Security Cameras

Security cameras will be used in public places to document events involving the safety and security of patrons, staff, and Library property. Cameras will not be installed in areas of the library where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms, private offices, or areas restricted to staff. Cameras will be placed in both indoor and outdoor areas.

The locations for surveillance cameras are identified with the purpose of deterring theft, endangerment, vandalism, operational disruption, and to identify individual(s) involved in illegal activity, allegedly illegal activity, or violation of the library’s Rules of Conduct.

Notices are posted at the library entrances informing the public and staff that video and audio recording may be taking place as required by the Arkansas Code.

Although cameras continuously record, they are not always monitored, and individuals should take appropriate precautions for their personal safety and the security of their property.

The library will retain footage for a limited time based on the capacity of the recording equipment, unless the library receives a third-party request, or the footage contains images or information pertaining to a known or potential security incident, in which cases the footage will be retained until resolution of the matter or when it is no longer useful for library security purposes, whichever is sooner. During the retention period, footage is stored on internal servers and will be accessible through retrieval by authorized library staff, subject to safeguards to protect data from unauthorized access.

Cameras will not be intentionally positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing, or listening activities in the library. While modern security cameras generally include the ability to access and record audio, that function has been turned off at this time.

Existing cameras will not be moved, re-aimed, or removed without the approval of the Safety Manager. Cameras will not be added without the approval of the Safety Manager. Requests to adjust cameras should be made by managers and/or administration via the maintenance portal.