UL Acceptable Behavior Policy

(August 2005)

The University of Akron Libraries seek to provide access to library resources and facilities, maintain a comfortable and safe environment for both library users and staff, and to protect library resources and facilities. Use of The University of Akron Libraries facilities and resources is a privilege granted to registered students, faculty, staff, and alumni of The University of Akron. Affiliated users and visitors whose needs for use reflect the educational mission of The University of Akron Libraries are also welcome.

The exercise of these privileges must be consistent with The University of Akron Libraries "Acceptable Behavior Policy". This policy is designed to provide for calm atmosphere for use of library resources and facilities and to prohibit interference with the use of library resources and facilities by others. This policy is also designed to prohibit activities inconsistent with the achievement of the library's goals and objectives. Specifically, the policy describes behaviors that interfere with the privileges of users to access library resources and facilities; the maintenance of a comfortable and safe environment for both library users and staff; and, the protection of library resources and facilities. The policy prohibits behaviors that interfere with library staff performance of duties and responsibilities.

Library users are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with this policy on acceptable behavior. Library users are also expected to abide by directives of library staff. Users who violate this policy on acceptable behavior may be referred to University Police for resolution.

Providing Access to Library Resources and Facilities

The following behaviors are inconsistent with the library's objective of providing access to library resources and facilities:

• Engaging in selling of products and/or services
• Solicitation of funds
• Willfully blocking or obstructing library entrances, exits, stairways, aisles, or passageways
• Creating excessive noise (Cell phone users are expected to limit the duration of their calls, as well as control the auditory volume of their conversations)
• Use of library computing resources that is inconsistent with the University's policy on access and acceptable use of university computer and information resources (OAC 3359-11-10), the "Information Technology Policies of the University of Akron", or with the educational mission of The University of Akron Libraries (The University Libraries does not block access to any materials available through its electronic resources and the Internet. In all cases in which minors are using the University Libraries, including its public workstations and other information resources, parents or other adult caregivers are responsible for supervising the minor's use; parents and caregivers should be aware that allowing minors to have unsupervised access to electronic resources and the Internet could result in access to information or images that some may consider inappropriate)

Maintaining a Comfortable and Safe Environment

The following behaviors are inconsistent with the library's objective of maintaining a comfortable and safe environment for both library users and staff:

• Bringing animals into library facilities (Animals trained to assist users with disabilities are permitted.)
• Carrying weapons, except as permitted under federal, state, or local statutes
• Remaining in or entering the library during those times when the library is not open to the public
• Refusing to leave the library in a timely fashion at closing
• Opening emergency exits or activating emergency alarms, except in cases of emergency
• Entering non-public areas of the library
• Using threatening, intimidating or abusive language
• Engaging in sexual harassment (Using images, including computer images, to harass library users or staff may also constitute sexual harassment)
• Engaging in behavior of a sexual nature
• Accessing or distributing child pornography
• Engaging in violent behavior or making threats of violence
• Engaging in physical or mental intimidation or harassment of library users or staff, including stalking
• Engaging in boisterous conduct
• Smoking and/or use of tobacco
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages or use of illicit drugs
• Exhibiting behavior which indicates intoxication or illegal drug use
• Leaving young children unattended
• Use of in-line skates, skateboards or bicycles

Protecting Library Resources and Facilities

The following behaviors are inconsistent with the library's objective of protecting library resources and facilities:

• Vandalizing, damaging, destroying, or engaging in theft of library property (buildings, equipment, or collections)
• Mutilating library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing electronic theft detection devices or barcodes, or in any other way defacing library materials
• Altering computer settings, software or peripherals
• Improper use of library materials and/or facilities
• Improper disposal of food and drink items
• Violations of federal and international copyright laws, or other pertinent federal, state or local laws, including University of Akron regulations (Responsibility for the appropriate use of copyrighted and licensed materials lies with the user.)
• Improper posting of notices (All notices must be approved by the Reference Department before posting.)
• Refusal to present briefcases, book bags etc., for inspection upon activation of the detection alarm

Library staff will ask library users whose behavior is in conflict with this policy to stop such behavior. Should users fail to comply with such a request from library staff, University Police may be contacted in order to take appropriate action. Violators of this policy may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or university discipline in accordance with The University of Akron's policy on campus conduct (OAC 3359-40-01).

Behaviors described in the above policy on acceptable use are meant to be illustrative, rather than exhaustive, of the types of behaviors prohibited in The University of Akron Libraries. The University of Akron Libraries reserves the right to modify this policy in consultation with appropriate units of The University of Akron.