Library Use and Conduct

Introduction

Syracuse University Library (SUL) includes the E.S. Bird Library; the Science and Technology and the Mathematics Libraries, located in the Carnegie Building; the Geology Library, located in Heroy Laboratory; the Physics Library, located in the Physics Building; and the Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive.

SUL's primary mission is to serve the University's current students, faculty, and staff. Others are welcome to use the Library's collections for research and study purposes, as long as this use does not conflict with the Library's service to members of the Syracuse University community. The Library is committed to providing its users with the services and resources required for research and study in an atmosphere that enhances those activities. To honor that commitment, the Library has instituted the following policies, rules, and regulations. These are in compliance with University, New York State, and federal policies, regulations, and statutes. Library users are expected to be familiar with and to comply with University and Library regulations and relevant laws.

Use of Library Collections and Services

1. The Library reserves the right to limit the use of selected resources to individuals with currently valid SU I.D. cards. Individual borrowing privileges are not transferable.
   
2. Library materials must be returned by the designated due date. Users are responsible for borrowed Library materials until they are returned, and are responsible for charges assessed for lost, damaged, or overdue material. Failure to abide by these regulations will result in the loss of Library privileges. See the Library's circulation policies (at library.syr.edu/information/circulation/circpol.htm) and fines policies (at library.syr.edu/information/circulation/finepol.htm) for further information.
   
3. Library users are expected to comply with the University's Computing and Electronic Communications policy (at cms.syr.edu/policy/computepolicy.html) while accessing Library computers and networks. This policy governs the use of computers, networks, and related services on the Syracuse University campus. Users must respect the rights of others, respect the integrity of the computers, networks, and related services, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, contractual obligations, and University policies and procedures.
4. Library users may not use Library facilities or services for entertainment purposes and will be asked to leave the Library if they continue to do so.
5. The Library's collections and services are not designed to meet the needs of children. During school field trips children shall be accompanied by a teacher or other school personnel. At all other times, an adult must accompany children.
6. Use of SUL facilities for meetings, displays, events, filming, exhibitions, and other activities without advance authorization from the appropriate Library personnel is prohibited. See Guidelines for Photography, Videotaping, and Filming in Syracuse University Library (at library.syr.edu/policies/photo/index.html) and Study and Meeting Rooms in E.S. Bird Library (at library.syr.edu/information/facilities/studyrooms.html) for more information.

Rules of Conduct

1. Entering and Exiting Library Buildings
   
   a. Access to campus buildings and grounds is a privilege extended to SU students, faculty, staff, and guests. Public Safety Officers will request all individuals on University property without authorization, or who are unable to provide appropriate identification, to leave the premises or be subject to criminal prosecution. Access to buildings for special events may be arranged by contacting the University Events Scheduling Office, Schine Student Center, 315-443-4240. [SU Administrative Policy Manual -- Department of Public Safety sumweb.syr.edu/ir/apm/Vphrgr/PUBSAF.HTM ]
   
   b. SUL reserves the right to inspect possessions at exits/entrances, and to require presentation of a currently valid I.D. to gain access to the building and, if applicable, to borrow Library materials.
   
   c. Library users are required to exit the Library's facilities at closing, during emergency evacuations (e.g., fire alarms), and whenever requested to leave by Library staff or public safety personnel.
   
   d. Library users may not enter unauthorized or staff-only areas without obtaining permission from the appropriate Library personnel.
   
   
2. Disruptive or Illegal Behavior
   
   a. Group work, talking, and socializing are permitted in designated group study areas throughout the Library. Talking, socializing, and disruptive behavior that interferes with the study and research needs of others in any area of the Library are prohibited. Individuals who engage in noisy or disruptive behavior will be required by Library or Department of Public Safety staff to leave the Library facility.

b. Library users must not interfere with a Library employee's performance of his or her duties. Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to verbal abuse, harassment, and intimidation.

c. Theft, mutilation, and/or vandalism of library materials, equipment, and furniture are offenses subject to fines, replacement costs, and/or judicial or legal action.

d. Library users are expected to observe copyright and intellectual property laws.

e. Food is not permitted, except in the first-floor study area at E.S. Bird Library. Beverages are permitted in securely sealed containers only, and are restricted in designated locations within the Library. Food delivery is prohibited, except for catered events scheduled through the Library's offices.

f. Smoking is prohibited in all Library facilities and at the entrances to Library buildings.

g. Soliciting, peddling, vending, distributing literature, or advertising are prohibited in or around Library facilities.

h. The use of unauthorized drugs is prohibited in or around the Library. The use of alcohol is prohibited except during special authorized social events sponsored by the Library or the University (see sumweb.syr.edu/ir/apm/VPHRGR/HUMRES/EMPPRAC.HTM#adrug and students.syr.edu/handbook/2004/Rights.pdf).

3. Safety and Security

a. SUL is not liable for loss or damage to personal property. Individuals are responsible for their personal property at all times and should not leave personal property unattended.

b. Parking in unauthorized areas (e.g., on sidewalks, in fire lanes) near the Library is prohibited. Parking in designated handicapped parking areas is prohibited except for individuals who have appropriate authorization. Metered parking areas are the property of the City of Syracuse and are monitored by the Syracuse Police Department.

c. The use of candles or other incendiary, volatile, or toxic products or devices is prohibited.

d. Clubs, knives, guns, and other firearms and potential weapons, including but not limited to bats, golf clubs, and hockey and lacrosse sticks, are prohibited in or around the Library unless they are carried by an authorized officer of the law.

e. Individuals must wear appropriate attire, including shoes, at all times while inside Library buildings.

f. Animals, except those animals trained or being trained to assist persons with disabilities, are not permitted in SUL buildings.

g. Bicycles are not permitted in Library buildings. Bicycles of repeat offenders will be confiscated by the Department of Public Safety. Bicycle racks are provided and should always be used.

h. Rollerblading, skateboarding, and skating are prohibited in or around Library buildings.

From the SU Student Handbook 2004 (http://students.syr.edu/handbook/)
Syracuse University regulations on campus disruption apply to students, faculty, administrators, and staff for the maintenance of public order on the University's owned, operated, or controlled property and at its sponsored events.

Pursuant to the requirements of the New York Educational Law 6450 (Art.129a, 2004), the following rules, regulations, and enforcement procedures are adopted for the maintenance of public order on Syracuse University owned, operated, or controlled property.

A) PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Syracuse University is committed to the principle that freedom of discussion is essential to the search for truth and, consequently, welcomes and encourages the expression of dissent. Freedom of expression, however, ceases at the point at which its exercise infringes on the rights of either participants or nonparticipants. In order to preserve freedom of discussion and to protect the rights of all, the following conduct is prohibited:
1. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or other University activities, including public service functions and other authorized activities on University-owned, operated, or controlled property.
2. Detention or physical abuse of any person on University-owned, operated, or controlled property or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person.
3. Destruction of or damage to University property or the property of any person where such property is located on University-owned, operated, or controlled property.
4. Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other dangerous weapons or instruments on University-owned, operated, or controlled property.
5. Entry on or use of University facilities or property without authorization, or violation of regulations governing the use of University facilities or property.
6. Failure to comply with directives of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties.
7. Acts which recklessly or intentionally endanger mental or physical health or involve the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
8. Aiding any other person to engage in any act or conduct herein prescribed.

LINKS to other SU policies:
Student Code of Conduct: http://students.syr.edu/handbook/2004/Rights.pdf
Administrative Policy Manual: http://sumweb.syr.edu/ir/apm/Index.html
Copyright: http://www.syr.edu/policies/copyright.html
Non-discrimination: http://www.syr.edu/policies/nondiscrimination.html
Library privacy policy: http://library.syr.edu/policies/privacy.html
Rules and Regulations: http://www.syr.edu/policies/currentrr.pdf
Syracuse University policies: http://www.syr.edu/policies/

rev 10/6/03 lem