Topic: Standards for Patron Conduct
Topic type:
It is the intention of Horowhenua Library Trust to provide library visitors with quality service in a safe and pleasant atmosphere. This policy sets out the standards of conduct for customers who for customer con
Principle
It is the intention of HOROWHENUA LIBRARY TRUST to provide library visitors with quality service in a safe and pleasant atmosphere. The ‘Basic Rule’ of patron conduct, therefore, is that library patrons are expected to refrain from any conduct that disturbs library users or staff, or hinders others from using the library or library materials.
Application
Conduct which has been specifically identified as breaking the ‘Basic Rule’ includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Any behavior or language that a reasonable person would find threatening, intimidating, unruly or offensive,
- Creation or emanation of any odour that can be detected 1 metre away,
- Excessive noise / noise which disturbs others,
- Abuse / vandalism of library facilities, equipment or material,
- Bringing animals other than service animals into a library,
- Trespassing in non-public areas of a library,
- Abandonment / leaving of young children unattended,
- Illegal activities within the library or on library grounds,
- Being under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs, selling, using or possessing alcohol / illegal drugs,
- Smoking or other use of tobacco,
- Roller blading, skating or skateboarding,
- Use of cell phones (phones should be set to silent mode)
- Failure to abide by the Computer Use Policy
Disciplinary Action
Patrons who fail to observe the ‘Basic Rule’ will be asked to discontinue the unacceptable behaviour, and may, if the behaviour continues, be asked to leave the library for the remainder of the day. If the patron fails to leave or causes a disturbance, the police will be called.
At the discretion of the Head of Libraries, or the Supervisor at the time, a longer suspension of library privileges, or an extension of the suspension to other library branches, may be imposed. If required, a criminal trespass procedure may be invoked to enforce this suspension.
Adopted by the Horowhenua Library Trust July 2010
