Policies
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Art Display Policy
The Dartmouth Public Libraries welcome the opportunity to allow groups, organizations, or individuals to use the Elsie Haskell room at the Southworth Library for art exhibits, with the understanding that the room has a security camera, but is not staffed. Those interested in displaying their artwork should contact the Library Director.
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Bulletin Board Policy
The Library maintains bulletin boards and brochure racks to post and/or distribute free materials such as community pamphlets, flyers, calendars of events, newsletters, and other information for public awareness and convenience. A free-standing bulletin board and a wall bulletin board near the back door are for library use and library programs exclusively.
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Class Visits Policy
Review the Class Visits Policy from the Library.
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Display Case Policy
The Dartmouth Public Libraries welcome the opportunity to allow groups, organizations, or individuals to use the display cases at Southworth Library for the display of their collections, handicrafts, artwork, etc.
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Exam Proctoring
It is the policy of the Dartmouth Public Libraries to proctor exams for Dartmouth residents at no cost, provided said residents have an active and up-to-date library card. Non-residents who need an exam proctored may do so at the discretion of the staff of the Dartmouth Public Libraries.
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Fees for Miscellaneous Services
All fees are due at the time service is provided.
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Getting a Library Card
Any Massachusetts resident may apply for a SAILS library card at the Dartmouth Public Libraries. The first card set is free, replacement sets are $3. Out-of-state residents may apply for a restricted-use, nonresident card, which allows access only to the collection of the library at which the card was issued, and not to the entire SAILS network.
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Internet Use Policy
The Internet is a rich and educational resource for information, ideas and entertainment. No other medium has provided us with so much information so easily. The Library recognizes these developments pose new challenges as well as new opportunities for the library trustees, the library staff, and library users and their families.
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Materials Selection Policy
The objective of the Dartmouth Public Libraries is to select, organize, preserve, and to make freely available to the people of the community printed and other materials that will aid them in pursuit of education, information, research, recreation, and in the creative use of leisure time.
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Meeting Room Use Policy
Meeting rooms are available at both the main Southworth Library and the North Branch Library. Priorities for using the library’s meeting rooms have been established in keeping with the library’s mission and service goals.
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Nonmonetary Donations Policy
The Dartmouth Public Libraries Board of Trustees welcomes and encourages gifts and donations that are consistent with the library’s mission and role in the community. In accepting or declining gifts the Board strives to make decisions that are in the best interest of the library and the community it serves.
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Patron Behavior Policy
The Dartmouth Public Libraries are committed to serving the informational, educational, recreational, and intellectual needs of the community. The establishment of rules of behavior are necessary to maintain an atmosphere which promotes the use and enjoyment of the facilities and protects the safety of the general public, the library staff, and the materials, equipment and physical plant.
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Patron Records Confidentiality Policy
The Dartmouth Public Libraries is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information as well as information regarding your individual use of services.
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Rules for Borrowing Materials
You must have your card with you to check out items. There is a limit of 40 items per card including up to 10 DVDs.
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Safety of Children in the Library
It is the goal of the Trustees and staff of the Dartmouth Public Libraries that the children who use the library will find the facility to be a warm, inviting and fun place to develop an appreciation of the varied services and materials that the library offers, including story time programs, computers and the unsupervised separate play area.
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Service to Decertified Libraries Policy
Public libraries in Massachusetts that do not meet the minimum standards for funding and service necessary for certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners are ‘decertified’ by that Board. As such they are not eligible to receive state aid to public libraries or apply for LSTA grants.
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Volunteer Policy
The achievement of the goals of the Dartmouth Public Libraries is best served by the active participation of citizens of the community. To this end the libraries accepts and encourages the involvement of volunteers within all appropriate programs and activities.
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Wireless Access Policy
A wireless network in the Dartmouth Public Libraries has been established for patrons who wish to use their own laptop when at the library. By providing wireless network access to the Internet, the Libraries expand their ability to provide information resources to the public.