Please review our policies below.
05/2022
Dorset Village Library values diversity, empowerment, community, unity, kindness, connection and equity. We provide services to all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, ages and national or ethnic origins, languages, citizen statuses, economic statuses, political affiliations. In other words: all people. The Dorset Library acts to ensure that people can enjoy services free from any attempt to impose values, customs or beliefs that are in conflict with our diversity.
05/2020
The Library reserves the right to determine to filter or delete comments or users deemed inappropriate, offensive or threatening to our Inclusivity and Diversity Policy and to the Library’s Values.
10/2020
The Dorset Village Library views service to children as an important part of our mission. We welcome children of all ages and conduct programs for ages birth through 18. It is our goal to provide an inviting, educational, safe and pleasant environment for our young patrons and their families. We encourage children to use the facility for reading, studying, research and attending programs. Our goal is to make the library a significant and beneficial part of their lives.
Parents, guardians and caregivers should be mindful that the library is a public building open to all individuals, and that unattended children are vulnerable. Therefore, for the protection of all of our patrons and library property, the following constitutes the library policy concerning child behavior and supervision.
- Although a public building, it is not the library’s function or purpose to be a care center for children. The library staff is not responsible for providing supervision and care of children of any age, whether in the library or on library premises. The staff does not monitor children leaving the premises, nor is it their responsibility to know if a child is leaving with a parent, guardian, relative or a stranger.
- Children under the age of 10 must have a responsible caregiver, age 18 or over, with them at all times. This includes time spent at programs, unless otherwise noted.
- Sharing a learning environment requires cooperation from all patrons, regardless of age. Children who are not using the library appropriately, who are engaged in disruptive, offensive or other inappropriate behavior, or who are disrespectful to the library, the library staff, or other patrons will be asked to leave the library. You will be given one warning to correct the issue before being asked to leave.The judgment of the library staff prevails when requesting such removal.
- If children under the age of 10 are found unattended in the library, the library staff will assist them in calling their parents/caregivers to inform them of this policy so arrangements can be made for pick up. If unattended children under the age of 10 are discovered in the library at closing time, the library staff will again assist them in contacting their parents/caregivers and wait with them for 10 minutes. If the parent/caregiver has not arrived within that time period, the police will be contacted.
- No food or beverages are allowed.
- The library is not responsible for children who remain on library property after closing.
03/2021
To ensure that all people who use and work at the Dorset Village Library (DVL) can do so in a comfortable and safe environment, the Dorset Village Library reserves the right to determine what it considers to be disruptive or inappropriate behavior by the patrons in the Library. In order to ensure that every patron has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the Library, patrons visiting or using the Library’s facilities or services must comply with the Dorset Village Library Policy, Patron Behavior Policy while on the Library’s premises.
Dangerous, destructive or illegal conduct, including but not limited to the following, will not be tolerated:
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- Physical abuse or assault, including fighting or challenging others to fight;
- Engaging in intimidating or harassing behaviors, including following or stalking other patrons or Library staff, staring fixedly or leering at others, or attempting to peer under another patron’s or staff member’s clothing;
- Making violent or threatening statements to others; and
- Damaging, destroying, stealing, or otherwise vandalizing Library property.
Any patron engaging in one or more of the above behaviors will be instructed to leave the Library immediately and may have his or her Library privileges suspended for a period of up to one (1) year depending on the severity of the violation. In addition, law enforcement may be called and appropriate legal action may follow.
The following behaviors are also prohibited:
- Using harassing, obscene, abusive, or insulting language or gestures.
- Leaving children under the age of ten (10) unattended by a parent, guardian, or caregiver.
- Annoying other patrons by talking, gesturing, or otherwise interfering with their ability to read, study, contemplate, or otherwise use the Library.
- Interfering with Library staff’s performance of their duties.
- Entering the Library with bicycles, shopping carts, or other bulky items excluding items necessary to assist individuals with disabilities.
- Using roller skates, scooters, skateboards, or other similar devices on Library property.
- Eating or drinking in the Library except for bottled water with a secure top. However, bottled water is prohibited in the public computer area.
- Smoking inside the Library or within the Library’s property.
- Possessing, consuming, exchanging, selling, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs inside or outside the library building.
- Lying on the floor or sleeping. Sleeping in chairs for more than 15 minutes.
- Using the public restrooms in any manner that is not usual or customary, including laundering or bathing.
07/2023
Library Cards:
Dorset Village Library (DVL) offers library membership cards to all. Cards are complimentary at this time; However, donations are always gratefully accepted. Cards can be applied for in the following ways:
- In person at DVL
- Via phone: 802-867-5774
- Via email: dorsetvillagelibrary@gmail.com
- Via website: http://dorsetvillagelibrary.org
Children under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when signing up for their library card.
Library cards are not transferable and the card holder needs to be present when card is used, unless otherwise noted on the cardholder’s account.
Loan Periods:
DVLs loan periods vary by material being borrowed. They are as follows:
- New Fiction & Nonfiction (adult collection) 7 Days/One Week
- Fiction and Nonfiction (all collections) 21 Days/Three Weeks
- Audiobooks (all collections) 21 Days/Three Weeks
- Magazines (all collections) 7 Days/One Week
- DVDs (all collections) 14 Days/Two Weeks
- Puzzles (all collections) 21 Days/Three Weeks
- Yard Games 21 Days/Three Weeks
- Park/Museum Passes 3 Days (Late Fees Apply, $5/day)
Renewals are available as follows. If another patron is waiting for the material it cannot be renewed.
- New Fiction & Nonfiction (adult collection): 1 Renewal
- All other materials/items: 2 Renewals
Patrons are responsible for returning all borrowed materials in a timely manner and in similar condition as checked out. While late fees are not currently charged late, lost or damaged items may impact future borrowing privileges (Director’s discretion).
Consortium Loans:
DVL patrons now have access to the collections of the other libraries in the Catamount Library Network (CLN). While any materials borrowed in this way follow the same basic rules as the DVL collection, there are some changes.
- New items cannot be requested from other libraries, if you’ve placed a request for a new item that DVL has in our collection it will be fulfilled by us.
- Each library has materials that are not to be loaned via consortium. This varies from library to library.
- Patrons are responsible for replacing any consortium materials that are damaged while checked out to them
- Patrons who abuse* the consortium may lose access to the CLN
- Materials will be held for 7 days, they will then be returned to the loaning library
*CLN abuse may include:
- Requests failing to be collected at the end of the 7 day holding period.**
- Excessive requests (determined at the DVL’s discretion). Examples: requesting entire series at once, or all books in the consortium on a single subject.
- Failing to comply with any DVL policy
**All requests are obligated to be picked up and checked out, whether the request was made by patron or library staff. If you fail to pick up your item for any reason within 7 days, you will receive a warning or your account will be suspended. Exemptions will be permitted on a case by case basis for extenuating circumstances. You may cancel your request via your account (or the library) if the item has not been tagged IN TRANSIT. The time frame varies from library to library.
Consequences of abusing the CLN loans:
Offenses that occur within a 6 month period include incremental consequences. The 6 month time period starts with the first offense.
- Written and verbal warning
- Suspension of network use for one month
- Suspension of network use for six months
Holds/Reserves:
Items that are on Hold/Reserve for patrons will be held for 7 days. The patron will be contacted once when the material arrives and if not picked up within 3 days will receive a second notification. If the Hold/Reserve expires the patron may be placed at the end of the Hold/Reserve list. Renewals are not available for items that are on Hold/Reserve for other patrons.
Fines & Fees:
DVL does not currently charge late fees (except on Park & Museum Passes $5/Day).
Fines will be assessed on all damaged or lost materials. The fine may include but is not limited to: replacement cost of item and processing/recataloging fee.
Patrons will not be able to use their account until any Fines or Fees are resolved.
10/2020
Collection Development Policy
This Collection Development and Selection Policy is used as a guide to direct the Library Director and staff in their roles as selectors of library materials. It also serves as a method of communicating the library’s principles to the public, the library’s funders, and other libraries. From time to time, supplemental procedures relating to specific areas may be issued /added.
Authority and Responsibility for Collection Development
The ultimate responsibility for the selection of all library materials rests with the Library Director. Under his/her direction, members of the library staff—qualified for selection of materials by education, training, experience, and knowledge of the community served—make selections. All library staff and members of the public are welcome to offer suggestions for purchase.
Statement of Objectives
Dorset Village Library’s primary objective for collection development is to provide resources and services necessary to meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of its community.
To support the primary objective, library materials are selected, organized, and made accessible in order to meet the diverse needs of the citizens, industry, and government of the Town of Dorset.
The Town Office collection is not as comprehensive as that of the Library. Materials are selected for that collection according to the needs of the particular neighborhood and also in relation to the collection as a whole.
Materials Selection Policy
PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION
Dorset Village Library serves a community of diverse interests and concerns. The library offers a broad selection of materials for children, adolescents, and adults. The Materials Selection Policy establishes guidelines for the selection and placement of library materials in the library.
Library staff makes selections based upon principle and not personal opinion; reason and not prejudice; and judgment, not censorship.
To build collections of merit and significance, materials must be measured by a number of criteria. The basic test for the selection of library materials is whether they are of proven or potential interest to the people served. Other criteria include:
- Quality of materials
- Reviews in professional journals
- Public demand
- Cost and budgetary limitations
- Timeliness
- Significance and importance of a subject
- Diverse opinions on a subject
- Reputation of author, publisher, editor or performer
- Format, ease of use and durability
- Accuracy of factual material
- Relation to existing collection
Materials are selected both to satisfy the tastes, needs and reading abilities of the community and to provide diversity in recognition of changing and minority interests. In choosing materials to suit a variety of tastes, differing viewpoints on controversial issues will be included. It should be recognized that some materials chosen may be offensive, shocking or boring to some readers yet meaningful and significant to others. Works being considered should be viewed as a whole, not in isolated parts.
Parents or guardians are responsible for decisions regarding their own children’s use of library materials. Selection of adult materials will not be restricted by the possibility that these materials may come into the possession of minors. The library will not act in place of the parent [in loco parentis].
PATRON CHALLENGES TO THE COLLECTION
Within the framework of the United States Constitution, the Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements of the American Library Association, the library will provide materials representing all approaches to public issues of a controversial nature.
The Library Director and staff are aware that a person or persons may take issue with the selection of any specific item, and they welcome opinions from the public. However, they do not undertake to please all patrons by the elimination of items purchased under guidance of the policies herein.
Procedures have been established that will ensure consideration of any request for restriction or removal of any item in the library’s collection. However, until such an examination has been made and a decision has been reached by the Library Director, no such restriction or removal shall take place. No group or individual will be permitted to impose partisan emphasis upon the library’s collection, since all political, religious, and social opinions may be represented in a public library. Frankness of language will never be considered sufficient justification to restrict or remove library materials.
Patrons who have questions, concerns, or objections regarding a specific item may email the library at dorsetvillagelibrary@gmail.com. A decision will be made within 14 days.
MATERIALS DE-SELECTION
The Library continually reviews its collections and removes materials that are worn, obsolete, or in unnecessary duplication. This act is also known as “weeding,” and is an ongoing process. When sources become dated and misrepresentative of current knowledge, they are marked for removal from the collection. These materials are then reviewed by a librarian to determine if they should be permanently discarded. The decision to retain the last copy of a title rests with the library staff charged with overseeing that portion of the library’s collection.
DISPOSAL OF WITHDRAWN MATERIALS
Materials that have been withdrawn from the collection may be sold, discarded, or given away to local organizations.
GIFTS
The handling of unsolicited gifts of library materials is an important library activity. The library accepts gifts under the following considerations:
- All gifts become property of the Dorset Village Library.
- Gift materials will be judged by the same materials selection standards that apply to purchased materials.
- The decision to accept or reject a gift is the library’s prerogative.
- Gift materials are accepted with the understanding that they may be discarded if the library determines that they are of little or no value to the collections. Balanced development of the collection along lines of community needs and interests must be the prime consideration in handling gifts.
- Monetary value of gifts for income tax purposes will not be determined by the library. Such appraisals must be made by the donor.
- Library gift materials not added to the library’s collection may be sold or recycled by the Dorset Village Library.
The Dorset Village Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (Tax Exempt ID# 95-7027380).
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
The Dorset Village Library attempts to serve the entire community. Selection of books and other materials is guided by community interest and demand, subject to the Library’s Collection Development Policy; a copy of this document is available upon request.
It is the responsibility of librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to defend challenges to that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large.
However, if you feel that a particular item is not suitable for inclusion in this library’s collection, please see Patron Challenges to the Collection section.
10/2020
Introduction
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a library materials resource sharing process through which library
materials are made available by one library to another. This service enables libraries to reach
beyond their own limitations of space, budget, and scope of collection, to offer, through
borrowing from another library, access to a range and wealth of materials
greater than they are able to provide.
Who may request this service?
Interlibrary loan service is available to any Dorset Village Library card holder with Borrower
privileges, who has an account in good standing.
How are requests made?
Interlibrary loan requests are made by completing the ILL Request form, available at the
Circulation Desk. One library card may have up to five (5) interlibrary loan item requests at any
one time; this includes pending requests as well as currently borrowed items.
What kinds of materials may be requested? Can an ILL be cancelled?
Most print and microform materials may be requested. Materials not available for interlibrary
loan include:
- Magazines and newspapers (photocopied articles may be requested)
- DVDs and CDs
- Rare, archival, manuscript, or fragile items
- Software
- Downloadable materials and electronic resources
- Current best sellers or other books published within the last six (6) months
Because of the time, effort, expense and possible lending fees involved in an interlibrary loan
request, cancellation is not possible once the request has been submitted to the lending library.
If a request is made, the material received, but the customer does not pick up the material within
seven (7) days it may impact future ILL privileges (Director’s discretion).
How long is the lending period for interlibrary loan materials?
The loan period for materials borrowed through interlibrary is dependent upon the loaning
library. Interlibrary loan material may not be eligible for renewals.
Are there any ILL borrowing fees?
Dorset Village Library does not charge fees for ILLs, however we have a suggested donation of
$3 for each item requested to help cover shipping costs.
How should ILL materials be returned? What if they are late or are damaged or lost?
Because ILL materials are loaned on good faith, they MUST be returned. Interlibrary loan
materials can be placed in the indoor book return or the outdoor book drop; patrons must take
care to return items with the interlibrary loan book band still in place on the item. Please note
that the loaning library may charge a late fee for any interlibrary loan materials that are returned
past their due date. If there is any damage to an interlibrary loan item or an interlibrary loan item
is lost, the patron will be responsible for the lending library’s replacement cost. Please note that
replacement costs of library items are determined by the loaning library. ILL privileges will be
suspended if the borrower damages or loses three (3) items.
How will I be notified of my ILL request?
You will be notified by phone once your requested item(s) arrive or if they cannot be located in
the system. If we are unable to contact the patron via phone they will be emailed as well.
Patrons will receive a secondary call/email if the requested item(s) have not been picked up
within 5 days. Failure to pick up requested items may result in loss of ILL privileges.
02/2021
Who can submit a request?
Any Dorset Library patron may submit a request for purchase.
How to submit a request:
Request forms may be obtained at the circulation desk or you can submit an electronic form from the CONTACT page on our website.
Your request will be considered, and if the request does not fit into our collection development policy, or it is unobtainable for any reason, we will suggest an interlibrary loan. Please know it may take 2-3 weeks or longer to receive and process your request. If you cannot wait for the book, let us know immediately. Failure to collect a personal request in a timely manner may result in the withdrawal of this option at the discretion of the Dorset Village Library Director.
10/2020
Members of the community are encouraged to support the mission of the Dorset Village Library
through gifts in the form of materials or financial support. Monetary gifts are welcome and used
to enhance programs and services. Gifts of books are gratefully accepted with the
understanding that library staff determines which materials are appropriate to add to the
collection. Items not added to the collection are recycled or allocated to the Book Sale for
resale.
The following gifts are welcome:
- Financial support
- Current hardcover non-fiction books (less than 5 years old)
- Current hardcover fiction books (less than 5 years old)
- Local history materials from the Dorset area
- DVDs and current Unabridged Audiobooks
Book & Material Donations
Due to space limitations and the cost of handling donations, the Dorset Village Library is very
selective in accepting such items and appointments are now required prior to bringing items to
the library. Please call the library at 802-867-5774, you may be asked for a description of the
material you wish to donate. If tax receipt is requested the donor must provide the donation
appraisal amount.
Donation Guidelines
Items must be in “gift worthy” (good/excellent) condition and free of odor, mold and infestation.
We will not accept items that are damaged, dirty, marked, worn, torn or otherwise in poor
condition.
The library will not accept the following materials:
- Magazines or newspapers
- Textbooks
- Condensed books (Reader's Digest)
- Encyclopedias
How to Donate
All donations must be arranged in advance. Please do not drop anything off without calling first.
Drop off hours are Mon.-Fri. 11am-5pm and Sat. 10am-3pm. Donations must be delivered in
boxes or bags and will not be returned. Receipts are not given for material donations without
previous arrangements.
Monetary Donations
Checks for monetary gifts to the library should be made out to the Dorset Village Library. A
thank you letter along with tax receipt will be mailed separately once the donation has been
processed.
In-Kind Donations
Any donations made In-Kind must be pre-approved by the Library Director. In-Kind includes but
is not limited to Services and non-library material items. The Dorset Village Library is not
responsible for appraising the worth of In-Kind donations, this must be provided by the donor for
tax receipt purposes.
05/2022
Dorset Village Library (DVL) currently has the following mascots: Anouk & Chewie (pugs).
Please keep this in mind when bringing your animal into the library.
Animal Owner Guidelines:
DVL allows patrons to bring their animals in while they browse during regular operating hours. We ask that you please follow these guidelines to ensure the continuation of this allowance.
All animals must be under the owner’s control at all times (leash/cage/carrier).
Owner takes full responsibility for the animal while they are on library property.
All accidents and/or damages are the owner’s responsibility.
Library-Sponsored Programs
The library may choose to offer educational programs for the public that include various
animals. Such animals are permitted in the library building for the duration of the program and
must be accompanied by the owner at all times.
Violation of Policy
Owners of the animal will be asked to remove them from inside the library building or in areas
outdoors if they impede anyone’s progress into or out of the library or if they become disruptive.
12/2020
Policy Statement:
Dorset Village Library (DVL) has equipped the library with Internet-enabled computers and wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi). These provide patrons with access to a vast array of electronic resources that supplement the Library’s print collection and are also available for educational, informational and recreational purposes.
Guidelines:
Staff will work with the public to ensure compliance with the Policy, Guidelines and Procedures for computer usage and responsible Internet use at all times.
Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to our computers, the Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time of computer usage. Maximum time allowed for computer usage is 1 hour. Patrons are reminded that the Library’s computers are located in public areas that are shared with people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the rights of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.
To achieve an atmosphere conducive to the best use of its resources the Library has developed the following guidelines for the use of public computers:
- Patrons must be courteous and respectful when using computers and conform to the Patron Behavior Policy.
- Patrons are responsible for logging into a new, private session each time they use a computer, and for closing all applications and logging out when they are done using their computers. This ensures that each patron’s privacy is protected.
- Computer users are responsible for bringing their own headphones if they wish to listen to audio, and their own flash drives or other devices for saving their work.
- Patrons must perform their own Internet searches, though staff will provide assistance.
- Computers may be used by two or more people when their behavior is not disruptive.
- Computers and copy machines are automatically shut down 15 minutes before the Library closes.
- Printing requests must be made at least 15 minutes before the Library closes. Printing requests must be made using 8 ½” x 11” paper provided by the Library.
The Library is not responsible for loss of information due to viruses or other problems.
Patrons may NOT:
- Use DVL computers or Wi-Fi for illegal activity.
- Use DVL computers or Wi-Fi to access material that is legally defined as obscenity, child pornography, or, in the case of persons under the age of 17, material that is harmful to minors.
- Use any device to attempt to redistribute, share, or boost the Library’s Wi-Fi signal.
- Use the network for unauthorized access or “hacking” into any computational, financial, informational or communication services or resources.
- Distribute unsolicited advertising.
- Invade the privacy of others by misrepresenting oneself as another user or attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others.
- Add, delete, damage, vandalize or modify the Library’s installed hardware or software.
- Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
- Deliberately propagate computer worms or viruses.
Download copyrighted materials in violation of any copyright protection laws.
Internet Use:
Patrons should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. DVL respects the confidentiality of those using its electronic resources, and will release library records only as required by law.
Parents and caregivers are responsible for supervising their children’s computer access and are encouraged to learn about the Internet and help their children use it wisely. Below are DVL’s suggestions when patrons encounter the following:
Direct Electronic Communications.
Educate your child about the importance of keeping personal information private. Monitor your child’s participation with email accounts, chat rooms and discussion groups.
Social Networking.
Encourage your child to be honest about his/her age when signing up for social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Second Life, and MySpace) or blogs. These sites and services often have minimum age requirements and may not be appropriate for all children.
Unauthorized Disclosure.
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. However, Dorset Village Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.