Library Policy

The Library is committed to providing a pleasant, orderly facility conducive to concentrated and effective use of library materials and services. The library staff will maintain order to assure a pleasant experience for all users. To meet this responsibility, the staff will intervene in situations that present danger to the safety of persons or property, interfere with the rights of others, or constitute disruptive or illegal acts.

1. Disruptive behavior and conditions will not be permitted. Disruption includes disorderly conduct, noise or activity, offensive hygiene or appearance, whether intentional or inadvertent, that interferes with the rights of others, physical abuse, abusive or threatening language, and misuse of library resources and furnishings. 
2. Violation of library policy will not be permitted.
3. If the behavior or condition of a patron violates library policy, the following progressive steps will be taken:
   1. The library staff member will issue a verbal warning, identifying the problem and notifying the user that they may be asked to leave the library if the behavior/condition does not cease. Names may be collected at this time. 
   2. If the disruptive behavior/condition continues after the verbal warning, the staff member will tell the person(s) to leave the library. Names may be collected at this time and a conduct report may be completed following the campus conduct process.
   3. Campus Security (206-934-5442) may be called to assist. 
4. Expulsion from the Library and/or loss of library privileges may result from violations of library policy or disruptive behavior in accordance with the SCD Student Code of Conduct for students or WAC 132F-136-050 for non-students and staff.
5. Information on each incident will be documented on an Incident Report form. This confidential information may be used in any decision to restrict the individual’s use of the library.

WAC 132F-136-050 Trespass.

(1)   Individuals who are not students or members of the faculty or staff and who violate these regulations will be advised of the specific nature of the violation, and if they persist in the violation, they will be requested by the campus president, or his/her designee, to leave the college property. Such a request will be deemed to prohibit the entry of, withdraw the license or privilege to enter onto or remain upon any portion of the college facilities by the person or group of persons requested to leave, and subject such individuals to arrest under the provisions of chapter 9A.52 RCW.

(2)   Members of the college community (students, faculty, and staff) who do not comply with these regulations will be reported to the appropriate college office or agency for action in accord with established college policies.

Consistent with the American Library Association Code of Ethics, this policy protects the right to privacy for library users. The policy complies with RCW 42.56.310 (library records) and RCW 42.56.320 (educational records) and the Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records adopted by the Council of the American Library Association.[1]

All personal information and circulation records pertaining to library users will be kept confidential regardless of the source of inquiry, except for purposes directly related to managing library materials.[2]

Guidelines for User Records

Confidentiality extends to all records with identifying information about our library users. Library staff follow the guidelines below with respect to user privacy:

• All information in the patron database is for library use only and is confidential.
• Borrower information about a particular item will not be released. The library will act as an intermediary when a recall for a borrowed item is necessary.
• Due date information for circulating library materials will be made available upon request.
• Upon request, the library will inform faculty of the number of times a course reserve item has circulated. User identity is confidential except to resolve a delinquency in returning materials. Faculty may be asked to contact a student to recover delinquent materials.
• All issues and legal actions are referred to the Dean responsible for the library. Information will be released to the proper college and/or state authorities by the Dean only pursuant to a legally authorized process, order, or subpoena.[3]

Examples of information that will not be shared:

• The identity of the borrower for a particular item
• The borrowing record for any student for any reason
• Information about borrowing, such as fines or fees owed
• Addresses, phone numbers, ID numbers, or other personal information found in the patron database
• The identity of those who signed in to use study rooms or other library services
• Suggested acquisitions from a particular individual