Rules of Behavior

Related Information:

Children in the Library
Co-Sponsored Program Guidelines & Application
Collection Management Plan (.pdf)
Internet Usage Policy
Public Space Policy

Adopted December 14, 2004
Modified October 5, 2005, June 22, 2006, January 23, 2007
Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees

The Tompkins County Public Library is to be used for library purposes only. Any behavior which interferes with such use or which is not consistent with such use is not permitted.

These rules apply to all public spaces in the library with the exception of the Borg Warner room, which is governed by a separate room use policy.

Only the Library Director or the Assistant Library Director are authorized to ban individuals from the library.

SECTION A

The following behavior is not permitted because it interferes with the use of the library by others, is a health or safety hazard or because it is not consistent with the mission of the library.

• No sleeping
  
• No using the library in bare feet
  
• No smoking
  
• No consuming food. All drinks must be in covered containers.

• No playing audio equipment so that others can hear it
  
• No bathing in the public restrooms
  
• No using rollerblades, roller skates, skateboards or other sports equipment in the library or on library property

• No blocking aisles so that access to library materials and services is prevented
  
• No loitering
  
• No entering unauthorized workspaces or office areas
  
• No animals in the library or on library property (with the exception of service animals)
  
• No soliciting

Those failing to follow the rules of behavior listed above will be:

1. Given a copy of the library rules and asked to comply immediately. Those failing to comply will be asked to leave. If violators do not leave, the police will be called and the library will file trespassing charges.
   
2. Repeat offenders may be banned from the library from 1 – 6 months.

SECTION B

The following behavior will result in criminal charges:

• Unreasonable noise or obscene language (Disorderly Conduct)
  
• Threatening language and behavior (Harassment)
  
• Destroying or damaging library books, library materials, furniture or other property (Criminal Mischief)
  
• Possessing illegal drugs (Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance)
  
• Removal of library materials without following proper check-out procedures (Petit Larceny)
  
• Tampering with, altering, editing or damaging computer hardware and/or software (Computer Related Offenses)
  
• Lewd Sexual Behavior (Indecent Exposure or Sexual Misconduct)
  
• Stalking (Violation or Harassment)

Those violating these rules will be:

1. Charged with criminal activity. The police will be called immediately and criminal charges will be filed by the library
   
2. The violator will be banned from the library for at least one month, to up to one year, depending upon the severity of the offense.
   
3. A persona non grata letter will be sent notifying the violator of the penalty.
   
4. Persons who enter the library during the period when they are banned will be charged with trespassing.

SECTION C

INTERNET ACCESS SERVICES RULES

General

1. Your Internet use must be consistent with the “Library’s Rules of Conduct” which have been adopted and are posted in the Library. Your use of the Library’s Internet computers and services is a privilege, not a right.
   
2. If you are 16 years of age or under, you must have the authorization of your parent or guardian to disclose your personal information on the Internet.
   
3. You may not make unauthorized disclosure of, use of, or dissemination of a minor’s personal information by means of the Internet, e-mail or any electronic technology.
   
4. You must respect the privacy and sensibilities of others. Displaying or printing of images of child pornography, or those which are sexually explicit, obscene, or harmful to minors is expressly prohibited according to the N.Y. U.C.C. Penal § 235.00-235.24 (Consol. 2004).
   
5. Internet computers and network services may not be used for illegal activities, including the harassment of others. You may not misrepresent yourself when using the Internet.
   
6. You may not tamper with, alter, edit, damage or remove computer hardware, data, and/or software.
   
7. You may not utilize system resources (for example, bandwidth) to the extent that your use affects other people's ability to use these same resources.  
   
8. If the computer you are using is equipped with sound and you are utilizing this option, you must provide and use your own headphones.
   
9. Rude, abusive behavior or language toward staff or security will not be tolerated.
   
10. If you are observed in violation of these rules, you may be asked for identification. Depending upon the nature of the violation, you may be asked to leave, you may be denied the privilege of using the library’s computers and services, or you may be denied library privileges, from anywhere from one day to one year. Criminal or civil charges may result.

Library-Supplied Internet Computers

1. All Internet users must be registered TCPL library card holders.
   
2. Internet computer reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the next available computer.
3. Users may have up to, one hour per day, which may be used in multiple sessions.
   
4. Users may not extend their time by using other library cards.
   
5. The Adult Services Internet computers are reserved for adults and students ages 14 and up.
   
6. The teen Internet computers are reserved for teens ages 14-17.
   
7. The Youth Services Internet computers are reserved for children ages 8 - 13.
   
8. If you are 16 years of age or under, you are required to have a parental or guardian permission form on file with the Library to access the Internet.
   
9. Parental permission forms are waived if students are part of a supervised class. Teachers and tutors who bring students are responsible for and must supervise their students when they use the Internet computers.
   
10. You may not install software on Library Internet computers.
    
11. The Library reserves the right to limit the number of people at individual Internet computers.

Internet Access Services via Ethernet Jacks (Wired Access) and the Wireless Access Point

1. This Internet access option is open to patrons of all ages; parents or guardians of children 16 years or under are responsible for supervising and guaranteeing their child's proper and safe use of the Internet.
   
2. Your use of the Library's Internet access (both wired and wireless) constitutes your acceptance of this Internet Access Services Policy.
   
3. You are responsible for configuring your equipment to access the Library's Internet Access Service.
   
4. No registration or sign-up is required.

Those failing to comply with the Internet Rules will be:

1. Given a copy of the library rules and asked to comply immediately. Those failing to comply will be asked to leave. If violators do not leave, the police will be called and the library will file trespassing charges.
   
2. Repeat offenders may be banned from the use of the Internet for a period of 1-6 months.
   

Appeal Process

Persons banned from the library and or the Internet may appeal this ban by sending a written request to the Library Director explaining the circumstances and requesting a review of the ban. The Library Director shall respond within ten days of such a request with a written decision.

Tracking Of Violators

The Library Director and Security Services shall create a secure tracking mechanism for recording names, dates and violations of the library rules, which ensures fair and impartial treatment of violators.