Customer Behavior and Child Safety Policies
Customers shall behave in a manner that will not disturb other people in the Library or inhibit other people’s use of Library collections, space, and services.
Specific Rules of Conduct:
1. Customers shall wear shoes and shirts. No wet swimsuits are allowed.
2. Customers shall keep their feet off of tables and chairs.
3. No scooters, roller skates, roller blades, or skateboards shall be used in the Library, and no bicycles shall be brought inside the building.
4. No pets are allowed in the building, except for guide dogs and animals that are part of a Library-sponsored activity.
5. Smoking is prohibited in the Library as made unlawful in Section 7.40.030 of the Rocky Mountain/EP Municipal Code. All other uses of tobacco are also prohibited in the Library.
6. Food is restricted to the lounge area near the entrance or to groups requesting food service in their Meeting Room application.
Beverages carried in containers with secure lids which prevent excessive spills are permitted in the Library. All beverages, including those with secure lids, are prohibited from being carried or placed near the Library’s computers and other electronic equipment.
7. Drunkenness is prohibited in the Library.
8. Sleeping is prohibited in the Library.
9. All illegal activities are prohibited in the Library.
10. If asked customers shall allow staff to inspect knapsacks, bags, or other containers in the interest of safety and welfare of the Library, staff, and other customers.
11. Aisles and walkways, and exits and entrances to the building shall not be blocked or constricted.
12. Abusive or foul language and aggressive, disruptive, or violent behavior are prohibited.
13. Harassment of Library staff, volunteers, and/or the public using the Library will not be tolerated. After a verbal warning is given to an individual displaying harassing behavior, continued behavior will result in staff requesting police or security officer assistance.
14. Unsolicited commercial solicitations are prohibited within the Library.
15. Use of cell phones inside the Library security gates is prohibited.
C. Continued prohibited behavior in the Library after verbal warning is given may result in the suspension of borrowing privileges and/or denial of the customer’s admittance to the building for a period from twenty-four hours to six months. Such suspension and/or denial may be implemented by the Library staff person in charge. If the customer refuses to leave or continues to create a disturbance, staff will call a security officer and/or the police for assistance. The nature and seriousness of the offense will determine the suspension. Aggravating circumstances, even for a first offense, may result in a longer period of suspension.
D. Any person who steals, or attempts to steal, or damages or destroys Library material or equipment shall be held liable for paying replacement and processing costs. Also, suspension of borrowing privileges and/or admittance to the building for a period of not less than seven days or more than six months may be implemented by the Library staff person in charge. The suspension of borrowing privileges and/or admittance to the building may be extended until the lost or damaged item is paid for.
E. The Library will abide by and cooperatively implement suspensions and penalties applied by the Rocky Mountain Police Department and / or by other authorized civic center staff.
F. Any person aggrieved by an action to suspend the use of the facility or borrowing privileges may appeal the action by filing with the Library Director a statement in writing setting forth the reason(s) such person believes the suspension is improper. The appeal process to the Library Director’s decision is found in this document.
G. If a person’s borrowing and/or facilities use privilege is suspended, he/she will be requested to give current identification and may be requested to be photographed to implement the suspension.
H. Customers have the right to bring concerns, complaints, and suggestions to Library staff, administration, and the Library Board. A written concern, complaint, or suggestion shall be deposited in the Customer Suggestion Box . The Library staff shall post a response in the Customer Service Notebook within thirty days after the customer’s concern, complaint, or suggestion was deposited in the Customer Suggestion Box. Notices and suggestions may also be posted through the Library’s web site. If the customer is not satisfied with Library staff’s response, an appeals process shall be used.
I. Supervision of Minors.
Staff and parents/caregivers are expected to follow the guidelines outlined in the city’s Safe Child Policy.
1. Children aged seven years old and under must be accompanied by a responsible person at least twelve years of age and shall not be left unattended.
2. Security will be called to escort disruptive children out of the building. Staff may intervene in case of emergencies, such as fire or fire alarm, or to prevent physical harm to themselves or to others in the Library.
3. The police may be called to assist a child who is not picked up at closing time or upon the end of a Library sponsored event.
J. Referrals.
The staff will provide a list of community agencies to whom patrons with personal problems can be referred for help, if they so request.
K. Employee Privileges.
1. The Library staff are exempt from paying fines within reason, as determined by the Library Director. They are responsible for paying replacement costs for materials lost or destroyed. Staff, life card holders, and currently active volunteers may charge photocopies and computer
printing using the staff photocopier and computer equipment at reduced cost to be paid quarterly.
2. The Rocky Mountain on-line Employee Handbook and all Administrative Regulations shall be followed in their entirety.
L. Volunteer Privileges.
1. Upon completion of three months of regular volunteer service, volunteers and Teen Advisory Board members will receive fine exempt status on her/his library card. This status is to be continued while he/she remains an active volunteer.
2. The Rocky Mountain Volunteer Handbook must be followed in its entirety.
Policy and Procedure on Public Access and the Internet
Access
1. Public access to the Internet is available to all users of the Library with a valid library card (not suspended for total fines in excess of $5.00, or under current suspension for use of facilities or collection) or one time only visitor’s pass through a limited number of personal computers located throughout the Library facility.
2. The Library reserves the right to restrict Internet protocols and functions at the librarian’s discretion.
3. During some hours of the week, the Technology Center may be closed to general use for scheduled training sessions. A schedule will be posted at the media desk.
B. Content.
The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. It is a fluid environment with the content and format of information constantly changing. Some information on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. Each consumer must personally evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found. The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse array of information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk. The Library cannot be responsible to protect users from materials some individuals may find offensive.
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what Library resources are appropriate for their children. Some Internet sites may be considered inappropriate for children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in the use of the Internet and inform them as to what is and is not appropriate for them to access. In accordance with state law, all Internet PCs accessible to minors in the Library have been equipped with filtering software.
WARNING: No filter is one hundred percent effective in blocking information that an individual may find offensive or inappropriate.
C. Public User’s Security.
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. Library staff, Library Board members, other City personnel, and members of City Council
are not responsible for any loss incurred by a user of the Library’s computer or telecommunications equipment. The RMPL will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or when necessary for the operation of the Library.
D. Access Procedure.
The following rules will govern use of the Internet workstations available in the Library:
1. Maximum access time to public PCs is set in the library’s procedure manual.
2. Headphones must be used if audio programming is accessed. Patron must provide own headphones.
3. All Library policies regarding customer behavior will be enforced in conjunction with use of the Internet workstations.
4. The Library and its staff are not responsible for any loss of data caused by viruses, power fluctuations, or misuse of the equipment. Library customers are not allowed to install any software or hardware on Library equipment. Library computers revert to default settings after use and should not be altered in any way by the user.
5. Printing charges are listed on In the City Council annual budget ordinance
6. Library-provided disks will be sold for a nominal cost. Electronic files may not be downloaded and stored on Library computers. Please be sure to bring your own storage devices as downloads will be deleted with the shutting-down of Library computers at the end of each business day.
7. Library staff may be able to give limited help with basic computer use and startup procedures, but staff cannot provide individual instruction or information on software. Because of Library scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available. If customers have never used computers or have specific questions about the Internet, reference books and user guides and regular trainings are available.
8. Misuse or illegal use of the Library’s computer equipment may result in loss of computer use, Library use privileges, and/or legal action.
9. The Library staff reserves the right to check any patron’s Library record for fines and/or Internet access options.
10. Promoting obscene Internet content is prohibited within the Library. By simply showing another Library patron or Library staff member obscene Internet content, a customer could be cited and charged with a violation of
Rocky Mountain/Estes Municipal Code Section 9.99.999
11. The Internet stations located by the Adult Services desk are designated “reference priority.” If a person is waiting for one of the stations for research or academic use, he/she will be given priority over all others. The use of chat, games, or viewing pornographic/suggestive material is not permitted on the research- allowed- only computers. Viewing constitutionally-protected Adult material with explicit content is only allowed on staff designated terminals.
12. Customers are not allowed to tamper with, access, or alter system file and/or software configuration.
13. The Internet stations located in Youth Services are only for use by minors under the age of 17.
E. Internet Safety for Minors.
1. In accordance with state law (C.R.S. 24-90-601 et seq.), filtering software has been installed by the Library on all Internet PCs accessible to minors. This software may be temporarily disabled on all PCs but for those located in Youth Services under the following circumstances:
a. For use by an adult upon the adult’s request.
b. For use by a minor for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, so long as the use is supervised by an administrator, supervisor, parent, guardian, or other person authorized by the Library to supervise such use.
c. For use by a minor where a parent or guardian has provided explicit written prior approval.
F. Wireless
As a service to its users the Rocky Mountain Public Library provides free wireless Internet access. The Library does not provide technical support for wireless users. The Library can not guarantee bandwidth, connectivity, or strength of signal. The wireless network is under continual change as we test new equipment and locations for access points.
This is a wide open network. The wireless network is not secure or filtered. Like many public wireless hot spots, information is not encrypted and is subject to electronic eavesdropping by others. Wireless users are responsible for providing for the security of their own equipment and electronic communications.
By using the wireless network you are agreeing to comply with this wireless use policy, as well as the Library's policies concerning use of the facility and standards of acceptable behavior.
The library exercises no control over and will not be held responsible for user-supplied equipment or Internet content that users choose to access or create using their own equipment.
SAFE CHILD POLICY
Children are welcome in the library.
The Rocky Mountain Public Library welcomes children of all ages. Serving children is a vital part of the library mission. We strongly encourage families and children to make full and frequent use of the library. We’re happy they’re here.
Children’s safety
The library is a public place. Anyone may enter and use the facilities. Children left alone in the building can be vulnerable and at risk. It is for the safety of each child that the Rocky Mountain Public Library has adopted this Safe Child Policy.
Purpose of this policy
The purpose of this policy is to inform parents and guardians that the library does not assume responsibility for their children as well as to provide guidelines to be used by staff if a child is left unattended in the library.
The role of library staff
Staff cannot and do not take over parental or child care responsibilities for children who come into the library. Library staff have many duties to perform in order to serve library users of all ages. It is impossible for them to monitor the behavior or welfare of every child.
Parents’ responsibility
Children age seven and younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver twelve or older at all times and in all areas of the library and on library grounds. Parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring their children's safety and supervising their children’s behavior in accordance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct.
Children’s responsibility
Children, like all library users, are required to respect library property and to act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the library. Children are subject to the same Rules of Conduct as other patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the library. 22
Levels of supervision required
1. Children age seven and younger must be supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver age twelve or older at all times while in the library or on library grounds.
2. Children age four and younger must always be in close proximity and within sight of the person responsible for their safety.
3. Children of any age with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities which affect behavior or decision making skills or make supervision necessary must be accompanied by a parent or capable caregiver at all times.
To protect unattended children
Parents, guardians, and designated adults are required to be familiar with the library's hours and to make advance arrangements to pick up or otherwise transport their children before the library closes. A minor left unattended at closing time may be deemed at risk. Every reasonable effort will be made by the staff to assist the child in contacting an appropriate adult. If no responsible adult is reached, or the child is not picked up within 15 minutes of library closing, or the end of a Library sponsored event library personnel may notify the police to assume custody of the child. Two staff members will wait with the child until the parent, guardian, other designated adult, or the police pick her/him up. Staff will not transport children home or to any other destination under any circumstances.
Children are welcome in the library, and children age 10 and older may visit the library on their own, without an accompanying adult. If a child is left unattended at the library in circumstances that give library staff cause for concern about the child's safety or welfare, staff may contact child protective or law enforcement authorities.
Specific Rules of Conduct:
1. Customers shall wear shoes and shirts. No wet swimsuits are allowed.
2. Customers shall keep their feet off of tables and chairs.
3. No scooters, roller skates, roller blades, or skateboards shall be used in the Library, and no bicycles shall be brought inside the building.
4. No pets are allowed in the building, except for guide dogs and animals that are part of a Library-sponsored activity.
5. Smoking is prohibited in the Library as made unlawful in Section 7.40.030 of the Rocky Mountain/EP Municipal Code. All other uses of tobacco are also prohibited in the Library.
6. Food is restricted to the lounge area near the entrance or to groups requesting food service in their Meeting Room application.
Beverages carried in containers with secure lids which prevent excessive spills are permitted in the Library. All beverages, including those with secure lids, are prohibited from being carried or placed near the Library’s computers and other electronic equipment.
7. Drunkenness is prohibited in the Library.
8. Sleeping is prohibited in the Library.
9. All illegal activities are prohibited in the Library.
10. If asked customers shall allow staff to inspect knapsacks, bags, or other containers in the interest of safety and welfare of the Library, staff, and other customers.
11. Aisles and walkways, and exits and entrances to the building shall not be blocked or constricted.
12. Abusive or foul language and aggressive, disruptive, or violent behavior are prohibited.
13. Harassment of Library staff, volunteers, and/or the public using the Library will not be tolerated. After a verbal warning is given to an individual displaying harassing behavior, continued behavior will result in staff requesting police or security officer assistance.
14. Unsolicited commercial solicitations are prohibited within the Library.
15. Use of cell phones inside the Library security gates is prohibited.
C. Continued prohibited behavior in the Library after verbal warning is given may result in the suspension of borrowing privileges and/or denial of the customer’s admittance to the building for a period from twenty-four hours to six months. Such suspension and/or denial may be implemented by the Library staff person in charge. If the customer refuses to leave or continues to create a disturbance, staff will call a security officer and/or the police for assistance. The nature and seriousness of the offense will determine the suspension. Aggravating circumstances, even for a first offense, may result in a longer period of suspension.
D. Any person who steals, or attempts to steal, or damages or destroys Library material or equipment shall be held liable for paying replacement and processing costs. Also, suspension of borrowing privileges and/or admittance to the building for a period of not less than seven days or more than six months may be implemented by the Library staff person in charge. The suspension of borrowing privileges and/or admittance to the building may be extended until the lost or damaged item is paid for.
E. The Library will abide by and cooperatively implement suspensions and penalties applied by the Rocky Mountain Police Department and / or by other authorized civic center staff.
F. Any person aggrieved by an action to suspend the use of the facility or borrowing privileges may appeal the action by filing with the Library Director a statement in writing setting forth the reason(s) such person believes the suspension is improper. The appeal process to the Library Director’s decision is found in this document.
G. If a person’s borrowing and/or facilities use privilege is suspended, he/she will be requested to give current identification and may be requested to be photographed to implement the suspension.
H. Customers have the right to bring concerns, complaints, and suggestions to Library staff, administration, and the Library Board. A written concern, complaint, or suggestion shall be deposited in the Customer Suggestion Box . The Library staff shall post a response in the Customer Service Notebook within thirty days after the customer’s concern, complaint, or suggestion was deposited in the Customer Suggestion Box. Notices and suggestions may also be posted through the Library’s web site. If the customer is not satisfied with Library staff’s response, an appeals process shall be used.
I. Supervision of Minors.
Staff and parents/caregivers are expected to follow the guidelines outlined in the city’s Safe Child Policy.
1. Children aged seven years old and under must be accompanied by a responsible person at least twelve years of age and shall not be left unattended.
2. Security will be called to escort disruptive children out of the building. Staff may intervene in case of emergencies, such as fire or fire alarm, or to prevent physical harm to themselves or to others in the Library.
3. The police may be called to assist a child who is not picked up at closing time or upon the end of a Library sponsored event.
J. Referrals.
The staff will provide a list of community agencies to whom patrons with personal problems can be referred for help, if they so request.
K. Employee Privileges.
1. The Library staff are exempt from paying fines within reason, as determined by the Library Director. They are responsible for paying replacement costs for materials lost or destroyed. Staff, life card holders, and currently active volunteers may charge photocopies and computer
printing using the staff photocopier and computer equipment at reduced cost to be paid quarterly.
2. The Rocky Mountain on-line Employee Handbook and all Administrative Regulations shall be followed in their entirety.
L. Volunteer Privileges.
1. Upon completion of three months of regular volunteer service, volunteers and Teen Advisory Board members will receive fine exempt status on her/his library card. This status is to be continued while he/she remains an active volunteer.
2. The Rocky Mountain Volunteer Handbook must be followed in its entirety.
Policy and Procedure on Public Access and the Internet
Access
1. Public access to the Internet is available to all users of the Library with a valid library card (not suspended for total fines in excess of $5.00, or under current suspension for use of facilities or collection) or one time only visitor’s pass through a limited number of personal computers located throughout the Library facility.
2. The Library reserves the right to restrict Internet protocols and functions at the librarian’s discretion.
3. During some hours of the week, the Technology Center may be closed to general use for scheduled training sessions. A schedule will be posted at the media desk.
B. Content.
The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. It is a fluid environment with the content and format of information constantly changing. Some information on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. Each consumer must personally evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found. The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse array of information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk. The Library cannot be responsible to protect users from materials some individuals may find offensive.
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what Library resources are appropriate for their children. Some Internet sites may be considered inappropriate for children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in the use of the Internet and inform them as to what is and is not appropriate for them to access. In accordance with state law, all Internet PCs accessible to minors in the Library have been equipped with filtering software.
WARNING: No filter is one hundred percent effective in blocking information that an individual may find offensive or inappropriate.
C. Public User’s Security.
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. Library staff, Library Board members, other City personnel, and members of City Council
are not responsible for any loss incurred by a user of the Library’s computer or telecommunications equipment. The RMPL will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or when necessary for the operation of the Library.
D. Access Procedure.
The following rules will govern use of the Internet workstations available in the Library:
1. Maximum access time to public PCs is set in the library’s procedure manual.
2. Headphones must be used if audio programming is accessed. Patron must provide own headphones.
3. All Library policies regarding customer behavior will be enforced in conjunction with use of the Internet workstations.
4. The Library and its staff are not responsible for any loss of data caused by viruses, power fluctuations, or misuse of the equipment. Library customers are not allowed to install any software or hardware on Library equipment. Library computers revert to default settings after use and should not be altered in any way by the user.
5. Printing charges are listed on In the City Council annual budget ordinance
6. Library-provided disks will be sold for a nominal cost. Electronic files may not be downloaded and stored on Library computers. Please be sure to bring your own storage devices as downloads will be deleted with the shutting-down of Library computers at the end of each business day.
7. Library staff may be able to give limited help with basic computer use and startup procedures, but staff cannot provide individual instruction or information on software. Because of Library scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available. If customers have never used computers or have specific questions about the Internet, reference books and user guides and regular trainings are available.
8. Misuse or illegal use of the Library’s computer equipment may result in loss of computer use, Library use privileges, and/or legal action.
9. The Library staff reserves the right to check any patron’s Library record for fines and/or Internet access options.
10. Promoting obscene Internet content is prohibited within the Library. By simply showing another Library patron or Library staff member obscene Internet content, a customer could be cited and charged with a violation of
Rocky Mountain/Estes Municipal Code Section 9.99.999
11. The Internet stations located by the Adult Services desk are designated “reference priority.” If a person is waiting for one of the stations for research or academic use, he/she will be given priority over all others. The use of chat, games, or viewing pornographic/suggestive material is not permitted on the research- allowed- only computers. Viewing constitutionally-protected Adult material with explicit content is only allowed on staff designated terminals.
12. Customers are not allowed to tamper with, access, or alter system file and/or software configuration.
13. The Internet stations located in Youth Services are only for use by minors under the age of 17.
E. Internet Safety for Minors.
1. In accordance with state law (C.R.S. 24-90-601 et seq.), filtering software has been installed by the Library on all Internet PCs accessible to minors. This software may be temporarily disabled on all PCs but for those located in Youth Services under the following circumstances:
a. For use by an adult upon the adult’s request.
b. For use by a minor for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, so long as the use is supervised by an administrator, supervisor, parent, guardian, or other person authorized by the Library to supervise such use.
c. For use by a minor where a parent or guardian has provided explicit written prior approval.
F. Wireless
As a service to its users the Rocky Mountain Public Library provides free wireless Internet access. The Library does not provide technical support for wireless users. The Library can not guarantee bandwidth, connectivity, or strength of signal. The wireless network is under continual change as we test new equipment and locations for access points.
This is a wide open network. The wireless network is not secure or filtered. Like many public wireless hot spots, information is not encrypted and is subject to electronic eavesdropping by others. Wireless users are responsible for providing for the security of their own equipment and electronic communications.
By using the wireless network you are agreeing to comply with this wireless use policy, as well as the Library's policies concerning use of the facility and standards of acceptable behavior.
The library exercises no control over and will not be held responsible for user-supplied equipment or Internet content that users choose to access or create using their own equipment.
SAFE CHILD POLICY
Children are welcome in the library.
The Rocky Mountain Public Library welcomes children of all ages. Serving children is a vital part of the library mission. We strongly encourage families and children to make full and frequent use of the library. We’re happy they’re here.
Children’s safety
The library is a public place. Anyone may enter and use the facilities. Children left alone in the building can be vulnerable and at risk. It is for the safety of each child that the Rocky Mountain Public Library has adopted this Safe Child Policy.
Purpose of this policy
The purpose of this policy is to inform parents and guardians that the library does not assume responsibility for their children as well as to provide guidelines to be used by staff if a child is left unattended in the library.
The role of library staff
Staff cannot and do not take over parental or child care responsibilities for children who come into the library. Library staff have many duties to perform in order to serve library users of all ages. It is impossible for them to monitor the behavior or welfare of every child.
Parents’ responsibility
Children age seven and younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver twelve or older at all times and in all areas of the library and on library grounds. Parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring their children's safety and supervising their children’s behavior in accordance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct.
Children’s responsibility
Children, like all library users, are required to respect library property and to act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the library. Children are subject to the same Rules of Conduct as other patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the library. 22
Levels of supervision required
1. Children age seven and younger must be supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver age twelve or older at all times while in the library or on library grounds.
2. Children age four and younger must always be in close proximity and within sight of the person responsible for their safety.
3. Children of any age with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities which affect behavior or decision making skills or make supervision necessary must be accompanied by a parent or capable caregiver at all times.
To protect unattended children
Parents, guardians, and designated adults are required to be familiar with the library's hours and to make advance arrangements to pick up or otherwise transport their children before the library closes. A minor left unattended at closing time may be deemed at risk. Every reasonable effort will be made by the staff to assist the child in contacting an appropriate adult. If no responsible adult is reached, or the child is not picked up within 15 minutes of library closing, or the end of a Library sponsored event library personnel may notify the police to assume custody of the child. Two staff members will wait with the child until the parent, guardian, other designated adult, or the police pick her/him up. Staff will not transport children home or to any other destination under any circumstances.
Children are welcome in the library, and children age 10 and older may visit the library on their own, without an accompanying adult. If a child is left unattended at the library in circumstances that give library staff cause for concern about the child's safety or welfare, staff may contact child protective or law enforcement authorities.