Administrative Regulation 12.05-1

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:   AR: 12.05-1 DATE APPROVED: September 13, 2011
SUBJECT: Library Code of Conduct ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: Library Services

POLICY:

Members of the public are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that does not interfere with others and is in keeping with the nature of the library’s programs and services. The Citrus County Library System provides space for educational and recreational reading and programs, research, quiet reading, learning, community gatherings, and computer use. Any activity not connected with these purposes is inappropriate. Anyone who disrupts or interferes with these purposes is subject to removal from the building and/or restriction of library privileges.

REGULATIONS:

Behavior becomes unacceptable when it infringes on the rights of others, when it could result in injury to oneself or others, when it could result in damage to the library building, materials or equipment, or when it does not comply with the existing policy guidelines. This kind of behavior includes:
  • campaigning, soliciting, or petitioning in the library
  • child abuse
  • conducting mobile phone calls in the library
  • disturbing patrons or staff by poor personal hygiene
  • eating in non-designated areas
  • exhibitionism
  • drinking from containers other than sealable screw-capped bottles
  • fighting
  • gathering in disruptive groups around computer workstations
  • gambling
  • harassment, verbal or physical abuse of other library users or staff
  • intoxication resulting from alcohol or drugs
  • noise or talking which disturbs others
  • use of obscene language
  • intentional disruption of the computer systems or networks
  • horseplay within the building or its grounds
  • sending, displaying, or printing of obscene material
  • sleeping
  • smoking, chewing, or dipping tobacco products
  • swapping computers after one has been assigned
  • turning the volume up too loudly on TVs, computers, or other media players
  • use of wrong restrooms
  • vandalism or library facilities or equipment
  • voyeurism/peeping
The following may not be brought into County Library facilities: 
  • animals, except for “service animals”
  • bedrolls/blankets
  • food/drink, except as detailed above or at specified library approved programs or functions by pre-arrangement and with approval of Library Director or designee
  • illegal drugs 
Children under the age of 11 years old are not to be left at any library facility during open hours without accompanied supervision by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver who is at least 14 years of age. 

Rehabilitative efforts for patrons exhibiting unacceptable behavior include verbal instruction, providing a copy of the library system’s Code of Conduct, notifying the parents of a patron under the age of 18, and removal from the library and grounds. 

In the instance that a patron consistently exhibits unacceptable behavior, and rehabilitative efforts have not proven successful, the patron’s library privileges may be terminated.

FOOTNOTES & REFERENCES RELATED TO AR's: Supersedes AR 12.07.04-1, dated December 14, 1999, 12.07.04-2 dated July 27, 2004, AR 12.05 Dates July 27,2010