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User Behavior Policies
University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries
User Behavior and Library Building Policies
The UMass Amherst Libraries strive to maintain a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment for all users, i.e., anyone who enters our buildings. Users of the UMass Amherst Libraries are expected to maintain behavior that consistently respects the rights of other users to study and research within the buildings. Users are also expected to adhere to UMass Amherst Libraries policies as well as relevant state and federal laws. Users are encouraged to support this effort by informing other users of these policies.
Library building monitors or other staff will ask users engaging in behavior that disrupts the study and effective use of the Libraries (for example, playing music or making other loud noises) to curtail the disruptive behavior or leave the building. The Library staff reserves the right to determine what conduct constitutes "disruptive behavior." If the disruptive behavior persists, library building monitors or other staff will contact the campus police for assistance. The UMass Amherst Libraries' user behavior expectations follow.
Animals
Animals and pets, except service animals assisting disabled persons, may not enter the UMass Amherst Libraries. For additional details, review the Campus Pet Policy.
Bicycles, Rollerblades, and Skateboards
Bicycles must remain outside the building. Rollerblades, skateboards, and unicycles may be carried in, but not used.
Cell Phone
When entering any library building, please set cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices to silent or vibrate mode. Conduct noisy cell phone conversations in designated areas or outside.
Children
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by and under the supervision of an adult at all times while in the UMass Amherst Libraries. Adults are responsible for the behavior of accompanying children.
Closing Time
In the W.E.B. Du Bois Library, warning bells ring several times before closing: once 30 minutes before closing, twice 15 minutes before closing, three times 5 minutes before closing, and one very long sound at closing time. In the Integrated Sciences and Engineering Library, verbal warnings are given at the same intervals as in the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. Users are expected to cooperate with staff when closing time is announced and leave the building.
Clothing
Users must wear appropriate attire for public places, including shoes and shirts, at all times when in the UMass Amherst Libraries.
Event Space and Meeting Rooms
The UMass Amherst Libraries have limited space to host events and meetings. Review the Events in the UMass Amherst Libraries Policy and submit an Event Application form, if desired.
Food and Beverage
The Procrastination Station is conveniently located on the Entrance Level for the consumption of food and beverages. Food and beverages in closed, spill-proof containers or pull-top plastic bottles may travel throughout the building, but are not permitted in certain areas designated by signage. Meet food delivery persons outside as they will not be permitted to enter the buildings.
Freedom of Information
The UMass Amherst Libraries endorses the American Library Association's Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks, which support access to information and oppose censorship, labeling, and restricting users' access to information of all kinds.
Internet Viewing of Controversial Material
The UMass Amherst Libraries are not responsible for monitoring potentially controversial Internet materials displayed on workstations. However, instances of displaying child pornography, which is illegal, will be reported to the police.
Lost and Found
Items found in the W.E.B. Du Bois Library are stored for at least one month in the Circulation Office (545-2623). Items left in the Integrated Sciences and Engineering Library (545-1370) are stored at its Circulation Desk until the end of each semester.
Posting Announcements
Bulletin boards in the UMass Amherst Libraries are intended for items announcing events sponsored by or of interest to the UMass and Four College community. Anyone wishing to post something in one of the Libraries should give the item to a staff member at the General Information Desk, Learning Commons & Technical Support Desk, or Circulation Desks. Users may post announcements on a small board opposite the Procrastination Station on the Entrance Level of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. Duplicate copies and outdated announcements will be removed daily.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The UMass Amherst Libraries are committed to protecting each library user's privacy and confidentiality by keeping private any personally identifiable information about users. Information related to items checked out or billed to individual users is not given out over the phone. For additional information, consult the UMass Amherst FERPA policy.
Soliciting
In order to respect the privacy, security, and comfort of all Library users, soliciting is not permitted in the UMass Amherst Libraries. This policy includes the requesting of money, services, favors, goods, opinions, signatures, petitioning, interviewing, or selling of any products or service. For survey taking and other exceptions, apply to the Director of Libraries in advance for written approval.
Study Space
- Carrels
The W.E.B. Du Bois Library has a limited number of locked study carrels. Contact Circulation (545-2905) for more information. Carrels are subject to regular inspection. As they are an extreme fire hazard, electrical appliances may not be brought into carrels. - Group Study Rooms
The UMass Amherst Libraries have a few unlocked, drop-in study rooms, including two on Floor 3 of the Integrated Sciences and Engineering Library and 13 in the Learning Commons (Lower Level, W.E.B. Du Bois Library). Contact any service desk for current locations. - Quiet Study Areas
Signage indicates those areas designated "quiet" zones, such as the north side of Floor 2 and the south side of Floor 3 of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. The areas near staff offices, service desks, PCs, and reading areas are also designated "quiet." For additional information, review the UMass Amherst Libraries Cell Phone Policy.
Trash and Recycling
The University has an extensive program for the recycling of paper, metal and plastic. Containers for this purpose are located throughout the Library. Users are expected to dispose of recyclables and other trash in an appropriate manner. Food waste should be placed in trash receptacles. Beverage and other recyclable containers should be rinsed out prior to disposal in labeled bins.
Proposed by User Services Advisory Group: July 18, 2005
Approved by Senior Management Group: August 24, 2005
Revised by Senior Management Group: March 1, 2006
Revised by Senior Management Group: April 19, 2006
Last Edited: 28 September 2009
