Library Channel Guidelines

The Library Channel was established in June 2006 by action of the City of Bloomington Department of Public Works and began telecasting in January 2007. It originates from Community Access Television Services (CATS) at Monroe County Public Library (MCPL), and is available on local Cable Channel 3 and to viewers who have access to the Internet. The Library Channel is one of five public, educational, and governmental access (PEG) channels administered by CATS.

Statement of Purpose

The Library Channel’s primary purpose is to extend access to library programs and to promote reading and use of the library. The Library Channel also records educational and cultural events, speakers, and public forums of enduring interest. It offers the citizens of Bloomington and Monroe County a blend of local, national, and international educational, arts and cultural programming. Additionally, the Library Channel provides announcements about library services, upcoming library programs, and use of library meeting rooms by nonprofit organizations.

MCPL Mission Statement

The Monroe County Public Library offers equitable access to information, a place to gather, and opportunities for lifelong learning, enrichment and enjoyment.

Programming Guidelines

1. The Library Channel’s primary purpose is to extend access to library programs and to promote reading and use of the library. The Library Channel also records educational and cultural events, speakers, and public forums of enduring interest. It offers the citizens of Bloomington and Monroe County a blend of local, national, and international educational, arts and cultural programming. Additionally, the Library Channel provides announcements about library services, upcoming library programs, and use of library meeting rooms by nonprofit organizations.

2. All Library Channel programming is coordinated by Community Access Television Services (CATS), in conjunction with library staff, partner organizations, and the Library Channel Advisory Board.

3. Library programs and events have priority. The Library will partner with other agencies and organizations to produce programs when they are compatible with the Library Channel’s goals and priorities.

4. Community forums and events originating at the library may be recorded based on library policy and availability of CATS staff and equipment. Groups utilizing The Library Channel accept full legal responsibility for the content of their program.

5. The library will not proscribe or cancel the telecast of any program solely because an individual or group may find the content objectionable.

6. The Library Board of Trustees neither approves nor disapproves of content, topics, subject matter, or points-of-view of individuals or groups whose programs appear on The Library Channel.

7. The library will not knowingly telecast copyrighted materials without the express permission of the copyright holder, and the library will make good faith efforts to obtain such permission.

8. Persons attending events or public meetings at the library may be photographed or videotaped as an audience member or program participant. These images may be used for Library programming or promotion, including telecast on The Library Channel or the Library website.

9. These guidelines shall be administered by the Library Director or the Manager of CATS as her/his designee, who is authorized to adopt rules to implement it. Exceptions may be granted for programs deemed to be in the public interest.

10. Policy determinations for all public channels may be appealed to the City of Bloomington Telecommunications Commission.

11. All policy determinations of the City of Bloomington Telecommunications Commission may be appealed to the City of Bloomington Department of Public Works.

12. Programs presented by members of the public are accommodated by CATS Public Access Channel. All meetings or functions of the Library Board of Trustees are telecast on the County Government Access Channel.