The holder of a Santa Clara City Library card may borrow circulating library materials and access the Library’s Internet workstations and most subscription databases.

The Santa Clara City Library issues a library card to an individual. The card may be used only by the person to whom it has been issued. The card must be presented by the cardholder to access his or her record. The individual to whom the card is issued is responsible for the following:

• the return, in good condition, of all materials borrowed
• payment of fines incurred for any overdue, damaged, or lost material
• immediately reporting a lost or stolen card and any changes in name, address, or phone number
• all charges/activity associated with cardholder’s account until the card is reported lost
• complying with all library rules and guidelines.

Parents or guardians of a library card holder agree to be responsible for the above and to teach their child library rules and guidelines to help him or her use the card.

The Santa Clara City Library offers a variety of electronic resources to link patrons to a world of information and learning. Among these resources are the following:

• Computer workstations throughout the Library
  • SCCL online catalog
  • Internet access
  • database subscriptions
  • software applications (Photoshop, Microsoft Word® & Excel®)
• Technology Center (classroom with 16 workstations)
  • instruction in use of online catalog, database, Internet, and software applications (Microsoft Word® & Excel®)
  • general use by patrons when classes are not scheduled
• Networked printers
• "Wired" patron tables and wireless connections to enable patrons to use their own portable computers to access the Internet
• Enhanced accessibility features for use by patrons with visual or physical impairments
• Microfilm-fiche readers and reader/printers provide access to the Library's microform collections.

This policy establishes the Library’s expectations regarding the appropriate use of these resources. Patrons are expected to comply with this policy, the Library’s Rules of Public Conduct, and with any other procedures specific to the particular area. Failure to comply with any aspect of these policies may result in the loss of library privileges.

POLICY FOR USE OF COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS IN THE LIBRARY

Public Access Computers

1. A number of the Library’s workstations are dedicated to specific purposes and are to be used for these purposes only:
• 2nd Floor workstations are intended to be used by adult and young adult patrons for research and reference purposes, searching online catalog & subscription databases, Internet research, document or spreadsheet composition, and job seeking activities.
• Priority for the use of workstations located inside the Heritage Pavilion is given to genealogy and local history researchers.
• Technology Center workstations are for instruction, and for recreational use when not in use for classes (see Policy for Use of Technology Center, below)
• Workstations in Children’s and Teen’s areas are for use by children and young adults only (see Policy for Internet use by Minors, below.
• Priority for the use of the Library's enhanced accessibility equipment is given to patrons with special needs.
2. Workstations not having a dedicated purpose may be used with software applications or to access the Internet in accordance with the guidelines set forth in this policy.
3. Patrons may not move, unplug, remove, or modify library equipment in any way.
4. Any attempts to alter configurations or software settings, to download or install programs, or to interfere with or disrupt the network setup or services in any way, are serious violations of this policy and may result in the loss of library privileges, criminal prosecution, or both.
5. A maximum of two persons may use a workstation at any given time; patrons must respect the privacy rights of others as well as the rights of all library users to work in a quiet place.
6. Files may be opened from or downloaded/saved to formatted floppy discs in accordance with item #4, and files may be attached to e-mail messages.
7. Occasionally e-mail programs may not perform according to expectations. Neither the City nor the Library has any control over the operation of e-mail programs; any problems experienced should be explored with the individual e-mail provider.
8. Permission to use these resources may be revoked at any time for failure to comply with the Library’s policies.

Personal Electronics

Free direct access to the Internet is available via wired tables or wireless connections. Patrons wishing to use their own portable computers in the Library are welcome to do so under the following conditions:

• users of library Internet access must comply fully with the Library’s Policy for Use of the Internet in the Library and the Policy for Internet Use by Minors (see below), and with the Rules of Public Conduct
• all audio functions must be disabled or turned off
• personal electronics, including portable computers and cell phones, may not be used in the Quiet Study Pavilion.

POLICY FOR USE OF THE TECHNOLOGY CENTER

The Technology Center on the first floor of the Central Park Library is a training room equipped for regularly scheduled free public instruction in the use of the Library’s electronic resources and for professional development and work-related training of Library staff.

When classes are not scheduled, equipment in the Technology Center is available for use on a first come, first served basis to patrons holding current Santa Clara City Library cards. The Technology Center is the appropriate venue for recreational computer use (e.g., chat, e-mail, playing games, etc.).

POLICY FOR USE OF THE INTERNET IN THE LIBRARY

As a service to patrons—and to complement its collections with electronic resources from worldwide information networks—the Santa Clara City Library provides free access to the Internet. Classes are offered to guide users in the judicious and responsible use of this dynamic resource. To provide fair and equal access to this popular research tool, each registered patron with a current library account may use the Internet for a specified period of time per day, depending upon patron age and location in the Library. Those wishing to use the Internet must log on using their own valid library account information; library cards/account numbers may not be shared. Use of free public access to the Internet at the Santa Clara City Library implies acknowledgement and acceptance of the following:

1. The Internet provides easy access to many valuable sources of information; users should recognize, however, that information found or exchanged via the Internet might not be accurate, current, complete, or confidential.
2. Outside of the Santa Clara City Library’s online catalog and web page, the Library has no control over—and cannot be held responsible for—the content available on the Internet.
3. The Library’s resources are free and accessible to all; it is the parents’ responsibility to monitor the use by their children of all Library resources, including the Internet (see Policy for Internet Use by Minors, below)
4. Public library workstations should not be considered private or secure, nor can the Library assure the privacy or security of personal information transmitted when accessing other Internet web sites.
5. Material may be encountered on the Internet that is deemed objectionable or inappropriate by some. Therefore, users should be aware of the fact that they are in a public setting and take care to exercise responsible viewing practices.
6. Exhibiting harmful matter to minors is a misdemeanor, whether in print or on a computer screen. Please remember that the Library is a public environment. (California Penal Code Section 311.11)
7. The Santa Clara City Library adheres to the principles expressed in the following documents of the American Library Association (copies may be viewed at the Reference Desks in Children’s Services and on the second floor):
   Library Bill of Rights
   Free Access to Libraries for Minors
   Freedom to Read
   Freedom to View

File sharing, downloading, or broadcasting across the Library's Internet connection is not allowed. The Internet connection is provided for Web browsing only. If your laptop is found to be broadcasting, it will be blocked off our network immediately. Blocks will be lifted at the Library's discretion.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Pursuant to federal copyright laws, any user of the Internet who copies, distributes, or displays a copyrighted work publicly without authority of the copyright owner or its agent is liable for copyright infringement. This includes copyrighted material downloaded, saved, or printed using Library computers.

POLICY FOR INTERNET USE BY MINORS

To fulfill its mission of providing library services to all citizens, the Santa Clara City Library provides Internet access in the Children’s area and Teen Central. No more than two people may use a computer workstation at one time. Unless they are assisting a child with the Internet or the Library’s online resources, adults will not be allowed to use the computers in either the Children’s or Teen areas. As with all other library resources, the Santa Clara City Library affirms the responsibility of parents to determine the appropriateness of Internet resources for their children. Parents and their children should be familiar with the Policy for Use of the Internet in the Library (above).

Children
The Children’s area provides computer workstations for the use of children aged 4 through 12, only. Any child aged 9 or younger must be accompanied by an adult when using the Internet. Children may use their own current library card to access the Internet.

Teens
Workstations located in Teen Central are limited to use by teens aged 13 through 17, only. Teens may use their own current young adult library card to access the Internet. For research and reference purposes, computer workstations are available on the second floor.

INTRODUCTION

The Santa Clara City Library’s commitment to privacy and confidentiality has deep roots not only in law, but also in the ethics and practices of the library profession. In accordance with the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics:

“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.”

At the state level, Section 6267 of the California Government Code provides as follows:

All registration and circulation records of any library which is in whole or in part supported by public funds shall remain confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person, local agency, or state agency except as follows:

• By a person acting within the scope of his or her duties within the administration of the library
• By a person authorized, in writing, by the individual to whom the records pertain, to inspect the records
• By order of the appropriate superior court.

The privacy and confidentiality policies of the Santa Clara City Library shall comply with the applicable federal, state and local laws. Records will be made available in the event that a duly authorized request is received from a law enforcement agency.

Outlined below are the rights of library patrons, as well as the responsibilities of this institution, which are based in part on what are known in the United States as the five "Fair Information Practice Principles." These five principles outline the rights of Notice, Choice, Access, Security, and Enforcement:

SANTA CLARA CITY LIBRARY'S COMMITMENT TO PATRONS' RIGHTS OF PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

This policy describes patron privacy and confidentiality rights, the steps this Library takes to respect and protect patron privacy when using library resources, and how the Library deals with personally identifiable information that may be collected from library users.

1. Notice & Openness
   The Library does not create unnecessary records, only retains records required to fulfill the mission of the Library, and does not engage in practices that would place information on public view.
   
   Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used to circulate library materials, maintain an inventory of the library collection and secure the collection from theft. RFID tags affixed to items contain only the barcode number of the item; no personal patron information or transaction information is included on the RFID tag.
   
   While the Library must maintain records of information such as overdue and lost items, outstanding fines, and payments to patron accounts, these records are kept secure and are purged from the Library’s computer system when no longer needed for library business purposes.
   
2. Choice & Consent
   This Policy explains the Library’s information practices and the choices patrons may make regarding the manner in which personal information is collected and used. The Library will not collect or retain any private or personally identifiable information other than that information required to open an account.
   
   If library users wish to receive borrowing and other privileges, the Library must obtain certain information about them in order to establish an account (e.g., name, phone number, and address). When visiting the Library’s Web site, patrons may be required to provide name and library card barcode number in order to access some subscription databases or their own account information.
   
   Personally identifiable information provided will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party unless the Library is compelled to do so under the law. Personally identifiable information is not recorded on RFID tags affixed to library materials.
   
3. Access by Users
   Individuals wishing to update or verify the accuracy of personal information may do so at the Library’s Circulation Desk. To ensure security of personal data, verification of identity will be required in the form of a photo I.D. (e.g., driver’s license, passport, etc.).
   
   The purpose of accessing and updating personally identifiable information is to ensure that library operations function properly. Such functions may include: notification of the availability of reserved or Interlibrary Loan items, reminders of overdue materials, etc.
   
4. Data Integrity & Security
   The data collected and maintained by the Library must be accurate and secure. Reasonable steps are taken to assure data integrity and security. Personally identifiable information is protected from unauthorized disclosure.
   
   Tracking Users
   Library visitors or Web site users are not asked to identify themselves or reveal any personal information unless they are:
   • borrowing materials
   • requesting special services
   • accessing the Internet in the Library
   • registering for programs or classes, or
   • making remote use from outside the Library of those portions of the Library's Web site restricted to registered borrowers under license agreements or other special arrangements.

   Third Party Security
   When connecting to resources outside the Library’s direct control, the only information released is that which authenticates users as "members of the library community." The Library is not responsible for protecting personal information gathered by outside websites.

   Staff access to personal data
   Only authorized library staff with assigned, confidential passwords shall have access to personal data stored in the Library’s computer system for the sole purpose of performing library work. Except when required by law or to fulfill an individual user's service request, the Library will not disclose any personal data collected from patrons. The Library does not sell or lease patrons' personal information to any individual or entity.
   

5. Compliance
   Santa Clara City Library will not share data on individuals with third parties unless required by law. Regular privacy audits are conducted in order to ensure that all library programs and services comply with this Privacy Policy. Patrons who have questions, concerns, or complaints regarding the Library’s handling of their privacy and confidentiality rights should file written comments with the City Librarian.
   
   Only the City Librarian or designee is authorized to receive or comply with requests from law enforcement officers. Library records will not be made available to any agency of the state, federal, or local government unless the Library is served with a subpoena, warrant, court order, or other authorized request that legally requires compliance. All library staff and volunteers have been trained to refer any law enforcement inquiries to library administrators.
   

Questions related to this policy should be directed to
the City Librarian or designee,
(408) 615-2930, during regular business hours,
Monday – Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees,
April 5, 2004
Revised & approved by the Board of Library Trustees,
June 6, 2005

The Santa Clara City Library and the Board of Library Trustees welcome you to read, write, research, study, and reflect in safe, clean, quiet surroundings. To ensure that all Library users have a pleasant experience, all visitors are asked to observe the rules below.

Please respect the right of everyone in the Library to enjoy a safe, pleasant environment.

• Abide by Library rules (Borrower's Agreement, Computer Use Guidelines, etc.).
• Obey all applicable federal, state, and local laws (e.g., use in the Library of cigarettes, alcohol, illegal substances, etc.).
• Report inappropriate or questionable behavior immediately.
• Turn off or disable any audible devices or equipment before entering the Library (cellular phones, pagers, radios, etc.).
• Strive to keep noise levels down. o Honor the privacy rights of others.
• Leave all food and drinks outside the Library (capped water bottles excepted).
• Refrain from behaving in a disruptive, threatening, or abusive manner.

Please keep your Library a safe place.

• Keep personal items with you - the Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Children must be under the direct supervision of an adult at all times.
• Avoid activities that could cause injury to you or others-such activities are not allowed in the Library or on Library grounds.
• Secure bicycles, wagons, etc., in the rack provided outside.
• Library entrances, exits, or aisles may not be blocked.
• Do not use sports equipment in the Library (e.g., skates, skate- boards, balls, etc.)

Please use your Library appropriately and with respect.

• Use the Library's facilities, materials, and furnishings as intended. Malicious damage and/or destruction of Library materials or property is a violation of California Penal Code Section 594.
• Library telephones are for City business only; public telephones are available outside the Library.
• Only animals assisting people with disabilities are allowed in the Library.
• Exhibiting harmful matter to minors is a misdemeanor, whether in print or on a computer screen. Please remember this is a public environment. (California Penal Code Section 311.11)

It is the goal of the Santa Clara City Library to select, organize, and make accessible library materials in many formats to meet the expressed and anticipated needs and interests of the communities it serves. Access to these materials will:

• Provide insight into a wide range of human and social conditions and cultural heritages
• Support self-education and supplement formal education
• Meet the informational and recreational needs of the community
• Provide a variety of materials on matters of current interest
• Assist the individual to grow intellectually and culturally
• Reflect a broad range of opinions

Materials will not be excluded because they may cause concern to some individuals. They will not be excluded solely because they contain political, religious, or moral views that may be controversial, nor because of language or depictions if they meet other selection criteria. Any restriction of a child's access to materials is the responsibility of the parents.

The Library Board of Trustees endorses the following documents: the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View statements of the American Library Association.

Under the direction of the City Librarian, library materials are selected by professional librarians who use critical reviewing media, suggestions from patrons, and professional knowledge. Each proposed selection is evaluated on its own merit and in relation to the collection as a whole, using some or all of the following criteria:

• Cost
• Existing collection
• Popular demand by the public
• Current and future relevance to community needs
• Suitability of subject, style, and format for the intended audience
• Literary quality, artistic value, or importance to its genre
• Availability of the material elsewhere
• Importance of the author or artist
• Sustained interest
• Timeliness

The Santa Clara City Library has three community rooms that may be reserved for general use by members of the public who have a Santa Clara City Library account in good standing. The Central Park Library’s Redwood Room and Cedar Room accommodate 125 and 100 seated guests, respectively. The Community Room at the Mission Library Family Reading Center seats 49.

RESERVATION OF LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOMS

Community groups are permitted and encouraged to use the Library’s community rooms for educational, cultural, or intellectual activities, when such uses do not conflict with regular City Library programs, are consistent with the rules for eligibility and use as set forth in this Policy, and comply with the procedures and limitations specified in the Room Use Agreement.

Room reservation requests may be submitted in person, by phone, or by fax during regular business hours. Central Park Library community room reservations are handled by Library Administration on the second floor of the Central Park Library, 2635 Homestead Road (408-615-2930). Arrangements to use the Community Room at the Mission Library Family Reading Center should be made at that location, 1098 Lexington Street (408-615-2964).

ELIGIBILITY

1. Organizations eligible to reserve Library community rooms (in priority order)
1. Santa Clara City Library-sponsored meetings, programs, etc.
2. Santa Clara City Library-affiliated groups (e.g., Board of Library Trustees, Library Foundation and Friends, Santa Clara County Historical & Genealogical Society, book discussion groups, etc.)
3. Santa Clara City Departments
4. Civic and school groups
5. Non-profit or community groups not included above or in 2.a., below
6. For-profit or private business organizations or practitioners providing educational information only. See 2.a., below
2. Ineligible Organizations
1. Any group providing or promoting a product or service for which a fee may/will be charged, including non-profit or community groups and for-profit or private business organizations or practitioners
2. Groups that fail to comply with the terms of the Room Use Agreement, the Policy for Public Rules of Conduct, or this Policy for Use of Library Community Rooms
3. Organizations, groups, or individuals having as their objective any illegal activity.

1. All rules and regulations governing the use of the rooms, and all other Library rules, will be followed. Permission may be revoked at any time for failure to do so.
2. Room use must fall within regular library hours and shall not interfere with the operation of the Library; no access is allowed prior to or after the reserved period.
3. All events scheduled by community groups that are held in the Library's meeting rooms must be open to all members of the public, subject to occupancy limits.
4. The sale of items or services is not permitted, unless specifically approved in advance and in writing by the Board of Library Trustees or Board designee.
5. No organization, group, or individual sponsoring or participating in the event may advertise their services or product(s) at the meeting, either verbally or in written form. No promotional material may be distributed (business cards are acceptable).
6. No fee shall be charged to attendees of meetings held on Library property.
7. At least one adult must be present for each 15 minors in any group using the rooms.
8. Smoking, alcoholic beverages, and amplified music are not permitted anywhere in any Library building.
9. All flyers, announcements, posters, and other forms of publicity for the meeting must include the following disclaimer, as provided by the City of Santa Clara:
   This is not a Library-sponsored event. The City of Santa Clara is neither responsible nor liable for information provided by users of the Library meeting rooms.
10. Maximum occupancy must not exceed the posted limit.
11. Plans for decorations must be pre-approved by Library Administration; decorations must never obstruct exits, and are to be removed before the group leaves the building unless other arrangements have been approved.

1. Room use fees are established by the Board of Library Trustees, adopted by the Santa Clara City Council at the annual public budget hearing, and included in the Municipal Fee Schedule.
2. To secure a reservation, by or before the deadline specified in the Room Use Agreement, applicants must read and accept this Policy, complete and submit a signed Room Use Agreement, and pay all fees, including food/beverage usage fee and technical assistance surcharge, if applicable.
3. Signed Agreement and fees must be received by the Library representative handling the reservation as specified in the Room Use Agreement. Responsible party may receive orientation to the room from Library representative prior to the event.
4. Fees for use by Library-related organizations may be waived, as determined by the City Librarian or designee.
5. Fees will be refunded for cancelled reservations subject to the terms set forth in the Room Use Agreement.

Questions related to the use of the Library’s community rooms should be directed to the City Librarian or designee, (408) 615-2930, during regular business hours,
Monday - Friday, 9:00 to 5:00.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees,
October 6, 2003
Revised & approved by the Board of Library Trustees,
August 2, 2004
Revised & approved by the Board of Library Trustees,
February 7, 2005
Revised & approved by the Board of Library Trustees,
August 7, 2006

Service to children is an important goal at the Santa Clara City Library. Children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to use the library materials, programs and services. The City of Santa Clara Libraries are public buildings and are open to all, regardless of origin, age, background and views.

Library staff strive to ensure that all buildings are operated in a safe manner. However, because the buildings are open to all, libraries cannot be considered safe places for unattended children. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the Library rests with the parents, legal guardians, or other responsible adult caregivers (hereinafter "parent or responsible adult caregiver"). Library staff are not responsible for the care and safety of unattended children in the library.

In order to maintain a safe atmosphere where reading and study are encouraged, the following policy has been adopted by the Board of Library Trustees:

• Children age 9 and younger must be accompanied continually by a parent or responsible adult caregiver. A parent or responsible adult caregiver must remain with the children at all times and in the case of an adult caregiver, have emergency contact information with them or available to them.

• If a child age 9 or younger is found to be unaccompanied in the Library, staff will try to locate the parent or responsible adult caregiver to remedy the situation. If a parent or responsible adult caregiver is unavailable, the Police, Santa Clara County Child Protective Services, or other appropriate government agency will be called.

• Children age 10 and older may use the Library without a parent or responsible adult caregiver present, but must be able to reach a parent or responsible adult caregiver immediately, either in person or by phone. All children in the Library must follow the posted Policy for Public Conduct in the Library and are expected to use the Library appropriately. Children who do not follow these rules are subject to the same consequences as other library users, including being required to leave the Library or losing library privileges.

• Situations may arise when, due to unusual or emergency circumstances, it may be necessary for the Library to close without prior notice. In this event or in case of other emergencies, unaccompanied children age 18 years or younger who cannot transport themselves must be able to reach a parent or responsible adult caregiver for immediate pick-up.

• The Library does not observe the same schedule every day. Parents or responsible adult caregivers should be aware of library closing times. If a child remains at the Library after hours, staff may make an attempt to contact a parent or responsible adult caregiver, but also may, immediately and without recourse, contact the Police, Santa Clara County Child Protective Services, or other appropriate government agency. Staff will not transport a child nor will a child be allowed to sit in a staff person's vehicle.

• The children's area of the Library is reserved for children, their parents or responsible adult caregivers, and adults interested in children's literature, such as teachers and college students taking children's literature classes. Out of concern for the safety of young patrons, adults who are unaccompanied by a child or children in the children's area of the Library may be questioned by staff, and may be asked to move to another area of the Library.

• If it is unsafe for a child to leave the building without an adult, that child should never be left unattended in the Library.

PARENTS AND ADULT CAREGIVERS, NOT
LIBRARY STAFF, ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE BEHAVIOR AND SAFETY
OF THEIR CHILDREN WHILE ON
THE PREMISES OF THE
SANTA CLARA CITY LIBRARY.

Questions related to this policy should be
directed to the City Librarian or designee,
(408) 615-2930, during regular business hours,
Monday – Friday, 8:00 to 12:00, 1:00 to 5:00.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees,
10/4/04
Revised and approved by the Board of Library Trustees,
5/1/06