Library Policies

Appropriate Library Use Policy

The Thomas Crane Public Library strives to be a clean, comfortable, and safe place for all visitors to enjoy. To this end, the Library has established the following rules of conduct to protect the comfort and safety of visitors and staff, and to preserve and protect Library property.

The Thomas Crane Public Library is a tax-supported City of Quincy agency which is available to all, regardless of age, residence, race, gender, sexual orientation, education, socioeconomic status or religion. The Thomas Crane Public Library’s Board of Library Trustees has established the following set of guidelines in order to: protect all library users’ right of access to library facilities; ensure the safety of users and staff; and protect library resources and facilities from damage.

Violation of the following code of behavior, governing the use of the Thomas Crane Public Library by the public, may result in termination of library privileges and/or exclusion from the Library. Respect for the rights of other Library users and Library staff shall be maintained at all times.

Category A (Library Specific Violations)

Disruptive behavior, such as creating loud noises, loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
Using profane or obscene language.
Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children (see also Thomas Crane Public Library Safe Child Policy).
Chewing, spitting, or rolling cigarettes inside Library facilities or on Library grounds.
Bringing in garbage and/or articles with a foul odor. All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by security and other authorized personnel. The Library reserves the right to limit the number and size of items brought into the library.
Leaving packages, backpacks, luggage, or any other personal items unattended. These unattended items are subject to inspection, confiscation and disposal by security and other authorized Library personnel.
Using or parking wheeled devices inside the Library. These restrictions do not apply to ADA assistive devices, wheelchairs, walkers, and baby strollers.
Lying down or appearing to be sleeping in the library; having feet on furniture; monopolizing/obstructing space to the exclusion of others, or blocking aisles, exits or entrances.
Entering the Library without a shirt or shoes, or removing one’s footwear or shirt while in the library; or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment. Appropriate attire must be worn in the Library at all times (e.g. shirt, pants, and shoes.)
Having offensive body odor or personal hygiene so as to unreasonably interfere with other library staff or visitors’ ability to use the library.
Using restrooms for bathing, shampooing, shaving or doing laundry; engaging in personal grooming such as nail clipping in public areas.
Moving Library furniture; more than one person in a chair.
Bringing animals other than service animals necessary for disabilities.
Distributing literature, soliciting business or contributions, or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library except for ballot question petitions and public office nomination signature solicitations.
Placing any tables, signs or other structures not authorized by the Library on Library property.
Parking in the Library’s public parking lots during the hours the Library is open while not inside the Library or participating in programs on Library grounds; Parking in the Library’s public parking lots for more than two hours per day;

Category B (Serious Library Specific Violations)

Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Smoking cigarettes, and other tobacco or marijuana use, including but not limited to tobacco substitutes and electronic cigarettes, inside Library facilities or on Library grounds.
Possessing alcohol.
Entering the library or Library grounds while under a trespass order.
Using abusive language; or racial, ethnic or sexual epithets.

Category C (Violations Toward Person(s) or Property)

Stealing, damaging, or altering Library property valued under $250
Stealing or damaging the personal property of another Library user (valued under $250).
Damaging or defacing Library materials
Using false identification to obtain a Library card, or using another person’s Library card without permission.
Verbally or physically harassing other Library visitors or staff (i.e. engaging in deliberate or repeated behavior that is aggressive and/or hostile), including stalking, prolonged staring, lurking.
Sexual harassment of staff or patrons (behavior characterized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or other advances)
Engaging in any other behavior that would constitute a misdemeanor under applicable law.

Category D (Serious Library Specific Violations)

Carrying firearms or dangerous weapons of any type.
Assault, fighting, pushing, shoving, challenging to fight, threats or threatening.
Verbally or physically threatening harm or injury to other Library visitors or staff.
Offensive touching, obscene acts such as sex acts, and indecent exposure.
Selling, using, or possessing illegal drugs.
Interfering with another person’s right to use the Library or with the Library staff’s performance of their duties, including but not limited to screaming, fighting, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
Stealing, damaging, or altering Library property valued at $250 or above.
Stealing or damaging the personal property of another Library user (valued at $250 or above).
Trespassing in nonpublic areas.
Refusing to leave Library property after being issued a trespass notice.

Enforcement

Enforcement of the above rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff and/or Quincy Police Officers are authorized to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Failure to comply may result in being asked to leave for the day, or issuance of a Trespass Order from Library property for a period of 30 days to five years, depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense. A violation of law may also result in arrest and prosecution.

Violations of law and/or these Rules of Conduct may also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers, equipment or study/conference rooms. Authorized Library staff may issue a Trespass Order based on personal observation or upon the sort of civilian reports that would ordinarily be relied upon by police officers in the determination of probable cause.

Administrative Review

Expulsion from Library facilities may be appealed in writing to the Library Director, except when a criminal case is pending for violation of a trespass order. Trespassed persons shall include in the appeal any written documentation they seek to have considered in the review process. A trespass order remains in effect pending administrative reviews.

Adopted by Vote of the Library Board of Trustees, February 12, 2007; Amended February 11, 2008; Amended October 18, 2010; Amended May 12, 2014; Amended September 21, 2015; AmendedMarch 14, 2022; Amended March 24, 2023.

Computer & Internet Use Policy

Policy Statement

The Thomas Crane Public Library provides free public computer and internet access in pursuit of its mission to satisfy curiosity, stimulate imagination, and connect people of all ages. The Library upholds the right of users to seek information and speak freely, regardless of format or technology, while also maintaining a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Disclaimers

The internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that facilitates the exchange of information and data services around the world. The Library cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on the internet, and users should carefully evaluate the information they find when using this resource.

Although the Library makes every effort to protect user privacy, users must be aware that their privacy is not guaranteed while using library computers. The Library assumes no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of the library’s computer equipment or network; including loss of data, privacy, or damage to users’ own devices.

Library computers are filtered to block access to pornography, obscenity and materials deemed harmful to juveniles. It should be understood that no system is fool proof and filtering software may not block all material users might find offensive.

Those who use the library’s computers and/or internet access do so at their own risk and assume full liability for their actions. The Library does not monitor computer or internet use except to ensure compliance with this policy.

Guidelines

Users must follow all of the library’s policies, guidelines and procedures when using public computers or personal devices within the library.
Usage must be completed in a quiet, responsible and courteous way.
Users must respect the privacy of other patrons.
Headphones must be used when listening to audio content, and volume must be low enough so that others cannot hear it.
Users must refrain from viewing material that is inappropriate for a public area or that creates a hostile environment for other users or Library staff, including violent, pornographic, or sexually explicit images. Display of material that may be deemed obscene and/or unlawful under federal or state law is not permitted under any circumstances.

Public Computer Use

All computers are available on a first come, first served basis only and may not be reserved in advance.
Users are required to adhere to any posted use or time limitations.
Library computers do not retain information between sessions, and all data and search history is wiped after ending a computer session.
Users are encouraged to save their files to the Cloud or to a user-owned storage device to avoid any loss of work.
Computers designated for children are for the exclusive use of children up to grade 7 and their accompanying caregivers, and computers designated for teens are for the exclusive use of young adults between grades 8 and 12.
The user, or the parent or guardian of a minor, is responsible for their computer session at all times.
All public access computers will be turned off 15 minutes before the library closes. Users must be ready to end their computer session at that time.

Printing

Printing is available at all branches, and from most public access computers.

Black & white, and color printing and copying is available at a per-page fee.
Wireless printing is available using the Library’s wireless internet service and is subject to the Library’s printing fees.
Users may also transfer files from a Cloud or external storage device to a public access computer for printing.

Internet Access

It is not acceptable to use the Library’s internet access for any purpose which violatesfederal or state laws, or any City or Library policy. Examples of unacceptable use inviolation of this policy include, but are not limited to:

Attempting to add, modify or delete software or data on the Library computers and/or network; damage equipment; or degrade system performance.
Attempting to gain unauthorized access to local or remote computers or networks.
Compromising the privacy of individuals; or disclosing, using or disseminating personal identity information about minors.
Violating copyright law or software license agreements.
Viewing obscenity or child pornography.
Engaging in any activity which is threatening, harassing or defamatory.

User Privileges

Library staff are authorized to terminate any user’s session or revoke a user’s computer privileges if a user fails to comply with this Policy or any other LibraryPolicy. Illegal acts involving Library resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

A revocation of privileges may be reviewed upon written request to the LibraryDirector.

Adopted by Vote of the Library Board of Trustees, September 12, 2005; Amended April 14, 2008; Amended June 8, 2015; Amended June 13, 2016Amended April 2024

Food & Drink Policy

Snacks are permitted in most areas of the library, unless posted signs indicate otherwise. Food and beverages should not be disruptive (i.e. messy, noisy, odorous, etc.) to others or damage library property. If so, staff will use their discretion in relocating patrons or asking them to put their food away.

Food and beverage may not be consumed at the computers, with the exception of lidded beverages.

Occasionally, the Library sponsors events which include food service. The location and food guidelines specific to each sponsored event are carefully selected and approved by Library Administration.

Please help keep the Library clean by disposing of your trash when finished. If you see a spill, please notify a staff member as soon as possible.

Approved by Thomas Crane Public Library Board of Trustees March 24, 2023

Safe Child Policy

Policy Statement

The library is a public building and as such can be a dangerous environment for children alone. Library staff are not responsible for supervising children. Caregivers as defined below are responsible for monitoring their children’s safety and behavior in the library. This Safe Child Policy has been established for the protection and wellbeing of children using the library.

Definitions

Caregiver:

An adult or teen aged 14 or older who is responsible for monitoring a child aged 9 or under.

Unattended Child:

An unattended child is any child aged nine or under using the library unaccompanied by either a responsible adult or a responsible child aged 14 or older.

Regulations

The children’s areas within library facilities are reserved for use by children, their caregivers, and adults interested in the children’s collection. Patrons not included in these categories may be required to leave the children’s or teen areas and instead use other areas of the Library.
Children aged four and under must always be within sight of their caregiver, regardless of where they are in a library building.
Children between the ages of five and nine must have a caregiver supervising them in the same room or distinct area of the Library.
Caregivers must remain in the building while a child aged nine and under is attending a library program.
If an unattended child comes to the attention of staff, staff will attempt to locate the adult caregiver in the building or by telephone. If the caregiver cannot be located, staff will notify the police.
If an unattended child has no caregiver present at least half an hour before the library’s closing time, or should the library close early due to unexpected circumstances such as inclement weather or a power outage, staff will attempt to locate the caregiver for any unattended child. If no caregiver is located or arrives by closing time, staff will notify the police. No fewer than two staff members will wait with the child until a caregiver or the police arrive and can take charge of the child.
Library staff are not authorized to transport any child away from the library under any circumstances.
In case of a medical emergency involving an unattended child, the staff will call 911 for emergency assistance and then attempt to contact a caregiver, in that order.
If a caregiver repeatedly leaves a child unattended in the library, after being informed of the library’s Safe Child Policy, staff will notify the police.
The library will have written copies of the Safe Child Policy available at all service desks and will provide copies of the policy to caregivers of unattended children and to any other relevant parties.

The Thomas Crane Public Library affirms the rights and responsibilities of parents and legal guardians to guide and monitor their minor children’s access to all library materials and resources, including those available via the Internet.

Adopted by vote of the Library Board of Trustees, October 18, 2004; Amended January 10, 2011, November 13, 2017; Amended October 9, 2025

Borrowing Policy

Interlibrary Loan Policy

Library of Things Agreement

Borrowing Policy

Policy Statement

The Thomas Crane Public Library has established a borrowing policy to provide fair and equitable services for our patrons. The primary purpose of this policy is to outline the rules and regulations associated with borrowing library materials. The Library also adheres to OCLN policies related to borrowing materials.

The Thomas Crane Public Library issues free library cards in order to maintain an accurate record of library materials that are checked out, and to gather library usage data so it can evaluate and improve collections and services. As a member of the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN), the Library adheres to all OCLN policies related to library cards and accounts.

Library Cards: General Regulations

A valid permanent library card number that is registered with the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) must be presented to borrow physical library materials. A valid permanent card may be a physical card or a virtual card stored in a digital format.
Patrons may register for an e-card online. E-card privileges include access to online resources and the ability to place holds on physical items. An e-card must be converted to a permanent card to borrow physical library materials according to the Registration policies listed below.
Patrons may have only one active OCLN library card.
Patrons may have either a permanent card or an e-card, but not both.
Patrons are responsible for all materials checked out with their library card.
Patrons should notify the library immediately if a card is lost or stolen, if there are any unauthorized checkouts or other usage on their account, or if the patron’s address or other information changes.

Registration for Adults

To register for a permanent Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) library card, adults and young adults in 8th grade or above must apply in person at the library.
The patron will be required to show valid identification, which must show the patron name and current street address. This must include a photo ID with a current residential address or a photo ID along with documentation with the patron’s name and current residential street address. Forms of valid identification that includes the patron’s name and address may be in physical or digital format and include, but are not limited to:
- Driver’s License
- State or Federal ID
- School or Student ID
- Passport
- Green Card
- Military ID
- Checkbook with printed address
- Postmarked mail
- Current lease or bill

Registration for Teens

Patrons who are age 13 through 17 or are in the seventh to twelfth grade are not required to present identification to obtain an application for a library card.
Parents/guardians of patrons between the ages of 13 and 17 may be given information about overdue or lost materials only, upon presentation of the youth’s library card barcode number or printed overdue notice.

Registration for Children

To register for a permanent Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) library card, children in 7th grade or below must apply in person at the library.
Children must have the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
Children must also be able to either sign/print their own first and last name, or be five years of age.
The child’s parent or legal guardian must present their own valid identification, which must show their name and current street address. This must include a photo ID and something with a current residential street address. A photo ID with the current residential street address is acceptable by itself. Forms of valid identification include but are not limited to those listed above.
Parents will be added to the child’s account as an authorized user with the express consent of the child at the time of registration.
Additional parents or legal guardians may be added as authorized users for a Child’s account, but must be accompanied by the child when being added and must fulfill the same requirements as outlined above.

Replacement Library Cards

Patrons who have lost their library card may obtain a replacement card free of charge.
The library has the right to limit the distribution of replacement cards.
Patrons must present a valid form of identification as outlined above or their current, valid library card in order to obtain a replacement card.

Borrowing Materials: General Regulations

Patrons must present a valid permanent OCLN library card number to borrow materials.
Patrons who owe $15.00 or more will not be allowed to borrow materials.
The Library reserves the right to limit the number of items borrowed on a specific subject, by a single author, or in a specific format.
Patrons may have up to 100 items checked out on their account at one time. Patrons will not be allowed to check out materials if they are currently at or above 100 items.

Borrowing Items from Other Libraries

The Thomas Crane Public Library is a member of the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN), which is made up of public and academic libraries that share materials and resources.
Patrons may request that materials owned by other OCLN member libraries be sent to the Thomas Crane Public Library for borrowing, when available.
Patrons may also request items from outside the Old Colony Library Network for borrowing at the Thomas Crane Public Library using the online Commonwealth Catalog or by submitting an interlibrary loan request. (see also Thomas Crane Public Library Interlibrary Loan Policy).

Returning Items

Most library materials may be returned to any OCLN Library, with the following exceptions:
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and Commonwealth Catalog materials must be returned to the library they were borrowed from (if checked out at a Quincy library, they must be returned to Quincy).
- Museum passes must be returned to Help Desk 1 at the Main Library.
- Materials from the Board Game, Puzzle, and Library of Things collections.
Materials borrowed directly from non-OCLN Massachusetts libraries may be returned to the Thomas Crane Public Library, unless otherwise stated in the borrowing conditions. These materials will be sent to the owning library and will not be checked back in (and taken off the patron’s library account) until received by the owning library.
Each Quincy library location has an outside return. Patrons are responsible for damage or theft of any items not properly returned.

Renewals

A renewal extends the borrowing period of library material for another loan period of the same duration. A renewal acts as borrowing the same item for a second, third, etc. time.

With the exception of items on reserve/hold for other patrons, most Quincy-owned materials will be automatically renewed three times and most items from other OCLN libraries will be automatically renewed twice. You will receive an email notice or text message when an item is automatically renewed.
Patrons may choose to opt out of automatic renewals and instead manually renew items online, by phone, or in person with a valid OCLN library card number.
The number of renewals available on non-Quincy items is determined by the local policies of the owning library.
Items borrowed from non-OCLN libraries include Commonwealth Catalog materials and Interlibrary Loan materials. Commonwealth Catalog materials may not be renewed. Interlibrary Loan materials may be renewed only with the permission of the owning library.

Holds/Reserves

Placing a hold means requesting an item to be kept for a patron when it becomes available in the library.

If an item is not available in Quincy a patron may receive an item from another OCLN library. If there
are no available copies of an item, a patron will be entered into a waiting queue for that item.
A valid OCLN library card is required to place a hold. Holds can be placed in the following ways:
- In person, at a library public service desk
- By telephone
- Online, using the OCLN catalog
Hold items are available for patrons at or near a public service desk. Patrons may borrow available hold items using a valid OCLN library card.
The library sends email and/or text notification when hold materials become available. If a patron does not have an email or phone number attached to their library account, they may be notified by telephone.
Available hold items will be held for seven days.
Materials in all formats may be requested from other OCLN libraries for pickup in Quincy, but restrictions may apply.

Loan Periods

A loan period is the length of time a patron may borrow an item.

All loan periods, fines and charges listed below apply to Quincy-owned material only, except as otherwise noted. Materials owned by other Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) libraries may have varying loan periods and charges based on the library that owns the item.
Loan Periods for Quincy Items:
- Most Adult Books and Audiobooks; Young Adult Books and Audiobooks; Commonwealth Catalog Materials: 28 Days (4 weeks)
- New Adult Fiction; Adult DVDs, CDs, & Electronic Resources; Magazines; All children’s materials: 14 days (2 weeks)
- Commonwealth Catalog Items: 4 weeks
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials: Varies by item
- Things (Equipment, tools, etc.): 7 days (1 week)
- Museum Passes: 1 day

Loan periods for non-Quincy items may vary according to the local policies of the owning library.

Library Charges

Overdue materials are items that have not been returned to the library by the end of an item’s loan period, also known as the item’s due date.

Fines are the monetary charge for overdue materials. Fines accrue for each day an item is overdue. Fines do not accrue on days that the library is closed. The Thomas Crane Public Library does not charge fines for their materials; materials borrowed from other libraries may accrue fines based on the local policies of the borrowing library.

Charges paid in person must be paid in cash or check; online payments can be made with a credit card.
Failure to return materials by their due date may result in fines or fees being accrued based on the policies of the owning library.
No overdue fines are charged for Quincy items.
The overdue fees for non-Quincy items vary according to the local policy of the owning library.

Lost Materials

A lost item is library material that is not returned to the library. Items not returned within 45 days of the due date are considered lost. Items reported as lost, misplaced, or missing by a patron are also considered lost.

It is the responsibility of the borrower to return materials or be subject to a replacement fee for the item.
The replacement cost of lost Quincy items is determined by the retail price of the item. Patrons paying for a lost item may be required to pay this full amount.
Patrons who have had standing bills that are at least five years old can arrange a repayment plan with the library. The Deputy Director and/or the Executive Director will have discretion to establish a plan based on the following criteria:
- Monthly installments extending no longer than 18 months.
- Recovery of a minimum of 60% of the total amount billed to the patron’s account.
- Installments must be made on time to prevent the cancellation of any agreement.
- A minimum of 3 installments must be made to secure any paperwork from the library retracting claim for court action.
- The library reserves the right to terminate the agreement if it believes the account holder is not acting in good-faith.
The parameters of the above arrangements are meant to balance the recovery of lost materials with the potential financial burden on the patron of replacing aging materials at their full price.
No refunds will be issued for payment of lost materials.
The above standards only apply to Quincy items. For items owned by a non-Quincy library, local policies apply and payment is made to that library.

Damaged Materials

A damaged item is an item that is not returned in the condition in which it was borrowed. Damage includes, but is not limited to: wet, stained, sticky, sandy, chewed, missing pages, written in (including underlining or highlighting), or missing pieces.

It is the responsibility of the patron to return items in the same condition as when the item was originally borrowed or be subject to a replacement fee for the item. The library checks all returned items to make sure that they are not damaged so only materials in good condition are in our circulating collection.
The replacement cost of damaged Quincy items is determined by the retail price of the item. Patrons paying for a damaged item may be required to pay this full amount.
For items owned by a non-Quincy library, local policies apply and payment is made to that library.

Claims Returned Materials

A claims returned item is a library material that a patron informs the library they have returned despite it still being charged to the patron’s account.

If a patron claims to have returned a Thomas Crane Public Library item that is still on their account, library staff may set the item to Claims Returned. Library staff will then conduct periodic searches for the item.
This item will remain on the patron’s account with a Claims Returned status until the item is found.
A patron is only allowed to have up to three items with a Claims Returned status total, including items from other OCLN libraries. Additional items may result in replacement fee(s) being charged to the library patron’s account.
Items from non-Quincy libraries are subject to the policies of the owning library. Patrons should contact the owning library to determine their policy.

Claims Never Checked Out Materials

A claims never had item is a library material that appears on a patron’s library account, but that the patron claims was never borrowed.

If a library patron is notified that they have not returned a Quincy library item and that patron claims they never borrowed the item, library staff will conduct a search for the item. If the item is not found, the Circulation & Access Services Coordinator and/or Library Administration have sole discretion on if the item is removed from the library patron’s account.
Items from non-Quincy libraries are subject to the policies of the owning library, which may differ from local policies

Adopted by Vote of the Library Board of Trustees, January 10, 2011; Amended March 21, 2014; Amended June 11, 2018; Amended March 11, 2019; Amended May 11, 2020; Amended December 13, 2021; Amended December 12, 2022; Amended April 24, 2024; Amended October 9, 2025

Interlibrary Loan Policy

Policy Statement

The Thomas Crane Public Library provides interlibrary loan service in order to increase the resources available to its users, and provide expanded opportunities for lifelong learning and enrichment.

The Library’s Interlibrary Loan service is provided in accordance with the Massachusetts LibrarySystem’s Interlibrary Loan Policy, the Libraries Very Interested in Sharing (LVIS) agreement, and the Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States.

Definitions

Interlibrary Loan is the process by which the Library requests material from, or supplies material to, another library. Interlibrary Loan transactions as defined by this Policy do not include material shared using the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) or the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog automated resource sharing systems. Material includes books, audiovisual materials, and other returnable items as well as copies of journal articles, book chapters, excerpts, and other nonreturnable items.

Borrowing Materials from Other Libraries

Interlibrary Loan service is offered to all registered borrowers in good standing of the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN).
Library users may submit Interlibrary Loan requests in person at any Quincy library location or online using the Interlibrary Loan Request Form on the Library’s website.
The Library reserves the right to limit the number of items requested or borrowed by a single user at one time.
Materials which may be requested include books, including foreign language and large print books, out-of-print fiction and nonfiction, and government documents, as well as sound recordings and video recordings. Photocopies of magazine and newspaper articles may be requested in accordance with U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and its accompanying guidelines.
Materials which may not be requested include material owned by TCPL or OCLN but temporarily in use; titles on current local or national bestseller lists; multiple copies of a title for class or other group use; and titles not yet published.
When material cannot be borrowed, locations will be identified for on-site use.
A loan or a copy of any material may be requested from another library, but the owning library will decide in each case whether or not a particular item can be provided.
All materials must be picked up at and returned to a Quincy library location (the Main Library, Adams Shore Branch, North Quincy Branch, or Wollaston Branch).
When a requested item is available for pickup, borrowers will be notified by mail, e-mail, or phone.
The loan period for Interlibrary Loan materials is 14 days. Materials must be returned by the due date. Overdue materials will incur the same fine charged for Quincy library materials.
Borrowers must request renewals before materials are due. Renewals are provided at the owning library’s discretion and cannot be guaranteed.
Borrowers must honor any use restrictions specified by the owning library, such as no photocopying or in-library use only.
All borrowed material is subject to recall by the owning library. Borrowers must respond immediately if the owning library recalls an item.
Interlibrary Loan service may be limited or suspended for borrowers who repeatedly fail to pick up requested Interlibrary Loan materials, keep materials overdue, or damage or deface materials.
Except for a small per page photocopying charge and a first class postage charge for mail notification, no charges will be levied without prior authorization from the borrower.
If a borrower authorizes the Library to obtain materials from a supplying library not in the Massachusetts statewide delivery system, the borrower is responsible for paying the postage.
If a borrower authorizes the Library to obtain materials from a supplying library that charges a fee, the borrower is responsible for paying the fee.
Borrowers are responsible for any charges levied by a supplying library for materials lost or damaged while charged out to the borrower. No refunds will be made for lost and paid Interlibrary Loan materials that are subsequently found.
As with other library users’ records, the confidentiality of Interlibrary Loan records is protected by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7. The Library will not disclose such records except for the purposes of interlibrary cooperation and
coordination, or upon request or consent of the user. Interlibrary Loan records will not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized by federal, state or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.
Interlibrary Loan transactions may generate both paper and electronic records that include personally identifiable user information. Once an item has been borrowed and returned and all fines and/or fees are paid, all local Library electronic and paper records are deleted or destroyed. The OCLN automated circulation system retains Interlibrary Loan transaction information for up to two months (60 days) after an item is returned and all fines and/or fees are paid.

Lending Materials to Other Libraries

The Library lends to other libraries from its own collection and accepts requests via mail, e-mail or fax. Borrowing libraries should submit requests in standard formats as prescribed by the Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States.
All materials which ordinarily circulate to the Library’s own users, including books, sound recordings and video recordings, may be sent out on Interlibrary Loan, except for entire issues of periodicals. Non-circulating materials such as reference and genealogy books and microforms will not be interlibrary loaned, but photocopies of selected pages may be supplied. The Library reserves the right to determine what material will be supplied on a request by request basis.
Returnable materials will be shipped via the Massachusetts statewide delivery system
whenever possible, or via USPS Library Mail; material may be shipped via other means if the borrowing library pays the shipping charge.
The loan period for returnable Interlibrary Loan materials is 28 days. Renewals may be provided at the Library’s discretion.
Nonreturnable materials will be scanned and sent via e-mail whenever possible, or sent via fax or USPS First Class Mail if necessary. A small per page fee for photocopying will be charged when the requested pages number 31 or more.
Charges for lost or damaged materials will be based on the current replacement cost of the lost or damaged item.
Interlibrary Loan service may be limited or suspended for borrowing libraries that repeatedly keep materials overdue or fail to properly package returning items, or that lose, damage or deface materials.

Adopted by vote of the Library Board of Trustees, 3/11/96; Revised May 1999; Revised April 2005; Revised October 2014