Conduct In and Around the Library

Sims Memorial Library seeks to create a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment for our users. It is also the Library’s responsibility to preserve an environment conducive to research and study. Behavior that disrupts or obstructs academic pursuits or the delivery of library services is a violation of this policy. Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Creating excessive noise (including the use of audible sound generating devices) that interferes with the normal operations of the Library or with another’s right to study;
• Engaging in hostile or rowdy behavior;
• Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent, including the use of language that is considered lewd or indecent;
• Any form of sexual harassment, including the display of sexually explicit objects or pictures, print or electronic;
• Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian traffic;
• Threatening, intimidating, coercing, harassing, or using physical force in a manner that causes another person to be reasonably apprehensive or which endangers the health or safety of oneself or another person;
• Soliciting goods, services, or donations;
• Distribution of non-Library materials to patrons or staff without permission from Library administration;
• Failure to comply with the directions of a Library staff member in the performance of his/her duties;
• Any conduct that violates the Responsible Computing policy, other University policies, the Student Code of Conduct, or federal/state/local laws.
  
  

DISRUPTIVE LIBRARY USERS

If a user is found to be abusing a policy or exhibiting disruptive behavior in the facility, a verbal warning will be issued. Warnings may be issued by any library team member, including student workers.

After one warning is issued, the user will be asked to leave the facility if the disruptions continue.

The user is expected to leave the facility immediately.

If the user fails to leave, University Police will be called to escort the patron from the facility. Circulation will be notified when the police have been called to help direct responding officers.

If a user is found to be participating in illegal behavior or activities, University Police will be called immediately.

FOOD

Food and drinks are allowed in Sims Library.

Beverages must be in firmly-lidded, spill-proof containers and are permitted in most areas throughout the Library. Areas that don’t allow beverages are marked with signs.

Patrons are expected to put all food and drink related trash into one of the many trash cans located
throughout the building.

Spills should be reported to a Library staff member.

CELL PHONES AND OTHER AUDIBLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES 

Cell phones, pagers, and similar electronic devices should be set to no-ring (vibrate) mode and should only be used in lobby areas. Devices with headphones should be set at a low volume so sound is not audible to others.

ELECTRICAL CORDS 

Electrical cords must not be draped across aisles or in any manner that creates a tripping hazard.