Library Policies

Represented here are not all of the library's policies. To see all of the library's policies you must come into the library or provide the library with an email address that we could scan all policies to your email.

Circulation Policy:

The HPL makes many kinds of materials available through loan to library patrons.

The HPL has a computer generated due date for all circulated materials.
Home school, day care centers, preschools, school classrooms, health care centers, senior centers, assisted livings, etc. receive crates of books on automatic renewal at the discretion of the library.
Materials checked out at the main circulation desks have the following circulation guidelines.
Books-14 day check out with two renewals unless the book has a pending hold.
Periodicals-7 day checkout with two renewals/limit of 7 items.
AV Equipment-overnight
All DVDs have a one week checkout with two renewals/limit of 5 per library card.
CD audio materials-14 day checkout with two renewals/limit of 7 items
Vox children's audio picture books have a 2 book limit per family with 2 renewals.
Items on ILL are due as determined by the loaning library.
Current reference materials are for in-house use only.
Books and other materials may be put on a limited circulation period when needed for classroom use or special program as determined by the Director.

Collection Development Policy

Purpose of the collection development policy. The purpose of the collection policy is to be a guide for library staff in their selection decisions and a source of information for the public about how materials are selected and the collection developed.
The Library Board of Trustees adopts the Collection Development Policy, which is the guideline for building the library's collection.
Selecting materials according to the Board's policy is the responsibility of the director. The director authorizes staff members qualified by training and experience to apply the policy to day-to-day decisions.
Selection of library materials, whether purchased or donated, is based upon the information, education, and recreational needs of the community but is limited by factors such as material budgets, space and content of existing collections. Each potential acquisition must be considered in terms of its own excellence and the audience for whom it is intended. There is no single standard that can be applied in all acquisitions. Some materials may be judged primarily in terms of artistic merit, scholarship, or value as human documents: other are selected to satisfy the recreational or informational needs of the community.
Expanding areas of knowledge, changing social values, technological advances, and cultural differences require flexibility, open-mindedness, and responsiveness in the evaluation and re-evaluation of all library materials. In order to build collections of merit, all acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, will be considered to the following general and specific criteria listed below alphabetically.
General Criteria; appropriateness and effectiveness of medium to content, attention of critics, reviews and public, insight into human and social conditions, present and political relevance to community needs, prizes, awards, or honors received, relation to an existing collection and other materials on the subject,
Reputation and/or significance of author, producer, artist, etc., skill, competence and purpose of author, producer, artist, etc., suitability of physical format for library use, suitability of subject and style for intended audience.
Questions abou the collection policy or its execution should be referred to the Director.

Confidentiality Policy:

Any person wanting to be a patron of the Hampton Public Library must fill out a registration card.
Any person wanting to be a patron of the Hampton Public Library must provide the library with proof of address. This can be mail received at the new address, driver's license, rental agreements, and new bank account papers.
The librarian in charge will issue the patron a free barcoded borrower's card to a first time registrant.
The patron is encouraged to have this barcoded borrower's card in order to check out library materials. If the Patron is known to the librarian and has forgotten their card, it is policy that the patron can still check out at the discretion of the librarian. Repeated episodes of no card will eventually lead to the patron receiving a new card at no cost.
If the patron doesn't have their card and are not known to the librarian, their selections can be reserved until the patron returns with their card or patron can give librarians identifying information that proves the patron in the library is the same patron wanting to check out.
The patron file is NOT open to the public.
Employees of the library may not use the patron file to supply another person or agency with information about library registrants.
Employees may not divulge the barcode number of any registrant to anyone other than the registrant.
Records of the Hampton Public Library are closed and may be opened after a court order has been received by the Director, and the City Attorney has read the order and states what procedures need to take place to conform to the order. Records of the Hampton Public Library are closed and may be opened only after a court order shows cause and a proper form has been served. A search warrant requires immediate action. Staff will let authorities proceed while contacting the Director who in turn promptly contacts the city attorney. A subpoena will be accepted by the Director, or other staff in charge and given to the Director, to act upon as specified in the subpoena. The Director may seek legal counsel for a court order/search warrant and/or subpoena.
U.S. Patriot Act of 2001 states that any person or institution served with a search warrant may not disclose that such a warrant has been served or that records have been produced puersuant to the warrant. Iowa Code Chapter 22.7.
The records of a library which by themselves or when examined with other public records would reveal the identity of the library patron are confidential. The records shall be released to a criminal justice agency only pursuant to an investigation of a particular person or organization suspected of committing a known crime. The records shall be released only upon a judicial determination that rational connection exists between the requested release of information and a legitimate end that the need for the information is convincing and compelling. Confidentiality includes database search records, reference requests, interlibrary loan records, and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities or services.

Decorum of Library Patron- Conduct in the Library

The purpose of the Conduct Policy is to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for all library patrons. It also ensures access to library facilities, the safety of users and staff, and the protection of the library collection, equipment and facility.
Patrons have the responsibility to use the library in a manner that a) does not interfere with the rights of other individuals to use library materials, resources, and services; b) does not limit the ability of library staff to conduct library business; and c) does not threaten the secure and comfortable environment of the library. Parents or caregivers are responsible for the conduct of children (see Unattended Child Policy).
All patrons are entitled to library services. Patrons who are no longer allowed into the building must find for themselves a designated person to help them attain the services they require. Ex: day or month old newspapers, books, audios, puzzles, puppets, and periodicals.
At the discretion of the Library Director, Assistant Director, or staff in charge of the library, the unruly or disruptive patron may be asked to leave the library for a specified period of time, or he/she may lose certain library privileges. If the patron is a minor, a parent will be notified of the disciplinary action. Staff must document in writing the person involved, date, location of any unruly, disruptive or threatening patron. Prohibited conduct includes any illegal activity and includes, but is not limited to the following:
Willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening another person.
Consuming alcohol or controlled substances, be intoxicated or under the influence of another substance, smoking or using other tobacco products including ecigarettes.
Consuming food or beverages in such a way that could damage the library building, materials or furniture. Food and beverages are not permitted at or near library equipment such as computers.
Using the library building, furniture or equipment in a manner that could cause harm to self, patrons, staff, or personal and public property.
Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey taking, soliciting, posting notices, fund raising, or selling, unless authorized by the Director or designee.
Picture taking or videotaping of people, except at events, unless authorized by the Director or designee and by the patrons involved, or their parents if minors are present.
Behaving in a loud, boisterous, or disruptive manner that is not solely caused by a disability. Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
Using a cell phone, pager, audio player or other electronic device in a manner that disrupts library operation.
Impeding access to the building or an area of the building or blocking book stack aisles for an extended period of time.
Bringing animals into the library, except service animals, unless authorized by the Director or designee.
Leaving animals, bicycles or personal items in library entrances or walkways.
Leaving unattended personal items in the building. The library assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen, or unattended personal items. Items left longer than 30 minutes may be removed and put in lost and found.
Leaving or bringing in suspicious packages or bags that, in the opinion of staff, are of potential threat. These items may be removed from the premises without notice.
Entering non-public areas or entering or leaving the building through non-public entrances and exits, unless accompanied by a staff member or through prior authorization from a staff member.
Having offensive hygiene, odor or scent that constitutes a nuisance to other persons.
Failing to exit the building at closing or not following directions from staff during an emergency.
Using library areas or equipment for other than their designated use when these resources are limited.
Relocating tables, chairs, equipment or other furniture without staff permission.
Using the library restrooms, for bathing, shampooing or doing laundry.
Wearing masks or being disguised for reasons other than health or religious practice.
Penalities: Any improper behavior, including but not limited to those listed above, will be grounds for the director or designated staff person to request that the offender leave the premises; if the offender refuses to cease the improper behavior and/or leave the HPL then the police department will be called to handle the situation, repeated occurrences of improper behavior may result in the director suspending the person's library entrance into or use of the HPL for a period of two weeks or longer.

Photocopy Policy

The Copyright Law of the U.S.-Title 17 U.S. Code governs all copies made in the Hampton Public Library.
All copies are to be made by a member of the library staff.
Patrons who are printing a resume may be allowed to use their own paper but the charge of 10 cents per page for black and white or 50 cents for color copies remains the same
Color copies for school related projects are 25 cents per page.
Photocopies must be paid for upon receipt by the patron.
The Director or other Staff will make any final decision necessary for compliance with the rules and regulations for copyrighted materials and may refuse to copy any materials which are perceived in violation of copyright law.

FAX Policy

The Hampton Public Library offers faxing according to this policy.
Fax can not exceed 15 pages unless a staff gives permission..
Each page is $1.00
If the process becomes too lengthy, the library reserves the right to end the process and refer the patron to another business that offers same service.

Lost/Damaged Replacement Prices

Adult Fiction Hardcover $20.00
Adult Non-Fiction 25.00
Juvenile Fiction Hardcover 20.00
Mass Market Paperback 5.00
Trade PB Fiction 10.00
Periodical 5.00
Audio Books SL Price
DVDs SL Price
Art Prints 200.00
Puppets SL Price
Puzzles SL Price
Lit or Stem Extension Kits 30.00

All lost/damaged books, if available, can be replaced using Amazon.com pricing. Library must order the replacement as the replacement must be in good condition.

Interlibrary Loan Policy

Interlibrary loan items are returned via mail/IA Shares Each return is recorded in the the petty cash receipt. Because we participate in the Open Access Program, the Hampton Public Library will accept and return items from any other patricipating library in the state. Any item returned in this manner must be recorded as Open Access. There is no charge for this service.
All Patrons must have a current Hampton Public Library card.
The Hampton Public Library believes in full access to information. Therefore, we support and encourage Interlibrary Loan Services for all residents. Patrons can only have up to 3 requests at any one time. Unreturned ILL books or other materials will result in a replacement fee (set by lending library) for any lost or damaged items.

Internet Use Policy

Hampton Public Library provides access to the Internet to connect the public to a world of ideas and information, and to provide equal access to that information for all individuals in the community. Unsecured wireless Internet access is available 24 hours a day for public use. This policy applies to all use of Hampton Public Library's wired or wireless Internet service, whether privately owned or library-provided devices are operated.
Libraries are a traditional forum for the open exchange of information. Providing access to information available on the Internet does not constitute endorsement of the content by the library. Hampton Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through the Internet.
The library retains information about number of check-outs, but does not retain browser history or personal information entered in the websites or applications. Customer computer use is not permanently retained. The library will not reveal the information sources or services individual users consult unless required by the law or a court order.
Customer responsibilities-as with other library materials, individuals must accept responsibility for evaluating the content of resources they view, read, or listen to. Two categories of visual images that are unprotected by the First Amendment: obscene images and images of child pornography.
All patrons using the computers provided by the library are using a communal resource that must be maintained for the entire community. Therefore, altering a computer in any way including but not limited to installation/removal of software, installation/removal of programs, and or installation/removal of devices must be cleared by the Library Director before any changes can be made.

Library Practices

The library retains information about check-outs, but does not retain browser history or personal information entered in websites or applications. Customer computer use is not permanently retained. The library will not reveal the information sources or services individual users consult unless required by law or court order.
Iowa law places no prohibition on the use of appropriate material for educational purposes in any public library. It does, however, place limitations on those knowingly disseminating or exhibiting obscene materials so that it can be observed by a minor. Library staff members may request that individuals cease to view or listen to works that threaten the safe and comfortable environment of the library or interfere with the conduct of library business, in accordance with Hampton Public Library's Conduct in the Library policy.

Customer Responsibilities

As with other library materials, individuals must accept responsibility for evaluating the content of resources they view, read, or listen to. Two categories of visual images that are unprotected by the First Amendment: 1) obscene images and 2) images of child pornography. These are categories of images the Supreme Court has consistently ruled outside the constitutional protection of the First Amendment. CIPA also requires those libraries to block a third category of images for minors under the age of 17 that courts deem "harmful for minors" that are constitutionally protected for adults but not for minors. CIPA does not require libraries to block any other constitutionally protected categories of images, or any constitutionally protected categories of speech.
Because the Internet is such a routine part of most people's day, the Hampton Public Library provides Internet to everyone despite their age. The librarians do not act in loco parentis (in place of parents.) As with other library materials the library affirms responsibility of parents or guardians to guide their children's use of the Internet.
Customers handling financial transactions or other activities that require confidentiality do so at their own risk. The Internet is not a private environment and security of electronic communication can not be guaranteed.
Each user is responsible for complying with copyright law and adhering to software licensing agreements, as well as all local, state, and federal laws including, but not limited to, those concerning fraud, privacy, or obscenity. Use of the Library's Internet connection in an illegal, disruptive, or destructive manner may result in the loss of Internet or Library privileges.
Security for personal wireless devices rest solely with the owner. Library staff members may provide guidance for accessing library materials and services with privately-owned devices, but they do not provide technical support.
All patrons using the computers provided by the library are using a communal resource that must be maintained for the entire community. Therefore, altering a computer in any way including but not limited to installation/removal of software, installation/removal of programs, and or installation/removal of devices must be cleared by the library director before any changes may be made. Failure to do so is grounds for suspension of library computer privileges.
Patrons are discouraged from saving documents to library computers. If patrons need to save documents, they are encouraged to use an external storage device such as a USB. If patrons do choose to save documents to library computers they are encouraged to delete the documents before logging off of the computer.
Do not leave your child (age 8 or under) unattended during an Internet session. This will result in loss of privileges.

Audio and Cell Phones

Audio materials may be accessed as long as the patron is using headphones to contain the sound, or the volume is low enough to be inaudible to close bystanders. Headphones are available at the circulation desk for patron use while in the library.
Short cell phone call are allowed while accessing the Internet but please turn down your ring and keep the call brief.

Social Networking Sites

Hampton Public Library participates in social networking services and maintains a website to inform the public about library resources and activities, and provides additional communications with members of the public on Facebook.

Expressions of Concern

The Hampton Public Library Director and the Board of Trustees welcome feedback from customers. The procedure to follow is: come to the library and ask for a Statement of Concern (do not add attachments to the form) and submit to the Director. Discuss the concern with the Director. If not satisfied, ask to meet with the Library Board of Trustees to discuss the concern. The Board may convene a community group to advise. The Library Board of Trustees makes the final decision. Criteria to be used in reconsidering the challenged material: Insight into the human and social conditions, present and potential relevance to community needs, reputation and/or significance of author, producer, artist, etc., Suitability of subject and style for the intended audience, contribution of the work to balance the collection, representation of important social movement, genre, trend, or national culture.
Inclusivity Statement: The Hampton Public Library promotes equal access to information for all persons and recognizes the ongoing need to increase awareness and responsiveness to the diversity of the community we serve. The Hampton Public Library recognizes the critical need for access to library and information resources, services, and technologies by all people, especially those who may experience language or literacy-related barrier, economic distress, cultural or social isolation, physical or attitudinal barriers, racism, discrimination on the basis of appearance, ethnicity, immigrant status, religious background, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or barriers to equal service, education and employment.

Collection

Responsibility for collection development policy, which is the guideline for building the library's collection. The American Library Associations's "Library Bill of Rights" (Appendix A), "Freedom to Read" (Appendix B) and Freedom to View (Appendix C) are part of the selection principles, except as ammended, modified, or otherwise interpreted for local application elsewhere in this policy statement or by board action.
Community and individual participation in collection development are encouraged and given serious consideration.
Selecting materials according to the Board's policy is the responsibility of the director. The director authorizes staff members qualified by training and experience to apply the pollicy for day-to-day decisions.

References

State Code of Iowa Section 728:
Hampton Public Library's policy on Conduct in the Library.

Materials on Hold

In order to place a book or other materials on hold. Go to the library's catalog on the website. Log in using your 14 digit barcode and your PIN, which is the last 4 digits of your 14 digit barcode. If the material you want is checked out to another, the library will call you when the item becomes available. After the call, the hold period will be observed for 5 days. If not picked up in those 5 days the materials will be either shelved or checked out to another patron in the hold queue.

Incident Policy

Any incident whether it be a discipline problem or health related occurrence such as a fall, or other medical emergency, an incident report form is to be completed. The Librarian who witnesses the incident shall fill out the required incident report.
The form should include the actions taken to insure the patron's well-being. ex: 911, or call family member.
Under no circumstances should the Librarian transport the patron to the Emergency Room or anywhere else.

Memorial Gifts

In the past, several substantial gifts have been made to the Hampton Public Library or the Foundation of the Hampton Public Library in order to provide additional library services to our community and to establish memorial to outstanding citizens in a way characteristic of them. These requests will have name plates attached to these items if possible.
The gift or memorial which offers the most flexibility is one which allows the donation and its income to be spent for the library at the discretion of the Board. This gift makes possible the purchase of books or other items most needed at the time, and therefore most honors the individual in whose name it is made. The Board will use such gifts for books or equipment of a more permanent nature, but must retain the privilege of replacement to keep the library up-to-date. The board will always endeavor to keep the wishes of the donors in mind and to carry out the spirit of their gifts.

Proctoring Policy

To meet the needs of individuals and institutions of higher learning, the Hampton Public Library agrees to cooperate with area residents and institutions to support lifelong learning goals by offering proctoring services. This service is based on the availability of personnel, facilities, and technology to do so.
The student will ask the Library Director or other Staff to proctor the exam and arrange an exam with the instructions to be sent to the library at least one week before the taking of the exam.
The student is responsible for ensuring that the computer resources in the library are adequate for the test taking requirements.
The student must provide a valid Driver's License or a photo ID for verification of identity and will arrive prepared with the necessary or required supplies to take the exam.
The student is responsible for return postage and envelope for any exam that does not include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The finished exam will be handled with other library mail, or will be faxed or emailed as requested.
The student is responsible for ensuring fulfillment of all requirements of the examining entity. The library will not be held responsible if a conflict occurs between the student, the examining entity, or library staff proctoring the test.
The student is responsible for contacting the examining entity if there is any issue with taking the test, such as a power failure, or other unexpected library closure, etc.
The Library Director or her designee will proctor exams.
Proctoring at the Library will include issuing the exam, being aware the student is taking the exam, periodically observing the student, signing the proctor form, and mailing the completed exam.
The Library does not have a private place for students to take exams. But test proctoring should occur in the room on the top floor in the library in the southwest corner of the building at the first table. This is only suitable place for proper observation of the student.
The Library Director or her designee will not sign the name of another librarian on the proctoring form or the exam. Library staff will not sign any statement required by the educational institution inconsistent with our policy or with how the test was administered.
Library staff can not make changes to our public computer settings. The library does not allow the installation of any special software that may be needed to complete the exam on a Library computer. The Library is not responsible if the website or email of the institution is not working.
The Library Director of designee may refuse to proctor any exam too burdensome or exacting in its demands
The Library is not responsible for exams that have gotten lost in the postal system.
The Library is not allowed and does not keep copies of completed exams.

Public Meeting Policy

The Hampton Public Library provides public access to the library building to hold in person meetings or zoom for use by individuals, community groups, and organizations in accordance with this policy.
The Hampton Public Library has no private meeting room in the historical building. Meetings can be held in the library without a reservation if the meeting is not of a length longer than 3 hours or if the group does not exceed 6 members. Any meetings that exceed these restrictions must be approved in advance with library staff.
Use of the library building in no way implies library endorsement of ideas expressed in meetings or the aims/goals of any individual or group using these spaces. Should the library receive questions or complaints regarding the objectives or activities of any organization, group or individual requesting use of the library building, the library board shall be the final authority in granting or refusing permission for the use of the rooms. Organizations may not advertise the use of the library facility in any way that implies sponsorship by the Library. Any publicity by organizations using the library may not include the library's phone number or library's website/facebook.
The library facilities may not be used for meetings or discussions that encourage or promote harassment, violence, physical injury to individuals or groups of individuals, or conflict with the intent and scope of the Library's mission.
Use of the library spaces to conduct for-profit business or to host private personal parties is prohibited. Individuals or groups meeting within the library may not solicit library users for sales/business purposes, or membership to any organization.
Any room being used must be returned to the original setup and general clean-up of the meeting or event materials is the responsibility of the user.
No materials or objects of any type may be attached to the walls or doors, etc. without permission of the library staff.
Meetings held in these spaces must not disrupt general library services, staff, or other library users.
Public fees and exhibits admission fees may not be issued by an individual or group utilising library spaces. No public exhibitions or displays are permitted without the approval of library adminstration.
Chapter 5 of the Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Title 351 is entitled "Ethics and Campaign Disclosure" contains the rules by which the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board (the IECDB) operates to monitor and enforce compliance with state and federal laws pertaining to political campaigns. Chapter 5 is entitled "use of Public Resources for a Political Purpose" and contains the rules and regulations that implement Iowa Code section 68A.505-holding a political function for a particular candidate is a prohibited political activity on government property unless the meeting room is available to the general public and doesn't spill out into the library proper.
Governmental bodies are also prohibited from displaying political brochres, flyers, or promotional literature of any type.

The Safe Child and Vulnerable Adult Policy

The Hampton Public Library strives to provide a warm/cool, welcoming and safe environment conducive to lifelong learning for patrons of all ages. Sharing this environment with other patrons requires that everyone follows the Conduct Policy established by the Library Board of Trustees.
The library encourages children and vulnerable adults to use its facilities and services. While the library is concerned for the safety of children and vulnerable adults in and around the library facilities, the Library does not act in loco parentis (in place of parents). A parent, legal guardian, teacher, custodian or caregiver is responsible for monitoring the activities and managing the behavior of children or vulnerable adults during library visits. Library staff have many duties and do not serve as a substitute for daycare or babysitting services. The library is not responsible for any consequences of parents, legal guardian, teachers, custodians or caregiver not fulfilling their responsibilities.
The safety of children and vulnerable adults is a priority for the library. However the library is a public building, open to all. Therefore, children and vulnerable adults may be at risk when they are left unattended. There are many factors that could place them in danger. They may be approached by or tempted to leave with a unscrupulous stranger. They could become frightened, anxious, or ill; could have no place to go in the event of an unexpected closing; or could encounter hazards such as stairs or electrical equipment. Additionally they usually lack the necessary maturity to handle emergency situations such as severe weather, fire, or civil disturbance.
Children under the age of 5 must be directly supervised by a parent or a responsible caregiver at all times while in the library. An older sibling in charge of younger children must be 5th grade or older.
Vulnerable adults who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the library and must have adequate supervision while in the library.
Library staff will attempt to contact a parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver when: 1) the health or safety of an unattended child or vulnerable adult is in doubt. 2) a child or vulnerable adult is frightened while alone at the library. 3) the behavior of an unattended child or vulnerable adult is not following the Conduct Policy of the library 4) If the unattended child or vulnerable adult has not been met by a parent, legal guardian, custodian or responsible caregiver at closing time.
If a parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver cannot be reached, library staff will contact law enforcement officials to take charge of the situation involving the unattended child or vulnerable adult.
Library employees are not permitted to transport children or vulnerable adults away from the library facilities.
A vulnerable adult is an adult who should not be left alone in the Library or is unable to reasonably care for himself/herself in an emergency situation. This includes adults who are mentally or physically challenged, and who need staff help beyond assistance with normal library services and are not under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian/custodian. Additionally, an individual is considered a vulnerable adult when he/she is not picked up by closing time and needs assistance procuring transportation.

Sex Offenders Against Minors Policy

In accordance with Chapter 692A of Subtitle 1 of Title 16 of the Code of Iowa, the Board of Trustees prohibits the presence of a sex offender convicted of sex offenses against minors upon or within 300 feet of library property without written permission of the Library Director.
The library director only may give written permission as the result of a vote at a meeting of the Board of Trustees at which quorum is present.
Persons barred from library property under the law remain entitled to library service. It is the responsibility of the library user to arrange for a courier to select, check out, and return materials to the library through possession of the library user's card.
The issuance of a library card to individuals who have been convicted of a sex offense involving a minor does not grant those individuals permission to enter the library or be present on library property. Individuals convicted of a sex offense against a minor must follow proper library procedures and policies to request and obtain written permission to be on library property, regardless of whether or not they possess a valid library card.
Suspicious person or persons who appear to be "loitering" will be reported to the police to be checked out and investigated.
Violation of this policy will be immediately reported to law enforcement.

Video Surveillance Policy

The Hampton Public Library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its staff and patrons. In pursuit of this objective, selected public areas of the library premises are under video surveillance and recording. Signage is posted at the library entrances at all times, disclosing this activity.
Video cameras shall not be positioned in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of personal privacy.
Images from the library surveillance system are stored digitally on hardware in the library and only accessed by the Director and the Hampton Police Department.
It is the intent of the library to retain all recorded images for a minimum of 14 days, or until image capacity of the system is reached. Then, the oldest stored images will be automatically deleted by system software to make room for new images. Reported incidents may be kept longer.
When an incident occurs on library premises video image recordings will be used to identify the person or persons responsible for library policy violations, criminal activity, or actions considered disruptive to normal library operations.
Video records may be used to assist law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Video recordings of incidents can be retained and reviewed as long as considered necessary by the library director or Hampton Chief of Police.
Images may be shared with other library staff to identify person(s) suspended from library property and to maintain a safe and secure environment.
While it is recognized that video surveillance will not prevent all incidents, its potential deterrent effect, and resource as a means of identifying and prosecuting offenders is considered worthwhile.