[OPLINLIST] Results of Petitioners

[Susan Pieper, M.S.L.S.]

Hello again:
The majority of the responses shared the opinion of OLC, which was basically
that petitioners were allowed "outside" the library as long as they did not
block the entrance, harrass the patrons, or impede library service. This was
what many sent:

>From OLC...
Petitioners on Library Property. Some library directors have reported that
petitioners have been on library property seeking signatures for upcoming
ballot initiatives. As a reminder, an individual or groups of individuals
requesting signatures on petitions that are in the interest of the general
public or for initiatives intended for the ballot in a general election are
permitted on the sidewalks and other outdoor public areas around the library
as long as the activity does not interfere with patrons accessing the
library entrances or library services. Petitioners are not permitted to
block patron access to the library or harass patrons in an effort to obtain
signatures. Petitioners are not allowed to gather signatures inside the
library. See Guidelines Pertaining to Library Imposed Bans on Petitioning
provided by OLC's legal counsel.

Some libraries sent policies which basically said the same thing.
Petitioners were allowed to request signatures as long as they were
"outside" the library and not interfering with patrons access to the
building, etc.  Petitioners WERE NOT allowed to conduct political
activities, including gathering of signatures, "inside" the library
building.

Thanks again,
Susan
*****************************
Susan Hill Pieper, M.S.L.S.
Director/Editor
Paulding County Carnegie Library
Rural Library Services Newsletter
205 S Main St, Paulding, Ohio 45879
419-399-2032 voice 419-399-2114 fax
www.pauldingcountylibrary.org
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