Library Rules:
It is essential for every library to have its own rules and regulations aimed at ensuring the healthy management of the library. The rules oblige both the library authorities and the users to follow the straight lines of the rules. If someone wants democracy, the rules warn him in the middle. Library rules are the constitutional form of library management and system. As a result, librarians, staff, and innocent reading groups are saved from many additional troubles and benefit greatly from the rules. No one has to plead with anyone or ask for anyone’s favor; the rules keep him going. Everyone has to follow the rules that the librarian imposes once they start. A library is a social institution; there will be rules by which the library is operated called library rules. A university cannot be run with different public library rules for different libraries. Again, the rules of special libraries or research libraries are completely impractical for school libraries. But there are two special areas that are practically the same for all libraries. For example:
1) Ensuring maximum library services to the community;
2) Ensuring the security of library resources and refraining from destruction;
3) Library building, books, furniture, sightseeing objects, etc.
That is why it is essential for every library to have its own rules. It is up to the librarian to decide what the rules will be in a library. The main consideration while making the rules is the ‘library community’. The following outline is discussed:
1. Timing: Keeping in mind the ideal of ‘Ensuring maximum benefit of the reader and maximum use of library resources’, library timings are fixed considering the area, readers, library staff’s rank and salary benefits, office and institutional requirements, etc. Schools, colleges, or educational institutions of that level shall be open on opening days from ten to five or nine to four, closed on public and other holidays. Private public libraries are usually open in the afternoon. Government library timings will be from 8 AM to 9 PM. It is to be hoped that this library established and run with public money will ensure the maximum utilization of the hard-earned resources of the people. The librarian is strongly of the opinion that government libraries should be open on special arrangements even on holidays. If necessary, special allowances can be arranged for officers and employees. Those who are professionals will come to the library on holidays. If the library is open during the holidays, the study opportunities of the professionals will increase. If you think with foresight, you will understand that it is national development.
2. Holidays: Like everyone, the library will enjoy weekends. However, it may be on any day other than a weekend at the discretion of the authorities. And if it is arranged to keep the library open on weekends as a special consideration, then it is important to arrange leave for every employee as per the routine on alternate days. It should be remembered that if there is no rest after work, no one can expect high-quality labor and use of talent. It is pertinent to mention that the doctrine of keeping libraries open on holidays is now practiced almost all over the world. In today’s world, research and university libraries are available ’round the clock’.
3. Age: Children’s education in public libraries will be limited to children’s libraries, even up to a certain age. The children’s section of the library is for those who understand how to care for books. There is no time limit for adults. The school committee will decide how the library will be used or which classes will be restricted to the students. Attendance of the class teacher and librarian is essential during the junior library classes.
4. Book Issue: Who can take out how many books from the library will be determined by library rules. The government law will tell whether public libraries will give books or not. Those who borrow books, whether they are educated or less educated, many of them are destroying the trust of librarians by pretending to be inconsiderate to the library. The librarian wants to stay away from the book issue for fear of not being able to match the stock. Still there should be scope for book issue. Private public libraries are run by members, funded by various organizations and with the help of philanthropists. According to the category of the member there the amount of book issue is determined. Many libraries, especially college libraries, require a library deposit, which is forfeited if not returned.
5. Limitation of Donation of Membership: There are some people in the society who do not want to obey the law. very crazy It is consistent not to allow troublesome persons access to the library. Library rules should empower librarians in this regard.
6. Bringing pets to the library: Many people have pets. They pretend to take care of the pet and enter the library. This should be done with caution and should be prohibited by library rules.
7. Securing property in the library: Library rules should always be sufficient in providing security to library property. It is essential to have a mechanism for collecting compensation as per rules if books and other materials are damaged by someone in the library. However, it should be remembered that it is best to arrange for new copies of the same book instead of the lost or damaged book if the book is available in the market. No laxity is desirable in this regard.
8. Use of Library Card/Ticket at the time of book issue: Users shall submit the issue ticket to the librarian while issuing the book. How many books is he supposed to get, Surely he has how many tickets. A card/ticket. Careful attention to this matter will save the librarian from further trouble. And in libraries where there is a system of giving only one membership card for the user, there is a system of recording the total number of issued books on the number card. Presently, charging procedure is provided through an toonline database.
9. Late Penalty: There should be a mechanism to levy late penalty if library books are not returned on time. Paying the late fine makes the user alert to use the library. However, it is good to have an exception to the rule if you cannot return the book on time for unavoidable reasons (such as illness). It maintains good relationship between library and user.
10. Duration: It is very important to have a specific time limit for how long the books are provided. But it is better to have the opportunity to re-issue twice. In this case students and researchers benefit more.
Finally, introducing library rules is not a policy to turn anyone away from libraries. Attracting him to the library will mean ensuring the library’s facilities. A ‘summary’ or summary of library rules may be printed on library tickets, book cards, etc. As a result the user will be cautious about library usage and other matters.
How to behave in the library?
Behaving appropriately in a library is essential to maintain a quiet, respectful environment for others to focus on studying, reading, or research. Here are some basic guidelines on how to act in a library:
1. Keep Noise to a Minimum:
- Speak quietly or whisper if you must talk.
- Avoid loud phone conversations; switch your phone to silent mode.
- If you listen to music or watch videos, use headphones at a low volume.
2. Respect personal space:
- Don’t disturb others by spreading your belongings over multiple seats.
- Be mindful of shared spaces like study tables and computers.
3. Handle Books with Care:
- Return books to the correct spot or to designated return areas.
- Avoid eating or drinking near books to prevent damage.
4. Limit Eating and Drinking:
- Some libraries allow small snacks or drinks, but avoid noisy or messy food.
- Always check your library’s policy about food and beverages.
5. Use Electronic Devices Considerately:
- Silence your phone and other devices to avoid distracting others.
- Use computers and library equipment responsibly.
6. Be Mindful of Time:
- If using a shared resource like a computer or study room, be aware of time limits.
- Avoid lingering in areas where others may be waiting.
7. Follow the Library’s Rules:
- Each library may have its own specific guidelines, so pay attention to posted rules and regulations.
8. Clean Up After Yourself:
- Remove any trash, return chairs to their place, and leave your workspace tidy.
9. Respect Staff and Other Patrons:
- Be polite and considerate to library staff and other visitors.
- If you need help, approach staff quietly and respectfully.
Following these simple rules will help maintain a peaceful and productive environment for everyone in the library.
