General Policy

Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming environment where diverse experiences and perspectives are honored and that is conducive to the varied types of research, scholarship, teaching, and learning done by all students, faculty, staff, and patrons visiting the Oregon State University Libraries and Press (OSULP). This Code of Conduct, along with other OSU Libraries and Press policies, seeks to provide a facility suitable for reading, learning, and other activities associated with scholarly teaching and research. As members of an academic community, library users are responsible for sustaining the scholarly environment created by library design and personnel. In the case of disagreement over the use of OSU Libraries’ space, OSU Libraries staff will rely on policy and context in making a reasonable determination. The OSU Libraries Code of Conduct includes all Policies and Standards of Oregon State University and the OSU Student Conduct and Community Standards. This code of conduct sets out the Library’s Conditions of Use which are applicable to all library users and are enforceable by all library employees. 

 

As a library user, you have the right to:

  • A safe and secure environment where you are treated with dignity and respect and are free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment.
  • Have OSULP staff respect and protect your privacy and confidentiality whenever possible while using our resources and services, as outlined in the OSU Libraries Privacy Policy.
  • Respectfully ask others to lower their voices or end conversations in designated quiet areas.
  • Use the library during scheduled, open hours.
  • Expect library staff to take your concerns seriously when requesting assistance. 
  • Appeal decisions affecting you about library access or decisions with Library Administration by sending an email request to lib.admin@oregonstate.edu

 

As a library user, you have the responsibility to:

Maintain the safety and security of others, free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment.
This includes but is not limited to:

  • Treating other library users and staff with dignity and respect.
  • Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of other library users.
  • Abiding by library and university acceptable computer-use policies. 
  • Not leaving children unsupervised.
  • Not engaging in discrimination, microaggressions, intimidation, or harassment of any kind, including unwanted or inappropriate advances, sexual activities, or indecent exposure.

Help preserve library resources and spaces.
This includes but is not limited to:

  • Maintaining library spaces and furniture free from hazards and debris, and returning furniture and equipment to original configurations.
  • Moving through library spaces in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Managing and safely storing personal items and transportation equipment.
  • Using only designated locations to secure bicycles outside library spaces in accordance with the OSU Libraries Bicycle Policies.
  • Refraining from selling, petitioning, and soliciting in library space.
  • Posting signs, notices, and flyers only in accordance with the OSU Libraries Displays Policy.
  • Entering non-public areas only with library staff permission.
  • Checking out library materials before removing them from library spaces. 
  • Refraining from applying graffiti or stickers, or defacing/damaging furniture, fixtures or the building.

Use library spaces for their designated purposes.
This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Not detracting from the scholarly environment with disruptive noise, odors, and behaviors.
  • Not using library facilities for residential purposes (e.g., prolonged sleeping, bathing, cooking, camping).
  • Never blocking doors, walkways, or safety features. However, much of the furniture within the library can be rearranged temporarily to suit individual and group needs within reason. 
  • Taking photographs and filming only in accordance with the OSU Libraries Photography and Filming Policy.

Use library spaces respectfully.
This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Meeting the expectation to clean up after yourself and to leave the space as clean or cleaner than you found it. 
  • Overseeing and maintaining control of your personal belongings.
  • Using headphones/earbuds when listening to music or watching videos or live lectures. Adjusting the volume so that it does not impact those around you.
  • Respecting those around you and keeping noise levels to a point that does not disturb others. For further details, see the Quiet and Silent Study Spaces Policy.

 

Loss of Library Privileges and Access

Library use is a privilege. If an individual or group is not adhering to University policies, conditions of use or student code of conduct while in the Library then they should expect feedback from other patrons or Library staff. Concerns, problems, University Policy, or Conditions of Use violations may also be reported at a library service desk.

Anyone violating these policies may be asked to leave the library and may be refused future access. Library users found in violation of this Code of Conduct may be asked to present identification to library staff; directed to leave the premises; suspended from access to all library facilities for a period of time; or reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, Human Resources or the Department of Public Safety. Disciplinary or legal action may be taken in accordance with applicable federal, state, city, and campus laws and policies. Depending on the severity of the offense or the pattern of behavior, anyone in violation of this Code of Conduct may be banned for extended periods such as one week, one year, or permanently.

Policy updated May 3, 2023

OSUL: 
Code of Conduct