No Drinks in the COMPUTER LAB!

A reminder that drinks are not allowed in the Computer Lab. It doesn't matter if it has a lid or not, it will not be allowed. 

This includes YA and Children's Department.

RPL Food Policy

Disruptive and Unacceptable Behavior Policy # 9 - No consumption of food, except in designated areas;

This is just a reminder that this policy applies to our patron, but it also applies to staff. There are designated areas in all departments where we can eat our snacks. It makes it very difficult to enforce policies when Patrons see us breaking them.



Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

No HOODIES at RPL

It's that time of year when our patrons will be coming in with clothing apparel that has a hood. Hoodies are not allowed to be worn inside RPL. So if you see a patron with their hoodie on please ask them to take it down while they are inside the library. Below are examples of how you can approach the patron.

Excuse me ma'am/sir you probably didn't realize, but you won't be allowed to wear your hoodie while inside the library.

Excuse me ma'am/sir you probably didn't know, but hoodies aren't allowed to be worn inside the library so would you please keep it down while your here.

Sometimes you can just use a hand gesture to the patron to take it down and they will comply.

Always give the patron a few minute when they come in to remove their hoodie themselves. Most patrons will wear their hoodie up as their coming in, but will remove it soon after they have arrived. If it appears that the patron is going to continue to wear it please approach the patron and inform them about our policy.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Consumption of food, except in designated areas;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

9. Consumption of food, except in designated areas;

Food is allowed in the meeting rooms and outside areas.  If you witness a patron eating elsewhere in the library, approach the patron and say, "Excuse me, but you probably didn't know that food isn't allowed inside the library."

This policy is one of the most broken policies we have,
and applies to staff as well. It is very important we set an example of how we want patrons to act. We can't expect patrons to know we have a no food policy if they see staff eating food!

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Consumption of alcoholic beverages;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on 
the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

8. Consumption of alcoholic beverages;

Alcohol is not allowed on library property.

You can not be intoxicated and be on library property.

If you smell alcohol on a patron or feel like they are under the influence, observe the patron and inform the Security Officer, Librarian In Charge, or Supervisor about the situation.  
The patron should be informed about the policy and ask to leave the property. Let them know they are welcomed to come back when they are not under the influence.

If they continue to break this policy they will be banned from the Library.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - No smoking , or the use of any tobacco product;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

7.  No smoking , or the use of any tobacco product;

If you witness anyone smoking on library property inform them of our policy. Let the patron know they will have to step off the property if they want to continue to smoke. This includes electronic cigarettes!

If you witness anyone walking around chewing tobacco or dip, spitting in a bottle or cup inform them of our policy. Let the patron know they will have to step off property if they want to continue to use the tobacco product.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - following, or other harassing behavior, such as staring, or other intimidating acts

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

4. following a person around the building, or other harassing behavior, such as staring, or other intimidating acts;

No one should feel uncomfortable at the library.

Following - If you notice a patron following staff or other patrons, one way to handle the situation is to go up to the person and ask if they need any help. This will let the patron know that you are aware of there presence. If they still continue to follow the person around let them know that you having been watching them and its against our policy to follow anyone, they will have to stop or leave and if they don't stop the police will be called.

Staring or Glaring - Sometimes all it takes is for you to step in front of the person being stared at and stare back at the offender to let them know that you are watching them. If the patron continues to stare, let them know what they are doing is against our policy.

And if they continued to stare or glare, let them know that you will call the police.

Intimidation - to fill with fear.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Engaging in disorderly conduct, committing a nuisance, or disturbing and offending library users

 Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

5. Engaging in disorderly conduct, committing a nuisance, or disturbing and offending library users; 

Disorderly conduct

• Engages in fighting or other violent conduct or in conduct creating the threat of imminent fighting or other violence.
• Makes unreasonable noise and continues to do so after being asked to stop:
• Public intoxication, fighting, public masturbation

Nuisance

• A person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance.

Disturbing

• To interfere with, interrupt;
• Causing distress or worry; upsetting or unsettling. 

Offend

• to cause (a person or group) to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something said or done.

• to do wrong : to be against what people believe is acceptable or proper
• to be unpleasant to (someone or something)

EXAMPLES


If you see a young adult or adult sitting on someone's lap, ask them to use another chair.  If they do not comply, ask them again and inform them if they do not comply, they will be ask to leave the library. 

If you or anyone witness patrons making out, inform the patrons that their behavior is inappropriate, if they do not comply asked them again and inform them if they do not comply they will be ask to leave the library.

WHEN TO CALL THE POLICE
If a patron comes into the library intoxicated, ask them to leave.  If patron does not comply, notify the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge, or Supervisor and they should call the police.

If patrons are verbally fighting on Library property, tell them to stop being disruptive or they must leave.  If they continue, call the police.

If patrons are physically fighting on Library property, do not get involved.  Call the police immediately.

If you or anyone witnesses a patron masturbating on Library property, notify the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge, or Supervisor and they should call the police.

If you or anyone witness a patron indecently exposing themselves, notify the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge, or Supervisor and they should call the police.

If you or anyone witness anyone having sex on Library property notify the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge or Supervisor and they should call the police.

When these issues come up always get the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge or Supervisor and let them handle the situation. 


Remember to always feel out an incident report!

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Blocking, or in any way interfering with free movement of any person;

 Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

3.  Blocking, or in any way interfering with free movement of any person;

Here are some examples on how to handle if someone is violating this policy:

If you see that a patron is trying to keep someone from leaving by standing in their way, it is a violation of this policy. Ask the patron to step aside and allow the patron to move freely and inform them of the policy and if they continue the police will be called.

If a patron complains to you that someone was trying to block them from moving freely, find out who they are and inform them of the policy and if they continue the police will be called.

If a patron is sitting in the middle of the aisle and appears to be setting up camp and this is preventing someone from walking through, it is a violation of this policy. Offer an alternative area where the patron can hang out.

If a patron has placed their belongings in the area that prevents anyone from walking through the isles, this is a violation of this policy. Politely ask the patron to move their belongings to a more appropriate area. 

Patrons sitting on stairs is another example of blocking ones movement.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Obscene, or Abusive language, or Gestures;

 Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

2. Obscene, or Abusive language, or Gestures;

obscene language - 1. offensive to morality or decency; indecent:  2. intended to stimulate sexual appetite or lust; lewd:                        
abusive language - using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language:  
gesture - is a movement or position of the body, especially of the hands or arms, that is considered exceedingly offensive or vulgar language

If you witness someone violating this policy, let them know that Rowan Public Library does not condone this behavior.

If a patron is on library property cursing out loud, approach the patron and ask them not to use obscene or abusive language while on library property (whether inside or out).

If a patron is using abusive language towards someone including staff again, let them know that the library does not tolerate this kind of behavior and that if he or she does not comply, they will be asked to leave.


If the patron does not stop, ask them to leave the library!


If the patron continues, let them know that this is their final warning and if they do not leave, you will call the police.


If you're still having an issue, call the police:
Salisbury: 704-638-5333
China Grove: 704-857-7755
Rockwell: 704-279-3420

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Loud conversation, or noise:

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

 Greene, Tara J <Tara.Greene@rowancountync.gov>

1. Loud conversation, or noise, including use of cell phones, electronics devices, etc. which is disturbing to other library users;

Here are some examples on how to handle if someone is violating this policy:

1.  Loud conversation

If a patron is being loud and disruptive, walk over to the patron and politely ask them to lower their voice. 

Another approach is to say to the patron, "You probably didn't realize how loud your conversation is.  Do you mind lowering your voice?"

9 out of 10 times when you approach someone who is being disruptive, they will be apologetic and comply. Most of the time patrons are not aware of how loud they are talking, and some may have disabilities that may cause them to speak in a high tone. 

This policy also applies to staff. If you and coworker are speaking in a loud tone, you may also be disruptive to library users.

2.  Cell Phones

Cell phones are prohibited in the Computer Lab and History Room

If you see or hear someone using their phone in these areas, you should immediately walk up to the patron and say, "You probably didn't know that we have a no cell phone policy in the Computer Lab or History Room, so you will need to step out of the Computer Lab or History and finish your call."

If a patron's phone rings in either of these areas, you can ask them to silence their phone. 

Cell phones are allowed in all other parts of the library, but if a patron's phone conversation is or becomes disruptive, you can ask them to step outside with their phone.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence