Library Policies & Guiding Principles

Mission Statement

We are the community’s bridge to exploration, engagement, and enjoyment.

Approved by the Library Trustees, 2019

Strategic Plan

Read the Library’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025 to see the values that shape our services and our goals for the future.

Library Policies

Section I: Personnel

• 1.0 Please contact Library Administration 978-256-5521 x1100 for staffing information
• 1.1 Bylaws Of The Library Trustees Of Chelmsford 2023 [pdf]
• 1.1-1 Public Comment Policy

Section II: Library Services

• 2.0     Library Purposes and Objectives
• 2.1     Public Service Policy
• 2.2     Circulation Policies
• 2.3     Patron Information Policy
• 2.4     Interlibrary Loan / Network Transfers
• 2.5     Use of the Library
• 2.5-1  Appropriate Library Behavior
• 2.6     Children’s Services
• 2.6-1 Unattended or Disruptive Children Policy
• 2.7     Reference Service
• 2.8     Computer Use Policy
• 2.9     Internet Policy
• 2.9-1  Hyperlink Policy
• 2.10    Home Bound Service
• 2.11    Meeting Room Policies, Procedure
• 2.12    Photography and Filming
• 2.13    Publicity in Library Facilities and on Library Grounds
• 2.14    Art Exhibit Policy
• 2.16    Group Visits
• 2.17    Lost & Found Policy
• 2.18    Library Sponsored or Co-Sponsored Programs Policy
• 2.19 Patron Privacy and Data Retention
• 2.20 Security Camera Policy
• 2.21 Pandemic Policy

SECTION III: LIBRARY BUILDINGS / EMERGENCIES

• 3.1    Accidents / Incidents
• 3.2    Storm Procedures / Closing
• 3.3    Telecommunications Guidelines
• 3.4    Emergency Evacuation
• 3.5    Safety at Closing Policy
• 3.6    Public Assembly Practices
• 3.7    Person in Charge
• 3.8    Paging System Guidelines

SECTION IV: COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

• 4.1    Collection Development
• 4.2    Gifts and Donations
• 4.3    Acquisitions

APPENDIX

• ALA Freedom to Read Statement 
• ALA Code of Ethics
• ALA Library Bill of Rights
• Materials Reconsideration Request Form [pdf]
• Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of The Library Bill of Rights
• Patron Circulation and Catalog Data Privacy Policy, from the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium

Guidelines from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

• Solicitation Of Signatures In Public Places
• Public Employees and Campaigns [PDF]