NORTHLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY TEST PROCTORING POLICY
Introduction
As a public service and as part of the Library’s effort to support the goal of lifelong learning, Northland Public Library (NPL) provides written and online exam proctoring, subject to availability of staff, space, and technology, and in accordance with the conditions and procedures listed below. NPL reserves the right to limit or deny this service if the proctoring request does not meet the test proctoring guidelines.
Fees
Fees are assessed to help cover the costs of coordination, supervision, any necessary printing, faxing, photocopying, scanning, and recordkeeping. The testing fees are as follows:
$15.00 per exam for residents of our supporting municipalities: Borough of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park Borough, Marshall Township, Town of McCandless and Ross Township.
$20.00 per exam for nonresidents.
NPL accepts payment via cash, check, or credit card.
Requirements
Library staff will proctor exams by appointment only. A minimum of 24 hours advanced notice is required for the Library to proctor an exam.
Test-takers must schedule their exams during normal Library hours of operation – between 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Tests are not proctored on weekends at this time. Exams must be completed 15 minutes prior to library closing time.
Test Supervision and Space
NPL staff will directly supervise the test-taker at the beginning and end of the exam and conduct periodic checks throughout the exam, but cannot monitor the test-taker continuously. Due to staff schedules, the proctor who begins the test may not be the same staff person on duty when the test is completed.
Library staff will make every effort to set the test-taker apart from high traffic areas but cannot guarantee quiet work spaces.
Library staff can provide a private study room for some examinations. Extra time is needed for scheduling these exams because the study room is often reserved for other uses.
Procedures
Test-takers should contact the designated NPL staff person at 412-366-8100 x113 or email northlandadults@northlandlibrary.org. Test-takers shall provide the following information when scheduling the exam:
- Name, phone number and email address
- Address and municipality
- Expected date and time for the exam
- Format of the exam (paper or online)
- If online, are you using a personal computer or a library computer
- Expected length of time for the exam
- Name of the institution offering the exam
- Contact information of the teacher or testing center administrator.
Any materials or supplies required for a test must be provided by the test-taker or the testing institution.
The test-taker is responsible for making arrangements with the institution for delivery of the exam and/or passwords needed for online access. The test-taker must confirm that “public library staff” meets the institution’s criterion to serve as proctors. NPL accepts tests via US Mail, FedEx, UPS or email.
The test-taker is responsible for ensuring that all of the necessary examination materials and information have been received by the proctor prior to the scheduled exam.
On the day of the exam, the test taker must report to the Ask-a-Librarian Desk on the upper level to present photo-identification and to pay the required fee for the proctored test.
Library staff proctoring the exam will complete appropriate documentation forms provided by the institution. The proctor will not sign a proctoring verification form that attests to more than they are able to do. The proctor will not enter personal information such as a social security number, home phone number or driver’s license number.
Library staff will mail completed paper exams to institutions if a postage paid USPS envelope is provided. Library staff will fax or scan and email answer sheets if requested by the institution. NPL is not responsible for any costs in mailing the examination.
Restrictions
Examinations not completed by the test-taker within 30 days of receipt by NPL will not be retained unless the test-taker has made prior arrangements.
NPL does not allow the installation of any special software that may be needed to complete the examination on a Library computer. NPL cannot guarantee the speed of its internet connection or that technical problems will not occur.
Library staff cannot provide the test-taker with technical support during the exam, unless the problem is a malfunction of the Library’s equipment.
The exam fee is non-refundable unless there is a failure by NPL to abide by its agreement due to circumstances beyond its control (inclement weather, computer malfunctions, etc.).
It is the responsibility of the test-taker to notify NPL if they are unable to make the appointment. Library staff will reschedule exams for test-takers who could not take the exam because of failure of the Library to live up to its agreement or due to circumstances beyond the control of the test-taker.
Approved 9/15/2015
Rev 4/20/2023
Rev 7/11/2023
Rev 8/25/2023
Rev 1/23/2024