Maintaining a Scholarly Environment in the Library

All Library users and staff share in the responsibility for creating and sustaining an environment supportive of scholarship. These responsibilities include the following:

1. Exhibiting conduct appropriate to research and study by
1. maintaining quiet in all individual study areas and in the stacks
2. conducting group study and quiet conversations only in Library-designated areas
3. refraining from loud or boisterous behavior
4. silencing cell phones, laptops, and electronic devices when in Library spaces
5. restricting cell phone conversations, with care taken to avoid disturbing others, to Library designated spaces
2. Helping to preserve library collections by
1. eating only in areas specifically designated for this purpose or during specially approved events
2. using care with beverages and keeping them in covered containers
3. not writing in, underlining, highlighting or otherwise damaging library materials
3. Helping to sustain the library’s physical spaces by
1. not smoking inside, or within 15 feet of entrances of, Library buildings (in accordance with University policy and City of Chicago ordinance); including not using electronic cigarettes or other such delivery systems
2. not bringing animals into the Library (except service animals assisting those with disabilities)
3. securing bicycles only to official racks outside of the Library
4. not using scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, skates or other conveyances (except those assisting persons with disabilities), within the Library or near Library entrances
5. not posting signs, notices, or other material except in designated locations or with special permission
4. Creating a comfortable and supportive environment for other Library users and staff by
1. wearing clothing, including shirts and shoes
2. not exposing others to pornographic or obscene images
3. using Library spaces only for the purposes for which they are intended
5. Complying with Library and University policies, which ensure a safe and respectful community for all by
1. presenting appropriate identification when asked to do so by Library staff or University officials who have also identified themselves
2. leaving Library spaces at closing
3. not entering Library staff areas without permission
4. closely supervising children brought with you to the Library
5. not taking photographs of an individual or group without permission of the individual(s), or photographs for commercial purposes of library spaces without permission of Library administration
6. not soliciting or conducting surveys without advance Library approval

Prohibited actions that are illegal, endanger safety or are considered serious violations include:

1.      Engaging in criminal activity, including theft, battery, or assault

2.      Vandalizing or defacing of Library material, equipment, collections, furniture, or facilities (including creating graffiti)

3.      Stalking, harassing, or making unwanted sexual advances

4.      Engaging in sexual activities or indecently exposing oneself

5.      Violating the University’s Policy on Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment or denigrating individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any protected classes under the law

6.      Bringing firearms of any kind, explosives, or other dangerous objects or materials into the Library

7.      Violating the University’s Drug and Alcohol Policies

8.      Violating the University’s Eligibility and Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology or the Library’s Policy on Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources