The Ronald Williams Library seeks to provide its services with a minimum of regulations and restrictions, adopting only those which are absolutely essential to maintain a safe, and otherwise appropriate environment conducive to quiet individual study as well as appropriate group study. All Library users, whether affiliated with NEIU or not, are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner in accordance with all University and Library policies. Failure to comply with these policies may result in loss of library privileges, University-imposed discipline, and/or criminal prosecution or other legal action as appropriate. The Library reserves the right to notify the Department of Public Safety regarding any violation of these policies.

ACCESS TO THE LIBRARY

• Library facilities and services are intended primarily to support members of the Northeastern Illinois University Community.
• The Library is open for use by members of the general public, when such use does not unreasonably impede service to NEIU faculty, staff and students.
• The Library reserves the right to limit access and services provided to users who are not affiliated with Northeastern Illinois University.
• The Library provides open access to the resources of the Government Information Center to the general public, as provided for in the United States Code, 44 USC 1911.
  
  

CHILDREN IN THE LIBRARY

• Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The Library is not responsible for the safety of children left unattended in any part of the Library. Children under the age of 14 left unattended in any part of the Library may be considered neglected minors.
• Children under the age of 14 are not permitted to use the Library’s computers or electronic resources.
  
  

COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE

Public-access computers are intended first and foremost to support the research and information needs of NEIU faculty, staff and students. The Library reserves the right to regulate access to computers to maximize access for NEIU faculty, staff and students. The following activities are unacceptable:

• Playing games or gambling
• Use of Internet electronic mail and related services (discussion groups, chat groups, etc.)
• Use of any form of personal software
• Use of electronic information networks for any purpose which results in the harassment of other users
• Viewing or downloading pornographic materials
• Destruction of, damage to or unauthorized alteration of the library’s computer equipment software, or network security procedures
• Use of Library computers or electronic information networks in any way which violates a Federal or State law
• Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates licensing and payment agreements between NEIU and network/database providers
• Unauthorized duplication of copy protected software or violation of software license agreements
• Violation of the copyright law
• Violation of system security
• Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to overuse of computer equipment which serves to deny access to other users
• Excessive or wasteful printing
  
  

DAMAGE TO OR THEFT OF LIBRARY PROPERTY

Protection of Library materials is defined in the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 720 ILCS 5/16B-1. Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Defacing library buildings or furnishings, including graffiti or vandalism
• Deliberate misuse or damage to library equipment
• Defacing or damaging library materials including books, journals, or newspapers
• Theft of library property
• Concealing library materials for the exclusive use of an individual or group
  
  

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

Conduct not permitted includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Creating excessive noise, or using audible cell phones, radios, walkmans, or other sound generating devices
• Conduct which threatens or endangers another person including any hostile or rowdy behavior, fighting, threatening, intimidating, harassing, or abusing library staff or library users
• Any behavior which violates the University's Policy on Sexual Harassment
• Lewd or obscene conduct including overt sexual behavior
• Overt signs of substance abuse, including drunkenness
• Bringing excessive amounts of personal property into the Library, including, but not limited to, bicycles, shopping carts, and other large items
• Using skateboards or skates
• Posing a sanitary or health risk to others, including, but not limited to, offensive hygiene
  
  

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

• Food is not allowed in the public areas of the Library.
• Beverages are permitted if they are in containers with secure lids or caps and consumed responsibly.
• Beverages are not permitted near computer workstations.
  
  

NOISE

• Library users are expected to keep noise to a reasonable level in all areas of the Library.
• The Lower Level and 3rd floors are designated “quiet study” areas where talking and noise should be kept to a minimum.
• The 4th floor is designated as a group consultation area, where students may gather to confer with each other. Quiet conversation is permitted.
  
  

PERSONAL PROPERTY

• The Library will not take responsibility for theft of personal property in the Library.
• The Library has no facilities for secure storage of personal property of library users, and will not take responsibility for such property.
  
  

POSTING OF MATERIALS

• Fliers or other announcements may not be posted anywhere in or around the Library without Library Administration approval
• Posting of commercial advertising will not be approved.
• Posting of non-university related materials in the foyer of the Library must be approved by the Student Activities Office.
  
  

RESTRICTED FACILITIES

• Library users may not use staff telephones or computers.
• Library users may not enter areas of the Library marked "Staff Only" without permission.
  
  

SOLICITATION

Conduct not permitted includes:

• Buying or selling goods or services, or soliciting donations of any kind
• Passing petitions to library users, conducting unauthorized surveys, distributing pamphlets or other materials directly to library users or staff
  
  

TOBACCO USE

• In accordance with University policy, the use of tobacco products is prohibited in the Library.
  
  

USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

• The use of electronic devices that ring or generate other audible noise or the use of cell phones for initiating calls or for conversations is not allowed in study areas of the Library. Users receiving or initiating conversations on cell phones may go to the stairways, first floor foyer, or outside the building in order to answer or talk on a cell phone.
• All personal CD players, radios, or computers, require the use of headphones. Volume levels must be set to levels that cannot be heard by others.
• Electrical cords on approved items must not be draped in aisles or in any manner that creates a tripping hazard.
  
  

Approved by the Department of the Library Faculty, November 12, 2003

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