About Us

To complete the Library’s mission of providing a safe and welcoming environment for all, security cameras are used to enhance the safety and security of library users and staff by discouraging violations of the Library’s Patron Responsibility and Code of Conduct, to assist library staff in preventing the occurrence of any violations, and when necessary, to provide law enforcement assistance in prosecuting criminal activity.

Security Camera Purpose and Placement Guidelines

• Video recording cameras will be used in public spaces of library locations to discourage criminal activity and violations of the Library’s Patron Responsibility and Code of Conduct.  The recording of audio is restricted under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and will not be used.
• Cameras may be installed in outdoor and indoor places where individuals lack a reasonable expectation of privacy.  Examples include public common areas of the library such as parking lots, entrances, seating areas, service desks, and areas prone to theft or misconduct, or areas where money is stored or handled.
• Cameras will not be installed in areas of the Library where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy such as restrooms or private offices.
• Signs will be posted at all entrances informing the public and staff that security cameras are in use.
• Because cameras will not be continuously monitored, the public and staff should take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the security of their personal property.  The Massanutten Regional Library is not responsible for loss of property or personal injury.
• Recorded data is confidential and secured in a controlled area.  Video recordings will typically be stored for approximately 30 days. As new images are recorded, the oldest images will be automatically deleted.
• Regarding the placement and use of the digital recording cameras, staff and patron safety is the first priority; protection of library property is of secondary importance.
• Cameras are not installed nor will they be used for the purpose of routine staff performance evaluations.

Use/Disclosure of Video Records

• Access to the archived footage in pursuit of documented incidents of injury, criminal activity or violation of the Library’s Patron Responsibility and Code of Conduct is restricted to designated staff.
• Those designated managers may also have access to real-time images, viewable on desktop monitors placed in staff areas to ensure private access.
• Access is also allowed by law enforcement when pursuant to a subpoena, court order, or when otherwise required by law.
• Video images will not be maintained, provided no criminal activity or policy violation has occurred or is being investigated.
• Video records and still photographs may be used by authorized individuals to identify those responsible for library policy violations, criminal activity on library property or actions considered disruptive to normal library operations as delineated in the Library Code of Conduct.
• In situations involving banned patrons, stored still images may be shared with staff system-wide.  Shared images may remain posted in restricted staff areas for the duration of the banning period.  After the banning period ends, these images will be archived in the Administrative Offices for 5 years.

Unauthorized Access and/or Disclosure

• Confidentiality and privacy issues prohibit the general public from viewing security camera footage that contains personally identifying information about library users.  If the Library receives a request from the general public to inspect security camera footage, they will be advised to file a police complaint.
• A breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.  Any library employee who becomes aware of any unauthorized disclosure of a video recording and/or a potential privacy breach has a responsibility to immediately inform the Director of the breach.

Disclaimer of Responsibility
A copy of this policy may be shared with any patron or staff member upon request.  The policy is also posted on the Massanutten Regional Library’s official website.

Questions from the public may be directed to the Library Director.

The Library disclaims any liability for use of the video data in accordance with the terms of this policy, given that the library is a public facility and the security cameras shall be limited to those areas where patrons and/or staff have no reasonable expectation of privacy.

Adopted by the MRL Board of Trustees January 2016