State Library of Kansas Code of Conduct 

The Code of Conduct as adopted by the State Library of Kansas is an effort to provide an inviting atmosphere. The State Library will not condone behavior that damages library property or materials, including stealing, or disturbs the work of staff or library use by patrons. Library staff will ensure that all patrons abide equally by the guidelines stated in the code. 

Any violation of this code may result in a permanent revocation of library privileges. Any use of the library assumes acceptance of the terms of this code. 

• Any behavior disruptive to appropriate use of the library by staff or other patrons is prohibited.
• Staff work areas are not open to the public.
• All noise should be kept to a minimum volume.
  • Cell phones are permitted, but conversations should not exceed normal conversational volume.
  • Electronic devices and alarms should be set to vibrate or kept at a minimal volume.
• Library patrons are responsible for personal items. All personal items should always remain with the patron. The library will not be liable for lost or stolen items. The library does not maintain a lost and found. Abandoned items are handed over to the Capitol Police at the Capitol Visitor Center.
• Food is not allowed. Drinks in covered, spill-proof containers are allowed.
• Sleeping is prohibited. Lying on or propping feet on library furniture is prohibited.
• Shirts, shoes and appropriate personal hygiene are required when using the library.
• Smoking, vaping, alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited. Overt signs of intoxication or drug use will result in notification to the Capitol Police and removal from the library.
• Solicitation of all types is prohibited.

Library Lending

In order to make materials available to all persons on an equal basis, the Kansas State Library has adopted the following policy for the circulation of library materials.

Who May Borrow

All Kansas residents may use the library without charge. All Kansas residents 18 or over are entitled to a library card by completing a written application form. Any card holder may check out circulating materials on presentation of their library card. If a person does not have their card with them at time of checkout, the person must have identification.

Non-Kansas residents may borrow library materials via interlibrary loan through their local, school or academic library.

Limits on Borrowing

No more than 12 items may be borrowed. All library materials are available for loan with a few exceptions including, but not limited to, the following: Law books have overnight circulation to Statehouse staff, Legislative clippings and Reference books do not circulate.

Length of Loan Periods

All materials, with a few exceptions, are loaned for a period of three weeks.

Renewals

All materials may be renewed two times after the initial checkout.

Reserved Materials

A library patron may reserve materials currently in circulation. The patron will be notified when the material becomes available.

Lending Materials to Patrons Who Have Overdue Items

The library reserves the right to suspend borrowing privileges to individuals or libraries who repeatedly violate library privileges.

Photography, Video and Sound Recording

• Photography, video and sound recording in the library is allowed.
• Photographs, videos and sound recordings cannot capture staff or patrons.
• Photography, video or sound recording in the library must cease at the request of any staff member.

Use of Equipment

Public Access Computers: Acceptable Use 

Acceptable Use relates to the use of library provided technology. The State Library will not condone use of library technology that is illegal, offensive or disturbs the work of staff or library use of patrons.  

• Use of computers, printers and copiers is for research and state government work.
• Use of computers, printers and copiers must abide by copyright law.

Copying Privileges

Photocopiers are available for library users. Copy machines may not be used for copying that constitutes a violation of copyright law. Library users are not to attempt to repair, remove jams or replace supplies for copy machines.

Philosophy of Service

The library serves a diverse community of users. The library's administration and staff respect and celebrate that diversity. We broadly define our customer as any individual seeking information or knowledge. We assert that all library users are individuals who should be treated with courtesy and respect. Through our core services, we strive to support our users in their quest for knowledge. Those core services include:

• The maintenance of a collection of materials chosen for their quality, diversity, currency and relevance to the scope of the library's mission.
• The promotion of comprehensive and dynamic information services which support and enhance access to state government.
• The provision of user services which promotes and assists library research.

We believe that all library users are entitled to:

• Access to timely and accurate sources of information regardless of format or location.
• Appropriate assistance from the library staff whether this is in the form of reference assistance, referral or basic library orientation.
• Clean, safe, attractive and reasonably quiet library surroundings that foster an environment conducive to quiet study and research.
• Availability of fully functional equipment which allows them to complete their work (i.e., computers, printers, photocopiers, etc ).

Confidentiality of Service

Library staff assisting patrons will work in confidence, not disclosing topics or other characteristics of research. Staff will work in ways that protect the confidence maintained with and for the patron. Patrons also are required to respect and not violate the confidential nature of work that is being conducted for another patron.

Unattended Minor

The State Library is a public space and the safety of patrons is a serious concern of the library staff and administration. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of minors in the library rests with the parent, guardian or caregiver and not with library personnel. 

Children under the age of 12 must be in the immediate vicinity of and supervised by a parent, guardian or caregiver at all times. Supervised means the parent, guardian or caregiver is attentive to the minor. 

Loss of Privileges for Violation of Policy

Violators of library use policy may temporarily lose access to the library and library privileges. Permanent revocation of access and privileges may result if after an investigation by library staff, in cooperation with Capitol Security and Statehouse Administration, it is deemed warranted. Illegal acts involving library resources may also be subject to prosecution of the violator by local, state or federal authorities.