Minors in the Library
Purpose
To clarify the role and responsibility of the Library and Learning Centre in supervising and caring for minors left unattended by responsible adults and to provide guidelines for staff in handling such situations.
General Library Use
- The library and Learning Centre staff cannot take responsibility for the safety of minors and cannot assume caregiver responsibilities.
- Library and Learning Centre materials, resources, and quiet study space are primarily for VCC students enrolled in courses.
- Minors aged 13-18 may access the library, but they must respect library and Learning Centre policies, including noise and computer-use guidelines.
Minors Under 13
- Minors under the age of 13 must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.
- If a minor under 13 is found unattended and in distress, security will be contacted to identify an authorized adult to oversee the situation until a responsible adult is located.
- If a child under 13 is found alone in the library but does not appear to be in distress, staff will provide the minor with a letter for their responsible adult explaining the library’s policy regarding minors.
- If a minor has been left unattended for 2 hours, library staff should notify security to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.
Minors and Library and Learning Centre Services
- Library Cards & Borrowing: A VCC student's library privileges are not transferable. A parent may borrow materials for their child, but minors cannot use a parent's library card without explicit consent.
- Computer Access: Library and Learning Centre computers are intended for VCC students. Parents may not provide computer access to minors.
- Study rooms and quiet study Room: These spaces are reserved for registered VCC students and staff. Minors are not permitted to use these rooms.
Definitions
Authorized Adult: A College employee who has completed a Criminal Records Check and has been approved to work with minors on campus in College sanctioned events.
Minor: An individual under the age of majority as set out in the Age of Majority Act.
Responsible Adult: A parent, legal guardian or other adult, including but not limited to College Employees, who is responsible for escorting a Minor(s) to or from Program activities or Supervising a Minor(s) while on campus or participating in Program activities.
Unaccompanied Minor: A Minor who is under the age of 13 and present on campus without direct supervision by a Responsible Adult, and who is not participating in a College-Related Activity that provides appropriate oversight.
Applies To
All VCC students, employees, and members of the public who may bring minors with them or leave minors unattended in the VCC Library and Learning Centre.
* Approved by LLRMG, April 2025