Code of Behavior for Library Users, A. C. Clark Library, Bemidji State University:

The standards of conduct for the behavior of users of Bemidji State University’s A. C. Clark Library are published here as the Code of Behavior for Library Users, hereafter referred to as the Code. Users of the Library have a responsibility to respect the rights of others using the Library and its resources.

1.0 General Principles

• The A. C. Clark Library is a public facility that has the principal mission of supporting the academic progress and interests of the students, faculty, staff and administration of Bemidji State University. As such, they may be given access privileges greater than those of non-University users.
• The Library offers different levels of privileges to different types of Library’s users, based on the relationship of the user to the Library and on the willingness of the user to provide basic information which the Library deems necessary. Therefore, Library staff may ask a non-University user to yield the use of certain library facilities, such as study rooms or media carrels, to a member of the Library’s primary clientele.
• The Library expects the parents and/or legal guardians of minors to be aware of minors’ use of the Library. The Library, and by extension Bemidji State University, will hold parents and guardians responsible for the actions of minors in the A. C. Clark Library building.
  • Children ages 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
  • Library employees do not monitor nor accept any responsibility for the types of information resources to which minors may be exposed.
• The Library may apply disciplinary actions and penalties against library users who violate the Code.
• The Library may supplement the Code with additional policies (for example, Policies Regarding Access to and Use Policies of A. C. Clark Library Computers)

2.0 Responsible Behavior

• Library users will adhere to federal, state, local, MnSCU Board and Bemidji State University laws and regulations.
• Library users will respect the personal privacy, rights and safety of others with regard to physical space and contact, sexual boundaries, possessions, electronic accounts and academic endeavors.
• Behaviors typical of those which violate the responsibilities identified in 2.1 and 2.2 (above) include but are not necessarily limited to the following:
  • Disruption of operations of the Library. Disruption is an action or actions by an individual or group which unreasonably interferes with the regular and essential operation of the Library, or hinders users in freely participating in the Library’s programs and services. The following list is meant to be descriptive and not exhaustive:
    • Loud outbursts or persistent noise which is not consistent with that of an academic setting
    • The use of devices which disturb Library users, such as portable music devices, cell phones, etc.
    • The use of athletic equipment within the Library, for instance: skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, scooters, etc.
  • Tampering with Library equipment
  • The use of tobacco products, per the campus-wide Smoke Free Campus policy
  • The use of alcohol or illegal drugs anywhere within the Library
  • Destruction, mutilation, forgery, alteration or misuse of Library documents, records, identification cards or papers
  • Knowingly furnishing false information to the Library
  • Unauthorized entry into or use of Library facilities or equipment
  • Theft of or damage to the property of the Library, or property of any of its members or visitors.
• Violation of written policies or regulations of the A. C. Clark Library, Bemidji State University or MnSCU Board may result in consequences ranging from a request to cease the behavior to the summoning of law enforcement officials. (See 3.0 Disciplinary Actions, below).
• Violation of local, state or federal law on University property will result in the summoning of appropriate campus security and/or law enforcement officials. (See 3.0 Disciplinary Actions, below).

3.0 Disciplinary Actions

• The following is a list of possible consequences which may be applied, depending on the level of inappropriate behavior:
  • The person violating the policy will be asked to cease the inappropriate behavior.
  • The person violating the policy will be asked to leave the Library.
  • Library staff may contact campus security or local law enforcement to address a situation involving inappropriate behavior, especially where there is a concern about personal safety or property loss or damage.
  • If the person violating the policy is a BSU student, the Library may pursue disciplinary action through the Student Conduct System.
  • The person violating the policy may have his or her present and future access to specific services suspended.
  • The person violating the policy may have his or her present and future access to the Library building suspended.
• Library staff will typically apply consequences to inappropriate behavior in a progressive manner, starting with those identified in 3.2.1, but have the authority to apply initial consequences of greater severity, in keeping with nos. 3.1.1 – 3.1.6.

4.0 Appeals

• Appeals may be made to the Associate Vice President for Extended Learning and Library Services. Appeals are to be made in writing or through a meeting with the Associate Vice President.
• BSU students may appeal through the Student Conduct System.

Adopted March, 2010