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About The Library: Library Conduct Policy
About The Library: Library Conduct Policy809. Conduct in the Library
See also related policies: Meeting Room and Lobby Use (806), Unattended Children (813), Theft/Mutilation of Library Materials (811), Copyright (814), Bulletin Boards (803) and Internet Use (815). See also Iowa Code and Code of Iowa City, at the end of the policy.
809.1 | The purpose of the Conduct Policy is to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for all library patrons. It also ensures access to library facilities, the safety of users and staff, and the protection of the library collection, equipment and facility. Security cameras are in use in public and staff areas of the library to protect the safety and the security of the people, the building, and its contents. | |
809.2 | Patrons have the responsibility to use the library in a manner that a) does not interfere with the rights of other individuals to use library materials, resources, and services; b) does not limit the ability of library staff to conduct library business; and c) does not threaten the secure and comfortable environment of the library. Parents or caregivers are responsible for the conduct of children under the age of six. Prohibited conduct includes any illegal activity and may include, but is not limited to, the following: | |
809.201 | Willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening another person. | |
809.202 | Consuming alcohol or controlled substances, being intoxicated, smoking, or using tobacco products. | |
809.203 | Consuming food or beverages in such a way that could damage the library building, materials or furniture. Food and beverages are not permitted at or near library equipment. | |
809.204 | Using the library building, furniture or equipment in a manner that could cause harm to self, patrons, staff, or personal or public property. | |
809.205 | Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey taking, soliciting, posting notices, fundraising, or selling, unless authorized by the Director or designee. | |
809.206 | Picture taking or videotaping of people, except at events, unless authorized by the Director or designee and by the patrons involved, or their parents if minors are present. | |
809.207 | Behaving in a loud, boisterous or disruptive manner that is not solely caused by a disability. Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving or throwing things. | |
809.208 | Using a cell phone, pager, audio player or other electronic device in a manner that disrupts library operations. | |
809.209 | Impeding access to the building or an area of the building or blocking book stack aisles for extended periods of time. | |
809.210 | Bringing animals into the library, except service animals, unless authorized by the Director or designee. | |
809.211 | Leaving animals, bicycles or personal items in library entrances or walkways. | |
809.212 | Leaving unattended personal items in the building. The Library assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen, or unattended personal items. Items left longer than 30 minutes may be removed or taken to Lost and Found. | |
809.213 | Leaving suspicious packages that, in the opinion of staff, are of potential threat. These items may be removed from the premises without notice. | |
809.214 | Entering non-public areas or entering or leaving the building through non-public entrances and exits, unless accompanied by a staff member or through prior authorization from a staff member. | |
809.215 | Having offensive hygiene, odor or scent that constitutes a nuisance to other persons. | |
809.216 | Failing to exit the building at closing or not following directions from staff during an emergency. | |
809.217 | Using library areas or equipment for other than their designated use when these resources are limited. | |
809.218 | Relocating tables, chairs, equipment or other furniture without staff permission. | |
809.219 | Using the library, including restrooms, for bathing, shampooing or doing laundry. | |
809.220 | Wearing masks or being disguised for reasons other than health or religious practice. | |
809.3 | Individuals who have been given a second warning or asked to leave for the day may be photographed by staff for identification purposes. | |
809.4 | Failure to comply with the Conduct Policy may result in loss of library privileges up to and including banning from the library. Bans of more than one day must be authorized by the Library Director or designee. Whenever possible a ban will include a written statement documenting behavior and noting the terms of the ban. Bans may be appealed to the Library Director or the Library Board of Trustees. | |
Iowa Code: |
Disorderly Conduct, §723.4 Assault, §708.1 Intoxication, §123.46 Trespass, §716.7 Criminal Mischief, §716.1 Indecent Exposure, §709.9 Theft, §714.1 Unlawful Assembly, §723.2 Harassment of Public Officers, Employees, §718.4 Willful Disturbance, §718.3 Use of Computers, §622.51A, §702.1A, §702.14, §714.1, and §716.6B. |
Code of Iowa City: |
Disorderly Conduct (8-5-1) Begging (8-5-2) Damaging, Defacing Property (8-5-4) Indecent Exposure and Conduct (8-5-6) False Alarms (8-5-7) Animal Control (8-4-6) |
Adopted - 04/25/91
Revised - 05/25/95
Revised - 01/28/99
Revised - 12/10/01
Revised - 01/27/05
Revised - 01/08/08