The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Russell D. Cole Library is in compliance with Iowa Code section 692A.113, which prohibits sex offenders who have been convicted of a sex offense against a minor from being on the property of a public library absent the written permission of the library administrator. The Russell D. Cole Library is a public library as defined by Iowa Code section 692A.101(22).
Cornell College students, faculty, and staff required to apply for written permission to access the library, pursuant to section 692A.113, may do so through the College Librarian, who shall serve as library administrator in this context. This request must be in writing and include information about the offense, conviction, and probation or parole, if applicable. The College Librarian, in consultation with the Dean of Students and Dean of the College, may grant or deny the request. If the request is granted, the College Librarian may establish additional conditions, with which the applicant must comply. No applicant shall be granted access to the Children’s Room without supervision. The College Librarian will inform the Library Board of Trustees when a request is granted to individuals affiliated with Cornell College. Such information will not include the individual’s identity.
All other applicants may apply for written permission to the president of the Library Board of Trustees, who shall serve as library administrator in this context. This request must be in writing and include information about the offense, conviction, and probation or parole, if applicable. The applicant is also encouraged to indicate the reason(s) why he or she wishes to access the library and why said access should be granted. Applications will only be approved by a unanimous vote of the Library Board of Trustees in closed door session, at which session a quorum must be present. If the request is granted, the College Librarian may establish additional conditions, with which the applicant must comply. No applicant shall be granted access to the Children’s Room without supervision. The Library Board of Trustees will communicate the decision in writing to the College Librarian, who will then communicate the decision in writing to the applicant.
A sex offender who has been denied access to the library pursuant to section 692A.113(1) may only access the library for the exempted purposes set forth in Iowa Code section 692A.113(2). However, denied applicants may still be eligible for library service, depending on their residence address. To register for a library card, the person should contact the College Librarian or designee via telephone or email. At the time of registration, the applicant may make arrangements for a person of his or her choosing to select, check out, and return materials using said card; however, the applicant’s designee must also be registered with the library and shall provide identification when using the restricted patron’s card. The restricted patron may also access information via the library’s telephone reference services, web site, and online databases, if any.
All applications must be submitted using library forms. (Request Form)
Sex offenders convicted of sex offenses against minors may not loiter, as defined in Iowa Code section 692A.101(17), within 300 feet of library property.
Patrons in violation of this policy will be immediately reported to law enforcement and all library privileges will be revoked.
Approved by Public Library Board of Trustees 9/15/2009