Fee:
Fee patrons do not live in any library service area and pay a fee which is set annually in accord with Illinois state law. These patrons are entitled to full local privileges, which are valid at this Library only. Cards are issued for one (1) year.
Homebound:
Homebound are patrons who receive home delivery service from the Library but may not check out feature DVD's or videocassettes (VHS) and 14-day books. Homebound status must be verified by the Volunteer Coordinator. Cards are issued for three (3) years.
Reciprocals:
Reciprocals are patrons with current Library cards from participating Libraries. These privileges are valid for one (1) year. (Staff may call the issuing Library to verify cardholder status.)
Exceptionals:
Exceptionals are patrons who are issued temporary cards for use at school bookmobile stops. Exceptional cards are issued for the school year only.
Teachers:
Teachers are patrons who are employed by a public/private school in Waukegan. These cards are issued for the school year only and allow full privileges for classroom use.
E-Cards:
E-Cards are issued to Waukegan residents who apply online. E-card patrons may access online databases. E-card privileges are issued for three (3) months. Borrowing privileges are not extended until a valid photo library card is issued.
II. Use of Materials and Services
A. Circulation Restrictions:
Restrictions (Additional restrictions may be applied subject to availability of materials)
12 videocassette/DVD titles per person
12 compact disks per person
12 audio books per person
6 non-fiction books per subject per person
4 items per student at school stops
A cash deposit is required for items included in the "Deposit Required" collection. (ABE, GED, ASVAB)
Interlibrary Loan service is restricted to Waukegan Public Library card holders only
B. Circulation Periods for Materials:
Materials circulate for three (3) weeks except as follows:
Items marked "short term" circulate for fourteen (14) days.
Materials checked out on school stops circulate for five (5) weeks.
Reference books may be checked out with the approval of a Reference Librarian in the Adult or Children's Departments by any patron in good standing for a time period determined by the Library.
Home delivery loans are checked out for three (3) weeks.
Interlibrary loans are checked out as specified by the lending Library
All entertainment videocassettes (VHS) circulate for one week.
Entertainment DVD's check out for three (3) days or seven (7) days depending on their status.
C. Renewals:
Most items may be renewed once, if there is no reserve on the material, as long as it is not overdue.
III. Use of Equipment
The public may use only public-access equipment with the exception of personally owned devices.
Use of Library materials is solely at the risk of the borrower, and the Library assumes no liability for damage to a user's personal equipment from use of Library materials.
IV. Charges and Fines
A. Overdue Materials:
Fines on overdue materials are as follows:
All items, regardless of format, unless specified below, $.10 per day
Videocassettes and DVD's $1.00 per day
Reference Materials $.50 per day
B. Lost or Damaged Materials:
Lost patron ID card; $2.00
Lost security card; $.50
Lost or badly damaged materials are fined at the listed price; videocassettes at $30.00 per item.
Refunds will not be issued after six (6) months for lost item charges.
A lost item may be replaced with a new, identical item in lieu of the above replacement fees.
C. Other Charges and Fees:
New adult entertainment DVD's $1.00 for three (3) days. Older adult entertainment DVD's $1.00 for three (3) days or $2.00 for one (1) week. Interlibrary Loan materials not picked up following notification are accessed a fee
of $2.00 per item.
D. Fine Thresholds:
When fines accumulate to $5.00, patrons are ineligible to borrow, rent materials or use a public access computer until the fines are below $5.00.
When charges against a member of one family exceed the fine threshold, borrowing privileges for the entire family may be suspended until the account is cleared.
V. Short Term Special Promotions
Fines may be waived during short term special promotions, i.e., having children
read off fines, patrons bringing in canned goods for fines, etc. Such special
promotions will be publicized prior to the event.
VI. Use of Building
A. Hours Open:
Open:
The Library will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday; and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, during the months of September through May.
Closed:
The Library will close on the following days and may close for special circumstances or during an emergency. (In the event that a holiday falls on Sunday, the Library will be closed the next day.) The Library will close on Sundays from May 27 through
September 2.
New Year's Day
Easter
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
November 2 All Staff Training Day
Thanksgiving Day
December 24
Christmas Day
Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day
The Library will close at 5:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve.
B. Art Exhibit Areas
Art Exhibit areas are located on the south wall, main floor, and in the corridor, lower level, of the Library. Reservations for use of the exhibit areas are made by completing a Display Agreement form. The Library is not responsible for loss or damage.
The Library is not responsible for loss or damage.
C. Displays:
Displays are at the discretion of the Library Director.
D. Petitions and Solicitation of Funds :
Solicitation on all Library property for goods, funds or signatures for petitions by any citizen or organization is not permitted.
E. Petitions and Solicitation of Funds:
Members of the staff participate in political activities as private citizens. They may not solicit on Library time for votes for any candidate. The Library may serve as a distribution point for informational literature on local referendums as released by official bodies, such as school or park boards, but care must be exercised to provide literature on opposing points of view if such is available. Campaign literature for a single candidate is not to be distributed through the Library unless material for all candidates has been turned in to the Library. The Library may gather sample campaign materials including biographical data for use in reference work, but such samples are not to be used to advertise a candidate.
F. Community Information Publications:
The Waukegan Public Library will allow materials for distribution, which have an educational, cultural, or civic interest. No items may be placed without the approval of the Library Attendant/Security person.
VII. Public Complaints
Complaints about policies, services, or personnel, issuing from the public and which are beyond the control of the staff, are to be referred to the Executive Director or the Library Board in writing.
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This policy applies to all purchases and commitments requiring an expenditure of funds under the control of the Board of Trustees of the Waukegan Public Library. All purchases and commitments for goods or services require approval of the Board unless specifically exempted in this policy statement.
The Executive Director or his designate, is hereby authorized to act as agent of the Board in purchasing goods and services for the Library. This authorization is limited as follows:
A. Purchases in excess of amounts allocated in the budget shall be approved in advance by
the Board.
B. Purchases for goods or services in excess of $5,000 shall be approved in advance by the
Board, with the exception of library books and materials.
C. Purchases of goods or services in excess of $20,000 required during the construction or
remodeling of a library building shall be done by bid.
D. Bids or quotations are not required for the following:
Salaries and wages of employees Library materials Goods or services which are economically procurable from only one (1) source Professional, technical, or artistic skill services Maintenance or service contracts for equipment where the work will be best performed by the manufacturer or its authorized agent In emergencies, when immediate repair to, or replacement of, equipment owned by the library is necessary in order to permit the Library to function and its regular services to be performed
E. Solicitation for bids shall be in conformance with the accepted business practices. The
method of solicitation shall be as follows:
A "call for bids" shall be prepared and mailed to at least four (4) qualified suppliers. Notice of the availability of such "call for bids" to all interested persons shall be published in at least one (1) local newspaper at least one (1) time. Qualified suppliers should be selected with consideration given to such factors as prior experience, accessibility and general reputation. The "call for bids" shall describe in detail the required qualifications for bidders, specifications for the goods or services to be supplied, terms of delivery, draft of the contract (if applicable), need for performance bond (if applicable), requirements for samples (if applicable), the form in which to submit the bid, any other conditions, and the time and place for opening bids.
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Reference service is available to all persons. Reference materials are available for use in the library and online. Reference staff is trained to provide reference service during all hours the library is open. Reference staff is trained in reference interviewing techniques, reader's advisory service, and information retrieval in all formats. Reference service is provided in response to all forms of inquiry including, but not limited
to, the telephone, fax, TTY, and e-mail. Requests for materials are limited to (5) per
transaction. Requests for information are limited to three per transaction. Patrons are
encouraged to send to or leave their lists with a librarian. Reference questions that cannot be answered with on-site resources are referred to another
agency. Referrals are always verified by the reference staff. All requests for information receive an answer or status report within one working day. Names of users and the transactions that occur with the reference staff are confidential and not discussed outside a professional context. The library has a working written Internet policy for the public. The library adopts and adheres to the American Library Association Code Of Ethics. The reference staff will assist students with homework questions by directing them to the necessary sources. The reference staff will not interpret legal, tax, or medical information. Reference materials are only loaned overnight and under special circumstances at the discretion of the reference staff. In some cases, a deposit may be required.
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Unattended Child Policy |
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The safety of our community’s young children is important to the Waukegan
Public Library. Library staff have many responsibilities and are not liable for
unattended children.
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult or a
caregiver who is 13 years old or older while visiting the library.
Children under the age of 8 must remain with the parent or caregiver at all
times.
Children under the age of 13 must be picked up by the Library’s closing
time. Staff will make every effort to contact the parent of any child under
the age of 13 left in the library after closing time. After 15 minutes past
closing time, staff will contact the police to take custody of the child.
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It is the policy of Waukegan Public Library that all employees should be able to enjoy a
work environment free of discrimination and harassment.
This policy refers to, but is not limited to, harassment in the following areas: (1) age, (2)
race, (3) color, (4) national origin, (5) religion, (6) sex, (7) sexual orientation, (8) marital
status, (9) handicap, and (10) veteran status. Harassment includes display or circulation
of written materials or pictures degrading to either gender or to racial, ethnic, or religious
groups; and verbal abuse or insults directed at or made in the presence of members of a
racial, ethnic, or minority group.
Harassment also refers to behavior that is personally offensive, impairs morale, and
interferes with the work effectiveness of employees. Any harassment of employees by
other employees will not be permitted, regardless of their working relationship. Sexual
harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other
offensive verbal or physical conduct that is sexual in nature. Sexual harassment
undermines the employment relationship by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
work environment and will not be tolerated.
In fulfilling their obligation to maintain a positive and productive work environment,
managers and supervisors are expected to immediately halt any harassment of which they
become aware by emphasizing the Library policy and, when necessary, by more direct
disciplinary action.
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Bulletin Board Policy
The Waukegan Public Library will display materials which have an educational,
cultural, or civic interest. No items may be placed on the bulletin board without
the approval of the Library. Items will be posted no more than three weeks. Due
to space limitations staff will post materials in this succession:
Governmental Publications (State, County, City, Township, Park District…)
Non-profit and cultural publications
Community Events
Postings for personal or commercial intent will be excluded. Please give your
materials to the receptionist.
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Media Relations Policy |
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A Media Relations Policy is a tool that ensures accurate, timely, and positive
messages about the Waukegan Public Library are provided on a consistent
basis. By coordinating the message and being prepared, the media can serve
the library by helping to spread the message to a larger population. The library
will make use of a variety of media to advance its message.
Media Requests
While all staff members and trustees represent the library to the community, the
library director, Assistant Director, Community Services and/or the president of
the library board shall serve as contact persons for the media and will respond to
media requests for information and interviews. If these contact persons are
unavailable to take requests, library staff will take a message from the media and
convey it to a contact person at the earliest opportunity.
When receiving requests for specific program information, the media contact
person may put the reporter in contact with the supervisor or a staff member
involved in the program. When possible, staff members directly involved in
programs will be identified and quoted to afford them more community exposure.
Individual staff may not speak to the public or media on behalf of the library
unless authorized to do so. Staff must be aware that they are always seen as
speaking from a position of authority even when they designate comments as
opinions.
Photography/Film
All photographers and videographers must ask for permission from the Person in
Charge before taking photos/filming in the library. They must show a picture ID.
Unattended children may only have their photograph taken if no personal
information is shared and the photographer leaves a business card, both with
staff and the child. In all cases the Assistant Director, Community Services must
be informed as soon as possible.
Board Members speaking for the Board to the Public or Media
Individual library trustees may not speak to the public or media on behalf of the
Library Board of Trustees unless authorized by the Board to do so.
When speaking to the public or the media about the library or about board action,
library trustees should be careful to define when their remarks represent personal
opinion and when their remarks represent official board position. Library trustees
must be aware that they are always seen as members of the library board even
when they designate comments as opinion.
Crisis Communications
In the case of media interest in controversial, negative, or crisis issues, every
effort should be made to contact the director, board president, or Assistant
Director, Community Services as soon as possible. They will present an
informed response.
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Hours
of Operation
