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Cultural Education Center Visitor Policy

Purpose

The New York State Library, State Archives, and State Museum (collectively referred to as the "Cultural Education Center") are dedicated to serving as resources for the government and the people of New York State. To this end, the Cultural Education Center has established rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of visitors, patrons, volunteers, and staff, and to preserve and protect the materials, equipment, and facilities of each program area. Behavior that interferes with this purpose is not permitted. This policy has been adopted for the comfort and protection of all who visit and work at the Cultural Education Center. Staff and security personnel will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors and will courteously, but firmly, enforce this policy.

Policy

Conduct will not be permitted if it is disruptive, disturbing, or potentially harmful to others, or if it otherwise interferes with the enjoyment and use of the Cultural Education Center by visitors, patrons, volunteers, and staff alike. This includes, but is not limited to disorderly conduct, noise, or activity that interferes with the rights of others, whether intentional or inadvertent; physical abuse or threatening behavior or language; failing to follow the directions of staff members; or the misuse of materials, equipment, or furnishings. Expulsion from the Cultural Education Center and/or loss of privileges may result from violations of this policy.

Unacceptable Activities

Include but are not limited to:

•Disregarding instructions given by staff, volunteers, or security personnel. •Engaging in loud, aggressive, or threatening conduct; fighting or challenging another to fight; using profane language or obscene behavior; or engaging in harassing behavior of any kind.

•Engaging in loud conversations, screaming, yelling, or making any other noise that disturbs other users.

•Sleeping, lying down, or engaging in activities that interfere with others’ use of the Cultural Education Center.

•Loitering in areas of the Cultural Education Center without a clear purpose or legitimate reason, which may obstruct access to facilities or disrupt the environment for other visitors. •Using or distributing alcohol or illegal/non-prescribed drugs.

•Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol resulting in erratic behavior or disrupting the use of the Cultural Education Center by others.

•Using tobacco products or other smokable or vape-able products within the Cultural Education Center.

•Eating and drinking or having uncovered drinks in any areas of the Cultural Education Center, except for water in a closed container. Prior approval may be given by staff to eat in designated areas. Trash must be disposed of properly. •Misusing, damaging, or stealing materials, equipment, or resources.

•Soiling furniture and property, or creating a disturbance, due to excessive bodily hygienic issues or possessions.

•Using audio equipment, including mobile devices, with or without headphones, at a volume that disturbs other patrons and staff.

•Bathing or changing clothes in public restrooms.

•Engaging in any form of sexual activity, lewd behavior, or sexual harassment towards others.

•Exposing oneself intentionally or unintentionally by not wearing or removing shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, or shoes.

•Watching pornography on the Cultural Education Center’s computers or on a personal device within the premises, or otherwise violating the Internet Use Policy.

•Blocking aisles or pathways that access exhibits, materials, equipment, or facilities. •Entering staff areas without authorization; using meeting rooms without permission; or improperly using stairwells and elevators.

•Carrying weapons of any kind.

•Soliciting within the Cultural Education Center or on its property or distributing and/or posting literature that has not been approved by the administration.

•Bringing animals, other than guide and service animals, into the Cultural Education Center.

Loss of Privileges

If a patron creates a public nuisance or violates any policy set forth herein, that patron may be restricted from the Cultural Education Center or from the use of its facilities by staff or security personnel, on a temporary basis. The State Librarian, State Archivist, Museum Director, or their designee will determine the length of the loss of privileges and if permanent revocation is necessary. Those who are unwilling to leave, or who do not leave within a reasonable amount of time after being instructed to do so by staff, may be subject to prosecution. Any person whose privileges have been revoked under this policy may make a written request to the Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Education for reinstatement. Reinstatement may be conditioned on future compliance and will be at the sole discretion of the Deputy Commissioner or their designee. Policies are posted on the Office of Cultural Education website and are available upon request. Requests should be directed to: Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Education, Cultural Education Center, 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, New York, 12230.

Responsibility

All staff members and security personnel are responsible for compliance with this policy. The State Librarian, State Archivist, Museum Director, or their designee is responsible for determining the loss and reinstatement of privileges.