Policies

PURPOSE
The Milton Public Library is dedicated to providing a wide range of materials and access to other materials that will enrich, enhance, promote, and strengthen the community. Access to information is a fundamental right of citizenship. As part of the overall collection development policy, the Library includes access to the Internet for the purposes of research, information, job searching, educational-related assistance, as well as recreational use.

ACCESS
Computer use is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Patrons who wish to use a public computer must know their library card number and pin number. Furthermore, their library account must be in good standing in that they do not have fines $10.00 or over. Internet use is limited to 90 minutes a day. However, patrons have the opportunity to add 30 additional minutes twice if the other computers are not in use.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES
All users are expected to follow these basic rules and regulations:

• Computers are to be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only.
• Users must respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user and by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or other data belonging to others. Users should further respect the privacy of others by not interfering with another user’s work.
• Users should not seek unauthorized access to any computer system or damage or alter software components.
• Users should only make authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software of data.
• Users should not engage in any behavior that violates the Library’s Patron Code of Conduct policy.

The Library cannot control or monitor the vast amount of material accessible from computers and networks via the Internet. Individual users must accept responsibility for sites visited and links followed. The user is responsible for verification of information found on the Internet for content and accuracy. Library staff is available to provide assistance and to help identify appropriate sites.

Furthermore, the Milton Public Library does not filter Internet computers. Selection policies, which serve to govern the library’s purchase of written materials, may not apply to materials accessed electronically. It is the responsibility of the user to determine what is appropriate.

CHILDREN: The Milton Public Library assumes no responsibility for internet use by children. Parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children’s use of the Internet are expected to provide guidance to their children and monitor their use of this resource. Only they are in the position to define what material or information is consistent with their personal and family beliefs, and only they can apply these values for themselves and their children as they use the library’s resources. Children and young adults under the age of 16 should have parental permission to use the Internet.

The Milton Public Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet. It is up to the user to take appropriate precautions when using this service. Patrons entering personal data do so at their own risk. Furthermore, the library takes no responsibility for lost data due to network or connection failure or malfunction of equipment.

Misuse or abuse of computer or Internet access will result in suspension of Internet access privileges and possible suspension of library privileges.

The Milton Public Library supports its mission of opening doors for curious minds and nurturing learning and creativity by developing and presenting programs that provide opportunities for educational, cultural, and recreational experiences. A “program” is a planned presentation or interaction between the library staff and/or a library-sponsored presenter and program participants, or a passive activity done independently by participants for a period of time. A program is created with the aim of accomplishing these goals:

1. Expanding the library’s role and visibility as a community resource and community center.
2. Introducing patrons and non-users to library resources and services.
3. Providing opportunities for lifelong learning and entertainment.

Library staff are responsible for developing and delivering library-sponsored programs and utilizing staff expertise, collections, services, and facilities. The library may partner with community agencies, organizations, and individuals to present co-sponsored programs. Furthermore, professional performers and presenters may be hired for library programs. Programs may be held on site, off-site, or virtually.

These criteria are used in making decisions about programs, set up, topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:

• Relation to the Library’s mission and service goals found in the library’s current strategic plan
• Health and safety of participants
• Availability of program space and equipment
• Budget and staffing considerations
• Community needs and interests
• Quality of presentation
• Speaker’s background and qualifications in the content area
• Historical, educational, and cultural significance
• Connection to other community programs, exhibitions, or events

ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION

Library programs are open to the public and are free to attend. A person’s right to attend a program will not be denied because of national origin, race, color, sex, religion, background, views, sexual orientation, or disability. Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program. If specific ADA accomodatins are needed, the Library Director can be contacted at 608-868-7462 at least two days before the program of interest. Furthermore, a library card is not required to attend a program.

Registration may be required for planning purposes and when space is limited. Details about registration requirements will always be included in the program’s description on the library’s website and advertising materials. Registrants should notify the library in advance if they must cancel their registration.

The Library reserves the right to:

• Limit attendance at events due to space considerations, budget constraints, and/or on the nature of the program.
• Set age limits for library-sponsored programs.
• Cancel programs, to be rescheduled or not.
• Deny attendance to anyone who is disruptive or who violates the library’s Code of Conduct.

For the purpose of marketing library programs on the library’s website and social media, staff may ask for verbal permission to photograph, videotape, and/or virtually record program participants.

The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from community members concerning programming. If a community member questions a library program, that concern should be brought up to. alibrary staff member. If the community member wishes to continue the request for review, a letter may be written to the Library Board and it will be reviewed at their next regularly scheduled meeting.

Approved 11/4/2019
Revised 5/2/2021
Revised 6/7/2023

Public meeting rooms and study rooms are available for use to an individual or organized group at the Milton Public Library. Scheduling will be limited, when necessary, to ensure equitable access to the facilities for the entire community. The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs of the Library staff or Board. All rooms are available as a free public service. However, donations are always accepted.

The library board may make exceptions to any part of the following policy if the board deems extenuating circumstances are involved. Furthermore, the Library Board and staff do not assume any liability for groups or individuals using a room at the Library.

AVAILABLE ROOMS
1. Break Room (lower level) for 40 people
2. Red Hawk Room (1st floor) for 6 people
a. Available equipment: Smart TV with Apple AirPlay, power outlets, and whiteboard
3. Nancy and David Lader Community Room (2nd floor) for 25 people
a. Available equipment: TV with USB and HDMI ports, power outlets, whiteboard, and coat rack
4. Study Room #1 (2nd floor) for 2 people
5. Study Room #2 (2nd floor) for 2 people
6. Study Room #3 (2nd floor) for 4 people

RESERVING ROOMS
• Rooms can be reserved through LocalHop, an online reservation software, by calling the library at 608-868-7462, or in person at either circulation desk, and are reserved with name, contact information, and time frame needed.
• Library programming has first priority in room use, otherwise, rooms are booked or made available on a “first come, first serve” basis.
• Rooms are only available during library hours, unless otherwise approved by the Library Director.
• Study Rooms 1-3 may be reserved for up to 3 hours. A room may be used longer if no one else is waiting to use the room.
• All rooms may be reserved up to three months in advance.
• If a room user, who has reserved a room, does not show up within 15 minutes of their reserved time, then the room will be made available to others.
• If necessary, the Library reserves the right to transfer individuals or a group to another room in the Library.
• If a room is no longer needed, the room user shall notify Library staff as soon as possible.

USES ALLOWED
• Events, programs, and activities organized, sponsored, or conducted by the Library.
• Studying by an individual or group.
• Club events (veterans, school, youth, sports, services, etc.).
• Meetings (businesses, not-for profits, unions, associations, political parties, etc.)
• Home school classes, meetings, events, etc.
• Religious organizations (meetings, clubs, events).
• Political meetings, candidate forums, legislator “listening sessions,” etc.
• Legal negotiations, proceedings, conflict resolutions, depositions, etc.
• Test proctoring by the library or non-profit organizations.
• Tutoring. However, tutors who charge for services may use a study room on a limited basis to allow availability for other users. Paid tutors are limited to 6 hours per week. Furthermore, paid tutors may not publish or distribute letters indicating the library as their place of doing business or otherwise imply library sponsorship of their activities.

PROHIBITED USES
• Commercial events (where products, services, or memberships are advertised, solicited, or sold) including educational classes or seminars, which charge a fee.
• Conducting private business that may include presentations to prospective clients for paid services and/or solicitation of goods.
• A group may not charge admission for their meeting or event.
• Gambling, in any form.
• Any event that could be considered a party, including personal and family birthday parties, receptions, showers, etc. An exception may be made for groups to use the Break Room with permission from the Library Director.
• Any event that is disruptive of normal library operations or services.
• Any other activity or behavior that violates the Library’s Code of Conduct policy.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Groups or individuals using a room shall not publicize their event in any way that implies that is it sponsored, co-sponsored, endorsed, or approved by the Library, unless permission to do so has been given in advanced by the Library Director.
• The Library is not responsible for any equipment, supplies, materials, clothing, or other items brought to the Library by any group or individual attending a meeting. Anything left behind will be placed in the Lost and Found.
• Chairs and tables will be provided, but must be arranged by the group according to their needs. Users are responsible for returning furniture and equipment to the proper locations within the room.
• Light refreshments may be served and shall be provided by the group. If a group wishes to provide a larger meal, they may reserve the Break Room only.
• Users are responsible for cleaning up after themselves, including taking out the garbage and for any damage resulting from their use. The Library has a broom, dustpan, and vacuum available for use. The room should be left in a neat, clean, orderly condition.
• Lights and equipment are to be turned off.
• Lakeside Fire Protection District’s occupancy limits will be observed at all times.

QUIET ROOM
The Quiet Room cannot be reserved by groups or individuals, but is available for those library users who prefer to do their solitary reading, studying, or thinking in quiet surroundings. The following rules should be followed at all times:
• Cell phones must be turned off or silenced. Cell phone conversations are not allowed, but calls can be taken in the lobby or outside.
• Use of electronics is allowed, but the volume must be on mute or headphones must be used.
• Conversations are not allowed except in cases where staff needs to communicate with persons using the Quiet Room.

Statement of Purpose 
The primary purpose of Milton Public Library art gallery wall, display case, and temporary art exhibits is to enhance the experience of the library patron.

Application to Exhibit 

• The Adult Programing Coordinator will maintain a schedule of exhibits available at the library.   
• Artists, photographers, or collectors who wish to exhibit their original work or collections may contact the Milton Public Library to request an opportunity to exhibit.  
• All requests will be referred to the Adult Programming Coordinator for review and acceptance as outlined in this policy.  

Selection of Art & Collections

• Special consideration will be given to works of art produced by local artists or collections belonging to community members. 
• Preference may be given to those who have not displayed at the library within one year. 
• Art selected for display must be of exhibition quality (relative to artist’s age) and overall community interest.
• Works and collections selected for exhibit must be appropriate for all ages.
• Samples of art may be shared for review prior to acceptance.  
• The Milton Public Library reserves the right to reject any exhibit in full or in part.

Fees and Sales of Art

• No admission fee will be charged for any exhibit in the library.
• Sale of artwork is allowed, but not required. All pricing and contact information (i.e., business cards) shall be provided by the artist.
• The library would be grateful for a nominal donation if the exhibitor sells art because of the exhibit in the library, but a donation is not required.
• Library staff is not responsible for collecting money or serving as liaison between artist and buyer.

Security and Liability 

• Items displayed on the Art Gallery Wall are not secured and/or protected. Three-dimensional objects and collections are put in a locking display case.
• The library is not responsible for reimbursement or replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged items.   
• The artist or lender will be required to complete and sign a waiver of liability for the Milton Public Library and City of Milton before any works of art are exhibited.
• The waiver will be kept on file in the library for one year following the exhibit. 

Exhibition Presentation, Installation, and Dismantling 

• Three-dimensional artwork and collections can be displayed in the locking display case either by the owner or a library staff member.
• Two-dimensional artwork may be framed and wired ready for hanging or may be displayed on the art gallery wall using carefully placed push pins.
• Art will be hung or placed in areas specified by the library as determined by the Library Director or Adult Programming Coordinator.   
• The Adult Programming Coordinator will supervise the hanging, display and dismantling of all exhibits.
  Typical exhibits will run one month. 
• If an item is sold it may be replaced with another item. It is preferred that sold pieces remain with the exhibit until its close.
• The artist or lender will be asked for a biography, related to their exhibit, to be used for advertising and openly available for library patrons to read.

Milton Public Library Waiver of Liability

I, ________________________________, understand and agree that the Milton Public Library and the City of Milton are allowing me to display items at the Milton Public Library.  My work/items shall be displayed:
 ____________________________ to  _______________________________.

I understand neither the Milton Public Library nor the City of Milton shall assume any responsibility or obligation for any loss or damage to any item or items so displayed.

I understand that the displayed item(s) are not and will not be covered under any insurance policy owned by the City of Milton.

I understand that I am solely responsible for insurance coverage for the item(s) being displayed, and the burden is on me to do so at my own cost.

I agree that any artwork/item(s) shall be removed from the library within two (2) days following the end date above, unless otherwise noted in a written agreement between myself and the Adult Programming Coordinator. I also understand that the Milton Public Library reserves the right to remove any artwork or collection pieces from public viewing for any reason.

 _________________________________________         
Signature of Exhibitor                                                                  

Date____________________________

Adopted March 4, 2022
Updated April 1, 2024

The Milton Public Library welcomes opportunities to display art within its indoor and outdoor public areas and to give patrons and community members free access to art created by local artists that reflects the community. The art is intended to support the library as a gathering place where all residents come to learn, grow, and spend time together. The Milton Public Library understands that donors or artists may wish to donate a piece of art that has not yet been created. The library may also seek out in-kind donations or commission public art to be created for a specific space. The Library Board will consider artwork created for the library, using the criteria below, as well as review a detailed plan of the intended artwork. It is the sole discretion of the Library Board to determine whether to accept the finished piece.

Selection Criteria for Artworks

The Milton Public Library has limited space for the display of art, and therefore it is important to consider very carefully the acceptance of a piece of art as a gift.

• Style and nature: The art should be appropriate in scale, material, form, and content for the library environment.
• Quality and Elements of Design: Public art may have other functions in addition to aesthetic enjoyment. The work of art should complement and enhance the building and its purpose. The reputation of the artist may be a factor in the decision.
• Durability: Works of art will be examined for durability, taking the library environment and the condition of the piece into consideration. Extremely fragile items or those that are potential targets for vandalism are not appropriate for the library setting. The artist agrees that any artwork placed outside will be subject to the elements and therefore should be created with materials meant to withstand such elements.

• Installation/Maintenance Costs: The Library will consider any security issues, the cost of installation, and the cost of maintaining the work over its lifetime. All art must be created off-site and be completed before being installed at the library.
• Public Liability: Works will not be selected or accepted that create unsafe conditions or contain other factors that may bear on public liability.
• Library Discretion: The Library Board, in its sole discretion, will determine whether to accept or reject any gift or proposed artwork.

Once accepted by the library, the item becomes the sole property of the library. With that, the library reserves the right to dispose of any artwork without notification to the donor and/or artist if the item no longer serves the purpose of the library.

Artists must submit the attached Public Art Application Form to the Library Director. Forms will be reviewed by the Library Board at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Approved by the Library Board – November 4, 2024

Author Visits and Book Signings

The Milton Public Library welcomes the chance to provide authors with space and programming time for meeting library patrons, signing books, and talking about their work. Book talks and signings are important to the cultural, historic and literary health of a community and are therefore welcomed as part of the library’s scope of programming.

As will all library-promoted programs, the Library will provide space, tables, and chairs if needed, as well as a sound system. The Library will also advertise the event according to its advertising procedure, provided adequate notice is given. Food may be served but requires pre-approval from the Director.

Authors may display, sell, and sign books. Presenters should not plan on the Library and/or its staff to act as sales agents, nor should the author expect the library to purchase books in bulk to sell for the author. Furthermore, authors must allow program attendees to bring in previously-purchased books to be signed.

Reviewed and Approved by the Milton Public Library Board on 2/4/2019

A primary overall objective of the Milton Public Library is to provide its users with a safe and pleasant atmosphere that is conducive to the pursuit of life-long learning. library patrons are expected to use the library, including its facilities, grounds, resources, materials, and virtual space, in a responsible, appropriate, and courteous manner while respecting library patrons and staff.

Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 43.52(2), states: “Every public library shall be free for the use of the inhabitants of the municipality by which it is established and maintained, subject to such reasonable regulations as the library board prescribes in to render its use most beneficial to the greatest number.  The library board may exclude from the use of the public library all persons who willfully violate such regulations.”

Any misconduct that disturbs library users or staff is prohibited. It is a patron’s responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior.  If a patron creates a public nuisance or shows unacceptable behavior that patron may be restricted from using the library.

Examples of unacceptable, in-library behavior for all ages include, but are not limited to:

• Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would violate a federal, state, or local law.
• Creating inappropriate levels of noise.
• Annoying, harassing, or threatening another person with language or gestures.
• Engaging in excessive displays of public affection.
• Using the library for the purposes of solicitation, campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, or sales.
• Possessing, selling, distributing, displaying, or using any dangerous weapon, or an object that may be considered a weapon, upon the library premises.
• Damaging, defacing, or misusing library materials, electronic equipment, furniture, facilities, or grounds.
• Running, chasing, or horseplay.
• Entering non-public areas of the library without prior permission from library staff.
• Viewing inappropriate images or videos on laptops, computers, and library-provided television screens.
• Sleeping, lying down, or napping on any floor, couch, table, or seat.
• Inappropriate dress and personal hygiene: Patrons are required to wear acceptable clothing, including shirts and footwear. Unpleasant body odor, which may offend other library patrons or staff, is considered unacceptable. Furthermore, library bathrooms are not for personal bathing.
• Smoking (including e-cigarettes, vaping, etc.) and consuming alcoholic beverages on library premises.
• Eating: Eating is only allowed during designated library programs. Beverages in resealable containers may be consumed in the library.
• The inappropriate use of bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, and so forth in the library and on library premises. Bicycles are not allowed inside the library building. Skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters may be carried into the building, but must be stored in a safe and non-obtrusive manner.
• Animals: Except those which have been trained to perform tasks to aid persons with disabilities, animals are not allowed in the public part of the library except as part of a library-sponsored program. Animals may not be left unattended on library premises.

Children in the Library

The Milton Public Library encourages children of all ages to use the library for homework, recreational reading, imaginative play, and program attendance, and it is our desire to make these visits both memorable, enjoyable, and safe for the child.  library staff is not expected to assume responsibility nor liability for the actions, care, supervision, or safety of unsupervised children in the library.

Therefore, for their safety and comfort, children under 9 must be accompanied by a responsible person, age 16 or older, when using the library. This responsible person must supervise, guide, and control the behavior of his or her charges at all times. If the young child under 9 years old is attending a library program, it is required that the parent/responsible person remain in the library throughout the program.

The library reserves the right to contact parents, guardians, or law enforcement authorities if minor children are left unattended, or if they are unable to maintain proper library behavior.

Use of Youth Services Areas

The library is committed to providing inviting and safe places for younger patrons.

Therefore, the Creative Play Areas are reserved for the use of children 11 and under. Any adult or teen found in a Creative Play Area not supervising a child will be asked to relocate to an appropriate area of the library. Patrons of all ages are welcome to browse and check out materials from the Children Collection.

Adults and children are prohibited from using the teen area, including the seating, study carrels, and electronics unless they are accompanied by a teen in grades 7 through 12. Patrons of all ages are welcomed to browse and check out materials from the Young Adult Collection.

The library reserves the right to utilize the children and teen areas for scheduled programs and activities.

If an individual does not comply with staff directions concerning these areas, the individual’s library privileges may be revoked.

Warning and Banning Process

1. A patron will be asked to cease any inappropriate behavior that violates the Patron Code of Conduct policy and will be warned that if behavior continues, the patron will be asked to leave the library premises.
2. A violator who refuses to correct the inappropriate behavior or who become belligerent will be asked to leave for the day. If the patron’s inappropriate behavior continues on a later date, the patron will be banned from library premises for one month by the library Director. Patron must talk to the library Director prior to returning to the library.
3. If patron’s inappropriate behavior continues after the one-month ban, patron will be banned from the library for 3 months by the library Director. Patron must talk to the library Director prior to returning to the library.
4. If inappropriate behavior still continues after the 3-month ban, the library Director determines subsequent actions.

All incidents will be documented. In the event that a patron’s behavior constitutes an imminent serious threat to library property, other library patrons, or staff, library staff may call the police for assistance.

If an individual who has been banned attempts to return to the library premises, such an act will be considered trespassing and the police will be called to remove the person from library premises.

Any individual who is denied access to the library may appeal to the library Board within 10 days by filing an appeal in writing to the library Director and sending the letter to 430 E. High St, Milton, WI 53563. The library Board will hear the appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

The above guidelines are for the comfort and protection of all and are to be courteously and firmly enforced by library staff. The library Director has the right to use professional judgment depending on the nature and the seriousness of the offense which required removal, the extent of damage or disruption caused, any history of prior infractions of library polices and other relevant circumstances. If necessary, the police may be called for assistance.

Patron Use of Social Media

Milton Public Library engages patrons through many digital platforms and communication tools.

MPL social platforms provide a public forum to facilitate the sharing of ideas, opinions, and information about library-related subjects and issues. MPL social platforms are intended to create a welcoming and inviting online space where library users will find useful and entertaining information and can interact with library staff, users, and community members.

By choosing to comment or post on MPL’s social media accounts, you agree that we reserve the right to remove content if your posts are deemed inappropriate. While MPL encourages an open forum, posts and comments are moderated by library staff. MPL reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to remove comments that are unlawful or violate the following:  

• Is off-subject or out of context.
• Contains obscenity or material that appeals to the prurient interest.
• Contains personal identifying information or sensitive personal information.
• Contains offensive terms that target protected classes.
• Is threatening, harassing, or discriminatory.
• Incites or promotes violence or illegal activities.
• Contains information that reasonably could compromise individual or public safety.
• Advertises or promotes a commercial product or service, or any entity or individual.
• Promotes or endorses political campaigns or candidates.

Adopted 9/17/2008
Revised 3/4/2019
Reviewed 12/5/2022

Gifts and donations from community members enhance library services and support our mission to open doors for curious minds, nurture learning and creativity, create opportunities and enriches lives by bringing people and ideas together.

The library reserves the right to accept or refuse all gifts. The library accepts gifts and donations with the understanding that no restrictions will be applied unless jointly agreed upon by the donor, the Library Director, and/or the Library Board. Once accepted by the library, the item becomes the sole property of the library. With that, the library reserves the right to dispose of any gift without notification to the donor if the item no longer serves the purpose of the library.

Acknowledgement of any donation or gift may take one of several forms, including, but not limited to: a donation receipt letter, library bookplate, a small plaque, or acknowledgement in a library promotional publication.

All gifts are tax deductible and library staff cannot place a value on any donated items.

Gifts and Donations of Books and Other Library Materials

All library materials accepted as gifts will be evaluated in accordance with the Milton Public Library Materials Selection/Collection Development Policy and/or the Friends of Milton Public Library Donation Guidelines.

Monetary Donations

The library gratefully accepts donations of cash, securities, or other monetary properties from individuals, businesses, corporations, and organizations.

Donors are welcome to specify a general preference for the allocation of their donation. Library staff will determine the most appropriate use of the funds.

For donations larger than $5,000 that may warrant naming opportunities, please contact the Library Director.

Donations, such as those from wills and estates, can also be directed towards the Milton Public Library Foundation, a certified 501c3 non-profit organization that invests on behalf of the library’s future, including capital improvements and providing broader educational and recreational opportunities. Please contact the Library Director with any questions.

The library recommends that you consult an attorney/tax advisor when considering any sizeable gifts.

Donations of Art

Donations of permanent artwork such as paintings, sculptures, wall hangings, photographs and other original art in various media may be accepted by the library. Quality, durability, potential for public interest, installation and maintenance costs, and public liability will be considered and placement will be determined by library staff. For temporary pieces for display, please see the Art & Collections Exhibit Policy. For art specifically created for the library, please see the Commissioned Art Policy.

Other Donations

Personal property, antiques, or other valuables may also be accepted with approval from the Library Director and/or Library Board.

Approved by the Library Board – November 4, 2024

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the Milton Public Library is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid the individual in the pursuit of education, information, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time. And because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet the community interests and needs.

The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection. The Library Bill of Rights (Appendix A) and The Freedom to Read Statement (Appendix B), adopted by the American Library Association, have been endorsed by the Milton Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy. The materials selection/collection development policy, like all other policies will be reviewed and/or revised on a scheduled basis.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION
The final responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Milton Public Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the Director must be available to answer to the Library Board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the
recommendations of the staff.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
1. The main points considered in the selection of materials are:
a. Creative, literary, educational, and technical merit of each item
b. Current and anticipated needs and interest of the public, including items discussed on public media
c. Relation to existing collection and other materials on the subject
d. Suitability of the format for library use
e. Accuracy and timeliness
f. Local historical significance, interest, or value
g. Space and budgetary limits
2. Reviews and booklists are the major source of information about new materials.
3. The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be sole reason for rejecting a title that is in demand. Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not on part taken out of context.
4. To assure the acquisition of resources desired by Library users, patron suggestions are always considered for their addition to the collection. Customers can contact the Library Director about specific requests.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN
Because of limited budgets and space, the library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of this library’s collection.

In return for using interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Milton Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network and to make an effort to have current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.

GIFTS AND DONATIONS
The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, or dated information,

the Director can dispose of them as needed, including adding materials to the library’s book sale to raise funds to support the library.

The Milton Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations. The same criteria of selection, which are applied to purchased materials, are applied to gifts. Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of a patron if the request meets the criteria established by the Board. It is desirable for gifts of specific titles to be offered after consultation with the Library Director. The Director will make the book selection if no specific book is requested.

By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgement of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.

WEEDING
An up-to-date, attractive, and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Withdrawal and replacement of materials is dependent upon usage, current demand, item’s condition, usefulness, factual accuracy, more recent acquisitions, availability of newer editions, available shelf space, and whether the item is available elsewhere in the library system. This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the Library Director and is authorized by the Board of Trustees. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.

RECONSIDERATION
Patrons requesting that material be withdrawn from or restricted within the collection may complete a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form (Appendix C), which is available in the library. The person requesting the reconsideration must be a resident of Milton Public Library’s service area, which is the City of Milton and the adjoining townships. The person must have read/reviewed/listened to the title in question. The item in question will not be removed from the shelf during the reconsideration process.

Only one “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” may be filled out by a person at time to go through the reconsideration process.

The Director, in consultation with the Library Board President, will review the request and the challenged material(s). The Director will then communicate a decision in writing to the patron. If the patron is not satisfied with the decision, they can appeal to the MPL Board of Trustees

Once a title has been reviewed and a decision made for reconsideration by the Director and/or the Board, four years must pass before it will be eligible again for reconsideration.

Please note that library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of contents, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft. Furthermore, the reading and viewing activity of children under 16 is ultimately the responsibility of parents/guardians, who guide and oversee their own children’s development.

Adapted 1/00
Reviewed 10/02
Reviewed 10/08
Reviewed and Updated 1/23