The Provo City Library strives to offer a welcoming environment where patrons can use the Library’s resources in safety and comfort. Security cameras are in use at the Library for the sole purpose of enhancing the physical security of the Library, its property, staff and patrons. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the placement and use of the cameras, as well as the access and retrieval of recorded images.
Library Practices
- The Library will post signage at each entrance advising that security cameras are used.
- Cameras are located to view grounds, service desks, exits, and areas prone to theft, vandalism or other activity that violates Library policy or criminal law.
- Cameras will not be placed in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy such as private offices or restrooms.
- Cameras are not continuously monitored and therefore individuals should continue to take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the security of their personal property.
Accessing Digital Images
- Video data is recorded and stored digitally on a dedicated server. The recorded data are considered confidential and secure. Access to saved data is limited to individuals given permission by the Library Director.
- Authorized staff may use live surveillance, still shots, or selected portions of recorded data to assess the security risk of a specific individual, to investigate a crime or injury on Library property, to consult with law enforcement officials, to validate policy violations, to alert staff to banned or disruptive individuals, or to address internal security, safety, or operational concerns. In the discharge of such duties, designated staff members are permitted to connect the recorded digital images with identification data available on the Library’s user database.
- A log will be maintained of all instances when recorded video is shared with an outside entity. The log will include the name, date, time, and reason for the request. Reasons may include investigation of an incident, in response to a subpoena, and to fulfill a records request made under the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA).
- Confidentiality and privacy issues prevent the Library from allowing the public to view security camera footage. If the Library receives a request from the general public to view recorded camera footage, the public will be advised to file a police report.
Retention of Digital Images
Recordings shall be kept for approximately 28 days, with the exception of relevant still shots or selected portions of the recorded data relating to specific incidents.
Access by Law Enforcement
- Video surveillance records are not to be used directly or indirectly by law enforcement to identify the activities of individual Library patrons or staff except as viewed in relation to a specific event or suspected criminal activity, suspected violation of Library policy, or incidents where there is a reasonable basis to believe a claim may be made against the Library for potential civil liability.
- Authorized individuals may use a still shot or selected portions of recorded data to request law enforcement review for assessing the security risk of a specified individual or for investigation of a crime on Library property.
- Video data will be made available to law enforcement officials or agencies upon written request. The Library shall retain a record of the request.
Patron Privacy
Recorded data will be accorded the same level of confidentiality and protection provided to Library users by the Utah State law and the Library’s Privacy Statement.
The Library disclaims any liability for use of the video data in accordance with the terms of this policy, given that the Library is a public facility and the security cameras shall be limited to those areas where patrons and/or staff have no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Board of Directors
Provo City Library
Approved November 13, 2024
