Video Surveillance Policy

  1. Library promotes safety and security through use of a video surveillance system

    1. Selected areas of the library premises are equipped with video cameras that generate live video feeds and may record images.

    2. The video surveillance system is intended to promote the safety and security of the public, library staff, and library facilities; support enforcement of the library's rule of conduct, discourage inappropriate and illegal behavior; and aid in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders.

    3. The video surveillance system complements other measures to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment in compliance with library policies, city policies, and state laws.

    4. The library does not, and has no obligation to, monitor the cameras in real time. As the cameras are not constantly monitored, library staff and the public should continue to take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the safety of their personal property. The library is not responsible for the loss of property or personal injury.

    5. The library will notify the public and staff, through signage and this policy, that it uses a video surveillance system for monitoring and recording activity in and around the library.

  2. Library protects the privacy of its patrons

    1. Privacy is essential to the free and unrestricted use of library resources. Patrons have the right to search for and borrow materials without fear of scrutiny.

    2. Surveillance cameras will be positioned in a manner that safeguards the privacy of patrons and employees. 

    3. Examples of appropriate locations include the common areas of the library such as entryways, lobbies, hallways, public seating areas, outside entrances, exits, and parking areas.

    4. Surveillance cameras will not be positioned to allow the monitoring of areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in restrooms. Additionally, surveillance cameras will not be positioned for the purpose of monitoring a person's reading, viewing, or listening activities in the library.

    5. Camera locations will be positioned, changed, or added only with the permission of the Library Director or authorized designee.

  3. Surveillance system records are managed in accordance with federal and state law

    1. Recordings which are not related to a specific security incident will generally be maintained for 30 days (as allowed by storage capacity) and then automatically deleted.

    2. Recordings related to a documented security incident will be maintained for the duration of the investigation or resolution of the matter plus an additional number of years as outlined in the Library's Record Retention policy, or when otherwise required by law.

      4. Surveillance system records may be reviewed and/or released

      1. Video records and photos may be used by authorized library staff to monitor area(s) not viewable from the desks. First viewing of recordings is limited to Library Supervisors, Directors, and IT staff. These may be shared with staff as needed. Recordings are viewed only to investigate incidents.

      2. Video records and photos obtained through the video monitoring system will be released as necessary and in accordance with applicable laws, when pursuant to a subpoena, court order, or when otherwise required by law.

      3. Recordings may be released to law enforcement due to a security incident.

      4. Unless required by an enforceable legal process, no video records will be released to the media, patrons, or other persons. Confidentiality and privacy issues prohibit the public from viewing security camera footage. If the library receives a request to inspect security camera footage, the requestor will be advised to file a police complaint.

      5. The Library Director or designee may view recordings or images as needed before they are released to monitor for adherence to patron privacy requirements.