Library Policies

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Library Behavior Guidelines and Policy

The Mansfield Public Library is a tax-supported agency serving the informational, recreational, educational and intellectual needs of the community. Our users can expect the library to be a clean, comfortable and welcoming place for reading, studying, researching and attending community programs and events.  To this end, the Board of Trustees of the Mansfield Public Library has established rules of behavior to ensure the rights and safety of library users and staff and to preserve and protect the library’s materials, equipment, facilities and grounds.
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Bulletin Board Policy

It is the policy of the Mansfield Public Library to provide as much information to the community as possible. The Mansfield Public Library’s Bulletin Board is available for nonprofit, educational, cultural and intellectual notices. The Library will retain the right to accept or deny postings.
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Certuse Room Policy

The materials in this room are important to our library and valuable to our town’s historical record. Please take care when handling all materials. Listed below are guidelines for the use of this room and the materials stored within.
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Unattended Child Policy

The staff of the Mansfield Public Library strives to create a warm, inviting, fun environment for children of all ages. The library offers many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of reading and learning. The safety and well-being of children at the library is of serious concern.
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Internet Policy

The Library has Internet workstations for children and adults.

1. The Internet is free and available to anyone. Children under 14 must use the filtered internet computer in the Children’s Room.   Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.  All internet usage is subject to our policies, which are subject to change at any time.

2. Reservations and walk-ins are welcome for computer time. You must have your library card in order to make a reservation, and your card must be in good standing. Reservations can be made by phone or in person and only for the day of use.  Adults may reserve up to 2 hours per day and children up to 1/2 hour per day.  If you fail to show up for your reserved time, it may be reassigned after 10 minutes.  Please be considerate of others and cancel when you cannot use your reserved time.  If you do not have a library card with you, guest passes for computer time may be obtained at the Circulation Desk . Please no more than 2 users at each station at one time.  We use “PC Reservation” which allows patrons to use their library cards or guest passes to log themselves into the computer stations or at the reservation station.  The computers turn themselves off at 15 minutes prior to our closing time each day.  Two warning notices are given on screen.  If you are saving work, please do so before the computers turn off.

3. Users or their parents, in the case of minors, are responsible for any damage to hardware or software and will be liable for repairs or replacement costs.  Please report any problems to the desk immediately.  Do not attempt to fix it yourself.  The Library reserves the right to terminate the privileges of anyone who does not act in a responsible manner.

4. Printing is available in black and white or color.  Directions for printing are posted.  Black & white is $0.10 per page, color is $0.25.  The printer is coin operated, and you must deposit money before your prints are released.

5. The staff can provide general help in using the Internet. Please ask if you need help making a reservation, logging on or releasing a print job. The library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits but cannot offer personal instruction. For computer assistance, please see the Reference Librarian. We will be happy to recommend books, computer classes and other resources to help familiarize patrons with the equipment and Internet searching.
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Collection Development Policy

The mission of the Mansfield Public Library is to serve the informational, educational, recreational and cultural needs of Mansfield by:

  • maintaining and expanding its collection of popular materials
  • maintaining a well balanced and broad collection of materials for information, reference and research
  • encouraging and facilitating life-long reading including serving as a gateway to learning for all ages
  • supporting formal education with complementary materials and programs addressing the diverse interests and needs for all age groups 
  • maintaining reference services and a comprehensive collection of current and historical materials pertaining to local government
  • promoting the free flow of all information, without censorship or bias, through adherence to the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights; and
  • cooperating with other libraries and resource centers

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Tutoring Policy

The Mansfield Public Library welcomes tutors and students. The Library recognizes the benefit to the students and parents of the community of permitting tutoring within the Library, however, the Library must manage its limited space and resources in a way that best serves the needs of all users.
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