Library Code of Conduct

The intent of this policy is to outline the conduct expected of library customers in accordance with the Library Regulation 2005. Based on the nature and severity of the breach, customers who do not comply with the code may be denied access to the library or library services, risk being banned for a defined period and may be referred to the NSW Police.

Wentworth Shire Library Service is committed to encouraging community use by providing a safe and welcoming environment which allows fair and equitable access to services, resources and programs. Library staff will abide by the customer service commitment of Wentworth Shire Council and provide support and guidance to customers when using library services and resources.

Access

Customers are able to access public areas of the Library but should not enter staff areas such as offices, workrooms and behind service desks.

Alcohol & Drugs

Customers shall not be under the influence of, use or sell alcohol or any illegal substance while in the library.

Animals

Assistance animals are welcomed. All other pets should be left at home.

Appearance

If the personal hygiene, condition or dress of a library customer is likely to give offence they may be asked to leave.

Behaviour

Unsociable behaviour, including harassing or threatening customers or staff is unacceptable. Such behaviour includes, but is not limited to, aggression, abuse or intimidation. Customers will treat staff and other library users with respect and courtesy. Customers shall not interfere with a library employee’s performance of his/her duties.

Disruptive behaviour of any kind that creates an unpleasant or unhealthy environment, including excessive noise is not acceptable. Customers shall avoid activities which lessen the comfort and positive experience of others. Running inside the library and the use of skateboards, blades, skates and scooters are not appropriate.

Distributing literature, soliciting or selling by members of the public is not acceptable.

Library staff will refer unlawful behaviour such as theft, vandalism, assault, carrying a weapon and other criminal offences to the NSW Police.

Damage and inappropriate use of library items, equipment, furniture and facilities.

Any behaviour which damages or misuses library equipment, furniture and facilities including tampering with security tags, cutting, tearing or defacing library items will attract charges and may result in a period of exclusion from the library or library services.

Hiding or deliberately misplacing library resources or equipment is not acceptable.

Library staff will refer any unlawful behaviour to the NSW Police.

Food

Consumption of food (including chewing gum) and drink will only be allowed in the library in designated areas and by prior arrangement, and should not interfere with the comfort of others or cause damage.

Food and drink should be kept away from computers and other electrical equipment.

Internet use

eSmart Behaviours :

  • Do not share your login details or password with others.
  • Do not give out personal or financial details to people you have not met
  • Report any bullying, harassment or unlawful behaviour to the relevant authorities/mediators.
  • Think carefully before posting content online including the sharing of photographs and videos.
  • Avoid opening emails or downloading attachments from unknown senders.
  • Ensure children under 12 years of age are not using computers or internet without parental permission

Harmful behaviours – Unacceptable online behaviours include:

  • Illegal downloading, licence infringement, or intentional unauthorised infringement of copyright.
  • Sending, receiving or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as inappropriate or offensive. Patrons using public areas and amenities are expected to exercise reasonable sensitivity to values and beliefs of others when displaying material.
  • Intimidation, insults, or causing harm physical or emotionally in a manner that may be viewed as bullying.
  • Misrepresenting oneself as another user; by attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; by seeking unauthorised access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
  • Violation of computer system security or change of library default settings on public access computers.

Library membership

All library customers must agree to abide by the policies and procedures of the library. Customers must have a valid library card to borrow and are responsible for all items borrowed on that card. Library items must be returned or renewed by the due date or overdue charges will apply. Library items must not be removed from the library without being borrowed. Customers are responsible for any loss or damage incurred to library items.

Personal items

Customers are responsible for their personal property at all times, and should never leave personal belongings unattended. The Library is not liable for loss or damage to personal property. Library staff have the right to request to inspect equipment, folders, bags or property as customers enter or leave the library.

Photography/filming

Written permission must be granted by staff prior to photography and filming taking place in the library.

Smoking

All library buildings, including porches and verandahs, are smoke free zones.

Supervision of children

Staff cannot supervise unattended children in the library.

Parents are responsible for the suitability of the information their children access through the library.

Parents are responsible for the behaviour of their children in the library.

Vacating the library

Customers must leave the library when requested at closing time and during emergency situations or as directed by library staff.

The determination to ask a person to leave the library will be based on judgement as to the nature and severity of the breach of this Code. The primary purpose of directing a person to leave the Library is to ensure the safety and security of Library customers, staff and volunteers, collections and facilities.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Team Leader Libraries is responsible for implementation of the policy.

The Library staff members are responsible for identifying behaviour in breach of the policy and responding in accordance with the policy. 

Library customers are responsible for adhering to the policy and acting in accordance with the reasonable directions of the Library Manager and Library Staff

This code of conduct draws from the following legislation

  • NSW Library Act 1939
  • NSW Library regulations (2010)