Effective June 5, 2008
This Code of Conduct acknowledges that University Library fulfills an important educational function in the University. Educational settings require special considerations, including the priority that must be placed on supporting the University's educational mission. The purpose of this document is to address conduct expectations for library users so that University Library can meet its mission.
The Library strives to provide for its authorized users:
- Collections that meet the research and instructional needs of users.
- Privacy and confidentiality to the extent provided by university policies and any applicable laws.
- A safe, clean, pleasant and productive learning environment conducive to scholarly research, quiet study, and mutually respectful social interaction.
- Responsive service to the needs and priorities of its users.
Expectations for Users of University Library
- Obey all applicable university policies and laws of the local, state and federal government.
- Adhere to the Student Code of Conduct
- Present identification to library staff upon request, in compliance with university policy.
- Use email, Internet, and computer resources according to the Indiana University Information Technology policies
- Comply with other posted library policies (e.g. noise, computer use, etc.)
- Respond to emergency and security gate alarms and other situations as instructed by staff, leave the building at closing, and limit use of the library to authorized areas only.
- Comply with Indiana University smoking/tobacco policies.
- Be courteous to all library staff
- Respect other users of University Library
Prohibited Behaviors
Certain behaviors, detailed below, are in conflict with library goals. Library Users are expected to refrain from any of the following behaviors:
Safety and Emergencies
- Exhibit any threatening or intimidating behaviors, e.g., abusive language, threats of violence, or harassment.
- Engage in behavior that is potentially unsafe or harmful to self or others.
- Possess, use, or be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
- Be in unauthorized areas of the Library, remaining in the Library after closing or when requested to leave during emergency situations, drills or when not abiding by The Library's Conduct Policy.
- Carry weapons in the library.
- Open emergency exits except in emergency situations.
Use of Library Facilities
- Produce unnecessary noise, including but not limited to playing audio equipment so that others can hear it, by singing or talking to others or in monologues, or by behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons.
- Behaviors considered disruptive, such as disturbing others through noisy or boisterous activities; by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person; by following another person about the building with the intent to annoy that person; engaging in unwanted or inappropriate touching; unwanted or inappropriate advances; harassment or indecent exposure.
- Sleeping for an extended period of time (not including incidental napping), lying down and sleeping on a couch, bench, floor or other surface; excessive use of seating or space that interferes with priority usage for students, faculty, or staff.
- Misappropriate, misuse, damage, or obstructive use of library equipment, resources or facilities.
- Remove or attempt to remove library materials, equipment or property without proper checkout or other official library authorization.
- Use restroom facilities for purposes other than which they are intended.
- Enter the building without a shirt or other covering of their upper bodies or without shoes or other footwear.
- Disturb others with strong odors, e.g., perfumes, alcohol or unsanitary personal conditions. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
- Bring animals in the building, except guide/assisting dogs.
- Leave property in library lockers overnight. Lockers are the property of the Library and are provided for the temporary, daily use by patrons. Any items remaining in lockers at close of business will become the property of the library.
- Interfere with the use of the Library by other patrons, or interfere with Library employees' performance of their duties.
- Vend, peddle, solicit, or petition in University Library; post or distribute materials without permission.
Use of Library Computer Resources
The Library does reserve the right to impose time limits on computer use, to restrict use of computers with special software or database access, and to give preference to IUPUI students, faculty and staff. As a depository in the Federal Depository Library Program, library staff will make accommodation for users needing access to online U.S. government publications. If you have questions please consult our government information librarian, Ted Polley 317-274-8552. Users should be considerate of the needs of other users. Viewing some kinds of materials may be offensive in a public setting. Members of the public are entitled to use computers in the Library as long as they have a valid IUPUI Library Guest ID and abide by all computing and network policies of IUPUI University Library and Indiana University. The following is a partial listing of behaviors that are prohibited:
- Allowing others to use their nontransferable IU identification or IU or University Library Network ID and passphrase.
- Maliciously access, alter, delete, damage or destroy any computer system, network computer program or data.
- Failing to adhere to copyright laws, including systematically downloading, printing, or disseminating content from University Library-licensed electronic resources in violation of copyright laws.
Sanctions
If library staff become aware of these behaviors, appropriate action will be taken. The sanction, if any, will be determined by the Dean of University Library or her delegate.
Sanctions may include:
- Being asked to modify your behavior
- Being asked to leave the library premises
- Being reported to the Dean of Students, as appropriate
- Being banned from University Library
- Requesting assistance from campus police, as appropriate
- Having library privileges, including use of the building, suspended or revoked indefinitely
- Referral of the behavior to campus police
The University Library reserves the right to determine when a sanctioned individual’s privileges may be reinstated.
A sanctioned individual may reapply for library privileges after a two-year period. In order to renew privileges, the sanctioned individual must meet with representatives of library administration to review the library’s code of conduct.
Sanctioned individuals who make a written commitment to abide by the University Library code of conduct may be readmitted based on recommendations by library administration.
The University Library reserves the right to revoke a sanctioned individual’s privileges indefinitely.