Policies

The purpose of this policy is to clarify age requirements for unattended library use, and to define the responsibilities of the designated caregiver to monitor and keep children safe.

Responsibility for Children Using the Library

The Northborough Free Library welcomes children of all ages to use and enjoy the facilities, collections, and programs offered by the library. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the caregiver and not with library staff. Children ages nine and under must have a designated caregiver that is at least 14 years old in the immediate vicinity and in visual contact with the child using the library.

Children between the ages of five and nine may attend certain library programs without a caregiver in the room, under the following conditions:

• Caregivers are responsible for escorting children to the program room, remaining in the library building for the duration of the program, and meeting children in the program room at the conclusion of the program.  
• Programs must specifically note in the program description that the program is a “drop-off” program. Programs that are not designated as “drop-off” will require the caregiver to remain in the program room for the entirety of the program.  
• Caregivers are welcome to remain in the room for the duration of the program, and are never prohibited from entering the room during the program. 
• Library staff may, at their discretion, ask a caregiver to return to the room or remain with a child for the duration of a “drop-off” program.

Children age ten and up may use the library on their own provided that they comply with the Patron Behavior Policy. 

Children Left Unattended After Library Hours

Children must be picked up before the library closes. The library is not responsible for children without a ride home at closing. Staff may, at their discretion, contact the Northborough Police Department to wait with a child with no ride home after the library closes.  

Last Updated: February 2024

Approved by the Library Trustees on: April 9, 2024

The purpose of this Collection Development Policy is to establish criteria for what, how, and why materials are selected for inclusion in the Northborough Free Library.

COMMUNITY

The Northborough Free Library is supported by, and recognizes as its primary clientele, people who live and work in the Town of Northborough.  Additionally, the Library participates in cooperative lending agreements through a membership in the Central/Western Massachusetts Resource Sharing Consortium (C/W MARS) and participation in national interlibrary loan services.  The Library also partners with the MA Board of Library Commissioners to provide additional shared resources.

COLLECTION RESPONSIBILITY

The final authority for the selection, evaluation, and deselection of library materials is delegated by the Board of Library Trustees to the Library Director and, under the Director’s guidance, to members of the staff who are qualified by training and experience.

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM

The policies of the Northborough Free Library are informed by principles contained in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements, as well as the Intellectual Freedom Guide for Massachusetts Libraries published by the MA Board of Library Commissioners.

The library provides free and open access to its holdings for patrons of all ages and backgrounds.  Access to materials is not restricted or monitored by staff.  Responsibility for reading, listening, and viewing choices rests entirely with the individual library user or, in the case of minors, with their parent or legal guardian.  While people may reject certain materials for themselves or their children, they may not restrict the freedom of others to read, hear, or see those materials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The library’s collection is intended to reflect and support our diverse community.  A wide range of subjects, viewpoints, authors, and formats are collected in order to reflect the diversity of needs and interests within our community.  Our selection process and criteria include, but are not limited to, the following considerations:

• Contemporary relevance or significance
• Permanent value
• Popular demand or anticipated interest
• Purpose and quality of the material
• Representation of diverse viewpoints, trends, creators, and/or cultural movements
• Creator’s authority, reputation, skill, and significance
• Critically reviewed in professional or literary periodicals
• Suitability of format
• Whether the item addresses a gap in the current collection
• Budget 
• Available space
• Availability elsewhere in the library’s network
• Materials of local and regional interest
• Subscriptions to online resources are subject to cost, accessibility, and availability of library licenses
• Non-traditional objects to encourage learning and recreation

Children and Teen Materials: Materials are selected for children and teens with the intention to meet and support recreational and entertainment reading needs, encourage reading and pre-reading skills, supplement educational needs, and reflect the diverse backgrounds and abilities within the community.  Recommended ages for reading materials is available through the publisher.  Staff selecting materials for Children and Teen collections follow the same principles guiding development of the general collection.  The responsibility of determining what a child should or should not read or view is that of the parent and/or guardian, and not determined by the Northborough Free Library or the staff.

Formats: The Northborough Free Library may choose to add or discontinue specific format types from its collection.  Decisions about what formats to include are based on space availability, budget, obsolescence, and popularity.  

Special Collections: The Northborough Free Library maintains a State and Local History collection that differs from the management and development of the general collection.  Curation of this collection is driven by the following priorities: historical significance, condition of the material, public interest, space, and ability to properly archive materials.  The collection mainly focuses on materials unavailable in digital format which are significant to the Town of Northborough, its history, and the immediate surrounding area.

Collection Limits: The selection of materials is limited to general or basic works that are not too specialized or considered beyond the scope of public library service.  The library budget, space to house materials, and ability to circulate material are driving forces of the limits to our collections.  The Library does not purchase or house textbooks or other curriculum-related materials due to their limited scope and cost.  When selecting various forms of media, selectors consider and are limited by the accessibility and usability of the format, cost, popularity, and significance.

Donations: Donated materials (intended for the library’s circulating collection) are added based on the same selection criteria of purchased materials.  Donations of other items (anything not intended for the library’s circulating collection) fall under the criteria set forth in the Library Gifts Policy.

Local and/or Self-Published Authors: Local authors whose books have been published by a reputable publisher and have been well-reviewed will be evaluated in the same way as other books purchased for the library.

Local authors and self-published works are subject to the same selection criteria as other materials.

DESELECTION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

Library staff regularly review materials on the shelves to maintain an up-to-date, attractive, and useful collection that fits within our space constraints.  Withdrawing materials that no longer meet our collection standards is equally important as our selection process.  Our deselection process and criteria include, but are not limited to, the following considerations: 

• Condition of the item
• Relevance, accuracy, and/or obsolescence of the information
• Use of or demand for the item
• Format of the item
• Number of copies of the item available on the shelf and within the library’s network

Materials are NOT removed from the collection due to controversy surrounding the item, its author, or the content within.  The library does not remove materials from the collection for the purpose of selling them.  Materials will not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

Whenever possible, efforts are made to keep items from being thrown away.  Materials are donated to the Friends of the Northborough Library or another non-profit, recycled, or given to another library.  Materials that are badly damaged, moldy, or are otherwise unable to be recycled will be properly disposed of.

MATERIALS EVALUATION

Northborough Residents wishing to suggest a title or new format for inclusion in the library’s collections may do so by completing our Title Suggestion Form.  Suggestions will be routed to the appropriate staff member for review.  Residents wishing to be notified will receive a reply if the decision is made to add the suggested item to the collection, but this is not a requirement.

POLICY REVIEW

This policy shall be reviewed periodically by the Library Director and the Library Board of Trustees.

Last update: October 5, 2023

The purpose of this policy is to define what the library’s community bulletin boards may and may not be used to advertise.  It applies to both the library’s virtual community events page as well as our in-house bulletin boards. 

Posting Guidelines

All items must be reviewed and posted by library staff.  Notices posted without authorization will be removed.  The Library Director or designee has final say on postings.   

All activities and events noted in the materials for distribution and display must be open to all.

Due to limited space, the library reserves the right to prioritize items that are posted based on community interest and timeliness.  The library reserves the right to remove postings early or delay approval of an item based on space limitations.

Postings will be date stamped and removed after the event has passed, or after four weeks.  The library cannot hold or return materials to any group or individual after the posting expires.

Posting of materials does not imply library endorsement nor consent; nor will the library accept responsibility for the accuracy of the statements made in such materials.

Postings may not be any larger than 8 ½” x 11”. 

Postings with tear off tabs are strongly discouraged.  Such fliers may be removed by library staff before the removal date if they become a nuisance.  

The library will not edit postings, whether printed or online, for content, spelling, or formatting.

Community bulletin boards MAY be used for the following:

Postings of forthcoming or continuing educational, social, civic, charitable, cultural or recreational events and activities in Northborough.  Events occurring in towns immediately surrounding, and of interest to, Northborough may be approved, provided that there is sufficient space available on the board.

Flyers, brochures, or schedules of local nonprofit organizations, groups or agencies.

Postings by any federal, state, or local government agencies providing services to citizens.

Postings announcing community services and volunteer opportunities.

Postings containing unbiased, neutral information about a Northborough warrant article or ballot measure, or that include information about all of the candidates running for a Northborough board or committee.  Postings advertising candidate forums or information sessions are also permitted.

Community bulletin boards MAY NOT be used for the following:

Postings that discriminate, or promote hate, against any individual(s) or group(s) of individuals by race, religion, creed, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical or mental challenges or conditions, military or veteran service, citizenship, housing status, or any other factor.

Postings that encourage, promote, incite, or in any way condone any illegal activity or any kind of violence, harassment, physical harm, etc. against any individuals or groups of individuals.

Commercial materials (solicitations, business cards, job postings, retail advertising, etc.) from individuals or for-profit groups, companies, or organizations (including - but not limited to - for-profit nursery schools, job announcements, and personal notices of items for sale).

Postings - personal or otherwise - for the solicitation of members, requesting donations, raising funds, or selling merchandise, with some exceptions at the discretion of the library. 

Materials that support or oppose any political candidate or ballot measure.  Materials on individual candidates can not be distributed or displayed in the library. 

Postings that seek to persuade politically or religiously.

Materials that support or oppose a specific religious conviction.

Postings that reduce or interfere with others’ equitable access to Library materials, services, and spaces.

Postings that contain obscene content, as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Last update: August 9, 2023

Approved by the Library Trustees on September 12, 2023

The purpose of this policy is to clarify the library’s process for evaluating and accepting donations and gifts.

The library assumes no responsibility to accept gifts; any gift it accepts is with the understanding that the library will be the sole determinant of its use.  New and used books donated to the library by individuals or groups will be accepted into the collection under the same criteria as provided elsewhere in this policy.  Those items not suitable for the collection will be given to the Friends of the Library to sell, or when necessary, discarded.  

The library will NOT accept books in poor condition, including those with mildew, water or smoke damage, insect infestation, defaced or ripped pages or covers, embedded dust and dirt, or other obvious damage.  We will also not accept out of date textbooks. 

Donors should ask prior approval before bringing in more than four boxes of books.  The library will issue a receipt if requested, but the donor is responsible for estimating the value of the donated materials for tax purposes. 

The library will accept funds to purchase books in honor of an occasion (birth of a child, significant birthday or anniversary) or in memory of a deceased family member.  Those who wish to give such a gift should contact the Library Director, who may consult with one of the other librarians.  The librarians will select (a) title(s) based on recommendations by the donor, keeping in mind the library’s selection policy.  Donors should understand that the book may not remain in the library’s collection permanently.  Donated books that wear out, are lost, or become out of date, will be removed from the library collection. 

Other donated media such as music CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, computer games, and the like will be accepted under similar conditions.  Those that cannot be used by the library will either be donated to the Friends of the Library for resale or discarded. 

Any other physical gifts to the library must be approved by the Library Director.  Furnishings, equipment, plants, art or other decorative items may not be needed.  

The purpose of the Exam Proctoring Policy is to establish guidelines for students who want to take a proctored exam at the Northborough Free Library.

The library staff is able to proctor exams under specific conditions:

1. Staff cannot monitor or directly supervise the student during the duration of the exam (online or print).
2. Proctoring cannot be done outside of library hours.  All print proctored exams must be completed 15 minutes prior to closing to allow staff time to scan and email the finished exam.
3. Proctoring services must be scheduled with the library in advance and are based on scheduling availability.
4. Proctoring services may be administered by any library staff on duty.
5. Personal belongings cannot be left with staff.
6. Staff will not be responsible for setting up the room or equipment in advance.

Where can you take your exam?

You can take your exam anywhere where seating is available in the library, with the exception of the Teen Room and Children’s Room.  Individual study rooms are available upon request and may be reserved ahead of time.

Requesting a Proctored Exam: 

• Contact the Reference Desk at noboadults@cwmars.org or by phone at (508) 393-5025 ext. 3 to schedule your testing date.  You can reserve an individual study room, wifi hotspot, laptop, and/or headphones at the same time.
• Need your test printed?  Ask your instructor to email the exam and any instructions to us to noboadults@cwmars.org at least two days before the exam date with the subject: 

Student’s Name Proctored Exam on MM/DD/YYYY

After the Exam: 

Staff will scan and email the completed exam to the appropriate person/entity.  If the exam needs to be mailed in, the student is responsible for providing the proper materials and information to staff.

Last Update: August 2023

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees on September 12, 2023

The purpose of this policy is to define the guidelines for borrowing a hotspot from the library, and under what circumstances these privileges may be temporarily suspended.

A valid C/WMARS Library Network card in good standing is required to borrow a hotspot. Borrowers must be 18 years or older. 

Hotspots must be reserved through the library’s website, or with staff assistance.  Same-day reservations are accepted.  Devices will be held for pickup at the Adult Services Desk.  If the hotspot isn’t picked up by the close of business on the selected pickup date, the reservation will be canceled. The loan period for hotspots is three weeks with no renewals.  If the hotspot is not returned on its due date, its data service will be turned off. 

Hotspots must be returned in their cases with all their components to the main circulation desk on the 1st floor or to Adult Services on the 2nd floor.  Do not return hotspots to another library, or in the library drop-off bins outside the library - devices can be damaged by dropping them in the outside bins and when they are exposed to excessive heat, cold, or moisture.  

Failure to comply with these policies for 2 consecutive checkouts will result in the suspension of patron hotspot borrowing privileges for 30 days.

Last Update: September 22, 2023

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees on October 10, 2023

The purpose of this policy is to outline how, when, and by whom the Meeting and Conference Rooms within the library may be used. 

Use of the rooms does not constitute or imply endorsement of the users’ policies, beliefs, or programs by the library staff or Board of Trustees. 

The Meeting Room and Conference Room are available for use by Northborough-affiliated non-profit groups and civic organizations under conditions set by the Board of Library Trustees.  

These Rooms are available for educational, civic, and cultural activities such as group discussions, exhibits, lectures, and civic meetings. They are unavailable for uses not deemed to be in the public interest of the community as determined by the Board of Trustees, such as;

Commercial use, defined as events including solicitations, admission or other charges, fundraising activities (except for the Friends of the Northborough Library), sales, and/or the provision of fee-based services.

Social use, defined as events such as reunions, showers, birthday parties, dances, weddings, and other events of such nature.

Individual use: Rooms may not be booked for individual use.  The library does have several Quiet Study rooms available for this purpose.  Same-day individual use requests for the Conference Room will be accepted on a walk-in basis.  

Political purposes: Political rallies, campaigns for office, or specific partisan issues are prohibited.  Organizational meetings, forums, and office hours hosted by current elected officials serving the town of Northborough are acceptable so long as they are free and open to the public.

Healthcare Services: Meeting rooms may not be used to provide any kind of direct healthcare services including examinations, hands-on demonstrations, or treatments unless sponsored by a town department.

Meeting attendees or children’s groups may not leave children under 10 years of age unattended in any part of the library.  Use of rooms may not disrupt regular library business.  Noise levels must not disturb other patrons or library staff.

RESERVATIONS AND USE

• Reservations must be made with the Circulation Department.
• Rooms are available for use by community groups directly serving Northborough residents.
• Reservation must be made by a Northborough resident or Northborough town employee who will serve as the primary contact for the booking.  The contact person must be at least 18 years of age, must attend the meeting, and must include their name, address, and phone number with the reservation.
• Groups must start programs during regular library hours.  Programs may end after the library closes, provided the library has at least 24 hours notice.  Programs must end by 10pm.  Requests to allow a program to run longer than 10pm will be considered and approved by the Library Director on a case-by-case basis.
• A group may have up to three reservations for the Meeting Room on the calendar at one time, and may book the Meeting Room no more than 12 times in one calendar year.
• A group may have up to three reservations for the Conference Room on the calendar at one time.  There is no yearly limit for usage of the Conference Room.
• Smoking, the use of alcoholic beverages, open flames, burning incense, and lit candles are not allowed.

PUBLICITY 

Any posters, flyers or other publicity shall be the responsibility of the group using the rooms.  The group must clearly identify itself as the sponsoring organization in any such publicity.  Publicity must not imply endorsement of the event by the library, the Friends of the Library, or the Town of Northborough.  No events will be publicized by the library through its information channels unless the event is sponsored by the library or the Friends of the Library.  

CANCELLATIONS

• Cancellations should be made as soon as possible. 
• The group is responsible for notifying attendees of the cancellation. 
• The library reserves the right to cancel a reservation, but every effort will be made to give adequate advance notice.
• Missing two consecutive reservations without notifying library staff will result in loss of booking privileges for the group for a period of three months.  

CHARGES

• There is no charge for the use of the rooms.
• Any fees for damages or cleaning will be charged to the primary contact listed on the booking form.
• No admissions fees may be charged, or collections, sales or solicitations made, with exception for Friends of the Northborough Library fundraising events. 

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

• Groups may set up the room (i.e. arranging chairs, tables, etc.) in the way which it prefers.  Furniture may not block doors or fire safety equipment.
• Groups are also responsible for leaving the room in a neat and orderly condition, with furniture returned to its original location.
• Groups may only use the tables and chairs designated for the room.  Furniture located elsewhere in the library may not be moved into the room for use.
• No tape, tacks, or other fasteners may be used on any walls, doors, windows or woodwork in the room.
• The group is responsible for providing pens, markers, paper, or any other supplies that are needed.
• The library has AV equipment available for use.  No AV support is available. 
• Facilities are available for serving light refreshments, but not for preparing and serving meals.  Groups must provide their own refreshments and paper goods.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. 

ATTENDANCE AND PARKING 

• The Meeting Room can accommodate up to 100 people.  The Conference Room accommodates 20.  
• The library has limited parking which must remain available for other library activities.  Groups using the Meeting Room should use the town parking lot at the corner of Pierce and Hudson Streets. 

The Trustees reserve the right to deny the use of any meeting space to any group that does not comply with these policies.  

Last Update: October 31, 2023

Approved by the Library Trustees on: December 12, 2023

The purpose of this policy is to define the guidelines for acceptable behavior while on library property.  These guidelines serve to protect our library’s resources and maximize the safety and comfort of library visitors and staff.  

In addition to these policies, all patrons and staff are expected to adhere to state and federal laws, public health guidelines, Town policies, and other library policies while on library property.

The following activities are allowed in the library:

• Filming library staff and patrons, except in bathrooms, designated “staff only” areas, and during library programs or sponsored events except with permission from the Library Director.
• Consuming snacks and covered beverages, except near computers, equipment, Local History collection, and inside the Teen Room.  Waste or spills must be cleaned promptly.  
• Bringing service animals, or service animals in training, into the library.

The following activities are prohibited on library property:

• Smoking, vaping, and consumption of marijuana or alcoholic beverages.
• Possession of weapons, unless authorized by law. 
• Playing of audio equipment so that others can hear.
• Using the restrooms in ways that create safety hazards or prevent use of facilities by others, such as bathing, doing laundry, grooming, or flushing any materials other than waste and toilet paper.
• Leaving a child under the age of 10 unattended in the Library. 
• Engaging in disruptive conduct including, but not limited to: talking loudly, making noise, running, pushing, shoving, throwing objects, moving furniture from one area to another, blocking walkways, or creating tripping hazards.
• Interfering with another person's use of the Library or with Library personnel's  performance of their duties. 
• Entering the library with any odor that poses a possible health risk (hazardous chemical, fecal matter, rotting food, smoke, communicable infection) or any substance that can damage the library or pose a risk to those in it.  Patrons must address any such odor or substance, and if a risk is determined to be present, mitigate it immediately.
• Entering or using the library without proper clothing, including shoes. 
• Posting flyers without permission.  
• Bringing animals other than service animals, service animals in training, or animals supporting a library program into the library.
• Stalking, staring, touching, or using abusive language to library staff or other patrons. 

Library staff will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors.  Patrons will receive one reminder of the policy.  Failure to comply a second time may result in removal from the building.  Serious or repeated failures to comply with this policy may be denied access to the Library and issued a No Trespass Order.  Any patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees.  Requests for such review must be made in writing within 90 days of the denial.  The denial shall be upheld while the request is under consideration.  A written response will be sent via Certified Mail by the Board Chair once a determination is made.

Last Updated: January 2025

Approved by the Trustees on: February 11, 2025

The purpose of this policy is to define how your personally identifiable information is collected, shared, and protected at the Northborough Free Library.

Confidentiality applies to information sought or received and materials consulted or borrowed. It includes database search records, reference questions, library card records, checkout history, interlibrary loan transactions, program registration records, computer usage, library visits, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.

Library staff may not use patron library accounts or information retrieval records for personal use and may not share this information with other individuals or groups for any purpose, except under the following circumstances:

• With other library personnel within the scope of their library duties.
• Representatives of any local, state, or federal government, with a subpoena or search warrant authorized under the authority of federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or investigative power. 

If the Library is served with any such subpoena or search warrant, the Library Director will consult with the Town Administrator, Town Legal Counsel, and/or the Northborough Police Department  to determine if the subpoena or search warrant is in proper form and if there is a valid basis for its issuance before providing confidential information.

Minor Patrons: Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 78, § 7 prohibits disclosure by a public library of a patron's identity or patron's borrowing history. The law does not differentiate among categories of library patrons and applies equally to records of minor patrons and those of adults.  Requests for information on the library account of any patron, regardless of age, will not be granted.

Retention of Confidential Information

Circulation Records: Library materials are circulated via the C/WMARS automation system. As a member of the C/WMARS network, the Northborough Free Library agrees to follow the network Privacy Policy with regards to the handling of records and information stored within the automation software.  A copy of the network Privacy Policy will be provided upon request.

Searches of the online catalog: The Library does not require personal information to use the online catalog. Catalog searches are conducted via the C/WMARS automation software. Once a search is completed, a patron may clear their own search history. In-house computer search histories are automatically erased when the computer restarts. Neither the Library’s computers nor the automation software retain copies of any search.

Electronic Databases and the Internet: The Library licenses commercial electronic resources from a variety of vendors independently, The Library will make every effort to restrict electronic database vendors from collecting and using identifying personal information of library users, however it provides no guarantee that personal information will not be shared with third parties.  Copies of any product’s privacy policy will be provided upon request.

Additionally, some resources are made available from the C/WMARS network and the MA Board of Library Commissioners.  The contracts for those are handled by the respective organizations.  Copies of any product’s privacy policy will be provided upon request.  

While use of any licensed database is at the discretion of the library patron, in order to access content on licensed databases, library patrons may be required to provide their library card number and library PIN for the purposes of verifying authorized use of the product.  Some databases may require additional information, which should be provided at the discretion of the user.

Library Newsletters: Subscription to Library newsletters is done on an opt-in basis.  Library patrons may unsubscribe at any time. The Library will not share, sell, or rent any newsletter list to any entity for any reason.  The Library will not use any newsletter software vendor unless the vendor’s privacy policy expressly states that the vendor will not use, share, or sell your information.  A copy of the vendor’s privacy policy will be provided upon request.

Interlibrary Loan Records: Patrons may borrow items not owned by the Northborough Free Library from other libraries outside of the C/WMARS network. The Library uses automation software outside of the library network to process these requests.  Borrower information contained within the software is subject to the privacy policies of those organizations.  A copy of these privacy policies will be provided upon request.  

Reference Questions: When a patron asks a library staff member for information, the staff member may occasionally make written notes in the course of the discussion.  This information is destroyed as soon as the inquiry is completed.  Staff may only discuss patron questions with other staff or staff from another institution for the purposes of answering a complex question.  In any such case, staff will only divulge enough information as required to answer said question.

Last Update: January 2025

Approved by the Library Trustees on January 14, 2025

The purpose of this policy is to ensure safe use of library computers and access to the internet at the Northborough Free Library. 

Use of the Library’s public computers is free to all patrons.  Computers in the Teen Room are for teens in grades 6-12 only.  A library card is not required for use.  

There is no daily time limit for public computer use, with the exception of Library Laptops. However, the library reserves the right to limit an individual’s use of library hardware at its discretion.

Use of public computers may be revoked at the discretion of Library staff.  Behaviors warranting the loss of privileges include, but are not limited to:

• Viewing of sexually explicit materials
• Any online behaviors deemed illegal by state or federal law
• Destruction or damage of equipment or data
• Downloading or copying copyright-protected materials without authorization 
• Violation of the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy, including interfering with or disrupting other computer users
• Downloading/installing software 
• Altering software configurations or computer settings 

Library staff can provide general guidance on basic searches, use of the internet, and installed software. Staff cannot perform extensive searches for patrons or resolve problems with personal accounts.

A computer that is idle for 15 minutes will restart automatically.

The Library computers are equipped with a software that deletes all internet search histories, saved documents, and other temporary files automatically when the computer restarts.  Please save your work to a personal device or account before logging off.  Deleted information is not recoverable.

The Library does not control, endorse, filter, or monitor the information on the internet for content or accuracy. The individual user is the ultimate judge of the appropriateness and value of materials and information accessed via the internet.  In the case of minors, this responsibility belongs to parents or legal guardians. 

The Library must comply with all lawful search warrants and court orders regarding public computers.

Last Update: February 5, 2024

Approved by Board of Trustees on February 13, 2024

The purpose of this policy is to provide a process for residents to request that the Board of Library Trustees revisit an approved policy.

Requests to reconsider a library policy may be made to the Board of Library Trustees by any Northborough resident.  Requests must be in writing and must include the following information:

• Full name
• Northborough street address
• Contact information for follow up
• Policy to be reconsidered
• Sufficient explanation of the language to be reconsidered and the reason for requesting reconsideration
• Desired outcome of request

Requests may be hand delivered, mailed, or e-mailed to the Administrative Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees, care of the Library Director.  

Once received, the Library Director will forward the request to the Chair of the Administrative Subcommittee and the Board Chair.  The Subcommittee will meet and review the request within 30 days of receipt.  The resident filing the request shall be notified of the meeting time and date.  The Subcommittee may, at its discretion, request additional information about the request from the resident.  

A summary of the review, including the Subcommittee’s decision, will be drafted by the Chair and sent to the resident making the request within 14 days of the meeting, with copies going to the Board Chair, Library Director, and other members of the Subcommittee.  The Chair of the Subcommittee shall report on the request and decision at the next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting.  

Last update: 11/2023

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees on: December 12, 2023

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of the library property by individuals and outside groups for fundraising, donation drives, literature distribution, gathering signatures, conducting surveys, and placing yard signs.

The Library is committed to providing free and equal access to its resources, which include use of the library grounds and facility.  With the exception of the Friends of the Northborough Library, Inc, the Library does not permit the use of the Library property for fundraising purposes.  

The Library does permit, with prior permission of the Library Director, the use of the Library property for in-kind donation drives.  Requests must be made in writing to the Library Director, and must include the following information: name of charity or cause, specific materials sought (groups may NOT request or accept monetary donations as a part of drive held at the library), start and end date of donation drive, space requirements, and contact information (name, phone number, and email address) of the person in charge of processing donations.  The library may deny requests for reasons including, but not limited to: space availability, potential disruption to library operations, misalignment with library procedures, or activities that are commercial or political in nature.  

Distributing literature, gathering signatures, or conducting surveys inside a Library facility or on Library grounds, is permitted under the following guidelines:

• Entrances and emergency exits must be left clear and allow for easy access by other library patrons.
• Interactions with other patrons must be in accordance with our Patron Behavior Policy.
• Such activity is limited to common areas only, including the library grounds and sidewalks, Meeting and Conference Rooms, and the library lobby.  Conducting these activities in reading areas, stacks, study rooms, or quiet seating areas is considered a disruption to patrons using the library.

Placing yard signs on library property by any group other than the Town of Northborough or the Friends of the Northborough Library is prohibited.

Any group wishing to use the library grounds for any other purpose must submit a request writing to the Library Board of Trustees and Library Director. Issues that will need to be addressed include liability, insurance coverage, and any other concerns of the Board of Trustees. The proposed use is subject to final review and approval by the Northborough Police and Fire Departments. 

Last update: February 16, 2024

Approved by the Library Trustees on: April 9, 2024

The purpose of this policy is to define acceptable use of Library staff equipment by members of the public.

Library staff equipment is defined as equipment provided expressly for the purpose of staff to assist patrons and conduct Library business.  This includes, but is not limited to, phones, computers, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, furniture, and office supplies not specifically designated for public use.

Library staff equipment is critical to the proper functioning of the Library.  Use of library staff equipment by members of the public would hinder the Library’s ability to conduct business, and is therefore prohibited.

Last Updated: January 2025

Approved by the Library Trustees on: February 11, 2025

The purpose of this policy is to provide overall guidance and direction to the staff and to volunteers.  It is intended for internal management guidance only and does not constitute, either implicitly or explicitly, a binding contractual or personnel agreement. 

Selection of Volunteers: The Northborough Free Library welcomes members of the community to volunteer their time and talents to expand and enhance library services. Volunteers supplement, but do not replace, the work done by library employees. Volunteers are expected to act in accordance with library policies and to reflect positive customer service attitudes to all library patrons and staff. Volunteers are selected for projects or tasks within a specific department of the library depending on need, availability, qualifications, and personal interest.  Selection and scheduling of volunteers is the responsibility of the Library's Volunteer Coordinator, with the exception of Children's and Teen Room Volunteers, which are scheduled by respective library department heads.

Schedules: Volunteers must set up and adhere to a schedule agreed upon by relevant department staff.  Changes to volunteer schedules must be cleared by department staff.  Volunteers must sign in at the assigned department upon arrival and record their hours when signing out.  In order to maintain a smooth workflow, volunteers may not work unapproved shifts or perform duties not specifically assigned to them by department staff.

Training and Supervision:  Volunteers must schedule training with the appropriate staff person who will supervise their work. All training must be done satisfactorily before the volunteer’s service begins. 

Volunteers Under the Age of 18

The library occasionally has special volunteer opportunities for residents under the age of 18.  In all cases, applications must be filled out and submitted by the individual wishing to volunteer.  The library will not accept applications on behalf of an individual.  

Community Service 

Persons who seek volunteer assignments at the Northborough Free Library to meet a requirement set by an outside agency for the performance of community service shall be subject to the above recruitment and selection process and all other provisions of this policy. Persons should contact their agency to determine if the library is on the agency’s approved list of organizations to complete their community service hours.

Court appointed community service volunteers should consult with the Library Director concerning their community service requirements to see if an appropriate volunteer opportunity exists. Responsibility for ensuring service hours qualify for court-mandated service rests with the individual completing the volunteer service.

Senior Work-Off Programs

Eligible seniors may reduce their real estate tax bills by working part-time for the Town of Northborough. Placement at the library is based on availability of suitable work.  Coordination for this program is done through the Senior Center. 

Friends of the Northborough Library, Inc.

Any interested volunteer who would like to work with the Friends of the Northborough Library should contact the Friends directly.

Regulations:  

• The Library Director reserves the right to dismiss any volunteer without cause.  

• Volunteers are prohibited from entering areas marked as “staff only” or “authorized personnel only” without prior authorization.  

• Volunteers may not use staff computers at any time.  Volunteers needing access to the library’s collection databases must use the OPAC to do so.

• Volunteers are prohibited from staffing or standing behind a service desk, answering the phone, or providing direct patron assistance outside of referring patrons to a service desk.

Last Update: January 2025

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees on March 12, 2025