Policies

A. Gunter Library Patron Conduct Policy

This Patron Conduct Policy explains how the Gunter Library intends to protect the rights and safety of library sta􏰀 members, volunteers, and guests, and to safeguard the library’s materials, facilities, and property.

1. DefinitionandScope

All library staff members, volunteers, guests, and patrons are expected to adhere to this Policy. The Library Director and every volunteer on duty at the time shall have the responsibility for enforcing this Policy and determining whether behavior in the library is appropriate. Any guest exhibiting or causing disruptive behavior may be asked to leave the premises.

2. Rules and Regulations

An accompanying adult is responsible for any minor in his or her care. If a minor behaves in an inappropriate manner, the accompanying adult will be given a warning by staff. If inappropriate behavior continues, the group may be asked to leave the library.

Personal items are not permitted to be stored on library property and must be kept with the library guest at all times.

Solicitations, petitions, flyers, and marketing surveys are not permitted without the signed approval of the Library Director.

The Library permits service animals and animals as part of a library sponsored program or event. No other animals are permitted on the premises.

Library guests should act in a manner that does not interfere with others in their use and enjoyment of the library, or the library sta􏰀’s ability to provide services.

3. Examples of DisruptiveBehavior

The Library Director and every volunteer on duty at the time shall have the responsibility for enforcing this Policy and determining whether behavior in the library is appropriate. The following examples are not exhaustive.

• Violating any local, state, or federal law
• Endangering the safety or health of others
• Vandalizing or deliberately destroying library materials
• Stealing library materials or the personal property of other patrons or staff
• Using abusive or intimidating language or gestures
• Annoying, harassing, or threatening any other person
• Asking for signatures on petitions or solicitation of any other kind
• Monopolizing library resources or staff time
• Eating or drinking beverages in the computer areas
• Using Library facilities for any unauthorized purpose
• Using or consuming alcohol, marijuana, tobacco products, vapes, electronic cigarettes, or illegal substances
• Presenting in inappropriate dress, including bathing suits, wet clothes, bare feet, or nudity of any kind.
• Presenting with poor hygiene4. Reservation of RightsThe Gunter Library staff and volunteers reserve the right to ask a patron or guest to leave the library for any disruptive or unsuitable behavior.

  The Gunter Library staff and volunteers reserve the right to contact local authorities if the patron or guest refuses to leave or if the volunteer on duty feels threatened.

Gunter Library Ethics Policy

The Gunter Library is dependent on the trust of its community to successfully achieve its mission: therefore, it is crucial that all Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers conduct business on behalf of the Gunter Library with the highest level of integrity avoiding any impropriety or the appearance of impropriety.

1. Guiding Principles

1. Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers should uphold the integrity of the Gunter Library and must perform their duties impartially and diligently.

2. Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers should not engage in discrimination of any kind including that based on race, class, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or belief system.

3. Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers should protect and uphold library patrons’ right to privacy in their use of the library’s resources. No library data, including patron information, can be accessed or used for personal gain.

4. Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers should provide the highest level of service to all Patrons through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.

5. Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers respect intellectual property rights.

6. Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers should not use their position with the Gunter Library to obtain unwarranted privileges for themselves or others.

7. The Friends of the Gunter Library and Museum Bylaws state that a conflict of interest arises when a person may derive personal, professional, or any other benefit from actions or decisions made in their official capacity. Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers should inform the Board of a potential conflict of interest.

8. Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers should not denigrate the organization or fellow Board Trustees, employees, or volunteers in any public arena. Board Trustees, employees, and volunteers should acknowledge the formal position of the Board even if they personally disagree.

2. Signing Conflict of Interest and Ethics Statements

Board Trustees, employees and volunteers are expected to comply with the Gunter Library Ethics Policy. In signing the Volunteer Agreement, volunteers are agreeing to abide by the Ethics Policy.

3. Compliance

a. If an individual Board Trustee or the Library Director appears to be in conflict with the Guiding Principles above, he or she will be asked to meet with the President of the Gunter Library Board of Trustees to discuss the issue. The President, at the conclusion of that meeting, would make an assessment. If further corrective action or termination is warranted, such action would be voted on by the full Board of Trustees.

b. If any employee or volunteer appears to be in conflict with the Guiding Principles above, he or she will be asked to meet with the Gunter Library Director to discuss the issues. The Director may take action up to and including termination from the position.