Customer Suspension of Privileges Policy and Procedures
POLICY
Purpose
Richmond Public Library (RPL) is committed to providing inclusive and welcoming spaces. The Customer Suspension of Privileges Policy supports RPL’s Code of Conduct. The policy also complies with the Criminal Code of Canada (R.S.C., 1985, c.C-46) and the Human Rights Code [RSBC 1996] Chapter 210.
Policy Statement
Richmond Public Library is authorized to set rules regulating the use of library facilities by the BC Library Act [RSBC 1996] Chapter 264, section 9(a). This encompasses the suspension of library privileges for breaches of library rules and exclusion from the library.
When a customer’s behavior violates the library’s Code of Conduct and threatens the safety of library staff and/or customers and/or damages library property, their access to and use of library services and/or facilities may be suspended.
Where a suspension is imposed, for longer than one day, the library will advise the individual in writing that there is a reconsideration process that can be exercised.
Responsibilities
All staff are responsible for upholding the Code of Conduct and reporting unacceptable customer behavior to the Person In Charge (PIC) and/or Leadership staff.
Coordinators are responsible for reviewing all incident reports and identifying patterns. Patterns will be communicated to Library Managers.
Library Managers are responsible for reviewing all relevant data and information. Decisions to suspend privileges are based on sound reasoning and not influenced by subjective opinions or biases.
The Chief Librarian will be informed of the suspension of privileges decision and will be responsible for hearing any reconsiderations brought forward. Suspensions that are of a duration longer than 6 months, will be shared with the Library Board by the Chief Librarian.
Library Management will review this Policy every 2 years. The Library Board is responsible for ensuring this policy and the related procedures are in place.
Related Policies, Statements and Guidelines
- Code of Conduct
- Diversity and Inclusion Statement
- Public Internet and Technology Policy
- Richmond Community Protocol: Responding to Racism and Hate
- BC Human Rights Code
- Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Criminal Code of Canada
PROCEDURES
Suspension Procedures
Customers will be asked to leave the library for an assigned period of time when their behavior:
- Threatens public health and safety; and/or
- Disrupts customers or the delivery of library services; and/or
- Risks damage to library facilities, equipment, or materials.
The library will assign consequences or suspensions based on the severity of the offence, while considering circumstances surrounding the incident. The Suspension Chart (Appendix A) outlines unacceptable behaviours and potential suspension timelines. The Suspension Chart cannot cover all foreseeable circumstances.
Suspended individuals will not have access to library buildings, property, services and resources for the duration of the suspension. Suspended individuals may request directly to the Chief Librarian that their suspension be reconsidered. Any consequence or suspension length may be adjusted based on the discretion of the Chief Librarian in consultation with the Manager.
Suspension Process
Level I – One-day Suspensions (Authorized by PIC or Library Leadership)
1. Library staff will follow the Asking a Customer to Leave procedure.
Level 2 & 3 – Suspensions Longer Than One-Day (Authorized by Manager)
1. Library staff will follow the Asking a Customer to Leave procedure.
2. All relevant incident reports will be reviewed by Management. Guided by the Suspension Chart (Appendix A), a Manager who deems a suspension of privileges is necessary, will do the following:
- Inform the Chief Librarian of the decision to suspend privileges.
- Prepare a Letter of Suspended Privileges:
- If address of customer known (email or home), a copy of letter will be forwarded to customer.
- If customer’s contact information is not available, a sealed copy of letter will be held in the Administration Office at Brighouse library. A Manager will hand deliver letter to customer if they return to any library location. Back up support will be provided by Coordinator and/or Department Head and PIC. RCMP may be requested to attend.
- Ensure a print and digital copy of letter is held on file.
- Communicate Suspension of Privileges to all staff.
Suspension of Privileges Letter
- The reason for the suspension.
- The term of the suspension.
- Information regarding trespassing during the suspension period.
- The procedure that is needed to be followed for reinstatement to the library.
- A notification that the suspended customer can request a reconsideration and the process for doing so.
Violations
- If it is suspected a suspended customer has returned to the library, their identity must be verified. Staff can confirm identity by speaking with Library Leadership.
- Once a suspended customer’s identity is verified, library staff will contact 911 and request RCMP escort the customer out of the library as their privileges to library have been suspended. The customer is now trespassing and PIC will indicate if situation is unsafe.
- If a customer who has been suspended from library enters any library location, they can be charged with trespassing under the Trespass Act – BC Laws.
- Any witnesses, which include library staff, may be asked to testify in court against a customer who disregards their suspension of privileges if the customer is charged under the Trespass Act – BC Laws.
Reconsideration
- A customer whose library privileges have been suspended can appeal the decision by contacting the Chief Librarian.
- The Chief Librarian and Manager will meet with the suspended customer to resolve an issue or identify next steps.
- The suspended customer can bring an Outreach Worker or other support person (ie. family member) with them to attend this meeting.
Shared Facility Suspensions
Richmond Public Library has libraries that are in shared City of Richmond facilities. If a Partner in the facility (eg. Steveston Community Centre, Richmond Cultural Centre) initiates a suspension of a customer, the customer may be suspended from the whole complex, including the library.
The Partner will determine length of suspension, not the library. The library will investigate and take appropriate action as deemed necessary.
Court Ordered Restrictions/Suspensions
Appendix A: Suspension Chart
All staff and members of the public have the right to be in library spaces that are welcoming, inclusive and safe. The library values diversity, engagement and responsiveness. Unacceptable behaviour may include the following conduct outlined in the Suspension Chart.
The Suspension Chart cannot cover all foreseeable circumstances. Suspension of Privileges for more than one day (Level 2 and up) are determined by Managers on a case by case basis.