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Preserving the Past, Informing the Future | Skip Navigation Links |
Policies for Patrons
The Connecticut State Library, to the extent specifically authorized by law, recognizes the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement and Code of Ethics as its guiding principles. In accordance with those principles and within the following policies, the Connecticut State Library provides resources and services to users.
- ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) Policy
- Circulation
- Confidentiality of Circulation Records
- Food and Drink
- Intellectual Property Policy
- Internet Access
- Legal Reference Policy
- Reproduction and Publication of Connecticut State Library Collections
- Solicitation
- Use of Archives, Manuscripts, Original Newspapers, and Special Collections
- Use of Electronic Information Systems
- Use of Restricted Original Archival Records
- User Conduct
Circulation Policy & Procedures
The Library's collections are loaned directly
to Connecticut state employees, and to residents of Connecticut. Many subgroups
of the collections do not circulate and may only be used in the library. Some
items, such as microfilms, are loaned only to another library through the Interlibrary
Loan system. See Borrowing Materials
for complete information on collections available for loan.
Circulation Records - Confidentiality
Policy
It is the policy of the Connecticut State Library that personally identifiable
information contained in its circulation records shall be confidential.
Practice and Procedure
- All public service staff and all circulation and/or interlibrary loan processing staff are responsible for maintaining current awareness of the Circulation Records Confidentiality Policy.
- Any staff member asked for personally identifiable information contained in the Library's records will politely refuse to divulge the information and refer to the Policy.
- Any problems should be referred to the State Librarian's Office.
Effective Date: 7/31/1981; Revised: 3/17/1997
Food And Drink
Certain restrictions on where food and drink may be consumed in the Library
are necessary in order to assure a clean and healthy workplace, a proper environment
for the Library's collections, and to avoid the negative impacts of pest infestations.
These restrictions are an essential component of a total Integrated Pest Management
program.
Food and drinks may be consumed only in:
- the first floor Lounge,
- the first floor Conference Room,
- Staff work areas which are not entered by the public or patrons for common business transactions, and which do not process any collection materials.
Food is allowed in the Memorial Hall of the Museum only for approved functions.
Effective Date: 11/30/94; Revised: 2/28/97
Internet Access Policy
The Connecticut State Library does not monitor or control the information accessed
through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. As with
other Library materials, any restriction of a minor's access to and use of the
Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
Practice and Procedure
- All public service staff are responsible for maintaining current awareness of the Internet Access Policy.
- Staff will present each public Internet access user with a copy of the Connecticut State Library Requirements for Use of Electronic Information Systems.
- Any problems should be referred to the State Librarian's Office.
Effective Date: 1/27/1998
Solicitation
In an effort to assure a productive and harmonious work environment, persons
not employed by the Connecticut State Library may not solicit or distribute
literature in the workplace at any time for any purpose. There are limited circumstances
where State Library employees may engage in these activities, in accordance
with established procedures.
Under no circumstances are employees allowed to use Library resources or facilities to support these activities.
Effective Date: 11/30/94; Revised: 2/28/97
Use of Archives, Manuscripts, Original
Newspapers, and Special Collections
Prior to requesting materials, researchers must obtain an Archives Pass and
read the current Rules and Procedures
for Researchers Using Archival Records, Original Newspapers, and Secured Collections
Materials.
Use of Restricted Original Archival
Records
The Rules and Procedures for Researchers Using Archival Records and Secured
Collections Materials list several cases when original archival materials are
not available for research. These particular
guidelines cover instances when copies
are available or the physical value or deteriorating condition of the record
justifies restricting access.
User Conduct Policy
In order to provide an atmosphere conducive to research and study at the Connecticut
State Library Building at 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, the Library expects
all patrons to comply with the following action categories. Failure to comply
with any portion of this policy may result in suspension of library privileges
or expulsion from the Library.
The following actions are encouraged:
- Be prepared to show that all library materials being borrowed have been properly checked out.
- Keep conversations quiet, and to a minimum, so as not to disturb others.
- Dress appropriately for a library setting.
- Young children should be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
The following actions are prohibited:
- Smoking
- Eating and drinking
- Verbal or physical abuse towards any individual
- Possession of weapons in accordance with the provisions of CGS Section 53-206
- Disorderly behavior, defacing of property, or other acts which are subject to prosecution under state or federal law
- Soliciting or proselytizing
- Bringing animals into the building, except those animals assisting persons with disabilities
- Unauthorized or improper use of library telephones or equipment
- Entry into posted staff areas without staff permission
- Audible use of electronic devices
This policy applies equally to State Library staff as well as patrons.
Upon observation of any violation of this policy, staff may take either of the following actions:
a. Politely request the person to cease the behavior in question, or
b. Report the behavior to security personnel who will take appropriate enforcement action.
Effective Date: 3/27/95; Revised: 2/28/98