Library Subcommittee

Agenda Royal Oak Public Library Board of Trustees Subcommittee Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Royal Oak Public Library Friends Auditorium 222 East Eleven Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 48067 Subcommittee: Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at 248-246-3050 at least two (2) business days prior to the meeting. Pages 1. Call to Order 2. New Business a. Review policies a. 3.20 Free Literature and Bulletin Board Postings 2 Update language to match strategic plan. b. 5.40 Internet Use Policy 3 Update language to reflect the correct name of Policy 3.30 Patron Behavior referenced in this policy. c. 4.10 Materials Selection 7 Update policy to include section VII. Artificial Intelligence. d. New Policy 5.60 Programming 14 Review and potentially recommend adoption of Policy 5.60 Programming. e. New Policy 5.70 Volunteers 17 Review and potentially recommend adoption of policy 5.70 Volunteers. 3. Adjourn  3.20 - Free Literature and Bulletin Board Postings The mission purpose of the Royal Oak Public Library (ROPL) is to To empower our community to learn, connect, create, and grow through welcoming and inclusive spaces, diverse resources, and meaningful experiences. be an informational, intellectual, cultural and recreational resource for all people; to inspire the spirit, educate the mind, and be a center of community pride. In keeping with this missionpurpose, Royal Oak Public Library provides space for the display notices of public interest submitted by groups, organizations, and governmental units engaged in non-profit educational, cultural, intellectual, civic or charitable activities. Only ROPL-approved postings will be permitted. Tracts or other publications placed in the library without prior approval will be removed and discarded. The library reserves the right to determine that a proposed posting meets the guidelines of this policy and to decide the appropriate placement for postings and literature to be distributed. Commercial or partisan political items will not be posted or distributed. In order to maximize the use of limited display space, time and size restrictions are set: ○ Date sensitive items will be posted for 30 days prior to the earliest date indicated on the item, and will be removed and discarded after the latest date has passed. ○ Items that are not date sensitive will be made available for no more than 90 days. Bulletin Board Postings and Posters ○ Notices and announcements for the bulletin boards must be 8½x14 inches or smaller. ○ A single copy of the announcement or notice will be posted in only one place within the library. ○ Library does not accept notices, announcements or posters with "tear-off" sections. Free Literature Racks ○ Except for newspapers and magazines, items must be 8½x14 inches or smaller. ○ Materials must be provided in quantities of 5 or more. Adopted by Library Board: 11/26/1996; revised 5/22/01; revised 9/26/06; reaffirmed 05/27/08; 03/24/09; revised 3/23/10; reviewed 3/22/11; reaffirmed 06/28/16; reaffirmed 05/24/22. Page 2 of 18  5.40 - Internet Use Policy I. General Statements Regarding Internet: Internet Access The Royal Oak Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the internet. Access to the internet enables the library to expand its information services significantly. Access to the internet is made available by means of library-supplied computers as well as through wireless access available to users from personal equipment. This policy applies to use of the internet by any means. A. Validity of Information. The internet offers access to a wealth of information and internet sites including useful ideas, information and opinions from around the world. However, not all sources on the internet provide information that is accurate, complete or legal. Internet users will need to evaluate for themselves the validity of the information found. B. Filtering of the Internet. In accordance with Ordinance 2008 – 06 of the City of Royal Oak, access to the internet by all library-supplied public computers and by wireless connection is filtered with the exception of one unfiltered library-supplied public computer. C. Library does not endorse information on internet. Because the internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to information, ideas and commentary beyond the confines of the library’s mission, selection criteria, and collection development policies. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary that may be found on the internet. D. View Internet at Own Risk. The internet may contain information that is controversial, sexually explicit or offensive. Library patrons use the internet at their own risk. Parents or guardians of minor children are responsible for their child’s use of the internet through the library’s connection as stated more fully below. II. Nature of the Public Library Setting A. Respect Others. Because library users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities are using the computers, library patrons are asked to be mindful of the sensitivities of others when accessing potentially controversial information and images. B. Use with Caution of Risks. Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use. The library is not responsible for the actions of others; therefore patrons should protect their computers and devices to prevent undesired access from Internet users in or outside of the library. Page 3 of 18 C. Protect Against Intrusion. When using wireless or wired internet access with patron-owned computers or devices, patrons should ensure that their equipment is adequately protected against viruses, spyware, and intrusion by other internet users. Using patron-owned computers or devices in the library to access the internet places those computers or devices on a local-area network shared with others engaged in similar use. The library is not responsible for the actions of others, and therefore patrons should protect their computers and devices to prevent undesired access from other Internet users in or outside the library. III. Patrons Under 18 Years of Age, Public Act 212 of 2000 Responsibility of Parents and Legal Guardians. As with other materials in the library’s collection, it is the library’s policy that parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their children. The library urges parents and guardians to discuss internet use with their children and to monitor their use of this educational tool. Access for Patrons Under 18 years of Age. Unfiltered terminals. A parent or guardian must accompany and be sitting at the computer terminal with patrons under 18 years of age wishing to have access to the unfiltered Internet workstation. Filtered Terminals. A filtered terminal means the computer has a program installed that is designed to restrict minors from receiving obscene material or sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors. Computer filter devices are not foolproof. Age Restrictions for Library Computer Labs. In recognition of concerns regarding minors using the internet, minors under the age of eighteen are only permitted to use library owned computers located in the Teen and Youth Services Areas of the library. Minors under 18 years of age are only permitted in the adult computer lab to pick up mobile print jobs. The computers in the Teen Area may only be used by individuals aged 10 through 18 years old. IV. Acceptable Use All users of the library’s internet connection and workstations are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, and to follow all rules and procedures as established in this policy. A. Lawful Use. The library internet connection and workstations shall be used in a lawful manner. Workstations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose prohibited under any applicable federal, Michigan or local law, including but not limited to accessing material that can be classified as obscene or child pornography. B. Intellectual Property. Users must respect intellectual property rights and obey the copyright laws of the United States and all other intellectual property rights. Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use. Page 4 of 18 C. Computers in the Youth Department. Adults are not permitted to use the computers in the Youth Services Area of the lower level unless they are accompanied by a minor. D. Use Must Not be Harmful to Minors. Michigan law prohibits users from allowing minors access to sexually explicit materials harmful to minors. Internet users shall not permit any minor to view sexually explicit material or any other material deemed harmful to minors. E. Compliance with Library Policy 3.30 Code of ConductPatron Behavior. The same rules apply to the use of the internet as with the use of any other library materials. The Library has adopted a Code of Conduct, Policy 3.30 Patron Behavior. All internet users must comply with the Library’s Code of Conduct, Policy 3.30 which shall be posted in the library and on the library website. F. Privacy. Users must respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the internet. G. Sign up. The library-owned computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons are required to login at the library-owned computers using either a library card or a visitor card. Library cards and visitor cards are non-transferable. Staff may ask to verify identification. H. Time Limit. The library has a limited number of terminals. As a result, internet users shall understand that they do not have unlimited access to library owned computers. The library shall establish and post a daily maximum time limit for user access to library owned computers. I. Printing. Printing costs related to computer use shall be borne by the library user of these services. Payment is required in accordance with the library fee schedule. J. Personal Software Prohibited. Users shall refrain from installing personal software or installing equipment on library computers or networks or the modification of any operating system or network configuration. The user shall also refrain from downloading or uploading files onto library computers, except as expressly allowed by the library. K. System Modifications. Users are not permitted to change the security setup, operating systems, the network configuration or any other configuration of any Royal Oak Public Library computer workstation without authorization. V. Violations of Internet Use Policy A. Users of the library’s computers or internet access must adhere to the Internet Use Policy. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in the loss of the ability to use the internet. Page 5 of 18 B. The Library Director, or his or her authorized designee, is authorized to terminate any user’s access if the user has failed to comply with the library’s Internet Policy or rules. i. Initial Violation: Users observed violating this Internet Use Policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal warning. If the user does not comply with the request, the user’s access to the library’s computers and internet shall be terminated. If they refuse, the police may be called. ii. Subsequent Violations: The Director or the Director’s authorized designee may further limit or revoke the patron’s library privileges if infractions continue. Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation. Subsequent violations of the same rule shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length. iii. Violations Affecting Safety and Security. If the violation of the library’s Internet Use Policy affects safety or security or is a violation of law, the library has the right to immediately call the police and terminate library internet or other privileges without complying with Subsection 1. The Library Director or his or her designee may immediately suspend the patron's library privileges for a minimum of two (2) weeks and the patron shall be sent written confirmation of such suspension specifying the nature of the violation. If upon, investigation, additional suspension time is warranted due to the nature of the violation, the Library Director or his or her designee shall send written notice of such additional suspension time. Subsequent violations of the Internet Use Policy that affect safety or security or are violations of law shall be addressed pursuant to Subsection B.2 above. C. Any user whose internet access has been suspended may file a written appeal of the suspension by sending this appeal in writing to the President of the Library Board within 10 business days of the suspension. The decision of the Library Board is final. D. Illegal acts involving the library’s internet access service may be subject to prosecution. VI. Staff Assistance Staff may assist library users in getting started on the internet. However, the library cannot guarantee that internet-trained staff will be available to assist users at all times the library is open. Staff are not allowed to enter information for library computer users. Because of the many different applications available on the Internet, staff may not be able to provide specialized or technical knowledge about a particular application. Adopted by Library Board: 01/27/09; revised 12/08/09; revised 12/07/10; reaffirmed 12/6/11; revised 12/13/16.; reaffirmed 09/27/22 Page 6 of 18  4.10 Materials Selection I. Introduction: The Royal Oak Public Library, as stewards of taxpayer funds, selects and purchases collections to meet the educational and leisure needs of the community. The resources of Royal Oak Public Library include but are not limited to money, space and personnel. These resources are finite. A decision to select a particular title or type of material may exclude some other title or material. The policy set forth below is designed to provide direction to professional librarians who have earned a Master of Library and Information Science degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited university and who are charged with material selection duties. The Trustees of the Royal Oak Public Library understand that the guidance and information adopted herein are in many instances general in nature and therefore not designed to replace, but rather supplement, good judgment. II. Definitions: The term “library materials” means books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, programs, items in the Library of Things, or other synonyms as they may occur in the Policy having the widest possible meaning. This statement of policy applies to all library materials in the collection, including adult, teen and juvenile. However, this policy and the term “library materials” does not apply to internet sites available through the Library's computers or internet collection. The Library has no control over the content of the internet. Please see Policy 5.40 Internet Use for any issues related to computer or internet use. The term “selection” refers to the decision to add, retain or withdraw material in the collection. It does not refer to reader guidance or to how the Library materials are displayed within the Library. III. Goal and Objectives of Selection: The materials selection goal of the Royal Oak Public Library is to select, organize, preserve, and make freely and easily available resources which will aid in the pursuit of education, enlightenment, information, and recreation. Objectives of selection include: a. To meet informational needs through maintenance of a well-balanced and broad collection of materials for knowledge, reference, and research; b. To encourage life-long intellectual and cultural growth; c. To support the democratic process by providing materials for the education and enlightenment of the community; d. To provide a diverse and inclusive collection which contains content by and about a wide array of people and cultures to authentically reflect a variety of ideas, information, stories, and experiences; e. To maintain a local history collection, with materials of significance to the City of Royal Oak and Oakland County, Michigan. IV. Responsibility for Selection: Library materials selection is vested in the Director of the Library, with the assistance of members of the professional staff of librarians who select resources in accordance Page 7 of 18  with this Materials Selection Policy. Both the public and staff members may recommend materials for consideration, but suggested materials cannot be more than two years old. The ultimate responsibility for selection, however, rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board of Trustees. The Director shall be responsible for ensuring that the funds budgeted for collection development are allocated appropriately, depending upon the needs of the Library and the fulfillment of the above Goal and Objectives of Material Selection. The Director is also ultimately responsible for decisions regarding in what collection or location library materials will be located. V. General Principles: a. The library is a forum for ideas and information. The primary goal of selection shall be to collect materials of contemporary significance and/or of enduring value which will enrich the collections and maintain an overall balance, representing varied points of view with respect to a given subject. In addition, the library, recognizing that demand is a valid and important factor in selection, shall make available some materials which may be in widespread and persistent demand, such as books on various bestseller lists. b. The policy of this library shall be to select materials in accordance with the above stated Goal and Objectives for all people of the community. Materials shall not be excluded because of the origin, background, or the personal views of the author. Basic to this policy is the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association, to which this library subscribes. c. Selection is not made based on anticipated approval or disapproval by patrons or library users, but solely on the merits of a work, without regard to the race, nationality, political or religious views, or sexual orientation or gender identity of the writer. d. Responsibility for the reading material of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection shall not be inhibited solely by the possibility that books may inadvertently come into the possession of children. The library respects each individual parent’s or guardian’s right to supervise their children’s choice of reading materials. However, the library does not have the right to act in loco parentis (in place of the parent). Therefore, a parent or guardian who chooses to restrict the materials their children select must accompany those children when they use the collection to impose those restrictions. e. Further, library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of contents, and no catalogued book or other item will be sequestered, except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft. The use of rare and scholarly items of great value may be controlled to the extent required to preserve them from harm, but no further. f. It is the responsibility of the library to provide circulating, reference, and research materials for the public based on the services it is expected to perform. VI. Principles for Selection: The following principles, individually or collectively, will prevail in the selection of all library materials. The total collection will attempt to represent opposing points of view. Certain exceptions to these guidelines are likely to occur. Some titles, which might otherwise Page 8 of 18  be objectionable, are primary sources or documents in the study of historical or contemporary political movements and organizations and may be made available. a. Contemporary significance or permanent value. b. Accuracy. c. Lack of bias, factual. d. Diversity of viewpoint. e. Portrays issues sensitively. f. Authority of author. g. Relation of work to existing collection. h. Price, format, and ease of use. i. Scarcity of information in subject area. j. Available shelf or storage space. k. Availability of material through inter-library loan. l. Popular demand: The Library will make an effort to have materials available which are in high demand by the public; however, selections by popular demand will still be guided by consideration of merit, use and the specific principles for selection. m. Duplication of materials already in the collection; i.e., purchase of additional copies of materials, shall be governed by intrinsic or historical value, or immediate need. n. Collection objectives. o. Community relevance. p. Audience for material. VII. Artificial Intelligence: The Royal Oak Public Library respects the intellectual property of human authors and creators. The library should make every reasonable effort to avoid the purchase of or access to AI-generated content or AI-generated audio or video editions of human-created works. AI-generated content is any type of content, such as text, images, video, or audio which is wholly or partially created by any artificial intelligence model or machine-based learning software. For physical materials, AI-generated content that is inadvertently added to the collection should be noted as such in the catalog record once staff are made aware of the origin. These items may be retained if they meet the library’s selection criteria and collection development policy and are noted as being AI-generated in a brief catalog record. The library does not have full control over what is made available as part of the eMaterials provided via library-subscribed databases and collections. The library will practice due diligence when paying for materials for our patrons by ensuring, to the best of our ability, that AI-generated content is not being paid for with taxpayer funds. The library will also exercise any rights as a subscriber to exclude AI-generated content from being made available to our users. AI-assisted content may be added to the collection if they meet all selection criteria and are subject to the same requirements as human-created content. AI-assisted content is work that is written or created by a human, but for which AI tools were used to edit, refine, or error-check the Page 9 of 18  work. If an item is AI-assisted, but still human-created, the library does not require that the material be identified as such in either the catalog or on the physical item. VII.VIII. Gifts: The library welcomes gifts of books and other materials but reserves the right to evaluate, accept and/or reject, and dispose of them in accordance with the selection criteria applied to purchased materials. No conditions may be imposed by the donor relating to gifts, books and related materials made to the library. In accepting any gift, due consideration must be given to the resources necessary to receive, maintain and make such gifts available to the public. When the library receives a cash gift for the purchase of library materials, the selection will be made by librarians in consultation with the donor and consistent with this Policy. Gifts other than books and related materials shall be governed by Royal Oak Public Library Policy 2.10 Monetary and Other Non-Book Gifts. VIII.IX. Maintenance of Collection: The same criteria will be used when removing materials from the collection as are used in their acquisition. In order to maintain an updated, contemporary collection, materials which are no longer useful or which are not in a condition suitable for circulation will be removed from the collection. Such materials may be given to other libraries, sold for the benefit of the library, or discarded. Materials disposed of by sale must be pursuant to a public sale. The library is prohibited from selling to individuals by private sale. IX.X. Challenges to Materials: No material shall be removed from the library’s collection until all steps in the following process have been completed: a. Patrons (“Requester”) who object to library materials will be sent to the Director. b. The Director will discuss the library materials in question with the Requester, attempting to resolve the concern to both the Requester’s and library’s satisfaction. c. If the Requester wishes to carry the request further, the Director will provide the Requester with a copy of the Materials Selection Policy, including the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form. d. Once a completed, signed copy of the Request for Reconsideration form is received, the Library Director shall decide the Request for Reconsideration, taking into consideration the Library’s Materials Selection Policy and any other relevant information to reach a decision. The Director may consult with any other staff or consultants when making this decision. e. The Library Director shall send the decision in writing to the complainant within seventy-five (75) days of the receipt of the completed Request for Reconsideration form. If the decision is that the questioned material should be removed from the collection, the Requester will be notified in writing by the Library Director and all copies of the item will be withdrawn. If the decision is that the questioned material is to be retained, the Requester will be notified in writing by the Library Director that the material will be retained. f. A written appeal of the Library Director’s decision may be made by the Requester to the President of the Library Board within ten (10) business days after the written decision is Page 10 of 18  made by the Library Director. The Library Board will review any documentation it deems necessary to decide within sixty (60) days of receipt of the appeal. g. The Library Board serves as the final authority in cases involving retention or withdrawal of Library materials. X.XI. Revision of this Policy: This Policy shall be reviewed and revised to be consistent with the objectives of the Library American Library Association Library Bill of Rights The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information. Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019. Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996. Adopted: 01/27/98; rev. 02/27/01; rev. 07/27/04; reviewed 06/25/06; revised 09/26/06; revised 07/24/07; rev. 09/23/08; reviewed 07/27/10; reaffirmed 7/26/11; reaffirmed 06/24/14, revised 07/26/16; revised 01/26/21; revised 06/28/22; revised 05/28/24. Page 11 of 18 Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials If a patron objects to the presence of material on the library's shelves or in a library program, they may request reconsideration of an item by filling out this form after meeting with the Library Director. The procedure for reconsideration is outlined in Policy 4.10 Materials Selection, which will be provided to the requestor. Resource on which you are commenting: ☐Book (e-book) ☐Movie ☐Magazine ☐Audio Recording ☐Digital Resource ☐Game ☐Newspaper ☐Other: ____________________ Title: ________________________________________________________________________ Author/Producer: _______________________________________________________________ Request Initiated by: ____________________________________ Date: ___________________ Telephone: ______________________________ Email: ________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Did you read/view/listen to the entire work? ☐Yes ☐No What concerns you about this material? (Please be specific – cite pages, audio clips, etc.) _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 12 of 18 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Are there resource(s) you suggest to provide additional information and/or other viewpoints on this topic? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ What action are you requesting the Director consider? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 13 of 18 5.60 Programming and Offsite Event and Presentation Policy The Royal Oak Public Library (“Library”) supports our purpose to empower our community to learn, connect, create, and grow through welcoming and inclusive spaces, diverse resources, and meaningful experiences by developing and presenting programs, participating in offsite events, or making presentations to the public, both in-house and off-site (outreach). Programs and outreach are an integral component of Library service that:  Expand the Library’s role as a community resource;  Introduce patrons and non-users to Library services;  Provide entertainment;  Provide opportunities for learning;  Expand the visibility of the Library;  Further the purpose of the Library. I. Program Determination Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Library Director, who administers under the authority of Royal Oak Public Library Board (“Library Board”). The Library Director, in turn, delegates the authority for approved program management to the Department Supervisors, who oversee this responsibility through delegation to designated staff. The Library Director has the discretion to determine which programs the Library shall sponsor or co-sponsor. This policy does not apply to any program that is not conducted or co-sponsored by the Library. II. Criteria for Programs Library staff plans and develops programs for the community based on relevance to community interests and issues, popular appeal, the purpose of the Library and suitability for general or targeted audiences. Program presenters are chosen for their expertise and public performance experience. The Library does not plan programs or classes that are commercial in nature. Although a professional or businessperson may be invited to speak, the purpose of the program is to educate, inform, or entertain and otherwise further the Library's mission. Programs are not designed for commercial purposes or for the solicitation of business. III. Co-Sponsorship of Programs The Library may co-sponsor programs with other persons, agencies, organizations, and institutions. The Library Director has the sole discretion to determine whether to co- sponsor a program according to the criteria set forth in this Programming Policy. If the Library desires to co-sponsor a Library program, these individual or organizational 1 Page 14 of 18  partners must coordinate marketing efforts with the appropriate Library Supervisor. No co-sponsor may use the Library's name in any marketing material without prior approval of the Library Director. If a person or organization desires to co-sponsor a program, the person or organization shall make such request in writing to the Library Director. IV. Offsite Events and Presentations The Library may elect to participate in offsite events or present to outside groups, organizations and institutions. Participation is at the discretion of the Library Director, but they may also delegate the decision to the Library Director’s designee(s). All offsite events and outreach activities must directly align with the library’s purpose statement and strategic goals. Participation is contingent upon the library’s ability to promote library activities and resources, provide community education, or enhance access to library resources. Presentations to outside organizations must be coordinated with the Library Director or delegated to the appropriate staff, with the purpose of promoting the library and its resources and advancing the goals of the strategic plan. V. Non-discrimination The Library does not discriminate in its programs. Library sponsorship or co-sponsorship of a program does not constitute endorsement of the content or the views expressed by the presenter or the participants. Program topics, speakers, and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy, and the Library will strive to offer multiple viewpoints. VI. Program Attendance Library programs and classes are free and open to the public; however, due to the nature of certain programs, attendance may be limited. For example, some children's programs may be limited based on age. Further, attendance may be limited based on the occupancy permitted in the room. When occupancy limits must be established, advanced registration may be required. In the cases where advanced registration is not required, the Library may limit the number of people that may attend any program at the door. Attendance will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis, either with advanced registration or at the door. VII. Library Staff Library staff members who present programs or classes, participate in outreach or make presentations do so as part of their regular job and are not hired as outside contractors. VIII. Programming Concerns The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from patrons concerning programming. If a patron questions a Library program, he/she should first address the concern with the Library Director. Patrons who wish to continue their request for review of Library 2 Page 15 of 18  programs may submit the Request for Reconsideration form to the Library Director. Requests for review of programs will be considered in the same manner as requests for reconsideration of Library materials as outlined in Policy 4.10 Materials Selection. IX. Guidelines for Selling Books, Recordings, Art, or Other Items at Library Programs Program presenters who are authors or artists are invited to sell and sign books, music, movies, and art following Library programs upon prior approval by the Library Director. 3 Page 16 of 18 5.70 Volunteers The Royal Oak Public Library (“Library”) recognizes the need for and welcomes community volunteers to supplement but not replace library staff in delivering quality public service. Volunteers are individuals who give their time and talents to the Library without compensation. I. Rules for Volunteers. a. Application. All interested individuals must complete a Volunteer Application. i. Volunteers aged eighteen (18) years and older must complete both the Volunteer Application and the Consent to Background Check forms. ii. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have parent/legal guardian approval. Minors must be at least fourteen (14) years of age to volunteer at the Library. b. Minor Volunteers. Volunteer service for minors will be in accordance with the Michigan Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA), which includes the requirement of a work permit before starting volunteer service. c. Approval. The Library Director shall have the authority to approve the use of volunteers. Volunteers will be recruited without regard to any individual’s age, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, physical appearance, socioeconomic level, education level or any other legally protected characteristic. d. Prohibited Activities. Volunteers may not: i. Perform activities that could reveal confidential patron information ii. Use the Integrated Library System (ILS) without proper training and supervision. II. Placement, Supervision and Training a. Volunteers are assigned roles aligning with their skills, interests, and schedule. b. Volunteers will work under the direction of the Library staff volunteer coordinators, the Friends of the Royal Oak Public Library, or the project manager of the Butterfly Garden. c. Volunteers must attend orientation training, including safety and policy briefing. III. Expectations and Conduct a. Volunteers must adhere to library policies, including patron privacy and confidentiality. i. Name badges must be worn identifying the individual as a volunteer. IV. Volunteers must exhibit professional behavior, consistent with that required of all staff. a. Absences, tardies, or leave earlies must be reported to the appropriate volunteer supervisor. Page 17 of 18 V. Release from Duties. a. Volunteers can be released from volunteer duties at any time at the discretion of the Library Director. Page 18 of 18