The Role of Branch Libraries
The Amherst Town Library is comprised of the Jones Library (main library), the North Amherst Library (north branch library), and the Munson Memorial Library (south branch library).
The branch libraries create community meeting places and provide convenient access to collections of library materials and to the Internet for the North and South Amherst neighborhoods. They also offer alternative service and materials drop off locations for all Amherst residents who have difficulty using the main library. All Library locations must provide library service to out of town residents, as mandated by the Massachusetts State Aid to Libraries program.
Branch library collections offer popular reading, a selection of current interest materials, and a variety of audiovisual and electronic materials for children and adults. Some duplication of titles is expected among all branches, in response to heavy popular demand. Loan periods and other circulation policies are uniform throughout all Town Library locations. In general, the branches do not acquire research materials or reference collections beyond the most heavily consulted items. Complex reference questions and local history inquiries are referred to the main library.
Branch libraries participate in the daily transfer of materials via the C/W MARS resource sharing system and the statewide Virtual Catalog. Requests for interlibrary loan beyond the scope of these programs are referred to the main library. Physical delivery of materials is provided by the Library maintenance staff to and from the main library.
Branch libraries make available a wide array of electronic resources, including all of the online information databases provided by state and regional library agencies and by the Library's membership in the C/W MARS network. Branch staff provide Internet instruction if needed. Internet access (wired and wireless) and basic software applications are offered at the branch libraries and supported by the Library's IT Technician and the Town IT Department. The Town Library Internet Use Policy applies to users at branch libraries, and time limits must be enforced when others are waiting.
Summer Reading Clubs at the branches encourage young children to continue to develop reading skills during school vacations. Due to very limited staffing and space, the branch librarians are not expected to organize other public programs, cultural events or educational activities.
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Both the North Amherst Library and the Munson Memorial Building are owned by the Town of Amherst. Overall direction for the Munson Memorial Building comes from the Munson Building Trustees.
- The Department of Public Works maintains the lawns and sidewalks of the North Amherst Library, including snow removal. At Munson Library, the Munson Building custodian has primary responsibility for lawns, sidewalks, and snow removal, assisted by the DPW.
- The Town Library provides all branch library personnel, supplies, library collections and equipment, including computer hardware. Branch Librarians work under the broad guidance of the Library Director who reviews overall branch operations and who may assign duties at the main library or on projects affecting the Town Library as a whole.
- At North Amherst Library, Town Library staff clean and maintain the building. Library administrative personnel pay other operating costs directly, such as utilities and insurance. North Amherst Branch Librarians must report building issues to the Library's Building Supervisor or to the Library Director. Capital improvements are planned by the Library Director.
- At Munson Library, the Town Library pays an annual fee to the Town of Amherst to cover cleaning, maintenance, and other operating costs for the library portion of the Munson Memorial Building. Munson Branch Librarians must report building issues to the Town's custodial staff and Maintenance Director. Capital improvements are planned by the Town Maintenance Director.
Original policy adopted September 19, 1995; Revised November 17, 2006.
This page last updated on November 13, 2008.