The Rules and Regulations for Use of the Library are set by the Board of Trustees with the advice of the Library Director. The Board of Trustees has adopted the following Rules and Regulations for Use of the Library so that the Library may provide an atmosphere conducive to appropriate use of its services and facilities. In addition, further rules and regulations, which define who may use the Library and its facilities, the terms of usage, hours of operations, etc., are spelled out in a series of policy statements and printed memoranda that are included in the Policy Manual under the appropriate subject headings.
The following actions are prohibited on Library property:
- Selling and/or soliciting for money or items or services, without prior approval.
- Distributing or posting materials/literature that has not been approved by the Library.
- Possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Smoking or other uses of tobacco both inside the library building and anywhere on library grounds. (Rev. 12/15/11)
- Eating or drinking except in tiled gallery area and Levels.(Rev. 12/15/11; 9/12/17)
- Bringing animals or pets into the Library except service animals as defined- by the Americans with Disabilities Act [attached]. [2/18/14]
- Any loud, unreasonable and/or disturbing noises created by persons, radios, tape players or televisions.
- Cell phones may only be used in designated areas of each library location, as determined by library staff. (Rev. 12/15/11)
- Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any Library property or a patron’s or employee’s property.
- Removing library materials from the premises without authorization through established lending procedures.
- Carrying weapons of any type.
- Engaging in disorderly conduct, fighting or challenging to fight, or using offensive words likely to provoke violence.
- Indecent exposure.
- Using obscene or abusive acts and/or language.
- Willfully disrupting library functions and/or programs.
- Any other illegal acts or conduct in violation of federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. (Rev. 12/15/11); 2/18/14; 9/12/17
- The public will have access to the specified records of the Libraryin accordance with the provisions of this policy.
- Records maintained by the Great Neck Library, which are available for inspection in accordance with this policy, will be available at the Main Library between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- All requests to examine such records must be forwarded to the Library on the appropriate request form (see section 500-65) and sent to the attention of the Administrative Assistant who shall serve as Records Officer.[rev 9/12/17;12/18/18]
- The fee for photocopying such records shall be $.25 (twenty-five cents) per page, or the actual cost of reproducing any other record.
- Records may not be removed from the Library Director’s office.
- The Library shall, in accordance with its published rules, make available by photocopy or inspection the following:
a) Library Board meeting minutes;
b) Legal agreements, contracts;
c) Records of library receipts and expenditures, including checks;
d) Lists of employees and their remuneration;
e) Employee organization contracts;
f) Insurance policies;g) Audits, either internal or external;
h) Newsletters, annual reports, Board approved long range plans;
i) Election information, such as sample ballots, election challenge records, candidate designation or nomination records, including petitions with personal identifying information redacted;
j) Bank statements;
k) Annual budget, financial reports, annual fiscal reports;
l) General ledger;
m) Incorporation and charter records;
n) Association membership lists with personal identifying information redacted;
o) Register or list of applicants seeking access to records;
p) Correspondence - In accordance with Library Policy, the Library shall not make available by photocopy or inspection records that:
a) are specifically exempted from disclosure by state or federal statute;
b) if disclosed would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
c) if disclosed would impair present or imminent contract awards or collective bargaining negotiations;
d)are compiled for law enforcement purposes;
e) if disclosed could endanger the life or safety of any person;
f) are inter-agency or intra-agency materials excepting:
i. statistical or factual tabulations or data, or;
ii. final agency policy or determinations;
g) if disclosed, would jeopardize the Library’s capacity to guarantee the security of its information technology assets, such assets encompassing both electronic information systems and infrastructures. - In accordance with the Library’s policy of Confidentiality of Library Records (see section 500-20), no records which contain names or personally identifying details regarding the Library’s users shall be disclosed except upon receipt of a subpoena, authorized by court order or where otherwise required by statute.
- The Library will maintain:
a) a record of the final vote of each member in every agency proceeding in which the member votes;
b) a record setting forth the name, title and salary of every officer or employee of the agency. - Within five business days of the receipt of a written request for a record reasonably described,the Library shall make such record available to the person requesting it, deny such request in writing or furnish a written acknowledgment of the receipt of such request and a statement of the approximate date, which shall be reasonable under the circumstances of the request, when such request will be granted or denied. If the Library determines to grant a request in whole or in part, and if circumstances prevent disclosure to the person requesting the record or records within twenty business days from the date of the acknowledgement of the receipt of the request, the Library shall state, in writing, both the reason for the inability to grant the request within twenty business days and a date certain within a reasonable period, depending on the circumstances, when the request will be granted in whole or in part. Upon payment of, or offer to pay, the fee prescribed therefore, the Library shall provide a copy of such record or respond that it does not have possession of such record or that such record cannot be found after diligent search. Nothing in this Policy shall be construed to require the Library to prepare any record not possessed or maintained except the records specified in Section 8 (eight) above.
- Any person denied access to a record may within thirty days appeal in writing such denial to the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees who shall within ten business days after its next regularly scheduled meeting fully explain in writing to the person requesting the record the reasons for further denial, or provide access to the record sought.
- Nothing in this Policy shall require the disclosure of the home address of an officer or employee, former officer or employee, or of a retiree of an employees’ retirement system; nor shall anything in this Policy require the disclosure of the name or home address of a beneficiary of a public employees’ retirement system or of an applicant for appointment to public employment.
Revised 4/24/07; 9/12/17; 12/18/18
The Director has the authority to establish prices and procedures to appropriately handle the sale of discarded and donated items. Discards are those items formerly part of the library collection.
Donated books and materials, that is, those items that have never been part of the library system collection, but which have been evaluated under the direction of the Director, may be sold with the proceeds going to the library.
| PRIVILEGE | RESIDENT | GROUPS | FEE-PAYING | NON RESIDENT EMPLOYEE (Non Nassau) | DIRECT ACCESS/ SMAC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOOKS | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| EXPRESS BOOKS | YES | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| DVD/ SOFTWARE | YES | NO | YES | NO | YES* |
| AUDIO MATERIALS (except Playaway Views) | YES | YES | YES | YES+ | YES* |
| PLAYAWAY VIEWS | YES | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| COMPACT + MAGNIFIERS | YES | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| PERIODICAS/ PAMPHLETS | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| RESERVES/ INTERLOAN | YES | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| MUSEUM PASSES | YES | NO | YES | NO | NO |
- Great Neckresidents,non residentsand fee paying library card holders can check out up to one hundred (100) items.
- Great Neckresidents, non residentsand fee paying library card holders can place up to fifty (50) holds on items owned by the Great Neck Library.
- Great Neckresidents and fee paying library card holders can place up to fifteen (15) holds on items through interloan.(rev9/18/19)
- Great Neck Library rules state that holds must be placed at home library.
* Direct Access and SMAC patrons may borrow Audio-Visual material if the item is not in high demand, there are no holds on the item and it was cataloged more than six (6) months to a year. Direct Access and SMAC patrons may not borrow any item marked with a Gold, Red, Blue or Green Star, a New Arrival or a New Release sticker.
+Employee patrons may not borrow dvd format material. Employee patrons may borrow audio material if the item is not in high demand, there are no holds on the item and it was cataloged more than six (6) months to a year. Employee patrons may not borrow any item marked with a Gold, Red, Blue or Green Star, a New Arrival or a New Release Sticker.
Rev. 6/15/10; 6/21/11; 2/21/12; 6/19/12; 9/12/17; 9/18/19
Library Cards
AS OF 4/20/20: We’re now accepting applications for digital library cards for online resources only!
Fill out the form here!
Anyone who resides in the Great Neck School District is entitled to a Great Neck Library card. Non-residents who work in Great Neck, or those Nassau County residents with a valid card from another Nassau County library are entitled to borrowing privileges at Great Neck.
An annual card may be purchased by non-Nassau County residents. Proper ID is required for all categories of cards. The annual fee is based on the average library tax paid by residents. The current annual fee is $405. Please call (516) 466-8055, ext. 203 for more details.
Library card registration forms are also available in the following languages: Chinese, English, Farsi (Persian), and Spanish! Please ask upon registering at the Circulation Desk.
Library Card Registration
You may register for a library card by presenting 1 form of current ID (dated within 3 months) that has your name and home address. Library cards will be mailed to the address on the application. Such ID may include:
- Current driver’s license
- Current non-driver’s license ID (with picture) issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
- Armed Forces separation papers
- Pilot’s license
- Automobile registration
- Current bank statement
- Current dated credit card bill/statement
- Deed/Lease
- Medicaid card
- Mortgage Statement
- Official United States Post Office address change
- Official United States or New York State Government Document (immigration, IRS, Board of Elections, jury notification)
- Current pay check/stub with address
- Tax bill
- Current dated utility bill: LIPA, Water, Cable, Telephone
- Insurance policy
- Local park card from village in Great Neck School District
- Employee ID with photograph and date
Student applicants may show ID such as bus pass, current college transcript, or current report card. If the student is attending a public school in Great Neck, the applicant’s name may be on the Great Neck Public School’s list of registered students.
Library Card Re-registration Information
All valid Great Neck Library cards have a 3-year expiration date sticker. If your card does not have one, or it has expired, you need to re-register. Registration takes place in person at any of the Great Neck Libraries.
To register, simply present your Library Card and 1 form of Valid ID, which shows your name and Great Neck School District address.
Loan Periods and Renewals
New books, periodicals and pamphlets circulate for 14 days, while older books circulate for 28 days.
New audiobooks (cassettes and CD’s) circulate for 14 days while older audiobooks (cassettes and CD’s) circulate for 28 days.
All music CD’s circulate for 14 days.
New feature film and entertainment DVD items with 1 disc circulate for 3 days. New feature film and entertainment dvd item with 2 or more discs circulate for 7 days. New non-fiction/instructional video/DVD items circulate for 7 days regardless of the number of discs in a case. All older video/DVD items including feature film, entertainment as well as non-fiction/instructional items, circulate for 14 days.
Items may be renewed a maximum of 6 times if there are no holds on the items.
UPDATED 5/30/19: In accordance with updated Board Policies, patrons should note the following changes to Circulation Policy as of June 1, 2019:
Checkouts: There will be a limit of 100 items checked out per patron.
We have undertaken the above to be in line with County Policy and to make our collection more accessible to all. We thank you for your cooperation.
Reserves and Interlibrary Loan
We accept reserves on all circulating material. If an item is not on the shelf, we will reserve it for you. If we do not own the requested item, we will attempt to obtain it through interlibrary loan except for newly released audio-visual material. For information on reserving or interloaning print material, please call (516) 466-8055, ext. 223. Information on reserving audio-visual material may be obtained at (516) 466-8055, ext. 221.
UPDATED 5/30/19: In accordance with updated Board Policies, patrons should note the following changes to Circulation Policy as of June 1, 2019:
Holds: There will be a limit of 50 reserves, including both Great Neck and non-Great Neck material, per card.
Interloans: There will be a limit of 15 current LI-LINK and/or OCLC checkouts and/or requests per card.
Automatic Block: Patron’s ability to check out any material will be blocked when an account reaches $10.00 in fines and/or bills.
We have undertaken the above to be in line with County Policy and to make our collection more accessible to all. We thank you for your cooperation.
Homebound Service
Patrons who are unable to leave their home due to a permanent or temporary illness or disability may qualify for our Homebound Service. For more information, please call (516) 466-8055, ext 223.
Talking Book Service
Talking Books, a federal program, offers alternatives to traditional print material for patrons with cognitive and physical disabilities.
For more information, please call the Long Island Talking Book Library toll free at 1 (866) 833-1122.
In the case of inclement weather, the Library will follow the Great Neck School District’s decision. On weekends or in the event of other sufficient cause, the decision to close falls on the Director in consultation with the Board President.
Revised 9/12/17
There is a charge of 10 cents per page for black & white printouts from the public computer workstations. Color printouts are 25 cents each.
The Great Neck Library abides by the following Confidentiality of Library Records Law of New York, which was enacted in 1982:
Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of the state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transaction, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films, or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operations of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.
Purpose
The Library employs video security cameras to ensure the physical security of the Library facility, staff and patrons. A sign is posted at the library entrance informing the public that security cameras are in use.
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the placement and use of video security cameras, as well as the access and retrieval of recorded digital video images at the Great Neck Library.
Security Camera Locations
Reasonable efforts are made to safeguard the privacy of library patrons and employees. The video security cameras are positioned to record only those areas specified by the Executive Director as approved by the President of the Board of Trustees or his/her designate, and will complement other measures to maintain a safe and secure environment in compliance with Library policies. Camera locations shall not be changed or added without permission of the Executive Director and Board of Trustees.
Cameras will only be installed in locations where staff and customers would not have an expectation of privacy. Examples include common areas of the Library such as entrances, near book and media collections, public seating, and parking lots. Cameras will not be installed in areas where staff and public have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms; nor are they positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing or listening activities in the library.
Access to Digital Images
Recorded digital video images may contain personally identifiable information about an individual who has used any library service or borrowed any library materials (“patron information”), and will be accorded the same level of confidentiality and protection provided to library users by the Great Neck Library’s Confidentiality Policy.
Typically, images will not be routinely monitored in real time unless specifically authorized by the Executive Director and approved by the Board of Trustees.
Only the Executive Director or Assistant Director, with the permission of the President of the Board of Trustees or his/her designate may access the recorded digital video images in pursuit of incidents of criminal activity or violation of the Library Code of Conduct. Other relevant staff may be given authorization to access this equipment on a limited basis but not without the express permission of the President of the Board of Trustees or his/her designate.
Occasional spot checks of the recorded data will be made by the Executive Director or Assistant Director to assure proper operation of the system. The frequency of viewing and the amount of video reviewed at one time will be limited to the minimum needed to give assurance that the system is working and to verify compliance of access policies.
Use/Disclosure of Video Records
Video records and still photographs may be used by authorized individuals to identify those responsible for library policy violations, criminal activity on library property, or actions considered disruptive to normal library operations. These records will not be used to monitor staff performance.
Under certain circumstances, individuals authorized under this policy may use a still photograph or selected portions of recorded data to request law enforcement review for assessing the security risk of a specific individual or for investigating a crime on library property.
Law Enforcement Requesting Access to Security Camera Footage
Library staff and volunteers are required to refer any law enforcement request for security camera footage or still photographs to the Library Executive Director, or, in his or her absence, the Assistant Director. We do not make security camera footage or still photographs available to any agency, of federal, state, or local government unless a subpoena, warrant, or court order is issued pursuant to law. Before complying with any such requests, legal counsel will be consulted to determine the proper response.
In the event of a search warrant, which is executable immediately, the Executive Director or Assistant Director after advising the President of the Board of Trustees or designate will comply with the search warrant and consult with legal counsel. Upon receipt of a subpoena or other court order, the Executive Director or Assistant Director shall consult with legal counsel and the President of the Board of Trustees or his/her designate to determine if the document is in proper form and that good cause for its issuance in a court of proper jurisdiction is demonstrated. If not, the Executive Director or Assistant Director shall insist any defect be remedied before releasing records that contain patron information.
General Public Requesting Access to Security Camera Footage
Confidentiality/privacy issues prohibit the general public from viewing security camera footage.
Retention of Digital Images
The Library avoids creating unnecessary records, retaining records not needed for the fulfillment of the mission of the Library, as well as practices that could place personally identifiable information on public view.
Recorded digital video images are stored on hardware in a locked area in the Library. Recordings are retained for no longer than 14 days, unless required as part of an ongoing investigation or litigation.
Adopted 11/15/2016
The glass display cases at the Main Library are available for public display of arts and crafts objects, collectibles, historical materials, etc., which would be of interest to the public. The exhibit must be non-commercial. The display case should not be used for promotional purposes by an organization or individual. Such exhibits are booked and scheduled through the Programming & Publicity Office. The displays in the Children’s Department are booked and scheduled by the Children’s Department.
Exhibits in the Gallery in the Main Library are scheduled by the Program/Outreach Coordinator in charge of Programming and Publicity. The application form is attached.
Revised 5/15/01, 9/12/17
Diversity and inclusion go beyond simple tolerance to embrace and celebrate individuality by developing practices that recognize and respect all people and their points of view. At the Great Neck Library, we honor our employees’ diversity and the diversity in thecommunity we serve by:
- Welcoming and including all
- Fostering an atmosphere of dignity and respect
- Encouraging the exploration of new ideas and perspectives in a safe and positive environment
- Working with diverse communities to determine appropriate ways to design, deliver, and evaluate services.
The Great Neck Library recognizes and actively affirms the dignity of those it serves, regardless of heritage, ethnicity, national origin, education, beliefs, race, income, religion, language, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital and/or familial status, military status, political affiliation, and physical or mental capabilities.
The Great Neck Library understands that an acceptance of differences can place individual and collective values in conflict. Nevertheless, the Library is committed to fostering an environment of understanding and respect.
The Great Neck Library acts to ensure that people can enjoy services free from any attempt to impose values, customs or beliefs that are in conflict with our commitment to diversity.
The Great Neck Library makes diversity and inclusion a priority in planning and decision making for staffing, collections, services, and organizational change.
The Library is dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful organizational culture that appreciates and supports individual differences.
Adapted from Santa Clara City Library
(http://santaclaraca.gov/government/departments/library/about-the-library/library-policies/diversity-and-inclusion-statement)
Adopted 9/18/19
The Great Neck Library accepts three methods of payment for overdue fines and bills. These methods are cash, check and credit card/debit card via Ecommerce. Ecommerce, accessible only through the internet, is an online payment service which allows patrons to pay fines and bills via the Library’s catalog. Credit card information is not stored on the Library’s servers and the information is encrypted before it is transmitted to PayPal via a secure gateway connection. The following credit cards are accepted: Mastercard, Visa, Discover. Debit cards must display the logo for Mastercard or Visa. Charges in excess of $3 may be paid by credit or debit card through Ecommerce.[3/25/14]
Overdue Notices –All materials except Express Books, DVDs, multi-media material,software and slides –Overdue notices are sentthree weeks after the due date; a second notice will be sent sixweeks after the due dateat which time patrons will also be billed the cost ofthe material as indicated in the data base. Patrons will receive a third notice for all outstanding materials that are still overdue at nine weeks. Patrons are billed list price on all library materials based on prices indicated in the database. When listprices are not indicated in the data base, default prices based upon the attached schedule will apply.[rev 9/21/10; 6/21/11; 9/12/17, 9/18/19]
Overdue notices –Express Books, Videos,DVDs–Overdues for Express Books, DVDs,Compact + Magnifiers, multi-media material, software and 28 day slides are sent when the material isone week late. A second notice will be sent two weeks later at which time patrons will also be billed the cost of the material. Patrons will receive a third notice for all outstanding DVDs, multi-mediamaterial, software that are overdue by three weeks. [rev 9/21/10; 6/21/11; 2/21/12; 9/12/17, 9/18/19]
The fines for overdue materials are:
Fines Per Day
Adult Materials
| Catalogued Material | 20¢ to maximumof $10 |
| Express Books | $1 to maximum of $10 |
| Uncatalogued Material | 10¢ to maximumof $2 |
Juvenile Materials
| Catalogued Material | 10¢to maximumof $5 |
| Uncatalogued Material | 5¢ to maximumof $2 |
Adult & Juvenile Materials
| DVDs | $1 to maximum of ½ replacement price |
| Compact + Magnifiers | $1 to maximum of ½ replacement price |
| Multi-Media Sets | $1 to maximum of ½ replacement price |
| Software | $1 to maximum of ½ replacement price |
Interloan
| WorldShare | 50¢to maximum price according to lending library |
| LILINK | 50¢to maximum price according to lending library |
Lost Material
Catalogued material includes all materialsthat have complete entries in the database.If a patron loses/damages Great Neck Library material, the patron must pay the replacement cost listed in the item record. If no prices are listed in the database, the following charges will apply for lost or damaged material.
| Books – Adults | $20 |
| Books – Juvenile | $15 |
| Bindery fee | $7.50 |
| DVD | $20 |
| Compact Discs | $9per disk |
| Lost/damaged audio or video case | $1 |
| Damaged video/DVD | $5 |
| Damaged audio | $5 |
| Liner notes, other accompanying material | $1 |
Replacement prices for lost or damaged items in a multi-part set shall be:
| Compact disc | $9 |
| DVD | full replacement cost (individual parts of DVD sets are not replaceable) |
| Multi-media parts | replacement costs listed above. |
Compact & Magnifiers
| Replacement prices for Compact + Magnifiers | $595 |
| Lanyard | $2 |
| Carrying Case | $5 |
| Power Cable | $25 |
| 2 rechargeable AA Batteries (in unit) | $7 |
| Instruction Sheet | $1 |
It is Library policy to accept the word of borrowers who tell us that they have returned materials for which they received an overdue notice or a bill. Of course, those who make such claims too frequently lose their credibility. Records are kept of those who “claim returned.” Two current claims returned items is the maximum number allowed.There are no “claim returned” for Compact + Magnifiers.[9/21/10, 9/18/19]
Borrowing privileges are denied patronswho owe $10.00 or more in bills or fines.
Revised 3/25/14; 9/12/17; 9/18/19
The Great Neck Library subscribes to the Freedom to Read Statement adopted June 23, 1953 by the American Library Association Council:
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove books from sale, to censor textbooks, to label “controversial” books, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. Those actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as citizens devoted to the use of books and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating them, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.
We are deeply concerned about these attempts at suppression. Most such attempts rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary citizen, by exercising his critical judgment, will accept the good and reject the bad. The censors, public and private, assume that they should determine what is good and what is bad for their fellow citizens.
We trust Americans to recognize propaganda, and to reject it. We do not believe they need the help of censors to assist them in this task. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.
We are aware, of course, that books are not alone in being subjected to efforts of suppression. We are aware that these efforts are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, films, radio and television. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy.
Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of uneasy change and pervading fear. Especially when so many of our apprehensions are directed against an ideology, the expression of a dissident idea becomes a thing feared in itself, and we tend to move against it as against a hostile deed, with suppression.
And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with stress.
Now as always in our history, books are among our greatest instruments of freedom. They are almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. They are the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. They are essential to the extended discussion which serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.
We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures towards conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.
The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free men will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
We therefore affirm these propositions:
1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those which are unorthodox or unpopular with the majority.
Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until his idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept which challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
2. Publishers, librarians and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation contained in the books they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what books would be published or circulated.
Publishers and librarians serve the education process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by an single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one man can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to determine the acceptability of a book on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.
A book should be judged as a book. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views of private lives of its creators. No society of free men can flourish which draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the tastes of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
To some, much of modern literature is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent serious artists from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters taste differs, and taste cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised which will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept with any book the prejudgment of a label characterizing the book or author as subversive or dangerous.
The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for the citizens. It presupposes that each individual must be directed in making up his mind about the ideas he examines. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large.
It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society each individual is free to determine for himself what he wishes to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive.
7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, bookmen can demonstrate that the answer to a bad book is a good one, the answer to a bad idea is a good idea.
The freedom to read is of little consequence when expended on the trivial; it is frustrated when the reader cannot obtain matter for his purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of their freedom and integrity, and the enlargement of their service to society, requires of all bookmen the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all citizens the fullest of their support.
We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of books. We do so because we believe that they are good, possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many people. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous, but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.
Endorsed by:
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Council, June 25, 1953
AMERICAN BOOK PUBLISHERS COUNCIL
Board of Directors, June 18, 1953
Subsequently endorsed by:
AMERICAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION
Board of Directors
BOOK MANUFACTURERS’ INSTITUTE
Board of Directors
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Commission for the Defense of Democracy through Education
“To engage our diverse community, inspire ideas, and accelerate lifelong learning through traditional and innovative library services.”
The goals of the Great Neck Library are:
- To inspire personal and professional growth.
- To foster a collaborative and welcoming environment within and beyond the Library.
- To contribute to the development of a curious, compassionate, and resilient community.
Adopted 1/15/19
I. Internet Use Policy
The Great Neck Library, in keeping with its mission of providing the best possible traditional and innovative library services, makes available to the public a variety of electronic resources including the Internet and World Wide Web. The Library endeavors to provide quality links to Internet resources, but has no control over the information accessed, and cannot be held responsible for its contents. Likewise, the Great Neck Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its connection to Internet resources.
We firmly believe that the valuable information available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure information that is not consistent with the educational and research goals of the Library. Please be aware that with access to computers all over the world also comes the availability of material that may be considered “inappropriate” for some users.
The Great Neck Library affirms the right and responsibility of parent/guardians, not library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Great Neck Library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.
II. Rules Governing Use
- Users are subject to all State and Federal laws
- Persons under the age of 18 need parental permission to use these services.
- A time limit for use of the computers may be established when necessary to meet demand for use of the equipment.
- Patrons who enter a fee-based service are responsible for any charges incurred.
- There is a charge of 10 cents per page for all black and white printouts from the public workstations and a charge of 25 cents per page for all color printouts from public workstations. Charges will be debited to the individual’s Print Management account.
- Preference in the use of the computers is given to residents of the Great Neck Library district
III. Unacceptable Use of the Internet
- Uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law, including, but not limited to, displaying material harmful to minors, and copyright infringement violations.
- Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property, including, but not limited to: defamation; uploading a worm or virus; hacking or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks or information systems.
- Uses that jeopardize the security of the computer network or other networks on the Internet, including, but not limited to, altering the Great Neck Library’s computer settings; installing, altering or modifying the computer equipment or software.
- Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, including, but not limited to, giving others private information about one’s self or others.
IV. Compliance
The Great Neck Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior which is not in accordance with the rules governing use as outlined in II above or is an unacceptable use as outlined in III above. Failure to observe the above guidelines will result in termination of Internet access privileges.
Adopted July 16, 1996 ; Amended September 24, 1996
Modified to conform to NYS Education Commissioner’s Regulation 90.3 (12/99)
Revised: 3/27/01 ; 9/24/02
The Great Neck Library subscribes to the American Library Association policy which affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
- Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the Library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Libraries should challenge censorship in the fullfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
- Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas.
- A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
The Board of Trustees adopts the following as its policy regarding the selection of all library materials.
It is the objective of the Great Neck Library to select, organize, and to make freely and easily accessible to all the people of our community printed and other materials which will aid them in their pursuit of education, information, recreation, and the creative use of leisure time. The Library actively seeks to stimulate and expand the reading and cultural interests of both children and adults. It serves as a resource for the continuing education of all members of our community.
It is the responsibility of the Library to satisfy the diverse needs and interests of our community within the limitations of space and budget. The Library recognizes its obligation to provide materials, as far as possible, which reflect all points of view.
In its selection of books and other materials, the Great Neck Library subscribes fully to the principles adopted by the American Library Association in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement. The Great Neck Library, therefore, incorporates these two documents as part of its book selection policy.
The Library Director is responsible for the selection of materials and development of the collection in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Trustees.
The meeting rooms of the Great Neck Library are an integral part of the Library’s resources. To provide for their proper assignment and use the Board of Trustees has adopted this set of regulations.
The Meeting Rooms are intended primarily for library sponsored or co-sponsored programs. Other community organizations may use the rooms if the organization or the program is designated to further the educational, cultural, or civic needs of the community. A “community organization” is defined as one that meets at least once a year and 51% of whose members are residents of the Great Neck School District. The Board may waive this requirement at its discretion. The rooms are not available for meetings of a commercial nature.
Permission to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the organization or program by the Library Board or staff. Rather, it is an affirmation of the Library Bill of Rights, which states: As an institution of education for democratic living, the library should welcome the use of its meeting rooms for socially useful and cultural activities and discussions of current public questions. Such meeting places should be available on equal terms to all groups in the community regardless of the beliefs and affiliations of their members. Permission to use the Meeting Rooms is granted subject to the following restrictions. Failure to comply with any of them may result in immediate cancellation of the permit and jeopardize future permission to use the room.
- Permits are not transferable.
- Where meetings are jointly sponsored, all co-sponsors must be named on the application.
- All meetings must be open to the general public. Any publicity indicating that a meeting is not open to the general public will be cause for immediate cancellation of the meeting permit.
- While dues or other moneys may be collected from the membership of the organization sponsoring the meeting, no solicitation or collection of funds from the general public is permitted on library premises.
- No unwarranted implications that an organization or program is sponsored or approved by the Library is permitted. Neither the name nor the address of the Great Neck Library may be used as an official address or headquarters of any organization.
- Copies of any and all Publicity to be disseminated to the public must be delivered to the Programming Department of the Library at least one weekday in advance of general distribution. This will enable library staff to answer the many questions received about organizational programs held at the Library. In all material publicizing the program, the name of the sponsoring organization must be larger and more prominent than that of the Library. The name and address of the Great Neck Library may be used only for the purpose of identifying the location of the meeting. The publicity should in no way imply that the Great Neck Library sponsors or endorses the event.
- The Applicant requesting use of a meeting room must be a resident of the Great Neck School District.
Please call (516) 466-8055, ext. 201 for further details or to obtain an application to use a Meeting Room.
i. Pickup/Return Passes will circulate for a period of 3 days. Late fees will be $25 per day. Replacement feeds for the pass will be the cost charged by each museum. (6/19/18)
ii. Virtual Passes are only valid for the date of visit listed on the printed confirmation page. Virtual Passes may be printed either from home or the Library. (6/19/18)
iii. The passes are available to Great Neck Library Adult cardholders and Fee-Paying patrons only and are not renewable. The cost of these passes is to be charged to the Carter Unrestricted Fund. Museum Passes may be reserved via TixKeeper Online Reservation System one month in advance and will be limited to 2 passes per patron per month. Patrons are subject to the rules and regulations of the individual museums. (6/19/18)
MUSEUM PASS FAQ
Please call 516-466-8055, ext. 203 (Main) or 273/257 (Parkville) for availability.
Free family museum passes are available to Great Neck Library Cardholders over 18 years old in good standing.
Virtual/Print on Demand Passes do not need to be picked up or returned, they expire. These passes can only be used once. They are only valid on the date listed on the pass.
Pick-up/Return Passes may be borrowed for three (3) days and may not be renewed. Only one (1) museum pass may be checked out on an adult patron’s card at one (1) time. Main passes are pink and must be picked up and returned at Main. Parkville passes are green and must be picked up and returned at Parkville. No pick up and returns on Sundays.
Pick-up/Return Passes must be returned (1) hour before closing the day the pass is due. Passes may not be placed in any library book drop.
Late fees are $25 per day for Pick-up/Return Passes. A patron who loses a pass will be charged the replacement cost designated by the museum.
Patrons should call the museum directly for updated information on hours of operation, parking and/or directions. Each museum reserves the right to determine the rules and regulations governing the use of their museum pass. The museums have the right to change hours of operation, so it is always advisable to contact the museum prior to your visit. Therefore, when borrowing museum passes, patrons should have a back-up plan in case the museum is unexpectedly closed.
The Library assumes no responsibility of any kind arising out of the use of museum passes or parking accommodations.
Q: Who can borrow a museum pass?
A: Great Neck Library Resident Card holders over the age of 18 in good standing.
Q: Where do I pick up and return my Pick-up/Return Pass?
A: Main Pickup/Return passes are pink and must be picked up and returned at Main. Parkville Pickup/Return passes are green and must be picked up and returned at Parkville. Passes must be returned (1) hour before closing the day the pass is due. Passes may not be placed in any library book drop. No pick up and returns on Sundays.
Q: For how long may I borrow the Pick-up/Return Pass?
A: Pickup/Return passes may be borrowed for three (3) days. Museum passes may not be renewed and only one (1) museum pass may be checked out on an adult patron’s account at one time.
Q: For how long may I borrow the Virtual/Print on Demand museum pass?
A: Virtual/Print on Demand museum passes do not need to be picked up or returned, they expire. These passes can only be used once. They are only valid on the date listed on the pass.
Q: How will I know what passes are available?
A: You can call 516-466-8055, ext. 203 (Main) or 273/257 (Parkville) to make sure the pass is available, or use our online Tixkeeper reserve system to request (1) pass per day, and no more than (2) passes every 30 days.
Q: What if the Pick-up/Return Pass is returned late? What if I lose the Pick-up/Return Pass?
A: Late fees are $25 per day for Pick-up/Return Passes. However, we encourage all patrons to be courteous of others and return the passes on time. A patron who loses a museum pass will be charged the replacement cost determined by each museum.
Effective November 1, 2018
A good working relationship is maintained with both the Town of North Hempstead and Nassau County Governmental Agencies. The Sixth Precinct has merged into the Third Precinct and provides police service for the Main Library and Station, Parkville and Lakeville Branch Libraries. The Vigilant and Alert Fire Companies provide fire protection and inspect our premises except for the Parkville Branch which is served by the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department.
Revised 1/23/01; 9/12/17
A major function of the Great Neck Library is to present programs which meet and further the educational, cultural, and civic needs of the community. Levels has the responsibility in the Library for presenting such programs for the young people of our community.
Necessarily all programs sponsored by the Library and Levels which deal with areas of diverse opinions are presented in an unbiased manner which calls for fair presentation of all sides of an issue. Neither the Library nor Levels takes the role of an advocate in any area which does not directly affect them.
Adult organizations are offered the opportunity by the Library to utilize its meeting rooms to present diverse points of view under guidelines set by the Board of Trustees of the Library. The Board believes that the same opportunity should be offered in Levels to the young people in our community.
Permission to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the organization or program by the Library Board or staff. Rather, it is an affirmation of the Library Bill of Rights, which states: As an institution of education for democratic living, the library should welcome the use of its meeting rooms for socially useful and cultural activities and discussions of current public questions. Such meeting places should be available on equal terms to all groups in the community regardless of the beliefs and affiliations of their members. Since young people are typically not represented by the type of formal organizations that exist for adults, any group of eight or more young people (7th grade through college) who reside in the Great Neck School District may apply for permission to sponsor a program or meeting in Levels for the purpose of furthering the educational, cultural, or civic needs of the community. Levels is not available for meetings of a commercial nature.
Permission to use Levels is granted subject to the following restrictions. Failure to comply with any of them may result in immediate cancellation of the permit and jeopardize future permission to use the room.
- Permits are not transferable.
- Where meetings are jointly sponsored, all co-sponsors must be named on the application.
- All programs or meetings must be open to all young people of the community and they may be open to the entire general public if desired.
- No solicitation or collection of funds from the general public is permitted on library premises. However, the Levels Planning Board is allowed to consider fund-raising applications and applications from outside groups for the use of Levels at a time when Levels is open, subject to the approval of the Library Director.
- No unwarranted implications that an organization or program is sponsored or approved by the Library is permitted. Neither the name nor the address of the Great Neck Library or Levels may be used as an official address or headquarters of any organization.
Please call (516) 466-8055, ext. 217 for further details or to obtain an application to use Levels.
At the Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, the Board of Trustees adopted the following Record Retention schedule with the additional requirement that a subject list of records to be destroyed be presented to the Board at each instance; and further, any records retained in digital format shall adhere to the time limits outlined below, and that a Records Officer be designated by the Director from among the staff:
I. GENERAL
| 1.1 | Official minutes, including agendas, list of persons who signed the attendance sheets, and committee minutes and all attachments in paper form for 1 year and digitize after for permanent retention. RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 1.2 | Recording of voice conversations, including audio tape, videotape, stenotype or stenographer’s notebook and also including verbatim minutes used to produce official minutes and committee minutes RETENTION: 4 months after transcription and/or approval of minutes |
| 1.3 | Legal agreements, including contracts, leases RETENTION:6 years after expiration or termination |
| 1.4 | Newsletter RETENTION: PERMANENT (beginning 1994) |
| 1.5 | Annual report to community RETENTION: PERMANENT (beginning 1938-1951; 1989–) |
| 1.6 | Internal information records used solely to disseminate information or for similar administrative purposes, including but not limited to calendars of appointments, memoranda, routine internal reports, reviews and plans. RETENTION: 3 months |
| 1.7 | Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or other periodic internal or external report, summary, review, evaluation, log, list, statement or statistics RETENTION: 6 years |
| 1.8 | Program or annual, special or long range plan as approved by the Board of Trustees RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 1.9 | Postal records, including returned registered or certified mail card or receipt, except as mentioned in 4.12 RETENTION: 1 year |
| 1.10 | Accident or incident report RETENTION: 6 years after the later of the accident/incident or resolution or any related claim |
| 1.11 | Property and liability insurance policies, and certificates of insurance RETENTION: 6 years after the later of the date of expiration or last claim resolved |
| 1.12 | Workers’ Compensation, disability, Directors’ and Officers’ policies RETENTION: 18 years |
| 1.13 | Inventory records RETENTION: 0 after superseded by updated inventory |
II. ELECTION
| 2.1 | Voter registration record, including register of voters RETENTION: 5 years |
| 2.2 | Sample ballot RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 2.3 | Voted ballot RETENTION: 1 year |
| 2.4 | Application for proxy RETENTION: 90 days after election |
| 2.5 | Final election results RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 2.6 | Intermediate records used to compile final election results RETENTION: 1 year after election |
| 2.7 | Candidate designation or nomination records, including petitions and related records RETENTION: 1 year after election |
| 2.8 | Election challenge records RETENTION: 6 years |
III. FISCAL
Audit
| 3.1 | Audit RETENTION: PERMANENT since 1988 |
Banking
| 3.10 | Banking communication, including but not limited to bank statements, reconciliations, notification of voiding or return of check, cancellation of payment or other notice for checking or savings account RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.11 | Cancelled check, check stub RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.12 | Depository agreement RETENTION: 6 years after agreement expires or has been superseded |
| 3.13 | Deposit books, slips RETENTION: 6 years |
Budget
| 3.20 | Budget preparation work papers RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.21 | Annual budget when included in minutes RETENTION: 0 after officially recorded in minutes |
| 3.22 | Budget status report on allocation, receipt, expenditures, encumbrances and unencumbered funds: a. Cumulative report RETENTION: 6 years b. Monthly or quarterly RETENTION: 1 year |
Claim and Warrants
| 3.30 | Claim for payment RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.31 | Summary record of outstanding or paid warrants RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.32 | Order or warrant to pay monies RETENTION: 6 years |
General Accounting
| 3.40 | General ledger RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 3.41 | Subsidiary ledger RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.42 | Accounting register, including but not limited to check register RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.43 | Cash transaction record showing cash received from collection of various fees and petty cash disbursed RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.44 | Daily cash record, including adding machine tapes, cashier’s slips showing daily cash receipts RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.45 | Grant, award or gift files master summary RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 3.46 | Credit card records RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.47 | Paid invoices, purchase orders, packing slips RETENTION: 6 years |
Reports
| 3.50 | Daily, weekly, monthly quarterly or other periodic fiscal reports RETENTION: 6 years |
| 3.51 | Annual or final fiscal reports RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 3.52 | Verification of travel expenses RETENTION: 6 years |
Purchasing
| 3.60 | Requests for Proposals, bid documents together with executed contracts for purchase of materials and services RETENTION: 6 years |
Capital Projects
| 3.70 | Board approved capital construction project file including but not limited to bids, specifications, contracts, performance guarantees and environmental impact statements a.Successful bids RETENTION: 6 years after building no longer exists b. Unsuccessful bids RETENTION: 6 years c. All records when project is proposed but not undertaken RETENTION: 6 years after last entry |
| 3.71 | Board approved official plans, designs, architectural drawings and photographs for buildings owned by the Library a. Final or “as built” plans, maps, designs, sketches, architectural drawings and photographs RETENTION: PERMANENT b. Other related non-graphic design file documents, including correspondence, cost estimates, reports and other records RETENTION: 6 years after completion of project |
| 3.72 | Draft or intermediary plans, maps, designs, sketches or architectural drawings RETENTION: 6 years after last entry |
IV. PAYROLL
| 4.1 | Year-end payroll, including detailed information necessary for salary verification for retirement and social security purposes RETENTION: 55 years |
| 4.2 | Periodic payroll, including detailed information necessary for salary verification for retirement and social security purposes, when no year-end payroll is available or year-end payroll does not contain this required information RETENTION: 55 years |
| 4.3 | eriodic payroll, not including detailed information necessary for salary verification for retirement and social security purposes RETENTION: 6 years |
| 4.4 | Payroll labor distribution breakdown reports RETENTION: 6 years |
| 4.5 | Employee’s time sheets and requests for pay in lieu of vacation RETENTION: 6 years |
| 4.6 | Employee’s request for and/or authorization given to employee to use sick, vacation, personal or other leave RETENTION: 0 after payroll period |
| 4.7 | Record of assignments, attachments and garnishments RETENTION: 6 years after termination or 5 years after satisfaction |
| 4.8 | Employee’s voluntary payroll deduction form RETENTION: 5 years from expiration |
| 4.9 | Employee’s personal earnings record RETENTION: 55 years [rev. 5/29/07] |
| 4.10 | Payroll report submitted to NYSERS RETENTION: 6 years |
| 4.11 | Employer’s copy of Form 940 and Form 941 RETENTION: 6 years after paid |
| 4.12 | Employer’s copy of 1096, 1099, W-2 or W-3 and certified proofs of mailing same RETENTION: 6 years |
| 4.13 | Employee’s withholding exemption certificate (W-4) RETENTION: 6 years after a superseding or employment terminated |
| 4.14 | Employer’s copy of NY state income tax records RETENTION: 6 years after tax paid |
| 4.15 | Direct deposit records RETENTION: 6 years after authorization expires |
V. LIBRARY
| 5.1 | Incorporation, chartering and registration records RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 5.2 | Borrowing or loaning records RETENTION: 0 after no longer needed |
| 5.3 | Library material censorship and complaint records RETENTION: 6 years |
| 5.4 | Program registration forms RETENTION: 0 after no longer needed |
| 5.5 | Library card application forms RETENTION: Until patron is no longer a registered borrower |
| 5.6 | Usage and circulation statistics RETENTION: 6 years |
| 5.7 | Library association membership list RETENTION: Until superseded |
VI. PERSONNEL
| 6.1 | Personnel file records indicating including but not limited to: age, dates of employment, job titles RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 6.2 | Personnel file records including but not limited to: employment application, resume, evaluations, requests for leave without pay; continuing education, training and development; notice of resignation or termination, correspondence RETENTION: 6 Years after separation from service |
| 6.3 | Employee’s declination and/or acknowledgment of offer of participation in retirement and/or health benefit plans RETENTION: 6 years after separation from service |
| 6.4 | Retirement, life, health and dental records RETENTION: 3 years after termination of employee’s or dependent survivor’s coverage, whichever is later |
| 6.5 | Unemployment insurance records: a. If claim approved: RETENTION: 6 years after final payment b. If claim denied: RETENTION: 3 years after filing |
| 6.6 | Collective Bargaining Agreements RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 6.7 | Grievance records RETENTION: 3 years after grievance is resolved |
| 6.8 | Job action records RETENTION: PERMANENT |
| 6.9 | Employee injury record related to Workers’ Compensation claim RETENTION: 18 years |
| 6.10 | Vacant job postings RETENTION: 0 after position is filled or abolished |
| 6.11 | I-9 employment eligibility verification form RETENTION: 3 years after hire or 1 year after separation from service, whichever is later |
VII. PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS
| 7.1 | Listing of officers or employees of library RETENTION: 6 months after superseded |
| 7.2 | Register or list of applicants seeking access to records and request forms RETENTION: 1 year |
Adopted 4/27/07; amended. 5/29/07; 1/15/13; 9/12/17
The Great Neck Library desires to offer access to new and emerging technologies. This goal is consistent with the Library’s mission to offer the best possible traditional and innovative library services.
What is a STEM Lab?
The STEM Lab will provide access to emerging technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, digital scanning, virtual reality, and more. The STEM Lab will be utilized as a space for patrons to participate in library programs, complete educational assignments, or develop their own projects.
Who can use the STEM Lab?
Availability of the STEM Lab is on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to Great Neck residents. A time limit for use of the equipment may be established when necessary to meet demand.
Children 9 and under cannot be left alone in the STEM Lab.
All participants, or a caregiver, must sign a liability waiver.
Different types of technology in the STEM Lab will have specific age limits that are either set by the manufacturer of the item or library policy.
When and how can I use the STEM Lab?
Use of the STEM Lab is limited to the library’s operating hours. In addition, the STEM Lab can only be utilized when it is staffed by a Great Neck Library employee. The STEM Lab cannot be accessed for individual projects during programs.
The STEM Lab may not be utilized to promote any product, service, business, or interests.
No food, gum, candy, or drinks can be consumed in the STEM Lab.
All items created in the STEM Lab must be:
- Your own creation OR
- Items preselected and tested by a Great Neck Library staff personnel OR
- In the public domain AND
- Items which do not conflict with any Great Neck Library policy
The following types of items may not be created:
- • Copyrighted
- Patented
- Trademarked
- Registered designs
- Any other proprietary objects; ANDd
- Any printed or manufactured items must comply with other relevant policies.
No object should be in any way deemed:
- Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
- Obscene, pornographic, or in violation of the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy.
- Unsafe, harmful or pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
- An object that may function as a weapon or part of a weapon.
Patrons must save all work on their own external hard drive(s). FAQs I am a teacher, how can I schedule a class visit to the STEM Lab?
E-mail the Great Neck Library at STEMLab@greatnecklibrary.org to schedule a visit.
Please note that procedures governing the use of the STEM Lab are subject to change.Adopted 1/15/19
The Children’s Area is intended for use by children and their parents and caregivers. Out of concern for the safety of our young patrons, The Library reserves the right for staff to ask adults not requiring immediate access to children’s materials to relocate to another area of the Library.
Adopted June 2018
For the protection and well being of children who use and enjoy our Library, the following policy has been established:
- While in the Library, children age nine years or younger shall, at all times, be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible person (parent, guardian, caregiver, or mature adolescent). Preschoolers must be accompanied by that person when in the rest room, the elevator or the stairwell.
- Children who are ten years or older may be unaccompanied for a reasonable period of time provided they observe library rules. Children must have the telephone numbers of their parent, guardian, or other caregiver so that a responsible person may be contacted to come pick up the child in case of a health emergency or other special circumstance such as an unexpected closing or a child unaccompanied at closing time. If the responsible person cannot come to the Library or perhaps cannot understand the message due to a language barrier, Step A.iii in the Procedure For Unattended Children will be followed.
- Parents, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
- When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt, the library staff will attempt to contact the parents. If the parents are unavailable, the staff will contact the Nassau County Police.
- Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges.
Definitions:
Unattended Child – Child from preschool through age nine left in the Library unaccompanied by a responsible person (parent, guardian, caregiver, or mature adolescent)
Disruptive Behavior – Behavior that represents physical danger to the child or others, or behavior that interferes with other library users or staff. Disruptive behavior is behavior that is inappropriate in a library setting. Types of inappropriate behavior may be (but are not limited to): running, throwing, eating, loud or abusive talking, excessive socializing, moving furniture, abusing or defacing library materials (including library owned hardware and software).
Adopted October 1997
Revised 1/23/01; 1/27/04
BORROWERS – Great Neck Residents, Fee-Paying, Direct Access and SMAC patrons over the age of 18 are eligible to be registered as DVD patrons. Card holders under 18 years of age, who are in the sixth grade (and up), may be registered to borrow DVDs with parental permission. When card holders under 18 years of age borrow DVDs, it will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to accept financial responsibility for overdue fines, damage (to) or loss of material; and to provide guidance, if they so wish, in the selection of DVDs to be borrowed. The Great Neck Library will not censor or restrict access to the DVD collection.
(rev. 4/29/08, 9/12/17)
REGISTRATION – Borrowers will be registered for DVDs at the time they register for their library cards. The signature (on the registration form) indicates that the borrowers attest to being at least 18 years of age* and that they have read and agreed to the policy and fines related to the circulation of DVDs as follows (9/12/17):
Borrowers agree to be liable for and to assume charges for replacement of any DVDs lost or damaged while charged out to them. (This charge will not be greater than the replacement cost of the material.) (rev, 9/12/17)
* For patrons under the age of 18, a parental signature also is required.
LOANS – Feature film DVDs circulate for fourteen (14) days, except for new acquisitions, which circulate for seven (7) days. New feature, entertainment and other non-instructional DVDs with multi discs (more than one) in a case circulate for seven (7) days. New feature, entertainment and other non-instructional DVDs with one (1) disc in a case circulate for three (3) days. Feature films, entertainment, and other non-instructional DVDs may be renewed a maximum of six (6) times if there are no holds. [5/20/08, 9/12/17)]
Nonfiction DVDs circulate for fourteen (14) days. New nonfiction DVDs circulate for seven (7) days. Instructional DVDs may be renewed a maximum of six (6) times if there are no holds. (rev. 5/20/08, 9/20/17)
A maximum of twelve (12)items – feature film and/or non-fiction DVDs may be borrowed per loan period, per borrower, regardless of format. [9/21/10, 9/12/17]
FINES/BORROWING PRIVILEGES– If DVDs are returned past the due date, a $1 fine per DVD per day will be assessed. [9/12/17]
- The maximum overdue fine per DVD is ½ the list price.
- The charge for lost DVD disks is the list price.
- Patrons may replace DVD in lieu of paying for the lost tape/DVD.
- The charge for a lost/damaged DVD case is $1.00.
- The charge for a lost pamphlet or accompanying booklet is $1.00.
- The charge for a damaged DVD is $5.00 for an item, which can be repaired, or the replacement cost if the item cannot be repaired. [9/12/17]
If upon visual examination there is evidence of tampering (removal of seals or opening of case) with the DVD, the patron may be charged replacement (list) cost for same. Additionally, the patron may have borrowing privileges withdrawn. [9/12/17]
BORROWERS UNDERSTAND:
1. The Great Neck Library assumes no responsibility for any possibledamage to the patron’s audio or video equipment that might be related tousing audio-visual materials borrowed from the Library.
2.The use of borrowed DVD is restricted to HOME USE ONLY. Use ofDVDs for public performance is a direct and serious violation of FederalCopyright statutes. (17 U.S.C. Sec. 106 4). U.S.C. section 101 defines use“publicly” as follows: [9/12/17]
“To perform or display a work ‘publicly’ means –
(i) to perform or display it at a place open to the public or at any placewhere a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of afamily and its social acquaintances is gathered.- or –
(ii) to transmit or otherwise communicate a performance or display of the work to a place specified by Clause 1 or to the public, by means of any device or process, whether the members of the public are capable of receiving the performance or in separate places and at the same time or at different times.
Duplication in whole or part of any copyrighted audio or video work in any format is a direct and serious violation of Federal Copyright statute Section 17, Section 109 and is prohibited by this Library. Failure to adhere to this prohibition could result in the suspension of library privileges. [5/19/09]
The statute defines ‘publicly’ as not limited to performances, which are open to the general public. A work may be considered as being performed publicly even though the audience is limited to persons of a particular environment such as students, club members, factory workers, and campers, and the site is not open to the general public.”
YOUR SIGNATURE AND THAT OF A PARENT (FOR BORROWERS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE) ON THE REGISTRATION FORM INDICATES THAT YOU HAVE READ THE PRECEDING POLICY AND RULES AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THEM.
Revised 5/15/01; 10/23/01; 2/26/02; 11/26/02; 9/23/03; 3/28/06; 4/29/08; 5/20/08; 5/19/09; 9/21/10; 9/12/17
