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 2015 [pdf]

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
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

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