Guidelines and Code of Conduct at the National Library of Israel

Library Code of Conduct

1. The work of the National Library of Israel is conducted in accordance with the terms of The National Library Law, 5768-2007, which dictates that the public will be allowed proper and reasonable access to the Library's collections, that the Library will display permanent and temporary exhibitions of collections to the public, and that it will hold cultural and educational activities for all or part of the public, including pupils at educational institutions.
2. The National Library is a national institution that respects all of its visitors, in turn, Library visitors are asked to treat Library employees and other visitors with respect. Violence of any kind in the Library is unacceptable (physical, verbal, property vandalism, or any damage to the surroundings).
3. Entry to the Library building and presence within it is dependent on compliance with instructions issued by its security staff and acquiescence to checks conducted by said staff. Non-compliance may result in a ban or removal from the Library.
4. Visitors to the Library are asked to comply with instructions issued by Library staff, including service and security staff.
5. Entering the reading halls:
   • Entry is dependent on registering on the Library website and presenting a library card to the guard at the entrance to the halls.
   • Those entering must first deposit their bags either in the cloak room on floor 0 or in the lockers located on floor -1. You may carry personal items into the reading halls, such as a laptop computer or writing materials, using a transparent bag which you can receive at the cloak room. This bag must be returned once you are done using it. Food and beverages are not permitted in the reading halls, aside from capped water bottles.
   • Groups of over five people are not allowed to enter the reading halls unless they have received permission from Library management for the purpose of study.
6. There are different guidelines for entering the Special Collections Reading Hall, which can be found here. You must pre-book your entry to access this room. Entry into this room is not permitted with personal items or any type of food or beverage. Laptops and notebooks are permitted.
7. Please remain silent while in the reading halls and study rooms. Speaking on mobile phones is not permitted in these areas
8. Smoking or lighting any sort of fire is not permitted throughout the Library building, including the patio, café and restaurant. This is also true for electronic cigarettes.
9. Charging electric bike or electric kick scooter batteries within the Library building is not permitted, in order to minimize the risk of fire.
10. Help us keep the Library clean and tidy. Please mind your manners.

Please ensure you are fully clothed when entering the Library and present within it.

Removing shoes is not permitted.

Do not place your feet on tables or chairs.

Do not move furniture.

Rules governing use of materials

• The Library's resources are available within the Library’s confines. It is forbidden to remove books and other materials from the premises without registering at the main circulation desk. Borrowing books to take home is for members with a paid or complimentary loan subscription. For details on borrowing books.
• Study rooms are available for group study. Their use is subject to the Library's Code of Conduct and they must be reserved in advance. For details on study rooms.
• It is forbidden to bring any Library material into the restrooms: books, periodicals, or any other material.
• Do not remove items from the reading halls.
• Books and materials that are registered in the Library catalog as "reserved", will be administered in exchange for the visitor’s ID, which will be returned to its owner when the material is returned in its entirety.
• If the requested item is located on a shelf in the reading halls, the visitor may find and retrieve the item independently or with the assistance of a Library employee. When the visitor has completed review of the item, it should be returned to one of the various drop-off stations in the reading rooms.

Guidelines for handling books in the reading halls

• Remove books from the shelves by holding both sides of the book and not its top.
• Do not write in the books, mark them, or fold any pages.
• The books’ integrity and cleanliness must be upheld, as well as any other Library material. Damaging the integrity of Library material (writing in the pages, tearing, wrinkling, or marking them) is a violation.
• Books should not be returned to the shelves, only to the designated drop-off stations.
• Stack books by sorting them and placing the largest at the bottom and the smallest on top.

Rules governing use of computers

• The Library’s computers are available for visitors’ usage, and are connected to the Library's network and the Internet. Use of the computers is monitored by employees.
• Use of the Library computers is permitted, as long as the Library's goals and directives are abided by.

• In the interest of respecting other Library visitors, please do not use sites featuring prohibited content. This includes, but is not limited to, content prohibited for viewers under the age of 18, in accordance with Israeli law.

• Occasionally certain computer stations will be designated for a particular use, such as access to databases or for individuals with disabilities. These stations will be prioritized for their designated use.
• A laptop-lending service is provided to visitors for use on the Library premises. This service is provided to registered users. For further details on the laptop-lending service

Photocopying and scanning rules

1. Photocopying, scanning, etc. of Library items are subject to the Copyright Law 5768-2007.It is the sole responsibility of visitors to comply with the provisions of the law regarding utilization of a copy or photocopy of an item from the Library collection.
2. Visitors are provided access to photocopying and scanning equipment in the building. This service is available for a fee.
3. Special items, such as books published before 1900, large-format maps and newspapers, as well as any fragile material, cannot be copied on the self-service photocopiers. The material can be copied via our Document Delivery Service (for a fee) or photographed using your own device.
4. Personal photography devices may be used, in accordance with the above regulations and without disturbing others on the premises, while taking care to not damage the item as it is being photographed.

Emergency guidelines

1. The Library's staff and security department have been briefed and drilled to prepare for emergencies. Visitors are asked to comply with their instructions to ensure their own security and safety.
   
   
2. During a "Red Alert" siren:
   1. You have 90 seconds to reach a protected space.
   2. Every floor contains protected spaces designated for use during rocket attacks
   3. Follow the instructions of Library staff and make your way to the closest protected space. You can also make your way to a stairwell or the underground parking lot, in accordance with "Most Protected Space" instructions.
      
      
3. During an earthquake:

A. For those inside the building:

• If it is possible to exit the building within a few seconds – do so immediately.
• If it isn't possible to exit the building quickly: head for a stairwell or protected space.
• Do not use the elevator, do not stand under a doorway and do not enter an underground shelter,
• Following the earthquake, exit the building and head for the assembly

B. For those outside the building:

• Remain outside and move away from buildings, trees and electrical cables.
  
  

4. During a fire:

• Firefighting equipment is spread throughout the building. The building also has a fire alarm system.
• During a fire, visitors must follow instructions that will be broadcast over the public speakers and issued by Library staff. Visitors should exit the building in an orderly fashion using the emergency exits.
  
  

5. During a medical incident:

• The Library has an emergency team on staff that includes paramedics.
• The Library has a defibrillator and an emergency resuscitation kit, as well as cupboards containing first aid and emergency equipment.
• If medical treatment is required, immediately update Library staff or our security department by calling the emergency line: 074-733-6222

Violating Code of Conduct

Violating Code of Conduct and removing visitors from the Library premises

1. The National Library of Israel is entitled to prevent the use of its services, and in addition, prohibit any individual who has violated its regulations, from accessing the Library.

2. Visitors must identify themselves, if requested to do so, and provide their personal details to the Library's security staff.
3. The Library is entitled to enact the following progressive procedures in the event of Code of Conduct violation or inappropriate behavior:

• In the event of a first-time violator, Library employees will alert the visitor, request to cease the misconduct, and may ask the visitor to leave the reading hall.

• If the visitor does not leave despite the employee's request, damages property, disturbs public peace and order, or disturbs other visitors, the incident will be referred to the Library’s security department.
• If, despite the request of the Library employee, the visitor does not cease the conduct, the visitor will be summoned for a review with the Library's head of security.
• Until the review is complete and at the discretion of the head of security, the Library may prevent the visitor from accessing its services.
• In the event that the misconduct has reoccurred, after the review with the head of security, the Library is entitled to remove the visitor from the Library for a period of time at its discretion.
• The visitor is entitled to appeal the head of security's decision to prohibit access to the Library with the director of the Public Services division.
• In the event of misconduct that occurs after prohibiting access, the Library is entitled to permanently ban the visitor from the Library. A decision to permanently ban a visitor, will require the approval of the Library's Director General.
• In severe cases of misconduct, the Library is entitled to initiate immediate restraining measures.
   

   4. The aforementioned does not prevent the Library's management from holding accountable those who harm the Library's employees, its customers, visitors to its  premises, the Library's property, or collections.