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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

Purpose and Objectives

The Collection Development Policy provides guidelines for the evaluation, selection, development, and de-selection of the library’s collection of print and non-print materials. There are thousands of new materials published each year, but the Library is limited by space and funds. The policy is intended to serve as a guide for library staff in the process of materials selection and to inform the public of the basis of the library’s collection development. This policy will be periodically evaluated and revised to reflect new and evolving Salinas Public Library services.

The Library is a public resource that seeks to support people who visit, work, learn, and live in the City of Salinas. The goal of the collection is to promote education and exploration, so Library users become better contributors to their community, be more productive in their occupations, and have a more enhanced personal life and social well-being. In support of its mission, 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 Associations.

Responsibility and Criteria for Selection

The ultimate responsibility for the Library collection rests with the Library and Community Services (LCS) Director. The LCS Director has the prerogative to delegate to professional library staff the authority to interpret and apply the Collection Development Policy in the selection and maintenance of the Library’s various collections, within the limitations of budget and space.

The John Steinbeck Library serves as the main library for the City of Salinas. In addition to being a resource for the branches, it provides a reference and several other special collections as well as broad choices in circulating print and non-print materials. Each library branch serves a specific geographic area of the City where in addition to its basic core reference and circulating materials, the collections reflect the community in the areas it serves.

The collections are developed to meet the needs and interests of Salinas’ residents. Therefore, the Library strives to seek materials that represent all sides of an issue and is representative of the diversity of its community without discrimination. 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.

Designated professional library staff select materials based on their professional insight of past, current, and future trends in the industry, familiarity with existing collections, and their awareness of the needs of library users and the community. Materials selected are supported by reviewing tools, including but not limited to, trade and professional publications, publishers’ catalogs, and reviews from reputable sources, in addition to the qualifications of the author, creator, or publisher of the work. If a professional review cannot be found, the material may be examined and evaluated by professional library staff.

Selection of library material is evaluated according to one or more of the following criteria:

  • Importance of the subject matter to the collection
  • Timeliness, authority, and accuracy of information
  • Literary merit, award, or critical acclaim
  • Significance of author or publisher
  • Cost and value of material to the collection
  • Popular interest or demand
  • Availability of material in other format or other libraries within the service area
  • Quality of content and suitability of physical treatment/durability for library use
  • Suitability of literary style for intended audience and subject

Suggestions and requests from patrons are welcome and considered if the item, in the opinion of the professional staff, meets the selection criteria. The Library will not purchase self-published materials that are not positively reviewed in professional journals unless, in the opinion of the professional staff, the item meets the selection criteria guidelines.

New Technology and Online Resources

As new technologies are developed, the Library will investigate the appropriateness of new media formats and will acknowledge the need for experimentation before the Library considers adding it to the collection.

The Library purchases a variety of online and electronic resources to support, extend and enhance the collection. These resources are evaluated and selected based on timeliness, ease of use, cost, quality, and ability to meet the needs and interest of Library users.

Special Collections

The Salinas Public Library special collections include:

  • Steinbeck collection at the John Steinbeck Library
  • Local History collection at the John Steinbeck Library
  • Chicano Resource Center collection at the Cesar Chavez Library

Materials possessing unique qualities or have significant and relevant contribution to the subject of each special collection may be considered for inclusion in the collection.

The Steinbeck collection includes materials written by or about John Steinbeck and his works. Part of this collection is available as circulating materials in the Library’s circulating shelves. The historically significant and rare items of this collection are housed at the National Steinbeck Center.

The scope of the Local History collection includes historically significant materials related to the Salinas Public Library, as well as materials about the history of Salinas and the Salinas Valley as it relates to agriculture. The Library is not the official repository for the City of Salinas’ official documents. That is the function of the City Clerk’s office. Library users will be referred to the City Clerk’s office for official city documents including minutes of the Library Commission.

The Chicano Resource Center collection represents a variety of materials related to the Chicano history in the region and in California. It also contains materials relevant to the history of The Alisal, a significantly historic area in East Salinas.

Gifts and Donations

The Salinas Public Library appreciates and accepts gifts of money and materials to support the Library’s collections. The monetary appraisal of gifts to the Library for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor. If the donor has restrictions on how the gift must be used, the donor must fill out a request in writing and it will be forwarded to the LCS Director for approval.

Donated materials are accepted with the understanding that the addition to the library collection is decided by professional library staff, based on the Library’s material selection criteria. Retention and/or utilization of donated materials are at the discretion of the Library, and donated materials will not be returned if they are not added to the collection. These guidelines also apply to self-published materials donation.

Collection Maintenance

An active, attractive and useful collection that is responsive to the changing needs of the community is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. The primary responsibility for collection maintenance will be assigned to professional library staff, who will use their insight and training, as well as the following criteria to assist with the decision to de-select library materials:

  • Physical condition of material
  • Use of the material based on its circulation
  • Obsolete, dated, or incorrect information
  • Superseded edition
  • Unnecessary duplicates

Materials withdrawn from the collection may be given to the Friends of the Salinas Public Library for its book sale. Proceeds from the sale of books benefits the Library directly.

Controversial Materials and Materials Reconsideration

The Salinas Public Library recognizes that some materials may be controversial or offensive to some Library users. The professional Library staff strive toward a balanced Library collection that reflects the needs and wants of its users without censorship.

Materials dealing with controversial views or subjects are considered on the basis of the entire work and not on isolated passages or sections. Library materials will not be labeled to designate materials based on a prejudicial system, except to indicate genre or collection area. Library material will not be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.

Each library user is expected to determine the appropriateness of the materials they select. The Library maintains that parents and legal guardians have the ultimate responsibility for their children’s choices of material. The Library and its Library staff do not act “in loco parentis.”

If a person objects to an item in the Library’s collection, professional library staff in charge of the building or the specific collection may discuss the nature of the concern with the person. For further review, a request for the reconsideration of materials must be made in writing by completing the “Request for Material Reconsideration” form. This form will be forwarded to the LCS Director for review and a response in writing will be provided to the person who submitted the form. No materials shall be removed from the Library’s collection until the review process is completed and a decision made by the LCS Director. 

 

Endorsed by the Library and Community Services Commission: September 11, 2019