REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Revised Library Rules of Conduct and Revised Policy for Children Visiting the Library
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
In coordination with the City Attorney’s Office, the Library has conducted a review of Library policies and identified those which would benefit from updates to better reflect contemporary service standards, improve transparency, and better meet community needs. On November 4, 2024, the Board of Library Trustees reviewed revisions to the Collection Development Policy, the Community Room Use Agreements, the Audiovisual and Camera Equipment Use Policy, and the Policy Governing the Use of Library Grounds.
Staff have reviewed three additional policies for revision and review by the Board, in coordination with the City Attorney’s Office. These include the Library Rules of Conduct, the Children Visiting the Library Policy, and the Food and Drink Policy.
The Food and Drink Policy has been incorporated into the revised Library Rules of Conduct. Following careful review and revisions, the following two policies have been updated for Board review:
1. Santa Clara City Library Rules of Conduct
2. Santa Clara City Library Policy for Children Visiting the Library
DISCUSSION
Policy Revision Highlights
Library Rules of Conduct
This policy was last updated in 2019, and was called the Policy for Public Rules of Conduct. The proposed revision includes the following changes:
• Updated language addressing appropriate and inappropriate behavior and use of library materials and facilities.
• Incorporated Food and Drink Policy into Library Rules of Conduct.
• Updated references to other policies.
• Added language addressing enforcement.
Policy for Children Visiting the Library
This policy was last updated in 2011. It was revised to better address the following topics:
• Parent/caregiver responsibilities for children
• Rules and responsibilities relating to unattended children
• Designated children’s spaces
• Staff intervention
The Board will review the revised Library Rules of Conduct (Attachment 1-2) and the Policy for Children Visiting the Library (Attachment 3-4).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was prepared in coordination with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Board agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Review and approve the following:
a. Revised Santa Clara City Library Rules of Conduct (Attachment 1-2); and
b. Revised Santa Clara City Library Policy for Children Visiting the Library (Attachment 3-4).
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. Library Rules of Conduct - Draft
2. Library Rules of Conduct - Redline
3. Policy for Children Visiting the Library - Draft
4. Policy for Children Visiting the Library - Redline