RM 14/106601
CP-20 Library Policy
Libraries Unit
16/10/2018 | Rev F
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LIBRARY POLICY
1.0 POLICY AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this policy is to ensure that the Brimbank Libraries continues to provide free and
open access to library services facilitating lifelong learning within the Brimbank community.
2.0 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS BEING USED
Authorised person”
means any person appointed by the Council pursuant to Section 224
of the Local Government Act 1989.
“Child”
means a person who has not attained the age of 18 years.
“Computer”
means any Internet, CD-Rom, Games, Public Access computer or word
processing computer terminal which is available for public use in a library.
“Council”
means the Brimbank City Council.
“Customer”
means any person or institution, whether or not a library member, making use
of the Library Service and facilities.
“Guarantor”
means any person who takes responsibility for a child and is responsible for
their membership of the library and use of the library.
“Item”
includes any library material forming any part of library collections.
“Senior staff member”
means the person from time to time in charge of the Library, any
Branch or outlet of the Library.
“Library”
means any library outlet under the management and control of Council.
“Library Manager”
means the person appointed by the Council as the Manager of the
Library Service.
“Library Service”
means the totality of library outlets, facilities and services available to the
public.
“Member”
means any person or other body to whom a current and valid membership card
is issued pursuant to this policy.
“Membership card”
means a current and valid card issued to an applicant by library staff
as authority to borrow library items and access computers.
RM 14/106601
CP-20 Library Policy
Libraries Unit
16/10/2018 | Rev F
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3.0 POLICY STATEMENT AND PRINCIPLES
Libraries Unit
3.1. Vision
Connect Learn Grow.
4.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Access & Conduct
4.1. Access:
(a)
Council may, by resolution, fix the days and hours of regular Library opening.
(b)
The Library may be required to close on occasion for public safety reasons or
organisational requirements.
(c)
A customer of the Library must not, without the authority of Council, enter or
use the Library when it is not open.
(d)
The Library Manager has the right to suspend or ban customers from entry or
access to library facilities or services if behaviour is deemed inappropriate.
(e)
Library staff cannot be held responsible for the safety of children left
unattended in the library. If a child under ten years of age is left
unaccompanied in the library the Senior staff member will.
I.
Contact parent, guardian or nominated carer, or
II.
Contact the Police if the child’s parents/guardians/carer cannot be
contacted.
4.2. Conduct:
A person must:
(a)
Behave in a manner in accordance with the library rules displayed in the
library.
(b)
Leave the Library after having been lawfully directed to leave by an
authorised person.
(c)
Behave in a manner which will not interfere with the use and enjoyment of
the Library by other persons.
(d)
Not endanger any person.
(e)
Respect all property, asset or facility and not damage or destroy or remove
assets without authority.
(f)
May not enter library facilities if they have been formally banned from doing
so.
RM 14/106601
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Libraries Unit
16/10/2018 | Rev F
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4.3. A person must not, without the authority of Council or the Senior staff member:
(a)
Place or distribute any advertisements or notices within the Library.
(b)
Organise, hold or attend any unauthorised public gathering within the Library.
(c)
Conduct a survey or canvass members of the public.
(d)
Make a collection of money or sell goods or services within the Library.
(e)
Permit an animal to be within the Library unless, the animal is required to
assist a person with a disability.
(f)
Enter any area of the Library which is designated or set aside for the
exclusive use of the Library staff or other member of Council staff.
4.4. Membership
A person wishing to become a member of the Library must:
(a)
Provide suitable proof of identity and current address, as
determined by the Library staff.
(b)
Agree to accept responsibility for materials borrowed, services provided and
to abide by the Library’s conditions of use.
(c)
Sign the membership card as proof of that agreement.
(d)
Undertake to comply with the provisions of this policy and any other policy
adopted by Council or the Library Manager.
4.5. Membership for under 18 years:
Children under the age of 18 must have a guarantor before membership shall
be granted. Exceptions will be made for those under the age of 18 years and
living independently:
(a)
The Guarantor must provide their proof of address and identification when
arranging membership for a person under the age of 18.
(b)
The Guarantor accepts responsibility for the use of the library by the child
who has access to all services and activities including collections and
technology.
(c)
The Guarantor is responsible for payment of all fees and charges associated
with the relevant membership.
(d)
Young people aged 16-18 with proof of address and identification may join
the library without a guarantor and are responsible for payment of all fees
and charges with the relevant membership.
4.6. Membership remains current until such time as:
(a)
It expires after 3 years, at which time the member must re-register.
(b)
It is cancelled or suspended by the Library Manager who must be satisfied
that the member has contravened or failed to comply with any provision in
this policy.
(c)
The member notifies the Library of his or her resignation as a member.
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Libraries Unit
16/10/2018 | Rev F
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4.7. On being issued with a membership card every member must:
(a)
Be responsible for payment of all fees and charges associated with the
relevant membership.
(b)
Be responsible for the custody and use of the card and for all items
subsequently borrowed on that card.
(c)
Report the loss of the card to Library staff as soon as the loss is discovered.
(d)
Notify any change of address to the Library staff.
(e)
Produce the card whenever items are borrowed or when required.
4.8. A Replacement Card
may be issued on payment of such fee as determined by the
Council.
4.9. If Required By The Library
a member must make a statutory declaration concerning
the loss, damage to or destruction of any items.
4.10. Borrowing Library Items:
Borrowing procedures and guidelines will be set by the
Library Manager and information will be provided to all library members when
membership is granted.
4.11. Fees and Charges
The Council may from time to time determine fees and charges to apply, which may
include an administrative or processing fee or charge. The Library Manager will
ensure that notification of the schedule of fees and charges is advertised in each
library.
In determining a schedule of fees and charges the Council must take into
consideration:
(a)
The reason for imposing fees and charges.
(b)
The Brimbank City Council Social Justice Charter.
4.12. Information Communication Technology
(a)
Access to computer, the wireless network and online services including but
not limited to internet, games and general computer software is available free
of charge however Council is not responsible for any loss or data when
individuals are using public access computer. Customers must comply with
the guidelines as set by the Library.
(b)
Customers are responsible for their own or any individual they stand
guarantor for Internet and computer use.
(c)
Members are required to respect Copyright Law when using the Internet and
online resources.
(d)
Members are not permitted to display material on computer screens that is
deemed unsuitable for viewing in a public library place.
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4.13. Noticeboards & Displays
(a)
A member of the public may not directly post any item on a library
noticeboard. All notices must be submitted to the Library Team Leader and if
accepted, will be displayed in a nominated place for a set period of time by a
designated library staff member.
4.14. Delegation
:
The Council may delegate to an authorised officer or officers from time to time
the power to:
(a)
Enforce the Council’s General Local Law and this policy.
(b)
Sign, seal, issue, revoke or cancel any fine, notice, or order, on behalf of the
Council.
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Libraries Unit
16/10/2018 | Rev F
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References
Brimbank City Council: Social Justice Charter
https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/plans-policies-and-strategies/policies/social-justice-charter
Brimbank Local law 2008
Brimbank City Council Privacy Policy
Australian Library and Information Association statement on free access to information
https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/alia-open-access
statement
Australian Library and Information Association statement on information literacy
https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/statement-information
literacy-all-australians
Australian Library and Information Association statement on public library services
https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/statement-public
library-services
Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
http://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Statement on Libraries and
Intellectual Freedom
http://www.ifla.org/publications/ifla-statement-on-libraries-and-intellectual-freedom
Information on Library Copyright laws see
www.copyright.org.au
RM 14/106601
CP-20 Library Policy
Libraries Unit
16/10/2018 | Rev F
Page 7 of 7
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History of Amendment
Rev
Reviewed
Date
Reason for
Amendment
Next
Review
Date
23/03/2003
Created
13/09/2006
Review
22/09/2009
Review
March / 2010
Review
A
26/05/2011
Annual Review /
New Format
26/05/2012
B
5/08/2013
Annual Review
C
17/06/2014
Annual review
D
11/03/2016
Annual Review
1/12/2017
E
18/04/2018
Annual Review with wording
changes at various sections
18/04/2019
F
16/10/2018
Wording changes at
section 4.1e from
“
If a
child under eight years of
age to ten years of age
”
18/04/2019
Date Approved by Council / EMT 8/06/2004
