[CASL-L] Security cameras in the library

[Tracy Earnshaw]

I find this issue so interesting!  Two principals ago I asked for a camera
so I could better monitor an area of the library.  I was told I couldn't do
it because of student privacy, even if I didn't record them.  I guess it is
subjective whether a library is considered a classroom or not!

*Tracy Earnshaw*

Teacher Librarian

Frank Ward Strong Middle School

Regional School District 13

191 Main Street | Durham, CT 06422

O: 860.349.7222 | tearnshaw at rsd13.org

Visit us at: http://strong.rsd13ct.org <http://lyman.rsd13ct.org/>
"Books may well be the only true magic." --Alice Hoffman

Coginchaug Regional High School

135 Pickett Lane | P. O. Box 280 | Durham, CT 06422

O: 860.349.7215 | tearnshaw at rsd13.org

Visit us at: http://crhs.rsd13ct.org <http://lyman.rsd13ct.org/>
"Books may well be the only true magic." --Alice Hoffman


On Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 7:55 AM Tenley Stoltz <
tenley.stoltz at somers.k12.ct.us> wrote:

> Good morning,
>
> Our LMC does have a camera. I didn't want one, but after there was a fight
> in the makerspace I was overruled. It is a broad angle camera that shows
> the majority of the space. You can't see the computer, but I did find out
> recently that you can see me. ☹️ I had been told when it was installed that
> it had been angled to not show the circulation desk, so I'm less than
> thrilled. The only reason I'm ok with it is because I know they only check
> the footage when there has been an issue and they are looking for a
> student.
>
> Tenley
>
> On Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 7:21 AM Jamie Sepa <jsepa at simsburyschools.net>
> wrote:
>
>> Good morning all,
>> I would say no. Here is a recent opinion about something similar in
>> classrooms. The library is my classroom.
>>
>> Your idea to place surveillance cameras in classrooms more broadly is
>> very different and especially concerning.  Setting aside how intrusive
>> teachers would find such cameras, the State Board of Labor Relations has
>> ruled that placement of surveillance cameras in the workplace is a
>> mandatory subject of negotiations.  *See, e.g.*, City of Hartford
>> <http://www.lawadmin.com/sg/gendocs/4719.pdf>, Decision No. 4719 (St.
>> Bd. Lab. Rel., March 19, 2014).  Accordingly, it would be an unfair labor
>> practice for you to place surveillance cameras in classrooms unless your
>> school district and the teachers’ union agree through negotiations that you
>> may do so (which will never happen).
>>
>> The full text of the article is here
>> <https://www.ctschoollaw.com/2025/01/cas-legal-mailbag-1-9-25/>.
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jamie
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Jamie Sepa
>>
>>
>>
>> *Library Scientist andK-12 Library/Media CoordinatorSimsbury Public
>> Schools860.658.2251 ext. 118*
>>
>>
>>
>> Think Dangerously™
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM CASL President <president at ctcasl.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hmm. That is an interesting one. I don't know much about this, but I
>>> don't like the idea of the checkout screen being seen.
>>>
>>> What is the rationale for having them? I understand security, but is
>>> there something that has been happening?
>>>
>>> *Jenny Lussier*
>>> CASL President
>>>
>>> Connecticut Association of School Librarians Organization Address:
>>>
>>> 4 Wotton Lane
>>>
>>> Burlington, CT 06013
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 4:22 PM Elizabeth Wright <
>>> liz.sarah.wright at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi all!
>>>>
>>>> I was wondering who has security cameras in their libraries as a part
>>>> of the security of the school. My principal seems to think that putting a
>>>> camera in the space is a good idea. The biggest worry I have is where
>>>> they’re talking about putting it, which would give the camera a view of our
>>>> checkout screen.
>>>>
>>>> But I’m wondering how others see this!
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Liz
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>
>
> --
> Tenley Stoltz
> Library Media Specialist
> Somers High School
>
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> Palacio, Wonder*
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