Conduct in the Library

We ask for your cooperation with policies respecting the use of the library's building and materials. These policies are designed to make our resources as accessible as possible to library users, present and future, and are consistent with those of most academic libraries.

The library staff is responsible for administering policies. It is expected that staff requests for compliance will be immediately and civilly honored. Questions or complaints should be addressed to the library administration. Depending on the seriousness of the infraction, refusal to comply with policies may result in:

• a request to leave the building

• refusal of future access to the library

• summoning of a security guard

• suspension of library privileges

• University conduct hearing under the Student Conduct Code

Noise

Noise in the library is a common cause of complaint. Please be considerate of others.

If you can be heard at the next table (or within four feet), you are too loud. Cell phone ring tones and conversations, stereo headsets set at high volume, and IM “alerts” and other computer alert sounds can distract and annoy those working around you. 

Please set any devices you have to “silent” when you enter the library, and please make, and take, telephone calls outside.

Conversations in the halls or by the photocopiers travel to other parts of the library where students are trying to concentrate.

Students wishing to study together should use group study rooms. Keys may be checked out from the Circulation Desk (student ID required).

Food and Drinks

Neither food nor drinks should be brought into the library (past the security gates). Food and drinks left behind in the Library Lobby will be discarded by Library staff. The exception is plain water, which must be carried in a closed bottle or spill-proof mug subject to inspection by library staff. Covered cups are not allowed.

The ban on food and drinks includes library classrooms and group study rooms.

Smoking, Chewing Tobacco, Etc.

Smoking is prohibited in this building by State law and by UH policy. Anyone found smoking will be asked to leave and to take all cigarette butts or other smoking materials out of the building. Spitting and the use of chewing tobacco, snuff, betel nut, etc. are also prohibited.

Animals

The only animals permitted in the library are those trained to assist persons with disabilities.

Theft and Damage to Library Property

Theft. As a precaution against both intended and unintended unauthorized removal of library materials or other University property from the building, the library is equipped with an electronic security system. Administrative action and/or criminal prosecution may be pursued if library materials are not properly checked out.

The library reserves the right to inspect the patron's personal belongings for library items. Inspection is made prior to the patron's exiting the library.

Damage. Please handle books and other materials with the same care with which you handle your own valuable possessions. A few basic precautions: keep them covered when they are outdoors, keep them away from food, beverages, and smoke, and do not mark in them or bend their pages or spines. When you notice a book in need of repair, please bring it to the attention of a library staff member. Patrons who lose or damage library materials may be billed for the damage and assessed a processing fee.

Mutilating books--for example, ripping out pages or underlining--is prohibited and is punishable under the Student Conduct Code. Likewise, anyone willfully causing damage to the premises (e.g., vandalism, graffiti) will be subject to sanctions under the Student Conduct Code and applicable criminal statutes.

Attire

Shoes and shirts are required.

Computers

Users must follow all of the University's computer use policies.

Cell Phones

Cell phones must be turned off in the library.

Children

Unless under constant supervision by adults, children 8th grade and below are not allowed in the library. Children may not touch library computers or other equipment. In cases where children are not closely supervised or library rules are being broken, library staff will ask parents or caretakers to take the children out of the building. Staff may contact Campus Security concerning unsupervised children.

High School Students

High school students may use the library up until 6:00 p.m. Exceptions: students in advanced placement courses and those supervised by an adult may use the library at any time. High school students found to be truants will be asked to leave.

Security

A quiet and safe setting is necessary for study and thought. Anyone infringing on the right of others to use the library for its intended purpose will be asked to leave the building.

Verbal or physical abuse, intimidation, harassment, sexual activity, and any other behavior deemed disruptive by library staff are prohibited. Disruptive behavior is that which unduly interferes with another library patron's quiet enjoyment and use of the library.

Victims of or witnesses to crimes in the library should notify the nearest library staff member immediately. Library users bothered by disruptive behavior or harassment are also encouraged to notify the nearest library staff member for assistance.