Loan Periods
Items can be returned at any of our 21 Ocean County Library branches, with the exception of Equipment. Equipment, including but not limited to; laptops, tablets, Chromebooks and WIFI hotspots must be returned, in person, to the branch where the Equipment was borrowed. Equipment may not be left on the service desk unattended, or be returned to a library book return; it must be handed directly to a staff member.
Renewals
All materials EXCEPT browser copies and magazines may be renewed twice if not requested by another customer. Interlibrary Loan materials may be renewed once for an additional seven days.
Checkout Limits
The total number of all items borrowed per library card will not exceed 60. The maximum number of video games borrowed per library card will not exceed 3. The total number of inter library loan items that may be requested per library card will not exceed 5.
A.6 FINES and FEES SCHEDULE
a. The Ocean County Library's fines and fees are established by the Library Commission reviewed annually.
Borrowing privileges are suspended when unpaid fines and fees and/or the value of overdue, unreturned material exceeds $25.00.
b. OVERDUE FINES: Ocean County Library is now fine-free.
The Ocean County Library does not charge for day-to-day overdue fees for library materials except Equipment, as listed below. However, items considered Lost will be charged the full amount of the item, as enumerated in “Section c. Lost or Damaged Materials” below. After ten (10) days overdue, the cost of the item is charged to the customer's account.
c. MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
Photocopies
Right to Know Law and Copy Fees
Library records are still considered confidential under this law and require a subpoena issued by a court before release. Types of materials that would require immediate access are budgets, bills, vouchers, contracts, including collective negotiations agreements and individual employment contracts, and public employee salary and overtime information.
A copy or copies of a government record may be purchased by any person upon payment of the fee prescribed by law or regulation (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5b)
Fax or Mail
Information will be faxed or mailed to customers upon request.
Requests incurring charges up to $3.00 can be sent in advance of payment. If the charge is more than $3.00 payment must be received before the information will be sent.
Public fax machines are provided at selected branches through an outside vendor.
Borrowers Cards
Borrowers Cards are replaced at no charge when a customer reports a lost or missing card. Worn out cards are replaced at no cost to customers.
Temporary Borrowers
A temporary card may be issued to an individual who does not qualify for a free library card upon payment of a nonrefundable $9.50 per month, up to $114.00 for the year.
One temporary borrower card will be issued per family. All members of the family are eligible to borrow items for the one fee. The total number of all items borrowed will not exceed 30.
Lost or Damaged Materials
Costs for lost or damaged materials are assessed as follows:
Only new print items with matching ISBN numbers will be accepted as a replacement for lost or damaged items. Replacements for audio visual materials will not be accepted. Replacements for equipment will not be accepted.
Collection Agency Fee
Returned Check Fee
Interlibrary Loan
All charges levied by other institutions are the responsibility of the requesting customer.
Computers and equipment
Meeting Rooms
Used and Donated Materials (with suggested donation fees)
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: November 16, 2010
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: December 13, 2011
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: January 17, 2012
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: January 28, 2014
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: November 18, 2014
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: December 16, 2014
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: February 21, 2017
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: June 26, 2018
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: April 16, 2019
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: June 16, 2020
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: December 15, 2020
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: April 20, 2021
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: June 15, 2021
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: December 14, 2021
A.10 Meeting Room
Most of the branches of the Ocean County Library contain meeting rooms. These rooms are intended for the Library’s use and for programs sponsored or co-sponsored by the Library. These rooms may be available for use by non-profit or community organizations during regular Library hours by advanced scheduling. The Bishop Memorial Library, located adjacent to the Toms River Headquarters Branch on Washington Street, is also covered by this policy and may be available as a meeting space at the discretion of the Library.
The Library does not endorse the views expressed by any group using its meeting rooms. This disclaimer is posted outside all Library meeting rooms. The Library, however, does endorse the right of groups to express their views as long as they follow the Rules of Conduct of the Library and engage in civil discourse.
Non-profit organizations may apply for the use of a meeting room via a Meeting Room Request Form, available on the Library website or from any branch. The form must be returned to the branch where the meeting/program will be held. Requests for equipment, easels, or other special needs should be made at this time.
Meetings must be booked for times when the Library is open. Meeting room capacities and branch hours vary by location. Meeting room assignments will be at the discretion of the Library. Meetings will be booked no more than three months in advance.
Meeting rooms are booked following these priorities:
During the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic emergency, all meeting room use must follow all state and federal guidelines regarding the requirement to wear face masks, adhere to social distancing, and limiting the number of people.
Priority 1: Events conducted by the Library staff. These include public programs and meetings.
Priority 2: Events co-sponsored by the Library. These may include municipal, county, state and federal government agencies, Friends groups, or other agencies working on a cooperative project with the Library.
Priority 3: Ocean County clubs and organizations holding programs independently of the Library. These meetings must be open to the public and free of charge. No selling of goods or services is to be conducted. A group may use one of the library system’s meeting rooms up to 6 times in a calendar year.
Priority 4: Businesses located in Ocean County may reserve the meeting rooms for employee training or community service programs. No selling of goods or services is to be conducted. A business may use one of the library system’s meeting rooms up to 2 times in a calendar year.
Priority 5: Out-of-County groups may use one of the library system’s meeting rooms up to 2 times a calendar year. A $50.00 fee will be charged for out-of county groups.
The Library reserves the right to cancel meeting room bookings in priorities 3, 4, and 5 up to 30 days before the scheduled date, if a priority 1 or 2 event requires that time slot.
Organizations using the Library meeting rooms must agree to the following:
Failure to comply with any of the above procedures may also be cause to deny future use of the meeting room by any organization.
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION - August 15, 2006; April 20, 2010; June 16, 2020
The Ocean County Library provides customers with access to the information on the Internet, as part of its mission to provide a wide range of resources that serve the current and future informational, educational, and recreational needs of the county's population.
Please click on the following link to read the complete, "Computer Use and Internet Policy"
Internet Policy Revised and Approved - Ocean County Library Commission - October 19, 2004
Revised and Approved - Ocean County Library Commission - June 17, 2014
Please Note: The Ocean County Library requires registration and a form of ID in order to use the public internet computers.
A.23 Ocean County Library Social Media Policy
PURPOSE
The Ocean County Library (The Library) has social media sites which are spaces where individuals can find useful information about The Library and learn about library services, programs, and resources. The Library does not seek out comments on social media sites. Questions concerning The Library services, programs, events, and resources can be addressed by contacting The Library at the following address: https://theoceancountylibrary.org/contact or writing to the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753.
STATEMENT OF POLICY
Any posts to social media sites, made by the public, will be monitored, they will not be removed based on their viewpoint. The Ocean County Library reserves the right to delete, move, or hide, any post if the post violates the below Content Rules. Violations of our Content Rules may go unnoticed since our social media sites are not monitored by The Library 24/7. If you, as a user, notice any violations of the Content Rules, please advise the Ocean County Library of those violations through one of the methods listed in https://theoceancountylibrary.org/contact.
Information found on social media sites, not originating with the Ocean County Library, does not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Ocean County Library. The Library disclaims liability for any information on social media not generated by The Library. Any posting made on The Library’s social media sites may be viewed by third parties not associated with The Library.
By using the Library’s social media sites, you agree to the terms of this Social Media Policy.
CONTENT RULES
Posts to the Library social media sites containing the following content are unacceptable:
This revised Social Media Policy shall take effect upon posting on the Library’s website.
As of this date the Library social media sites are:
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – July 20, 2015
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – October 18, 2022
Ocean County Library facilities are open for use by the general public. Service will not be denied because of age, race, religion, social or economic status, political affiliation, or any other discriminatory criterion.
All persons residing in an Ocean County Library member municipality are entitled to an Ocean County Library card, issued free of charge, upon completion of an application card and presentation of identification which verifies residency. See amendment concerning the issuance of a library card at the end of this section.
Students attending a school or college located in a member municipality may obtain a FREE library card. School identification will be accepted as verification.
Teachers, school librarians in schools or colleges, the position of County Superintendent of Schools, and tutors or trainers affiliated with Literacy Volunteers of America - Ocean County Chapter are eligible for a FREE library card. School identification or membership affiliation will be accepted as verification.
Persons who do not reside in a member municipality but who own property or own and operate a business in a member municipality, or are employed by the County of Ocean or by a member municipality, qualify for a FREE library card upon presentation of identification verifying ownership or employment.
EXCEPTIONS: The Ocean County Library may enter into contractual agreements with other jurisdictions through which access to the Ocean County Library and its resources is provided. Usage is subject to terms and conditions of said agreements.
Library privileges may be revoked or temporarily suspended due to activity or behavior which infringes on the ability of others to utilize the library and/or its resources, or which infringes on the ability of library employees to carry out their public service responsibilities. The Library's Rules of Conduct provide more detailed examples of inappropriate behavior.
Please see A.1.g Ocean County Library Computer & Internet Use Policy for use of the Library’s computers and internet.
Ocean County Library encourages children of all ages to visit the library and make use of its programs, resources, and services. The library strives to create a warm welcoming environment for our customers of all ages. Our goal is to connect children to library resources and develop a lifelong appreciation for libraries and their services.
The library is a public place and the safety of children is therefore a serious concern. Young children need to feel safe and secure, which may require the presence of an adult or caregiver. Children are generally able to occupy themselves for limited time periods, but may become bored and restless after extended periods in the library. The library does have expectations for appropriate conduct that apply to all our customers. In an attempt to be prepared for challenging situations, and primarily to make the library experience a positive one, Ocean County Library has established the following policy:
Unattended children when library is open:
Children under 6 may not be left unattended by an adult in any part of the library. If children under the age of 6 are found without an adult, staff will attempt to locate the parent or adult caregiver. During story times or other programs, adults who are not attending the program with the child must remain in the building and be visible when their children return from the program.
Children ages 6 - 8 must have a parent or adult caregiver in the building with them at all times during the library visit. If children ages 6 – 8 violate the Rules of Conduct or become sick or distressed, staff will attempt to locate the parent or adult caregiver.
Children ages 9-12 are welcome to use the library unattended, but should not be left alone for extended periods of time. The parent will be the best judge of the appropriate time period for each child. The library is a public space and, as such, cannot guarantee the safety of children. Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children. If a child becomes anxious or disruptive, the staff will attempt to find the parent or caregiver in the library. If a parent or caregiver is not available, staff will call the child’s home. It is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver to be accessible to pick up the child at any time.
When unattended children under the age of 14 are present at library closing time, staff will notify the parents. If a parent cannot be reached by 15 minutes past closing, county or local police may be called. Two adult staff will wait with the child outside the closed building until a parent or the police arrive. Staff will not wait inside the closed building or invite the child into their car. Under no circumstances will staff transport the child from the library building.
In accordance with NJSA 2A:53A-14,15 Negligence, the following conditions will be observed: Parents have responsibility for the conduct of their children. A parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of a child under 18 years of age, who fails or neglects to exercise reasonable supervision and control of the conduct of the child, shall be liable in a civil action for any willful, malicious or unlawful injury or destruction by such child of the property of the library.
Amendment Concerning the Issuance of a Library Card
The signature of a parent or guardian is required for the issuance of a library card to minor children under the age of 17 years.
The Ocean County Library holds parents and guardians responsible for the fines and fees associated with books and materials borrowed by their minor children under 17 years of age. Minor children under the age of 17 years who do not follow the library’s rules of conduct, or computer and Internet use policy, or who disable, or otherwise work around the library’s computer filters, or damage library books, materials, computers and technologies may receive a warning and a note may be place in their library card record.
For second offenses of not following the Library’s rules of conduct, a minor’s library privileges may be suspended for a period of time to be determined by the library.
The library may send a note home to the minor child’s parent or guardian informing them of their child’s warning or suspension due to failure to comply with the Library’s rules of conduct.
Parents and guardians who sign for a library card for a minor under the age of 17 should be aware of the following:
The Ocean County Library’s selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.
The Ocean County Library’s providing computers and other technologies will not be inhibited by the possibility that children may come into contact with computers and other technologies.
THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS AMENDMENT IS JUNE 17, 2014
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION September 1986
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – April 20, 2010
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – June 17, 2014
A.5.1 Rules of Conduct
The Ocean County Library Commission shall hold in trust and manage all property of the Library, including making proper rules and regulations for the government of the Library, and generally doing all things necessary and proper for the establishment and maintenance of a free public Library (NJSA 40:33-1 et seq). The Library is a public institution. Its patrons and staff expect a comfortable and safe atmosphere. To accommodate the broadest spectrum of individuals and foster a quiet and orderly atmosphere in the Library, it is necessary for the Library to establish reasonable Rules of Conduct. Violation of the Library’s Rules of Conduct shall result in suspension or limitation of Library privileges in the Ocean County Library.
All visitors to the library must follow all state and federal guidelines regarding the requirement to wear face masks, adhere to social distancing, and limiting the number of people in the building regarding the declared COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency
The following activities are not permitted:
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – October 15, 2019
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – June 16, 2020
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION - April 20, 2021
A.5.1.1 Policy on Suspension or Limitation of Library Privileges for Violation of the Library's Rules of Conduct: Banning Procedures
If a person's behavior in the Library, or on the grounds of the Library, violates the Ocean County Library Rules of Conduct, they are subject to suspension or limitation of Library privileges and may be banned from the Library. If a minor child violates the Rules of Conduct, in the Library, the child is subject to the Library's policy on Unattended Children.
When a person exhibits extreme, dangerous, or life-threatening behavior by creating a situation that is harmful to themselves or to others, then a Supervisor or Person-in-Charge may skip Steps 1 – 3 and go straight to Step 4: Banning.
The Library's banning procedure is as follows:
Step 1: First Warning: A Supervisor or Person-in-Charge will advise the person that their behavior violates the Ocean County Library Rules of Conduct and they must cease the behavior immediately.
Step 2: Second Warning: If the person continues behavior that violates the Ocean County Library Rules of Conduct after the first warning, the Supervisor or Person-in-Charge will inform the patron that they must cease the behavior or they will be asked to leave the Library.
Step 3: Third Warning: If the person continues behavior that violates the Ocean County Library Rules of Conduct after the second warning, the Supervisor or Person-in-Charge will inform the person that this is a final warning to cease the behavior before they will be asked to leave the Library.
The Supervisor or Person-in-Charge will also provide the person with a written copy of the Ocean County Library Rules of Conduct.
Step 4: Banning: If the person continues behavior that violates the Ocean County Library Rules of Conduct after the third warning, the Supervisor or Person-in-Charge will inform the person that they must leave the Library.
If the person refuses to follow the instructions of Library personnel and leave the Library, the police will be called to remove the person from the premises.
Under no circumstances will a Library staff member touch the person.
A person may be banned from the Library for a specific amount of time for violation of the Library Rules of Conduct. The length of the ban will be based on the severity of the offense. The ban may be imposed by staff as follows:
Notice of the ban will be delivered as follows:
A banned person who enters the Library before the banning period is over is considered trespassing on Library property. The procedure for this situation is as follows:
Appeal Process:
A person who is banned from the Library for violation of the Rules of Conduct may request a reconsideration of the banning. The request must be in writing and made not later than 30 days from the receipt of the banning letter to: Library Director, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753. The written request must set forth their reasons for reconsideration of the ban. Final decision to modify or lift the ban rests with the Library Director, or with the Assistant Director if the Director is not available. All bans will remain in effect during the appeal process.
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – October 15, 2019
The Library uses surveillance cameras in some of its facilities to complement other measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for customers and staff. The equipment 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.
Surveillance cameras are positioned to monitor public areas of the library that are not easily viewed from public service desks and staff areas where valuable library property is stored. Surveillance cameras are not used in rest rooms, nor are they positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing or listening activities in the library.
Signs will be posted in all library facilities that are monitored by surveillance cameras.
Recorded information from security cameras is 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.
For investigations initiated by law enforcement, security camera tapes are only made available to law enforcement through a legal subpoena or warrant. Recorded information that is subpoenaed will be retained for one year.
REVIEWED by Legal Counsel – April 2007
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY – April 24, 2007
A. 25 Ocean County Library Smoke, Tobacco, and Cannabis Free Library Campus Policy
Policy
All Ocean County Library buildings, grounds, and vehicles are smoke, cannabis, and tobacco free. Tobacco and cannabis use and smoking in all forms, including the use of electronic cigarettes/vaping devices and smoke-free oral tobacco products are not permitted in any facility, vehicle, or on property owned by the Ocean County Library/County of Ocean.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide comfortable, accessible facilities and a welcoming environment at Ocean County Library facilities.
This policy covers tobacco and cannabis use and smoking in all forms, including the use of electronic cigarettes/vaping devices and smoke-free oral tobacco products.
This policy applies to all persons, including employees, customers, and visitors to property owned by the Ocean County Library/County of Ocean.
Adopted by the Ocean County Library Commission on August 17, 2015.
Effective November 1, 2015.
REVISED: APRIL 20, 2021
Ocean County Library
Smoke, Tobacco, and Cannabis Free Library Campus Policy
PROCEDURE
1. Implementation:
a. Signs shall be posted at the entrance to Library buildings and property indicating:
SMOKING IS PROHIBITED ON OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY CAMPUS
b. Signs shall be posted in strategic locations throughout Library property indicating:
SMOKING IS PROHIBITED ON OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY CAMPUS
2. Enforcement/Compliance:
a. Any person who smokes in library buildings or on library grounds in violation of the policy is subject to the provisions of applicable laws, rules and regulations and/or library disciplinary action.
b. Ensuring compliance with the smoke, tobacco, and cannabis free library campus policy is the responsibility of the entire library community.
c. Non-compliance with the smoke, tobacco, and cannabis free library campus policy, as with non-compliance with the other rules of the library, should be brought to the attention of a library supervisor and/or library security guard.
3. Support:
a. The Library will provide training classes for library employees and the public on smoking cessation.
b. The Library will make books and other resources available for staff and the public on the topic of smoking cessation.
Ocean County Library Smoke, Tobacco and Cannabis Free Library Campus
|
See Ocean County Library Smoke, Tobacco and Cannabis Free Library Campus policy.
Properties owned by the Library
Of the 22 Ocean County Library properties, the buildings and grounds of the 16 sites of the Ocean County Library owned by the Ocean County Library / County of Ocean will be smoke, tobacco and cannabis free. Those include:
Properties not owned by the Library
All buildings where the Ocean County Library/County of Ocean does not fully own the property and leased spaces in the Ocean County Library System will be smoke, tobacco, and cannabis free:
Policy and Procedure
Decision
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – August 17, 2015
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION - April 20, 2021
A.21 Makerspace (Sparks's Lab) Policy
General Policies
Safety Guidelines
3D Printing Policy
OCL Sparks's Lab Maker Agreement
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION - April 19, 2016
A.12 EXHIBIT AND DISPLAY POLICY
Community Exhibits
As an educational, cultural, and informational institution, the Library provides space for exhibits and displays by a community group, agency, organization, or individual to satisfy community needs, and as another way to provide information. Space is available to organizations on a "first come, first served" basis when the space is not being used by the Library. The exhibiter is limited to one exhibit a year. It is the exhibiter's responsibility to arrange for an aesthetically pleasing display and to maintain it.
Prior to display, a designated representative of the Library must approve all exhibits.
Organizations or individuals not affiliated with the library are not permitted to solicit donations from customers through receptacles, exhibits or any other means.
A commercial company may exhibit as long as the primary purpose of its display is informational and/or educational and not of a promotional nature for the company.
Exhibits, displays, flyers and brochures may be shown and/or distributed as long as they have been approved by the Library. Displaying and distributing material does not in any way signify an endorsement by the Library of the contents or of the sponsoring organization.
The Library welcomes expression of all viewpoints. However, exhibits and displays may not contain the following:
Transporting, unloading, hanging and arrangements of exhibits shall be the responsibility of the artist under the supervision of a Library representative. If the exhibiter needs assistance in this effort, it is their responsibility to bring someone to assist. No modification of the library facility will be permitted for the installation of an exhibit.
Exhibits are scheduled and coordinated through each individual branch library.
Before the library can confirm an exhibit date, the organization or individual must complete a form containing information about the nature and purpose of the exhibit. The organization must also submit a list of items to be displayed, including samples of flyers and brochures.
Individuals who display their craft, collection or hobby are required to sign a release form, although library staff will protect the exhibit to the best of their ability. In the event of a library-related need, staff will move items if exhibitor cannot be contacted to do so.
Holiday Displays
The nature of Library holiday displays will be determined by each individual Library location. If a location chooses to incorporate religious symbols into its display, it will strive to be balanced and representative.
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION ‑ February 17, 1993
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – March 16, 2004
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – June 16, 2020
REVISED and APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – June 15, 2021
A.22 Ocean County Library Tablet/Laptop/WIFI Hotspot Lending Policy
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION ‑ July 20, 2015
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION ‑ December 15, 2020
A.26 Ocean County Library Sensory Room Policy
General Policies: During times when the Sensory Room is open the following policy will apply:
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – May 18, 2021
A.27 Filming in the Ocean County Library Policy
The case of Kreimer v. Morristown et al. 958 F. 2d 1242 (3rd Cir. 1992) designates libraries as limited public forums. Library patrons cannot engage in many traditional First Amendment activities in the library such as making speeches or participating in other conduct that would disrupt the quiet and peaceful use of a library. The Ocean County Library (hereinafter Library) is a limited public forum and may establish reasonable rules of conduct for activities in its libraries. Unregulated filming (including photography and videos) in a library can be disruptive to patrons and staff and in some instances interfere with the confidentiality and privacy rights of Library patrons.
Understanding there is a potential chilling effect caused by filming of individuals using a library and a potential threat to the library user's right to privacy, and a possible threat of disruption posed by filming in the library, it is reasonable for the Library to regulate filming in the Library.
The Ocean County Library Rules of Conduct provide that, unauthorized filming of any nature, photography, or video recording in the library, without the express written authority of the Library, is prohibited.
Any person or organization desiring to film in a library must obtain the written authority of the Ocean County Library and abide by the following:
NEWS MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING
The Library allows news media photographers and reporters, with bona fide press credentials, who are doing stories or projects that directly involve the library and its programs to film in the Library. The Library requests that news media contact the manager or Library Administration at the location where the filming is to take place prior to any planned filming. The news media must adhere to the Policy that apply to all filming in the Library.
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING
In general, the Library does not permit commercial photography inside a library facility. This includes, but is not limited to, using a library as a stage set for model photography, engagement or wedding photography, product photography or as a recording location for television or online advertising regardless of whether the advertised goods or services relate to the library. The Library may grant exceptions to this policy upon written request of the commercial photographer which request must include specifics of the proposed filming project and provide insurance coverage acceptable to the Library naming the Library as an insured.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING BY PROGRAM PARTNERS
Ocean County area organizations that regularly partner with the Library, on Library events, may film during these events. If one of the Library's partner organizations desires to film an event that is scheduled to take place within a library, that partner must request permission to film, in advance, to the respective branch manager or Library Administration and adhere to the Policy that apply to all filming in the Library.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDINGS BY GROUPS USING LIBRARY SPACE FOR NONLIBRARY EVENT
Groups meeting in a library community room may arrange for photography during their event. Filming for such events is restricted to the space reserved by the group, may not take place in other areas of the library and must comply with Library Policy regarding filming in the Library.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE LIBRARY
The Ocean County Library frequently engages in filming during programs and events for its own publicity and promotional purposes, including its website, annual report and social media. The Library will abide by the rules concerning filming in the Library. Library staff will make every effort to notify members of the public when filming is taking place. Please notify a library staff member if you do not want to be photographed.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDINGS AT MEETINGS SUBJECT TO OPMA
Meetings subject to New Jersey's Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) which take place in the Library system may be filmed, without Library permission, provided that the filming does not disrupt the business of the meeting nor physically interfere with the conduct of the meeting or the public's access to the meeting.
APPROVED: OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION – August 16, 2022