Ohio Admin. Code 3341-3-45 - General library building use policy - undergraduate

(A) Policy statement and purpose

This policy provides general guidelines and rules for use of the William T. Jerome library and its associated facilities. university libraries.

(B) Policy

(1) University libraries staff are committed to providing:

(a) A welcoming environment that is safe for both individuals and the collections.

(b) Space that is conducive to academic research activities, including both quiet and group study.

(c) Tools for users to freely access information.

(d) Access to the library collections and collections from other institutions.

(e) Courteous and respectful service.

(2) The following policies support these commitments., and failure Failure to observe the policies may result in being asked to leave the library or being referred to campus security or other relevant university authorities.

(a) Computer workstations are primarily for the use of BGSU faculty, staff, and students. Visitors can login as guests during non-busy times when many computers are available or can access the wireless network for their own device from the BGSU ITS homepage. Use of computers and other campus technology is governed by ITS policy

(b) Children must be supervised by their parent or guardian while in the library. The group study rooms on the first and seventh floors are available without reservation. In consideration of others, please limit your use to three hours per day and do not hold the room by leaving personal property in the space. The group rooms are intended for use by two or more people, but individuals are welcome to use unoccupied rooms.

(c) Bikes are not allowed inside the doors of the library. They may be attached to any of the racks located outside the library, but may not be attached to the ramp which is to be fully accessible to the handicapped at all times. Minors who are not affiliated with the institution or part of a university- approved group must be supervised by a responsible adult while in the library.

(d) In case of emergency, elevators will be inoperable, and patrons must use stairways. Patrons whose behavior interferes with the use of the library by others may be asked to leave. Examples of prohibited behavior include creating offensive odors or excessive noise.

(e) Excessive noise or commotion that impacts others' ability to conduct their work is prohibited. Per university policy, bikes, skateboards, skates, scooters, and other recreational wheeled devices are not allowed in the library. ADA assistive devices and baby strollers are welcome. Items can be attached to the racks located outside the library but may not block walkways.

(f) Skating is not allowed in the library, in the stairwells, or on the deck. This includes, but is not limited to, skateboards, rollerblades, and in-line skates. Patrons must be fully clothed, including having a shirt and shoes, to be allowed in the library.

(g) Shoes or appropriate foot coverings must be worn in the library. At closing, all patrons are required to leave the building.

(h) At closing, all patrons are required to leave the building. Food and beverages are allowed except where otherwise indicated.

(i) Mutilation of materials, vandalism, and unauthorized removal of library materials are prohibited by state law (section 2909.05 of the Revised Code) and are violations of the student code. A charge will be assessed for damaging library materials. An additional replacement and processing fee will be assessed for material that is no longer usable.

(j) Mutilation of materials, vandalism, and unauthorized removal of library materials are prohibited by state law (section 2909.05 of the Revised Code) and are violations of the student code. A minimum charge of ten dollars will be assessed for damaging library materials. Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the libraries.

(k) Use of tobacco products in any form is not permitted in the libraries. Animals for scheduled programs and service animals, as defined by the ADA, are welcome. Assistance animals (also known as emotional support or comfort animals) are not allowed in the building per university policy.

(l) Service animals and dogs assisting physically challenged patrons are welcome. Pets are not allowed inside the libraries. The public address system is for employee use only. We will only take requests to page individuals for emergency situations.

(m) Signs, flyers, and other publications promoting events, clubs, etc., are permitted only on the designated bulletin boards on the first, seventh, and eighth floors. Signs without visible contact information or that are out of date will be removed.

(n) Photography and videotaping in the libraries are allowed only by permission. Requests must be made through the dean of university libraries. Persons may not engage in collecting signatures, canvassing on behalf of candidates for public office or ballot issues, soliciting sales for a business, or distributing leaflets inside the library. People engaging in these activities outside the building or the library's associated facilities shall not block, hinder, interfere, or otherwise impede persons from entering or exiting or from accessing book returns.

(o) Signs, flyers, and other publications promoting events, clubs, etc., are permitted only on the designated bulletin boards on seventh and eighth floors. Harassment or intimidation of library users or staff will not be tolerated and will be reported to campus police.

(p) Harassment or intimidation of library users or staff will not be tolerated and will be reported to campus police.

(q)(p) Viewing of controversial and sensitive material

University libraries resist censorship of information and strongly support the principle of intellectual freedom, and thus support an individual's right to view controversial and sensitive material in the library. However, viewing sexually explicit or violent images or videos at a public computer workstation can be offensive and even threatening to other library users and employees. If UL staff members receive complaints about material that a reasonable person would consider objectionable, the library user viewing the material will be asked to stop or move to a less public location.

Date: January 2015

Equity impact statement: The policy has been assessed for adverse differential impact on members of one or more protected groups.

Notes

Ohio Admin. Code 3341-3-45

Effective: 8/19/2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 3341
Rule Amplifies: 3341
Prior Effective Dates: 03/24/2015