TRIM NO: 15/4487

Burwood Library and Community Hub

Internal Operational Policies

Patron Behaviour Policy

2015

Purpose

To enable the Burwood Library and Community Hub (hereafter referred to as the Library) to maintain a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment that is conducive to the use of the Library’s facilities, resources and services by all patrons.

This policy is designed to ensure that the Library operates efficiently and effectively by:

  • Protecting the rights and safety of library patrons
  • Protecting the rights and safety of library staff
  • Protecting and preservingCouncil’s resources, facilities and property

Patrons are expected to observe the rights of other patrons and staff and to use the Libraryfor its intended purpose.

Scope

This policy applies to all Library users.

The Statement

Expectations of library patrons

Patrons using the Libraryare expected to behave in a way that is not offensive to others and is appropriate to the Library’s stated purpose. To achieve this, the Library has established a Customer Service Charter which outlines accepted standards of behaviour. Violation of these standards may result in a patron being asked to leave the Libraryand forfeiture of library privileges.

The following behaviours are not acceptable:

  1. Engaging in any behaviour that library staff and patrons would find disruptive, harassing or threatening, including stalking,using abusive or profane language or prolonged staring.
  1. Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance.
  1. Smoking or using other tobacco products, including smoking directly outside the Library.
  1. Engaging in any sexual contact, activities or conduct.
  1. Vandalising or misuse of library materials, equipment or facilities.
  1. Selling, soliciting, surveying or distributing written materials or canvassing for any political, charitable or religious purposes inside the Library without the prior authorisation of Burwood Council.
  1. Entering non-public areas of the Librarywithout permission.
  1. Engaging in excessive or disruptive conversations or talking loudly (particularly on mobile phones).
  1. Restricting safe and free access to library aisles, hallways, etc.
  1. Not meeting acceptable standards of dress and personal hygiene. Footwear must be worn.
  1. Bringing any animal into the Library,with the exception of service animals.
  1. Failure to comply with any reasonable staff request or signage made in the interest of safety, security or effective functioning of the Library.

Enforcement of the Patron Behaviour Policy

  1. Patrons are expected to abide by this policy to ensure a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment.
  1. The Library’s Customer Service Charter will be displayed in the Library and the Patron Behaviour Policy will be available at the Information Desk.
  1. Patrons refusing to follow the guidelines will be asked to leave the Library and repeat offenders may be banned from future Library use in accordance with the provisions of the Library Regulation 2010. If banned, the patron’s name will be reported to the Burwood Police.
  1. In extreme cases staff may contact Burwood Police for assistance in dealing with inappropriate patron behaviour.

Personal Belongings

17.Patrons are advised not to leave personal belongings unattended. The Library is not responsible for any loss or damage that may occur. The theft of personal property should be reported to the police as well as to library staff.

Right of Appeal

  1. Patrons who have been excluded from the Library under this policy can have the decision reviewed by the Senior Manager, Community and Library Services. Patrons wishing to exercise this right should put their request in writing to d write in the subject line Attention: Senior Manager, Community and Library Services. Those without access to email can write to Senior Manager, Community and Library Services, C/- Burwood Library, PO Box 240, BURWOOD NSW 2134.

Related Information/Glossary

  • Burwood Library and Community Hub - Children in the Library Policy 2014
  • Burwood Library and Community Hub - Food and Drink Policy 2014
  • Burwood Library Internet Access Policy 2013
  • Library Regulation 2010

Review

The Burwood Library and Community Hub Patron Behaviour Policy will be reviewed every two years.

Contact

Library Services Coordinator
Burwood Library and Community Hub

2 Conder Street, Burwood NSW 2134

(02) 9911 9999

Policy Approved: January 2015

Simon Fox - Senior Manager, Community and Library Services