Libraries: General Conditions of Use

In order to use Oxfordshire Library services you must agree to abide by the Conditions of Use set by Oxfordshire County Council.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Library Service has an important role in maintaining and developing collections of books, audio visual and technology networks which enable people to pursue cultural, learning, social and recreational activities.

These Branch Libraries: Conditions of Use set out the terms between you and us in respect of the behaviour that is expected by the public in both their use of the service and their dealings with the staff and volunteers.

A separate document sets out the specific terms under which you may access the internet or use any ICT, computers, or devices in our libraries (Library ICT Access: Conditions of Use); and for borrowing items (Borrowing Library Materials: Conditions of Use).

Terms and conditions

Our staff1 have a right to expect reasonable behaviour on the part of users; and have a responsibility to ensure that unreasonable behaviour is dealt with.

In using a Branch Library, you agree to the following:

I will not

Exhibit behaviour which contravenes the Public Library Byelaws, and/or will be seen as unreasonable.

Unreasonable behaviour includes, but is not strictly limited to, the following:

behaving in a disorderly manner in the building;
shouting at, or using obscene, threatening, aggressive or abusive language towards either staff or other members of the public;
taking any actions that are likely to cause injury to the staff, other members of the public or County Council property;
intentionally or recklessly obstructing any member of the staff carrying out their duties;
disturbing, obstructing, interrupting, abusing or annoying any other member of the public who is properly using the service;
consuming alcohol on the premises and/or behaving in an intoxicated manner;
subjecting a member of staff or another member of the public to unwanted and unsolicited personal attention in any form; including filming or photographing without permission;
displaying, distributing or sharing images or film of staff or customers to any online or physical resource without permission;
intentionally seeking to display, distribute, or leave any bill, placard, notice or other document in the library without the consent of an appropriate manager and in line with Library display and noticeboard guidelines;
seeking to enter the building / use library services if barred from doing so either by Oxfordshire County Council or a law enforcing body (e.g. the police);
undertaking any activity that is in contravention of the law, this includes but is not strictly limited to taking and/or dealing controlled drugs as defined by Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act;
leaving children unattended in the library2;
intentionally leaving items unattended (regardless of size - this is about basic security and health and safety);
bringing animals into library premises (with the exception of assistance dogs that are on a short lead, trained to a high standard and not disrupting other users);
damaging stock/library materials or treating them in an unreasonable way;
not paying overdue charges or accumulating library fees and/or charges exceeding the maximum amount specified;
being unclean to the degree that it impacts other library users;
being inappropriately dressed (or undressed!) in a way that impacts other library users.

I will

where relevant, abide by the specific terms set out in the following supporting documents: Library ICT Access: Conditions of Use; and, Borrowing Library Materials: Conditions of Use.

For note

*Throughout this document the word “staff” includes volunteers, as well as people who are contractually employed by Oxfordshire County Council.

**Staff are not ‘in loco parentis’, i.e. they do not take the responsibility of a parent/carer, when children are in the library.

Withdrawal of access

In the event of these Conditions being contravened, local staff/management will decide upon the appropriate action or sanctions to be taken, as per the Libraries Management of Unreasonable Customer Behaviour Framework. This will generally be a verbal, or written warning, or a barring notice, dependent upon the seriousness of the transgression (in terms of act and impact).

Statement of agreement

I understand and accept that if I do not abide by these conditions Oxfordshire County Council may decide to withdraw my general library access (one or all branches) and may take further action as appropriate.