Cariboo Regional District Library User Code of Conduct
Statement of Intent
The Cariboo Regional District Library (CRDL)
encourages the public to use its library branches and services to the
fullest. The Library’s Code of Conduct has been established to foster a
welcoming and positive experience for everyone.
Behaviour which is disruptive,
impeding, abusive, insulting, harassing, or threatening to other Library
users or Library staff will not be tolerated.
Library users will not be allowed
to remain on Library premises when they are threatening the health and
safety of others or impeding their enjoyment of the space.
General Library User Conduct
·
The
use of alcohol and illegal drugs, and their associated paraphernalia, is
not permitted on Library property.
·
Smoking (including
vaping) is not permitted inside the Library.
In addition, the BC Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act
prohibits the use of tobacco or vapour products within a six-metre
(20-foot) area around any doorway, air intake or open window.
·
Threatening or
intimidating behaviours, e.g. abusive language, threats of violence, or
any type of harassment, will not be tolerated in the library.
·
Behaviours that are
disruptive or intrusive to the enjoyment of the library by others are
prohibited.
·
Animals are not
permitted in the Library. This does
not apply to registered service animals assisting individuals with
disabilities and/or medical conditions.
·
Firearms and other
dangerous objects intended to be used as weapons are not permitted on
Library property.
·
Food and beverages
are not permitted in the Library.
·
Clothing appropriate
for indoor public spaces must be worn while visiting the Library.
·
Posting notices on
Library property must have prior authorization from Library staff.
·
Soliciting,
advertising, or engaging in any commercial activity inside the Library or
on Library property is prohibited except for library-sponsored events that
have the prior authorization of Library management.
·
Anyone wishing to use
cell phones, audio, or multimedia devices should keep the volume at a low
level or use headphones/earbuds so as not to disturb other Library
users.
·
Individuals are
responsible for their own personal property when visiting the Library.
Personal items should not be left unattended.
The Library is not responsible for the loss of or damage to
personal items.
·
Photos and video
recordings of library users or staff are prohibited without prior
authorization from Library staff.
Children in the Library
·
Parents/guardians/care-givers are responsible for the welfare and
behaviour of children under their care when using the Library.
·
The Library is a public place visited by a wide variety of people.
For their safety, parents/guardians/care-givers should not leave
children unattended in the Library.
·
Library staff are trained to help with the use of Library resources,
but will not assume child-minding responsibilities for children visiting
the library.
Library Property Use
·
Library users are expected
to treat Library property, including collections, computers, furniture,
equipment, and facilities with respect and care.
It is an offence under the Criminal
Code of Canada to steal or vandalise Library property.
·
Library users shall use
the authorized entrance to the facility. Emergency
exits shall only be used in the event of an emergency.
·
Library users may borrow
materials in accordance with the Library’s borrowing policies and shall
return them on time and in good condition.
·
When using public
computers, Library users must follow the Criminal Code of Canada,
specifically Part V pertaining to sexual offences, public morals, and
disorderly conduct, and Part VIII pertaining to offences against the
person, including hate propaganda.
·
It is unacceptable to use
public computers, or personal electronic devices in the Library to view
content that is sexually explicit, violent, disturbing, or deemed
inappropriate by staff or the library community.
Printing and Photocopying (Copyright)
·
Library users are expected
to abide by the provisions of the Canadian Copyright Act, the Public
Library Copying License Agreement with Access Copyright and other
intellectual property rights. All
reproduction of material is the sole responsibility of the individual.
·
Library users are
responsible for fees charged by the Library for printing and photocopying.
Consequences for violating the Code of Conduct
·
Anyone who violates the
Library Code of Conduct risks consequences up to and including prosecution
by the RCMP and other relevant authorities.
Consequences will increase in relation to the behaviour exhibited.
·
Library staff will advise
Library users of inappropriate conduct, as required, and state the
consequences should the unacceptable behaviour continue or be repeated.
·
Loss of or damage to
Library property will result in a fine for the replacement cost of the
item plus a service charge.
Damaged items (including books) for which the fine has been paid will
remain in the possession of the Library.
·
If unattended children are causing a disturbance in the Library,
staff will attempt to contact parents to come to the Library to pick up
their child. Staff will remind
parents of the dangers of leaving unattended children in a public place
such as the Library. Repeated
offenses may result in a suspension of library privileges.
·
If unattended children are in the Library at closing, staff will
attempt to contact parents. If
no contact can be made within 10 minutes of closing, children will be
placed in the care of the RCMP.
·
In Library staff may
request assistance from the RCMP in situations where there is verbal abuse
or a real or perceived threat of bodily harm.
·
Library users who
participate in illegal behaviour or are found in violation of Library
rules and have been notified by Library staff may have some, or all, of
their Library privileges suspended. When
necessary, Library staff may contact the RCMP for support and assistance.
·
Library users who have had
their Library privileges suspended may not have access to any Cariboo
Regional District Library facilities, properties or services.
·
Library administration
will assign a suspension based on the severity of the offence, taking into
account any unique or mitigating circumstances.
In general, length of suspension
guidelines are as follows:
I.
A minor breach (e.g.
excessive noise, foul language, disrespect, disruptive behavior) of
library rules, will result in a person being asked to leave the library
immediately, for the rest of the day.
II.
Major or repeated breaches
of library rules may result in progressively longer periods of suspension,
up to 1 year. A Notice of Trespass
will be served at each incident resulting in suspension of 1 month or
longer. When a Notice of
Trespass is issued, it can be served verbally, in person, or by mail.
It may be served by Library staff, by a Bylaw Officer, or by the
RCMP. It will specify the
reason, the length of suspension, and the appeal process.
A copy of the notice will be kept on file at the Library.
III.
Verbal or physical abuse
of Library staff or other Library users, or the willful damage of Library
property, will result in a ban of at least six months in addition to
possible prosecution.
IV.
Subsequent violations of
the Code of Conduct may result in a suspension of 1 year.
Appeals Process
All
appeals to suspensions must be directed in writing to the Manager of
Library Services.
The Manager of Library
Services will reply in writing. This
decision will be final.
December 2021