The State Education Department/The University of the State of New York
Albany, N.Y. 12230
New York State Library
Division of Library Development

Section 90.2 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education
STANDARDS FOR REGISTRATION OF
PUBLIC, FREE ASSOCIATION AND INDIAN LIBRARIES
(effective January 29, 1999)

90.2 Standards for registration of public, free association and Indian libraries

1. A public, free association or Indian library will be registered if it meets the following standards satisfactory to the commissioner:
   1. is governed by written bylaws which outline the responsibilities and procedures of the library board of trustees;
   2. has a board-approved, written long-range plan of service;
   3. presents an annual report to the community on the library’s progress in meeting its goals and objectives;
   4. has board-approved written policies for the operation of the library;
   5. presents annually to appropriate funding agencies a written budget which would enable the library to meet or exceed these standards and to carry out its long-range plan of service;
   6. periodically evaluates the effectiveness of the library’s collection and services in meeting community needs;
   7. is open the following scheduled hours:
      
      

      Population	Minimum Weekly Hours Open
      Up to 500	12
      500-2,499	20
      2,500-4,999	25
      5,000-14,999	35
      15,000-24,999	40
      25,000-99,999	55
      100,000 and above	60

      
      
      
   8. maintains a facility to meet community needs, including adequate space, lighting, shelving, seating, and restroom;
   9. provides equipment and connections to meet community needs including, but not limited to telephone, photocopier, telefacsimile capability, and microcomputer or terminal with printer to provide access to other library catalogs and other electronic information;
   10. distributes printed information listing the library’s hours open, borrowing rules, services, location and phone number;
   11. employs a paid director in accordance with the provisions of Section 90.8 of this Part.
2. Any public, free association or Indian library registered by the department at the time this section takes effect shall be required to meet the standards for registration in subdivision (a) of this section on the following schedule:
   1. meet the standards of paragraphs (1) through (5) and (10) of subdivision (a) of this section on or before January 1, 1995.
   2. meet the standards of paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of this section on or before January 1, 1997.
   3. meet the standards of paragraphs (7), (8), (9) and (11) of subdivision (a) of this section on or before January 1, 1999.
3. Variances. If circumstances over which any public, free association or Indian library has no control prevent it from meeting one or more of the standards of service set forward in subdivision (a) of this section, such library may apply for a variance for such standard(s). The application for such variance shall be submitted for such library by the public library system of which such library is a member, in a form prescribed by the commissioner. No variance granted pursuant to this subdivision shall be deemed to relieve a public, free association or Indian library of any obligation imposed by any other provision of federal or state law.

Source: Division of Library Development, New York State Library, New York State Education Department, December 1998

Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association (ALA) affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation.
• Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
• Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
• A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.
• Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Freedom to Read

The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove books from sale, to censor textbooks, to label “controversial” books, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as citizens devoted to the use of books and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating them, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.

We are deeply concerned about these attempts at suppression. Most such attempts rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary citizen, by exercising his critical judgment will accept the good and reject the bad. The censors, public and private, assume that they should determine what is good and what is bad for their fellow-citizens.

We trust Americans to recognize propaganda, and to reject it. We do not believe they need the help of censors to assist them in this task. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.

We are aware, of course, that books are not alone in being subjected to efforts at suppression. We are aware that these efforts are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, films, radio, and television. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy.

Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of uneasy change and pervading fear. Especially when so many of our apprehensions are directed against an ideology, the expression of a dissident idea becomes a thing feared in itself, and we tend to move against it as against a hostile deed, with suppression.

And yet suppression is never more dangerous than is such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminished the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with stress.

Now as always in our history, books are among our greatest instruments of freedom. They are almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. They are the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. They are essential to the extended discussion which serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.

We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures towards conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.
The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free men will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.

1. It is the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those which are unorthodox or unpopular with the majority.
   
   Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until his idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept which challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
   
   
2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation contained in the books they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what books should be published or circulated.
   
   Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one man can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
   
   
3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers for librarians to determine the acceptability of a book on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.
   
   A book should be judged as a book. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free men can flourish which draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
   
   
4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
   
   To some, much of modern literature is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters taste differs, and taste cannot by legislated; nor can machinery be devised which will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
   
   
5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept with any book the prejudgment of a label characterizing the book or author as subversive or dangerous.
   
   The idea of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for the citizen. It presupposes that each individual must be directed in making up his mind about the ideas he examines. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
   
   
6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large.
   
   It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society each individual is free to determine for himself what he wishes to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive.
   
   
7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, bookmen can demonstrate that the answer to a bad book is a good one, the answer to a bad idea is a good one.
   
   The freedom to read is of little consequence when expended on the trivial; it is frustrated when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for his purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of their freedom and integrity, and the enlargement of their service to society, is required of all bookmen to the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all citizens the fullest of their support.

We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of books. We do so because we believe that they are good, possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.

Request for Reevaluation of a Book or Other Materials

Title ____________________________________________________________________________________

Author _________________________________________________________________________________

Book _________ Film ______________Other _________________

Publisher or Producer _______________________________________________Year _________________

Library __________________________________________________________________________________

Request initiated by (Name) _________________________________________ Date _________________

Mailing Address ___________________________________________________ Tel.# _________________

Complaint represents (check applicable) Self _______ Organization/Group _______

If group, Name ________________________________________________________________________

1. What do you believe is the theme or the purpose of the material?
2. Is your objection to this material based upon personal exposure to it, upon reports you have heard, or both?
3. Have you read/heard/seen the material in its entirety?
4. To what do you specifically object.
5. Does the material have any merit or value for a specific population or age group?
   Yes _______ No _______ If yes, specify.
6. For what age group do you believe this material would be appropriate?
7. Are you aware of the judgment regarding this book or material by literary or educational reviewers?
   Yes _______ No _______
8. What action would you recommend be taken regarding the use of this material in the Library?

Signature __________________________________________________________ Date ________________

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Request for Use of Meeting Room

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Day phone number_____________________________________________________________

Evening phone number_________________________________________________________

Organization __________________________________________________________________

Purpose for which space is requested _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day and time requested ________________________________________________________

Number of persons anticipated ___________

Equipment needs: Table(s) _____ TV/VCR _____ Film projector _____ Screen _____

The individuals involved in this meeting reside principally in (check appropriate location): __ Goshen Central School District __Other parts of Orange County.

I have received and agree to abide by the Library meeting room policy, understanding my organization’s responsibility in that regard.

Signed _______________________________________________________

Date _________________________________________________________

Requested granted by _______________________________________ Date ______________

Staff member assigned as facilitator ______________________________________________

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Know All Men By These Presents, that the goshen public library and historical society, doing business at 203 Main Street, Goshen, New York 10924, hereby grants to the Licensee, (insert name of Licensee) residing at or doing business at: (insert address of Licensee) the right to reproduce by the following described means: (describe reproduction method to be used by Licensee) the property described as follows:

(Describe the item(s) to be reproduced by Licensee-attach additional sheets if necessary)

Licensee agrees as follows:

1. To state, or cause to be stated, on the reproduction to a substantial extent sufficient to be read, that such reproduction is based upon the original item above described and that such item is the property of the goshen public library and historical society.
2. That Licensee will not cause, allow, or sanction any future publication, reproduction, or use of the property, or any part thereof, without first obtaining the consent of the goshen public library and historical society, which consent may be withheld for any reason.
3. Licensee agrees to duly execute, acknowledge, and deliver, or procure the due execution, acknowledgment, and delivery to the goshen public library and historical society of any and all further instruments, in form approved by counsel for goshen public library and historical society, that may be necessary or expedient to carry out the purposes and intent of this agreement.
4. Licensee agrees and acknowledges that all items of property shall remain the property of the goshen public library and historical society at all times.
5. Licensee agrees to take good care of said property while in possession of Licensee and to cause no damage or waste thereto; and to return said items to the goshen public library and historical society by the following date and time: (insert date for return of items if applicable)
6. In the event Licensee fails to return said items in the condition required under the terms of this agreement, Licensee agrees to remain liable for the value thereof and the costs of obtaining said properties return, including the costs of attorneys, court costs, and disbursements.
7. This agreement shall be construed according to the laws of the State of New York and Village of Goshen Justice Court or the County or Orange, and Licensee hereby submits to the jurisdiction of either for purposes of enforcing this agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement the date below written.

Dated: Goshen Public Library and Historical Society
Licensee________________ By:___________________________

Public Access Computer Use Policy

In keeping with its mission and with advances in information technology, the Library provides users with access to the Library catalog, CD ROM products, word processing, spreadsheet software and the Internet. Computer workstations are available from 15 minutes after opening until 15 minutes before closing.

Only the software installed on the network by the Library may be used.

Electronic resources are available on a first come, first served basis. A time limit of 2 hours per session per person and a maximum daily use of 2 hours will be enforced as necessary.

Printers are available for copying information. There is a charge of 10 cents per page. The customer is responsible for print charges for all pages sent to the printer. Printing must be completed by 15 minutes before closing, when the printer is turned off.

Library reference staff will provide introductory instruction and assistance. Regularly scheduled electronic resources workshops will be available for in-depth instruction in the use of Library resources.

Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult when using electronic resources. Youths 10-18 who have a signed parental consent form on file, may use the Internet independently. It is strongly recommended that parents supervise the use of the Internet by their minor children.

Internet service is available for research/educational use. The Library is not responsible for the sites customers choose to visit. E-mail accounts will not be provided to the public.

As with all formats of information, users must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements. Acts or behaviors which may be illegal, jeopardize a resources’s files or the Library’s account or access to resources will result in revocation of electronic resources privileges.

Any malfunction or problem must be reported immediately to the reference desk. Customers must not try to correct the problem themselves.

Customers must abide by the Library’s rules of conduct.

Customers abusing the equipment, or this Library policy will be prohibited from further use.

Due to the emerging nature of these services, policies are subject to change without notice and at the Library’s discretion.

We have read and do understand the policy stated above. I (parent/guardian) understand that by signing I am consenting to my child’s independent use of the Libraries electronic resources, including the Internet.

Print child’s name
Birth Date

Signature (child)

Signature (parent/guardian)

Date

Checklist for Contractors

• Will certificate of insurance be furnished?
• How long will the job take, and how quickly can it be scheduled?
• Can you furnish references?
• Will debris be removed? Is there an extra charge?
• If there are noxious fumes, how does this affect employees? Do they need to leave the building?
• If furniture must be moved, is there an extra charge?
• How many contractor’s employees will be on the job site? Who is the designated crew chief?
• What are the steps involved in completing the project?
• What are the payment terms? Are overruns anticipated?
• Are there any applicable warranties for parts or labor?

Reference Checklist:
(references will be contacted by telephone)

• Was the work completed in a timely manner?
• Were the contractor and the employees neat? Did they clean up upon completion?
• Did the contractor adhere to the quoted price? If there were overruns, of what nature were they?
• Did you have experience with the contractor being responsible for any damages?

Leap Frog Borrowing Policy

Your Signature indicates that you read, understand and agree to abide by the library’s loan, fine and replacement policy for Leap Frog material.

An adult library card and signature is necessary to borrow Leap Frog material.

Material can be borrowed for three (3) weeks. One renewal is permitted nor can items be passed to another family member for checkout.

The book with cartridge and pouch are borrowed together. There is a three book limit per family.

The daily late fee is $1.00 for the book and cartridge The maximum fine is 50% of the cost of the material.

There will be a $3.00 replacement charge if the pouch is not returned.

Only one Leap Pad Media Kit may be checked out per family. The Leap Pad Media Kit includes the Leap Pad Platform, headphones, adapter and backpack.

The daily late fee for the kit is $4.00. The maximum fine is 50% of the replacement fee.

Replacement fees for lost or damaged items are:

• Leap Pad Media Kit or Leap Pad Platform – $75.00;
• Headphones - $15.00;
• Adapter– $12.00;
• Backpack– $13.00

All Leap Frog items must be returned to the circulation desk in the Goshen Public Library. A $2.00 fine will be added to the borrower’s record for placing any items in the outside book drop or if returned at another library. Repeated disregard of this borrowing condition may result in loss of borrowing privileges.

Please inform the library of any problems you encounter with using this material.

___________________________________________________________________
Signature Date

___________________________________________________________________
Print Name Media Kit #

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