Conduct in the Libraries: Basic Policy Governing Public Use - About the Libraries

The University of Iowa Libraries encourages scholarly research. We welcome researchers who are not affiliated with the University of Iowa; however, our focus remains on current University of Iowa faculty, staff, and students as well as the use of the Libraries for research and study purposes. Together, library users and staff can maintain an environment that is conducive to study in all units of the libraries system. As a library user, you have the responsibility to:

Treat others with respect.
Refrain in behaviors that are disturbing, threatening, or disruptive.
Comply with the University of Iowa Operations Manual and the Code of Student Life.

These responsibilities come with the following rights:

To ask others to lower or end their conversations in areas designated as quiet study.
To ask and receive assistance from library staff.

Persons who violate any of these policies may lose their privileges to use the UI Libraries, be subject to University-imposed discipline, and/or be subject to criminal prosecution or other legal action, as appropriate.

Animals

Animals (with the exception of assistance animals) are not permitted in any of the library facilities.

Cell Phones and Pagers

The Libraries is considered a research environment where users expect to work undisturbed; therefore the audible use of cell phones and pagers must be limited to designated areas and cell phones and pagers should be set to non-audible signals while in the libraries. Library users should be aware of the cell phone guidelines for specific libraries.

Copyright and Licenses

The University of Iowa Copyright Policy is available in section 30.4 of the University of Iowa Operations Manual.

Criminal Behavior

The Libraries will notify law enforcement authorities concerning any suspected criminal behavior by library users. Areas in which the Libraries will be particularly vigilant and pursue legal remedies are:

Theft or destruction of library materials and equipment ;
Property damage, including, but is not limited to, defacing or deliberate misuse of buildings, materials, or equipment;
Disorderly conduct;
Vandalism;
Indecent exposure;
Illegal pornography; and
Assault and harassment, including verbal threats.

Disruptive Behavior

Staff will take appropriate action to remedy disruptive behavior and to maintain a quiet, pleasant environment conducive to serious study as well as casual use. Disruptive behavior is any activity which endangers the perpetrator or others, interferes with the library business of other patrons or staff, or is illegal. This may include any activity which results in harm to library equipment or services.

Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets are intended to be used only for mobile computing devices and other electronic equipment having a legitimate library use. They may not be used for small appliances, e.g., coffee pots, or any other electrical device that poses a hazard to the Libraries or its collections. Electrical cords must not be draped in aisles or in any manner that creates a tripping hazard.

Food and Drink

For information regarding food and beverage consumption, please review the Libraries’ Food and Drink Policy.

Paging Library Users

Staff will page library users only in case of emergency. Note: Some libraries have no paging capability.

Personal Property

The Libraries is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of personal property, including property stored in lockers, carrels, or offices. Library users should take every precaution to ensure the security of personal belongings, especially purses, wallets, backpacks, books, portable computers, and other electronic devices.

The Libraries has limited locker, carrel, and office space available for students and faculty members but is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of property from the lockers, carrels or offices.

Telephones

Staff telephones are not available for public use except in emergencies.

Unattended Children

The Libraries is not responsible for the safety of children left unattended in any part of the Libraries. If necessary, Libraries staff will take appropriate action upon discovering unattended children. Actions may include contacting parents and/or the Department of Public Safety.

Learning Commons Noise Policy

The Learning Commons, including the Food for Thought Cafe, is a collaborative environment and is not considered a designated quiet study area. If a person is speaking too loudly please see the Main Library Service Desk for help in relocating to a designated quiet study area. If a person is acting in a disruptive manner please see the Main Library Service Desk.