6.10 - Public Relations Policy

With the following Public Relations Policy, the Royal Oak Public Library intends to ensure that the public receives consistent and accurate information about library policies, procedures, programs and services and to protect the privacy of all users of library services and facilities.

1. Point of Contact
   The Library Director is the official spokesperson and media contact for the library Employees and individual members of the Library Board should refer all requests for information about the library, its policies and operations to the Library Director. The Director may designate employees with subject-matter expertise to speak to the media on particular topics. If the media wish to speak to a member of the Board, the Board President is the official designated representative of the Board.
2. Press Releases
   The Library Director approves all press releases or statements to the press prior to being issued from the library.
3. Photography
   Unless taken at a meeting open to the public in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act, no person may take pictures, videos or capture images by electronic means of patrons or patron information inside the Library without their permission. If photographing or recording for commercial use, permission to photograph or record minors under the age of eighteen (18) must be signed by the minor's parent or legal guardian. A person denied the right to take pictures, videos or capture images in the library may appeal that decision within ten (10) days of receiving such denial to the Library Board. Attendance at Royal Oak Public Library programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and/or electronic publicity for the Royal Oak Public Library. To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent, or legal guardian. If you do not want the Library to use a photo or video of you or your child, please tell the Library staff member coordinating the event prior to the program or event.

Adopted by Library Board: 04/22/08; reaffirmed 2/22/11; reaffirmed 4/26/16; reaffirmed 4/25/17; revised 12/14/2021; revised 10/25/22.