Policy ID no: DSD 1 - CEO

LIBRARY USE POLICY

Date Authorised by Chief Executive Officer or Council: / August 2017
Commencement Date: / August 2017
Review Date (10 years from authorised date): / August 2027
Responsible Department / Social Development

This policy has been authorised and is included on The Grapevine.

Nerina Di Lorenzo

Chief Executive Officer

August 2017

1  INTRODUCTION

The resources and services of Moreland City Libraries are for the benefit and use of the whole community. The Library Use Policy is to ensure that Moreland’s libraries operate efficiently and effectively and that the behaviour of library patrons is reasonable and does not infringe upon the rights of other patrons and staff.

The Library Use Policy applies across Moreland City Libraries and will be available for consultation by library patrons at all library service points at all times.

2  CONTEXT

This policy updates the Library Use Policy dated January 2015 (DSD 1 – CEO approved 27 January 2015).

The conditions by which library members may borrow materials from Moreland’s libraries are detailed in the Library Loans Policy.

Detailed loans procedures are contained within the Moreland City Libraries Policy Procedures and Guidelines Manuals, which are kept at each library service point.

Procedures and conditions relating to the use of computers, Internet, wireless, printing and photocopying facilities are detailed in the Library Services - Computers, Internet, Wireless, Printing and Photocopying Conditions for Public Use Policy.

Library fees and charges are detailed in the Library Fees and Charges which are available at all library service points.

Guidelines for the selection, acquisition and withdrawal of materials are contained in the Library Services - Selection and Collection Development Policy.

Display of any material within the library, including advertisements and notices, must comply with the Library Display Facilities and Notice Boards Policy.

The implications of the Library Use Policy have been assessed in accordance with the requirements of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

3  OBJECTIVE

The Library Use Policy aims to clarify the expected behaviour of people when in the libraries and outlines the conditions associated with being a member of the library.

4  POLICY DETAILS

4.1  Admission to the Library

Patrons may only enter the library at the times of opening fixed by Council except with the permission of an authorised staff member.

Patrons who are intoxicated or under the influence of a prohibited drug must not enter the library.

Patrons must not bring any animals, birds or reptiles into the library with the exception of guide and hearing dogs.

Patrons may bring cold foods and non-alcoholic drinks into the library, but they must not consume food or drink near the computers.

Children in any of Moreland’s libraries who are under 10 years of age, must be accompanied and actively supervised by a responsible person.

Patrons must not enter restricted areas of the library without the permission of an authorised staff member.

4.2  Membership of the Library

In order to borrow materials and use Internet and wireless facilities, patrons must have current membership of the library and agree to the conditions of use.

Any individual may apply to become a member of the library by using the prescribed application form together with proof of current address (a recent bill, health card, rates notice, driver’s licence or student card which includes a current address).

Any application for membership by a person under 18 years of age must be signed by an adult guarantor. The adult guarantor will need to provide proof of current address (a recent bill, health card, rates notice, driver’s licence or student card which includes a current address). An application for membership by a person between 16 to 18 years of age without access to an adult guarantor will be referred to a senior staff member.

Any application for membership by a person with no fixed address will be given consideration, with limited borrowing conditions.

Schools and other community organisations in Moreland may apply for membership on the condition that an individual person accepts responsibility for the membership. The library must be notified of any personnel changes.

All applicants for membership must undertake to comply with library policies. Failure to do so will result in suspension of membership privileges.

Separate permission must be completed for the use of public Internet using the prescribed application form.

If the individual or guarantor does not have proof of current address, the membership card will be issued by mail unless the guarantor is already a library member. The individual will not be able to borrow physical items until the membership card has been received but may access electronic resources, computers, the Internet and wifi.

The library must be notified within 48 hours of any loss or theft of membership card and within 7 days of any change of address.

Use of membership cards is not transferable and the holder of the membership card is responsible for all items borrowed on that card.

Conditions relating to the loan of materials are detailed in the Library Loans Policy.

Conditions relating to the use of Internet and wireless facilities are detailed in the Library Services - Computers, Internet, Wireless, Printing and Photocopying Conditions for Public Use Policy.

4.3  Conduct within the Library

Users must:

·  Conduct themselves in a responsible and reasonable manner whilst in the library and treat Library staff and other members of the public with respect

·  Provide proof of identification, such as a current library membership card, when requested by an authorised staff member

·  Pay the fee prescribed in the Library Fees and Charges for the use of any equipment, including photocopiers and printers.

Patrons must not:

·  Damage any library materials, furniture, equipment or facilities

·  Make any noise, or cause any noise to be made, which will interfere with the enjoyment of the library by other users

·  Run or throw items within the library or endanger other users or staff in any manner

·  Consume hot foods or alcoholic drinks within the library;

·  Smoke within the library or within five metres of an entrance to the library

·  Sell any items or make a collection of money within the library

·  Wear rollerblades or use a skateboard within the library or bring any other vehicle into the library with the exception of prams and wheelchairs

·  Distribute any handbills, advertisements, petitions or other notices within the library

·  Conduct any form of gambling within the library

·  Remain in the library after having been lawfully directed to leave by an authorised staff member.

The following behaviours may result in Library staff taking action:

·  Assaulting

·  Shouting

·  Swearing or using abusive language

·  Insulting

·  Damaging property

·  Making sexist or racist remarks

·  Being affected by alcohol or drugs

·  Entering staff only areas

In addition:

·  Patrons who wish to display any material within the library, including advertisements and notices, must apply to do so using the standard application form in accordance with the Library Display Facilities and Notice Boards Policy

·  Leaflets and newsletters of a commercial and/or controversial nature must not be distributed in the library

·  No canvassing may be undertaken within the library

·  Patrons wishing to use any meeting rooms attached to the library must apply to do so through Council’s Facilities Unit

·  Anyone wishing to take photographs within the library must obtain prior permission from an authorised staff member. Photographing persons within the library is not permitted without that person’s permission.

4.4  Enforcement of the Policy

Any patron must immediately desist from unacceptable behaviour and must immediately leave the library if requested by an authorised staff member.

Failure to comply with the conditions of the Library Use Policy may result in suspension of library privileges and, if appropriate, referral to the police for further action.

5  DEFINITIONS

Term / Definition
Council
Library
Patron
Member
Authorised staff member
Canvassing / Moreland City Council.
A library belonging to or under the control or management of Council and includes the buildings, rooms, offices, passages, staircases, foyers, meeting rooms, adjacent entrances and sanitary facilities and includes the Brunswick, Campbell Turnbull, Coburg, Fawkner and Glenroy libraries.
Any person, whether or not a member, who visits a library for the purpose of using any Library resources and/or facilities.
Any user who has fulfilled the requirements for membership of the Library and has a current membership card.
Any person officially employed by Council in the library.
The act of conducting surveys, opinion polls or interviews within the library to gather information about a topic or to spread information of a political nature to garner support for a cause or political party.

6  ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

Library Loans Policy - CEO authorised - (D11/133135).

Library Services - Computer, Internet, Wireless, Printing and Photocopying Conditions for Public Use Policy – CEO authorised - (D11/133006).

Library Fees and Charges - CEO authorised - (D09/19086).

Library Services - Selection and Collection Development Policy – CEO authorised – (D08/181653).

Library Display Facilities and Notice Boards Policy - CEO authorised - (D15/36082).

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