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Rules of Conduct

Policy Statement

The Library is committed to preserving a welcoming and pleasant environment for library visitors to read, to learn, to discover new ideas and to participate in library programs and activities. The Library is responsible for establishing Rules of Conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library visitors, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the Library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. In addition to enabling the Library to fulfill its service mission, these Rules of Conduct also serve to ensure that all visitors are treated equally and fairly and to stipulate consequences for violating the Rules of Conduct, which may include denial or limitation of access to library services.

Rules of Conduct

Respect the right of everyone in the Library to enjoy a pleasant environment. 

Library visitors shall: 

  • Behave in a manner that is courteous and respectful of other visitors, library staff and volunteers at all times. Language that is abusive, harassing or obscene to any other visitor or staff member will not be tolerated. 
  • Limit and modulate conversations with other visitors, staff or on cell phones in order to not disrupt the activities of other visitors. In addition, sound from personal electronic devices, including cell phones should be muted or listened to with headphones. 
  • Refrain from smoking, including e-cigarettes, anywhere in the Library, including the rest rooms, or on the Library grounds within 20 feet of any entrance or open window. 
  • Refrain from behavior such as panhandling, soliciting and/or gambling within the Library or on Library grounds. 
  • Maintain appropriate bodily hygiene that does not constitute a nuisance or health threat to other library users. 
  • Refrain from sleeping, or appearing to be sleeping within the library building or on library grounds, since sleeping does not involve use of library collections and services. 
  • Dress appropriately for a public facility. Clothing that covers the upper and lower body is required, in addition to shoes or other footwear. Because the library seeks to foster a safe environment for all, visitors within the library or on library grounds observed to be wearing any attire that is commonly associated with gangs or which contains violent or obscene language will be asked to remove or cover the article of clothing in question. 

Keep your Library a safe place. 

Library visitors shall: 

  • Obey all applicable Federal, state, and local laws. Library staff will immediately contact the police when observing any criminal behavior. Visitors who are suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or in the process of using alcohol or illegal drugs will be asked to leave the premises. 
  • Contact a library staff member immediately if illegal behavior or behavior that violates these rules of conduct is observed. 
  • Secure/monitor personal property at all times when visiting Library and the Library grounds. Please remember the Library is not responsible for theft or loss. 
  • Keep alcohol, weapons, and any illegal substance/contraband outside of the Library and off the Library grounds 
  • Keep personal belongings from obstructing pathways within the library or on library grounds. Bulky items such as bedrolls, blankets or large plastic bags/boxes are not allowed. 
  • Refrain from bringing shopping carts, skateboards, roller skates, bicycles, and (un)motorized scooters in the library. Baby strollers are permitted in order to allow families to utilize the library together, as are ADA assistance devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and scooters. 
  • Ensure that children under 8 years of age are always within visual contact of a parent or authorized caregiver at all times unless they are attending a Library-sponsored program, and a parent or authorized caregiver is available in the Library building 
  • Leave animals at home or secured safely in a vehicle (when the temperature allows) when visiting the library. The Library welcomes service animals with their companions and animals participating in a Library program. 

Treat Library furnishings, collections, equipment and grounds with care and respect. 

Library visitors shall: 

  • Utilize closed containers of water or other beverages within the library. Food may only be consumed at designated library outdoor spaces or select special events, and must be properly disposed of to maintain a clean library environment. 
  • Help keep our grass and landscaping alive: no wheeled vehicles (i.e. shopping carts, bicycles, etc.), large bags or boxes, or sitting/lying on grass or plants/vegetation on the library premises. Please keep pets away from these areas as well. 
  • Use library materials, furnishings, and equipment with care. If problems occur with library materials, furnishings, or equipment, please let a staff member know so that we can assist you. 
  • Use all technology equipment as instructed by the Library’s Technology and Internet Usage Policy and by posted rules for use. 
  • Refrain from defacing, damaging or destroying library furnishings, collections, equipment, landscaping, building materials or paving on library grounds. 
  • Use rest rooms appropriately – shaving, laundering, and bathing are not permitted. In addition, rest room time should be brief in order to be respectful to other visitors. 
  • Always check out library materials before carrying them out of the building. 

Consequences

The rules above are not intended to be a complete list of violations, but are intended for guidance only. Library staff, contracted security personnel and/or local law enforcement officers are authorized to expel persons who, advised of the regulations above, fail to comply with them. Such personnel also reserve the right to take appropriate action(s) against any other behavior that can reasonably be deemed to be offensive to library visitors or staff. 

The Salinas Public Library reserves the right to restrict the use of its facilities and premises to persons who do not abide by the Library’s Rules of Conduct. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules and policies could result in expulsion from the Library and revocation of Library privileges for a period of time specified by City of Salinas Resolution No. 11475, or in arrest and prosecution under California Penal Code Section 602.1(b).

 

Endorsed by the Library and Community Services Commission: July 13, 2016
Revision: June 8, 2022 

Internet and Technology Usage Policy

Policy Statement 

The Library offers access to information resources in electronic format, as well as computers and other technology equipment that allows library users to explore, view and create digital content or to further develop knowledge and skills that increase their proficiency with utilizing technology. This policy governs the usage of both technology equipment owned by the library, as well as equipment that library visitors may utilize within the library to access library resources. 

Limitations & Restrictions 

The Library’s technology and digital services are not intended to provide access to every software or hardware application or to every source of information available. It is the user’s responsibility to exercise judgment and discrimination when evaluating the usefulness and reliability of material found on the Internet. The Salinas Public Library is not responsible for the content, security or reliability of web sites not created by the library. 

Parents or legal guardians shall assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. It is both the right and the responsibility of parents and legal guardians to guide their own children’s usage of library resources in accordance with individual family beliefs. 

Library visitors are expected to use library-owned equipment in a responsible and courteous manner. Computers are located in public areas and shared by people of all ages and backgrounds. Internet users must be considerate and respectful of other library patrons and especially mindful of children in the library. Use of public computers for internet access to material that depicts sexual conduct of minors under the age of 18 or that displays material harmful to minors may violate different Penal Code provisions, such as Penal Code Sections 311.11 and 313.1, which may constitute a misdemeanor or felony offense under California law. A potentially unlawful use of public computers may be referred to law enforcement personnel for appropriate action. 

Computer Reservations and Time Limits 

A valid library card and password are required in order to reserve a computer. Visitors who may be in the area temporarily may request to be issued a guest pass. In order to provide equitable patron access, computer usage is limited to a finite number of sessions per day. Session limits may vary by location and by type of workstation and will be posted near the signup station. Computers must be reserved according to posted procedures. Library staff will protect user privacy by not giving out information about account numbers, and users may not utilize someone else’s library card for computer use. 

Some workstations have a dedicated purpose, such as using specialized learning and research services or completing homework and are to be used only for that dedicated purpose as posted. Some workstations are reserved, as posted, for use by children or for use by people with disabilities. 

Saving/Installing Files, Using External Devices & Printing 

To preserve patron privacy and ensure system functionality, software or files are not permanently saved to the hard disk of any library-owned computer. Personal software may NOT be installed on library computers. Also, the downloading of programs and other executable files is not allowed. Files may be saved to the user’s personal USB device, or other accepted storage device. 

The Library does not provide support for the patron’s equipment that is connected to the Library’s computers and does not assume liability for those devices’ functionality, contents or serviceability. 

All users are allowed five (5) free printed pages per day. Additional pages are available at the posted cost. In order to conserve resources, the Library encourages users to save digital files to personal devices for future reference rather than printing them. 

Confidentiality 

In general, the Library will treat information stored on computers as confidential (whether or not that information is protected by the computer operating system). Requests for disclosure of information will be honored only under one of the following conditions: 

• When authorized by the owners of the information; 

• When required by local, state or federal law. 

As part of normal system maintenance, network administrators do monitor system activity, but the Library does not reveal information about an individual’s use of computer resources unless compelled by law to do so. 

Activities on public computers or the Library public wireless network cannot be guaranteed any right to privacy. Users should exercise caution on any computer when transmitting personal or sensitive information. 

User Responsibilities 

All users of public computers or wireless network services shall: 

  • Comply with a library staff member’s reasonable request to refrain from or change a disruptive behavior. 
  • Sign up for only one computer session at a time. 
  • Report any loss or theft of their library card immediately. 
  • Observe the legal protections provided by copyright and license law, and computer abuse laws. 
  • Observe posted time limits and regulations for type of use.
  • Close all programs, log off and leave the workstation immediately at the end of their allotted time. 
  • Limit computer usage to a maximum of two people per workstation. 
  • Assume full responsibility for filing electronic forms. 
  • Report any equipment problems promptly to Library staff. 

All users of public computers or wireless network services shall NOT: 

  • Use sound and visuals which might disrupt the ability of other visitors to use the library and its resources. 
  • Share computer account numbers, passwords and other types of authorization that are assigned to individual users or use the account number of any other user to reserve or utilize technology resources. 
  • Download and/or install executable files from any source. 
  • Change the configuration files of any hardware or software on the Library’s workstations. 
  • Utilize library technology for any illegal purpose or activity. 
  • Misrepresent themselves on the Internet with the intention to commit harm, fraud, or as a source of electronic communication. 

Liability 

The Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to users’ data or devices, invasion of the user’s privacy, or for any personal damage or injury incurred as a result of using the Library’s technology resources. 

The Library is not responsible for the theft of personal computers or other devices, personal property loss or damage. 

The Library does not guarantee that individual users are protected from accessing information they personally may deem undesirable or disturbing. 

Consequences 

The Salinas Public Library reserves the right to restrict the use of its facilities and premises to persons who do not abide by the Library’s Rules of Conduct, which includes adherence to the Internet and Technology Usage Policy. Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules and policies could result in expulsion from the Library and revocation of Library privileges for a period of time specified by City of Salinas Resolution No. 11475, or in arrest and prosecution under California Penal Code Section 602.1(b).

 

Endorsed by the Library and Community Services Commission: July 13, 2016 ​

Rules Governing the Use of the Library by Children

Policy Statement 

The Salinas Public Library welcomes children and employs library staff members trained to provide research assistance, readers’ advisory service, and educational programs for children and teens. To protect the safety and well-being of children and promote equitable and comfortable Library use by all customers, the following rules should be observed. 

Definitions 

An unattended child is any person 8 years of age or younger who is attending a Library program, in the Library building, on the Bookmobile, or on the Library premises without direct supervision by a parent, guardian, or other authorized caregiver who is 12 years of age or older. A minor child, over the age of 8 may be allowed to use the library without adult supervision if permitted to do so by a parent or legal guardian but they remain legally the responsibility of their parents or guardians and should have an emergency contact available. 

Responsibilities of Parents or Caregivers and Children 

Responsibility for the safety and behavior of all children in the Library rests with parents, guardians or other authorized caregivers and not with Library staff. Library visitors of all ages are expected to follow the policies, rules, and procedures established in the Library’s Rules of Conduct. Parents or caregivers are responsible for ensuring that children meet these expectations as needed. 

General Guidelines: 

  • Children under 8 years of age should be within visual contact of a parent or authorized caregiver at all times unless they are attending a Library-sponsored program, and a parent or authorized caregiver is available in the Library building. If a parent cannot be located, staff will notify the police to report an abandoned child. 
  • Disruptive minors (eight years of age or older) will be asked to leave the library. If the minor cannot safely leave the library to return home on his/her own, staff will permit the minor to call a parent or guardian. 
  • Parents or authorized caregivers are expected to give unsupervised children (over the age of 8): a) the parent or caregiver’s location in or away from the library, and b) contact information for two parents or caregivers. 
  • Minors who have not been picked up at closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent or guardian. Two library staff members or one library staff member and a security guard, if one is available, will be assigned to wait after closing time with the minor(s) until the situation is resolved and minor(s) are picked up. 
  • Fifteen minutes after closing, if the minor(s) is still waiting at the library, and staff has been unable to contact parents or a responsible adult, library staff will notify the police to report an abandoned child.

 

Endorsed by the Library and Community Services Commission: July 13, 2016 

Collection Development Policy

Collection Development Policy

The Salinas Public Library is a public resource that seeks to support people who visit, work, learn, and live in the City of Salinas. With a collection of items and materials crafted to promote education and exploration, the Library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and dissemination of information and ideas, so that library users may become better contributors to their community and enjoy the privilege of unfettered access to knowledge and ideas. The Salinas Public Library upholds the principles of the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, the Freedom to View Statement, and Access to Digital Resources and Services, as endorsed by the American Library Association, and stands by the right of the public to receive access to a range of social, political, aesthetic, moral, and other ideas and experiences.

This policy is intended to serve as a guide for library staff in the management of the Collection and to inform the public of the basis of the library’s collection development practices, providing guidelines for the evaluation, selection, development, and deselection of the Salinas Public Library’s collection of print and non-print materials and items.

This policy will be periodically evaluated and revised to reflect new and evolving Salinas Public Library services.

Definitions

1. In this policy, any word or expression mentioned hereinafter has its statutory meaning unless otherwise specified, and:

a. “Library” refers to the Salinas Public Library, inclusive of its service points, and staff members.

b. “Collection” refers to the items and materials held by the Salinas Public Library both as a whole and as sub-collections.

Responsibility

2. Responsibility for the development and maintenance of the Collection rests with the Library and Community Services Director.

3. The Library and Community Services Director may delegate, to library staff, the authority to interpret and apply the Collection Development Policy in the selection, deselection, and maintenance of the Library’s Collection and materials held as part.

Selection Criteria

4. The Library will develop a Collection that:

a. meets the broad and diverse interests of the community;

b. respects both the library’s autonomy and the specific needs of the community;

c. provides interest, information, and enlightenment for all people;

d. provides diverse points of view in the Collection as a whole, and is representative of the diversity of the Salinas community, without discrimination; and

e. represent all sides of a given issue or topic, without bias.

5. Selection of material for the Collection, including materials that are self-published, is evaluated according to one or more of the following criteria:

a. importance of the subject matter;

b. timeliness, authority, and accuracy of information;

c. literary merit, award, or critical acclaim;

d. significance of the author or publisher;

e. cost and value of the material to the Collection;

f. popular interest or demand;

g. availability of the material in other format and/or at other libraries within the service area;

h. quality of content and suitability of physical treatment/durability for use in a public library; and

i. suitability of literary style for intended audience and/or subject.

6. Materials selected for the Collection are an expression of the Library’s support of intellectual freedom, not an endorsement of a particular point of view.

7. The Library may use third-party tools and employ outside organizations or groups to assist in the selection of materials for the Collection.

8. Suggestions and requests for additions to the Collection are welcomed from residents of the City of Salinas, if the item - in the opinion of library staff - meets the selection criteria.

9. If in cases that the Library is limited by physical space and/or funding, library staff will prioritize the selection and deselection of materials based upon the selection criteria.

Distribution of Collection

10. Each service point of the Library serves a specific geographic area in the city, which at times may serve a portion of our community that has needs or wants of the Collection not found in other areas. To address this, the Library may:

a. develop a Collection unique to a single service point, and

b. move materials between service points.

Maintenance of Collection

11. The Collection is a changing entity. Maintenance of the Collection is a necessary and ongoing part of ensuring a balanced and relevant Collection that serves the community in balance with other services provided by the Library such as publicly accessible computers, meeting spaces, and more.

12. Maintenance of the Collection includes:

a. the mending of items that are damaged;

b. the replacement of items that are damaged beyond the ability to mend; and

c. de-selection of materials.

13. The deselection of materials is done solely based on usage, condition, the release and selection of an updated version or edition, and/or inaccuracy.

14. Deselected materials may be sold to the Library’s benefit, donated, or disposed of.

Non-Traditional Library Materials

15. The Library may expand the Collection beyond what is traditionally considered library materials, such as books and magazines, to bring new offerings to library users. These non-traditional items include, but are not limited to, digital library materials such as eBooks, technology devices and sporting equipment.

16. The eligibility of library users to use and check-out non-traditional library materials may be limited by third party providers, or by the Library in acknowledgement of the higher value of the item(s), lower availability, and/or risk of physical injury.

Gifts and Donations

17. The Library will accept monetary gifts and gifts of materials and items if in provision of direct benefit to the Library; for example, growing the Library’s Collection and improving the Library’s physical spaces.

18. All self-published materials provided to the Library are considered a donated gift.

19. The Library will provide a donation receipt for reasons of tax purposes, if requested by the donor. If the donor requests a donation receipt in relation to a non-monetary gift, the appraisal of the gift is the responsibility of the donor.

20. If the donor has a specific request in relation to the gift; for example, how it is used, the donor must provide this request in writing to the Library. The Library and Community Services Director, or designate, will review the request and approve or reject the gift, based on the Library’s ability to accommodate the request associated with the gift.

21. All items donated to the Library become the property of the Library upon donation and will not be returned to the donor.

22. It is by the sole determination of the Library if a donated material is added to the Collection, donated elsewhere, sold for financial benefit of the Library, or disposed of.

Controversial Materials

23. The addition and presence of materials dealing with controversial views or subjects in the Collection are considered based on the entirety of work, not on isolated passages or sections.

24. Materials will not be labelled, except in indication of genre or area of the Collection.

25. Age restrictions will not be placed on print materials, audiovisual materials, and electronic copies of print materials.

26. Materials will not be sequestered from open public access, except to protect against damage or theft, or for means of processing a material for addition or return to a publicly accessible location within the Library.

27. Library users may come across materials in the collection that detail topics or points of view that they do not agree with, and/or find offensive. Each library user is expected to determine the appropriateness of the materials they select for themselves, and the mere presence of the materials in the Library is not grounds for deselection from the Collection, or sequestration.

28. Parents, and/or legal guardians, have the responsibility for determining their minor children’s choice of materials, appropriateness of materials for their minor children, and access to the Library. The Library and its staff do not stand “in loco parentis.”

Material Reconsideration Process

29. If an individual objects to an item in the Collection, a Request for Material Reconsideration Form must be filled out by the individual and submitted to the Library and Community Services Director.

a. A separate Request for Material Reconsideration Form must be filled out for each item.

b. Request for Material Reconsideration Forms will only be accepted by Salinas Public Library cardholders with active library accounts at the time the request is submitted.

c. The Library will only address a request to reconsider a title once every three years.

30. The Library and Community Services Director will respond to all requests for reconsideration within 60- Days of submission. Responses will be based upon the Collection Development Policy and are final.

31. No materials will be removed from the Collection until the review process is complete.