Policies

The library employs surveillance cameras as one of a number of measures to preserve a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, and staff. These devices are intended to help protect library materials and property from theft and vandalism and to assist college officials in identifying individuals in violation of the law or college standards of conduct. 

Our cameras are situated to monitor areas of the building that are out of the line of vision of library staff or to provide security in areas where valuable materials are shelved. Cameras are not used in or around restrooms, and care is taken to assure that they do not infringe upon users' privacy concerning reading, viewing, or listening activities in the library. In addition, the cameras will not be used in such a way as to invade the privacy of college employees.

Video files recorded by our cameras are retained temporarily unless circumstances require holding the video of a particular incident for potential action by college officials. In these cases the video may be used to assist in investigating the incident. The library and computer center staff, assisted by the college police department, will maintain control of and responsibility for the cameras and other security equipment. Authorization from the Dean of the Faculty, the Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Information Systems, or the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police is required to access video files, except for emergency access by the Library Director. A written request to the Director of the Computing Center and Senior Systems and Network Administrator will be required to view video files and access to the files by Computing Center staff will be restricted to the Director except during times of installation or adjustment when this may include the Manager of Client Services, or the Windows NT Systems Administrator/Network Analyst.

Investigations involving law enforcement agencies may lead to video files being subpoenaed or made the subject of a warrant.

July 2024