Morning,

We do have security cameras in the library. They are set up high and are wide angle and are not able to view the circulation desk or the computer. Cameras and footage are only checked with admin approval if there is an incident. I felt oddly about it when I first arrived to the position but since it has come in handy after a student altercation and a theft of student property it really hasn’t been on my radar much. 

This feels like an issue that should be addressed wholly and I find it odd that districts are so varied on their policies. I do not think it should be up to the whims of administration to decide about cameras, their installation, or their placement. 

Jennifer Tierney

On Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 8:40 AM <casl-l-request@mylist.net> wrote:
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Today's Topics:

   1. Re: Security cameras in the library (Lauren Yansick)
   2. Re: Security cameras in the library (Anderson Halbert, Kirsten)



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lauren Yansick <yansickl@shermanschool.com>
To: Tracy Earnshaw <tearnshaw@rsd13.org>
Cc: Tenley Stoltz <tenley.stoltz@somers.k12.ct.us>, Jamie Sepa <jsepa@simsburyschools.net>, CASL President <president@ctcasl.org>, Elizabeth Wright <liz.sarah.wright@gmail.com>, casl-l@mylist.net
Bcc: 
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:18:53 -0500
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] Security cameras in the library
This is super interesting to hear all the reasons why admins are either in favor or against it. 2/3 districts I have worked in over the last 15 years have had cameras in the library. This time around a camera was installed in the library without asking me first. I don't mind it so much because there is no audio and it does not face my desk. One district I was in the camera was linked to the police station and one of the cops admitted that they just peek at it when they are bored, ect. 

Cameras are such a touchy subject and it can really swing both ways. I personally find it extremely hypocritical that cameras are installed in the libraries and not the classrooms. We are on the same contract as teachers. 

On Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 8:05 AM Tracy Earnshaw <tearnshaw@rsd13.org> wrote:
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@rsd13.org

Visit us at: http://strong.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@rsd13.org

Visit us at: http://crhs.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@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@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, 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.


Thanks,

Jamie

 


Jamie Sepa
Library Scientist and
K-12 Library/Media Coordinator
Simsbury Public Schools
860.658.2251 ext. 118

 

Think Dangerously



On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM CASL President <president@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:


On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 4:22 PM Elizabeth Wright <liz.sarah.wright@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

“The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track, or even your grade point average-- though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.” - R.J. Palacio, Wonder

CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING:  This electronic message contains information which may be privileged and/or confidential. This information is intended for the exclusive use of the individual(s), entity, or persons named or indicated above. Any unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of any parts of the contents of this message/information is strictly prohibited by federal law. Any attempts to intercept this message are in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. 2511(1) of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). All violators are subject to fines, imprisonment, civil damages, or combination thereof. If you are not the intended recipient, please (1) immediately notify Somers Public Schools about the receipt by telephone 860 749 2270 x 2020 (2) delete all copies of this message and any attachments and (3) do not disseminate or make any use of their contents.

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The Somers Public Schools is committed to equal opportunity for all students, applicants and employees. The District does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.  In addition, it provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  Inquiries regarding the District’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Dina Senecal. Title IX Coordinator, 1 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT 06071(860) 749-2270 x2039 

Should an accommodation for a disability be required, please contact Caroline Hargraves, Director of Pupil Services and Section 504 Coordinator, 1 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT 06071(860) 749-2270 x2055

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Lauren Yansick
Library Media Specialist
The Sherman School
"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one." - Neil Gaiman



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Anderson Halbert, Kirsten" <kirsten.anderson@stoningtonschools.org>
To: Lauren Yansick <yansickl@shermanschool.com>
Cc: Tracy Earnshaw <tearnshaw@rsd13.org>, Tenley Stoltz <tenley.stoltz@somers.k12.ct.us>, Jamie Sepa <jsepa@simsburyschools.net>, CASL President <president@ctcasl.org>, Elizabeth Wright <liz.sarah.wright@gmail.com>, casl-l@mylist.net
Bcc: 
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:39:29 -0500
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] Security cameras in the library
When we renovated our schools in 2018, 2 cameras that feed directly to the police dept were installed in the library, either end of the library and check out is in the middle so can't capture it. But it has been used to comment about what I'm doing when teaching.... 

The only other spaces that are taught in that also have cameras are in the gym.

On Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 8:19 AM Lauren Yansick <yansickl@shermanschool.com> wrote:
This is super interesting to hear all the reasons why admins are either in favor or against it. 2/3 districts I have worked in over the last 15 years have had cameras in the library. This time around a camera was installed in the library without asking me first. I don't mind it so much because there is no audio and it does not face my desk. One district I was in the camera was linked to the police station and one of the cops admitted that they just peek at it when they are bored, ect. 

Cameras are such a touchy subject and it can really swing both ways. I personally find it extremely hypocritical that cameras are installed in the libraries and not the classrooms. We are on the same contract as teachers. 

On Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 8:05 AM Tracy Earnshaw <tearnshaw@rsd13.org> wrote:
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@rsd13.org

Visit us at: http://strong.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@rsd13.org

Visit us at: http://crhs.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@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@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, 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.


Thanks,

Jamie

 


Jamie Sepa
Library Scientist and
K-12 Library/Media Coordinator
Simsbury Public Schools
860.658.2251 ext. 118

 

Think Dangerously



On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM CASL President <president@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@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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https://mylist.net/listinfo/casl-l
_______________________________________________
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https://mylist.net/listinfo/casl-l
_______________________________________________
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CASL-L@mylist.net
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--
Tenley Stoltz
Library Media Specialist
Somers High School

“The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track, or even your grade point average-- though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.” - R.J. Palacio, Wonder

CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING:  This electronic message contains information which may be privileged and/or confidential. This information is intended for the exclusive use of the individual(s), entity, or persons named or indicated above. Any unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of any parts of the contents of this message/information is strictly prohibited by federal law. Any attempts to intercept this message are in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. 2511(1) of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). All violators are subject to fines, imprisonment, civil damages, or combination thereof. If you are not the intended recipient, please (1) immediately notify Somers Public Schools about the receipt by telephone 860 749 2270 x 2020 (2) delete all copies of this message and any attachments and (3) do not disseminate or make any use of their contents.

Non-Discrimination Statement
The Somers Public Schools is committed to equal opportunity for all students, applicants and employees. The District does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.  In addition, it provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  Inquiries regarding the District’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Dina Senecal. Title IX Coordinator, 1 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT 06071, (860) 749-2270 x2039 

Should an accommodation for a disability be required, please contact Caroline Hargraves, Director of Pupil Services and Section 504 Coordinator, 1 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT 06071, (860) 749-2270 x2055

_______________________________________________
CASL-L mailing list
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https://mylist.net/listinfo/casl-l

CONFIDENTIALITY: This email (including any attachments) may contain confidential, proprietary and privileged information, and unauthorized disclosure or use is prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete this email from your system.
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--
Lauren Yansick
Library Media Specialist
The Sherman School
"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one." - Neil Gaiman
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