The Olean Public Library is to be used for library purposes only. Any behavior that interferes with such use or that is not consistent with such use is not permitted. Any person not abiding by these rules and regulations of the library may be required to leave the library building and grounds and may forfeit their library privileges. Library employees will contact the Olean Police, if necessary, to ensure the safety of library patrons and staff. A patron whose privileges have been denied may have the decision reviewed by the Board of Trustees.

• Patron identification, such as name, address and phone number may be requested.
• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases or other containers are not permitted in the library unless the patron voluntarily agrees that these items may be searched.
• Each patron is responsible for any fines, fees or other charges due in accordance with the library's standard schedules. Failure to pay these fines may result in the suspension of library privileges.
• All children are subject to the Rules Governing the Use of the Library. Children age ten (10) and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or someone over the age of eighteen (18) who acknowledges responsibility for and supervises the child during their entire stay in the library. Children age 11 and up may use the library unsupervised, however, the library is not a good substitute for supervised day-care or after-school activities. Parents should be aware that children who violate the rules of the library may be asked to leave the premises whether they are accompanied by an adult or not.
• The library telephone is to be used for library business only. Phone calls that are deemed to be an emergency will be made by staff.
• Polite cell phone use is allowed in the library. Turn phones to “silent” mode and speak in a manner that will not disturb others.
• Food and beverages are allowed in the entry area of the library only. Patrons are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

The following behavior is not permitted because it interferes with the use of the library by others, is a health hazard, or is not consistent with the mission of the library.

• Patrons can not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the library building or on library grounds.
• No blocking entrances, exits or library aisles so that access to library materials and services is prevented.
• No entering employee workspaces or office areas without authorization.
• No loitering in the library building or on library grounds.
• No soliciting of any kind in the library building or on library grounds.
• No weapons of any kind are permitted in the library.
• No displaying print or non-print materials of an offensive nature to others.
• No singing, talking loudly or playing audio equipment so that others can hear it or behaving in a manner that can reasonably be expected to disturb others.
• No presenting offensive and/or pervasive odors which are disturbing to others.
• No smoking or using tobacco or tobacco products in the library building or on library grounds.
• No pets or animals other than service animals are allowed in the library.
• No entering the building without a shirt and shoes.
• No using rollerblades, roller-skates, skateboards or other sports equipment in the library building or on library grounds.

The following behavior is not allowed and will result in criminal charges.

• Engaging in any illegal activity while in the library building.
• Loud, abusive, aggressive, threatening, violent or obscene language and/or behavior (Disorderly Conduct- NYS Penal Law Section 240.20).
• Destroying or damaging library books, library materials, furniture or other property (Criminal Mischief- NYS Penal Law Section 145.00)
• Using or distributing drugs (Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance- NYS Penal Law 220.03, 220.06)
• Theft of library materials or circumventing or attempting to circumvent the library security system (Petit Larceny- NYS Penal Law Section 155.25)
• Tampering with, altering, editing or damaging computer hardware and/or software (Computer Tampering- NYS Penal Law Section 156.20)

Adopted May 20, 2009

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• It is not acceptable to use the Library's electronic resources for illegal or criminal use.
• Users must respect the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.
• Users shall not intentionally cause damage to Library computer equipment, develop or use programs that infiltrate, damage or alter the software components of a local or remote computer or computing system.
• Users shall not intentionally seek information on or use computer accounts, access codes, data files, or network identification numbers assigned to others.
• Users may not install software on any Library computer, and may not run programs not already installed.
• Use of computers to display or disseminate obscene or pornographic material in the Library is prohibited.
• Users must respect other users' privacy.

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• Patrons 10 years of age or older may use personal computers located in the computer center. Children under age 10 may use them if accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult 18 years of age or older.
• Computers located in the children’s area are only for the use of children 13 years of age or younger.
• Patrons must sign in at a Pharos SignUp Station. Your own valid library card is required to create a computer user account.
• All computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted.
• Use of computers is limited to a total of no more than one hour per day.
• One computer is designated as an express terminal which has a fifteen-minute maximum time limit.
• Information may be downloaded to removable media only. Patrons may supply their own media or purchase floppy-, CD- or DVD discs at the Reference Desk. The Library is not responsible for damage to personal property or loss of personal data from use of equipment or software.
• Printers are available. There will be a charge for each printed page.
• While Library staff is happy to assist in accessing software for public use, only limited assistance is available due to other duties staff members must perform. Library staff cannot provide in-depth personal instruction in the use of the Internet or personal computers.

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As part of its mission, the Olean Public Library offers free wireless access to the Internet. By using this connection, patrons agree to abide by the library's Wireless Access Policy.

• The library's wireless network is open and non-secure.
• The Olean Public Library is not responsible for any damage to personal equipment, software or data that may occur as a result of using the library's wireless network. It is highly recommended that you use anti-virus, firewall software and updated patches when accessing any wireless network.
• Response speed, bandwidth, the ability to connect to the wireless Internet network, and continuity of connection are not guaranteed. Wireless users may experience loss of signal from time to time and the library cannot take responsibility for loss of data. Frequent backup of important files is recommended.
• You must have your own wireless device with Wi-Fi capability. Patrons may not connect their own equipment to the library's computer network or to library computers by means of a wire or cable.
• You are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment and how to access wireless networks through your device's operating system. Library staff can not configure, diagnose or modify a library patron's equipment. Staff can not provide technical support of any kind.
• The library cannot guarantee the security of equipment owned by library patrons and is not responsible for the theft or damage of personal laptop computers and other devices. NEVER LEAVE YOUR EQUIPMENT UNATTENDED.
• Patrons may connect their wireless devices to any available electrical power outlet, provided the cords do not create a hazard. Patrons may not unplug library equipment, move furniture, or block exits or aisles.
• Headphones must be used in the library when using devices with sound; headphones are not provided by the library.

Patrons using wireless access are subject to the Olean Public Library Public Access Computer Use Policy and the Rules Governing the Use of the Library.

The Olean Public Library reserves the right to prohibit anyone from accessing the wireless network if that person is violating any of the policies or guidelines of the Olean Public Library.

Adopted January 20, 2010

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• Selection of Materials

  Materials selected for the collection are intended to offer a wide range of subjects, a choice of formats and treatments, and a varying level of complexity so that most individual library needs can be met and service given to individuals of all ages. Selection of materials for adult, young adult and juvenile materials is done from published reviews, annual lists of recommended titles, subject bibliographies, customer requests, publishers’ catalogs and the considered judgment of the staff.

  In selecting materials, the contribution they make to the education of the reader, their aesthetic or inspirational value, potential demand, usability, price, and needs of the community are considered. Many works important in our culture contain isolated elements to which some individuals may object. Our selection is guided by the value or impact of the entire work transcending the specific words, phrases, or incidents of which it is made.

  Selection decisions are not influenced by the possibility that material may be accessible to use by children. The responsibility for the reading, listening and viewing of library materials by children rests with their parents, legal guardians or caregivers. Selection of any material for the Library’s collection does not constitute an endorsement of its contents.

  All materials will be kept on open shelves except items that are in poor physical condition, are extremely rare or expensive, are subject to mutilation or are duplicates.

• Maintaining the Collections

  Selection is only one aspect of collection development. Rigorous attention must be given to assessing the need for adding, replacing, repairing and discarding materials in every collection. Librarians are expected to use good judgment to remove from the collection whatever no longer serves a need, damaged and out-of-date items, materials for which there has been no use in a given period of time, and those lost by users. Replacement or substitution of these materials reintroduces the selection process.

• Gifts and Donations

  The Olean Public Library is appreciative of materials offered as gifts, but it reserves the right to evaluate, keep, transfer to another library, sell or discard these materials. Materials that are duplicates of what is in the library’s collection or that are not in keeping with the foregoing statements in selection of materials, may be refused or discarded. The Library can not appraise gifts for their value for tax purposes or other purposes. In the case of memorial gifts, the library staff will assist the donor in selecting material suitable as a gift and a memorial.

• Reconsideration of Library Materials

  Questions concerning the selection of library materials will be directed to the Library Director. A formal complaint may be made by filling out a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form available at the Information Desk.

  The Olean Public Library feels strongly that intellectual freedom, the freedom to view, the freedom to read and reach decisions independent of coercion or censorship of any kind is extremely important and the basic privilege of all the library’s patrons. Censorship or parochial thinking is not appropriate to an institution dedicated to preserving free expression of ideas and the search for the truth.

This policy will be revised by the Library Board as times and circumstances require.

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The Library Meeting Room/Art Gallery and Conference Room is available to non-profit organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, recreational or charitable activities on a first come, first served basis. The Story Hour Room may be used only with the permission of the Director.

Groups using the room may not charge an attendance fee, and the public is free to attend. All groups must have adult supervision at all times.

Profit-making companies and individuals who wish to use the rooms to educate the public will not be exempted from the non-profit requirement.

• Organizations may book the meeting rooms up to six months in advance. Except for Library and Library related programs groups may not use the meeting rooms more than once each month; limited series of weekly or daily meetings may be scheduled at the discretion of the Director. Library-sponsored activities take priority in the use of the room and the Library reserves the right to reschedule or cancel meetings.
• Maximum permitted occupancy will not be exceeded. The Art Gallery legally can hold no more than 48 persons. The Conference Room can accommodate 10 at the table and a few more on the periphery. The Story Hour Room can hold 23 persons.
• Groups booking rooms will need to assume responsibility for setting up chairs, tables and equipment and for returning things to their appropriate place. Light refreshments may be served with the permission of the Director. The Group is responsible for clean up and removal of all trash and debris from the building. Organizations holding meetings assume responsibility for any damage to the room or its contents. The Library assumes no responsibility for loss, damage, or liability that may arise through use of the facility.
• The meeting room may be used during library hours until 15 minutes before closing time. Access to the building before the Library is open will not be permitted. Groups wishing to stay beyond closing time must receive permission from the Director and will be assessed $30 an hour.
• Meetings that in anyway interfere with the operation of the Library or which threaten the safety of library staff or patrons or property will not be permitted. Meetings may not violate the “Rules Governing the Use of the Library.” Violation of these regulations may result in denial of permission to use Library facilities in the future.
• Solicitation for non-profit community organizations fund-raising projects will not be allowed upon the library premises, but such display and space for fund-reporting activities and passive library-user-initiated sales may be authorized at the Director’s discretion. (11/17/76- Board of Trustees Meeting)
• The Organization is responsible for event or program advertising and publicity. The Group or organization using the Library Meeting Rooms may not imply that the event or program is sponsored, co-sponsored, hosted or endorsed by the Library in any advertising or publicity.
• The Olean Public Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of meetings or meeting room users.

Adopted September 15, 2004

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By Board action on September 21, 1994, Olean Public Library has adopted New York State, CPLR Rule 4509, as amended in 1988, and which reads as follows:

• Rule 4509, Library Records

  Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audiovisual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such Library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.

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• The Olean Public Library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its staff and patrons. The use of surveillance cameras helps to protect the library's property against theft or vandalism and can assist in identifying intruders and persons breaking the law or violating the library's Rules of Conduct.
• In recognition of this objective, all entrance and exits and selected public areas of the library premises are equipped with video cameras that are recording at all times. For the safety of the library patron signage is posted at the library entrance stating that the library has video surveillance cameras.
• The library's video security system shall be used only for the protection and safety of patrons, employees, assets and property. No audio will be recorded. Reasonable efforts shall be made to safeguard the privacy of patrons and employees. Video cameras shall not be positioned in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of personal privacy such as restrooms and employee break areas. Surveillance cameras are not positioned to identify a person's reading, viewing or listening activities in the library.
• With the exception of records retained for criminal, safety, or security investigations or evidentiary purposes, the Library will not maintain a copy of recordings for longer than the recording system's cycle of 30 days. Video recordings and photos obtained through the video monitoring system will be released as necessary and in accordance with applicable laws, such as in response to search warrants, court orders, requests by the police for an active investigation, or to forestall the imminent escape of a suspect or destruction of evidence.
• Both the recorders and recorded data are housed in a limited access area. The Library Director and Assistant Director may have remote access via the library's LAN to live feeds in order to monitor activity at the library when necessary.
• Recorded information from security cameras may be retained for one month, unless an incident occurs that requires holding the tape longer. In the event of a reported or observed incident, the recorded information may be used to assist in the investigation of the incident. The library will maintain control of and responsibility for the video security surveillance equipment at all times.
• With the exception of requests by law enforcement agencies, all formal requests for video records should be directed to the Olean Public Library Director or Assistant Director.

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• The Reference staff will do limited genealogical research for patrons who are unable to visit the library in person by searching the Olean newspapers on microfilm for obituaries. There is no limit to the number of names you may submit to us. We prefer to have an exact date of death; however, month and year are acceptable. We will search the census records on microfilm that the library owns if an exact page number can be given.
• As our staff time is limited, the library will charge $15.00 for the first hour of research; $9.00 for each hour thereafter. This fee includes photocopying and postage. The minimum fee for any genealogy research will be $15.00.
• Patrons making genealogy requests must provide the library with a list of requested names (as full as possible) and death dates, a check or money order for the minimum fee ($15.00), a return mailing address and an upwards limit of how much they are willing to spend if the research requested takes more than one hour. Research results will not be made available until payment is made in full.
• No refunds will be issued should we not be able to locate the information requested. While we cannot guarantee that we can answer your specific question, our search will be thorough, and we will do our best to help you. If you wish us to begin a search for you, please send a check or money order payable to the Olean Public Library.
• Because we have many other similar research requests, we ask for your patience if our response is not as timely as you would wish. You may e-mail research requests to genealogy@oleanlibrary.org, or print out the Obituary Research Form and mail it with your check or money order to the following address:
   OLEAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
   ATTN GENEALOGY
   134 N 2ND ST
   OLEAN NY 14760-2583

Adopted April 21, 2004

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• Items for posting may promote non-profit civic, cultural, educational, recreational and charitable organizations and events. Items for posting may not be for personal or commercial advertisements.
• Items for posting must be approved by Information Desk Personnel or Library Director. Library personnel will date items with a removal date and post them on the bulletin boards designated for public use. Items posted without permission will be removed and discarded.
• Items may be posted for three (3) months or as long as valid depending on available space. Library personnel will remove and discard outdated materials. Items may be repositioned and older materials removed as space is needed for new items. Library personnel can not return posters or flyers that have been displayed.
• Posting or distribution of materials by the Library does not indicate endorsement of issues, events, or services promoted by those materials.
• Library sponsored activities may be posted in other locations.

Adopted January 21, 2004, revised December 2003

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• Literature for distribution may promote non-profit civic, cultural, educational, recreational and charitable organizations and events.
• Literature may not be for personal or commercial advertisements.
• Distribution of literature and materials by the library does not indicate endorsement of issues, events, or services promoted by those materials.
• Literature for distribution must be approved by Information Desk Personnel or Library Director. Library personnel will place items in area designated for free literature distribution.
• Items left without permission will be removed and discarded. No materials are to be left on the floor.
• The Library can not accept display racks that accompany materials.
• Literature may be distributed for as long as valid or as space limitations occur. If space becomes limited preference will be given to events of a timely nature. Up to 100 items, or as space allows, may be distributed during any calendar month. The library can not return any undistributed materials.
• Literature promoting library services, programs, and library sponsored events may be distributed in other locations throughout the library.
• Literature related to political campaigns may be distributed thirty days before the election.

Adopted March 16, 2004

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The following policy refers to non-library initiated surveys and petitions.

• A group or individual wishing to conduct a survey or petition in the Library must first receive permission from the Information Desk Personnel or the Library Director. Surveys and petitions will be initialed and dated by authorizing Library personnel.
• Questions may not violate any of the Rules Governing the Use of the Library.
• Surveys and petitions must clearly state the name, contact address or telephone number of the group or individual collecting the data.
• Surveys and petitions may be placed for a maximum of thirty days. Extension may be granted at the discretion of the Library Director.
• Surveys and petitions must be picked up from the Information Desk within five days after last day of data collection.
• Surveys and petitions will be placed on the top of video shelving or other convenient location as space allows.
• Surveys and petitions will not be placed in multiple locations in the Library.
• Agreement by the Library to allow a survey or a petition does not constitute an endorsement of its content.

Adopted September 19, 2001

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The Olean Public Library gratefully accepts used books if they can be added to the collection or they can be sold at the Friends of the Library used book sales.

Popular materials such as mysteries, romances, westerns, science fiction and current non-fiction—for adults or children—sell well.

• Books that are old, musty, dirty, moldy or smelly or that have yellow, brittle, torn, scribbled, or missing pages.
• Textbooks older than 5 years.
• Information books older than 10 years.
• Encyclopedia sets older than 20 years.
• Incomplete sets.
• Magazines.
• Reader's Digest Condensed Books.

Adopted July 1994

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