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Queen's University Library

Code of Behaviour for Library Users

Policy adopted June 1998.

Queen's University Library offers members of the Queen's community, and the public, access to a broad range of information, scholarly resources and literature, and offers assistance in finding and using these intellectual resources.

Policies and guidelines have been developed to facilitate access to information resources and to maintain the libraries' collections and facilities for the benefit of all library users. These guidelines and policies have been developed in accordance with the Queen's University Code of Conduct and the Queen's University Computer User Code of Ethics, and with standard university policies.

The Library is a research facility. Access to, and use of, Library resources and facilities is a privilege which must not be abused.

Library users are expected to comply with Library policies, including:

Library users should treat Library staff with courtesy and respect, and comply with the following Library practices and provisions:

  • The Library is a place for quiet study; library users should conduct themselves accordingly and avoid disturbing others.
  • Library materials may be removed from the Library only when they have been checked out properly. Staff may require users to show the contents of briefcases, knapsacks or bags at the exit to check for library materials.
  • Library books, journals, equipment and furniture should be treated with care and should not be damaged or defaced.
  • Library users should refrain from leaving personal possessions or valuables unattended in the Libraries: the University is not responsible for loss of personal property. Theft of money and equipment is a recurring problem.
  • Staff may ask to see valid University, Library or other identification.
  • Smoking is not permitted inside Library buildings; consumption of some food and beverages may be permitted as stated in the Library's Food and Drink Policies.
  • Children under the age of 14 should be accompanied by an adult. The Library reserves the right to request unsupervised children to leave the Library premises.
  • Soliciting and begging is not permitted in the Libraries.

Enforcement

  • Fines and charges are imposed for overdue materials and for the replacement of lost or damaged Library materials.
  • Library users are barred from borrowing library books when they have substantial fines or charges outstanding.
  • At the discretion of Library staff, users may be asked to leave Library facilities if the users' behaviour is incompatible with University or Library policies.
  • At the discretion of the Library or University Administration, Library users may be banned from Library facilities for non-compliance with policies and established conditions of use of the Library resources, facilities and equipment.
  • Students cannot graduate or obtain transcripts if they have outstanding Library charges.
  • Students' failure to comply with Library policies and established practice may be referred to the AMS/SPGS judicial process or to other jurisdictions as outlined in the Queen's University Code of Conduct.

Appeals

Sanctions imposed by Library staff can be appealed, first through discussion with the Associate University Librarian or the University Librarian.

Students and other members of the Queen's community can appeal decisions through the normal appeal process outlined in the Queen's University Senate Policy on Student Appeals, Rights & Discipline.

Members of the public can appeal decisions made by the Library Administration to the Senate Library Committee.

The Queen's University Code of Conduct indicates that the following behaviour is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action:

  • failure to comply with the directions of officials of the University acting within the scope of their authority;
  • theft, vandalism, and wilful or negligent damage to the property of Queen's University;
  • assault of any nature;
  • discrimination or harassment.

The Queen's University Computer User Code of Ethics specifies that the University's computing facilities are a resource intended to support its educational purposes and to enhance its educational environment; access to these university-owned facilities is a privilege which is not to be abused, or used irresponsibly. The Code of Ethics also notes that:

  • Users must use computing and network facilities and services only for the purposes for which they were authorized. Specifically, University computing and network accounts must not be:
    1. Used for private consulting or for any form of direct or indirect personal financial gain (except where previously authorized).
  • Users must respect all software copyrights and license agreements associated with university computing and network facilities.
  • Users must respect the copyright and intellectual property rights associated with information resources available to them, including documents, databases, and digital audio and digital video materials.
  • Users must not attempt to encroach on others’ use of computing or network facilities or to deprive others of resources.
  • Users must not attempt unauthorized access to computing or network installations outside of Queen’s using Queen’s computers or communications facilities.`More generally, users must adhere to all conditions associated with agreements between Queen’s and external network providers.

Last Updated: 17 December 2010