Bulletin Boards and Kiosks

Bulletin boards and kiosks assist the Brantford Public Library to provide information to the public. As limited space is available, the first objective is to inform the public about Library programs and services. Space permitting, the use of the bulletin boards and kiosks by community groups and individuals is invited, subject to the following guidelines. The approval process is handled by the Manager of Marketing, Communications and Development, in accordance with the policies of the Library Board. The Library Board reserves the right to refuse any materials.

• Posters and flyers should be of an educational, cultural, recreational or philanthropic nature, or supply non-partisan information on the city, government and/or local community.
• The issuing body and/or event should be non-profit.
• The name of the issuing body should be clearly identified on the poster or flyer.
• Preference will be given to posters or flyers that contain specific information on an event (i.e. time, place, date).
• Posters and flyers should be neat, presentable, and of a size appropriate to the Library's kiosks and bulletin boards.
• No fundraising/volunteer sign-up sheets or petitions are accepted.
• Although materials meeting the Library's guidelines may be left for pickup by the public, the Library is unable to accept responsibility for the regular distribution of periodicals or newsletters.
• Posters or flyers which advertise commercial sales and/or services are not accepted for display, nor are materials which promote particular religious or partisan political views or advocate action on behalf of particular religious or political organizations.

Display Areas and Cases

Guidelines for the Use of Display Areas/Cases

The Main and the Branch Libraries have designated areas for material to be displayed. Separate areas are provided for pamphlet/brochure/newspaper/magazine materials on bulletin boards and kiosks. Since space is limited, preference will be given to cultural, educational and recreational materials, when the space is not required by the Library. Space permitting, the use of the display areas/cases by community groups and individuals is invited, subject to the following guidelines. The approval process is handled by the Manager of Marketing, Communications and Development, in accordance with the policies of the Library Board. The Library Board reserves the right to refuse any display.

• The display window in the Main Library's first floor is pre-booked through with the Manager of Marketing, Communications and Development and is available to non-profit organizations, community service agencies and educational institutions. An application for use of the display window must be approved before the display is put up.
• Art may be displayed in the Display Case at the St. Paul Avenue Branch Library. Displays are pre-booked through the Manager of Marketing, Communications and Development. Preference will be given to nonprofit art groups and educational institutions. If items are available for sale, no price information is included in the displays but information about purchase will be available at the Information Desk. An Application for Art Display must be completed before any mounting takes place.
• The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged materials.

Meeting Rooms

Subject to the Library's needs, meeting rooms may be rented to individuals and organizations, when available, at fees established and revised from time to time by the Library Board. The approval process and the administration of the license (room rental agreement) are handled by the Library Administration, in accordance with the policies of the Library Board. The Library Board reserves the right to refuse any rental.

• The Licensee shall not sell any goods or services during the rental of the meeting room.
• The Licensee shall not require the payment of or collect any admission fee to the meeting room.
• The Licensee may advertise the meeting to be held in the meeting room. Any such advertisement shall provide the full legal name of the Licensee, including any styles under which the Licensee is also known. No advertising shall state or imply that the Library Board in any way sponsors or approves the activities of the Licensee, but in the event that any such advertising does make such a statement or implication, the Licensee shall, if so requested by the Library Board, advertise a retraction.
• Public entry to any meeting may be limited by the Licensee, except where the reason for any such limitation is a prohibited ground of discrimination pursuant to the provisions of section one of the Human Rights Code, 1981, R.S.O. 1990, c. H. 19, as amended.
• The Licensee agrees to compensate the Library Board for any damages to the meeting room or other property of the Library Board caused by, or resulting from, the Licensee's use of the meeting room. The Licensee releases the Library Board from any liability for any damages which may occur to the property or person of the Licensee arising out of its use of the meeting room, and agrees to indemnify and save harmless the Library Board from any liability, however caused, for personal injury or property damages occurring to any person arising out of the Licensee's use of the meeting room.
• There shall be no smoking. The room shall be left in a neat and orderly condition with all litter and rubbish disposed of in the receptacles provided.
• No alcoholic beverages shall be served in the meeting room, however non-alcoholic beverages may be served if prior arrangements are made with the library staff.
• The maximum occupancy of the meeting room shall not be exceeded by the Licensee.
• In the course of its use of the meeting room, the Licensee shall obey any reasonable direction of the Library staff not in conflict with this agreement. Any person who fails to obey such direction may be requested to leave the library premises.
• The Library Board may refuse or cancel the Licensee's use of the meeting room at any time either with or without cause, and the Licensee releases the Library Board from any damages or other liability for losses relating thereto.

The licensee will provide information about the intended use of the room, including names and affiliations of any speakers, at the time of booking.

• In addition to the general rules respecting use of the library, the Brantford Public Library Board prohibits the use of its meeting rooms for any purpose which would contravene any statute or government regulation, or which might create civil liability by the user or the Library Board to any person. For example, the Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits certain forms of discrimination and harassment of other individuals or groups, and the Criminal Code includes prohibitions against child pornography, obscenity, hate literature, and literature for illicit drug use. An example of civil liability is the law of libel and slander. No effort has been made to be exhaustive in giving the above examples. Users are reminded that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Use of Library meeting rooms is conditional on the user's agreement to observe this policy. By signing the license, the user indicates agreement to all requirements of this policy.

In accordance with the Library Meeting Room Policy, meeting room facilities are available, at reasonable rates, for educational or community use and should be booked in advance.

Main Library

Auditorium

Full Room - $120 a day or $95 for half day

Sundays - $95

Capacity - 125

Equipment - video projector and screen

Half Room - $110 a day or $65 for a half day

Sundays - $65

Capacity - 60

Equipment – video projector and screen

Quarter Room - $100 a day or $60 a half day

Sundays - $60

Capacity - 22

Capacity - 10

Equipment - computer workstations, video projector and screen

***Subject to availability and approval by the CEO, the Board Room

May be rented for the fee outlined above***

Capacity - 22

Equipment - video projector and screen

Privacy Policy

PDF document

BPL Internet Access Policy

Policy

1.1       The Brantford Public Library regards the Internet in the same way as its other information resources in accordance with its mission of serving Brantford's needs for information, lifelong learning, and leisure pursuits.

1.2       As with more traditional resources, the Library does not act in place of or in the absence of a parent. The Library is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor's use of this resource.

1.3      The accuracy of the information obtained from the Internet is the responsibility of the producer/originator, not the Library. The Library cannot guarantee the quality of the information obtained through the Internet.

1.4      In addition to the general rules respecting use of the library, the Brantford Public Library Board prohibits the use of the Internet services it provides for any purpose which would contravene any statute or government regulation, or which might create civil liability by the user or the Library Board to any person. For example, the Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits certain forms of discrimination and harassment of other individuals or groups, and the Criminal Code includes prohibitions against child pornography, obscenity, hate literature, and literature for illicit drug use. An example of civil liability is the law of libel and slander. No effort has been made to be exhaustive in giving the above examples. Users are reminded that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

1.5     The Brantford Public Library reserves the right to limit any use of the Internet services it provides, if that use deviates from what the Library intends.

1.6      Use of Library workstations and Internet services provided by the Library is conditional on the user's agreement to observe this policy. By continuing to use these Internet services, the user indicates agreement to all requirements of this policy.

Procedures

2.1    Internet Access Policy: Before making use of the Library's Internet services, users are required to read and agree to the Brantford Public Library's Internet    Access Policy.

2.2    Staff Assistance: Reference staff will assist you on request, although we may not be familiar with every application you might want to use. You are invited to consult the many books, magazines, and videos about the Internet available at the Library.  Staff cannot assist you in configuring your laptop to participate in the Library's Wireless Internet Access Program.

2.3    Time Limits: The Internet is a very popular resource.  You are welcome to     search the Internet for a maximum of one hour per day, including time required      to print pages. Please plan your time accordingly. You must sign in with staff         before using the Internet computers. You can book in advance, either in         person or by   telephone. We hold your spot for 10 minutes only if others are    waiting.

2.3    Printing: A printer is available for use. Copies are 10 cents per page, payable at either the Reference or Information Desk.  Printing is not available for those using the wireless service.  Downloading is available.

2.4    Bookable Internet Stations: Internet computers are to be used for Internet     access only.  A Brantford Public Library membership card is required to use the     bookable Internet stations.  For people who live out of the BPL service area, a     temporary card can be issued with proper identification.

2.5    Filtered Stations:  The Library provides a mix of filtered and unfiltered stations. Be aware that filters may still allow objectionable material to be seen.  Filters are   not intended to replace parental guidance, training, or the exercise of critical judgment.

2.6    Wireless Services:  Wireless access is available for users with laptops      equipped with wireless network adapters.  Staff cannot assist in configuring          users hardware for network access.

2.7    Internet Express Stations:  Internet Express stations do not require advanced booking or a library card.  They have a 20 minute limit and are meant for users who want to check their web-based email, or do some quick browsing.  Games and chat groups are not permitted on these terminals. 

2.8    Blind or Print-Disabled Citizen Access: Internet access is available through adaptive technology at the Main Library.

BPL Social Software Policy

Social Software is defined as any web application, site or account created and maintained by Brantford Public Library (BPL) which facilitates an environment for library staff and library users to share opinions and information about library related subjects or issues. BPL recognizes and respects differences in opinion.

The Brantford Public Library regards online social software applications in the same way as its other information resources in accordance with its mission of serving Brantford's needs for information, lifelong learning, and leisure pursuits. As with more traditional resources, the Library does not act in place of or in the absence of a parent. The Library is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor's use of this resource.

In addition to the general rules respecting use of the library, the Brantford Public Library Board prohibits the use of its social software applications for any purpose which would contravene any statute or government regulation, or which might create civil liability by the user or the Library Board to any person. For example, the Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits certain forms of discrimination and harassment of other individuals or groups, and the Criminal Code includes prohibitions against child pornography, obscenity, hate literature, and literature for illicit drug use. An example of civil liability is the law of libel and slander. No effort has been made to be exhaustive in giving the above examples. Users are reminded that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Use of Library social software applications is conditional on the user's agreement to observe this policy. By continuing to use the application, the user indicates agreement to all requirements of this policy.

Comments, posts and messages are welcome on BPL social software sites, provided they do not contain:

• Obscene or racist content
• Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language
• Potentially libelous statements
• Plagiarized material
• Private, personal information published without consent
• Comments totally unrelated to the content of the forum
• Hyperlinks to material that is not directly related to the discussion
• Commercial promotions or spam

All social software sites affiliated with the library will be regularly screened. All postings which contain any of the above will be immediately removed and the poster barred from posting any subsequent messages to library social software sites.

Any proposals by library staff to use social software applications to expand or promote the collections, services and programs of the Brantford Public Library are first vetted by the appropriate department Manager. The Manager then submits the proposal to the Chief Executive Officer of the Brantford Public Library for review and approval prior to implementation.

By posting content, the user agrees to indemnify BPL and its officers and employees from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages and costs (including attorney's fees) incurred by any of them which arise out of or are related to the posted content. Forums and messaging may not be used for commercial purposes or for organized political activity.

If any user does not agree to these terms, they are not to use the service, as violation of the terms can lead to legal liability.

Adapted from: Newton Free Library Blog Policy; Washoe County Library Social Software Policy

BPL Collection Development Policy

PDF document

Gifts and Donation Policy

The Brantford Public Library acknowledges the importance of gifts and donations and welcomes individuals, foundations, corporations and community groups to provide enhancements to the existing programs and services available at the Brantford Public Library.  This support ensures that Brantford Public Library remains an innovative and exceptional provider of information, lifelong learning and leisure pursuits for the citizens of Brantford.

GIFT ACCEPTANCE

The Brantford Public Library Board is committed to the highest ethical standards of philanthropy and development and reserves the right to decline any gift that is deemed not to be in the best interest of the Library or that is beyond our resources to manage. Gifts are accepted on the condition that if a use is stipulated by the donor, it is consistent with the mission, polices and objectives of the Brantford Public Library. 

WAYS OF GIVING

• Gifts of Money – monetary gifts can be designated for a specific purpose, or your gift may be totally unrestricted leaving the decision to the Library to fund areas of need. 
• Tribute or memorial gifts – these gifts allow you to honour a friend or loved one in a unique and meaningful way. By marking a special occasion with a gift to the Library you'll be recognizing the important role libraries play in people's lives. In memoriam or in remembrance gifts provide a lasting honour to someone who loved books and reading. Acknowledgment of your gift will be sent to the recipient.
• Books, manuscripts, other printed materials, and non print materials – The Library is pleased to accept these materials provided they comply with the Brantford Public Library’s Collection Development Policy.  All gifts of this nature are accepted with the understanding that if the Library is unable to use the materials they may be sold or discarded as the Board sees fit.
• Art and photographic works - Gifts and donations other than items which can be used in the Library’s collections must be discussed with the Library’s Chief Executive Officer. All conditions pertaining to the donation must be clearly stated at that time. The Brantford Public Library Board will make the final determination to accept or reject the gift.
• Property of significant value, such as real estate or securities – Unless otherwise stipulated, sizable gifts of this nature (at or above the Sustainer Level) will flow directly to the Brantford Public Library Endowment Fund. 
• Planned gifts, such as willed donations, bequests or endowments – Unless otherwise stipulated, sizable gifts of this nature (at or above the Sustainer Level) will flow directly to the Brantford Public Library Endowment Fund. 

LEVELS OF GIVING

Supporter:  less than $200

Sponsor:  $200 to $499

Donor:  $500 to $999

Patron $1,000 to $4,999

Sustainer $5,000 to $9,999

Benefactor $10,000 and above

GIFT RECOGNITION

The Brantford Public Library acknowledges the great importance of private gifts and donations to the library’s development and growth.  Many donations are made by individual and groups in the memory of a deceased loved one, as a tribute to a living person, or in celebration of an event.  We feel it’s extremely important to publicly recognize these contributions and to do so in a timely fashion. These procedures shall be applied to recognize gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and community groups that have been given directly to the library.  In order to implement recognition procedures in a consistent manner, donors and potential donors should be directed to the Manager, Marketing, Communication and Development. If a donor does not wish to be publicly recognized, that wish will be honored. The library’s donor recognition procedures are as follows:  

• All donations to the library will be acknowledged by a letter from the library’s Chief Executive Officer. 
• Donations to the library at or above the Donor Level will have a leather bookmark enclosed with their letter from the Chief Executive Officer.
• In addition to a letter from the Chief Executive Officer, all donations made to the Library at or above the Sustainer Level will receive an acknowledgement phone call from the Chair of the Brantford Public Library Board. 
• For donations made to the Library as a tribute to a living person or as a memorial gift, those honoured or the family of those remembered, will be notified with a letter.  The amount of the gift does not appear. 
• All donors will also be listed in the annual donor listing in the Library’s Annual Report.
• Additional special recognition may take place for significant contributions.  Such recognition may include inclusion on the Library’s Donor Wall of Recognition (when and if such a wall exists), placement of a plaque or bookplate on items purchased, special events, publicity, a named fund that will provide general support for the Library and naming opportunities for specific rooms or services.

DONOR RECORDS

The Library shall maintain donor records, the contents of which shall remain confidential unless the donor agrees otherwise.

OFFICIAL RECEIPTS

Receipts will be issued for donations which exceed $5.00.  For in-kind donations, official receipts will be issued provided that the value of the donation exceeds $5.00 and a third party, commissioned by the Brantford Public Library, has provided written appraisal of the donations worth. 

April 26, 2006

 

Information Services Policy

Statement of Policy

The Information Services Policy represents the Library’s standards for the delivery of information services to the public.  These guidelines exist to ensure that the public will receive consistently high levels of service.  The policy is made available to the public so that our customers have a written standard of service they can expect while using the Library’s services.

Range of Services

All customers of the Brantford Public Library can expect to receive a level of information service consistent with the Mission Statement of the Library:

“The Brantford Public Library will foster a culture of reading and thought by serving Brantford’s need for information, life-long learning and leisure pursuits.”

This service includes:

• help using the library’s catalogue, databases and equipment
• help conducting research for personal, educational or professional purposes
• help locating material and placing holds
• accessing material from other institutions
• access to the Internet

It is our goal to bring the library’s resources and potential users together.  This service is performed at all times the library is open and includes a variety of services.

Types of Research

Quick Reference

Short factual answers will be provided for specific requests.  Answers are provided using ready reference information or by use of electronic resources.

General Reference

For requests requiring more extensive research, customers will be guided to relevant materials in either print or electronic format.  General reference requests may include any of the following:

Genealogical/Local History Research

Genealogical research involves specialized resources and equipment.  Researchers will receive instruction in the following areas:

• searching the library’s Birth/Marriage/Death database
• locating genealogical reference material
• using the microfilm reader/printer
• ordering interlibrary loan material from the federal and provincial archives

Government Documents Research

Library staff will assist customers searching for federal, provincial and municipal government information, including:

• locating appropriate statutes, regulations, bill and reports in the library
• locating government material available on the Internet
• referral to the appropriate municipal, provincial or federal government agency

Health/Medical/Legal/Consumer Research

The Brantford Public Library contains a wide variety of resources for patrons seeking information on matters of health, law and consumer products.  The library staff will provide the following service:

• locating information using print and electronic resources
• referral to other agencies in the community

Readers’ Advisory

Readers’ advisory service is the act of identifying reader preferences and recommending books to readers based on current and past preferences.  Staff will assist customers in choosing the most appropriate print or other resources based on the individual needs of the customer.  Customers may also consult extensive lists of suggestions of fiction genres for both adults and children.

School Assignment Assistance (Elementary and Secondary)

The Brantford Public Library serves a vital role as an information provider to the students of Brantford and Brant County.  The library will provide the following services for students:

• instruction on using the library’s catalogue and databases
• locating material and placing holds

Career Planning and Employment Search

Library staff will help customers identify the necessary print and electronic resources to attain specific career or employment goals.  This service includes:

• locating school calendars and career oriented print material
• locating web sites featuring employment listings
• instruction on conducting market research
• referral to other agencies in the community

Interlibrary Loan

If material required by the customer is not available in the Brantford Public Library’s collection, library staff will attempt to acquire it from other libraries or government agencies through interlibrary loan.  Fees may apply for some academic libraries and borrowing is subject to the rules of the lending institution.

Orientation

Brantford Public Library staff will provide orientation services to individuals or groups.  Group orientation is subject to availability of staff and must be booked in advance.  Orientation service includes familiarizing customers with library services and providing instruction in the use of public access catalogues, indexes, databases, Internet and equipment.  Library staff will also aid customers in locating resources housed in various collections.

Community Information

The Brantford Public Library serves as a focal point for the collection and referral of community information.  Library staff will aid customers in identifying and contacting the appropriate community agency in Brantford or Brant County.

Special Services

Some specific groups of customers or types of research may require additional aid.  The Brantford Public Library will provide the following services:

Laurier Students

Brantford Public Library serves as a resource centre for the Brantford campus of Wilfrid Laurier University.  Library staff will provide orientation, instruction and assistance for the following resources:

• TRELLIS and BPL catalogue
• Laurier collection
• database searching
• document delivery service

Out of Town Customers

Customers not residing in Brantford can expect to receive the same level of service as those living in the area, including:

• Internet access
• instruction on using the library catalogue and databases
• locating material
• help using equipment (microfilm readers, photocopier)
• in-library access to all materials
• out of town customers may not borrow material from the Brantford Public Library

Shut-In Service

Residents of Brantford who are unable to visit the Main or St. Paul branch library can have library material delivered to their residence.  Library staff will provide the following services:

• selecting appropriate material for customers
• delivery and pick-up of material from the customer’s residence
• reference material and videos cannot be delivered to the customer

Service Priorities

Service to the public has priority over all other duties.

Staff will serve customers in the following order:

1. Requests in person
2. Requests by telephone
3. Requests by email
4. Requests by mail

If a staff member cannot answer a request immediately, he or she will obtain contact information for the customer and see that the customer receives an answer as soon as possible.  Unfinished questions at the end of a shift will be turned over to incoming staff.

Staff members who lack expertise in a particular subject area are encouraged to consult with colleagues if they need assistance.

Service Standards

All reference requests are referred to the reference/information desks.  The library offers reference service by trained staff whenever the library is open.

Staff will always use the most up-to-date information from accurate printed or online sources or learned from a reliable authority.  Where appropriate sources will be provided for answers given.  Staff will not
provide personal opinions, analysis or interpretation of medical/legal/financial/religious information.  Customers will be encouraged to consult a professional in the appropriate field.

The decision of what information sources to check and the length of time spent on a question is at the discretion of the reference staff.  Staff will guide to customer in search strategies and information tools but will not perform the research for them.

Reference staff will be:

1. Knowledgeable about library materials and services
2. Courteous and approachable
3. Able to communicate effectively with people
4. Discreet in the handling of questions which might be confidential or sensitive

Staff must take customers to the appropriate area unless the customers indicate that they know how to locate materials on their own.  If they indicate a willingness to locate materials on their own staff may provide verbal directions and/or point out the location.

Telephone Service:

• Short, factual questions which do not require extensive research can be answered by telephone.  Some customers may be asked to come to the library if they have in-depth questions that require the customer to participate in the research process.
• If callers must wait they should be given the option to remain on hold or to have their calls returned.  If the customer prefers to be called back the staff member should take the customer’s telephone number and call the customer back as soon as possible.  For long distance calls the caller should be asked to phone back at a prearranged time.  The library does not accept collect calls.
• Short answers may also be provided by fax or email if the customer requests it.

Membership Policy

Any person may use the Brantford Public Library without charge, within the library.

Library cards are free to residents and taxpayers of ht City of Brantford. Residents must have personal identification and proof of Brantford residency. Non-residents who pay taxes (household or business) with the City of Brantford must show a tax bill for this property and other acceptable identification when registering.

Effective March 1, 2008, an annual fee of $40.00 is charged to all non-residents who wish to have a library card.

You are responsible for items borrowed against your card so it is important to let BPL know immediately if it is lost or stolen. A nominal fee is charged for a replacement card.

Please let the Circulation Department know of any address or telephone changes.

January 2003

Revised: March 2008