Library Display Policy

Adopted, Library Board of Trustees, September 19, 2023

Library Display Policy (PDF)

The East Greenbush Community Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to library displays. All displays are intended to further the mission of the library. This policy provides a basis for the display of library materials by library staff, informs the public about the principles and criteria upon which these decisions are made, and promotes the purposes of the library’s mission.

 

Policy Guidelines
  • The responsibility for the library displays is held by the Library Director, under the authority of the Library Board of Trustees. Library staff will use the following criteria in making decisions about library displays and accompanying resources:
    • Community needs and/or interest
    • Availability of space
    • Treatment of content for intended audience
    • Presentation quality
    • Budget
    • Historical, cultural, or educational significance
    • Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events
    • Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits and programs
  • The Library may draw upon other community resources in developing displays, and may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays.
  • The Library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in library-initiated displays, as well as offer displays that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and information needs.
  • Library-initiated displays will not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because they may be considered controversial.
  • Views and opinions expressed in the content on display do not constitute an official endorsement by the Library.
  • The Library does not accept responsibility for ensuring that all points of view are represented in any single display.
  • Labels will be provided only as viewpoint-neutral directional aids to facilitate access by making it easier for users to locate materials. The materials are displayed openly and are equally accessible to all users.
  • Materials shall not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
  • The American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements
    are endorsed by the Library.
  • The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from patrons concerning library displays. If a patron questions a
    library display, they should first address the concern with a library staff member. Patrons who wish to continue their request for review of a library display may submit a Request for Reconsideration Form, which may be obtained at the Library or online at the Library website. A Request for Reconsideration will be considered according to the Request for Reconsideration Policy.

Adopted, Library Board of Trustees, September 19, 2023

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Subject East Greenbush Card UHLS Card UHLS MyCard
Library Card Registration Free to any individual who resides or pays taxes in the East Greenbush Community Library taxing district or Town of Schodack. Cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Free to any individual who volunteers or works at the EGRN Library. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Free to partner educational agencies with verified employment. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Those that live outside the UHLS area may purchase a temporary card at the price established by our Table of Fines and Fees. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 Free to residents residing in a community served by a UHLS library.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 The UHLS MyCard is a fine-free, limited-access library card for youth. It is intended to address multiple barriers to serving youth and families, including:

  • Barriers to access related to fines (e.g. computer access, checking out materials)
  • Parents not present for a child’s library card registration
  • Previous fines on a child’s card

Free for youth residing in a community served by a UHLS library.Applicants 18 and under who are applying for a limited use, UHLS Youth Only MyCard, need to provide name, address, and date of birth.UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.Youth ages birth to 18 can register unaccompanied, or with the help of a caregiver or relative who is not the child’s parent/guardian.This card may be used at all UHLS Libraries except for the Colonie Town Library.

Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs.

No fines for late items
Limits on # of Materials Borrowed Unlimited checkouts Unlimited checkouts Limited total items: Can only have 3 items checked out on their card at a time
Types of Items All eligible item types. All eligible item types except Museum Passes, ILL, and Hot off the Press. Active paid members of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library have access to all lending collections. Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Databases/Digital Content EGRN and UHLS subscription databases and digital content UHLS subscription databases and digital content Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Interlibrary Loan Nationwide UHLS Libraries UHLS Libraries
Program Registration Unlimited except by limited program capacity Preference given to resident cardholders Preference given to resident cardholders