The primary mission of the Benedictine University Library is to provide library resources and services that support the Benedictine University community and meet its academic and research needs. The collections are also accessible to others whose information needs require these resources. Policies governing the use of the facilities and collections reflect this mission.

Access

Any individual may have access to the Library facilities to use general collection, periodicals and research computing resources. Due to the specialized nature of some resources, use of special collections are governed by more restrictive policies. Please refer to the Special Collections Policy for details.

Animals

No animals are allowed in the Library other than those assisting persons with disabilities.

Children and Minors

Individuals twelve or younger must be attended by a parent or caregiver. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of library staff. Parents or caregivers that bring children into the Library are responsible for monitoring their activities and regulating their behavior. Disruption of patrons by children or minors is prohibited.

Conduct

In accordance with the Library Mission to provide an atmosphere conducive to study, users of the Library will be expected to adhere to the following guidelines of conduct:

• Adhere to the Library's Food, Drink and Noise Policy governing quiet study areas, cell phone use and sanctioned food and beverages.
• Follow the Acceptable Use of Technology guidelines set out by the Library and the Information Technology department.
• Refrain from inappropriate physical intimacy.
• Refrain from removing materials from the Library without checking them out at the circulation desk.
• Refrain from smoking.
• Refrain from tampering with library lighting, signs, notices or displays.
• Refrain from tampering with software or changing equipment settings.
• Refrain from the destruction, defacement and mutilation of library materials, facilities and equipment.
• Use Library furniture as it was intended to be used (e.g. do not sit on tables or overturn chairs)
• Wear shirt and shoes at all times.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, Public Safety and library staff will alert building occupants to the procedures for evacuation or taking shelter. Building occupants are required to comply with these procedures. Additional details can be found in the campus Emergency Response and Recovery Plan and the Library Emergency Manual.

Library Security Gate

The Library is equipped with a materials security system. If the alarm sounds when individuals pass through, they must return to the Circulation desk so staff may ascertain why the alarm sounded. Personal belongings may be searched to discover the cause of the alarm. Individuals found removing items from the library improperly will be remanded to Public Safety.

Literature Distribution and Solicitation

Display of posters, distribution of literature or solicitation is prohibited in the library except in designated areas. Approved materials may be brought to the circulation desk for distribution or display. The Library also maintains a bulletin board on the first floor of Kindlon Hall across from the vending machines. The right portion of this board is available for signs approved by Public Relations or the Student Activities office. Unapproved materials will be removed.

Security and Personal Belongings

In cooperation with Public Safety and other appropriate university departments, the Library tries to provide a welcome, open environment that is safe and secure for everyone. The Library is open to the public, and thefts do occur; users should not leave personal belongings unattended.

Campus security phones are located on each floor of the library next to the west stairwell (near the elevator). Individuals are encouraged to use these phones in case of an emergency. Library staff should be alerted if individuals feel threatened or otherwise uncomfortable in the library.

The Library maintains a lost and found behind the circulation desk. Items not claimed within four weeks are sent to Campus Safety's offices in Krasa.

Room and Facility Reservations

Group study rooms are maintained in the Library for use of Benedictine University students only. Rooms are available by reservation or first-come, first-served basis. Two or more students may reserve group study rooms in accordance with the Study Room Policy. Single patrons using study rooms may be asked to vacate for group study purposes. Any items left unattended in a study room for more than fifteen minutes may be removed to the circulation desk.

Library conference rooms may be reserved by faculty and staff under the approval of the Library Director. Faculty and staff may not use group study rooms for any purpose. Outside groups wishing to host events on campus will be referred to Conference Services for accommodations.

Enforcement

The Library reserves the right to revoke or restrict library privileges of any user for behavior contrary to these rules and regulations. Failure to comply with the Library's established rules and regulation may result in Public Safety escorting individuals off Library premises. Individuals in violation of Illinois state law, city codes or federal laws will be subject to the provisions thereof, in addition to the sanctions of Library policy. Library staff or Public Safety may request any user to provide identification. The Library reserves the right to report inappropriate behavior to Benedictine University officers.