Library Policy

1.  Policy Purpose

The aim of this policy is to ensure Brimbank Libraries continues to provide free and open access to library services facilitating lifelong learning within the Brimbank community.

2.  Policy Scope

This policy applies to all Council officers, Councillors and customers of the Brimbank Libraries service.

The policy covers the use and enjoyment of Brimbank Libraries for the whole community. This policy is to ensure that:

•  The library operates effectively and efficiently.

•  Members of the community enjoy the facilities in a way that does not infringe upon the rights of other customers or staff.

•  Library service, collections and programs are inclusive of people of all gender identities and expressions.

Brimbank Libraries actively support the substantive rights outlined in the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic.), notably those of relevance to the role and function of public libraries including freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, freedom of expression, taking part in public life and cultural rights.

This policy is supported by the following policies:

Library Strategy and Strategic Framework for Library Collections | Brimbank City Council

Brimbank Lifelong Learning Strategy 2018-2023 | Brimbank City Council

Privacy Policy | Brimbank City Council

Brimbank Libraries - Internet Guidelines

3.  Administration of the Library

a)  The Library Unit Manager is responsible for the management and administration of the library service in accordance with the policies and directions of the Council.

b) Any person using Brimbank Libraries shall obey the lawful directions of an Authorised Staff Member.

4.  Definition of terms used in this policy

5.  Statement of policy principles

•  Vision

◦  The Brimbank Libraries embrace diversity and engage with the community through innovative services, programs and partnerships that empower and inspire the achievement of lifelong learning and aspirations.

•  Mission

◦  Imagine, Explore, Discover, Connect

We will achieve the libraries mission for our community by delivering:

◦  Exceptional customer service provided by knowledgeable, adaptable and enthusiastic staff.

◦  Innovative and accessible technology, spaces and collections that support recreation, education and employment.

◦  A range of targeted programs in the community, in the libraries and online.

6.  Specific requirements

•  Library Access

◦  We will provide services, programs and facilities to all Brimbank City Council residents and visitors without discrimination.

Access and Conduct

•  Access

◦  Council may, with the endorsement of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has the authority to decide on the regular library opening days and hours;

◦  Customers may only enter the library (other than Restricted Areas) at times of opening, as

set by Council. These opening hours will be prominently displayed inside and outside the

library and advertised by other methods as determined by the Library Unit Manager;

◦  The library may be required to close on occasion for public safety reasons or organisational requirements;

◦  No person, other than library staff or persons duly authorised by the Library Unit Manager or the Council, shall enter or remain in the library during the hours when the library is not open for use by the public;

◦  The Director of Community Wellbeing has the right to suspend or ban customers from entry or access to library facilities or services if behaviour is deemed inappropriate or is a risk to public or staff safety;

◦  Library staff cannot be held responsible for the safety of children left unattended in the library. If a child under 10 years of age is left unaccompanied in the library the Officer in Charge will:

◦  Contact parent, guardian or nominated carer, or

◦  Contact the Police if the child’s parents/guardians/carer cannot be contacted.

•  Conduct

 A person must:

◦  Behave in a manner in accordance with the library principles displayed in the library;

◦  Leave the library upon request by an authorised staff member;

◦  Behave in a responsible and reasonable manner while in the library, showing consideration for the rights and enjoyment of other customers and staff;

◦  Follow all reasonable requests from an authorised staff member to modify their behaviour if deemed disruptive to other customers;

◦  Respect all property, asset or facility and not damage or destroy or remove assets without authority;

◦  May not enter library facilities if they have been formally banned from doing so.

Customers must not:

◦  Place or distribute any advertisements or notices within the Library;

◦  Organise, hold or attend any unauthorised public gathering within the library;

◦  Conduct a survey or canvass members of the public gathering within the library without permission from an authorised staff member;

◦  Make a collection of money or sell goods or services within the library;

◦  Behave in a manner that may cause serious harm, inconvenience or discomfort to any other person or staff member in the library;

◦  Permit an animal to be within the library, other than assistance dogs, therapy or companion animals, which are permitted in the library at any time without permission from an authorised staff member;

◦  Enter any area of the library that is designated or set aside for the exclusive use of the library staff or other member of Council staff;

◦  Take photographs of other customers and authorised staff using library facilities, programs and services without permission:

◦  Bring alcohol/illicit drugs into the library, or be in the library while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol/illicit drugs;

◦   Smoke or vape in the library, or within four metres of the library entrance;

◦  Bring into or possess on library premises any prohibited object including but not limited to: a projectile, firearm, weapon, machete, knife, flammable or explosive substance, controlled article, or any offensive or dangerous substance or article without lawful excuse;

◦  Deface, damage or interfere with any part of the building, furniture, fittings, computers, equipment, books or other materials belonging to the library, or in the care of the library service;

◦  Conduct any form of gambling within the library;

◦  Use the Internet to download or view what can reasonably be deemed offensive material, as per the conditions specified in the Computer, Internet and Wi-Fi Use policy

◦  Offensive material includes, but is not limited to:

◦  any material that is deemed a breach of the Child Safety Policy,

◦  obscene or harassing language or images,

◦  racial, ethnic, sexual, erotic or gender-specific comments or images,

◦  and/or other comments or images that would offend someone on the basis of their:

◦  religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation, physical features, national origin or age

◦  as defined in the Equal Opportunity Act.

•  Membership

Membership of Brimbank Libraries is free.

A person registering as a member of the library agrees to:

◦  Provide suitable proof of identity and current address, as determined by the library staff;

◦  Accepts responsibility for materials borrowed, services provided and to abide by the Library’s conditions of use;

◦  Comply with the provisions of this policy and any other policy adopted by Council or the Library Unit Manager;

◦  Accept the membership registration as proof of the agreement.

•  General Membership

◦  Individuals over the age of 16, with proof of ID and a current Victorian residential

address, are eligible for a General Membership.

◦  A General Membership provides access to the library’s full range of services and

Resources.

•  Junior and Young Adult Membership:

Persons under the age of 16 must have a guarantor before membership shall be granted. Exceptions will be made for those under the age of 16 years and living independently:

◦  The Guarantor must provide their proof of address and identification when arranging membership for a person under the age of 16;

◦  The Guarantor accepts responsibility for the use of the library by the person under the age of 18 who has access to all services and activities including collections and technology;

◦  The Guarantor is responsible for the suitability of items chosen by the young member;

◦  The Guarantor is responsible for payment of all fees and charges associated with the relevant membership;

◦  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.

•  Organisational Membership:

◦  Any association, society, institution, business or agency located within the City of Brimbank, or at the discretion of an authorised staff member, is eligible for an Organisational Membership;

◦   An Organisational Membership provides access to the library’s full range of services and resources and may be authorised for use by multiple people provided an individual agrees to act as guarantor and all subsequent users agree to follow the membership conditions outlined in this policy.

•   Home Library Membership:

◦  Brimbank Libraries will provide a home library service for people who reside within the City of Brimbank and are unable to visit a library due to illness, frailty, disability, carer duties and have no one in their household able to visit on their behalf;

◦  Home Library Membership may be permanent or temporary, as long as the person demonstrates a genuine need for the service as determined by an authorised staff member;

◦  Home Library Membership provides access to the full range of library resources, including answers to requests for information, the routine delivery of specifically requested or curated resources;

◦  Home Library membership may include a visit by a volunteer if requested.

•  Online Membership:

◦  Any individual may apply for an online membership (if they reside in the State of Victoria) by completing an online form without providing proof of ID or address, upon which that individual will be allocated a membership number that can be used to access online collections and resources only;

◦  A Digital Membership can be upgraded at any time to a Partial, Child and Youth, or Adult Membership upon presentation of the required proof of ID and/or proof of address as required for the desired membership type.

•  Membership remains current until such time as:

◦  It expires after three years, at which time the member must re-register;

◦  It is cancelled or suspended by the Library Unit Manager who must be satisfied that the member has contravened or failed to comply with any provision in this policy;

◦  The member notifies the library of their resignation as a member;

◦  A family member notifies of a member’s passing.

•  On being issued with a membership every member must:

◦  Be responsible for payment of all fees and charges associated with the relevant membership;

◦  Be responsible for the use of the membership and for all items subsequently borrowed on that membership;

◦  Notify any change of details to the library staff or online;

◦  Be able to verify their identity should it be required.

•  Customers are responsible for any item issued to their card up until the time it has been reported lost. Customers must report the loss of the card to library staff as soon as the loss is discovered to stop the misuse of the card.

•  A Replacement Card may be issued on payment of such fee as determined by the Council.

•  If required by the library a member must make a statutory declaration concerning the loss, damage to or destruction of any items.

•  Borrowing Library Items: borrowing procedures and guidelines will be set by the Library Unit Manager and information is available to all library members.

•  Overdue items: There is no onus on the library to send any notice that an item has not been returned by the due date. Failure to send such notice is not an accepted excuse for non-return of items.

◦  Overdue items must be returned before additional items can be borrowed;

◦  Item renewal is automatic unless the borrower disables this function for their membership;

◦  The number of renewals available on any particular item will be determined according to the Collection Development Policy;

◦  Renewals may not be available if the item has been reserved by another member, if or item is part of a special collection;

◦  Where the option is available, items will be automatically renewed up to the renewal limit when not returned by the due date;

◦  Long overdue items will be presumed lost and liabilities incurred by a member for the loss of items including a suspension on further items which can be borrowed.

•  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 Unit Manager will ensure that notification of the schedule of fees and charges is advertised in each library.

◦  No overdue fees will be charged for borrowed items that are returned after the specified due date;

◦  When an item is overdue, restrictions will be placed on the account of the member who borrowed the item until it is returned, preventing further borrowing;

◦  If an item is lost, the replacement cost and catalogue processing fee will be charged to the member who last borrowed the item;

◦  Refunds are not issued for lost library items that are subsequently found after they have been paid for;

◦  The Council, its officers or a third party appointed by the Council may take action for the recovery of an item or its value, at any time after the item becomes overdue;

◦  At the discretion of the Library Unit Manager, these fees may be reduced or forgiven in certain extenuating circumstances;

◦  All fees and charges will be set annually by the Council at the beginning of each financial year.

In determining a schedule of fees and charges the Council must take into consideration:

◦  The reason for imposing fees and charges;

◦  The Brimbank City Council Social Justice Charter.

•  Privacy

◦  Information gained as a result of membership registration, circulation of library material or participation in any library activity will not be made available to outside enquirers except by a Court Order or requested as part of an official police investigation;

◦  The library collects information about members for the purpose of communicating with them about their account, borrowed/held items, and for statistical purposes;

◦  Membership and circulation statistics shall not be identifiable except where this is agreed to by the customers for operational reasons such as the home library service;

◦  Members who provide their email address will be subscribed to an email update service used to share important service updates and information about new resources and upcoming events; members can opt out at any time;

◦  Brimbank Libraries will provide notice when photographs and/or video are being taken;

◦  Brimbank City Council’s Privacy Policy applies to all computer and Wi-Fi usage at the library;

◦  When using Public Access Computers, customers must ensure that private information is not saved on the computer, and must sign out of all applications and web browsers at the end of their session.

•  Information Communication Technology

◦  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 of data when individuals are using public access computer or council Wi-Fi. Customers must comply with the guidelines as set by the library;

◦  Guarantors are responsible for Internet and computer use of all members they register;

◦  Members are required to respect Copyright Law when using the Internet and online resources;

◦  Members are not permitted to access or display material that can reasonably be deemed unsuitable for viewing in a public place. The intentional downloading and/or viewing of material that contains content considered to be offensive as defined by the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 is not permissible. Offensive material includes, but is not limited to:

◦  Obscene or harassing language or images;

◦  Racial, ethnic, sexual, erotic or gender specific comments or images; and

◦  Other comments or images that would offend someone on the basis of their religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation, physical features, national origin or age (as defined in the Equal Opportunity Act).

•  Noticeboards & Displays

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.

◦  The inclusion of notices in relevant community languages is encouraged. An English translation, written or verbal, of material in languages other than English must be provided;

◦  Notices must contain clear details of the issuing organisation or community group;

◦  Preference will be given to local organisations and community groups as well as programs, services and events provided, sponsored or supported by Council;

◦  At a minimum, notices, pamphlets and posters without a specific event date or end date will be cleared at the end of each calendar month. Depending on demand for space, clearing of notice boards may take place more frequently;

◦  All material displayed must comply with State and Federal legislation;

◦  Items of a discriminatory or offensive nature and on controversial topics of a political, religious or moral nature are excluded;

◦  Items of a political nature representing specific candidates or political affiliations relating to local, state or federal elections are excluded;

◦  Petitions are excluded;

◦  Notices and displays of a commercial nature including fee-paying services and personal classified advertisements are generally excluded.

•  Access to the computers in all Brimbank Libraries is available to customers at no charge within the following guidelines:

◦  Computers may be booked for up to 2 hours per day – some exceptions apply. Bookings will be held for 10 minutes;

◦  All personal data is wiped from PCs at the end of each session. Libraries are not liable for any loss of data;

◦  If you have charges of more than the limit set annually by Council you are not able to use a PC;

◦  Please note, not all applications and file types are accessible on our public PCs;

◦  Limits on Internet speed may apply;

◦  The Internet must not be used for downloading/uploading, displaying, viewing or posting material that can be reasonably deemed inappropriate in a public space;

◦  Gambling services are inaccessible on Brimbank networks and devices, as per Council policy;

◦  Users must adhere to all relevant laws including Council, Copyright and licensing agreements;

◦  Modification of library hardware, settings, or software is prohibited. Attempts to do so may result in legal action;

◦  Deliberate unauthorised attempts to access, interfere, hack, corrupt, destroy, or downgrade the performance of Council ICT systems and information is prohibited. Attempts to do so may result in legal action;

◦  Customers are responsible for their own security of personal or other information and for setup and configuration of their own devices;

◦  Use of the library technology can be monitored and investigated for any misuse in conjunction with relevant agencies.

•  Volunteering

Brimbank City Council recognises the importance of volunteers from the local community for their support in delivering a wider and quality range of services to the community. Council recognises volunteers enhance the existing services that Council provides.

◦  Participation of volunteering at Brimbank Libraries are governed by the Brimbank Council Volunteer Policy and Brimbank Volunteer Strategy 2018-2022;

◦  Volunteering at the Brimbank Libraries follow the Australian Library and Information Association’s ‘Statement of voluntary work in library and information services.’

•  Programs and Events

Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Library Unit Manager and the Community Learning and Partnership Coordinator. The Community Learning and Partnership Coordinator, in turn, delegates the authority for program development and management to appropriate unit staff.

Brimbank Libraries schedules, develops, and presents a wide variety of programs that provide opportunities for information, learning, and entertainment. Programming is an integral component of library services that:

◦  Expands the library’s role as a community resource;

◦  Introduces users and non-users to library resources;

◦  Provides opportunities for lifelong learning;

◦  Provides entertainment;

◦  Expands the visibility of the library,

Library staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:

◦  Community needs and interests;

◦  Relation to library collections and resources;

◦   Availability of program space;

◦  Availability of library staff;

◦  Treatment of content for intended audience;

◦  Presentation quality;

◦  Presenter background/qualifications in content area;

◦  Budget;

◦  Historical, cultural heritage or educational significance;

◦  Connection to other community / Council programs, exhibitions or events;

◦  Support social connection and understanding,

◦  Library programs aim to have no charge, however a fee may be charged for certain types of library programs including fees to cover the cost of materials that participants keep;

◦  The library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with other Council departments, community agencies, organisations, educational, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs;

◦  Performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background, gender identity, or because of possible controversy;

◦  The library does not present programs that support or oppose any political parties or religious groups;

◦  Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialised or unique expertise may be hired for library programs. Payment to an external presenter will be set in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and external contractor policies:

◦  The library is interested in opinions and suggestions for library programs. These suggestions or opinions should be communicated to library staff or via the library online Suggest a program form:

◦  All Library programs are open to the public. Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited.

◦  Programs may be held on-site, off-site or online.

•  Enforcement of this Policy

◦  Breaches of any of the conditions of this policy can result in:

◦   A verbal warning and a request to leave the library immediately;

◦  A verbal warning with an explanation of the policy, its rationale and the procedures to be undertaken when it is breached (first warning);

◦  A written warning, detailing the nature of the breach, the time it occurred and procedures to be undertaken (second warning);

◦  A written notification of withdrawal/ban of access to the library space and all services,

◦  A withdrawal of borrowing privileges;

◦  A suspension of membership;

◦  and/or referral to the police for further action.

◦  The above are not necessarily to be applied in a required sequence. For instance, a serious breach may result in a final withdrawal of access or referral to the police for further action without a written warning.

◦  Any person who (whether willfully or not) does not abide by the requirements of this Policy may be requested to give their name and address to an Authorised Staff Member and may be asked to immediately leave the library.

•  Delegation: Brimbank Libraries staff or persons duly authorised by Council

◦  Enforce the Council’s General Local Law and this policy;

◦  Sign, seal, issue, revoke or cancel any fine, notice, or order, on behalf of the Council

7.  Policy ownership

Responsible Director: Community Wellbeing  

Responsible Officer: Library Unit Manager

Directorate: Community Wellbeing

Department: Community Learning & Participation

8.  Approval

Signature:

Name: Fiona Blair

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Date: XX August 2024

9.  Related policies and legislation

Brimbank City Council: Social Justice Charter

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/plans-policies-and-strategies/policies/social-justice-charter

Brimbank Local law 2018

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/council/local-laws

Brimbank City Council Privacy Policy

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/privacy-policy

Brimbank Council Volunteering Strategy

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/plans-policies-and-strategies/strategies/volunteer-strategy

Australian Library and Information Association statement on free access to information https://read.alia.org.au/alia-free-access-information-statement

Australian Library and Information Association statement on information literacy https://www.alia.org.au/Web/Web/Research-and-Publications/Policies/Statement-on-information-literacy-for-all-Australians.aspx

Australian Library and Information Association statement on public library services https://read.alia.org.au/statement-public-library-services

Australian Library and Information Association Statement on voluntary work in library and information services

https://read.alia.org.au/statement-voluntary-work-library-and-information-services

Australia Library and Information Association – Policies, Standards and Guidelines

https://www.alia.org.au/Web/Web/Research-and-Publications/Policies-standards-and-guidelines.aspx

Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights#:~:text=Article%2019,media%20and%20regardless%20of%20frontiers

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

10.   History of amendments