The Ramsey County Library is a customer-oriented system which attempts to anticipate client needs and respond to high-demand requests. The Ramsey County Library in Roseville is the resource center for the system and its collection includes specialized titles, technical information, and in-depth materials of interest to the general public. Materials will be available in all subject areas somewhere in the system, but not necessarily in each location.

The Ramsey County Library is firmly committed to cooperative networks and resource sharing through interlibrary loan.

The Library attempts to provide a broad spectrum of informational, educational, and recreational materials in a variety of formats.

The Library subscribes to the American Library Association's Bill of Rights, and supports ALA's Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements.

Materials are selected using basic selection tools and reputable reviewing media. Fiction materials are selected on the basis of creative worth, literary style, interest and demand. Nonfiction materials are selected on the basis of purpose, authoritativeness, accuracy, significance, format, and content.

Through continuous professional selection and weeding of materials, the Library will strive to maintain a balanced collection; however, the quantity of materials purchased in a subject area will depend upon current needs, current material available, and availability of funds.

The Library cannot supply materials (such as textbooks) of interest only to special groups.

Suggestions for the purchase of materials from the public and other members of the library staff are encouraged. The same criteria used in the selection of new materials will be applied.

Usable materials withdrawn from the Library's collections will be made available to the Friends of the Library.

Any Ramsey County Library customer has the right to protest the presence of any materials found in the Library's collections. The protest will be reviewed by a committee of librarians, who will make a recommendation to the Library Director. The Director will make the decision as to the disposition of the protested material. The customer may appeal the Director's decision to the Library Board, which will make the final decision.

The Ramsey County Library is interested in providing attractive educational and cultural exhibits for the public.

•		Exhibits should not distract from or disrupt library experiences or opportunities.
•		Exhibits sponsored by the Library will take precedence over other types of exhibits.
•		The exhibit should be of general interest, suitable for all ages, and consistent with the Library's mission, as determined by the Library.
•		The Library reserves the right to refuse any exhibits, including but not limited to those that primarily promote commercial interests, as determined by the Library.
•		The Library reserves the right to refuse, discontinue, and/or remove the exhibit or any individual pieces of the exhibit at any time without notice.

Community program rooms are available at Ramsey County Libraries. These rooms may be used by qualifying groups free of charge, and by for-profit groups for a fee. The Library affirms the American Library Association's policy that "libraries which make meeting rooms available to the public should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use."

To keep space available to as many groups as possible, the Library may limit use by groups requesting regularly scheduled (e.g. weekly) meetings or events. If a library's community program room is already used frequently by non-profit groups or organizations, the library manager may decline requests made by for-profit organizations. The community program rooms are not available for private parties.

Exceptions to the guidelines in this policy may be made at the discretion of the Library Manager.

CUSTOMER PROCEDURES

Each library may make available giveaway copies of certain free newsletters and materials on subjects of educational, cultural, civic, and recreational interest. Where space permits, each library may establish a designated public forum in an area of the library for the distribution of free materials.

Items distributed or posted in the designated public forum will be reviewed by the Library Manager, and will not be regulated by content, except in those situations where the usual First Amendment protections would not be available. However, each library may choose to make individual regulations concerning the manner, time, and place of their posting or distribution.

Each area designated as a public forum must be clearly delineated and must also bear the following notice, prominently displayed:

THE RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY PROVIDES THIS SPACE AS A PUBLIC SERVICE. THE LIBRARY DOES NOT ENDORSE OR TAKE A POSITION ON ANY OF THE VIEWS OR NOTICES DISPLAYED HERE.

The Library sponsors programs of informational, educational, and recreational interest.

•		Programs should emphasize literacy, the Library, and its resources.
•		Programs should be publicized in advance.
•		Programs should attract a sizable audience.
•		Programs should be cost-effective.
•		Programs should be consistent with the Library's Mission and Strategic Plan.

The Ramsey County Library maintains public bulletin boards to inform the public about matters of local or general community interest.

•		The Library reserves the right to decide what material is to be posted based on the availability of space, the timeliness of the event, and these guidelines.
•		Persons wishing to have information posted should submit it to the library manager for approval.
•		All items are to be dated and posted for a period of time not to exceed one month, unless other arrangements are made.
•		Library and County information to be posted takes priority over other types of materials.
•		There will be no posting of business advertising, or solicitation by profit-making organizations. No private want ads (for sale, for rent, garage sales, etc.) are to be posted.
•		The Library ascribes to the principles stated in the "Library Bill of Rights" and the "Freedom to Read Statement" of the American Library Association and those principles serve as general guidelines
•		Information posted is provided as a public service and does not necessarily imply endorsement by the Ramsey County Library.

The Ramsey County Library seeks to provide an environment that is conducive to the development of ideas, exploration and discovery. To this purpose, the rules of conduct are intended to guide behavior so that a safe and respectful environment is maintained for all library customers. The following rules apply to all individuals visiting Ramsey County Library properties.

Behaviors not allowed:

•		Behavior that is prohibited by law
•		Carrying weapons of any type
•		Physical behavior that is unsafe to library users or library staff or can reasonably be expected to damage library property or the property of others
•		Verbal abuse and harassing behaviors directed at other library users or library
•		Trespassing in non-public areas of the library
•		Consuming alcoholic beverages and using controlled substances
•		Soliciting on library property See solicitation policy

Children under the age of 8 are required to be accompanied by a responsible adult or older adolescent. For their safety, all children and vulnerable adults should have supervision in the library. See unattended child policy and unattended vulnerable adults policy

Smoking is not allowed in library buildings or within fifty feet of library entrances and library outdoor events.

Noise that is unreasonable in duration and volume is not allowed in the library. Cell phone ring tones should be turned off in the library and phone conversations longer than a few minutes should be conducted in lobby areas. See noise procedures

Internet users (wireless as well as library internet computers) must abide by the requirements for acceptable use outlined in the Ramsey County Library Internet access policy. Those using library internet access computers must follow the library branch limitations on time and manner of use. See Internet access policy

Bicycles must be left outside the library in bicycle racks. Using skateboards or other wheeled devices is not allowed in the library or at library entrances. Strollers and wheeled vehicles required for mobility are allowed.

Shirt and shoes are required to be worn in the library.

Animals other than service animals or animals for library programs are not allowed in the library nor may they be left unattended at library entrances. See unattended animal procedures

Please inform a staff member if you feel another's behavior or activity is unreasonably interfering with your use and enjoyment of the library.

These rules will be enforced in a fair and reasonable manner. The library staff has the right to make decisions that are in the best interest of the library whenever these rules do not specifically cover a situation. Whenever possible, staff will first educate individuals about the applicable policies before taking stronger measures to enforce those policies. If an individual continues to violate these policies, staff may order them to leave for the day. Any conduct that threatens the safety of any person or that is damaging to library property, equipment or facilities will result in immediate expulsion from the library premises. Library staff will contact local law enforcement officers for severe or illegal behavior or when an individual refuses to leave when told by staff to do so. Repeat misconduct or severe offenses (even if a single isolated event) may be cause for a temporary or permanent prohibition from using library facilities and services, arrest, or prosecution.

Staff will follow the established procedures outlined in "Banning Procedures." The Ramsey County Library Director shall be responsible for making the determination of a suspension of library privileges for longer than one day.

The Ramsey County libraries offer many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of books, reading and learning. The staff in each of the Ramsey County Library buildings strives to create an inviting and fun environment for children.

Parents and caregivers must be aware that libraries are public buildings and it is not in the best interest of children to be left unattended. Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult or a responsible older adolescent. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children in the Library or on Library grounds whether they accompany them or not. The Ramsey County Library does not take responsibility for children using the library.

If an unattended child* comes to the attention of Library staff, staff will make a good faith attempt to contact the parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child will be referred to the local law enforcement agency.

Library staff cannot be expected to monitor or prevent an unattended minor child from leaving the building.

* An unattended child is an unattended child of any age whose safety or well-being would be at risk if sent outside the Library building. Examples include: a child who is too young to be on his/her own, a child in an unsafe area, or a child left alone outside of the library after business hours. Although this definition may apply to older children, it applies to all children under the age of eight. Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult or responsible older adolescent.

Ramsey County Library welcomes the use of the libraries by vulnerable adults.* Every reasonable attempt will be made within the limitations of our facilities and the comfort of other customers in these public buildings to accommodate the special needs of individuals or groups of attended vulnerable adults. The library staff is not trained to provide care for vulnerable adults and a responsible adult or caretaker should accompany vulnerable adults while they are using the library. This accompanying individual is responsible for the safety and behavior of the vulnerable adult in their care.

If an unattended vulnerable adult comes to the attention of library staff, staff will make a good faith attempt to contact a responsible adult or caretaker. If the responsible adult or caretaker cannot be reached, the vulnerable adult will be referred to the local law enforcement agency.

If an unattended vulnerable adult comes to the attention of library staff and he or she refuses the supervision of a caregiver or responsible adult while in the library, the individual will be held to the same rules of conduct as all library customers and will be subject to the same sanctions so long as they are using the library as an independent adult.

Library staff cannot be expected to monitor or prevent a vulnerable adult from leaving the building.

*A vulnerable adult is an individual over the age of 18 who has a physical or mental infirmity or other physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction that significantly impairs the individual's ability to provide adequately for their own care or manage their own behavior without assistance.

The Ramsey County libraries are vibrant, bustling, community gathering places with the capacity to host literacy-driven events and public meetings. The Library welcomes people of all ages engaged in a variety of activities such as group study, quiet conversations, and reading aloud to children.

While the Library staff supports the hum of a successful public library, staff will manage disruptive noise. Before applying sanctions, staff will attempt to assist the customer in managing the cause of the noise. Any sanction chosen to address disruptive noise will be appropriate to the level of disturbance and consistent with state law.

Cell phone usage in the library will be kept to a minimum. Cell phone ring tones are to be turned off or set to vibrate when customers enter the library. Customers should respect others by keeping conversations brief and as quiet as possible. Longer phone conversations should be taken to the front entry areas of the library.

The Ramsey County Library prohibits any solicitations of individuals on its grounds or within its facilities. Exceptions to this policy may be internal, employee-focused initiatives, or approved programs conducted by the Ramsey County Library or its support organizations. Any unauthorized solicitation activities should be immediately reported to the library manager and the Administrative Office. Questions regarding this policy should be referred to the Library Director.

The Library welcomes and encourages gifts of materials, money, and property. It is the policy of the Library that such gifts will be used solely for the purpose of enhancement to, not replacement for, government funding of basic library materials or services. The Library has the right to refuse any gift.

The Ramsey County Library Board of Trustees encourages potential donors to make their gifts to the Friends of the Suburban Ramsey County Libraries.

The Library Director will approve the acceptance of gifts valued up to $5,000. Gifts exceeding $5,000 in value will be brought to the Board of Trustees for appropriate action.

No donation of materials or property will be accepted unless it is made unconditionally and without restrictions or unless the Board of Trustees has accepted the donor's condition or restriction.

The Library will not accept any offers, gifts, or agreements that would result in placing a material obligation or a lien upon the Library's general budget revenues.

The Library cannot guarantee the permanence of any gift. All gifts may be used, sold, donated, or disposed of in the best interest of the Library.

According to Ramsey County Resolution 98-417, "The County may consider naming facilities after individuals, but only in cases where the individual has made an exceptional contribution of time (service) or funding, and where the contribution is directly connected to the benefit or service that the facility is providing."

As part of its ongoing mission to provide the public with the broadest possible spectrum of educational and recreational materials, the Ramsey County Library offers public access to the Internet.

Since Internet resources are, by their nature, not subject to the Library's traditional procedures for selection of materials, users may occasionally encounter material online they find false or inappropriate. The Library does not accept responsibility for any information found on the Internet including but not limited to inaccurate, outdated, or offensive information.
The area of Internet access policies in libraries was decided in the case of United States v. American Library Association, Inc., 539 U.S. 194 (2003).