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Policy for Homebound Services for Huntley Area Public Library Patrons
Purpose
The Huntley Area Public Library extends its free Homebound Service to residents in the library district who are unable to reach the library or leave home as a result of a disabling condition or lack of transportation that lasts 6 weeks or longer. Homebound patrons request specific materials and/or request that a librarian selects items from a list of patron preferences. Materials are then delivered by library volunteers. This policy will define those services provided to patrons who are homebound and qualify for this service.
Provisions
An application for participating in the Homebound Service must be completed with the Huntley Area Public Library in order to qualify for home delivery of materials. The application must indicate the disabling condition or other reason for needing the service as well as provide an emergency contact and the application must be signed by a library employee.
Once the application has been submitted and accepted, the patron will be entitled to the following terms and conditions:
- The following library materials are available for delivery through the Homebound Service: books, audio books, magazines, and music that have a circulation of 3 weeks. DVDs and VHS materials are not eligible for loan.
- Materials checked out to the patron are subject to normal circulation procedures. The payment of overdue fines is waived for homebound patrons when the library is at fault (i.e. pickup/delivery problems).
- Patrons are responsible for the cost of lost and damaged items they have borrowed.
- There is a 25 item limit per delivery.
- Home deliveries are made by volunteers. The frequency of the deliveries is based on volunteer availability and patron need.
- A patron who is eligible for homebound delivery must designate and allow a library employee to have access to their library records to manage the circulation on their account. This includes, but is not limited to: hold requests, overdue materials and registration records.
- A Reader’s Advisory form may be filled out by the homebound patron for selection purposes if the patron wishes to have materials selected for them. Reader’s Advisory is a service that recommends books of similar genre, subject matter, or writing style based on books previously read or interests indicated by a patron.
- A record of all material checked out by the homebound patron will be maintained to assist staff in the selection and delivery of materials. Record will be disposed of after service has ended.
- A record of materials currently checked out to the homebound patron will be attached to each delivery and requires a signature when materials are delivered and retrieved.
- Patrons will notify library when Homebound Service is no longer needed.
- If the library determines that an individual is no longer homebound, the library will notify that individual that he or she is no longer eligible for Homebound Services.
Homebound Volunteers
- Roles & Responsibilities
Persons requesting delivery are referred to the Homebound Coordinator. The Homebound Coordinator will assess each homebound situation with the goals of serving the needs of those qualifying for the services and assuring safe access and a healthy environment for the delivery volunteer.
- Training & Supervision
The Volunteer Coordinator supervises the homebound delivery service. The Volunteer Coordinator provides continual support and guidance to homebound volunteers in their interactions with at-home patrons and in their selection of materials. The Volunteer Coordinator also works closely with library staff to facilitate borrowing and delivery of library materials to the homebound.
- Work Schedules
Individual schedules and specific delivery times will be mutually arranged by the delivery volunteer and the homebound patron.
Adopted January 16, 2008
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