CONTENTS
· Introduction
· Libraries’ Commitment to Our Users
· Expectations of Library Users
· Expectations for Users of Copyrighted Materials
and Licensed and Other Electronic Resources
· Prohibited Behaviors
· Consequences of Failure to Comply with Code
of Conduct for Library Users
The University of Kansas Libraries are publicly-accessible facilities where we seek to provide accommodations suitable for all library users. In the interest of protecting the rights of all library users and in order to provide an environment suitable for pursuit of scholarly activities, the University of Kansas Libraries has enacted a Code of Conduct for Library Users. This Code of Conduct supplements existing University and Library policies and provides guidance for all library users. Library users must ensure their use of library facilities, services, collections, and electronic resources does not infringe on or disrupt the work, research, and use by other library users. The Code of Conduct is designed to encourage maintenance of a positive and productive learning environment in which all persons treat each other with respect and courtesy.
LIBRARIES' COMMITMENT TO OUR USERS
The University of Kansas Libraries are committed to providing the highest level of service, access, and instruction to all library users. The Libraries’ primary mission is to serve the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Kansas.
For information about available library services, see the Libraries' Access Policy.
The University of Kansas Libraries follow the guidelines for the protection of patron privacy outlined in the University of Kansas Privacy Policy.
Expectations of library users include, but are not limited to:
· Come to the library prepared to present a valid KU Card, KU Proxy Card and photo identification, or a KU Library Borrower Card. These forms of identification are not transferable and should not be loaned to others.
· Follow appropriate procedures to check out library materials before removing them from the library. Do not hide material from others within the libraries.
· You are responsible for what you check out. Pay attention to loan periods, due dates, recalls, and return policies. Library borrowers are responsible for using My Account to see what you have checked out, when items are due, whether items have been recalled, and to renew long-term loan items. To use My Account, go to the Libraries' home page, click “Renew a book (my account)” under the “Services” heading. Also, be sure to read and comply with library notices received by U.S. post, electronic mail, or through the KU portal.
· Protect library materials and handle them with care. For additional information, see “Preserving the Collections.”
· Keep your e-mail and mailing addresses up to date in University and Library records.
· Follow all instructions provided for use of library equipment including computer workstations, scanners, laptops, copiers, microform readers and printers, and other electronic devices. Treat equipment with care and ask for assistance when help is needed.
· Food and drink policies vary by library location, and all library users should be aware of and adhere to the policies applicable in the library they are using. Library users are asked to help maintain a clean, pest-free environment and to aid in the preservation of library collections.
· All library users are expected to leave library buildings at closing time and when an evacuation alarm has sounded or is announced by library staff. In the case of a weather-related take cover, all users are expected to follow instructions provided by library staff.
EXPECTATIONS FOR USERS OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS AND LICENSED AND OTHER ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
Users of copyrighted, licensed, and other electronic information resources need to adhere to these policies:
· Protect the privacy of your KU Online ID and Password and do not share this access with other individuals. Use of the KU Online ID and Password are not transferable to others. For additional information on protecting your KU Online ID, click here.
· Library users are expected to respect the rights of copyright owners, and, when appropriate, to obtain permission from owners before using or copying protected material. For additional information, see:
o “KU Libraries Policy for Reserve Access to Copyright-Protected Materials”
· Use electronic information resources for educational and research purposes only in an ethical and lawful manner. Electronic information resources are not available for commercial or other for-profit purposes. For additional information, see University and Library policies:
o “Responsible Use”
o “Appropriate Use of Licensed Electronic Resources”
· All patrons using online and Internet resources are expected to show common courtesy and respect for the privacy and the sensibilities of others, and to avoid accessing illegal forms of expression. For additional information, including definitions of “illegal forms of expression,” see the University’s “Freedom of Expression” policy.
· The KU Libraries’ collections and services are developed for an adult audience, and the libraries offer open access to a number of electronic resources as well as the Internet. Use of the resources is not monitored by library staff. In all cases in which non-KU students under the age of 18 are using these resources, parents, guardians, and other adult care-providers, are responsible for overseeing and supervising the minors’ use of the Libraries. For the purposes of this policy, currently enrolled KU students are considered adults.
Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following:
· The consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs of any type is prohibited in all facilities of the University of Kansas Libraries.
· No pets are allowed in all facilities of the University of Kansas Libraries. An owner-accompanied service animal is permitted in all library buildings as a reasonable accommodation to assist the owner.
· Smoking and use of tobacco products in not permitted in any library facility. Smoking is not permitted within a twenty-foot radius of all library entrances.
· Avoid behavior that interferes with normal use of the libraries. Examples of inappropriate behavior include excessive noise from loud voices, cell phones, and personal listening devices, rowdiness, abusive language, rearranging furniture, inappropriate use of equipment and computers, offensive sexual behavior, and so forth.
· Refrain from misuse, misappropriation, or damage to library collections, resources, furniture, buildings or equipment.
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LIBRARY USERS
· Users engaged in activities that are illegal or that disrupt the work of other users will be asked to cease that activity. Individuals whose behavior causes complaint either from library users or from library staff will be asked to refrain from the inappropriate behavior and may be asked to leave the library premises if they refuse to comply.
· When necessary, disciplinary or legal action may be taken in accordance with laws of the State of Kansas and University and Library policies.
· The responsibility for appropriate use of copyrighted, licensed, and other electronic resources lies with user. The University may suspend delivery of services to any individual found to be in violation of its policies.
· Failure to observe circulation policies and procedures may result in charges or suspended borrowing privileges; unpaid charges are turned over to the University Bursar’s Office for collection. For additional information, see “Circulation Policy Information for Library Borrowers.”
University of Kansas Libraries – Code of Conduct
Approved 7/26/2005
Copyright © 2008 by the University of Kansas