Discipline Policy

This discipline policy is to be used as a guideline. Siouxland Libraries reserves the right to use discretion in situations not clearly stated within this policy.

Library staff or their representatives have the right to enforce the Rules of Conduct using discipline procedures outlined below. Consequences range from a one day suspension to a permanent ban from Siouxland Libraries. The length of suspension is dependent on the severity of the violation or history of abuse. Suspension from the library applies to all library branches.

Behavior not allowed on library property is defined in the Siouxland Libraries’ Rules of Conduct.

Discipline Procedures:

1. In the case of a minor violation, the library user receives a verbal warning. If the behavior continues, the library user must leave the Library for one day.
   a. Minor violations are:
       i. Non-violent
       ii. Not related to illegal or controlled substances
   iii. Not harassing in nature
2. In the case of a major violation, the library user may receive only one warning or be ordered to leave the building immediately. Police may be called to assist when necessary.
   a. Major violations are:
       i. Harm to self or others
       ii. Illegal activity
       iii. Harassing or threatening others
3. In the case of repeated or severe violations, the library user will be suspended from the Library for an extended period of time. The extended period may be two weeks, one month, six months, one year, or a permanent ban.

Appeals Process:

An appeal may be made to the Siouxland Libraries’ Board of Trustees for a library suspension longer than two weeks.

1. An appeal to the Library Board must be in writing using the “Siouxland Libraries Ban Appeal Form” available on the library website. An appellant may request a printed form at any Siouxland Libraries location.
2. A decision will be made within ten (10) business days of receipt of the appeal. The appellant may attend at the Library Board’s Appeal Hearing, but attendance is not required.
3. The Board’s written decision will be sent to the appellant no later than five (5) days after the decision is made. The ban remains in effect until the appeals decision is made.

View the Siouxland Libraries Ban Appeal Form.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, July 19, 2018