Administrative Rule No. 101-01
Adopted: 11/13/2017

Welcome to the Salem Public Library

The Salem Public Library welcomes all residents and visitors. We are dedicated to providing free and equal access to information, knowledge, learning, and the joy of reading for our diverse community.

The library strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can study, read, learn, and use library materials and services. We recognize our responsibility to educate, inform, and inspire the community by sharing a wide range of resources. These resources help individuals participate fully in our democratic society as informed and educated citizens.

Rules for a Positive Library Experience

To ensure that all visitors can enjoy the library, we have established a Code of Conduct for its use. These rules are designed to promote a safe and pleasant experience for everyone. Library staff are authorized to enforce these rules and may intervene to stop prohibited activities or behaviors.

If someone violates the Code of Conduct, library staff may issue an exclusion notice. Individuals who interfere with staff duties or fail to follow instructions to correct prohibited behavior may be excluded from library property. Refusing to leave after receiving an exclusion notice may result in arrest and prosecution for trespassing, as outlined in Salem Revised Code (SRC) 95.550.

Consequences for Violations

Requesting Accommodations

Level One - Minor Violations

Level Two - Moderate Violations

Level Three - Severe Violations

Appeal Procedure for Exclusion Notices

If you have received an exclusion notice from the Salem Public Library, you have the right to appeal this decision. Below is an explanation of the appeal process, including important deadlines and steps to follow.

How to File an Appeal

To appeal an exclusion notice:

1. Submit a Written Request: File a written appeal with the City Librarian at the Salem Public Library administration office.
2. Include the following required information:
• Your full name and address.
• The reasons why the exclusion notice should be rescinded.
3. Meet the Deadline: Submit your appeal within 15 business days of receiving the exclusion notice.

Important: If you do not file your appeal within 15 business days, you waive your right to appeal, and the City Librarian will dismiss any late requests.

What Happens After You File

• Confirmation of Address: The address you provide in your appeal will be used for all correspondence. Notices sent to this address by first-class mail will be considered delivered three days after mailing, even if not received.
• Temporary Suspension of Exclusion: Once your appeal is filed, the exclusion notice is paused until a final decision is made.

The Appeal Hearing

• Hearing Timeline: The City Librarian or designee will schedule your hearing within 15 business days of receiving your appeal, unless both you and the City agree to a longer timeframe.
• Notice of Hearing: You will receive written notice of the hearing’s time and location at least five business days in advance.

Requirements for the Hearing:

• You must appear in person at the hearing. Failure to appear, without good cause, will result in dismissal of your appeal.
• You may bring legal counsel at your own expense.

What to Expect During the Hearing:

• You may present testimony, evidence, and oral arguments.
• You may cross-examine any witnesses.
• The City must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the exclusion notice was issued due to prohibited conduct.

Decision and Next Steps

• Written Decision: The City Librarian or designee will issue a written decision within 10 business days of the hearing.
• Delivery of Decision: A copy of the decision will be mailed to the address provided in your appeal. The decision is considered effective upon actual receipt or three days after mailing, whichever comes first.
• If the Exclusion is Upheld: The exclusion period will begin immediately upon the effective date of the decision.

This process ensures fairness and provides you with an opportunity to present your case. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Salem Public Library administration office.

Reference: SRC 95.550

Salem Public Library is pleased to provide wireless internet access to patrons and guests. In order to ensure access to everyone in a quiet, comfortable and safe setting, we ask that you agree to abide by our Internet Use Rules. By connecting to and using the Library wi-fi you agree you will not do any of the following:

• Transmit offensive, threatening, harassing, abusive, or defaming language and images
• Conduct a business or commercial enterprise, engage in commercial activity, or engage in the sale or promotion of any illegal substance
• View, transmit or download pornographic materials
• Violate intellectual property rights by making unauthorized copies of copyrighted, licensed, or otherwise controlled software or data residing on the Internet
• Intentionally transmit worms, viruses, or other harmful programs
• Hack into unauthorized computers, networks, or information systems
• Invade the privacy of others.

You also agree to respect the comfort of others by:

• Keeping conversations quiet
• Using cell phones in lobbies or outside
• Confining computer sounds to the headphones
• Arranging for childcare elsewhere

In addition to the above, violation of any federal or state statute or local ordinance will be regarded as a violation of Salem Public Library rules. The City of Salem reserves the right to cause to be ejected or refuse further admission to those individuals who violate Salem Public Library rules, create disorder, or engage in illegal activity. Violators are subject to arrest or Trespass under Salem Revised Code 95.550. These sanctions are not exclusive, and any other remedies available at law or equity to obtain compliance with these rules will be pursued.

Administrative Rule No. 101-02
Adopted: 11/13/2017

Introduction

Salem Public Library is committed to providing an inviting, safe space for youth that is responsive to their needs. The Children's and Teen areas of the Library are specifically designed to serve the needs of younger library users. The Children's area is intended for children (infants through grade 5) and their parents or caregivers. The teen area is intended for teens (grades 6-12) and their parents or caregivers.

Practice

Children's Area

Parents and guardians are welcome in the Children's area when accompanied by children and/or to attend a program with their child.

• If an unaccompanied adult requires access to the children's collection, we ask that they limit their use to 15 minutes. Adults not fitting this description will be asked to leave the area.
  • Library staff may make exceptions to the 15 minute time limit for unaccompanied adults who are [student] teachers, daycare providers or others who require access to the children's collection for research or other educational purposes.
• Gaming and internet computers in the Children's area are reserved exclusively for use by children and teens. Adults who are supervising children and/or teens in the Children's area are free to use catalog computers and/or personal devices only.
• Children's programs are held for the instruction and enjoyment of children and their caregivers. Adults attending programs without children may be asked to leave.

Teen Area

• Parents and guardians are welcome in the Teen area when accompanied by children and/or to attend a program with their child.
• If an unaccompanied adult requires access to the Teen area, we ask that they limit their use to 15 minutes. Adults not fitting this description will be asked to leave the area.
  • Library staff may make exceptions to the 15 minute time limit for unaccompanied adults who are [student] teachers, daycare providers or others who require access to the teen collection for research or other educational purposes.
• Gaming and internet computers in the Teen area are reserved exclusively for use by teens. Adults who are supervising children and/or teens in the Teen area are free to use catalog computers or personal devices only.
• Teen programs are held for the instruction and enjoyment of teens and/or their caregivers. Adults attending programs without teens may be asked to leave.

Approved by the Salem City Council: November 13, 2017

Administrative Rule No. 101-02
Adopted: 11/13/2017

Introduction

The Salem Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment that encourages children to visit the Library, use Library collections and services, and attend Library programs. Library staff are available to assist and support children with their use of Library resources. The Library is a public building, open to everyone and a child's safety cannot be guaranteed. Children may encounter hazards in the Library such as doors, furniture, electrical equipment and other Library patrons.

The Library is not responsible for a minor's selection of Library materials, attendance at programs or use of the Internet or other services. Parents, guardians, or responsible adults are expected to accompany their minor children in the use of Library materials and services, including computer use.

The responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children using the Library rests with the parent, guardian, or designated caregiver. Library staff members cannot supervise children in the Library. The Library does not serve in loco parentis.

Practice

Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated responsible caregiver (16 years of age or older) at all times while in the Library. Caregivers must supervise and provide guidance for children during the entire Library visit.

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 163.545: Child neglect in the second degree. (1) A person having custody or control of a child under 10 years of age commits the crime of child neglect in the second degree if, with criminal negligence, the person leaves the child unattended in or at any place for such period of time as may be likely to endanger the health or welfare of such child. (2) Child neglect in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

In the following situations, Library staff will take the actions outlined below for all children zero (0) to seventeen (17) years of age:

• A child is alone and frightened or crying in the Library
• A child is alone and doing something dangerous, or another person in the Library seems to be a danger to the child
• A child is alone and is not following the Library Code of Conduct
• No caregiver comes to pick a child up at closing time

Library staff members will evaluate the situation and try to contact the child's parent or guardian. If staff cannot reach the parent or guardian, he or she will place the child in the care of the appropriate local law enforcement agency.

Approved by the Salem City Council: November 13, 2017

Salem Public Library Fine Free Policy

Administrative Rule No. 101-04 Salem Public Library Fine Free Policy

Salem Public Library is committed to reducing financial barriers to accessing services. Salem Public Library’s Fine Free Policy is informed by ALA’s Free Access to Information Policy B.4.2 which asserts “charging of fees and levies for information services, including those services utilizing the latest information technology, is discriminatory in publicly supported institutions providing library and information services.” Through this administrative rule action, Salem Public Library will not charge fines for overdue materials. Additionally, Salem Public Library will not charge fees for Inter-Library Loan requests. There may be fees from the lending library and/or postage charges but none from Salem Public Library.

Patrons will be charged the price of the item and a processing fee for items that are overdue past 21 days as such items will be assumed Lost. User privileges will be suspended when said user’s account exceeds a balance of $50.00.

Charging for long overdue or LOST items

• If an item is overdue 21 days, it will be assumed LOST and the patron will be charged for the item and a processing fee.
• If a LOST item is returned to the Library in good condition, the replacement charge and the processing fee will be removed from the patron’s account.
• If a LOST item is paid for and returned within six months of the item deemed LOST, the replacement cost and processing fee will be refunded.

Charging for Damaged and Missing Pieces

• At the City Librarian’s discretion, patrons may be charged the replacement cost and a processing fee for damaged items. Such charges will depend on the nature and severity of the assessed damage.
• At the City Librarian’s discretion, patrons may be charged the replacement cost and a processing fee for items returned with missing pieces. Such charges will depend on the circumstance and the potential for missing pieces to diminish future use of the item.
• Charges for items not owned by Salem Public library will be determined by the original lending library.

Debt Collections

• When debt collection services are necessary, such cases will be referred to CCRLS for processing.

Effective July 1, 2022

This Collection Development Policy will be evaluated annually by library management and revised as needed.

Purpose

Salem Public Library’s Collection Development Policy reflects the mission of public libraries to provide access to information and support diversity, democracy, lifelong learning, and intellectual freedom. The policy both informs the public of the principles supporting selection decisions and provides guidance for the selection and evaluation of library materials that anticipate and meet the needs of the Salem community.

It is the goal of the library to provide free, equal, and equitable access to a high-quality collection of resources in a variety of formats, reflective of the diversity of the community. Materials available in the library present a diversity of viewpoints, enabling the community to make the informed choices necessary in a democracy. In support of preserving and encouraging the essential free expression of ideas, Salem Public Library endorses the principles documented in the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement of the American Library Association, as well as the City of Salem’s SRC Chapter 97 on human rights.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

Salem Public Library promotes understanding and education among diverse groups. The library will continuously work to curate a collection representing a wide array of people, cultures, ideas, and experiences. Curating, maintaining, and providing a diverse and equitable collection is an ongoing process. Library resources are for use by all members of the Salem community. The library strives to reflect the needs and diversity of its community in its collections.

Selection of Library Materials

Selection and collection maintenance of library materials is delegated to qualified library staff, under the authority and at the discretion of the City Librarian. All materials, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the criteria listed below. An item need not meet all these standards in order to be added to the collection.

• Popular interest
• Contemporary significance
• Currency of information
• Accuracy
• Local emphasis
• Readability
• Creative, literary, or technical quality
• Relationship to other materials and adequacy of coverage in subject area
• Significance of item within subject area
• Professional reviews from a variety of sources
• Format and ease of use
• Cost and availability
• Availability of copies in the system and relationship to materials in other area libraries
• Physical appearance and condition
• Space limitations
• Public demand and anticipated demand in a consortium setting

Scope of the Collection

The Salem Public Library maintains a varied and current collection covering a wide range of subjects and containing multiple points of view. The library’s collections are dynamic with an emphasis on up-to-date and in-demand materials. The library provides information resources in physical and electronic formats to deliver the broadest possible access to content both within and beyond the library’s walls. The primary responsibility of the Salem Public Library is to serve the Salem community by providing a broad range of materials to meet informational, educational, cultural, accessibility, and recreational needs.

Collections are developed in response to current use patterns, community needs, budgetary and space constraints, evolving technology, and the library’s mission and purpose. The library maintains a collection of popular and informational works that is evaluated continuously. The collection embraces broad fields of knowledge with basic, representative works in most subject areas, emphasizing materials that are useful for the general public. Textbooks and materials of a highly technical or specialized nature of limited community interest are generally not collected.

Suggestions for Purchase

The library encourages input from its community concerning the collection. All suggestions for purchase are subject to the same selection criteria as other materials and are not automatically added to the collection.

Material and Fund Donations

Donations of books and other materials are accepted by the Friends of the Salem Public Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For further information on their procedures, contact the Friends of the Salem Public Library directly. The library cannot guarantee that unsolicited materials will be returned to donors. The library reserves the right to accept or refuse materials or funds and any conditions placed upon gifts of materials or funds.

Collection Maintenance

To maintain a relevant, popular, and appealing collection, the library engages in ongoing evaluation of its materials. This policy’s selection criteria, the CREW method, and other best practices are used when evaluating collections.

Materials that have been withdrawn may be first offered to the Friends of the Salem Public Library. All other materials will be disposed of in accordance with general City policies and procedures. Replacement of damaged, missing, and withdrawn materials is not automatic. The decision to replace is determined by the selection criteria listed in this policy.

Request for Reconsideration

Residents of the City of Salem concerned about a particular item in the library’s collection are encouraged to speak to a designated staff member. If a resident wishes to pursue review of the item, they must complete a Request for Reconsideration form. The City Librarian will review the request and apply the selection criteria set forth in this policy to determine if the item should be removed or reclassified. The City Librarian’s decision on reconsideration is the City of Salem’s final decision. The item under review will not be removed from circulation during the review process.

Revised: September 2023

Salem Public Library

Public Display Areas and Entryways

Posting and Distribution of Non-Library Materials

The library allows non-library posters, brochures, and fliers to be displayed only on designated bulletin boards and in literature holders. These are located in the entryways of the Main Library (Floor 1 and Plaza Level) and the West Salem Branch (entry hallway). No print or digital materials from outside organizations may be displayed or distributed inside library spaces, except for brochures or information used in an active library program or service.

To request posting or distribution of materials at the Main Library or West Salem Branch, submit items to library staff at any Ask Here Desk. Staff will forward the materials to Library Administration for review.

Any materials left in library entryways or public display areas without permission, or that do not meet the guidelines, will be removed and discarded.

Library staff will place approved materials in the entryways based on this policy. Decisions about placement will not be influenced by the viewpoints, beliefs, or affiliations of the organization or the opinions expressed in the materials. The library does not endorse the ideas, events, or issues promoted in these materials.

Guidelines for Display Materials

• Materials must fit the available space. Posters should not be larger than 11 x 17 inches.
• The organization creating the materials is responsible for their content.
• Publicity for events held in library meeting spaces must not suggest that the library supports or sponsors the event. Unless the event is part of an official partnership with the library, all advertisements must include the statement: "This event is not sponsored or endorsed by the Salem Public Library."
• Anyone wishing to display materials must provide printed copies of their materials.
• The library does not print digital files or make additional copies.
• Commercial advertisements or offers to sell goods or services will not be displayed.
• Materials will not be returned after display.
• All materials must be appropriate for public display.
• Displays are temporary, and the library may set time limits.

Bulletin Boards

• Events happening in the City of Salem or hosted by City of Salem organizations and agencies.
• Cultural events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations that are free to the public.
• Cultural events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations that charge admission.
• Educational opportunities provided by public or non-profit organizations.

Literature Holders

Literature holder space is available as space allows, in the following order of priority:

• Publications created in the City of Salem or those with significant content about Salem organizations or individuals.
• Fliers, brochures, or newsletters promoting non-profit organizations.

Items Not Allowed for Distribution

• The following materials will not be displayed or distributed:
• Promotion of political candidates, political parties, or advocacy for issues on an election ballot.
• Announcements of religious activities or services.
• Petitions.
• Catalogs, advertisements, or other materials promoting for-profit organizations.
• Personal notices, such as items for sale, rent, or free distribution.

Community Art Displays

The library has a designated area for community art exhibits on Floor 1 of the Main Library. These displays are managed by Library Administration and require an application.

Art Hallway

Use of Library Entrance Courtyard

The area outside the main entrance to the Salem Public Library is a public space. The City of Salem and the library do not control access to this space. However, the following rules apply:

• No one may block or obstruct the entry doors or interfere with the public’s ability to enter or exit the library.
• All interactions must take place outside the library building.

Last updated April 2, 2025

1. Introduction and Summary

Your privacy is important to the Salem Public Library. The library works hard to protect your personal information and keep your library records private. Salem Public Library follows the American Library Association Code of Ethics, which states:

"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."

The library shares its privacy and information-gathering policies with the public. It collects information about library users only to provide library services. The library collects as little personal information as possible and avoids creating unnecessary records. Salem Public Library uses a shared database managed by the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System. This means other member libraries can access Salem Public Library records.

The library does not share your personal information with outside organizations unless required by law. This includes valid subpoenas, warrants, or national security letters. Oregon law requires public libraries to protect the privacy of user records. The library also takes steps to ensure that personal information is not accidentally shared or made public without your consent.

This policy explains how the library protects the privacy of all users, no matter their age. It balances privacy with convenience. Some third-party services offered by the library have their own privacy policies, which may affect how your personal information is handled. When using these services, you should be aware of their privacy limits. For more details, see the library’s Third-Party Vendors list.

2. Information Salem Public Library Collects, Purposes for, and Limitations On Its Use

By choosing to submit your name, email address, mailing address or phone number in order to receive library services (such as registering for a library card, receiving responses to requests for help, or being added to an email list), you are consenting to give us your personally identifiable information. The Library will keep this information confidential and will not sell, license or disclose it to any third party, except those parties Salem Public Library has contracted with, or except as required by law. Refer to the Library’s Third-Party Vendors list for more information.

The Library never uses or shares the personally identifiable information provided to it in ways unrelated to the ones described below without also providing you an opportunity to prohibit such unrelated uses, unless required by law to do so. The Library may offer services to improve convenience and communication that may use personally identifiable information or information about your use of library materials and services. The Library will make it possible for you to “opt in” to these services.

The Library collects both personally identifiable information and anonymous information in order to provide library service to users.

a. Personally identifiable information is any information that could potentially identify a specific individual. The Library strives to collect the least amount of personally identifiable information possible and avoids creating unnecessary records. Personally identifiable information collected by the Library could include:

• Information required to register for and maintain a library card (including name, address, telephone number, email address, and birthdate).
• Information submitted on paper, such as Purchase Requests, Library Card Applications, Reference Intakes, InterLibrary Loan Requests, Operation Bookshelf Applications, etc., are retained only as long as they are actively used. Post-use these items are shredded.
• User information linked to library materials:
  • Materials currently checked out (until returned, unless users have activated their full checkout history by visiting the My Account page in the catalog.) See confidentiality of library records below.
  • Previous borrower information for materials
  • Materials requested, including CCRLS materials, InterLibrary Loans, and Purchase Requests
  • Fees owed and payments made

• User contact information to sign up for library programs and events
• Usage and activity data of third party vendor library services, such as research databases and digital materials
• Information about topics searched for and materials requested
  • Email reference questions submitted to the Library follow City of Salem retention policy. Questions are retained only for the purpose of statistics and to assist with follow-up queries from users. While the questions themselves may not be exempt under the public records laws, the Library will strive to protect personal information such as names, email addresses, telephone and fax numbers submitted along with the questions. This information will be treated as other library user information under provisions of the Confidentiality of Library Records section below.

b. Anonymous information is information that does not specifically identify an individual. The anonymous information collected by the library could include:

• Transactional data, including date and time of requests and activity
• Demographic data
• Library website data to measure and analyze visitors, usage and activity
  • During your visit as you browse the Library website, read pages, or download information, certain information will be automatically gathered and stored about your visit but not about you, including your IP address, browser and operating system used, date and time of access, pages visited, cookie data, and for how long. The Library uses this information only as anonymous aggregate data to determine the number of visitors to different sections of the Library website and to help us make the sites more useful. The Library does not use the information to track or record information about individuals. 

3. Confidentiality of Library Records

The Library does not keep a record of your borrowing history beyond operational requirements unless you choose to opt-in to keeping it. Once you return an item, it is removed from your account. Items with lost or damaged fees will remain on your account until paid.

Salem Public Library staff will not respond to any informal request by a third party for personally identifiable information about any library user. State law protects your library records from disclosure if a member of the public or the media requests them. Such information includes your contact information, circulation records, database search records, reference inquiries, requests for information, interlibrary loan records, and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services. Personally identifiable information may be released only to a law enforcement agency if required by law, such as after presentation of an order by a court of competent jurisdiction issued in proper form (a court issued subpoena or search warrant) and/or under the provisions of the USA Patriot Act.

You are entitled to view your personally identifiable information and are responsible for keeping your information accurate and up-to-date. Library records may only be disclosed to:

• Library staff performing job duties across CCRLS member libraries
• The cardholder upon proof of identity
• Upon request of a parent or legal guardian of a child under 16 years of age who accepted responsibility and who is named on the record. Parent or legal guardian must show photo I.D. or library card.
• Anyone with the library card number
  • Only share your card number with people you trust and report lost or stolen cards immediately.
• To the extent required by law, which includes but is not limited to a written court order, subpoena or search warrant presented by a documented official, although many legal processes are subject to objection by the City.
• Law enforcement with a valid subpoena, national security letter, or warrant.

Items on Hold and Allowing Account Access

• Users of any age may choose to have another person pick up their holds by providing that person with their library card or by notifying Library staff, who will make a note on the user’s account.

4. Children’s Privacy

The safety and privacy of children is very important to Salem Public Library. As with all other users, personal information collected from children by the Library is not shared with any non-contracted agency or vendor. The Library encourages parents to take an active role in their children’s internet use and teach them about the importance of not revealing personal information online.

5. Mandatory Reporting

Library staff members are mandatory reporters for children, adults over the age of 65, adults in nursing homes, and adults with developmental disabilities or mental health issues. ORS 419B.010 establishes the duty to report and does not relieve a person of that duty (or of civil liability for failing to report) because of the confidentiality of library records. As a mandatory reporter, a Library staff member is to report, if known, names, ages, addresses, extent of the abuse, including evidence of previous abuse, the explanation given for the abuse, and any other information of the individuals involved.

6. Technology

a. Public Computers and Wireless Network

The Library does not keep a record of your activities on any public computer or on the Library’s wireless network. Any record of browsing history and activities on the Library’s public computers are removed when you log out or disconnect. Information about your public computer reservation (library card number, computer number, reservation time, and session duration) is purged after it is no longer needed for statistical purposes.

The Library offers free and open wireless network (wifi) access. Patrons using public wireless networks should have no reasonable expectation of privacy during their usage.

The Library is part of the City of Salem network and the CCRLS consortium. CCRLS administers the Library’s database and eResource access. The Library takes reasonable steps to assure data security. The Library protects personally identifiable information by electronically purging it once it is no longer needed for library business purposes, whenever possible. The Library does not collect cookies, browsing history, cached files, or other computer and Internet use records that are placed on library computers or networks. The Library operates secure data networks protected by industry standard firewalls and password protection systems. Only authorized individuals have access to the information provided by Library users.

c. Cookies

A cookie is a small amount of data, which often includes a unique identifier that is sent to your computer or mobile phone or device browser from a website's computer and is stored on your device's hard drive. Some of the applications or external sites that you may link to from library pages, devices or equipment also use cookies. For more information on the use of cookies by each service please refer to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policies for the services you use. You may set the preferences in your web browser to refuse cookies or to tell you when a cookie is being sent.

d. Social Networking Tools

All approved City of Salem social media sites are listed on the City’s website. These sites are intended to serve as mechanisms for communications between the public and City departments on topics related to department activities. Any comments submitted to these locations are public records subject to disclosure pursuant to OAR Chapter 166, Division 200. These administrative rules can be found on the Secretary of State’s website. By obtaining information from and interacting with the City through any of the approved City of Salem social media sites, you agree to the City of Salem Social Media Terms of Use.

e. RFID

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used to circulate library materials, keep a record of the library collection, and secure the collection from theft. RFID tags attached to items only contain the barcode number of the item. No personal library user or transaction information is on the RFID tag.

7. Security Cameras

The Library uses security cameras inside and outside to enhance the safety and security of library users, staff and facilities. Security camera footage is released as required by law, including but not limited to pursuant to  a valid subpoena, national security letter, warrant, or public records request. Cameras are never installed in areas where members of the public and staff would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms. Video is only available for immediate viewing by Library Security and IT personnel and is retained for up to 90 days.

8. Photography in Salem Public Library Facilities

All Salem Public Library events present opportunities for staff to capture pictures and/or videos to better tell the Library’s story. Attendance and participation at such events constitutes implied consent to be photographed. Pictures may be used for library publications, reports, and publicity. Please alert a Library staff member if you do not wish to be photographed.

9. Illegal Activity Prohibited and Not Protected

Users may conduct only legal activity while using library resources and services. Nothing in this statement prevents the Library from exercising its right to enforce the Library’s Patron Code of Conduct, protect its facilities, network, and equipment from harm, or prevent the use of library facilities and equipment for illegal purposes. Library employees are authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of library users, staff, facilities, computers and the network. This includes contacting law enforcement authorities and providing information that may identify the individual(s) perpetrating a violation.

10. Third-Party Vendors and Non-Library Websites

The Library works with third-party vendors to provide online learning, digital collections, streaming media content, analytics, and more. Many of the Library's electronic databases can be freely accessed from anywhere by anyone with a Salem Public Library card. Salem Public Library is not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites, which may be different from the privacy practices described in the Library’s Privacy Policy. The vendors of some of these databases collect statistics such as the names of the databases used, how often they are used, and whether they are used in the library or by remote access and the vendors provide the statistics to the library. The Library encourages you to become familiar with privacy practices of other sites you visit. When you leave the library website, your interaction with these systems will be governed by their individual privacy policies.

Refer to the library’s Third-Party Vendors list for more information.

If you believe you or any program beneficiary has been the subject of unequal treatment or discrimination in the receipt of benefits or services from the City because of a disability, you may file a report of concern with the Title VI / Section 504 Coordinator.