CHILDREN IN LIBRARY WORK AREAS
1. Library Policy. It is Library policy not to allow children in the workplace. Although there are no restrictions on who may use the public areas of the Libraries, non-public areas such as offices and the spaces behind service desks are restricted to authorized library personnel. These work areas are not suitable for children. They have not been designed with children in mind. Without a parent's undivided attention, the child, as well as library materials and equipment, are at risk.
2. Leave Options. The State of Maryland provides a variety of leave options which can be used to accommodate most child care situations. When appropriate, sick leave can be used for "Illness in the Employee's Immediate Family" and, with prior supervisory approval, Personal, Annual, and Leave Without Pay are also available.
3. Exceptions. However, during an emergency, an employee may request permission of the supervisor or department head to bring his/her child to work. If approved, the maximum stay would be one work day. If the frequency of such emergencies seems abusive, an employee's request to keep his/her child in the work area will be denied. During the stay, the child's safety and well being is the sole responsibility of the parent. Under no circumstances should other employees be asked or expected to monitor the child.
If the child's presence is a) perceived to be interfering with the concentration of parent, coworkers, or patrons, or b) perceived to pose a safety threat to him or herself, library material, equipment, or others, then the employee will be asked to remove his/her child from the work area. Requests to remove a child or denial of a request to keep a child in a work area can, upon consultation and agreement with the appropriate department head, be made by the supervisor.
ADMINISTRATIVE MEMO # 14
Effective December 4, 1991Supersedes none
Suggested revisions to any Administrative Memo should be addressed to the Director for Planning & Administrative Services.
