Salem, Oregon
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Salem Public Library
585 Liberty St. SE
Salem, OR 97301
503-588-6315
library@cityofsalem.net
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Library Use Policies
The Library works to provide patrons and members of the Salem community facilities that are clean, comfortable, inviting, and safe. This environment allows all library users to perform research, select reading materials, spend time studying and writing, and to attend programs and meetings.
The Library needs your help to provide this experience.
Administrative Rule No. 101-01
Adopted: 11/13/2017
Introduction
The Salem Public Library (Library) welcomes all residents and visitors and is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning, and the joys of reading for our diverse community.
The Library seeks to provide its users with a safe and pleasant library experience in an atmosphere conducive to studying, reading, learning and appropriate use of materials and services. The Library recognizes its unique position and responsibility to educate, inform, and enlighten the community through the sharing of a vast collection of resources that enable all to participate fully in our democratic society as members of a knowledgeable and educated citizenry.
Practice
With public service being its highest priority, the Library has established certain rules and regulations governing its use, such that all persons may enjoy the benefits of the Library. All Library staff are authorized and expected to enforce these rules and regulations and may intervene to stop prohibited activities or behaviors. Library staff is authorized to issue exclusion notices to individuals violating this Code of Conduct. Individuals visiting the Library or using its facilities or services must comply with this Code of Conduct.
Individuals who interfere with Library staff in the performance of their duties or who fail to follow any instructions by a staff member to correct prohibited behavior will be subject to exclusion from Library property. Individuals refusing to leave after receiving a notice of exclusion will be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing pursuant Salem Revised Code (SRC) 95.550.
This Code of Conduct incorporates exclusion periods and other consequences that may be imposed by the Library but does not preclude or supersede other consequences or penalties that may be imposed by federal, state, or local law. Illegal activity, as well as willful or repeated violations of this Code of Conduct or other posted Library regulations (i.e. Acceptable Use of the Internet), may result in removal from the facility and/or suspension of Library privileges. In addition, where authorized by Federal, State or local law, violations of this Code of Conduct may also result in arrest. Repeat violations will result in longer periods of exclusion. Library users who wish to request a reasonable modification of this Code of Conduct due to a disability or health problem may contact Library staff or may call the Library Administration office at 503-588-6071.
To ensure access to library services and for the safety of all users, the following behaviors are prohibited on library property.
Level One - Minor Violations
# | Violation | Consequences (exclusion period) |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense | ||
1 | Entering the Library without clothing covering the upper and lower body or without shoes or other footwear. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
2 | Making any loud or disruptive noise, including the disruptive use of personal electronic devices. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
3 | Consuming food in the stacks or in the Computer Center. Food and beverages with secure lids are acceptable throughout other areas of the Library. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
4 | Blocking aisles, doorways, stairways, elevators, or ramps. Large objects such as carts, bicycles, and luggage may not be brought into the Library. Library users must keep personal belongings with them at all times. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
5 | Exiting the building with Library materials or taking Library materials into a restroom prior to check out. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
6 | Using tobacco, tobacco products, or vaping devices in any form or within 10 feet of any entryway into the Library. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
7 | Soliciting, petitioning, distributing written materials or canvassing for any purpose within the Library building. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
8 | Blocking Library entrance areas or interfering with the free flow of pedestrian traffic in such areas. Library entrance areas shall be used exclusively for entering and exiting the Library and as temporary waiting areas for Library patrons. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
9 | Commercial photography or filming, without prior written permission from Library Administration. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
10 | Selling anything without the prior permission from the City of Salem. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
11 | Using Library facilities for bathing, shaving, washing hair, or changing or laundering clothing. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
12 | Emitting pervasive body odors including, but not limited to, odors caused by perfume or cologne, that disturb others or damage Library property. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
13 | Fraudulently using another Library patron’s library card and/or account number for any purpose, including to reserve computers. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
14 | Violating the Library's Rules for Acceptable Use of the Internet and Library public computers. Rules for Acceptable Use must be agreed to electronically prior to the commencement of an internet session. In addition to the Rules for Acceptable Use of the Internet and Library public computers, Library users agree to abide by the following rules for any device, personal or otherwise, while in the Library:
|
Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
15 | Refusing to leave building during emergency evacuation. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
16 | Manipulating or interfering with Salem Public Library computers, catalogs, internet reservation system or computer print management system. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
17 | Adults using Children’s or Teen areas without a child or a need for Children’s/Teen collections. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
18 | Lying down or sleeping in the Library or in a Library entryway. Sleeping means a person’s eyes are closed for more than three minutes, and the person is not engaging in an expressive activity. | Verbal warning only - Library user may correct or leave | 1 day | 7 days |
19 | Leaving a child under 10 years of age unattended. Minor children visiting the Library are the responsibility of their parents or guardians. The Library cannot accept responsibility for the safety and supervision of minor children. See the Library’s Unattended Child Policy. | Notify security; follow Unattended Child Procedure | ||
20 | Bringing animals other than service animals into the Library. Only service animals (and service animals in training) or animals which are part of a Library program are permitted in the Library. Service animals are defined as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained (or in training) to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. | Leave building; may return without pet |
Level Two - Moderate Violations
# | Violation | Consequences (exclusion period) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense | ||
21 | Unauthorized presence in designated staff-only areas; entering or remaining inside the Library before or after posted hours of operation. | 30 days | 90 days | 1 year |
22 | Smoking in restrooms, intentionally clogging plumbing, or looking into an area designed to provide privacy to a person using the area. | 30 days | 90 days | 1 year |
23 | Possessing, consuming, distributing, or selling any alcoholic beverage or marijuana product. This prohibition does not apply to alcohol permitted at a Library-approved event. | 30 days | 90 days | 1 year |
Level Three - Severe Violations
# | Violation | Consequences (exclusion period) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense | ||
24 | Depositing bodily fluids or excrement on any Library property including, but not limited to, Library collections, equipment, furnishings, walls, and flooring. | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 3 years |
25 | Engaging in any physical altercation. | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 3 years |
26 | Threatening or harassing Library users and/or staff by exhibiting abusive or threatening behavior, including the use of profanity or gestures. | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 3 years |
27 | Possessing a knife, gun, or any other weapon. Exemptions from this prohibition are recognized for Law Enforcement Officers and individuals licensed to carry handguns in accordance with state law. | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 3 years |
28 | Exhibiting signs of or being under the influence of alcohol; being under the influence of any controlled substance listed in Schedules I – V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812. | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 3 years |
29 | Engaging in any act of sexual conduct as defined in ORS 167.060. | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 3 years |
30 | Exposing one’s genitals. | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 3 years |
31 | Committing theft of or vandalism to Library property, or personal property of another. | Minimum 1 year | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 3 years |
32 | Returning to the Library prior to expiration of the exclusion period, except when submitting a written appeal of the notice of exclusion. | Double existing exclusion period | Double existing exclusion period | Double existing exclusion period |
Appeal Procedure
Patrons who have been issued an exclusion notice may appeal this action by filing a written request with the City Librarian at the administration offices for the Salem Public Library, within fifteen (15) business days after receipt of the notice, setting forth the name and address of the appellant and the reasons why the exclusion notice should be rescinded. Failure to file an appeal within such fifteen (15) business day period shall be a waiver of all rights to review the action, and any appeal filed after this time shall be dismissed by the City Librarian or the City Librarian’s designee. The name and address set forth in the written request for appeal shall be deemed correct, and mailing to the person at such address, by first class mail, shall be deemed delivered three (3) days after the date of mailing. Failure of the person to actually receive notice of the appeal hearing or the City Librarian or designee’s decision if mailed to the address set forth in the written request shall not invalidate or otherwise affect the validity of any action or decision. If a request for an appeal is filed, the exclusion notice shall be stayed until such time as the City Librarian or designee has issued a final decision upholding or rescinding the notice.
Unless the appellant and the City agree to a longer period, an appeal shall be heard by the City Librarian or designee within fifteen (15) business days of the filing of the request. At least five (5) business days prior to the hearing, the City shall mail notice of the time and location of the hearing to the appellant at the address set forth on the request.
The appellant must personally appear at any hearing regarding the appeal. Failure to appear at the hearing, absent good cause shown, shall result in the dismissal of the appeal.
The City Librarian or designee shall hear and determine the appeal on the basis of the appellant’s written statement and any additional evidence the City Librarian or designee deems appropriate. The appellant has a right to be represented by counsel at appellant’s sole expense. At the hearing the appellant may present testimony, evidence, and oral argument and may cross-examine any witnesses. The City has the burden of proof to demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the issuance of the exclusion notice was based upon the requisite prohibited conduct by the appellant.
The City Librarian or designee shall issue a written decision within ten (10) business days of the hearing date. A copy of the decision shall be mailed to the person’s address as set forth on the request and shall be deemed effective upon actual receipt, or three (3) days after mailing, whichever is sooner. If issuance of the exclusion notice is upheld, a period of exclusion shall commence immediately upon the effective date of the decision.
Reference: SRC 95.550
Salem Public Library is pleased to provide wireless internet access to patrons and guests. In order to ensure access to everyone in a quiet, comfortable and safe setting, we ask that you agree to abide by our Internet Use Rules. By connecting to and using the Library wi-fi you agree you will not do any of the following:
- Transmit offensive, threatening, harassing, abusive, or defaming language and images
- Conduct a business or commercial enterprise, engage in commercial activity, or engage in the sale or promotion of any illegal substance
- View, transmit or download pornographic materials
- Violate intellectual property rights by making unauthorized copies of copyrighted, licensed, or otherwise controlled software or data residing on the Internet
- Intentionally transmit worms, viruses, or other harmful programs
- Hack into unauthorized computers, networks, or information systems
- Invade the privacy of others.
You also agree to respect the comfort of others by:
- Keeping conversations quiet
- Using cell phones in lobbies or outside
- Confining computer sounds to the headphones
- Arranging for childcare elsewhere
In addition to the above, violation of any federal or state statute or local ordinance will be regarded as a violation of Salem Public Library rules. The City of Salem reserves the right to cause to be ejected or refuse further admission to those individuals who violate Salem Public Library rules, create disorder, or engage in illegal activity. Violators are subject to arrest or Trespass under Salem Revised Code 95.550. These sanctions are not exclusive, and any other remedies available at law or equity to obtain compliance with these rules will be pursued.
Administrative Rule No. 101-02
Adopted: 11/13/2017
Introduction
Salem Public Library is committed to providing an inviting, safe space for youth that is responsive to their needs. The Children's and Teen areas of the Library are specifically designed to serve the needs of younger library users. The Children's area is intended for children (infants through grade 5) and their parents or caregivers. The teen area is intended for teens (grades 6-12) and their parents or caregivers.
Practice
Children's Area
Parents and guardians are welcome in the Children's area when accompanied by children and/or to attend a program with their child.
- If an unaccompanied adult requires access to the children's collection, we ask that they limit their use to 15 minutes. Adults not fitting this description will be asked to leave the area.
- Library staff may make exceptions to the 15 minute time limit for unaccompanied adults who are [student] teachers, daycare providers or others who require access to the children's collection for research or other educational purposes.
- Gaming and internet computers in the Children's area are reserved exclusively for use by children and teens. Adults who are supervising children and/or teens in the Children's area are free to use catalog computers and/or personal devices only.
- Children's programs are held for the instruction and enjoyment of children and their caregivers. Adults attending programs without children may be asked to leave.
Teen Area
- Parents and guardians are welcome in the Teen area when accompanied by children and/or to attend a program with their child.
- If an unaccompanied adult requires access to the Teen area, we ask that they limit their use to 15 minutes. Adults not fitting this description will be asked to leave the area.
- Library staff may make exceptions to the 15 minute time limit for unaccompanied adults who are [student] teachers, daycare providers or others who require access to the teen collection for research or other educational purposes.
- Gaming and internet computers in the Teen area are reserved exclusively for use by teens. Adults who are supervising children and/or teens in the Teen area are free to use catalog computers or personal devices only.
- Teen programs are held for the instruction and enjoyment of teens and/or their caregivers. Adults attending programs without teens may be asked to leave.
Approved by the Salem City Council: November 13, 2017
Administrative Rule No. 101-02
Adopted: 11/13/2017
Introduction
The Salem Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment that encourages children to visit the Library, use Library collections and services, and attend Library programs. Library staff are available to assist and support children with their use of Library resources. The Library is a public building, open to everyone and a child's safety cannot be guaranteed. Children may encounter hazards in the Library such as doors, furniture, electrical equipment and other Library patrons.
The Library is not responsible for a minor's selection of Library materials, attendance at programs or use of the Internet or other services. Parents, guardians, or responsible adults are expected to accompany their minor children in the use of Library materials and services, including computer use.
The responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children using the Library rests with the parent, guardian, or designated caregiver. Library staff members cannot supervise children in the Library. The Library does not serve in loco parentis.
Practice
Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated responsible caregiver (16 years of age or older) at all times while in the Library. Caregivers must supervise and provide guidance for children during the entire Library visit.
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 163.545: Child neglect in the second degree. (1) A person having custody or control of a child under 10 years of age commits the crime of child neglect in the second degree if, with criminal negligence, the person leaves the child unattended in or at any place for such period of time as may be likely to endanger the health or welfare of such child. (2) Child neglect in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor.
In the following situations, Library staff will take the actions outlined below for all children zero (0) to seventeen (17) years of age:
- A child is alone and frightened or crying in the Library
- A child is alone and doing something dangerous, or another person in the Library seems to be a danger to the child
- A child is alone and is not following the Library Code of Conduct
- No caregiver comes to pick a child up at closing time
Library staff members will evaluate the situation and try to contact the child's parent or guardian. If staff cannot reach the parent or guardian, he or she will place the child in the care of the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
Approved by the Salem City Council: November 13, 2017
Salem Public Library Fine Free Policy
Administrative Rule No. 101-04 Salem Public Library Fine Free Policy
Salem Public Library is committed to reducing financial barriers to accessing services. Salem Public Library’s Fine Free Policy is informed by ALA’s Free Access to Information Policy B.4.2 which asserts “charging of fees and levies for information services, including those services utilizing the latest information technology, is discriminatory in publicly supported institutions providing library and information services.” Through this administrative rule action, Salem Public Library will not charge fines for overdue materials. Additionally, Salem Public Library will not charge fees for Inter-Library Loan requests. There may be fees from the lending library and/or postage charges but none from Salem Public Library.
Patrons will be charged the price of the item and a processing fee for items that are overdue past 21 days as such items will be assumed Lost. User privileges will be suspended when said user’s account exceeds a balance of $50.00.
Charging for long overdue or LOST items
- If an item is overdue 21 days, it will be assumed LOST and the patron will be charged for the item and a processing fee.
- If a LOST item is returned to the Library in good condition, the replacement charge and the processing fee will be removed from the patron’s account.
- If a LOST item is paid for and returned within six months of the item deemed LOST, the replacement cost and processing fee will be refunded.
Charging for Damaged and Missing Pieces
- At the City Librarian’s discretion, patrons may be charged the replacement cost and a processing fee for damaged items. Such charges will depend on the nature and severity of the assessed damage.
- At the City Librarian’s discretion, patrons may be charged the replacement cost and a processing fee for items returned with missing pieces. Such charges will depend on the circumstance and the potential for missing pieces to diminish future use of the item.
- Charges for items not owned by Salem Public library will be determined by the original lending library.
Debt Collections
- When debt collection services are necessary, such cases will be referred to CCRLS for processing.
Effective July 1, 2022
This Collection Development Policy will be evaluated annually by library management and revised as needed.
Purpose
Salem Public Library’s Collection Development Policy reflects the mission of public libraries to provide access to information and support diversity, democracy, lifelong learning, and intellectual freedom. The policy both informs the public of the principles supporting selection decisions and provides guidance for the selection and evaluation of library materials that anticipate and meet the needs of the Salem community.
It is the goal of the library to provide free, equal, and equitable access to a high-quality collection of resources in a variety of formats, reflective of the diversity of the community. Materials available in the library present a diversity of viewpoints, enabling the community to make the informed choices necessary in a democracy. In support of preserving and encouraging the essential free expression of ideas, Salem Public Library endorses the principles documented in the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement of the American Library Association, as well as the City of Salem’s SRC Chapter 97 on human rights.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
Salem Public Library promotes understanding and education among diverse groups. The library will continuously work to curate a collection representing a wide array of people, cultures, ideas, and experiences. Curating, maintaining, and providing a diverse and equitable collection is an ongoing process. Library resources are for use by all members of the Salem community. The library strives to reflect the needs and diversity of its community in its collections.
Selection of Library Materials
Selection and collection maintenance of library materials is delegated to qualified library staff, under the authority and at the discretion of the City Librarian. All materials, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the criteria listed below. An item need not meet all these standards in order to be added to the collection.
- Popular interest
- Contemporary significance
- Currency of information
- Accuracy
- Local emphasis
- Readability
- Creative, literary, or technical quality
- Relationship to other materials and adequacy of coverage in subject area
- Significance of item within subject area
- Professional reviews from a variety of sources
- Format and ease of use
- Cost and availability
- Availability of copies in the system and relationship to materials in other area libraries
- Physical appearance and condition
- Space limitations
- Public demand and anticipated demand in a consortium setting
Scope of the Collection
The Salem Public Library maintains a varied and current collection covering a wide range of subjects and containing multiple points of view. The library’s collections are dynamic with an emphasis on up-to-date and in-demand materials. The library provides information resources in physical and electronic formats to deliver the broadest possible access to content both within and beyond the library’s walls. The primary responsibility of the Salem Public Library is to serve the Salem community by providing a broad range of materials to meet informational, educational, cultural, accessibility, and recreational needs.
Collections are developed in response to current use patterns, community needs, budgetary and space constraints, evolving technology, and the library’s mission and purpose. The library maintains a collection of popular and informational works that is evaluated continuously. The collection embraces broad fields of knowledge with basic, representative works in most subject areas, emphasizing materials that are useful for the general public. Textbooks and materials of a highly technical or specialized nature of limited community interest are generally not collected.
Suggestions for Purchase
The library encourages input from its community concerning the collection. All suggestions for purchase are subject to the same selection criteria as other materials and are not automatically added to the collection.
Material and Fund Donations
Donations of books and other materials are accepted by the Friends of the Salem Public Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For further information on their procedures, contact the Friends of the Salem Public Library directly. The library cannot guarantee that unsolicited materials will be returned to donors. The library reserves the right to accept or refuse materials or funds and any conditions placed upon gifts of materials or funds.
Collection Maintenance
To maintain a relevant, popular, and appealing collection, the library engages in ongoing evaluation of its materials. This policy’s selection criteria, the CREW method, and other best practices are used when evaluating collections.
Materials that have been withdrawn may be first offered to the Friends of the Salem Public Library. All other materials will be disposed of in accordance with general City policies and procedures. Replacement of damaged, missing, and withdrawn materials is not automatic. The decision to replace is determined by the selection criteria listed in this policy.
Request for Reconsideration
Residents of the City of Salem concerned about a particular item in the library’s collection are encouraged to speak to a designated staff member. If a resident wishes to pursue review of the item, they must complete a Request for Reconsideration form. The City Librarian will review the request and apply the selection criteria set forth in this policy to determine if the item should be removed or reclassified. The City Librarian’s decision on reconsideration is the City of Salem’s final decision. The item under review will not be removed from circulation during the review process.
Revised: September 2023
1. Introduction and Summary
Your privacy is important to Salem Public Library. The Library does everything it can to protect and respect your personal information and keep your library records confidential. Salem Public Library adheres to the American Library Association Code of Ethics that states in Article III:
"We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted."
The Library publicly posts privacy and information-gathering policies. The Library gathers information about library users for the sole purpose of providing library services. The Library strives to collect the least amount of personally identifiable information possible and avoids creating unnecessary records. The Library uses a shared database administered by the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System (CCRLS). Salem Public Library database records can also be accessed by other CCRLS member libraries.
The Library does not share your personally identifiable information with third parties unless required to by law, which includes but is not limited to being served with a valid subpoena, national security letter, or warrant to do so. The Library follows Oregon law which requires all public libraries in Oregon to protect the privacy of user records. The Library strives to ensure it does not engage in practices that might place personal identifiable information on public view without your consent.
This privacy policy details the steps the Library has taken to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of all library users, no matter their age. This privacy policy works to balance confidentiality with convenience. Third party services offered by the Library hold other terms and policies that may affect the privacy of your personal identifiable information. Users must understand when accessing remote or third-party vendor sites that there are limits to the privacy protection the Library can provide. Refer to the Library’s Third-Party Vendors list for more information.
2. Information Salem Public Library Collects, Purposes for, and Limitations On Its Use
By choosing to submit your name, email address, mailing address or phone number in order to receive library services (such as registering for a library card, receiving responses to requests for help, or being added to an email list), you are consenting to give us your personally identifiable information. The Library will keep this information confidential and will not sell, license or disclose it to any third party, except those parties Salem Public Library has contracted with, or except as required by law. Refer to the Library’s Third-Party Vendors list for more information.
The Library never uses or shares the personally identifiable information provided to it in ways unrelated to the ones described below without also providing you an opportunity to prohibit such unrelated uses, unless required by law to do so. The Library may offer services to improve convenience and communication that may use personally identifiable information or information about your use of library materials and services. The Library will make it possible for you to “opt in” to these services.
The Library collects both personally identifiable information and anonymous information in order to provide library service to users.
a. Personally identifiable information is any information that could potentially identify a specific individual. The Library strives to collect the least amount of personally identifiable information possible and avoids creating unnecessary records. Personally identifiable information collected by the Library could include:
- Information required to register for and maintain a library card (including name, address, telephone number, email address, and birthdate).
- Information submitted on paper, such as Purchase Requests, Library Card Applications, Reference Intakes, InterLibrary Loan Requests, Operation Bookshelf Applications, etc., are retained only as long as they are actively used. Post-use these items are shredded.
- User information linked to library materials:
- Materials currently checked out (until returned, unless users have activated their full checkout history by visiting the My Account page in the catalog.) See confidentiality of library records below.
- Previous borrower information for materials
- Materials requested, including CCRLS materials, InterLibrary Loans, and Purchase Requests
- Fees owed and payments made
- User contact information to sign up for library programs and events
- Usage and activity data of third party vendor library services, such as research databases and digital materials
- Information about topics searched for and materials requested
- Email reference questions submitted to the Library follow City of Salem retention policy. Questions are retained only for the purpose of statistics and to assist with follow-up queries from users. While the questions themselves may not be exempt under the public records laws, the Library will strive to protect personal information such as names, email addresses, telephone and fax numbers submitted along with the questions. This information will be treated as other library user information under provisions of the Confidentiality of Library Records section below.
b. Anonymous information is information that does not specifically identify an individual. The anonymous information collected by the library could include:
- Transactional data, including date and time of requests and activity
- Demographic data
- Library website data to measure and analyze visitors, usage and activity
- During your visit as you browse the Library website, read pages, or download information, certain information will be automatically gathered and stored about your visit but not about you, including your IP address, browser and operating system used, date and time of access, pages visited, cookie data, and for how long. The Library uses this information only as anonymous aggregate data to determine the number of visitors to different sections of the Library website and to help us make the sites more useful. The Library does not use the information to track or record information about individuals.
3. Confidentiality of Library Records
The Library does not keep a record of your borrowing history beyond operational requirements unless you choose to opt-in to keeping it. Once you return an item, it is removed from your account. Items with lost or damaged fees will remain on your account until paid.
Salem Public Library staff will not respond to any informal request by a third party for personally identifiable information about any library user. State law protects your library records from disclosure if a member of the public or the media requests them. Such information includes your contact information, circulation records, database search records, reference inquiries, requests for information, interlibrary loan records, and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services. Personally identifiable information may be released only to a law enforcement agency if required by law, such as after presentation of an order by a court of competent jurisdiction issued in proper form (a court issued subpoena or search warrant) and/or under the provisions of the USA Patriot Act.
You are entitled to view your personally identifiable information and are responsible for keeping your information accurate and up-to-date. Library records may only be disclosed to:
- Library staff performing job duties across CCRLS member libraries
- The cardholder upon proof of identity
- Upon request of a parent or legal guardian of a child under 16 years of age who accepted responsibility and who is named on the record. Parent or legal guardian must show photo I.D. or library card.
- Anyone with the library card number
- Only share your card number with people you trust and report lost or stolen cards immediately.
- To the extent required by law, which includes but is not limited to a written court order, subpoena or search warrant presented by a documented official, although many legal processes are subject to objection by the City.
- Law enforcement with a valid subpoena, national security letter, or warrant.
Items on Hold and Allowing Account Access
- Users of any age may choose to have another person pick up their holds by providing that person with their library card or by notifying Library staff, who will make a note on the user’s account.
4. Children’s Privacy
The safety and privacy of children is very important to Salem Public Library. As with all other users, personal information collected from children by the Library is not shared with any non-contracted agency or vendor. The Library encourages parents to take an active role in their children’s internet use and teach them about the importance of not revealing personal information online.
5. Mandatory Reporting
Library staff members are mandatory reporters for children, adults over the age of 65, adults in nursing homes, and adults with developmental disabilities or mental health issues. ORS 419B.010 establishes the duty to report and does not relieve a person of that duty (or of civil liability for failing to report) because of the confidentiality of library records. As a mandatory reporter, a Library staff member is to report, if known, names, ages, addresses, extent of the abuse, including evidence of previous abuse, the explanation given for the abuse, and any other information of the individuals involved.
6. Technology
a. Public Computers and Wireless Network
The Library does not keep a record of your activities on any public computer or on the Library’s wireless network. Any record of browsing history and activities on the Library’s public computers are removed when you log out or disconnect. Information about your public computer reservation (library card number, computer number, reservation time, and session duration) is purged after it is no longer needed for statistical purposes.
The Library offers free and open wireless network (wifi) access. Patrons using public wireless networks should have no reasonable expectation of privacy during their usage.
b. Data and Network Security
The Library is part of the City of Salem network and the CCRLS consortium. CCRLS administers the Library’s database and eResource access. The Library takes reasonable steps to assure data security. The Library protects personally identifiable information by electronically purging it once it is no longer needed for library business purposes, whenever possible. The Library does not collect cookies, browsing history, cached files, or other computer and Internet use records that are placed on library computers or networks. The Library operates secure data networks protected by industry standard firewalls and password protection systems. Only authorized individuals have access to the information provided by Library users.
c. Cookies
A cookie is a small amount of data, which often includes a unique identifier that is sent to your computer or mobile phone or device browser from a website's computer and is stored on your device's hard drive. Some of the applications or external sites that you may link to from library pages, devices or equipment also use cookies. For more information on the use of cookies by each service please refer to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policies for the services you use. You may set the preferences in your web browser to refuse cookies or to tell you when a cookie is being sent.
d. Social Networking Tools
All approved City of Salem social media sites are listed on the City’s website. These sites are intended to serve as mechanisms for communications between the public and City departments on topics related to department activities. Any comments submitted to these locations are public records subject to disclosure pursuant to OAR Chapter 166, Division 200. These administrative rules can be found on the Secretary of State’s website. By obtaining information from and interacting with the City through any of the approved City of Salem social media sites, you agree to the City of Salem Social Media Terms of Use.
e. RFID
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used to circulate library materials, keep a record of the library collection, and secure the collection from theft. RFID tags attached to items only contain the barcode number of the item. No personal library user or transaction information is on the RFID tag.
7. Security Cameras
The Library uses security cameras inside and outside to enhance the safety and security of library users, staff and facilities. Security camera footage is released as required by law, including but not limited to pursuant to a valid subpoena, national security letter, warrant, or public records request. Cameras are never installed in areas where members of the public and staff would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms. Video is only available for immediate viewing by Library Security and IT personnel and is retained for up to 90 days.
8. Photography in Salem Public Library Facilities
All Salem Public Library events present opportunities for staff to capture pictures and/or videos to better tell the Library’s story. Attendance and participation at such events constitutes implied consent to be photographed. Pictures may be used for library publications, reports, and publicity. Please alert a Library staff member if you do not wish to be photographed.
9. Illegal Activity Prohibited and Not Protected
Users may conduct only legal activity while using library resources and services. Nothing in this statement prevents the Library from exercising its right to enforce the Library’s Patron Code of Conduct, protect its facilities, network, and equipment from harm, or prevent the use of library facilities and equipment for illegal purposes. Library employees are authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of library users, staff, facilities, computers and the network. This includes contacting law enforcement authorities and providing information that may identify the individual(s) perpetrating a violation.
10. Third-Party Vendors and Non-Library Websites
The Library works with third-party vendors to provide online learning, digital collections, streaming media content, analytics, and more. Many of the Library's electronic databases can be freely accessed from anywhere by anyone with a Salem Public Library card. Salem Public Library is not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites, which may be different from the privacy practices described in the Library’s Privacy Policy. The vendors of some of these databases collect statistics such as the names of the databases used, how often they are used, and whether they are used in the library or by remote access and the vendors provide the statistics to the library. The Library encourages you to become familiar with privacy practices of other sites you visit. When you leave the library website, your interaction with these systems will be governed by their individual privacy policies.
Refer to the library’s Third-Party Vendors list for more information.
[1] Best practice, according to ALA: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/privacyconfidentialityqa
If you believe you or any program beneficiary has been subjected to unequal treatment or discrimination in the receipt of benefits or services from the City because of a disability, you may file a report of concern with the Title VI / Section 504 Coordinator.