Library Policies
The Library Byelaws can be accessed at the following link:
Code of Conduct
The library Code of Conduct is designed to raise awareness of the standard of services we provide for you and the behaviour we expect in return for providing those services.
When using the library, you are requested to…
• Treat library staff and other library users with courtesy and respect
• Be considerate to other library users
• Keep noise to a minimum, including the use of mobile telephones
• Keep the library environment pleasant by refraining from eating on the premises
• Make appropriate and responsible use of the library computers and WiFi
• Treat books, other library resources, and library facilities with care
• Be aware that young children remain the responsibility of their parents or caregivers and should not be left unsupervised in the library
• Do not take photos without the consent of the subject, parent / guardian or library staff
• Abide by the Code of Conduct , the library byelaws and policies
In return, library staff will...
• Help you find the books, other library materials, and information you need
• Help you access the library’s computers, online resources, and other facilities
• Provide space for you to read or study (where possible)
• Provide activities and events to help you get the most out of the library
• Respond to your comments and suggestions within 7 working days
• Treat you with courtesy and respect
• Wear an identity lanyard
Library users who do not comply with the Code will be asked to leave the library. Serious or repeated misconduct will always be referred to the Police and may lead to formal action or criminal prosecution.
The Lending Services Stock Policy is intended to provide a framework for collection management, purchasing, planning, standard setting and benchmarking
This stock policy explains:
- How the library service contributes to achieving the priorities of Richmond upon Thames Borough Council in terms of its stock.
- How we choose the books, DVDs and other materials you find in your libraries.
- How we maintain and promote those materials.
- How we circulate stock between libraries to ensure all libraries are able to provide the widest choice of reading material.
- Why and how we decide to keep some items and withdraw others.How we measure stock performance and how this helps to inform stock development.
Lending Services Stock Policy (pdf)
The Local Studies Collection Stock Policy relates to Collections Management, Loans, Donations, Documentation, Conservation, Electronic Archiving, Access, Marketing, and Volunteers.
Leaflets, Notices, and Posters Policy
The Library Service will make available cultural, recreational, educational and informational leaflets and notices for the benefit of the community.
Leaflets (see note 1) may be accepted for display in the Borough’s Libraries on condition that:
• they adhere to the Council’s Equality and Diversity policies and do not infringe anti-discrimination legislation.
• the material does not constitute political advertising except as determined by the regulations governing a statutory election when it will be subject to the conditions stipulated in the Council’s Lettings Policy
• the material does not advertise religious organisations, their views or their religious services.
• we will not accept for display leaflets / posters which contain a calendar of events / meetings, except where these are part of a festival or exhibition.
• the material is of a non-commercial nature (except for events or advertising sponsored by the Council or its approved agencies) (see note 2)
• the activities or events take place at a public venue not in a person’s home.
• the material is not likely to cause offence to public taste and decency.
• the material is to an acceptable standard of production and that leaflets / posters from charitable bodies must carry their registered charities number.
• prospective advertisers accept that:
i. the material is displayed on a first-come-first-served basis.
ii. lack of available space may preclude the display of posters or leaflets which otherwise meet the acceptance criteria
iii. the Library Service will not hold or store items for future display due to the lack of available storage space and that such materials will be discarded
iv. the material will be affixed to notice boards by library staff only
v. items displayed will be monitored and strictly time-limited to ensure the maximum turnover of display materials
vi. items will be displayed under the hierarchy of priorities stated in the Display Priorities below
Note 1: “Leaflets” will include all forms and sizes of single page and multi-page leaflet, poster, pamphlet and other informational display material designed to be provided gratis to the public.
Note 2: Tourist information materials and advertising will be made available in accordance with the agreement between the Library Service and the relevant Council agency.
Display Priorities
Items which meet the criteria for acceptance will be displayed according to these priorities:
1. Council information
2. Statutory organisations
3. Local information (content directly relevant to the catchment area of the library)
4. Borough-based information (activities, events and services in the borough by organisations based in the borough)
5. Non-Borough organisations (activities, events and services in the borough by organisations not based in the borough)
6. Regional information (activities, events and services in the surrounding boroughs by organisations based both inside and outside the borough)
7. National Information
[Under headings 3 – 6, preference will be given to materials submitted by (i) Voluntary organisations and services (ii) Non-council statutory organisations and services (iii) Commercial organisations and services, in that order]
Complaints and Appeals
All complaints or appeals relating to this Leaflets Policy and its implementation should be made using the LBRuT Complaints Procedure.
Policies relating to the use of public PCs and public WiFi are covered in our Internet Policy Guidelines document:
Internet Policy Guidelines (pdf)