Policies

Confidentiality of Records | Freedom to View | Library Bill of Rights  | Public Records

Material Selection+Access | Rules of Conduct | Policies for Parents | Meeting Rooms

Confidentiality of Records

Cuyahoga County Public Library Board Policy, (section 2.1)

Cuyahoga County Public Library recognizes that its circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users with specific materials are confidential in nature.  No such records are made available to any agency of state, federal or local government, or to any individual not specifically authorized by the Executive Director, except pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpœna, the Executive director consults with legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpœna is in proper form, and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance in a court of competent jurisdiction to determine whether compliance with such process, order, or subpœna is mandatory.

Adopted by the Cuyahoga County Public Library Board of Trustees 1983.

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Freedom To View

The Freedom to View, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore these principles are affirmed:

1. To provide the broadest possible access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantee of expression.
2. To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials.
3. To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.
4. To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video and other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content.
5. To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public's freedom of view.
   American Film and Video Association (updated 1989).
   Adopted by the Cuyahoga County Public Library Board of Trustees 1993.

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Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948; Amended February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967 & January 23, 1980 by the ALA Council.

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Material Selection and Access

Which Ideas Will Be Represented in the Library?

The public library is the institution in our society which provides material representing all points of view in all fields, including political, social, and religious, no matter how controversial or how objectionable these ideas may be to some people. In a democratic society, individuals should feel free to explore any and all ideas in order to decide which are meaningful to them. Therefore, the library, within the limits of selection standards, budget, and space, chooses representative material espousing all points of view.

For What Purpose Is Library Material Selected? 

The primary objective of the public library is to serve as a communications center for the total community by providing free and open access to the ideas and information available on all subjects and in all media. Cuyahoga County Public Library selects and makes available material for the enlightenment, cultural development, and the enjoyment of it public at all ages and levels of ability and interest. All materials are available to all.

How Does the Library Select Some Materials and Not Others?

Budgetary and space constraints limit all libraries' ability to purchase material. Therefore, qualitative selection standards have been developed by specialists in adult, young adult, juvenile, and audiovisual services. Librarians evaluate material on the basis of these standards and recommendations from acceptable professional and commercial reviews. Popularity and community demand are among the major criteria for selecting material. Consideration is given to material which may be of interest to a few patrons as well as that of interest to many patrons. Under a cooperative program, Cuyahoga County Public Library obtains, through interlibrary loan, material owned by other libraries.

In accordance with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights materials on controversial subjects or issues, even if presented in an extreme or sensational manner, are acquired.

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Rules of Conduct

The following actions and disruptive behaviors interfere with the ability of customers to effectively use library materials and services and will not be tolerated.  Repeated violations may result in expulsion from the library or loss of library privileges:

• Violating local ordinances, state, and/or federal law
• Violating library policies and/or guidelines
• Creating noise or talking which interferes with the rights of others
• Using abusive or threatening language or behavior
• Harassing others
• Misusing library furnishings, materials, equipment, or computers
• Congregating in or around entrances, exits, stairways, or otherwise blocking access
• Fighting and physical abuse
• Running in the building
  

Also, please remember...

• Shoes and shirts must be worn when visiting the library.
• Smoking and sleeping in the library are prohibited.
• Persons with offensive body odor or poor hygiene that create a nuisance to others and/or disrupt Library service may be asked to leave.
• Library materials may not be taken into restrooms.
• Young children and older adults should not be left unattended in the library, even when caregivers are in other areas of the building.
• Any use of cameras and recording devices in library buildings must be authorized.
• Library staff may limit the number of people seated in a given area or at any one table.
• Rollerblades, skateboards, and large sports equipment are not allowed in the library.
• Because the library cannot be responsible for lost or stolen articles, do not leave valuable or personal belongings unattended.
• Solicitation of library staff and customers is prohibited.
• Assistance animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are the only animals permitted in the library with the exception of those being used in a library program.

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Especially for Parents

All libraries contain some printed and audiovisual materials which some parents find inappropriate for their children. The Children's and Teen staffs are familiar with the collection and will work with parents to make suggestions regarding material appropriate for their children. Parents who do not want their minor children to borrow DVDs from the Library may inform the staff at the check-out desk and this preference will be noted on their children’s records.

We make every effort to ensure that each child's early library visits are positive. A child's library card presents opportunities for fascinating, educational, and entertaining adventures and discoveries.  We encourage parents and guardians to share the library experience with their children and guide them in their explorations.

For our Internet Policies for minors, see our Especially for Parents: A Guide to the Internet

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Cuyahoga County Public Library Public Records Policy

Introduction

It is the policy of Cuyahoga County Public Library that openness leads to a better informed citizenry, which leads to better government and better public policy. It is the policy of Cuyahoga County Public Library to strictly adhere to its obligations under Ohio's Public Records Law. All records of the Library are public unless they are exempt from disclosure under Ohio or Federal law including such as under the exemption in the  Ohio Revised Code Section 149.432 that prohibits the Library from releasing any library records or from disclosing any patron information except in those situations specified in the statute.

Section 1. Public Records

Cuyahoga County Public Library, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, defines records as including the following: Any document - paper, electronic (including, but not limited to, email), or other format - that is created or received by, or comes under the jurisdiction of Cuyahoga County Public Library that documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. All records of Cuyahoga County Public Library meeting this definition are public unless they are specifically exempt from disclosure under Ohio law or Federal law.

Section 1.1

It is the policy of Cuyahoga County Public Library that, as required by Ohio law, records will be organized and maintained so that they are available for inspection and copying in accordance with the Ohio Public Records law. Current record retention schedules shall also be made available to the public.

Section 2. Record Requests

Each request for public records should be evaluated for a response using the following guidelines:

Section 2.1

The Records Custodian for the Library is the Marketing Director. Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow Cuyahoga County Public Library to identify, retrieve, and review the records. If it is not clear what records are being sought, the records custodian must contact the requester for clarification, and should assist the requester in revising the request by informing the requester of the manner in which the Library keeps its records.

Section 2.2

The requester does not have to put a records request in writing, and does not have to provide his or her identity or the intended use of the requested public record. It is Cuyahoga County Public Library's general policy that this information is only to be requested if the written request or disclosure of identity of the requester or intended use of the record would benefit the requester by enhancing the ability of the Library to identify, locate or deliver the requested public records, and if the requester is informed that the written request or disclosure of identity of the requester or intended use of the record is not mandatory.

Section 2.3

Public records are to be made available for inspection during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with the exception of published holidays. Public records must be made available for inspection promptly. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time. "Prompt" and "reasonable" take into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and, the necessity for any legal review of the records requested.

Section 2.4

Each request should be evaluated for an estimated length of time required to gather the records. Routine requests for records should be satisfied immediately, if feasible to do so. Routine requests include completed meeting minutes, budgets, salary information, forms and applications, and such other records requests that the Board of Trustees determines are "routine." If any of these records contain exempt material such as social security numbers or other confidential information, they cannot be handled as "routine" requests. If fewer than 20 pages of copies are requested, or if the records are readily available in an electronic format that can be emailed or downloaded easily, these should be made as quickly practicable, taking into account the necessity for any legal review of the records requested. The Library will strive to acknowledge all requests for public records and provide an estimate of the number of business days it will take to satisfy the request within three business days following the Record's Custodian's receipt of the request. 

Section 2.5

Any denial of public records requested must include an explanation, including legal authority. If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt, the exempt portions are to be redacted and the rest released. If there are redactions, each redaction must be accompanied by a supporting explanation, including legal authority. If the initial request was in writing, the explanation also shall be provided in writing.

Section 3. Costs for Public Records

Those seeking public records will be charged only the actual cost of making copies.

Section 3.1 

— The charge for paper copies is 3 cents per page after the first 10 (free) pages.

Section 3.2 

— The charge for downloaded computer files to a compact disc is $1 per disc.

Section 3.3

 — There is no charge for documents emailed.

Section 3.4

Requesters may ask that documents be mailed to them. They will be charged the actual cost of the postage and mailing supplies. 

Section 3.5. Payment

The Library may require the requester to pay, in advance, the cost involved in providing the copies, including postage.

Section 4. Email

Section 4.1 

Documents in electronic mail format are records as defined by the Ohio Revised Code when their content relates to the business of the office. Email is to be treated in the same fashion as records in other formats and should follow the same retention schedules.

Section 5. Failure to respond to a public records request

Cuyahoga County Public Library recognizes that the consequences of failing to respond to a public records request in accordance with the law may result in a court ordering Cuyahoga County Public Library to comply with the law and to pay the requester attorney's fees and statutory damages.

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